Patent Application
20050193630
The invention relates generally to tilt-out windows and associated tilt latch and pivot bar hardware located within apertures formed in a window sash.
Tilt-out windows typically appear in a double hung version with a lower sash and an upper sash. The two sashes are mounted on slide blocks which, in turn, are slideably mounted on opposed, vertically extending jamb channels located in a window frame. Each sash includes a top rail, a bottom rail, and a pair of stiles connected together at adjacent extremities to form a substantially rectangular sash frame that holds the window glazing.
Often, a pair of tilt latches are disposed on opposite ends of the top rail of the sash frame. The tilt latches are used to maintain the sash in a vertical position within the frame or to allow the sash to be tilted into a room for cleaning when the tilt latches are released. Typically, the tilt latches are used in combination with a pair of pivot bars that are generally located on opposite sides of the window sash at the bottom rail. The pivot bars are used in conjunction with the slide blocks that are slideably mounted in each jamb channel. A connecting pin portion of each pivot bar extends into an opening in a locking cam member housed within each slide block. Together, the pivot bars and the slide blocks provide pivot points for the sash to be tilted into a room to be cleaned. To maintain the vertical position of the window sash in the jamb channel when the window sash is raised, a spring balance mechanism that counteracts the weight of the sash is attached to each block.
One method of coupling the pivot bars and the tilt latches to the sash is to have the tilt latches and pivot bars received in apertures that are routed or formed in the window sash. One problem associated with this coupling method is the relatively complicated and time consuming manufacturing process required to route apertures in the sash that have different profiles to accommodate pivot bars and tilt latches that are sized and shaped differently.
In general, the invention relates to a hardware combination for use with a tilt-out type window sash. The hardware combination reduces the time required to manufacture tilt-out type windows, while simultaneously reducing manufacturing costs by simplifying the manufacturing process. More specifically, the invention reduces the number of differing aperture profiles that need to be routed into the window sash to accommodate the tilt latches and pivot bars.
In one aspect, the hardware combination includes a pivot bar adapted to be received in a first aperture formed in a window sash and a tilt latch adapted to be received in a second aperture formed in a window sash. The first aperture and the second aperture have substantially common profiles, such that the pivot bar and the tilt latch are interchangeably locatable in the first aperture and the second aperture.
In one embodiment, the tilt latch includes a body and a retractable member for selectively engaging a jamb channel when the body is received in a window sash aperture. The member can be biased in an extended position from the body to engage the jamb channel. The tilt latch can further include a release for retracting and disengaging the member from the jamb channel. The tilt latch can also include a tab for retaining the body in a window sash when received in a window sash aperture.
In additional embodiments, the pivot bar and the tilt latch each include a top surface for engaging a respective portion of a profile of the aperture formed in the window sash, the top surface of the pivot bar and the top surface of the tilt latch having substantially common mating perimeters. The pivot bar and the tilt latch can also include a front surface for engaging a respective portion of a profile of the aperture formed in the window sash, the front surface of the pivot bar and the front surface of the tilt latch having substantially common mating perimeters.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a sash for a tilt-out type window assembly. The sash includes a first sash portion forming a first aperture for receiving a tilt latch, and a second sash portion forming a second aperture for receiving a pivot bar. The first aperture and the second aperture include substantially common profiles, such that the pivot bar and the tilt latch are interchangeably locatable therein.
In various embodiments, the sash further includes a third sash portion forming a third aperture for receiving a second pivot bar, where the profile of the third aperture is substantially common to the profile of the second aperture. The sash can also include a sash portion forming a fourth aperture for receiving a second tilt latch, where the profile of the fourth aperture is substantially common to the profile of the first aperture. In other embodiments, the first sash portion includes a top rail and the second sash portion includes a bottom rail. The first sash portion and the second sash portion can also include a stile.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a method of manufacturing a window sash. The method includes the steps of forming a first aperture in a first portion of the window sash and forming a second aperture in a second portion of the window sash, where the first aperture and the second aperture include substantially common profiles and each profile is adapted to receive interchangeably one of a pivot bar and a tilt latch.
In various embodiments, the method includes forming the first aperture and the second aperture in a machining operation. The first aperture and the second aperture can also be formed using a common cutting tool. The method can also include the step of forming a third aperture in a third portion of the window sash, where the first aperture and the third aperture include substantially common profiles and each profile is adapted to receive interchangeably one of the pivot bar and the tilt latch. In a further embodiment, the method can include the step of forming a fourth aperture in a fourth portion of the window sash, where the second aperture and the fourth aperture include substantially common profiles and each profile is adapted to receive interchangeably one of the pivot bar and the tilt latch.
In another aspect, the invention relates to a pivot bar for use in a tilt-out window assembly. The pivot bar includes an elongate body defining a groove at least partially circumscribing the body and a pivot element extending from the body. In one embodiment, the elongate body is substantially planer. The pivot element can be adapted to selectively engage a balance shoe. In additional embodiments, the pivot element is integral with the body and can be substantially T-shaped.
