US2190098A

US2190098A - Sash balance

Info

Publication number: US2190098A
Application number: US223173A
Authority: US
Inventors: Owen L Dautrick
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1938-08-05
Filing date: 1938-08-05
Publication date: 1940-02-13
Anticipated expiration: 1957-02-13

Description

Feb-.13 1940- o. l.. DAuTRlcK 2,190,098

` sAsH BALANCE Filed Aug. 5, 193s 4 sheets-sheep 1 Feb. 13, 1940.

o. vl.. DAUTRICK SASH BALANCE- Filed Aug. 5, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Feb. 13, 1940. o. l.. DAuTRlcK SASH BALANCE Filed Aug. 5, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet I5 Feb. 13, 1940. o. l.. DAUTRICK SASH BALANCE Filed Aug. 5, 1938 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Patented Feb. 13, 1940,

i UNITED STATES PATIENT QFFICE l I `ramones i 4 v sASHBALANcE owen L` matrice, Detroit, Mich. Application Auguri; 5, 19a-s, seriarNo. 223,172:

9 claims. `(o1. 16T-19s) i The present invention relates in general t' means for balancing window sashes and other analogous articles which require to be raised `and lowered, and is more particularly concerned with improvements in devices for such purpose of the type wherein the weight of the article isbalanced by the action of one or more springs. The present application constitutes a continuation-inpart of my copending application, Serial No.

` 184,515, filed Jan. 12, 1938.

It is a primary object of the present invention to provide an .improved sash balance of the spring type which may be used with standardwindow frames.

A further object is to provide novel Aclosing means for concealing a sash balance mechanism i of the herein described type, which eiectively conceals the device yet enables ready and easy access thereto when necessary.

Another object is to provide in a device of the character described., improved means for ,connecting the balancing springs with the `a.Ssocalled instrunientalities, whereby improved action and operation may be secured.

Still another object is to provide improved means for adjusting the springtension to accommodate the mechanism for window sashes of vdii-- ferent Weights. f l

It is also an object of the herein describedinvention to provide an improved sash balance which incorporated novel bracket supporting means arranged to additionally form a suppclrt for a mechanism concealing plate, and in which this plate may constitute the sub-headjjamb of the window frame, thus enablingmy improved balance mechanism to be utilized withr a standard window frame structure.

Although for purposes of illustration the invention is disclosed as being utilized with window sashes, it will be apparent to those Skilled in uthe art that the' invention may with equal facility be utilized with other types of closure panels, `such as doors, sliding panels, etc., Without `f hlirting from the principles of the invention. y l

Other objects and features of they invention will more fully appear from the following .detailed description, taken in connection with the accom-fing drawing-s which illustrate severalielm- ,'l thereof, and 'in which:

Figure l isa plan view of .a `sash balance embodying the features of the present invention, `the balance `being applied to a `window 'frame of standard construction;

Figure 2 is an elevational view .of the same;

5.5 Figure 3 is an 4enlarged vertical fragmentary spring v Aspring is slidably connected to the rod, taken substantially'on line VI--VI of Figure 5;

. Figure 'I is a similar sectional view taken through the rod adjacent the other end of the 15 spring, taken substantially on line VII-V11 of Figure;4 l Figure 8`is an enlarged fragmentary view partly in section, showing the manner in which the ten sioning pulley is removably connected to the springrod;

Figure 9 is a transverse sectional view through the same, taken substantially online IX+I-X of Figure 8;

' Figure 10 is a detail view looking at'the outer end ofone of the winding drums, showing the manner inwhich the exible sash tapev is secured to the drum, taken substantially on line X-X of Figure 5;

Figure 11 isa view similar to Figure 1 of a slightly modiied construction of sash balance embodying the features of the present invention;

. Figure 12 is a view similar to Figure 2, showing the modified `structure in elevation;

' Figure-13 is an enlarged transverse sectional 35' view of the same, taken substantially on line XIII- XIII of Figure 11;

Figure 14 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse sectional view taken substantially on lineY XIV-XIV lof Figure 11; and

Figure 15 is an enlarged fragmentary transverse sectional View of the same, taken substantially online `of Figure 1,1.

