Patent Publication Number: US-7587787-B2

Title: Spring balance assembly

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
   This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 10/370,084, filed Feb. 20, 2003, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,983,513 which is incorporated herein by reference and made a part hereof, and upon which a claim of priority is based. 

   FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT 
   Not applicable. 
   TECHNICAL FIELD 
   The present invention relates to a spring balance assembly for a sash window. More specifically, the present invention relates to a spring balance assembly having a coil spring that is secured to a pivot brake assembly without the use of a fastener. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   Sash windows disposed within a master frame are quite common. Generally, the master frame includes a pair of opposed vertical guide rails, an upper horizontal member or header, and a lower horizontal member or base. The guide rails are designed to slidingly guide at least one sash window within the master frame. Double hung sash windows have an upper sash window and a lower sash window. The guide rails of the master frame define an elongated channel. To counterbalance the sash window during movement of the window, a spring balance assembly is affixed to the master frame in the elongated channel and connected to the sash window. 
   One conventional balance assembly includes a plate, one or more coil springs, and a pivot brake assembly or brake shoe. The plate rotatably supports both coil springs. Each spring has a coiled portion and a free portion. Typically, the free portions of the springs are linear and include an aperture. The pivot brake assembly includes a housing having at least one aperture adapted to receive a fastener. When the conventional spring brake assembly is in the assembled position, the springs are secured to the pivot brake assembly by the fastener. Thus, the free portions of the springs are attached to the housing of the pivot brake assembly by a fastener passing through the aperture in the free portion of the springs and into the aperture of the housing. 
   Conventional balance assemblies exhibit limitations due to the manner in which the coil springs are connected to the pivot brake assembly. The use of a fastener, including a threaded fastener, requires additional labor and time during assembly of the spring balance. Furthermore, the fastener represents an additional part that increases material costs. In addition, use of the fastener necessitates the extra manufacturing step of forming the aperture in the free portion of the coil spring as well as the corresponding apertures in the housing. 
   Therefore, there is a tangible need for a spring balance assembly that does not require a fastener to secure the coil spring to the pivot brake assembly, thereby decreasing assembly time and material costs. 
   The present invention is provided to solve these and other deficiencies. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   The present invention relates to a balance assembly for use with a sash window assembly. According to a first aspect of the invention, the balance assembly comprises a plate, a coil spring and a shoe or pivot brake assembly. The coil spring has a coiled portion, an intermediate portion, and a curvilinear free portion. The shoe includes at least one slot with a curved segment that receives the curvilinear free portion of the spring. The plate has a support member that extends from the plate and rotatably supports the coil spring without binding or inhibiting the rotation of the spring. The plate has at least one opening that is adapted to receive a fastener to secure the plate to a master frame of the sash window assembly. Preferably, the opening passes through an extent of the support member. The balance assembly can have a first spring and a second spring wherein the free portion of each spring has a curvilinear configuration with a curved or rolled free end. The free portion of each spring is received by the slots of the pivot brake assembly. 
   According to another aspect of the invention, the pivot brake assembly is operably connected to a lower portion of the sash window. When the pivot brake assembly is coupled to the sash window the balance assembly counterbalances the weight of the sash window wherein the first and second springs exert a generally upward force on the sash window. The pivot brake assembly comprises a housing, a cam, and a brake pad. The housing includes a front wall, a rear wall, a bottom wall, and two sidewalls. The housing has a chamber passing through the front wall and rear wall of the housing. The chamber is adapted to receive the cam. The housing further includes a pair of openings adapted to receive and retain the brake pad. The housing further has a central cavity defined generally between the first and second sidewalls and opposite the bottom wall. 
   According to another aspect of the invention, the housing of the pivot brake assembly has two slots. Alternatively, the pivot brake assembly includes a single slot. Each slot is positioned between one of the sidewalls and the central cavity. Each slot has a first end terminating within the housing and a generally opposing second end proximate the sidewall. The slots each have a curved portion between the first end and the second end. Preferably, the curved portion is in communication with the first end of the slot. The curved portion of each slot defines a first protrusion. Each slot is adapted to receive at least a portion of the free portion of either or both of the coil springs. Consequently, the slots are cooperatively dimensioned with the free portions of the coil springs. 
