The present disclosure relates to vent window assemblies, and more particularly to window vent assist mechanisms for use to aid in the movement of a window vent.
Vent window assemblies often include a vent that is operative to move relative to a window frame. The window vent can be moved to a vented (or opened) position to permit air to move through the window assembly. Such window assemblies can include manually operated control assemblies that assist a user in moving the window vent from a closed position to the vented (or opened) position.
The combined weight of the glass and structural members (e.g., the frame) of the window vents can be significant. Such weights can make movement of the window vents difficult for many users. Moreover, architectural designs are creating trends for larger and more thermally-efficient window vents which increase the weight of the window vent.
There exists a need, therefore, for improvements in window assemblies to reduce the force required by a user to move a window vent in a window assembly between the closed and vented positions.
The background description provided here is for the purpose of generally presenting the context of the disclosure. Work of the presently named inventors, to the extent it is described in this background section, as well as aspects of the description that may not otherwise qualify as prior art at the time of filing, are neither expressly nor impliedly admitted as prior art against the present disclosure.
In one example in accordance with the present disclosure, a window vent assist mechanism is provided for use with a vent window operable in a closed position and in a vented position. The example window vent assist mechanism includes a first support configured to connect to a window frame and a second support configured to connect to a window vent disposed in the window frame. The example window vent assist mechanism also includes a biasing member disposed between the first support and the second support. The biasing member is configured to urge the second support to move relative to the first support to reduce a force required by a user to move the window vent relative to the window frame, particularly from the closed to the vented (or opened) position.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, a window vent assist mechanism is provided for a vent window for reducing a force required to move a window vent relative to a window frame from a closed position to an opened position. The window vent assist mechanism includes a first support plate configured to attach to a header of a window frame, a second support plate configured to attach to an upper rail of a window vent disposed in the window frame, and a biasing member disposed intermediate the first support plate and the second support plate. The first support place includes a first seat for receiving a first end of the biasing member and the second support plate includes a second seat for receiving and retaining a second end of the biasing member. The window vent assist mechanism is moveable between a biased condition when the window vent is in the closed position and an unbiased condition when the window vent is in the vented position. When the window vent assist mechanism is in the biased condition the first support plate and the second support plate are positioned in an opposed relationship such that the first seat and the second seat are co-axially aligned along a vertical axis and the window vent assist mechanism imparts a force against the first support plate and the second support plate to urge the second support plate away from the first support plate.
In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the first support plate has a first inner side and the first seat includes a first opening extending through the first support plate along the vertical axis. The first opening is defined by a first retaining wall extending about a perimeter of the first opening and a conical guide wall disposed between the first retaining wall and the first inner side. A surface of the guide wall is disposed at an acute angle relative to the vertical axis. The first end of the biasing member is disposed in the aperture.
In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the second support plate has a second inner side and the second seat includes a second opening extending through the second support plate along the vertical axis. The second opening is defined by a second retaining wall extending about a perimeter of the second opening and a ledge extending from the second retaining wall into the opening. The ledge terminates at an edge. The second end of the biasing member is disposed in the aperture and the ledge engages the biasing member to retain the biasing member in the second seat.
In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the biasing member defines an outer perimeter and the edge of the ledge intersects the outer perimeter. The biasing member can be a compression coil spring and the ledge can extend between two adjacent coils of the compression coil spring to retain the biasing member in the second seat.
In yet another aspect of the present disclosure, the second support plate further includes a boss projecting from the second inner surface toward the first support plate and the first support plate has a recess. When the window vent assist mechanism is in the biased condition the boss is received in the recess in a nesting relationship.
In still another aspect of the present disclosure, a vent window assembly is provided and includes an outer side, an inner side, a window frame, a window vent disposed in the window frame and moveable from a closed position and an opened position and a window vent assist mechanism. The window frame includes a header, the window vent includes a horizontal upper rail, a horizontal lower rail, opposing vertical stiles and a plurality of panes of glass, and the first support plate is attached to the header and the second support plate is attached to the upper rail of the window vent such that the vertical axis is located closer to the inner side of the vent window assembly than a vertical plane in which a center of gravity of the window vent is located.