As shown on the drawings:

The invention is `disclosed as being applied to 45 a standard window frame or casing which as usually constructed contains spaced side jambs I and I1 which are connected at the topof the frame by ahead jarnb V|8 Vin any suitable manner. l Window .sashes (not shown) are mounted 'in this 50` frame for raising and lowering movements, and the present invention is primarily yconcerned with improved means for 'balancing the weight of these sashes so vthat they may be easily actuated.

As generally shown in Figures l anda, the

ancing unit connected to one side only of each,v sash may be furnished. On the other hand, where the sashes are larger and heavier or wherethe matter of economy is not a limiting` factor,

two units may be furnished for each sash, these, units being independently connected to both sides of the sash.

I have shown the balancing mechanism foral window containing two sashes, two spring units being provided for each sash. l,'I-he'spring' units are arranged in right and left-hand pairs, the two units for connection to the left side ofthe two sashes being mounted together and the two units forthe right sides of the two sashes being mounted together. The units" are arranged to be mounted at the upper cornersof a standard window frame.

Each spring unit comprises an elongate rod I9 which may be constructed of any suitable material, wood having been found satisfactory for this purpose. As shown in Figure 5, one Aend of this rod is centrally apertured to receive a trunnion'pin 20 which is driven into the end of the rod and projects outwardly therefrom to form a pivot for this end of the rod and also serve as a support for rotatably supporting a winding drum 2| which may be constructed of any suitable material such as zwood.

The winding drum 2| is provided at its innermost end with a cup-shaped `metal ca'p 22, the bottom surface of this cap abutting the end of the rod to form a bearing surface. The bottom of this cap at itsperipheryvis provided with a circumferential `bead 23which has a cutout portion 24, as shown in Figure 3, for a purpose which will be explained laterf.

This end of the rod I9 is rotatably supported in an end bracket 25, and the otherend of the rod is rotatably supported in a bracket 2li.` Each of these brackets is arranged to'support two of the spring units.

The bracket 25 embodies `a substantially rectangular main plate portion 21 which is secured in surface engagement with the associated side jamb. This portion of the bracket is apertured to receive the projecting ends of the trunnion pins, .the jambs being provided with suitable sockets 28 so as to enable the ends of the trunnion pins Ato project through the. plate portion 2'I`.

- The bracketZ, as shown in Figures vl and 2, is of substantially U-shaped construction and has spaced

leg portions

29 and 3!) with aligned apertures of suicient size to permit the associatedend of the rod I9 to project therethrough. This bracket may be secured with the spaced ends of the U-shaped legs against the head jarnb I8. as by a centrally disposed screw 3| extending through the bridging` portion connecting the legs.

The rod I9'is retained against longitudinal removal from `the brackets v25 and 26 by means of a diametrically extending pin 32 which khas its end projecting beyond. the surface. of Ythe' rod.

This pin is positioned between the

legs

29 and 30 of the bracket 26 and bears against the inner surface of leg 3U, thus holding the rod against movement in such direction as would tend to cause the end of the trunnion pin to be withdrawn from its support in the plate 27 of bracket 25.

Surrounding the rod I9- is a coiled tension spring 33 which is secured at one end to the cap 22 associated withfthe winding drum 2|. 'I'his end of the spring is anchored by carrying the marginal end of the spring through the cutout portion 24, thence through the passageway cooperatively formed by the bead and the asso- -ciatd end of the winding drum. The extreme en d. of the spring is then again brought out through the cutout portion and deected as shown at 34 in Figure 3.