   According to yet another aspect of the invention, when the balance assembly of the present invention is in the assembled position, the first spring is secured to the pivot brake assembly by engagement between the free portion of the first spring and the curved portion of the first slot. Similarly, the second spring is secured to the pivot brake assembly by engagement between the free portion of the second spring and the curved portion of the first slot. Specifically, during assembly, the free portions of both springs are inserted into the first slot through the rear wall of the housing such that at least a portion of the free portions engage the curved portion of the first slot. Thus, both springs are secured to the pivot brake assembly without the use of any fasteners. Although both springs may be installed in the same slot, it is also understood that other configurations are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, both free portions can be installed in either the first slot or the second slot Alternatively, the free portion of the first spring can be installed in the first slot, while the free portion of the second spring can be installed in the second slot. Similarly, the free portion of the first spring can be installed in the second slot, while the free portion of the second spring can be installed in the first slot. The various configurations of the free portions with the slots will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
   The spring balance assembly of the present invention provides a number of significant advantages over conventional balance assemblies. Due to the configuration of the slots and the free portions, the springs are engaged by the pivot brake assembly without the use of any fasteners. As a result, assembly and disassembly of the spring balance assembly can be accomplished significantly faster. Thus, manufacturing times of the window assembly can be reduced since engagement of the springs to the pivot brake assembly involves only sliding the cooperatively dimensioned free portions into the appropriate slot. Consequently, the spring balance assembly of the present invention offers a multitude of cost-savings benefits as well as increased versatility, adjustability, and ease of assembly. 
   Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following specification taken in conjunction with the following drawings. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
     To understand the present invention, it will now be described by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: 
       FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a spring balance assembly of the present invention, showing the spring balance assembly connected to a partial master frame; 
       FIG. 2  is an exploded view of the spring balance assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 3  is a front elevation of the spring balance assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 4  is a rear elevation of the spring balance assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 5  is a side elevation of the spring balance assembly of  FIG. 1 ; 
       FIG. 6  is a perspective view of a second embodiment of a spring balance assembly of the present invention, showing the spring balance assembly connected to a partial master frame; 
       FIG. 7  is an exploded view of the spring balance assembly of  FIG. 6 ; 
       FIG. 8  is a front elevation of the spring balance assembly of  FIG. 6 ; 
       FIG. 9  is a rear elevation of the spring balance assembly of  FIG. 6 ; 
       FIG. 10  is a side elevation of the spring balance assembly of  FIG. 6 ; 
       FIG. 11   a  is a front elevation view of the spring balance assembly mounted to a sash window assembly wherein the window assembly is shown in a closed position; and, 
       FIG. 11   b  is a front elevation view of the spring balance assembly mounted to a sash window assembly wherein the window assembly is shown in an open position. 
   

   DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
   While this invention is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings and will herein be described in detail preferred embodiments of the invention with the understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as an exemplification of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the invention to the embodiments illustrated. 
   Referring to  FIGS. 1 ,  11   a , and  11   b , a balance assembly  10  is affixed to a sash window assembly  100 . The sash window assembly  100  shown in  FIG. 11  is a double-hung window assembly having an upper pivotal sash window  102  and a lower pivotal sash window  104  in a master frame  110 . In general terms, the master frame  110  includes a pair of opposed vertical guide rails  112  adapted to slidably guide the sash windows  102 ,  104 . The master frame further includes a footer or lower horizontal element  114 . The guide rail  112  defines an elongated channel  116  in which the spring balance assembly  10  is mounted. Typically, the master frame  110  has a set of guide rails  112  for each sash window  102 , 104  and the balance assembly  10  is mounted to each guide rail  112  to balance the sash window  102 ,  104 . 
   The sash window  104  has a top rail  118 , a base rail  120 , and a pair of stiles or side rails  122 . A tilt latch  130  is mounted in an upper portion of the top rail  118 . The tilt latch  130  has a bolt  132  with a nose portion  134  adapted to extend into the elongated channel  116 . The tilt latch  130  has an actuator  136  and a spring (not shown) wherein the actuator  136  is designed to retract the bolt  132  into the housing of the latch  130  against the biasing force of the spring. 