In another aspect of the present disclosure, the examples and principles of the present disclosure provide a window vent assist mechanism that can be incorporated into vent window assemblies of different sizes and different weights. The window vent assist mechanisms can be used to reduce the force required by a user to move the window vent in the vent window assembly, especially from the closed position to the vented (or opened) position.
In still another aspect of the present disclosure, the examples and principles of the present disclosure provide a window vent assist mechanism that can be incorporated into a vent window assembly to enable the window vent in the vent window assembly to be moved by a user from the closed position to the vented position with a force of less than five pounds.
Further areas of applicability of the present disclosure will become apparent from the detailed description, the claims, and the drawings. The detailed description and specific examples are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure.
The present disclosure will become more fully understood from the detailed description and the accompanying drawings.
In the drawings, reference numbers may be reused to identify similar and/or identical elements.
As shown in
The window frame 24, in the example shown, has a rectangular shape and includes two opposing vertical sides 32, a base 34 and a frame header 36. The base 34 and the frame header 36 can be horizontal beams that are positioned substantially parallel to one another. Together, the vertical sides 32, the base 34 and the frame header 36 define a window opening 38. The window frame 24 can be mounted into a wall or other structure to connect the window assembly 22 at a desired location in a residential, commercial or other structure.
The window vent 26, in this example, has a shape that cooperates with the window frame 24. As shown, the window vent 26 can be mounted into the window opening 38 of the window frame 24. The window vent 26 is connected to the window frame 24 by the hinge 30. The hinge 30 can be any suitable linkage or other mechanism that permits the window vent 26 to move relative to the window frame 24. In the example shown, the window assembly 22 is an awning window. In this type of window, the window vent 26 articulates relative to a plane P (FIG. 3) defined by the window opening 38 of the window frame 24. The window vent 26 can translate relative to the closed position of the window vent 26 in which the window vent 26 is positioned to substantially cover the window opening 28. The window vent 26 can also rotate relative to the plane P of the window opening 38. The window vent 26 can move from the closed position (
As can be appreciated, the principles and various aspects of the present disclosure can be used on other types of window assemblies and in other positions other than in the examples described below. For example, the window vent assist mechanisms of the present disclosure can also be used in casement windows, transom windows and the like.
In the example shown, the window vent 26 can be moved in the window frame 24 using the handle 46. The handle 46 can be any suitable knob, bar, grip or the like that permits a user to move the window vent 26. In other examples, the window assembly 22 can include a control assembly or other linkage, drive assembly, window stay or the like that is attached to the window vent 26 and can be used to move the window vent 26 relative to the window frame 24. The control assembly can also include one or more detents, holes, or other positioning features that can retain the window vent 26 in a desired position relative to the window frame 24. In the example shown, the handle 46 is manually operated. A user pushes (or pulls) on the handle 46 to move the bottom portion 40 of the window vent 26 away from (or towards) the base 34 of the window frame 24.
The window vent 26 can move and/or rotate about a hinge plane H. The hinge plane H is a plane defined by the location at which the hinges 30 are mounted to the window frame 24. In various examples, the hinge plane H can be located at various positions relative to the center of gravity of the window vent 26. The distance of this offset between the center of gravity of the window vent 26 and the hinge plane H can affect the magnitude of the force required to move the window vent 26 relative to the window frame 24. It is desirable in some circumstances, such as in residential or commercial structures, to keep the magnitude of the force required to move the window vent 26 to a force less than or equal to five pounds (22.2 N). In other circumstances, it can be desirable to maintain the desired window operating force (i.e., the force required to move the window vent 26 relative to the window frame 24) to other force levels. In other examples, the desired window operating force can be a force less than 10 pounds (44.5 N). In another example, the desired window operating force can be a force less than 8.5 pounds (37.7 N). In another example, the desired window operating force can be a force less than 7 pounds (31.1 N). In still another example, the desired window operating force can be a force less than 6 pounds (26.7 N).
Referring now to
As shown, the window vent 26 generally has a frame including an upper horizontal rail 56, a lower horizontal rail 57 and two opposing vertical stiles 58 surrounding one or more panes of glass. As shown in
In the example shown, the first glass pane 50 is positioned adjacent to the upper rail 56 of the window vent. The upper rail 56 can be a rectangular hollow beam. The cross-bars 56, 57 and stiles 58 can be made of any suitable structural material such as aluminum, vinyl, fiberglass or the like.
