Abstract:
A guide assembly or balance shoe assembly for slidably and pivotably mounting a window sash to a window jamb is disclosed. The guide assembly includes a shoe housing having sliding surfaces that guide the housing in the jamb channel. A sash pivot is coupled to the window sash and a locking cam is rotatably coupled within the shoe housing. The locking cam includes a sash pivot that retains the sash pivot pin. The locking cam rotates substantially with the sash pivot and the locking cam has a locking surface that is configured to engage the jamb channel when the sash pivot is rotated to a first position.

Description:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to a sash window with a guide assembly. Particularly, the present invention relates to a double-hung sash window wherein the window sash can be pivotally titled out of the window frame. More particularly, the present invention relates to a double-hung sash window having a guide assembly configured to guide the window sash in the jamb channel of the window frame and to secure the window sash to the window frame when the window sash is titled out of the window frame. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     It is known to provide a window for a home (or other building) with a window frame having rigid extrusions made from vinyl or other plastics), wood, aluminum, or other applicable materials and is used in combination with a window sash which may be made from wood, vinyl, aluminum, or other applicable materials. Generally, windows of this type include a “double-hung” window sash that is guided in a jamb channel (or jamb liner) of the window frame so that it is slidable relative to the window frame. 
     It is also known in a “double-hung” window base to provide the window sash with two pivot points, typically at the base of the window sash, to allow the window sash to be pivoted or “tilted” out of the window frame so that the exterior of the window sash can be accessed (i.e. for washing, painting, and/or repair) from the interior of the home or building. 
     In such known windows, counter-balance systems have been used to hold the window sash in an open position or closed position. Such known systems may include a counter-weight or spring balance assembly of some kind (i.e. that may operate in conjunction with an “interference” between the window sash and the jamb channel of the window frame). Typically, spring balance assemblies are enclosed in the jamb channels on each side of the window sash. 
     However, a problem encountered with conventional windows having a tilt-out window sash is construction of a suitable mechanism for the retention of the end of the counter-balance spring assembly that must be removably secured to the window sash (to allow “tilting” out). While the window sash may be tilted out of the frame (or may be completely removable), it is desirable that the window sash (which otherwise may move within the jamb channel from an open position to a closed position) not be movable within the jamb channel once tilted out (or when its full weight is not available to offset the pull of a spring balance assembly). 
     In windows that employ an “interference” counter-weight or spring-balance assembly, for example, including a balance shoe assembly with a balance “shoe” slidable in the jamb channel and engageable with the window sash (i.e. moving with the window sash when it is engaged), it is desirable that when tilting the window sash, the balance shoe assembly be retained in a fixed position within the jamb channel. 
     Locking mechanisms such as a positive locking arrangement for a balance shoe assembly are known. However, such known balance shoe assemblies typically require a plurality of parts, which makes them more difficult or costly to manufacture and assemble. Moreover, such known balance shoe assemblies typically do not provide for convenient yet secure removal of the window sash from the window frame. 
     Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a sash window with a guide assembly that includes a minimal number of parts and yet provides an adequate holding force when the window sash is tilted out. It would also be advantageous to provide a guide assembly in the frame of a balance shoe assembly that is simple and inexpensive to manufacture and assemble. It would further be advantageous to provide a balance shoe assembly that retains a sash pivot pin adequately when the sash is in the tilted out position, for example, in the balance shoe assembly, but still allows easy disengagement of the sash pivot pin from the balance shoe assembly and that also allows for removal of the window sash from the window frame. It would be desirable to provide for a sash window with a guide assembly providing at least some of these and other advantageous features. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates to a guide assembly for translationally and pivotally mounting a window sash to a window frame providing a window jamb having a jamb channel. The guide assembly includes a housing configured for translating movement within the jamb channel. The guide assembly also includes a sash pivot configured to be coupled to the window sash. Further, the guide assembly includes a locking cam rotatably coupled to the housing. The locking cam includes a sash pivot retaining region. The locking cam also includes a surface configured to engage the jamb channel when the sash pivot is rotated to a first position. 
     Another exemplary embodiment of the invention also relates to a window. The window includes a window frame having a jamb channel and a window sash movable relative to the window frame. The window further includes a shoe housing including a sliding surface for guiding the housing in the jamb channel. The window also includes a sash pivot configured to be coupled to the window sash. Further still, the window includes a locking cam rotatably coupled to the shoe housing. The locking cam includes a sash pivot retaining region and the locking cam is configured to rotate substantially with the sash pivot. The locking cam includes a locking surface configured to engage the jamb channel when the sash pivot is rotated to a first position. 
     Still another exemplary embodiment of the invention further relates to a locking sash shoe for slidably and pivotably mounting a window sash to a window jamb, the window jamb having a jamb channel. The sash shoe includes a shoe housing with a sliding surface for guiding the housing in the jamb channel. The sash shoe also includes a sash pivot configured to be coupled to the window sash. The sash shoe also includes a locking cam rotatably coupled to the shoe housing. The locking cam includes a sash pivot retaining region. The locking cam is configured to rotate substantially with the sash pivot. The locking cam includes an integrally formed locking surface configured to engage the jamb channel when the sash pivot is rotated to a first position. 