   As shown in  FIGS. 1-5 , the balance assembly  10  generally includes a plate  20 , a first coil spring  40 , a second coil spring  50 , and a shoe or pivot brake assembly  60 . 
   In general terms, the plate  20  rotatably supports the first coil spring  40  and the second coil spring  50 , while each are coupled to the pivot brake assembly  60 . The plate  20  has an outer surface  22 , an inner surface  24 , and a top wall  26 . The plate  20  further has an upper edge  27  and a lower edge  28 . The outer surface  22  of the plate  20  extends between the upper edge  27  and the lower edge  28 , and faces towards the sash window  104  when the balance assembly  10  is mounted to the guide rail  112  of the master frame  110 . The inner surface  24  of the plate  20  extends between the upper edge  27  and the lower edge  28 , and faces towards the channel  116  when the balance assembly  10  is mounted to the guide rail  112  of the master frame  110 . The top wall  26  extends from the upper edge  27  of the plate  20  and towards an inner surface  117  of the channel  116 . The outer surface  22  of the plate  20  has a raised strip  29  which extends along the outer surface  22  between the upper edge  27  and the lower edge  28 . The raised strip  29  is adapted to increase the structural rigidity of the plate  20  and balance assembly  10 . The strip  29  can include indicia that reflects the size and/or rating of the coil springs  40 ,  50 . The plate  20  has a length, thickness, and width which can be varied depending upon the design parameters of the balance assembly  10 . 
   The inner surface  24  of the plate  20  has a first support member  30  and a second support member  32  wherein each member  30 ,  32  extends generally perpendicular from the inner surface  24 . Thus, the support members  30 ,  32  extend towards the inner surface  117  of the channel  116  when the balance assembly  10  is installed. Preferably, the first member  30  is substantially parallel to the second member  32 , and the members  30 ,  32  are of generally equal length. The second member  32  extends from the inner surface  24  proximate the lower edge  28  of the plate. The first member  30  extends from the inner surface between the upper edge  27  and the lower edge  28  of the plate  20 . Each support member  30 ,  32  rotatably supports one of the coil springs  40 ,  50  of the balance assembly  10 ; however, neither support member  30 ,  32  binds or inhibits the rotation of the springs  40 ,  50 . The first support member  30  has an upper portion  30   a  and a base portion  30   b . The upper portion  30   a  of the support member  30  has a curvilinear configuration that defines a concave supporting surface  34  (see  FIG. 4 ). The concave support surface  34  of the first member  30  is adapted to contact and rotatably engage the first coil spring  40 . The second support member  32  has an upper portion  32   a , an intermediate portion  32   b , and a base portion  32   c  which provide the second support member  32  with a stepped or notched appearance. As shown in  FIG. 2 , the base portion  32   c  extends beyond the lower edge  28  of the plate  20 . The upper portion  32   a  of the support member  32  has a curvilinear configuration that defines a concave supporting surface  35 . Like the support surface  34  of the first member  30 , the support surface  35  of the second member  32  is adapted to contact and rotatably support the second coil spring  50 . As shown in  FIG. 4 , the first and second support members  30 ,  32  are positioned such that each rotatably engages an outer surface of the springs  40 ,  50 . Described in a different manner, the first and second support members  30 ,  32  are not located within the internal region or spool of the coil springs  40 ,  50 . As a result, the first support member  40  and the second support member  50  are positioned beyond the circumference of the coil springs  40 ,  50 . Preferably, the upper portions  30   a ,  32   a  (and the resulting support surfaces  34 ,  35 ) have a curvilinear configuration to provide increased support to the springs  40 ,  50 . However, it is understood that the shape of each of the members  30 ,  32 , including the upper portions  30   a ,  32   a  can assume different configurations so long as the members  30 ,  32  rotatably support the two springs  40 ,  50 . 