The window vent 26 can include one or more sealing elements that are positioned around or are attached to the first glass pane 50 and/or the second glass pane 52. In the example shown, the window vent 26 includes an upper seal 62, a face seal 64 and a finger seal 66. The upper seal 62 can be attached to the upper rail 56 by an attachment arm 68. The attachment arm 68 can extend from a wall 70 of the upper rail 56. Alternatively, the attachment arm 68 can be attached to the wall 70 by an interference fit, adhesive, fastener or other suitable attachment. The upper seal 62 can extend across an upper surface of the first glass pane 50, the spacer 54 and/or the second glass pane 52. One or more ribs 72 can project away from the first glass pane 50, the spacer 54 and/or the second glass pane 52 toward the window frame 24.
The face seal 64 can connect to the upper seal 62 and/or to the second glass pane 52. The face seal 64 is positioned on a side of the second glass pane 52 opposite to the upper rail 56. The face seal 64 can include the finger seal 66. Alternatively, the finger seal 66 can be attached to the face seal 64 using an interference fit, adhesive, fastener or other suitable attachment. The finger seal 66 projects away from the window vent 26 toward the window frame 24.
The upper seal 62, the face seal 64 and/or the finger seal 66 can be made of a suitable elastomeric material such as a natural or synthetic rubber. The upper seal 62, the face seal 64 and/or the finger seal 66 can elastically deform and can be used to seal the joint between the window vent 26 and the window frame 24. When the window vent 26 is positioned in the closed position, the upper seal 62, the face seal 64 and/or the finger seal 66 can contact the window frame 24 and prevent and/or minimize the intrusion of rain, snow, wind, or other environmental elements.
In the configuration shown, the location of the first glass pane 50 and the second glass pane 52 relative to the upper rail 56 causes the center of gravity of the window vent 26 to lie horizontally offset from the upper rail 56 in a direction toward the outer side 25 of the window assembly 22. The center of gravity of the window vent 26, in the example shown, passes approximately through the vertical plane CG. The window vent 26 is attached to the window frame 24 at the hinge plane H. Since the vertical plane CG of the center of gravity of the window vent 26 is horizontally offset from the hinge plane H, the weight W of the window vent 26 tends to bias the window vent 26 toward the closed position. Consequently, to move the window vent 26 from the closed position to the vented position (
The frame header 36 of the window frame 24 can include a core wall 80 that is positioned substantially parallel to an opposing wall 82 of the when the window vent 26 is in the closed position. The window vent assist mechanism 20 can be positioned between the core wall 80 and the opposing wall 82. In the example shown in
The biasing member 60 can be a compression coil spring. The compression coil spring can have a relaxed length that is greater than the distance between the core wall 80 and the opposing wall 82 when the window vent 26 is in the closed position. As such, the biasing member 60 is in a compressed state when the window vent 26 is in the closed position and is producing a bias or force against the upper support 84 and the lower support 86. In this manner, the biasing member 60 urges the window vent 26 to move from the closed position to the vented position. In other examples, the biasing member 60 can be other types of springs, elastomeric materials or other suitable elements that can generate a force against the window vent 26 and/or the window frame 24 when the window vent 26 is in the closed position. In addition, the bias of the biasing member 60 can be fixed or variable (e.g., a coil spring with a fixed spring rate or a variable spring rate).
The upper support 84, as shown in
The first seat 92 and/or first retaining wall 88 can have a circular shape. In other examples, the first seat 92 and/or the first retaining wall 88 can have other shapes or profiles to coordinate with or complement a shape of the biasing member 60 (e.g., an outer perimeter of the biasing member 60). For example, the first retaining wall 88 and/or the first seat 92 can have a rectangular, square, oval or other suitable shape to receive and retain the biasing member 60 therein.
