Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
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TILT SASH SPRING SYSTEM
FIELD OF INVENTION
This invention relates to tilt sash spring
systems in which a slidable sash is counterbalanced by
a spring system, has facilities for sash tilt, for
example for cleaning purposes, and may be provided
with means for offsetting the effects of the partially
overhung weight in the sash-tilted position. The
invention is concerned with aspects of the provision
of sufficient sash travel in the opening direction,
ease of assembly and disassembly of the spring system,
security of connection between the spring system
components including pivot systems thereof, and
offsetting the partially overhung weight in the sash
tilted condition.
BACKGROUND
Spring-counterbalanced sash systems include
systems using constant force coiled springs, for
example as disclosed in US 5,232,208 (BRAID ET AL)
which discloses a system enabling such springs to be
used in multiples so as to counterbalance sash windows
of varying weight.
Multiple spring systems have implications in
relation to the extent to which the sliding sash can
open. in view of the space implications of the springs
themselves. This applies equally to other spring
systems. The problem arises from the sash tilt
feature that the sash retaining member or catch,
usually located at the top edge of the sliding sash,
describes a volume of movement in which the springs
cannot be located. Accordingly, this factor
represents a limitation on the available extent of
sash opening in some cases.
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Turning to the question of assembly and
disassembly of the tilt sash spring system, the use of
multiple springs as disclosed in the above-mentioned
prior patent to Braid et al brings with it a need to
facilitate assembly and disassembly of such springs in
relation to the sash jamb channels. The requirement
here is for ease of assembly as original equipment
while permitting disassembly for maintenance purposes.
A particular requirement arising relates to the need
to enable the tilt sash pivot bars to be readily
inserted into their respective sliding shoes. There
is also a need for security of connection between the
spring-loaded components of the assembled sash system
to avoid the possibility of significant damage arising
in the event of release of the tensioned springed
system inadvertently during use or transit and arising
from accidental disconnection of spring system parts,
including the pivot bars from their respective
slidable pivot shoes.
A further aspect of the invention relates to
offsetting the effect of the partially overhung weight
of the tilted sash. While locking or braking sash
shoes have been provided to offset the net upward
force exerted on the sliding sash when tilted inwards
for cleaning, there remains a need for a system to
reduce the effect of the overhung weight on the user.
The tilt sash spring system of this invention
provides improvements in relation to one or more of
these matters, or generally, by means of a sash spring
system as defined in the accompanying claims. In the
embodiments the tilt sash spring system provides
increased sash opening travel, ease of assembly of
spring system parts and security of connection
therebetween, together with an embodiment in which the
overhung weight of the tilted sash is at least
partially offset.
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A still further aspect of the invention relates
to the mode of connecting the counterbalance spring to
the tilt sash while avoiding the space constraints on
sash travel imposed by prior art proposals, without
the need for providing a specially constructed sash
with a recess or the like to accommodate the spring,
and which can accommodate tilting of the sash without
consequential difficulties arising from such tilting
due to the interconnection of the spring means between
the sash and the jamb.
Thus, in accordance with this aspect of the
invention the tilt sash window system has the spring
means coupled to a tilt action shoe serving to couple
the spring to the sash. The shoe and the spring means
are both slidably located in a jamb channel. The jamb
channel extends lengthwise of the jamb structure and
alongside the sash in its working position, and thus
in a generally upwardly direction. The jamb channel
is located between the jamb structure and the slidable
sash. In this way, the coupling of the shoe and the
spring means permits the spring means to apply its
counterbalancing lifting force to the sash through the
tilt shoe. As a result, the spring means travels with
the sash as it slides while continuously applying its
counterbalancing force to the shoe and thus to the
sash. Because the shoe itself accommodates the
tilting movement of the sash, the counterbalancing
force is applied to the sash without any twisting of
the spring element. Moreover, because the spring
. means travels with the sash, the space constraints
imposed by prior art fixed spring systems are
overcome, and the hanger for attaching the spring end
to the jamb or the channel can be of such dimensions
and so located that it does not limit sash travel.