In further embodiments, the pivot bar can include a tab for retaining the body in a window sash when the body is installed in the window sash. In another embodiment, the groove is adapted to operatively engage a profile of an aperture in a sash. The pivot bar can also include a shoulder from which the pivot element extends, the shoulder including an increased thickness relative to the substantially planar elongate body.
These and other objects, along with advantages and features of the present invention herein disclosed, will become apparent through reference to the following description, the accompanying drawings, and the claims. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the features of the various embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive and can exist in various combinations and permutations.
In the drawings, like reference characters generally refer to the same parts throughout the different views. Also, the drawings are not necessarily to scale, emphasis generally being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention. In the following description, various embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to the following drawings, in which:
With reference to
The top sash rail 28 and the bottom sash rail 30 each include a pair of opposing apertures 36, 38, 40, 42 formed therein. In each of
As shown in
The profiles of the first aperture 36 and the second aperture 40 are substantially common. The profile of the first aperture 36 includes a pair of longitudinally extending guide rails 52 as does the profile of the second aperture 40. The guide rails 52 in the first aperture 36 and the guide rails 54 in the second aperture 40 are adapted to mate with a mating hardware perimeter, such as longitudinally extending grooves (described below) that are formed on external surfaces of both the tilt latch 44 and the pivot bar 46. The profile of the first aperture 36 and the profile of the second aperture 40 also include lips 56, 58 that are formed in the stiles 32, 34. The lips 56, 58 are vertically spaced from the top sash rail 30 and the bottom sash rail 28 respectively. The lips 56, 58 act to support and orient the tilt latch 44 or the pivot bar 46 when either piece of hardware is disposed within the first aperture 36 or the second aperture 40.
In various embodiments, the profiles of the first aperture 36 and the second aperture 40 need not be identical, and may slightly differ from each other; however, the profiles remain substantially common, insofar as the tilt latch 44 and the pivot bar 46 can be interchangeably received in the first aperture 36 and the second aperture 40. For instance, the first aperture 36 and the second aperture 40 may further include one or more grooves or rails formed in the sash 16 to further support the tilt latch 44 or the pivot bar 46. Alternatively, the profile of the first aperture 36 and the profile of the second aperture 40 may be routed to correspond with a different tilt latch 44 and a pivot bar 46 combination than that illustrated in
In another embodiment, a third sash portion forming the third aperture 42 for receiving a second pivot bar 46 can be included in the sash 16. The profile of the third aperture 42 is substantially common to the profile of the second aperture 40. Similarly, a fourth sash portion forming the fourth aperture 38 for receiving a second tilt latch 44, where the profile of the fourth aperture 38 is substantially common to the profile of the first aperture 36, can also be included in the sash 16. The fourth sash portion, in one embodiment, includes the top sash rail 30 and a stile 32. In other embodiments, however, the fourth sash portion may include only the stile 32 or the top sash rail 30. The third sash portion, in one embodiment, includes the bottom sash rail 28 and the stile 34. In other embodiments, however, the third sash portion may include only the stile 34 or the bottom sash rail 28. The third sash aperture 42 and the fourth sash aperture 38 can include any of the features or configurations described above with respect to the first aperture 36 and the second aperture 40.
With reference to
The body 60 has a front surface 66 defining an opening 68. The body 60 also includes an inner chamber 70 that is in communication with the opening 68. The inner chamber 70 is defined by a top surface 72, a bottom surface 74, and a pair of spaced substantially parallel side 76, 78 walls that extend from the top surface 72 to the bottom surface 74. It will be appreciated that the scope of the invention includes modifications to the body 60. For instance, the bottom surface 74 of the body 60 can be absent and tabs can be used to form the chamber 70. Moreover, the body 60 could be formed from a single piece of material or from several pieces. When the tilt latch 44 is assembled and received in an aperture, the retractable member 64 is biased in a position extending outwardly through the opening 68 of the body 60 by a biasing member, such as a compression spring (not shown). In the extended position, the retractable member 64 engages the jamb channel 22 to prevent the sash 16 from tilting inadvertently out of the window frame 12. The retractable member 64 typically has an angled edge 80 to facilitate returning a tilted sash to an engaged, vertical orientation. The release 62, which is disposed on a top surface 82 of the retractable member 64 enables the retractable member 64 to be retracted and disengaged from the jamb channel 22 when the release 62 is actuated to counteract the biasing force applied by the biasing member. In another embodiment, the release 62 may be formed integrally with the retractable member 64.
