US3047905A - Adjustable connector for sash balance - Google Patents

Description

1962 w. D. NOBES 3,047,905

ADJUSTABLE CONNECTOR FOR SASH BALANCE Filed Oct. 9, 1958 FIG.10

INVENTOR, WILum Dousms Noses ATTORNEY United States Patent 0."

3,047,905 ADJUSTABLE CONNECTOR FOR SASH BALANCE William Douglas Nobes, Rochester, N.Y., assiguor to The Caldwell Manufacturing Company, Monroe, N.Y., a corporation of New York Filed Oct. 9, 1958, Ser. No. 766,296 4 Claims. (Cl. 16197) This invention relates to sash balances, and more particularly to an adjustable connector for a sash balance.

Heretofore, various types of balance connectors have been provided for sash balances for adjusting the tension of the balance and other types included a built-in adjustment in the sash balance itself. Certain inherent limitations in the above types, however, render the devices awkward at times. One particular disadvantage is that such adjustment devices, while being well adapted for increasing the tension of the balance, are not well suited for decreasing the tension as well. That is to say, mechanically, the devices do not permit the user to maintain positive control over the adjusting mechanism while increasing or decreasing the tension of the balance. Other types are disadvantageous for another reason. It has been found during the assembly of a complete window including frame, sashes, and sash balance, that the nature of the conventional sash balances and their connecting means restricts the assembly of the complete window units to certain techniques.

Accordingly, it is a primary object of this invention to provide a connecting device fora sash balance which permits the user to readily adjust the tension of the sash balance.

It is a further object of this invention to provide a sash balance connector which is readily detachable from the Window sash, thus permitting assembly of portions of a window unit on separate assembly lines and the like.

A further object of this invention is to provide a readily adjustable sash balance connector which provides for the removal of a sash for repair and the like.

In carrying out the objects of the invention, there is provided means for adjusting a sash balance comprising a bracket fastened to a Window sash, a supporting plate detachably connected to the bracket, and having an aperture formed therein, an adjusting member mounted in the aperture and being connected to the sash balance, a spring plate carried by the supporting plate, a ratchet and pawl mechanism between the spring plate and the adjusting member, and means formed in the adjusting member for being engaged by an instrument.

Other objects and features will become apparent from the following specification, when read with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGURE 1 is an elevation of a portion of a window,

with parts cut away to illustrate one embodiment of the invention.

.FlIGURE 2 is a plan view of a portion of the invention.

FIGURE 3 is an end view of the portion according to 3,6419% Patented Aug. 7, 1962 ice FIGURE 11 is a bottom plan view of the spring plate according to FIGURE 10.

FIGURE 12 is a sectional View of the embodiment of the invention according to FIGURE 9.

CONSTRUCTION With reference to FIGURE 1, a sash balance 11 is illustrated as being anchored at one end to a window frame 10 by means of any means such as a screw 12.. A sash 13 is slidably disposed within the frame It), and may be provided with a channel portion 14 along one or both of its sides to accommodate the sash balance 11. The channel portion 14 may be a hollowed area along the side stile of the sash 13.

The sash balance 11 may be of the general type characterized by having an elongated spring (not shown) within a casing, which spring is anchored to the window frame 10 at one end. A slotted nut 15 or the like is fastened to the lower end of the spring, and is free to rotate within the casing. A spiral actuator rod 16 is slidably disposed through the nut 15, whereupon axial movement of the rod 16 causes the nut to rotate, thus FIGURE 10 is a side view of another embodiment of the spring plate.

winding or unwinding the spring for counterbalancing the weight of the sash to which the sash balance is connected when the sash is raised or lowered in the window frame 10. It will also become apparent that rotation of the rod 16 without axial movement thereof will cause rotation of the nut 15 to wind or unwind the spring, thus increasing or decreasing the tension applied to the spring.

A connector bracket 17, FIGURES l, 2, 3 and 4, is secured or fastened to the sash 13 by means of any conventional screws or the like placed through holes 34. The bracket 17 has an extension 36 formed to receive the sash balance adjusting device, which will be described. Notches 35 are formed in the bracket 17 for proper alignment of the adjusting device, and a boss 37 is also formed in the extension 36 for maintaining the adjusting device securely in position when it is detachably connected to the sash 13. This feature is desired, inasmuch as the sash 13 is removably disposed in the window frame Ill.

The combination therefore consists of a sash balance and a removable sash 13 for a window frame 10, and means for detachably connecting the sash balance 11 to the sash 13. The means for connecting the sash balance 11 to the sash 13 consists of a connecting bracket 17 as described; a supporting plate 18 including means for detachably engaging the plate 18 with the bracket 17; an adjusting member carried by the plate 313, and connected to the sash balance ill; a spring plate 21 carried by the supporting plate 18 in position between the plate 18 and the adjusting member; a ratchet and pawl mechanism between the spring plate 21 and the adjusting member 2%; and means formed on the adjusting member 20 for turning the member 20 by an instrument.

