Patent Abstract:
A push-out style window assembly including window hardware for frictionally retaining an open position of the window under typical loading conditions. A push-out style window assembly generally includes a friction hinge assembly including a track, a sash arm, a support arm, and a friction arm. The friction arm can include an adjustable and/or detachable slide enabling adjustment of a frictional resistance between the friction slider and the support arm. Using the friction arm, frictional resistance is provided so as to provide control both during opening of the window and in retaining the position of an open window.

Full Description:
RELATED APPLICATIONS 
     This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application Nos. 60/876,069, filed Dec. 20, 2006, and 60/988,871 filed Nov. 9, 2007, both of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference. 
    
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
     The present invention relates generally to push-out style windows. More particularly, embodiments of the present invention relate to hinges for frictionally securing a push-out style window in an open position. 
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     Push-out style windows have been installed with increasing frequency due in part to their style and increased viewability therethrough. These windows are available in, for example, casement and awning types. Generally, push-out style windows include an outer window and a hingedly mounted screen that is inwardly rotatable. By rotating the hinged screen inwardly, access is provided to the outer window from the inside. The outer window is generally also hingedly mounted so as to be outwardly rotatable. 
     When an operator desires to open the window, the operator can unlatch the window and push on the window to a desired open position. The force used to open the window is applied directly to the window, such as on the sash, as compared to using a rotatable or lever-actuated assembly to open the window. 
     While push-out style windows have provided an easy and elegant window system, they can suffer problems related to maintaining the desired open position under loading conditions such as, for example, on a windy day. As such, there is a need for improved push-out style windows. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     A push-out style window assembly of embodiments of the present disclosure addresses the above-mentioned needs and includes window hardware capable of frictionally retaining an open position of the window under many loading conditions including, for example, those created by wind. 
     Generally, a push-out style window assembly includes a friction hinge assembly operably attached between a window frame and a window sash. The friction hinge assembly generally includes a track, a sash arm, a support arm, and a friction arm. 
     On one end, the friction arm may be mounted to the track with a connector. On the opposed end, the friction arm may include a friction slider for slidably connecting the friction arm with the support arm such that the position of the friction arm can be variably positioned depending upon the desired position of the window. The friction arm can include an adjustable slide, enabling adjustment of a frictional resistance between the friction slider and the support arm. Using the friction arm, additional frictional resistance is provided so as to retain a window in a desired position when exposed to external forces such as, for example, wind. 
     In one aspect, the present disclosure relates to a friction hinge assembly for a push-out style window. An embodiment of the friction hinge assembly generally includes a track, a sash arm, a support arm, and a friction arm. On one end, the friction arm can be retainably mounted to the track with a suitable connector while on the opposed end, the friction arm can include a friction slider assembly for slidably connecting the friction arm with the support arm such that the position of the friction arm can be variably positioned along the support arm with the position being dependent upon the position of the window. 
     The friction slider assembly can include a slider, a collar, and a friction adjustment member. The friction adjustment member generally includes a suitable adjusting mechanism such as, for example, a set screw or cam arrangement for variably adjusting the frictional engagement of the slider and the friction arm. The friction adjustment member can operate against the slider in either a vertical or horizontal axis. With the friction arm, additional frictional resistance is provided so as to retain a push-out style window in a desired position when exposed to external forces such as, for example, wind. In addition, the friction adjustment member enables the frictional resistance provided by the friction hinge assembly to be manually adjusted by a user. 
     In another aspect, a method for retaining a push-out style window in a desired open position generally includes supplying a friction hinge assembly having a friction arm slidably mounted between a track and a support arm. An embodiment of a method may further include adjusting a frictional resistance provided by the friction hinge assembly by manually adjusting a friction adjustment member on a friction slider assembly that slidably connects the friction arm with the support arm. 
