Multi-coil spring window counterbalance assembly
AssigneeInovadeas, LLLP
InventorDave Lundahl
Life of this patent
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Abstract
Disclosed is a multi-coil spring assembly that is mounted in the weight pocket of a vertically operating window. The multi-coil spring assembly allows the user to attach a desired number of multi-coil springs having chosen constant forces to the counterbalance connector to provide the desired amount of counterbalance force to the sash of a vertically operating window. The multi-coil spring assembly may be rotated into an interior portion of the window to permit straightforward attachment to the counterbalance connector and then retracted into the weight pocket in a recessed position for normal window operation.
Claims10
A sash counterbalance apparatus disposed in the weight pocket of a window jamb of a vertically operating window, comprising in combination:
- a mounting block having an open channel and rigidly disposed in the weight pocket;
- a pivot member rotatably mounted in the open channel of said mounting block;
- at least one multi-coil spring mounted on said pivot member such that said at least one multi-coil spring can be uncoiled from said pivot member, thereby generating an approximately constant force;
- a counterbalance connector attached at one end to said sash;
- at least one connector for attaching said at least one of said at least one multi-coil springs to the other end of said counterbalance connector, such that a desired counterbalance force for said sash is generated;
- a pulley over which said counterbalance connector travels, said pulley being disposed to engage said counterbalance connector between said sash and said at least one multi-coil spring;
- whereby said pivot member can be rotated out of an opening in the weight pocket to a position such that said counterbalance connector can be connected to at least one of said at least one multi-coil springs, and rotated back to a recessed position in the weight pocket which permits said sash to be operated in said window frame.
A method for counterbalancing a sash in a vertically operating window comprising:
- mounting at least one multi-coil spring on a pivot member such that each of the at least one multi-coil springs generates a chosen constant counterbalance force when uncoiled from the pivot member;
- pivotably mounting the pivot member in a mounting block;
- affixing the mounting block in a recessed position in a weight pocket of a jamb of the vertically operating window such that the at least one multi-coil spring does not interfere with the operation of said sash, whereby the pivot member can be rotated from interior to the weight pocket to a position external thereto, thereby exposing the at least one multi-coil spring;
- and
- attaching a chosen number of said at least one multi-coil springs to a counterbalance connector such that a selected counterbalance force is exerted on the counterbalance connector;
- and
- attaching the counterbalance connector to the sash, such that the weight of the sash is offset.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.