    
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     The exemplary embodiments of the present invention will become more fully understood from the following detailed description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, in which: 
     FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a double-hung tilt-out window showing the bottom sash in the closed position. 
     FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a double-hung tilt-out window showing the lower sash in a partially open and partially tilted out position. 
     FIG. 3 is a side elevation view of the sash pivot pin engaging a balance shoe assembly. 
     FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a balance shoe assembly and the sash pivot pin. 
     FIG. 5 is an elevational view of the balance shoe assembly. 
     FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the balance shoe assembly and sash pivot pin taken along the line  6 — 6  in FIG.  5 . 
     FIG. 7 is an elevational view of the balance shoe assembly showing the window sash in a partially tilted out position. 
     FIG. 8 is an elevational view of the balance shoe assembly showing the window sash in the fully tilted out position. 
     FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of the balance shoe assembly engaged with the sash pivot pin taken along the line  9 — 9  in FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of the balance shoe assembly engaged with the pivot pin taken along the line  10 — 10  in FIG.  8 . 
     FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of the balance shoe assembly engaging the sash pivot pin and showing the spring retainer flexing as the sash pivot pin enters the sash pivot pin retaining region. 
     FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view of the balance shoe assembly similar to FIG. 11 but showing the sash pivot pin retained in the pivot pin retaining region and further showing the spring retainer retaining the sash pivot pin. 
     FIG. 13 is a cross-sectional view taken along the line  13 — 13  in FIG.  12  and showing the spring retainer stops engaging the jamb channel. 
     FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the balance shoe assembly showing the spring retainer being flexed so that the pivot pin may be removed from the retaining region. 
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     Referring now to FIGS. 1 and 2, a double-hung tilt-out window  10  is depicted. Window  10  includes an upper sash  12  and a lower sash  14  supported in a frame  16 . As shown partially in FIG. 3, frame  16  supports a jamb liner or jamb channel  18  that is configured to slidably support a guide assembly shown as a balance shoe assembly  20  (or a guide assembly). As depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, balance shoe assembly  20  both engages and is slidably retained in jamb channel  18 . As depicted in FIG. 2, balance shoe assembly  20  on each side of frame  16  act as pivot points (which form an axis A—A for pivotal movement of lower sash) when a window sash (e.g. lower sash  14 ), is tilted out from the window frame, as is done to provide convenient access to the opposing side of the window (e.g. for repair, painting, washing, or other activity) from within an interior space without having to remove the window. According to an alternative embodiment, upper sash  12  may include a set of balance shoe assemblies similar to balance shoe assembly  20 , shown in FIG. 2 that are coupled to lower sash  14 . An engagement/disengagement device such as, but not limited to, a sliding latch may be installed at the top of sashes  12  and  14  to engage or disengage sashes  12  or  14  from jamb channel  18 . According to alternative embodiments, any of a wide variety of engagement/disengagement devices (e.g. spring-loaded latches, buttons, levers, etc.) may be used in the window. 
     Referring now to FIG. 4, an exploded view of balance shoe assembly  20  is depicted. Balance shoe assembly  20  includes a balance shoe housing  22  and a locking cam  24 . Locking cam  24  includes a wheel  26  having a plurality of serrations  28  and a hub  30  with a retaining region  32 . Retaining region  32  is configured to retain a sash pin  34  which is part of a sash pin assembly  36 . Sash pin assembly  36  includes a base  38  and sash pin  34 . According to a preferred embodiment, sash pin  34  may have a flange  40  and mounting holes  42  for mounting sash pin assembly  36  to a window sash, such as lower sash  14 . Hub  30  also includes a tang  31  extending opposite retaining region  32  and configured to prevent locking cam  24  from inadvertent disassembly with housing  22 . 
     According to a preferred embodiment, balance shoe assembly  20  is slidably captured within jamb channel  1   8 , as depicted in FIG.  9 . According to alternative embodiments, the balance shoe assemblies may be slidably retained in jamb channel by an interference fit. Also, in an alternative embodiment, the balance shoe assemblies may be configured to retain a balance spring within the balance shoe to counter balance the weight of a window sash. Alternatively, the balance shoe may be configured to be coupled to an end of a balance spring, to counter balance the weight of a window sash. 
     As shown in FIG. 2, balance shoe assemblies  20  are installed at opposite sides of sash  14  (and alternatively, sash  12 ). As shown in FIG. 3, sash pins  34  are mounted to sash  14  by fasteners (such as screws  37 ) and are supported by balance shoe assemblies  20  for pivotal rotation. By pivotal rotation, sash  14  is tiltable about longitudinal axis A—A (FIG. 2) defined by sash pins  34  on each side of sash  14 . 