In one embodiment, the spring means is coupled to
the upper one of a pair of tilt shoes defining an
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upwardly extending sash tilt axis. Such coupling may
be provided by locating the spring means below the
shoe. In another embodiment the shoe is connected to
the sash by a pivoted stay. In another embodiment,
the spring means is coupled to the tilt shoe by being
connected thereto by quick-attach connectors, and the
shoe is directly coupled to the sash through pivot
bars.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In a tilt sash window system having
counterbalance spring means acting between the sash
and the sash frame or jamb, releasable and projecting
securing means co-operates with the jamb structure to
releasably secure the tiltable sash in its working
position. The counterbalance spring is connected to
the sash for movement with it and the spring end is
connected to the jamb. The spring end mounting is of
such dimensions and so located that the projecting
sash securing means can move past it so that sash
movement is not thereby restricted.
Thus, by mounting the counterbalance spring body
at, effectively, a constant distance from the tilt
sash securing means, and having a relatively small
spring end mounting, the limitations on sash movement
imposed by spring size are effectively removed.
There is disclosed in ~US 2,609,193 and US
3,47.5,865 in each case a sash window assembly in which
counterbalance spring means is mounted on a sliding
sash member, for movement therewith. However, these
proposals do not relate to tilt sash windows and
accordingly the problems explained above inherent in
the use of projecting and releasable securing means
for such a system do not arise, and thus the man
skilled in the art will find no objective disclosure
in these specifications which is of assistance to him
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in solving the above-mentioned problem. The
disclosures in US 2,732,594 and GB 825,153 while
showing the use of a spring body which moves with a
sliding window, likewise lack any teaching in relation
5 to the problems arising from a requirement for window
tilt, or any suggestion as to how these problems could
be solved in relation to the location of a
counterbalance spring system in a jamb channel in a
tilt sash window system.
In an embodiment of the present invention, the
spring means and the sliding sash pivot shoe are
mounted together at the sash tilt axis and constructed
so as to be interconnectable upon assembly. This is
achieved by means of complementary interengageable
connection elements. As a result, assembly is
facilitated by permitting the tilt sash pivot bars to
be inserted into the slidable sash pivot shoes before
these latter are connected to their associated
springs. Also in the embodiment, provision is made
for one or more additional springs to be connected to
the first-mentioned spring by virtue of corresponding
complementary and interengageable quick-attach
connection elements which permit structural
interconnection of the body portions of the spring
means during assembly.
In the embodiment, the construction of the
connection elements is such that not only is
connection possible by a snap-action connection caused
by relative movement of the structures lengthwise of
- the jamb channel, but also disengagement is permitted
when the connection elements effect relative movement
laterally of the lengthwise axis of the jamb. In this
way, disconnection by outward movement of the spring
elements or indeed of the slidable shoe is obtainable
for servicing purposes. In this way also, parts of
the spring system can be removed through an opening or
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notch cut in the jamb channel for servicing purposes.
Modular removal of the sash system components in this
manner enables a relatively small notch or opening to
be employed. Security of connection between the
spring assemblies and between these and the sliding
shoe is provided in an embodiment by means of a
locking member which is selectively locatable to co-
operate with the connection elements to co-operate
therewith and inhibit resilient deflection in the
direction permitting disengagement.
In another embodiment, security of connection
between the tilt sash pivot bars and their associated
shoes is provided by means of one or more projecting
abutments on the pivot bars which co-operate with
complementary structures on the pivot shoes to inhibit
disengagenment in the event of the jamb structure
bowing outwardly during use or transport.
In another embodiment, the effect of the
partially overhung weight of the tilted sash during
cleaning or servicing operations is at least partially
offset by means of a stay structure which connects the
spring means to the sash while permitting tilting and
still applying an upthrust to the tilted sash so as to
offset at least- part of the overhanging weight
thereof. By connecting the moving spring to the sash
through a stay bracket, the usual generally
vertically-orientated loads are applied to
counterbalance it during normal use and, when tilted,
the loads applied at a corresponding angle to the sash
serve to offset partially its overhung weight.
The invention also provides a tilt sash window
system in which the counterbalance spring means is
connected to the slidable sash for movement with it.
The spring means is coupled to a tilt action shoe
serving to couple the spring to the sash. The shoe
and the spring are slidably located in a jamb channel.
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The arrangement permits the spring to counterbalance the sash
through the tilt shoe while the spring travels with the sash.
In one embodiment the tilt shoe is the upper one of a pair of
such shoes defining an upwardly extending sash tilt axis. In
another embodiment the shoe is coupled to the sash by pivoted
stay means. In yet another embodiment the shoe is directly
coupled to the sash through pivot bars.