As best seen in
The upper support 84 can also include one or more attachment points 102. The attachment points 102 can be holes, recesses, slots or apertures that can accommodate fasteners (e.g., screws or rivets) or other attachment features such as clips, barbs, pins or the like that can be used to attach the first support 84 to the frame header 36 of the window frame 24. In the example shown, the attachment points 102 are through holes, including recesses or counter-sinks 103 from the inner surface 85, through which a fastener such as a screw, rivet, or the like can be inserted to retain the upper support 84 to the frame header 36. Two of the attachment points 102 also define elongated slots 105 which provide for some adjustability when attaching the support 84 to the window frame header 36.
The lower support 86 can have a shape and/or profile generally similar to the upper support 84. The lower support 86 can have a rectangular shape to coordinate with or complement the first support 84. The lower support 86 defines an inner face 89 that is positioned in an opposed relationship to the inner face 85 of the upper support 84. The inner face 89 of the lower support 86 can define a second seat and a locator 106. The second seat 112 includes an opening through the lower support 86 that is defined by a second retaining wall 104 that can extend about a perimeter of the opening. The second retaining wall 104 can be similarly configured to the first retaining wall 88. The first seat 92 and/or first retaining wall 88 and the second seat 112 and/or the second retaining wall 104 can be co-axially aligned along the axis 108 when the window vent assist mechanism 20 is in the compressed condition and the window vent 26 is in the closed position.
Additionally, the second seat 112 can include a ledge 113. As best seen in
The second seat 112 and/or the second retaining wall 104 can have a circular shape, such as shown in
As shown in
When the window vent 26 is in the closed position, the locator 106 can be aligned with the recess 98 on the upper support 84 as seen in
The lower support 86 can also include one or more attachment points 110. The attachment points 110 can be holes, recesses, slots or apertures that can accommodate fasteners (e.g., screws or rivets) or other attachment features such as clips, barbs, pins or the like that can be used to attach the second support 86 to the upper rail 56 of the window vent 26. In the example shown, the attachment points 110 are elongated holes or slots through which a fastener such as a screw, rivet, or the like can be inserted to retain the second support 86 to the upper rail 56. Moreover, the slots provide some adjustability for locating the lower support 86 when attaching the lower support 86 to the upper rail 56 of the window vent 26.
When the window vent assist mechanism 20 is in the compressed condition (
During routine operation of the window assembly 22 when the window vent assist mechanism 20 is in the relaxed condition (
The upper support 84 and/or the lower support 86 can be made of any suitable rigid material to transfer the forces exerted by the biasing member 60 to the window frame 24 or the window vent 26, respectively. In one example, the lower support 84 and the upper support 86 are made of a suitable thermoplastic material. In other examples, other suitable materials such as other plastics, metals, or composites can be used.
In the example window assembly 22 shown in
In another example as shown in
In a manner similar to the window vent assist mechanism 20 previously described, the leaf spring 202 can exert a force against the window frame 24 and/or the window vent 26 to urge the window vent 26 to move relative to the window frame 24.
In the example shown in
In another example shown in
The first support 222 and/or the second support 224 can include one or more connection points 226 at which the first support 222 and/or the second support 224 is connected to the window frame 24 or the window vent 26, respectively. In the example shown, the first support 222 includes two connection points 226 and the second support 224 includes two connection points 226. Suitable fasteners such as screws, bolts, rivets or the like can be inserted through the connection points 226 to secure the first support 222 and/or the second support 224 in their relative positions. In other examples, other suitable attachments can be used such as pins, clips, adhesive, welds, stakes or the like.
The first support 222 can include a first collar 228 that projects upward from the first support 222. The first collar 228 can define a first seat or sleeve 230 that is configured to receive a first rod 232 therein. In the example shown, the first sleeve 230 and the first rod 232 have round cross-sectional profiles. In other examples, other shapes or profiles can be used.