The opposite end of the spring is secured to a sleeve member 35 of generally tubular construction. This member is provided with an inwardly struck rib portion '36 which extends longitudinally of the"sleeveand is adapted to slidingly extend `into .a slotf3I which extends longitudinally of the rod I9 and is formed in the surface thereof. The innermost end of this sleeve member vis deflected to form a circumferentlally extending bead 38 having a cutout portion 39 which forms anentrance opening to the interior of the bead. The associated end of the spring is secured ina similar manner to that in which the other end `is secured to the cap 22. That is, the` marginal end ofthe spring is carried through the cutout portion 3S, thence through the interior of the bead 33. The extreme end portionl of thespring is then brought out through thecutout portion 39 and deiiectedas shown at 40 in Figure 6. v

With the construction just described, it will be apparent that thesleeve 35 anchors the associatedvend of the spring to the rod IS in such manner that this end of the spring will be rotated with the rod but is free to move longitudinally of the rod when the spring tension is increased ordecreased.

The utilization of a bead for engaging at least one of the end turns of the spring in the anchoring means has been found to possess desirable advantages'over arrangements wherein the eX- treme tip end of the spring is simply deflected to form a singlepoint hook connection.

In my improved arrangement, the beadedportion engages the 4last turn of the spring substantially throughout its circumference, thus holding the coil erect and opposing any tendency of this coil to tilt. By holding the end coils erect in this manner, the intermediate coilswill also have a tendency to remain erect duringincreases and decreases of the spring tension. Moreover, the bead allows for changes in diameter ofthe spring coils during changing of its tension.

As a lresult, a much more favorable spring action is secured -by eliminating excessive strain and reducing friction at the points of anchorage. Also,.I have found that my improved anchor means enables lighter spring wire to be used in which the torsional forces are relatively lower than in the case of heavier spring wire. A much improved and truer counterbalancing results, and the .recoil action of the spring is lessened.

Each winding drum 2i is arranged to have a flexible tape 4I wound and unwound thereon. One end of vthis tape is connected to a sash in any suitable manner, and the other end is confrom, but permitting the tape to Itbe-wound aroundV the drum. i

Each spring unit fis arranged lto `h ave its spring initially tensioned to any predetermineduor desirable amount. This is accomplished-by rotating the shaft ill-9, and -a suitable latch Lfor retaining the shaft against rotation in one direction ,is provided. For this purpose, a latchingplate .-44 is pivoted at one edge yby means of trunnions .45 and 46 in the `legs 29 and 30 -ofbracketi for swinging movement. The free -end of 1 Y this Aplate is arranged to ride Yonl the surface of the rod i9, as shown in Figure 4, in the path of movement of the projecting ends of pin `32. Thus, the shaft I9 may be Yrotated in one direction, but when it tends .to move in `rthe reverse direction, oneend or the other of the pin 32 will `engage against the free edge of the plate 44 and thus be latched against movement. The plate -44 is normally moved to latching position Aby the'action of gravity. y y

In Iorder to facilitate rotation of'rod |19 for tensicning `its associated spring, each rod is' provided at its linnermost ,end with adiametrically extending end slot 41;.' A winding pulley -or-.sleeve 48 is arranged `to be removably placed over the slotted end. of the rod, this pulley :having an 'in ternal web 49 which will enter the slot 41 andanchortthe pulley for rotative movement vwith lthe shaft. The outer surface -of the pulley islarranged to havev a pull cord 50 wound fthereonfby means .of which the shaft may be rotated simply by pulling on the cord.

`Itwill be noted that the slotted endsof all the winding units -are adjacently disposed and that the winding pulley may be selectively connected with any one of the rodsr|f9 rof the spring units for initially tensioning their springs to the :desi-red amount. v

By utilizing `a splined` connection between the inner end of the spring and rod, the torsional effect only of the spring is utilized. Moreover, such a connection preventsthe spring `coils from overlapping and locking with each other when tensioned, and the `spring y-coils -will .at all `timeslie smoothly and regularly along the rod. 'I-'his arrangement also permits the use of different lengths of springs without having to modify the other parts ofthe mechanism.