DRAWINGS
Fig 1 is an elevation view of a first embodiment showing
a single counterbalance spring, an associated slidable pivot
shoe and the tiltable sash being shown in its tilted position;
Fig 2 shows, somewhat diagrammatically, the tilt sash
system of Fig 1 with the releasable securing means shown at
the top edge of the sash;
Fig 3 shows a partial plan view of the securing means of
Fig 2;
Fig 4 shows a detailed plan view of a spring housing seen
in Fig 1;
Fig 5 shows a side elevation view of the housing of
Fig 4, the direction of viewing being indicated by arrow V in
Fig 4;
Fig 6 shows a perspective view of three interconnected
spring assemblies and an associated hanger for insertion into
a jamb channel;
Fig 7 shows in subfigures 7A, 7B and 7C three stages in
the assembly of two springs with an associated slidable shoe
and subfigures 7D, 7E, and 7F show a locking element which can
be used in the assembly of a spring and a slidable shoe or in
the assembly of two springs;
Fig 8 shows, on a larger scale, a spring and shoe
assembly of Fig 1 to illustrate the structure in more detail
in relation to the mode of connection and disconnection;
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Fig 9 shows, in a view similar to that of Fig 1, a
further embodiment in which a stay is provided to
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offset partially the weight of the sash in its tilted
position;
Fig 10 shows a further embodiment in which the
sash tilts about a vertical tilt axis;
Fig 11 shows a plan view of the sash tilt
arrangement of Fig l0;
Fig 12 shows a perspective view of a sash pivot
bar and Figs 13 and 14 show radial views of a bearing
member of a pivot shoe viewed, respectively, from
directly below and directly into a slot defined
therein to receive the pivot bar, the pivot bar and
the bearing having, respectively, complementary
projecting flanges and apertures for security
connection;
Fig 15 shows a perspective view of a self-fixing
spring end hanger for use in relation to any of the
foregoing embodiments;
Figs 16 and 17 show rear and front elevation
views of a brake-type pivot shoe; and
Fig 18 shows a perspective view of a further
embodiment.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
As shown in Figs 1, 2 and 3 a tilt sash window
system 10 comprises a slidable sash 12 which is
tiltable about a tilt axis 14 and has counterbalance
spring means 16 acting between sash 12 and a spring
end .18 connected to a jamb structure 20 defining a
jamb channel 22 in which spring means 16 and
associated structures are located. A corresponding
channel is provided alongside channel 22 for the upper
sash (not shown) which is constructed and arranged in
a manner similar to sash 12, and is therefore not
further described here.
Sash 12 has releasable and projecting securing
means 24 in the form of a catch member 26 having a
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tapered nose 28 which projects into channel 22 in the
working position of the sash as shown in Fig 2, but
which can be withdrawn by movement of catch member 26
in the inward direction permitted by its mounting for
back and forth movement as indicated at 30. Nose 28
projects through a vertical slot 32 formed in channel
22 to receive it. Slot 32 extends the full length of
the vertical travel 34 of sash 12.
As shown in Figs 1 and 3, spring end 18 is
connected to a hanger 36 secured by a fastener 38 to
the rear wall 40 of channel 22, to apply loads
thereto. Hanger 36 is of generally channel-section
form so as to conform to the cross-sectional shape of
channel 22 and thus provide the maximum amount of
space to permit nose 28 of securing means 24 to pass
by it, as clearly seen in Fig 3.
As shown in Fig l, sash 12 has pivot bars 42
projecting from it at each lateral edge and received
in respective sliding pivot shoes 44, one shoe in each
of the channels 22 provided in each of the jamb
structures 20. It is to be understood that the
structure and arrangement described in relation to
Figs 1 to 3 is identically reproduced at each side of
sash 12, in each of these vertical jamb structures of
the window assembly. Only one of these will be
described.
Pivot shoe 44 comprises a plastic moulding as
more. fully shown in the corresponding structure seen
in Figs 16 and 17. It is adapted to receive pivot bar
42 in a rotatable bearing 46 seen in Figs 13 and 14,
which is insertable from the rear of shoe 44 as seen
in Fig 1. Figs 16 and 17 show further details of the
construction of shoe 44 in relation to the provision
of bearing 46 and locking or braking teeth 48, 50
provided on a spring member 52 actuated by the cam-
form of the rear portion of bearing 46. The bearing
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is insertable into the rear of the plastic housing 54
of pivot shoe 44 and defines a slot 56 to receive
pivot bar 42.