     In yet another aspect, the present disclosure relates to a push-out style window system for frictionally retaining a push-out window in a desired open position. Generally, the push-out style window system includes a window frame, an inwardly rotatable window screen, a friction hinge assembly, and a push-out style window. The friction hinge assembly is operably attached between the window frame and the push-out style window. The friction hinge assembly generally includes a track mounted to the window frame, a sash arm connecting the track and the push-out style window, a support arm mounted between the track and the sash arm, and a friction arm slidably mounted between the track and the support arm. On one end, the friction arm can be anchored to the track with a suitable connector. On the opposed end, the friction arm can include a friction slider for slidably connecting the friction arm with the support arm such that the position of the friction arm can be variably positioned depending upon the desired position of the push-out style window. The friction arm can include an adjustable slide enabling adjustment of a frictional resistance between the friction slider and the support arm. Using the friction arm, additional frictional resistance is provided so as to retain the push-out style window in a desired position when exposed to external pressure and to provide desired resistance when opening the push-out style window to a desired position. 
     In another aspect, the present disclosure relates to an adjustable slider assembly for selectively controlling the friction resistance of a push-out style window. The adjustable slider assembly may include a manually engageable cam for selectively varying the level of friction engagement between a slider assembly and a support arm. 
     In yet another aspect, a slider assembly can include a friction slider having an opening, seam, or other mechanical or non-mechanical mechanism enabling selective detaching of the slider assembly from a support arm. Such an assembly may enable ease of cleaning or replacement of components of a slider assembly, including a friction slider as part of a slider assembly. 
     In a further aspect, a friction slider assembly can include an offset formed on a friction slider or sleeve, which can provide creep relief for a friction slider or sleeve when the hinge is closed, which is the state in which hinge is in for a majority of the life cycle of the window. The offset can correspond to an angled offset included on support arm enabling the opening and closing of the hinge. The inclusion of the offset on the sleeve can enable the life of friction slider assembly and thus the window assembly to be lengthened. 
     Accordingly, embodiments of the present invention may include a window assembly with a frame defining an opening, a sash assembly receivable in the opening of the frame, and at least one friction hinge operably coupling the sash assembly to the frame such that the sash assembly is selectively shiftable between a closed position in which the sash assembly is received in the frame to close the opening and an open position in which the sash assembly is disposed at an angle relative to the frame. The friction hinge includes a track on the frame, a slider slidable along the track, and a sash arm on the sash. The sash arm is pivotally coupled to the slider, and the friction hinge further includes a support arm pivotally coupled to the track and pivotally coupled to the sash arm, and a friction arm assembly including a friction arm pivotally coupled to the sash arm and a friction slider assembly pivotally coupled to the friction arm and slidable along the support arm. The friction slider assembly frictionally engages the support arm to provide a biasing force resisting shifting of the sash assembly between the open position and the closed position. 
     In further embodiments, the friction slider assembly includes a slider frictionally engaged with the support arm and a friction adjustment mechanism for enabling selective adjustment of a magnitude of friction between the slider and the support arm. The friction adjustment mechanism may include a set screw or an adjustable cam. The slider may be coated with a polymeric material such as acetal. 
     In further embodiments, the friction slider assembly may be selectively detachable from the friction arm and the support arm. The support arm may have an offset portion disposed so that the friction slider assembly is engaged with the offset portion when the sash assembly is in the closed position. 
     In an embodiment, a window assembly includes a frame defining an opening, a sash assembly receivable in the opening of the frame, and at least one friction hinge operably coupling the sash assembly to the frame such that the sash assembly is selectively shiftable between a closed position in which the sash assembly is received in the frame to close the opening and an open position in which the sash assembly is disposed at an angle relative to the frame. The friction hinge includes a track on the frame, a slider slidable along the track, and a sash arm on the sash. The sash arm is pivotally coupled to the slider, and the friction hinge further includes a support arm pivotally coupled to the track and pivotally coupled to the sash arm, and means for providing a biasing force resisting shifting of the sash assembly between the open position and the closed position. The means for providing a biasing force resisting shifting of the sash assembly between the open position and the closed position may include a friction arm assembly including a friction arm pivotally coupled to the sash arm and a friction slider assembly pivotally coupled to the friction arm and slidable along the support arm, wherein the friction slider assembly frictionally engages the support arm to provide the biasing force resisting shifting of the sash assembly between the open position and the closed position. 