The supporting plate 18, FIGURES l, 5 and 6, is a rigid plate member substantially flat in shape, and may be disposed substantially horizontally with respect to the side of the sash 13. A central aperture 32 may be formed through the plate 18. A portion 19 of the plate 18 is formed at an angle to the plate 18 so as to enable the plate 18 to be detachably connected to the bracket 17. It will become apparent that the portion or means 19 is channel-shaped so as to be slidable on the extension 36 of the bracket 17, and a detent 38 is formed in the portion 19 to engage with the boss 37 on the extension 36 of bracket 17. A slot 23 is formed through the plate 18, as will more fully appear.

The adjusting member, FIGURES 1, 5 and 8, is generally designated as at'20, and is rotatably mounted or carried, and thus supported, in the central aperture 32 of the plate 18. One end of the adjusting member extends upwardly and is engaged with the sash balance 11. More specifically, a slot 25 in the end of the adjusting member 2th enables the member 20 to be connected to the spiral actuator rod 16 of the sash balance 11, by placing the end of the rod 16 in the slot 25 and placing pin 36 through hole 30A in the adjusting member 26. The pin 30 may be any conventional fastening means. A hole 31A is formed through the adjusting member 24 to accommodate a pin 31 or the like above the supporting plate 18. In this manner, pin 31 forms means for preventing the accidental displacement of the adjusting member 20 from the position in the aperture 32 of the supporting plate 18. A large diameter portion of the adjusting member 20 forms a shoulder below the plate 13 to prevent accidental displacement of the member 20 upwardly away from the supporting plate 18. Means in the form of a large slot 26 or the like is formed in the lower end of the adjusting member, or the end opposite the end connected to the sash balance. The slot 26 is adapted to receive therein any suitable instrument such as a screwdriver 27 for turning the adjusting member. At least one pawl tooth 22 is formed on the lower end of the adjusting member 2%, forming part of the ratchet and pawl mechanism interacting between the spring plate 21 and the adjusting member 20.

The spring plate 21, FIGURES 1, and 7, may be a resilient plate formed from spring material such as spring steel, or other suitable material which is inherently rigid and flexible. A central aperture 33 is formed through the spring plate 21 and there is at least one ratchet notch 24 formed in the plate 21, forming part of the ratchet and pawl mechanism. Anextension 34- is formed on the spring plate 21 and is engaged with the supporting plate 18 through the slot 23 for maintaining the ratchet and pawl mechanism in operative relationship. Thus, the spring plate 21 is carried or supported in position between the supporting plate 18 and the adjusting member 20', below the plate 18 near one end of member 20.

The ratchet and pawl mechanism is disposed to interact between the spring plate 21 and the adjusting member 20, and may comprise at least one pawl 22 formed on one end of the adjusting member 20, and at least one ratchet 24 formed in the spring plate 21. The ratchet and pawl maintains itself in operative relationship by means of the ratchet being formed in the spring plate.

The second embodiment of the invention is illustrated in FIGURES 9 to 12. The basic construction and combination of the frame sash balance 11, and sash 13 with the means for adjusting the tension of the sash balance is substantially the same as the embodiment described hereinabove.

However, the bracket, FIGURES 9 and 12, is different in form. The bracket 41 has a channel portion 42 formed therein and a detent 54 formed in the channel portion 42.

The supporting plate 28, FIGURES 9 and 12, is substantially the same as the one for the foregoing embodiment, with the exception that the portion 39 is blade-like and is adaped to detachably engage the channel portion 42 of the bracket 41 by being inserted in the channel portion 42, so that the boss 53 on the portion 39 engages the detent 54 of the bracket 41.

Spring plate 4-3, FIGURES 9, 10, 11 and 12, is carried by the supporting plate 28 by means of an upper portion 48 having a channel portion 45 formed thereon. The plate 43 is placed in position on the plate 28 by sliding the channel portion 45 along the edges of the plate 28 so that the portion 48 overlies the top surface of the supporting plate 28. An extension 47 connects the plate 43 with the upper portion 48. The central aperture 50 and ratchets 46 are substantially the same as for the foregoing embodiment.

The adjusting member 44, FIGURES 9 and 12, is provided with the slot 25 for connecting to the actuator rod 16, and is also provided with a slot 55 for any suitable instrument. P'awl 51 is provided for co-action with the ratchet 46 in the spring plate 43. Instead of pin 31 for maintaining the adjusting member in position in the central aperture of the supporting plate, a circumferential groove 52 is formed in the adjusting member 44. Any suitable retaining means may be used with the groove 52. In this case, a wire or the like retaining ring 52A may be disposed in groove 52, so that the upper portion 43 of plate 43 is prevented from becoming accidentally displaced.