As shown in Fig 12, projecting abutments 58, 60
in the form of flanges on opposite sides of the pivot
bar are adapted to co-operate with and be received in
corresponding structure provided by apertures 62
formed in the base of slot 56 in bearing 46. In Fig
12 pivot bar 42 is shown on a larger scale than the
bearings in Figs 13 and 14.
No claim is made in this application in relation
to the general structure of pivot shoe 44 whereby it
allows pivotal movement and its braking or locking
arrangements including teeth 48, 50 and spring member
52 since products of this kind were on sale prior to
the filing date of the present application. Novelty
is believed however to reside in the adaptation of
these components for co-operation with the adapted
pivot bar 42 of Fig 12 to produce security of
connection between the pivot bar and the pivot or
braking shoe, and in the separability of the shoe from
its springs.
Pivot bar 42 is fixed to the sash 12, one pivot
bar at each of its opposite sides, and these project
outwardly therefrom. By virtue of co-operation of
flanges 58, 60 with apertures 62 in bearings 46,
security against' accidental c~isengagenent is provided,
while removal of the sash and its pivot bar from the
bearings 46 via slot 56 is nevertheless permitted when
the bearing is turned so that the slot opens upwardly,
this being achieved by angular movement of the sash to
the required removal attitude.
Spring means 16 comprises a stainless steel
constant force tension spring 64 having its end 18
secured to hanger 36, and the main body of the spring
being located in a spring housing 66 shown in Figs 4,
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and 6. Spring housing 66 comprises a one-piece
plastic moulding providing a main body 68 including a
plate 70.
Main body 68 provides arcuate upstanding spring
s retaining surfaces 72 and defines lateral openings 74
through which the springs project, as shown in Fig 6.
The springs themselves are constructed as
disclosed in our above-mentioned prior US
specification, being formed with hammer-head end
formations 75 and corresponding complementarily shaped
hammer-head openings 76, whereby the springs are
connected to their hanger 36 as shown in Fig 1 (in the
case of one spring), or to each other in the case of
two or more springs, as shown in Fig 6.
Details of the systems for interconnecting pivot
or brake shoe 44 and spring means 16, and indeed any
further spring means provided will now be described
with reference to Fig 8 of the drawings.
Fig 8 shows details of the method of connecting
pivot shoe 44 to spring means 16 by means of
complementary interengageable connection elements 78.
These permit connection of the shoe and the spring
means during assembly of the sash window by causing
relative approach motion therebetween lengthwise of
the jamb structure as shown in Fig 7B at arrow 80.
Connection elements 78 are all of generally hook-
shaped form and formed as integral parts of the
plastic moulding of housing 54 of pivotal brake shoe
44 and of main body 68 of spring housing 66. Thus,
the connection elements are of generally resilient
construction and capable of deflection for attachment
and detachment as described below.
The connection elements 78 comprise receptor
elements 82 on pivotal brake shoe 44 and corresponding
receptor elements 84 on spring means 16, and
complementary insertion elements 86 provided at the
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lower end of spring means 16 for engagement with the
receptor elements 82.
To assist actuation of the insertion elements,
there are provided inward extensions 88 having flanges
90 for engagement by long-nosed pliers, in order to
effect disengagement by resilient deformation of
insertion elements 86. Tf it is desired to connect' a
further spring means 16 in tandem with the one shown
in Fig 8, this is effected in an exactly corresponding
manner to the connection to pivotal brake shoe 44
described above.
It will be noted that the insertion elements 86
of spring means 16 are provided at the outer ends of
respective relatively long arcuate-form projections 92
whereby the degree of flexibility of the insertion
elements is enhanced. Both the receptor elements and
the insertion elements have respective hook-shaped end
formations 94 and 96 which inter-engage for
transmission of tension loads, as shown. The shape of
these formations is such as to tend to promote and
maintain their load-transmitting engagement, once
connection is made.