   In addition, the plate  20  has two openings  36 ,  38  which are each adapted to receive a fastener  39 . As shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the openings  36 ,  38  pass through an extent of the support members  30 ,  32 . Preferably, the first opening  36  passes through the base portion  30   a  of the first member  30  and the second opening  38  passes through an extent of the intermediate and base portions  32   b ,  32   c  of the second member  32 . However, it is understood that the openings  36 ,  38  can be located elsewhere on the plate  20  without departing from the spirit of the present invention. Thus, the locations of the openings  36 ,  38  can be varied depending upon the design parameters of the balance assembly  10 . Similarly, the plate  20  can feature only one opening  36 . A fastener  39  is inserted into one or both of the openings  36 ,  38  to secure the plate  20  of the balance assembly  10  to the master frame  110  within in the channel  116 . An extent of the fastener  39  is received by an aperture  111  in the master frame  110 . Note that the guide rail  112  has been omitted from the master frame  110  in  FIGS. 1 and 2  for illustrative purposes. The fastener  39  can be a screw, rivet, or any elongated structure capable of securing the balance assembly  10  to the master frame  110 . 
   Referring to  FIGS. 2 and 4 , the first spring  40  has a terminal end  41 , a coiled portion  42 , an intermediate portion  43 , and a free portion  44 . The coiled portion  42  of the first spring  40  forms a spool which is rotatably supported by the first support member  30 . The terminal end  41  of first spring  40  is located within the spool formed by the coiled portion  42  of the first spring  42 . The free portion  44  of the first spring  40  has a curvilinear configuration with a curved or rolled free end  46 . The free portion  44  partially engages a portion of the pivot brake assembly  60 . Similarly, the second spring  50  has a terminal end  51 , a coiled portion  52 , an intermediate portion  53 , and a free portion  54 . The coiled portion  52  of the second spring  50  forms a spool which is rotatably supported by the second support member  32 . The terminal end  41  of the second spring  50  is located within the spool formed by the coiled portion  52  of the second spring  50 . The free portion  54  of the second spring  50  has a curvilinear configuration with a curved or rolled free end  56 . As detailed below, the free portion  54  partially engages a portion of the pivot brake assembly  60 . When viewed in cross-section, the free portions  44 ,  54  have a “J-shaped” configuration that defines a tab. It is understood that the free portions  44 ,  54  can have other curvilinear or angular configurations, such as “L-shaped.” It is further understood that balance assembly  10  can include only the first spring  40  without comprising the operation of the balance assembly  10 . 
   The shoe or pivot brake assembly  60  is operably connected to both the first and second springs  40 ,  50 . In addition, the pivot brake assembly  60  is operably connected to a lower portion of the sash window  104  near the base rail  120 . When the pivot brake assembly  60  is coupled to the sash window  104  the balance assembly  10  counterbalances the weight of the sash window  104  wherein the first and second springs  40 ,  50  exert a generally upward force on the sash window  104  when it is moved between the closed and open positions of  FIGS. 11   a  and  11   b . The pivot brake assembly  60  generally includes a housing  62 , a cam  92 , and a brake pad  96  (see  FIG. 4 ). The housing  62  of the pivot brake assembly  60  receives and supports the cam  92 , and the brake pad  96 . It is understood that the pivot brake assembly  60  can be a shoe which does not include a brake pad  96  such as for a non-tiltable sash window. 
   The housing  62  of the pivot brake assembly  60  includes a front wall  64 , a rear wall  66 , a bottom wall  68 , and two sidewalls  70 ,  72 . The front wall  64 , rear wall  66 , bottom wall  68  and sidewalls  70 ,  72  cooperate to form the housing  62 . As seen in  FIG. 2 , the housing  62  has a chamber  73  passing through the front wall  64  and rear wall  66  of the housing  62 . Preferably the chamber  73  is proximate the bottom wall  68  of the housing  62 . The chamber  73  preferably has a generally cylindrical configuration, and is adapted to receive the cam  92 . Each of the side walls  70 ,  72  have a recessed portion  71 ,  75 . The housing further includes a pair of openings  97  adapted to receive and retain the brake pad  96 . Each opening  97  passes through the front wall  64  and rear wall  66  of the housing  62 . The housing  62  further has a central cavity  74  defined generally between the first and second sidewalls  70 ,  72 , and opposite the bottom wall  68 . Thus, the chamber  73  is located between the central cavity  74  and the bottom wall  68 . 