With continuing reference to
Disposed proximate the front surface 66 and extending from the bottom surface 74 of the tilt latch 44 is a tab (See, for example, tab 122 in
In use, the tilt latch 44 is inserted into the first aperture 36 formed in the sash 16. The tilt latch 44 is inserted such that the grooves 92 formed in the body 60 of the tilt latch 44 receive the guide rails 52 of the top sash rail 30. The tilt latch 44 is inserted into the first aperture 36 until the back portion 94 of the tilt latch 44 abuts the curved portion 96 of the first aperture 36 and the tab engages the lip 56 of the stile 34. The latch 44 can then be gently tapped on its top surface 72 and/or on its front surface 66 using a rubber hammer to seat the latch 44 and, optionally, embed the tab into the stile 34, if necessary. As described, the latch 44 may be secured into the sash 16 without the use of a fastener, such as a screw. However, in other embodiments, an additional fastener may be utilized to further secure the latch 44 in the sash 16.
It will be appreciated that different configurations for the body 60 exist that may be used in accordance with the invention. For instance, U.S. Pat. No. 6,485,070 to Shultz, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety, discloses different permutations of a latch body that may be used in accordance with the teachings of the invention. In general, any configuration of the tilt latch 44 is permissible, so long as the tilt latch 44 is interchangeably locatable in the apertures 36, 38, 40, 42 in the sash 16 adapted also to receive pivot bars 46, as earlier described.
With reference to
Extending from a front surface 128 of the body 100 is a pivot element 118. The pivot element 118 can be adapted to selectively engage a balance shoe (not shown). The pivot element 118 may be formed integrally with the body 100 of the pivot bar 46 in a casting process, but may also be a separate piece that is affixed to the body 100 by any technique desirable, such as threading or gluing. In the illustrated embodiment, the pivot element 118 is substantially T-shaped, but the pivot element 118 may be any other shape as necessary to engage the balance shoe.
Disposed on the bottom surface 104 of the pivot bar 46 is a shoulder 120 that includes the tab 122 for engaging the lip 58 of the stile 32 when the pivot bar 46 is installed in the sash 16. The shoulder 120 has increased thickness relative to the substantially planar elongate body 100 and therefore acts as a gusset to enable the pivot element 118 to bear the weight of the sash 16 when the pivot bar 46 is received in the aperture 40 and the sash 16 is operatively connected to the balance shoes. The tab 122, the shoulder 120, and the body 100 may be formed integrally in a casting process, but they could also be separate pieces.
In use, the pivot bar 46 is inserted into the second aperture 40 formed in the sash. The pivot bar 46 is inserted such that the groove 116 formed in the body 100 of the pivot bar 46 receives the guide rails 54 of the bottom sash rail 28. The pivot bar 46 is inserted until a back portion 124 of the pivot bar 46 abuts a curved portion 126 of the second aperture 40 and the tab 122 engages the lip 58 of the stile 32. The pivot bar 46 can then be gently tapped on its top surface 102 and/or its front surface 128 using a rubber hammer to seat the pivot bar 46 and, optionally, embed the tab 122 into the stile 32, if necessary. As described, the pivot bar 46 may be secured into the sash 16 without the use of a fastener, such as a screw. However, in other embodiments, an additional fastener may be utilized to further secure the pivot bar 46 in the sash 16.
In accordance with the invention, the pivot bar 46 can have many different configurations. For instance, the rails 114 that extend around the circumference of the pivot bar 46 could be non-continuous and include any number of spaced projections to form a non-continuous groove with the top surface 102. Alternatively, the rails 114 could be fully continuous. The longitudinal edges 106, 108 on the top surface 102 could also be non-continuous. The rail 114 could also consist of one or several projections adjacent a front surface 128 of the body 100 and a projection at the back portion 124 of the body to form the groove 116 with the top surface 102. In general, the pivot bar 46 can have any desired feature or geometry so long as the pivot bar 46 and the tilt latch 44 are interchangeably locatable in the first aperture 36 and the second aperture 40 formed in the window sash 16.
With further reference to
Also, in the illustrated embodiment, the tilt latch 44 and the pivot bar 46 each include a front surface 66, 128 for engaging a respective portion of a profile of an aperture formed in the window sash 16, where the front surface 66 of the tilt latch 44 and the front surface 128 of the pivot bar 46 also have substantially common mating perimeters. In the illustrated embodiment, the mating perimeters of the front surfaces 66, 128 are substantially rectangular, so that both the tilt latch 44 and the pivot bar 46 may be received in, and mate with, the aperture profiles 36, 40 formed in the sash 16. However, as can seen in
The hardware combination of the present invention is advantageous since it simplifies the manufacturing process associated with routing apertures in window sashes. For instance, a common cutting tool can be used to form the apertures. Depending on the manufacturing setup, fewer cutting tools may be required since the same tool can be used to route each aperture, or a plurality of common cutting tools can be used to route all apertures simultaneously.
Other embodiments incorporating the concepts disclosed herein may be used without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects as only illustrative and not restrictive.