     In an embodiment, the friction slider assembly includes means for selectively adjusting a magnitude of friction between the slider and the support arm, which may include a set screw or an adjustable cam. The friction slider assembly may be selectively detachable from the friction arm and the support arm. 
     The above summary of various embodiments of the invention is not intended to describe each illustrated embodiment or every implementation of the invention. Rather, the embodiments are chosen and described so that others skilled in the art may appreciate and understand the principles and practices of the invention. The figures in the detailed description that follows more particularly exemplify these embodiments. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES 
       The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of various embodiments of the invention in connection with the following drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a push-out style casement window taken from an inside location of a structure; 
         FIG. 2  is a top, perspective view of a first embodiment of a partially disassembled friction hinge assembly; 
         FIG. 3  is a top, perspective view of the assembled friction hinge assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a top, perspective view of the assembled friction hinge assembly of  FIG. 2 ; 
         FIG. 5  is an exploded, top perspective view of a first embodiment of an adjustable friction slider assembly; 
         FIG. 6  is a detailed top perspective view of a friction slider used with the adjustable friction slider assembly of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a bottom perspective view of a manually adjustable cam member used with the adjustable friction slider assembly of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 8  is an exploded, top perspective view of a second embodiment of an adjustable friction slider assembly of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 9  is an exploded, top perspective view of the adjustable friction slider assembly of  FIG. 8 . 
         FIG. 10  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a friction hinge assembly including a friction slider selectively detachable from a support arm, wherein the friction slider is depicted in an attached configuration; 
         FIG. 11  is a top perspective view of the friction hinge assembly of  FIG. 10 , wherein the friction slider is depicted in a detached configuration; 
         FIG. 12   a  is a close-up top perspective view of the friction slider of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12   b  is a close-up top plan view of the friction slider of  FIG. 12   a;    
         FIG. 12   c  is a close-up elevational view of the friction slider of  FIG. 12   a;    
         FIG. 13  is a top perspective view of an embodiment of a friction hinge assembly including a friction slider with an offset thereon; 
         FIG. 14  is a top perspective view of the friction hinge assembly of  FIG. 13 , wherein the friction hinge assembly is in a closed configuration; 
         FIG. 15  is a side elevational view of the friction slider of  FIG. 15 , depicting various portions in phantom lines; 
         FIG. 16  is a top plan view of a support arm of the friction hinge assembly of  FIG. 13 , depicting the friction sleeve in a closed position; and 
         FIG. 16A  is a cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of  FIG. 16 . 
     
    
    
     While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular embodiments described. On the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives. 
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
     A push-out style window assembly  100  is shown generally in  FIG. 1 . Push style window assembly  100  generally includes a window frame  102 , a sash  104 , and an inwardly rotatable screen  106 . Window frame  102  generally includes one or more latching members  108  for operably locking the sash  104  in a closed disposition. Inwardly rotatable screen  106  generally includes a handle  110  enabling a user to pull the inwardly rotatable screen  106  into a structure when it is desired to open the sash  104 . As depicted in  FIG. 1 , push-out style window assembly  100  is a casement window, though the friction hinge assembly of embodiments of the present invention can be utilized with a variety of push-out style window designs, for example awning style windows. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 2 ,  3  and  4 , an embodiment of a friction hinge assembly  200  generally includes a track  202 , a sash arm  204 , a support arm  206 , and a slidable friction arm assembly  208 . Track  202  generally includes a track body  210 , a plurality of track mounting apertures  211 , and a plurality of track connecting members  212 . Track connecting members  212  generally includes apertures for receiving connectors such as, rivets or disassemblable fasteners or alternatively, track connecting members  212  generally includes projecting members integral to the track body  210 . Sash arm  204  generally includes a sash arm body  214 , a sash track aperture  216 , a sash window aperture  218 , and a plurality of adjustment apertures  220 . Support arm  206  generally includes a support track aperture  222  and a support sash aperture  224 . Slidable friction arm assembly  208  generally includes an adjustable slider assembly  226  and a friction arm  227  having a friction sash aperture  228 . Adjustable slider assembly  226  generally includes a friction slider  230  and a set screw  232 . Friction slider  230  generally includes a slider channel  234  sized for placement over and/or around the support arm  206 . Friction hinge assembly  200  can be constructed of rigid materials having suitable corrosion resistance and wear properties such as, for example,  300  series stainless steel. 