In .the preferred form of my ,inventiQrL the brackets 25, whichv aregutilized for supportingthe spring units -on the side jambs of `the window frame, `are also utilized to support closure and concealing members for concealing thesash :balance mechanism position ratthe upperendrof the window frame. l

The .front side of thesash ,balance :mechanism is concealed by means 4including a removable plate 5l, as shown in Figure 1, which issecured as by screws-52 and 52' to abutment flangesf'53 and A53 respectively formed on `the Supporting bracket-s 25-25' associated with the sidejambs of the `window frame.

Each of these end brackets at its lowerrnost edge is `provided with spaced apartinverted L- shapedportions54 and 55, as shown in `Figures 2 andS. These portions are spaced from theplate 21 and are arranged 4to vreceivethe ends of a closure plate 56 therein. y i l s The "associated end :of the plate 56 may Abe removablysecured to the portions 54 andl 55 as by ,sui-table screws-51 and 58. The opposite encl of vplate 56 isgsimilarly'securedto the bracket 25'. With this arrangement, the plate 56, yin effect, forms ,a sub-head jamb forthe 4sashes and mayr have securedI thereto a parting stripes shown at 59. i

Itwill beobserved'thatzthe ends of the

plate

5,6 are yinwardly disposed atthe plate 21 ofthe bracket 25, so that the `flexible tape M `does not haveto passthroughfthe plate 56. The portions 54 and :55'have their adjacent edges spaced apart to form a slot 60 for one .of the tapes, and the portion 54 has yits forward edgespaced from the flange =53 to form a slot or opening 6| to permit passageiof the other tape. i

If ,;desired, vthe rear edge of plate 56` may be provided Twith a longitudinally extending tongue 62 adapted to fit into a suitable grooveGB formed `in a back plate member -64 atthe rear side and topof the window frame. This tongue may have its `upper edge rounded to 'facilitate swinging movement of 4the plate 56 `when itis removed and inserted into closing` position. Also, the forwardedge of this plate is beveled as shown at 65 so that it will not bind against the plate 5l when swung into and out of closing position.`

The .modified sash balance construction as shown in. Figures 11 tok 15 inclusive,iopera te upon the same'general principles as the-preferred form of the invention, but, differs therefrom in the construction of certain of its parts. 'Ihemodt fled construction, as disclosed on the drawings,

may be constructed either as a single or double unit, and it is thought that a description ofthe double unit will `be ,sufficient to clearly show the detailed differences between the preferred and modiedconstructions of the invention.

The doubleunit comprises anelongate rod` 65 which is provided at its ends with trunnion 4pins 61--61 projectingoutwardly from the ends of the rod to form pivots for winding drums ttf-E8 of any suitable material such as wood.

l The trunnions `til are of sufcient length `to project past the winding drums land support the rod .3,6 :for 4'rotation in, end `brackets 63 and l which are secured as byscrews 1|. in surface engagement with the respective side jambs i6 and Il of the-windowframe.

rEach bracket is v.provided with a centrally cutoutj-portion .12 which admits of theassociated trunnionpin being -seatedbehind a hooked projection 7,3 by carrying itthrough an entrance Opening 1 4. yIn its Isupported position in an ,associated `end. bracket, `the trunnion pin-projects outwardlypastthe bracket into a` dado Vor groove 15st the upperend of the associated jamb. For .additionally supporting the rod 65 intermediate Aits ends, .an intermediate bracket 'It ,is provided, which may be secur edto the fixed head jamb `by'rneanskof asuitable `screw 'IL ,'Ihe trod 65 extends througha suitable aper-` ture "i8` in the bracket, as shown in Figure 14. The rod is rotatably supported in the bracket in an,v open ended sleeve .79 which partially surrounds the rod` and has onerendthereof outwardly deflected to form a radiallyextendng end ly ,deflected to form a radially `extending end flange 8l, `,Fligjnre 14. Thisange is adapted `to ported against edgewise movementin the bracket in any suitable manner. f f

Pivotally disposed on opposite sides ofthe intermediate bracket, tension springs 83 and y84 are coiled around the rod. Oneof these springswill be a right-hand; spring and the other a left-hand spring. The springs are .similarly connected at their ends with the winding drums and the rod 66.