Disconnection of these connection elements 78 may
be effected either by inward deflection of the
insertion elements 86, for example by means of flanges
90 and a pair of long nose pliers, or by means of
relative motion between the spring means 16 and the
pivot shoe 44 in the lateral direction (parallel to
tilt axis 14). Accordingly, the shoe and the spring
means can be interconnected initially in an endwise
direction at the time of initial assembly. This is
shown at 80 in subfigure 7B of Fig 7. Then, when it
is desired to disassemble the spring and shoe assembly
for maintenance purposes during the life of the sash
system, the shoe and spring means can be separated in
the lateral direction (parallel to tilt axis 14)
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without even the need for a preliminary separation
step in the lengthwise direction of the jamb channel
and arrow 80 in Fig 7B. As a result, the spring
and/or shoe structures can be removed from the jamb
channel by a simple notching out process in which a
relatively short opening is cut in the plastic
material of the jamb channel to permit the shoe and/or
spring to be removed for servicing purposes in a
modular manner. A notching-out opening in the jamb
channel is not shown in the drawings since it is
constructed at the time of servicing and made good at
the time in a manner so as to minimise the visual
effect of this operation on the smooth finish of the
jamb structure. The opening may of course may be
provided, alternatively, at the time of manufacture.
In Fig 8 the inturned receptor elements 84 at the
upper end of spring means 16 can be seen to be
constructed in an exactly similar manner to the
receptor elements 82 on pivot shoe 44, and indeed they
function in an exactly similar manner for attaching a
second spring means thereto.
Also seen in Fig 8 is a cushion block 98 of
rubber positioned at the upper end of spring means 16
to provide a safety function in the event of
inadvertent detachment of the spring means from pivot
shoe 44 and the associated sash. Cushion block 98
incorporates a generally wedge-shaped edge finger 100
positioned to have a wiping action against spring 64
as the finger 100 moves lengthwise of the spring when
the sash 12 is raised and lowered.
In use, pivot shoe 44 and spring assembly 16
together with cushion block 98 are inserted into
channel 22 (illustrated at the top of Fig 1) in an
endwise manner, and likewise hanger 36. Sash 12 with
its projecting pivot bars 42 is then located between
the two side jambs and the pivot bars are lodged in
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the slots 56 (see Fig 14) of the shoes 44 and then the
spring assemblies are snap-fitted thereto.
With sash 12 in the tipped position shown in Fig
1, shoe 44 is effectively locked in its particular
position by engagement of the braking teeth 48 and 50
seen in Fig 16 with the side walls of channel 22.
Sash 12 can now be returned to its vertical position
and its up and down free sliding movement is
unaffected by catch member 26 thereon, which retains
it.
. In the case where, as shown in Fig 6, two or more
spring assemblies are employed, these are snap-fitted
together in an endwise-insertion interconnecting
technique. The arrangement is such that the generally
arcuate form of the exposed spring portions as seen in
Fig 6, together with the location of the openings 76
therein and the complementary shapes of the spring end
formations 75 enables endwise insertion of the springs
into the channels 22 to effect an automatic snap-
fitting connection of the springs in series fashion.
A similar connection technique applies also to the
hanger 3G to which the springs are connected. This
is achieved by providing the hanger with a similar
receptor formation at one side to enable engagement of
the upper spring s end formation in a similar manner
to that by which the springs connect to each. other.
Thus, hanger 36 has an opening (not shown) to received
the hammer head end formation 75 of the upper spring
64 whereby all three springs are effectively connected
to the hanger in series, the interconnection being
effected by mere endwise insertion of the structures
into the jamb channel 22. In this way, the
complications inherent in interconnecting multiple
spring ends all to one hanger are largely avoided.
The ease of assembly derives from the location of the
openings 76 and the physical relationship between the
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springs.
Figs 7A, 7B and 7C show the entire connection
sequence for the interconnection of two spring
assemblies 16, an associated hanger 36, and the
5 corresponding pivot/brake shoe 44. Fig 7A shows the
initial connection of the upper spring assembly 16 to
the hanger 36 followed by the endwise snap connection
of the second spring assembly to the first. The
springs themselves interconnect in the manner shown in
10 Fig 6.
Then, as shown in Fig 7B, the two spring
assemblies 16 are moved downwards, extending their
springs, so as to connect to the pivot shoe 44. This
assembled condition is shown in Fig 7C.
15 It is to be noted that in the embodiments of Figs
1 to 8, locking means may be provided to provide
selective security of interconnection between the
pivot or brake shoe 44 and the spring assembly 16, or
indeed between the two spring assemblies 16, if such
are employed in the manner shown in Figs 7A, 7B and
7C. Such locking is provided by means of a locking
' element indicated by arrow 102 in Fig 8, and likewise
elsewhere, and acting between the flanges 90. For
example, as shown in Figs 7D, 7E and 7F locking
element 102 may be in the form of a solid wedge 103
having recesses 105 to receive plier tips, 'the wedge
being insertable between the flanges 90 .and then
physically preventing the inward deflection of
insertion elements 36 for disconnection purposes.