     According to a preferred embodiment, to install a sash (such as sash  14 ) with a sash pin assembly  36  in a window frame  16 , sash  14  is held substantially horizontal and each sash pin  34  is slid through a corresponding slot  44  in housing  22  of balance shoe assembly  20 . Referring to FIG. 10, sash  14  and sash pin assembly  36  enter slot  44  in a direction depicted by arrow  46 . As sash  14  is installed, sash pin  34  contacts a retaining spring  48  (according to a preferred embodiment, spring  48  is integrally or unitarily formed with housing  22 ). Spring  48  is shown as a cantilevered flexible member, according to a preferred embodiment. According to alternative embodiments, the spring may be various other forms of a cantilevered flexible structure, or other configurations may be used. As shown in FIG. 11, retaining spring  48  is deflected in a direction  50 . When pin  34  is fully installed within retaining region  32  of locking cam  24 , spring  48  returns to an unflexed position, as depicted in FIG.  10 . 
     It should be noted that in an exemplary embodiment retainer spring  48  is integrally formed with housing  22  to provide the advantage of reduced complexity and simplified assembly, resulting in overall cost savings in the manufacturing of balance shoe assembly  20 . In an exemplary embodiment in which retainer spring  48  is integrally molded with housing  22 , the fabrication of housing  22  requires less complex tooling. For example, housing  22  may be a molded polymer (or other applicable material), the molding of which does not requires separate cores or paddles to be used, thereby resulting in simplified manufacturing processes. 
     Once pin  34  is retained in retaining region  32 , a movement of sash  14  in a direction, indicated by arrow  52 , as depicted in FIG. 12, causes pin  34  to engage retaining spring  48  and causes retaining spring  48  to flex in a direction indicated by arrow  54 . Retaining spring  48  includes stops that engage jamb channel  18 , as depicted in FIG.  13 . Stops  56  prevent retaining spring  48  from over-flexing and potentially breaking from housing  22 . Further, stops  56  prevent retaining spring  48  from substantial deflection, thereby aiding in the retention of pin  34  in retaining region  32 . To remove sash  14  from retaining pin  34 , a retaining spring  48  is pushed in a direction  58 , depicted in FIG. 14, by using a finger or a tool  60  that causes spring  48  to flex and thereby provide clearance for pin  34  to slide out of retaining region  32  in the direction indicated by arrow  59 . 
     When sash  14  is in the fully tilted up position, like that shown in FIG. 1, hub  30  of locking cam  24  is in the position shown in FIG. 5, whereby pin  34  is retained in hub  30 . In the fully tilted up position, sash  14 , engaged with balance shoe assembly  20 , may slide up and down while being retained within jamb channel  18 , as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6. As shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, serrations  28  do not interfere with, engage, or substantially prevent balance shoe assembly  20  from moving within jamb channel  18  when sash  14  is in the fully tilted-up position. 
     As depicted in FIG. 7, when sash  14  is tilted out of frame  16 , pin  34  causes hub  30  to rotate and causes locking or engagement surfaces, shown as serrations  28 , to engage jamb channel  18 , as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9. As sash  14  reaches the fully horizontal position, as shown in FIG. 8, balance shoe assembly  20  is prevented from moving (e.g., sliding) within jamb channel  18  because serrations  28  provide a frictional and interfering engagement with jamb channel  18  thereby preventing any movement either when an individual is working on sash  14  or when a user is removing sash  14  (as depicted in FIG.  14 ). Further, when sash  14  is in the position shown in FIG. 8, the pin may be removed from retention in hub  30  of locking cam  26  by deflecting retaining spring  48  as depicted in FIG.  14 . Spring  48  may be deflected by pressing using a finger or any appropriate tool, such as tool  60 . 
     According to a preferred embodiment, balance shoe assembly  20  may be manufactured from molded plastic. According to alternative embodiments, balance shoe assembly  20  may be made from materials, such as, but not limited to, metallic, polyester, nylon, composite materials, and other well known polymers. Further, it should be noted that balance shoe assembly  20  is configured for easy assembly because balance shoe assembly  20  includes two parts, housing  22  and locking cam  26  that interact with a sash pivot assembly  36 . Because of the limited number of parts and the ability of the parts to be manufactured through a molding process, balance shoe assembly  20  may be simply assembled and may be manufactured relatively inexpensively. Balance shoe assembly  20  described above may be suitably used in a variety of window/window frame arrangements including, but not limited to, any of a variety of sliding window arrangements. Alternatively, a plurality of different retainer spring arrangements may be provided within housing  22  to retain the pivot pin within housing  22 . 
     The method of assembly and/or use of the guide assembly, according to preferred and alternative embodiments, may be performed in various steps; any omissions or additions of steps to those steps disclosed, or any departure from the order or sequences of steps recited, should be considered to fit within the spirit and scope of the invention. 
     While the detailed drawings, specific examples, and particular formulations given describe preferred or exemplary embodiments, they serve the purpose of illustration only. The materials and configurations shown and described may differ depending on the chosen performance characteristics and physical characteristics of the window and frame, for example, the jamb channel or jamb liner may differ in geometry than that disclosed. As another example, the geometry of the locking cam and/or the balance shoe housing may be markedly different while providing the same structure and function as within the spirit and scope of the invention. The apparatus of the invention is not limited to the precise details and conditions disclosed. Furthermore, other substitutions, modifications, changes, and omissions may be made in the design, operating conditions and arrangements of the preferred embodiments without departing from the spirit of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.