Spring Actuated Transom Window

A transom window comprising:

• a transom window frame;
• a vent glass pivotable between a closed position and an open position;
• a fixed glass secured to the transom window frame;
• and
• a hinge disposed between the vent glass and the fixed glass, the hinge comprising:
• an upper hinge member affixed to the vent glass of the transom window,
• a lower hinge member affixed to the fixed glass of the transom window and fixed to the transom window frame,
• a hinge cover secured between the upper hinge member and the lower hinge member, and
• a spring element acting between the upper hinge member and the lower hinge member,
• wherein the upper hinge member includes a first pivot member cooperable with a corresponding second pivot member of the lower hinge member, and wherein each of the upper hinge member and the lower hinge member includes a stop surface that limits a pivot range of the upper hinge member relative to the lower hinge member,
• wherein the upper hinge member further includes a first spring seat on a side of the upper hinge member opposite from the pivot member, and one of the hinge cover and the lower hinge member includes a second spring seat, the spring element being secured between the first spring seat and the second spring seat, and
• wherein the upper hinge member is pivotable relative to the lower hinge member between a closed position and an open position, and wherein in the closed position, the spring element is positioned to bias the upper hinge member toward the closed position, and in the open position, the spring member is displaced over center to bias the upper hinge member toward the open position.

A multi-piece hinge pivotably connecting a top member and a bottom member, the hinge comprising:

• an upper hinge member securable to the top member;
• a lower hinge member securable to the bottom member and fixable in a frame;
• a hinge cover secured between the upper hinge member and the lower hinge member;
• and
• a spring element acting between the upper hinge member and the lower hinge member via the hinge cover,
• wherein the upper hinge member is pivotable relative to the lower hinge member across a pivot range between a closed position and an open position, the pivot range being limited by a stop assembly, and wherein in the closed position, the spring element is positioned to bias the upper hinge member toward the closed position, and in the open position, the spring member is displaced over center to bias the upper hinge member toward the open position.