In a complimentary and cooperating arrangement, the second support 224 includes a second collar 234. The second collar 234 can define a second seat or sleeve (not shown) that is configured to receive a second rod 238 therein. The second sleeve and the second rod 238 can also have round cross-sectional profiles. The second sleeve and the second rod 238 can be axially aligned with the first sleeve 230 and the first rod 232 along a longitudinal axis 240. The second rod 238 can also be formed as part of the second support 224 (as shown in
The window vent assist mechanism 220, as further shown in
In the example shown, the torsion spring 244 can be installed between the first support 222 and the second support 224. A torque can then be applied to the torsion spring 244 via the first rod 232 and/or the second rod 238 by rotating the first rod 232 and/or the second rod 238 relative to the other. In this manner, the torsion spring 244 exerts a rotational force against the first support 222 and/or the second support 224. The rotational force of the torsion spring 244 causes the second support 224 to urge the window vent 26 to move relative to the window frame 24. As such, the window vent assist mechanism 220 can be used to exert a force against the window vent 26 to reduce the force required to move the window vent 26 from the closed position to the vented position.
As can be appreciated, the previously described example window vent assist mechanisms 20, 200, 220 can be used in other window configurations to reduce a force required to move the window vent 26 from the vented position to the closed position. In such alternate configurations, the biasing member 60 (e.g., the coil spring, the leaf spring or the torsion spring) can be reconfigured to exert a force in a direction opposite to the previously described examples such that the biasing member exerts a force to urge the window vent 26 to move toward the window frame 24 to move the window vent 26 from the vented position to the closed position.
For example, in the example window vent assist mechanism 20, the coil spring can be configured such that when the window vent is in the closed position, the coil spring is in a relaxed state and is stretched when the window vent 26 is moved to the vented position. In such a configuration, the coil spring exerts a force on the window vent 26 that urges the window vent 26 to move toward the closed position. As can be appreciated, the leaf spring and/or the torsion spring of the example window vent assist mechanisms 200, 220, respectively can be configured to reverse the direction of their respective biasing forces.
In still another example shown in
The spring 306 is fixed to the vertical side 32 of the window frame at a fixed end 314. An opposite end 316 of the spring 306 is connected to the extension arm 304. The extension arm 304 can be, in turn, connected to the slider 302. In this configuration, the spring 306 can be extended when the slider 302 moves upward in the track 310 and compressed when the slider 302 moves downward in the track 310. In such a manner, the spring 306 can exert a force on the slider 302 to move the slider 302 in the track 310.
As previously described, the position of the center of gravity of the window vent 26 relative to the position of the hinge 30 can cause the weight of the window vent 26 to urge the window vent 26 to move to the closed position. In such instances, the force required to move the window vent 26 to the vented position can exceed the desired window operating force. The spring 306 is connected at the fixed end 314 and at the opposite end 316 such that the spring 306 is in the relaxed (or un-extended) state when the window vent 26 is in the vented position. When the window vent 26 is moved to the closed position, the opposite end 316 moves upward with the slider 302 and the extension arm 304 to extend the spring to an extended state. In the extended state, the spring 306 can exert a force on the extension arm 304 and, in turn, on the slider 302 to urge the window vent 26 to move downward toward the vented position. In such a manner, the window vent assist mechanism 300 can assist in moving the window vent 26 between the closed position and the vented position and reduce the force required to move the window vent 26 to the vented position to a force less than or equal to the desired window operating force.
Another example window vent assist mechanism is shown in
In a similar manner to that previously described with respect to window vent assist mechanism 300, the spring 356 is connected at the fixed end 314 to the vertical side 32. The opposite end 316 of the spring 356 is connected to the slider 352 via the extension arm 354. In the vented position, the spring 356 is in a relaxed (un-extended) state. As the window vent 26 moves from the vented position to the closed position, the slider 352 moves upward causing the spring 356 to move to an extended state. In the closed position, the spring 356 is in the extended state and exerts a force on the extension arm 354 and the slider 352 urging the hinge 30 to move downward to cause the window vent 26 to move to the vented position.
In this manner, the window vent assist mechanism 350 can assist in moving the window vent 26 between the closed position and the vented position and reduce the force required to move the window vent 26 to the vented position. The window vent assist mechanism 350 can be used to reduce a force required to operate the window vent 26 to a force less than or equal to the desired window operating force.
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 disclosure. In some example embodiments, well-known processes, well-known device structures, and well-known technologies are not described in detail.
This application claims the benefit and priority of U.S. Provisional Application No. 62/724,731, filed on Aug. 30, 2018. The entire disclosure of the above application is incorporated herein by reference.
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Number | Date | Country | |
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