     In use, friction hinge assembly mounts between the window frame  102  and a sash  104  such that the rotatable opening of sash  104  can be frictionally controlled and maintained. Track  202  is mounted to the window frame  102  and sash arm  204  is attached to the sash  104  using sash window aperture  218 . Sash arm  204  can then be operably connected to track  202  using sash track aperture  216 , a track aperture  211 , and a connector  212 . Slider channel  234  is slidably positioned over the support arm  206 . Support track aperture  222  can then be utilized to connect the support arm  206  with the track  202  and support sash aperture  224  is utilized to connect the support arm  206  with the sash arm  204 . Finally, friction sash aperture  228  is used to attach the friction arm  227  with the sash arm  204 . 
     When a user desires to open the sash  104 , the user first grasps the handle  110  and pulls the inwardly rotatable screen  106  into the interior of the structure. Next, the user unlocks the sash  104  by opening the one or more latching members  108 . Finally, the user pushes the sash  104  to the desired position wherein the opening force provide by the user causes the sash arm  204  to rotate about the sash track aperture  216 . This consequently causes the angular position of the support arm  206  to change relative to the track  202 . As the sash arm  204  and support arm  206  move in response to the opening of sash  104 , adjustable slider assembly  226  slides along the support arm  206 . The friction between the friction slider  230  and the support arm  206  acts as a force buffer that requires a certain force to be overcome for the sash  104  to move to an open position. This force buffer inhibits the sash  104  from opening too rapidly as well as inhibiting an exterior force such as wind from closing the sash  104 . The frictional resistance between the friction slider  230  can be adjusted by varying selectively tightening or loosening the set screw  232  or by using materials having higher or lower friction characteristics in friction slider  230  and/or the support arm  206 . In addition, the force required to close an open window  204  can be manipulated through the inclusion of a polymeric washer or spacer  225  at one or both of the support sash aperture  224  and the sash track aperture  216 . Inclusion of spacer  225  can increase the force necessary to overcome the rotational friction at the connection between the support arm  206  and the sash arm  204  and/or the track  202  and sash arm  204 . Spacer  225  can be fabricated of suitable weather resistant polymers such as, for example, an acetal spacer. In addition, fiction slider  230  can be coated or fabricated of suitable polymeric materials such as, for example, acetal polymers so as to further increase the amount of frictional resistance provided by the slidable friction arm assembly  208 . 
     An alternative embodiment of a friction slider assembly  240  for use with friction hinge assembly  200  is illustrated in  FIGS. 5 ,  6 , and  7 . Generally, friction slider assembly  240  generally includes a friction slider collar  242 , a friction slider  244 , and an adjustable cam  246 . The friction slider  244  includes a slider channel  248  dimensioned to accommodate the support arm  206  as well as a slider ramp  250  having a threaded projection member  252 . The adjustable cam  246  includes an input aperture  254  and a threaded bore  256 . 