   Preferably, the housing  62  of the pivot brake assembly  60  further includes two slots  76 ,  84 , as shown in  FIGS. 2 and 4 . Alternatively, the pivot brake assembly  60  includes a single slot  76 . The first slot  76  is positioned between the first sidewall  70  and the central cavity  74 , while the second slot  84  is positioned between the second sidewall  72  and the central cavity  74 . The first slot  76  has a first end  78  terminating within the housing  62 , and a generally opposing second end  80 , proximate the first sidewall  70 . Also, the first slot  76  has a curved portion  82  between the first end  78  and the second end  80 . Preferably, the curved portion  82  of the first slot  76  is in communication with the first end  78  of the first slot  76 . The curved portion  82  of the slot  76  defines a first protrusion  83 . Similarly, the second slot  84  has a first end  86  terminating within the housing  62 , and a generally opposing second end  88  proximate the second sidewall  72 . The second slot  84  has a curved portion  90  between the first end  86  and the second end  88 . Preferably, the curved portion  90  of the second slot  84  is in communication with the first end  86  of the second slot  84 . The curved portion  90  of the slot  84  defines a second protrusion  91 . In general terms, each slot  76 ,  84  is adapted to receive at least a portion of the free portion  44 ,  54  of either or both coil springs  40 ,  50 . Consequently, the slot  76 ,  84  is cooperatively dimensioned with the free portion  44 ,  54  of the coil springs  40 ,  50 . Thus, it is understood that the slots are configured to correspond to the configuration of the free portions  44 ,  54  of the springs  40 ,  50 . 
   Additionally, it is preferable that the slots  76 ,  84  do not pass through the entire housing  62 . Thus, as seen in  FIG. 4 , while both slots  76 ,  84  are accessible from the rear wall  66 , only a portion of the slots  76 ,  84  are viewable from the front wall  64 , as seen in  FIG. 3 . Described in a different manner, the front wall  64  of the housing  62  covers at least a portion of the slots  76 ,  84  while the slots  76 ,  74  are open to the rear wall  66  of the housing. The front wall  64  covering a portion of the slots  76 ,  84  assists in retaining the free portions  44 ,  54  of the coil springs  40 ,  50  when the balance assembly  10  is installed. Alternatively, the front wall  64  does not cover the slots  76 ,  84  and the slots  76 ,  84  extend through the housing  62 . Consequently, the slots  76 ,  84  are visible from the front wall  64 . Alternatively, the slot  76 ,  84  is resiliently reclosable whereby there is an interference fit between the slot  76 ,  84  and the free portion  44 ,  54 . In this manner, there is a “squeezing” of the free portion  44 ,  54  by the slot  76 ,  84  to maintain the free portion  44 ,  54  therein. 
   The cam  92  is cooperatively dimensioned to be installed in the chamber  73 . The cam  92  and chamber  73  are configured so that the cam  92  can pass into the chamber  73  only through the rear wall  66  of the housing  62 . Thus, the cam  92  cannot pass into the chamber  73  through the front wall  64  of the housing. Furthermore, the cam  92  and chamber  73  are configured so that the once the cam  92  is installed in the chamber  73 , the cam  92  cannot pass out of the front wall  64  of the housing  62 . Thus, once installed, the cam  92  can only be removed from the chamber  73  through the rear wall  66  of the housing  62 . The cam  92  further includes a receiver  94  in communication with the front wall  64  of the housing  62 . The receiver  94  is cooperatively dimensioned to engage a portion of the sash window  104 . 
   The brake pad  96  is adapted to contact and slide along the inner surface  117  of the channel  116  in the master frame  110  providing resistance against uncontrolled sliding of the sash window  104  in the master frame  110 . The brake pad  96  includes a pair of fingers  98  extending generally perpendicular therefrom. Each of the fingers  98  is cooperatively dimensioned to be inserted into the openings  97  of the housing  62 . The fingers  99  are configured to engage the openings  97  in the housing  62 , thereby connecting the brake pad  96  to the housing  62 . Furthermore, the fingers  99  are adapted to resist disconnection from the housing  62  once engaged in the openings  97 . As discussed above, the brake pad  96  can be omitted thereby causing the pivot brake assembly  60  to referred to as a shoe. 