For example, the outermost end of spring 8 4 is anchored to a sleeve 85 which surrounds the innermost endof the winding drum and is secured thereto as by an anchor pin or other lsuitable means (not shown) Thus `the sleeveV and drum have unitary movement. Any appropriate means may be utilized for Securing the associated spring end to the drum, but one satisfactory method is to provide Ythe sleeve 85 with a projection 86 over which the spring end may be hooked. If desired, this projection may be bent around the spring to hold it against the end of the winding drum.

The other end of the spring is secured to a sleeve'l which surrounds the rod' 66. This sleeve is retained against rotational vmovement relative to the rod by means of an internal rib which is adapted to extend into the groove 82 for sliding movement therein. It will thus be evident that the sleeve as thus secured will be rotatable with the rod, but is free to move longitudinally on the rod when the associatedspring `has its tension increased or decreased. y

As in the preferred form of the invention, the winding drums 68 are in this case adaptedto have the flexible tape 4l wound thereon.

For simultaneously tensioning the springs 83 and 84 to the same amount, a tensioning pulley 68 is loosely mounted on the rod 66 for rotative movement thereon. This pulley has awinding surface adapted to have a winding or pull cord wound thereon in the same manner as the winding pulley in the preferred form of the invention.

One end of the pulleyv is provided with clutching teeth 89 which are adapted, when the pulley is slid along the rod into abutting relation with the sleeve 19, to clutchingly engage the flange 45.

80. Upon rotation of the pulley 88 by pulling upon the tensioning cord, the rod 66 will be r0- tated in the proper direction tol tension vthe springs 83 and 84. vThese springs may be tensioned to just the right amount to counter-balance the weight of the sash which is connected thereto through the tapes 4 I. Rotation of the rod in the opposite direction, which will tend to release the tension on the springs, is prevented by means of a suitablelatching arrangement.

This latching arrangement comprises a pawl 9D, as shown in Figure 14, which is swin'gably mounted on a pivot 9| secured tothe intermediate bracket 16. This pawl is held in latching position by gravity. Should it be desirable at any time to lessen the tension on the springs, this may be easily accomplished by actuating the tensioning pulley in a tensioning direction suiiiciently to enable the pawl to be manually released, whereuponby releasing the pressure or pull on the tensioning cord, the springs will be permitted to unwind and rotate the shaft until the proper tension remains in the spring. The paWl may then be released to latch the rod against further unwinding movement.

A single spring unit, as shown in Figure 11, mayalso be constructed after the manner of my modified construction. This unitoperates on the same principles as the double arrangement except that instead of providing two springs and two winding drums only one spring and one winding drum is necessary. In the single arrangement, instead of having connecting tapes secured at opposite sides of the sash, a single tape is secured at one side of the sash as in my rst arrangement. fIt will also be noted that in the case of the single arrangement, the tensioning pulley may be removed from the rod, when itis not being used, the same as in my preferred construction.'

Since it is necessary in spring balanced mechanisms for sashes, whereA the load is constant and the power supplied by the spring is variable, to provide some means to balance the sash at all points of its position of adjustment, it is understood that Weatherstripping may be provided for this purpose, as described in my aforementioned co-pending application.