     In use, the threaded bore  256  enables the adjustable cam  246  to be threaded onto the threaded projection member  250 . The friction slide collar  242  and the friction slider  244  can then be slidably positioned over the support arm  206 . The friction slide collar  242  is then positioned over the friction slider  244  to capture the support arm  206  within the friction slider assembly  240 . A user can then manually turn the adjustable cam  246  using the input aperture  254  and an appropriate tool to as to raise or lower the adjustable cam  246  on the threaded projection member  252 . As the adjustable cam  246  is raised or lowered, the slider ramp  250  is selectively biased against the support arm  206  so as to adjust the frictional engagement of the friction slider assembly  240  and the support arm  206 . In addition, friction slider assembly  240  can be coated or otherwise fabricated of suitable polymeric materials such as, for example, acetal polymers so as to further increase the amount of frictional resistance provided. 
     Another embodiment of a friction slider assembly  260  for use with friction hinge assembly  200  is illustrated in  FIGS. 8 and 9 . Generally, friction slider assembly  260  generally includes a friction slider collar  262 , a friction slider  264 , and an adjustable cam  266 . The friction slider  264  includes a slider channel  268  dimensioned to accommodate the support arm  206 . The adjustable cam  266  includes an input aperture  270  and a variable adjustment surface  272 . The variable adjustment surface  272  defines a non-constant radius around a center axis of the adjustable cam  266 . 
     In use, the adjustable cam  266  is positioned such that the input aperture  270  extends through a cam aperture  274  in the friction slider collar  262 . The friction slide collar  262  and the friction slider  264  can then be slidably positioned over the support arm  206 . The friction slide collar  262  is then positioned over the friction slider  264  to capture the support arm  206  within the friction slider assembly  260 . A user can then manually turn the adjustable cam  266  using the input aperture  270  and an appropriate tool to as to spin the variable adjustment surface  272 . Due to the non-constant radius of variable adjustment surface  272 , the variable adjustment surface  272  can be selectively rotated to push the friction slider  264  against the support arm  206  so as to vary the frictional resistance between the friction slider assembly  260  and the support arm  206 . In addition, friction slider assembly  260  can be coated or otherwise fabricated of suitable polymeric materials such as, for example, acetal polymers so as to further increase the amount of frictional resistance provided. 
     A further embodiment of a friction slider assembly  300  including a detachable slider assembly  326  including a detachable friction slider or clip  330  is illustrated in  FIGS. 10-12 . Friction slider assembly  300  of this embodiment can enable ease of cleaning or replacement of detachable slider assembly  326  components, including friction slider  330 . 
     Referring specifically to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , a friction hinge assembly  300  of this embodiment generally includes a track  302 , a sash arm  304 , a support arm  306 , and a slidable friction arm assembly  308 . 
     Track  302  generally comprises a track body  310 , a plurality of track mounting apertures  311  presented therewith, and a plurality of track connecting members  312 . Track connecting members  312  generally includes apertures for receiving connectors, such as rivets, screws, or disassembleable fasteners (e.g., threaded bolt). Alternatively, track connecting members  312  generally includes projecting members (as depicted) integral or otherwise operably coupled with track body  310 . Sash arm  304  generally comprises a sash arm body  314 , a sash track aperture  316  for operably coupling with track connecting members  312 , a sash window aperture  318  for operably coupling with a window, and a plurality of adjustment apertures  320  presented therewith for selectively altering or adjusting the mechanics of the hinge. Support arm  306  generally includes a support track aperture  322  and a connecting member for operably coupling support arm  306  with sash arm  304 . 
