The present invention relates to adjustable restraining stops for double hung windows which permit the window to be partially open for ventilation but locked from further opening.
Double hung windows can be opened for ventilation from the top or bottom. While most windows have locks which are operable when the windows are closed, a partially open window is often left without recourse to locking. Some windows have built-in restraints to permit locking to prevent opening more than a certain fixed amount. Auxiliary screw operated locks which must be screwed into window frames are also well known, but rental apartments often disallow such modifications. An adhesively-mounted removable retrofit adjustable restraining stop for double hung windows is not known in the prior art.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide an adjustable restraining stops for double hung windows which permit the window to be partially open for ventilation but locked from further opening.
It is also an object of the present invention to provide a window stop which does not need to physically alter the window frame.
Other objects which become apparent from the following description of the present invention.
In keeping with these objects and others which may become apparent, the present invention provides an adjustable removable restraining stop for double hung windows in the form of a telescoping assembly that can be adjusted in steps to restrain a window from opening beyond a desired extent. The assembly itself is attached to the window via a large-area robust hook and loop pad with the hook portion conveniently attached to the window or sash frame via a pressure sensitive adhesive layer that is exposed upon peeling off a release liner layer. As such, the assembly can be removed to permit unencumbered opening of the window and replaced whenever the security feature is desired. Hook and loop pads of several square inches of area and of aggressive design have sufficient shear resistance to provide the desired degree of security in this application, but the two mating surfaces can still be peeled by twisting. No tools whatsoever are required for installation. The telescoping sections include a larger rectangular or square tubing section that is attached via the hook and loop pad, and a close-fitting inner tube of smaller dimension that telescopes from one end of the larger tubular section with some frictional resistance. Although the preferred material is polyvinylchloride (PVC), other materials such as aluminum can be used. The inner tube has a series of holes in a linear array on the front surface (opposite the mounting pad), while the outer tube has a single hole adjacent its end that is in registration with any in the series of holes as the inner tube is pushed in or out. A cotter pin on a short lanyard is used to lock in the desired assembly length by passing it through the single hole in the larger outer tube and then through one of the holes in the inner tube.
By attaching the assembly to the frame of the top window sash near the top, a constrained opening can be adjusted at the top of the window, the bottom, or the open space can be shared as desired between top and bottom.
In an alternate embodiment, the hole in the outer tube as well as the series of holes in the inner tube are moved to the side surface to afford more clearance for a ring-grip quick release pin to go through the assembly on the distal side. The ring-grip quick release pin is used instead of the cotter pin of the first embodiment to provide a locking member and the security of going entirely through both telescoping tubes. It provides a more positive locking feel and more convenient grip.
The present invention can best be understood in connection with the accompanying drawings. It is noted that the invention is not limited to the precise embodiments shown in drawings, in which:
An alternate embodiment adjustable restraining stop 30 is shown in
In the foregoing description, certain terms and visual depictions are used to illustrate the preferred embodiment. However, no unnecessary limitations are to be construed by the terms used or illustrations depicted, beyond what is shown in the prior art, since the terms and illustrations are exemplary only, and are not meant to limit the scope of the present invention.
It is further known that other modifications may be made to the present invention, without departing the scope of the invention, as noted in the appended Claims.
This application is based upon provisional application Ser. No. 61/009,588 filed Dec. 28, 2007 and claims priority under 35 U.S.C. § 119(e) therefrom, and is incorporated by reference herein.
Number | Date | Country | |
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61009588 | Dec 2007 | US |