   When the balance assembly  10  of the present invention is in the assembled position (see FIGS.  1  and  3 - 5 ), the first spring  40  is secured to the pivot brake assembly  60  by engagement between the free portion  44  of the first spring  40  and the curved portion  82  of the first slot  76 . Similarly, the second spring is secured to the pivot brake assembly  60  by engagement between the free portion  54  of the second spring  50  and the curved portion  82  of the first slot  76 . Specifically, during assembly, the free portions  44 ,  54  of both springs  40 ,  50  are inserted into the first slot  76  through the rear wall  66  of the housing  62  such that at least a portion of the free portions  44 ,  54  engage the protrusion  83 . This engagement retains the free portions  44 ,  54  in the slot  76 . Thus, both springs  40 ,  50  are secured to the pivot brake assembly  60  without the use of any fasteners. Alternatively, the free portion  54  of the second coil spring  50  is inserted into the second slot  84  and engages the second protrusion  91 . 
   In the assembled position, the coiled portion  42  of the first spring  40  engages the support surface  34  of the first member  30  of the plate  20 , thereby supporting the coiled portion  42 . Similarly, the coiled portion  52  of the second spring  50  engages the support surface  35  of the second member  32  of the plate  20 , thereby supporting the coiled portion  52 . Thus the springs  40 ,  50  are supported by the plate  20  in a “stacked” configuration. The plate  20  is attached to master frame  110  of the sash window assembly  100  via fasteners  39  that passes through the openings  36 ,  38  in the plate  20  and engage corresponding apertures  111  in the master frame  110 , such that the springs  40 ,  50  are located in the channel  116 . Thus, the springs  40 ,  50  are enclosed between the inner surface  24  of the plate  20  and the inner surface  117  of the channel  116 . The pivot brake assembly  60  is then attached by engaging the sash window  104  with the receiver  94  of the cam  92 . 
   Although  FIGS. 3-5  show the free portions  44 ,  54  of both springs  40 ,  50  installed in the same slot  76 , it is also understood that other configurations are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. For example, the balance assembly  10  may be assembled such that the first spring  40  is secured to the pivot brake assembly  60  by engagement between the free portion  44  of the first spring  40  and the first protrusion  83  of the first slot  76 , while the second spring is secured to the pivot brake assembly  60  by engagement between the free portion  54  of the second spring  50  and the second protrusion  91  of the second slot  84 . Thus, unlike  FIG. 4  where both free portions  44 ,  54  are installed in the same slot  40 ,  50 , in this embodiment, the free portions  44 ,  54  are installed in separate slots  40 ,  50 . Specifically, during assembly, the free portion  44 ,  54  of each spring  40 ,  50  are inserted into its respective slot  76 ,  84  through the rear wall  66  of the housing  62  such that at least a portion of the free portion  44 ,  54  engages the protrusions  83 ,  91  of the slot  76 ,  84 . A portion of the free portion  44 ,  54  confronts the curved portion  82 ,  90  of the slot  76 ,  84  to retain the free portion  44 ,  54  in the slot  76 ,  84 . Thus, both springs  40 ,  50  are secured to the pivot brake assembly  60  without the use of any fasteners. Numerous other configurations exist. For example, both free portions  44 ,  54  can be installed in either the first slot  76  or the second slot  84 . Alternatively, the free portion  44  of the first spring  40  can be installed in the first slot  76 , while the free portion  54  of the second spring  50  can be installed in the second slot  84 . Similarly, the free portion  44  of the first spring  40  can be installed in the second slot  84 , while the free portion  54  of the second spring  50  can be installed in the first slot  76 . The various configurations of the free portions  44 ,  55  with the slots  76 ,  84  will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art. 