VFrom the foregoing description, it will be apparent that the present invention provides an improved sash balance mechanism of the spring type which may be utilized with standard window frames; which embodies novel closing means for the balance mechanism, which is supported from the bracket utilized'for supporting the balance mechanism, whereby the mechanism is effectively concealed and yet is so arranged that access to the mechanism may be readily and easily accomplished, when necessary; improved means for connecting the balancing springs with the associated parts of the mechanism, whereby novel and improved spring action may be secured; and which includes improved means for adjusting the spring tension to accommodate the balance mechanism for windowv sashes of different weights.

It is, of course, to be understood that although I have described in detail a preferred and modified embodiment of my invention, the invention is not to be thus limited but only insofar as defined by the scope and spirit of the appended claims.

I claim as my invention:

1. A sash balance mechanism comprising a rod supported for rotative movement, a winding drum rotatably supported at one end of said rod and adaptedV to have a exible member connectible to a sash wound and unwoundthereon, an elongate coiled spring surrounding said rod and extendingv away from said drum, one end of said spring being connected to said drum, and the other end of said spring being connected to said rod for rotative movement therewith, means adjacent the latter connection of the spring for manually rotating said rod in one direction to tension said spring,means for latching said rod against rotation in the opposite direction, said latter means including a projection carried by said rod, and a hinged plate having its free end normally riding on said rod in the path of travel of said projection. l 2. In asash balance, a drum supported for rotative movement, said drum having a winding surface, a cap member disposed over one end of said drum, a circumferentially extending bead formed in said cap,` said bead being open toward the associated end of the drum and cooperating therewith to forma circular passageway, a cutout portion in said beaddening an entrance to said passageway, and a coiled spring having one of its end margins extending through said opening and passageway.

3. In a sash balance, a rotatably mounted rod having a longitudinally extending surface slot, a sleeve member surrounding said rod, said `sleeve having an inwardly deflected portion disposed in said slot, a circumferentially extending tubular bead at one end of said sleeve having a cutout portion deiining an entrance opening to the interior of said bead, a coiled spring surrounding said rod, said spring having one of its end margins extending through said opening and looped Within said bead. l

4. In a sash balance, anormally stationary rotatable rod, a rotatable Winding drum at one end of said rod adapted for connection to a sash, a spring interconnecting said `rod and drum, said rod having an end slot at its other end, a tubu-` lar second Winding drum removably slidable over said latter end, said second drum having an internal web arranged to enter said slot, and a iiexible pull member adapted to be Wound on said latter drum.

5. In a sash balance, a rotatably mounted elongate member, a first winding drum` resiliently connected to said member and arranged for` connection with a sash, a tubular'second Winding drum removably slidable over an end of said member, means removably connecting said second drum and member, and a flexible `pull member adapted to be Wound on said second drum.

6. In a sash balance mechanism, an elongate coiled spring, a rotatably mounted member, and means for connecting one end of said spring to said member, said means including an element engageable with at least one end turn of the spring at a plurality of points in its vcircumference, whereby the vturns of the spring are retained erect during increaseand decrease of the tension of said spring.

7. In a sash balance mechanism, an elongat coiled spring, a rotatably mounted member,v a

8. In a sash balance mechanism, an elongate coiled spring, a rotatably mounted member, a normally non-rotative member, first means for anchoring one end of the spring to the rotatable member, second means for anchoring the other end of the spring to the normally non-rotative member, said rst means and second means in each case having parts arranged to engage at least one end turn of the spring and hold it against tilting during increase and decrease of the tension of said spring, and a connection enabling movement of one of said means in a direction axially of said spring.

9. In a sash balance, an elongate rotatably mounted rod, an elongate coiled spring surrounding said rodand having one end anchored to the rod, a pair of Winding drums respectively at the ends of said rod, one of said drums being rotatable relatively to said rod and'connected with the other end of said spring, said one of said drums being arranged for connection with a sash, l

means for removably connecting the other of said drums to the rod, and a pull cord for rotating the latter drum to vary the tension of said spring in its relation to said one of said drums.

OWEN L. DAUTRICK.