     Continuing to refer to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , slidable friction arm assembly  308  generally includes a detachable slider assembly  326  and a friction arm or drive link  327 . Detachable slider assembly  326  generally includes a friction slider  330  and a set screw  332 . Friction slider  330  can be made of a spring material, such as various stainless steel spring materials, and can be coated with a polymer coating. Detachable slider assembly  326  can be operably attached to friction arm  327  with, for example, a permanent fastener (e.g., rivet), a screw, a removable fastener (e.g., threaded bolt), or a projection or post. The force required to close an open window can be manipulated through the inclusion of a polymeric washer or spacer  325  at one or both of the support sash aperture  324  and the sash track aperture  316 . Also, as discussed above, the mechanics of the hinge can be altered or adjusting using adjustment apertures  320 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 12   a ,  12   b , and  12   c , friction slider  330  generally includes a slider channel  334  sized for placement over and/or around support arm  306 , an aperture  336  for set screw  332 , and an opening  338  or seam selectively presented therein along a length thereof enabling friction slider  330  to be detached and/or reattached to support arm  306 . In embodiments, a latch, snap, or other mechanical or non-mechanical mechanism can be used in lieu of or in addition to opening  338  enabling friction slider  330  to be selectively attached and detached with respect to support arm  306 . 
     Such a feature (e.g., opening  338  or seam, as depicted) and the configuration of friction slider  330  can enable ease of replacement of friction slider  330  for wearing out or otherwise need replacement. Specifically, to remove friction slider  330  from support arm  306 , a top portion of friction slider  330  comprising aperture  336  therein can be flexed or otherwise effectively moved away from or relative to a lower portion of friction slider  330 , such that channel  334  and opening  338  are opened, thus widening opening  338 . Friction slider  330  can then be removed from its position on support arm  306  ( FIG. 11 ). If friction slider  330  has worn or otherwise needs to be cleaned or replaced, friction slider  330  can then be removed from drive link  308 . 
     Yet another embodiment of a friction slider assembly  400  with an offset included on friction slider or sleeve is illustrated in  FIGS. 13-16 . Friction slider assembly  400  according to this embodiment can provide creep relief for a friction slider or sleeve when hinge is closed, which is the state in which hinge is in for a majority of window&#39;s life cycle. By so doing, the life of friction slider assembly  400  can be lengthened. 
     Referring to  FIGS. 13 and 14 , a friction hinge assembly  400  of this embodiment generally includes a track  402 , a sash arm  404 , a support arm  406 , and a slidable friction arm assembly  408  comprising detachable slider assembly  426  and a friction arm or drive link  427 . Track  402  generally comprises a track body  410 , a plurality of track mounting apertures  411 , and a plurality of track connecting members  412 . Track connecting members  412  generally includes apertures for receiving connectors such as, rivets or disassemblable fasteners, and track connecting members  412  can further comprise projecting members (as depicted) integral to track body  410 . Sash arm  404  generally comprises a sash arm body  414 , a track aperture  416 , a sash window aperture  418 , and a plurality of adjustment apertures  420 . Support arm  406  generally includes a support track aperture  422  and a connecting member  424  for operably coupling support arm  406  with sash arm  404 . 
     Slidable friction arm assembly  408  generally includes a slider assembly  426  and a friction arm  427  having a friction sash aperture. The force required to close an open window can be manipulated through the inclusion of a polymeric washer or spacer  425  at one or both of the support sash aperture  424  and the sash track aperture  416 . Also, as discussed above, the mechanics of hinge  400  can be altered or adjusting using adjustment apertures  420 . 
     Referring to  FIGS. 14 ,  16 , and  16 A, friction slider  430  comprises an offset  431  generally corresponding to an angled support are offset  433  included on support arm  406  enabling the opening and closing of the hinge  400 . Slider offset  431  can provide creep relief to friction slider  430  when the hinge is closed (see  FIGS. 14 and 15 ), which can be the majority of the window&#39;s life cycle. Specifically, when hinge  400  is in its closed position, slider offset  431  and support arm offset  433  are configured such that slider offset  431  is not placed in a stressed state by support arm offset  433 . 
     The embodiments above are intended to be illustrative and not limiting. Additional embodiments are encompassed within the scope of the claims. Although the present invention has been described with reference to particular embodiments, those skilled in the art will recognize that changes may be made in form and detail without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. For purposes of interpreting the claims for the present invention, it is expressly intended that the provisions of Section 112, sixth paragraph of 35 U.S.C. are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim.

Technology Classification (CPC): 8