Turning now to the embodiment of Fig 9, this is
otherwise constructed as described above in relation
to Fig 1 and parts corresponding thereto are given the
same reference numerals as in Fig 1, and will be
described no further, except as necessary.
It will be seen that the embodiment of Fig 9
differs from that of Figs 1 and 8 principally by
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virtue of the provision of stay means 104 acting
between sash 12 and moving spring assembly 16. Stay
means 104 comprises a pivoted stay 106 and a stay
block 108, the latter being inserted in channel 22
above spring assembly 16 so that spring forces are
transmitted by direct abutment of the spring assembly
with the block and thus transmitted as tension forces
in stay 106 to sash 12. Pivotal connections 110, 112
ensure free angular movement while spring loadings are
transmitted to the sash.
A foam cushion 114 is provided between spring
means 16 and pivot shoe 44 to function as a guard
preventing compression of the spring assembly against
the pivot shoe 44, and also to give the components a
longer life.
In this embodiment, the spring assembly 16 is not
directly coupled to the stays of 108, but merely
lodged below it. Spring forces are transmitted to
sash 12 simply through the stay block and the stay
106. In this way, the overhung weight of the sash, as
seen in Fig 9, is at least partially offset in this
sash-tilted position. In normal use of the sash
window assembly, the spring counterbalance forces are
transmitted to the sash through stay 106 in the
i 25 vertical position. This provides smoother operation
and also enables total reversal of the sash position
whereby the sash can be suspended on the stays 106 and
pivot bar 42, at each side of the sash. A further
advantage of this embodiment is that the stays assist
in guiding the sash into the window frame when the
sash is returned to its normal working position.
In this embodiment, two or more springs could be
employed, as in the previous embodiment, these being
simply interconnected in the manner described
previously and serving to load stay block 108 in the
manner shown in Fig 9, one spring below the other.
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Turning now to the embodiment of Figs 10 and 11,
it will be seen that in this embodiment the tilt sash
120 is pivoted about a generally vertical axis 122 and
is supported on hinge blocks 124, 126, the upper one
124 of which has spring assembly 1G located below it
in a manner analagous to that of the stay block 108 in
the embodiment of Fig g.
In Fig 10, parts corresponding to those of Fig 9
are given the same numerals.
Sash 120 is provided with catches 128 whereby it
is releasably latched in a sash-closed position in
use. It is to be noted that in this embodiment, the
spring counterbalance system is provided at one side
only of the sash 120 since, obviously, the other side
is releasable from its associated jamb structure.
In this embodiment, as in the embodiment of Fig
9, the spring assembly 16 acts on the tiltable sash
through structure merely located above the spring
assembly and serving to transmit loads to the sash
merely by abutment of the spring assembly with that
structure, and without the need for a positive
interconnection.
This embodiment has the advantage that, as in the
case of the embodiment of Fig 1, the extent of free
sliding travel of the sash with respect to its
'~ associated guide structures is not limited by the
presence of the counterbalance spring. Two or more
spring assemblies can be used if needed, these being
interconnected as described previously. The vertical
axis pivot arrangement (the structure of the pivot
itself of which is indicated, for simplicity of
illustration, only in Fig 11) permits safe and easy
cleaning of the tiltable sash.
Turning now to the embodiment of Fig 15, this
shows a hanger 130 for optional use in place of the
hangers 3G described above. In this case, hanger 130
,.,
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is self-fixing not requiring a screw or other fastener
38 used in the above embodiments, This is achieved by
providing the hanger 130 with a pivot member 132 to
permit tilting of the hanger about the line of contact
between the pivot member 132 and the side wall 133
(see Fig 3) of channel 22 so as to bring a gripping
element or blade.134 likewise into engagement with the
side of the channel. In Fig 15, the gripping element
134 is shown detached from its slot 136 for purposes
of illustration, but is inserted therein like pivot
member 132.
The general form of hanger 130 is as described
previously, being generally of channel-shaped form and
having at the opposite sides of the channel from pivot
member 132 a further slot 138 to receive the hammer-
head formation at the end of spring 64 whereby the
spring exerts a downcaardly-directed force tending to
cause pivoting of the hanger and thus its automatic
gripping action on channel 22. The downward direction
of the the tension force is indicated at D in Fig 15,
and the corresponding turning moment is likewise
indicated at T in Fig 15.