   A second embodiment of a spring brake assembly  210  of the present invention is shown in  FIGS. 6-10 . As seen therein, the spring brake assembly  210  includes a plate  220 , two coil springs  240 ,  250  and a pivot brake assembly  260 . The plate  220  rotatably supports both coil springs  240 ,  250 . Each spring  240 ,  250  has a terminal end  241 ,  251 , a coiled portion  242 ,  252 , and intermediate portion  243 ,  253  and a free portion  244 ,  254 . The terminal end  241 ,  251  of each spring  240 ,  250  is located within the spool formed by the coiled portion  242 ,  252 . In the second embodiment, the free portions  244 ,  254  of the springs  240 ,  250  have a generally straight configuration, and include an aperture  246 ,  256 . The pivot brake assembly  260  includes a housing  262  having a first sidewall  270  and a second sidewall  272 . Each of the sidewalls  270 ,  272  has a recessed portion  274 ,  275 . Each sidewall  270 ,  272  further includes an aperture  276 ,  278  located in the recessed portion  274 ,  275 . Each aperture  276 ,  278  is adapted to receive a fastener  280 . When the spring brake assembly  210  of the second embodiment is in the assembled position, the springs  240 ,  250  are secured to the pivot brake assembly  260  by the fasteners  280 . Thus, the free portion  244  of the first spring  240  is attached to the housing  262  of the pivot brake assembly  260  by a fastener  280  passing through the aperture  246  in the free portion  244  and into the aperture  276  of the first sidewall  270 . Similarly, the free portion  254  of the second spring  250  is attached to the housing  262  of the pivot brake assembly  260  by a fastener  280  passing through the aperture  256  in the free portion  254  and into the aperture  278  of the second sidewall  272 . Thus, the pivot brake assembly  260  of the present invention is adapted to receive springs  40 ,  50  with curved free portions  44 ,  54  as well as springs with straight free portions  244 ,  254  bearing apertures  276 ,  278 . 
   When the spring brake assembly  210  of the second embodiment is in the assembled position, the springs  240 ,  250  are secured to the pivot brake assembly  260  by the fasteners  280 . Thus, the free portion  244  of the first spring  240  is attached to the housing  262  of the pivot brake assembly  260  by a fastener  280  passing through the aperture  246  in the free portion  244  and into the aperture  276  of the first sidewall  270 . Similarly, the free portion  254  of the second spring  250  is attached to the housing  262  of the pivot brake assembly  260  by a fastener  280  passing through the aperture  256  in the free portion  254  and into the aperture  278  of the second sidewall  272 . Thus, the pivot brake assembly  260  of the present invention is adapted to receive springs  40 ,  50  with curved free portions  44 ,  54  as well as springs with straight free portions  244 ,  254  bearing apertures  276 ,  278 . 
   The balance assembly  10  of the present invention provides a number of significant advantages over conventional balance assemblies. First, due to the configuration of the slots  76 ,  84  and the free portions  44 ,  54 , the springs  40 ,  50  are engaged by and secured to the pivot brake assembly  60  without the use of any fasteners. As a result, assembly and disassembly of the balance assembly  10  can be accomplished significantly faster. Thus, manufacturing times of the window can be reduced since engagement of the free portions  44 ,  54  of the spring  40 ,  50  to the pivot brake assembly  60  involves only sliding the cooperatively dimensioned free portions  44 ,  54  into the appropriate slot  76 ,  84 . This configuration also aids with disassembly, for example, during maintenance or repair. An individual need only slide the free portion  44 ,  54  of the spring  40 ,  50  out of the slot  76 ,  84  to disengage the springs  40 ,  50  from the pivot brake assembly  60 . Furthermore, the balance assembly  10  of the present invention offers a number of cost savings. No apertures are required to be machined or otherwise formed in the free portions  44 ,  54  of the springs  40 ,  50 . Additionally, no fasteners are required to secure the springs  40 ,  50  to the pivot brake assembly  60 . Finally, because the free portion  44 ,  54  of the spring  40 ,  50  is free to travel across the width of the slot  76 ,  84  between the front wall  64  and rear wall  66  of the housing  62 , the springs  40 ,  50  are easily adjustable. Whereas with the conventional spring balance assembly, precise location of the aperture in the spring is required to ensure proper alignment with the aperture in the housing, no such alignment concerns arise when using the balance assembly  10  of the present invention. Consequently, the balance assembly  10  of the present invention offers a multitude of cost-savings benefits as well as increased versatility, adjustability, and ease of assembly. 
   While the specific embodiments have been illustrated and described, numerous modifications come to mind without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention and the scope of protection is only limited by the scope of the accompanying Claims.