After placing the adjusting member in position in the central aperture of the supporting plate 23, and through the aperture 49' in the portion 43 of plate 43, the groove 52 is in position above the plate 28 and the portion 48. The retaining ring 52A is then placed in the groove 52, thus maintaining the adjusting member in position.

Operation The operation and assembly of the combination is sub stantially the same for either embodiment. Therefore, a description for the embodiment in FIGURE 1 will serve for both embodiments.

A major feature of the invention will become apparent. In window manufacturing plants,'the sash brackets 17 or 41 may be assembled to the sash 13 in the sash assembly line. The connecting device and sash balance 11 may be assembled to the frame It? by means of any screw 12 or the like in an assembly line separate from the sash assembly line. As the complete sash I3 is assembled with a complete frame 10, the workman is required only to place the removable or takeout sash I3 in the frame, and slide the supporting plate 18 into position with the bracket 17. As for the embodiment according to FIGURE 9, the supporting plate 28 is assembled with the bracket 41. The sash balance can then be pre-adjusted for tension by inserting a screwdriver 27 into the slot 26 and turning the adjusting member, for instance clockwise to increase tension. By using the automatic, or so-called spiral type screwdriver, the task of the workman is even more simplified by making one push on the handle of the screwdriver to apply a predetermined amount of tension on the sash balance 11.

Following installation of the complete window in a building structure (not shown), any over-adjustment of the tension may be taken out as follows:

The instrument 27 is inserted into the slot 26 so that the edge of the blade of the instrument engages the spring plate 21 near the central aperture 33. Pushing the instrument inwardly to the limits of the slot 26 urges the spring plate 21 inwardly away from the pawl 22 on the adjusting member, whereby the ratchet and pawl mechanism is disengaged. While maintaining the spring plate disengaged from the adjusting member, the adjusting member is turned, for instance counterclockwise, to release the tension applied to the sash balance. Release of the instrument from pressure against the spring plate 21 allows the spring plate to return to a normal position whereby the ratchet and pawl mechanism is again engaged to retain the sash balance and the connecting device in the adjusted position.

In the event that it becomes necessary or desired to remove the sash from the frame for repair or the like, the operator merely releases the tension on the balance as described above, and then disengages the supporting plate from the bracket. The sash is then ready to be removed from the frame. Following replacement of the sash in the frame, the supporting plate is engaged with the bracket and the adjusting member is turned so as to apply tension to the balance.

While specific embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, the invention is to be construed only as may fairly fall within the true spirit and scope of the appended claims.

The terms removable sash and takeout sash as used herein may be interpreted as meaning any sash which is removably installed in the window frame. This includes the type of sash which is removable by the use of tools, the type which is removable after removing some structural member of the window combination, and the type which is rapidly removable without the use of tools or the like.

I claim:

1. Means for detachably connecting a sash balance having a torsion spring to a removable sash in a window frame comprising a bracket secured to the sash, a supporting plate detachably secured to said bracket, said supporting plate having a central aperture, a rotatable adjusting member extending through said aperture and carried by said supporting plate, said adjusting member having one end connected to the sash balance, a spring plate carried by said supporting plate and having a portion underlying said supporting plate, said underlying portion having an aperture through which the adjusting member extends, a ratchet and pawl mechanism interacting between the spring plate and adjusting member to lock the adjusting member against rotation in one direc tion, said adjusting member having a slot in its other end for engagement by a suitable tool to rotate the adjusting member and thereby adjust the tension of the sash balance spring.

2. Means for detachably connecting a sash balance to a removable sash as defined in claim 1 including means whereby said spring plate may be moved by said suitable tool to disengage said ratchet and pawl mechanism to permit rotation of the rotatable adjusting member in either direction.

3. Means for detachably connecting a sash balance having a torsion spring to a removable sash in a Window frame comprising a bracket secured to the sash, a supporting plate detachably secured to said bracket, said supporting plate having a central aperture, a rotatable adjusting member extending through said aperture and carried by said supporting plate, said adjusting member having one end connected to the sash balance, a spring plate carried by said supporting plate and having a portion underlying said supporting plate, said underlying portion having an aperture through which the adjusting member extends, a ratchet and pawl mechanism interacting between the spring plate and adjusting member to lock the adjusting member against rotation in one direction, said ratchet and pawl mechanism comprising a pawl formed on said adjusting member and a ratchet formed in said spring plate, said adjusting member having a slot in its other end for engagement by a suitable tool to rotate the adjusting member and thereby adjust the tension of the sash balance spring.

4. Means for detachably connecting a sash balance to a removable sash as defined in claim 3 including means whereby said spring plate may be moved by said suitable tool to disengage said ratchet and pawl mechanism to permit rotation of the rotatable adjusting member in either direction.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,622,267 Peremi Dec. 23, 1952 2,792,588 Gency May 21, 1957 2,825,089 Larson et al. Mar. 4, 1958 2,826,781 Gency Mar. 18, 1958

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