In this way, hanger 130 provides a self-fixing
action whereby mere insertion into the channel and
lengthwise movment along the channel to a required
operating position enables the hanger to be fixed in
that position by simply applying a tension force to it
from~the spring. The latter can be readily caused to
self-attach to the hanger by locating the hammer-head
through slot 138. In this embodiment, the hanger has
a slightly bevelled or tapered or curved profile
together with just a small amount of clearance between
itself and the channel whereby the tilting or turning
action of the hanger is enhanced.
In the embodiment of Fig 18, the arrangement is
otherwise as described above in relation to Fig 1, but
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instead of providing pivot and brake shoe 44
separately from spring assembly 16, these are provided
as an integral spring and shoe assembly 200 comprising
individual springs 202 and 204, a pivot and brake
assembly 206, and an associated hanger 208.
Spring and brake shoe assembly 200, its
associated springs 202 and 204, together with hanger
208 are located in jamb channel 22 as described
previously. Assembly 200 is assisted in its
lengthwise movement within jamb channel 22 by means of
a roller 210 provided on one wall of the plastics
moulded housing 212 in which springs 202, 204 and
pivot and brake assembly 20G are located.
Pivot bar 42 is received in a rotatable bearing
. member 213, as previously, and the bearing member is
arranged to cam-actuate braking elements 214. These
may be spring teeth, or preferably less positive
braking elements such as nylon pads. The use of the
latter permits insertion of pivot bar 42 more readily
by virtue of tilting of the sash for insertion of the
pivot bars 42 into their respective openings in the
bearing members 213 after raising one of the spring
and brake shoe assemblies 200 relative to the other.
Hanger 208 is secured in jamb channel 22 by means
of a fastener (not shown).
Some modifications which could be made in the
above embodiments, which are directly envisaged are
the following. In relation to the springs, the
effective space saving produced by the disclosed
spring system permits the use of springs other than
the disclosed constant force springs, if needed for
particular applications, or othercaise. The mounting
of the one or more springs in association with the
pivot or brake shoe represents a convenient manner of
thus mounting the spring or springs, but alternative
mountings can be envisaged for particular applications
212513
ie the use of another mode of attachment of the
springs to the sliding sash. As regards the pivotal
brake shoe, this will usually be provided with braking
or locking means to offset the reduced upthrust in the
5 sash-tilted condition of the window. Various forms of
such a device are available. One has been disclosed.
These can be chosen according to requirements. It may
be possible for certain applications not to provide a
braking or locking facility and thus to provide a shoe
10 which functions mainly only as a pivot shoe.
In the case of the retaining facility for the
tiltable sash, considerable variation in design is
available, but those envisaged will usually involve
the use of a projecting retaining member or catch of
15 some form for co-operation with the jamb, and in most
cases this provision will be made at both sides of the
sliding and tiltable sash.
Further with regard to the connections between
the movable spring body and the sliding sash, we have
20 disclosed embodiments in which the spring body is
connected in a quick attach/detach manner to the
sliding shoe which is fixed to the tilt sash pivot
bars. We have also disclosed an embodiment in which
the connection is through a pivoted tilt arm or bar
which permits sash tilt while simultaneously applying
spring forces to the sash through the tilted arm or
bar. In this latter embodiment there is no connection
other than that resulting from the relative
dispositions of the structures one above the other in
the jamb channel. However, a direct and positive
connection may be advantageous for some applications
and, for example, the pivotal link could be provided
directly between the spring body and the sash itself.
Obviously, mechanical equivalents of the pivot bar
could be provided.
In the vertical hinge system embodiment,
2125134
21
modifications to the manner of connecting the moving
spring system to the tiltable sash can of course be
envisaged, such as a direct attachment between the
spring and the upper hinge post.
As regards the self-fixing hanger, all
embodiments are envisaged as operating by virtue of a
turning action applied by the spring end to the hanger
which causes effectively, a releasable jamming action
of the hanger in the jamb channel. It is envisaged
that the same effect may be obtainable by means of a
comparable camming action, the construction of the
hanger in this event being somewhat more rounded than
that disclosed, the curved cam profile portion serving
to effect the direct jamming action.
