US2425659A - Sash balance - Google Patents

Description

Aug. l2, 1947 A. vlEHwEGER SASH BALANCE Filed'Jan, `15, 1945 2 sheets-sheet 1 INVENT ATTomyEyJ.

gpl 17 A. VEHWEGER SASH BALANCE Aug. 12, 1947.v

Filed Jan. .15, 1945 '2 sheds-sheet 2' Qi-M @MM Patented Aug. 12, 1947 SASH BALANCE August Viehweger, signor to Grand Comstock Park, Mich., as- Rapids Hardware Company,

Grand Rapids, Mich., a corporation of Michigan Application January 15, 1945, Serial No. 572,832

Claims.

This invention relates to improvements in sash balance.

Themain objects of this invention are:

First, to provide a sash balance of the type embodying a tubular element having a spiral track in which the double element is provided with a tubular spiral track and one which may be economically produced and at the same time is Very rigid and not likely to become sprung or to bind or clutchingly engage the torsion member when in use.

Second, to provide a sash balance of the type described in which the tubular element constitutes a lubricant retaining chamber so that the torsion spring and engaged parts may be effectively lubricated and squeaking and other noises practically eliminated.

Third, to provide a sash balance having these adavanta'ges in which the parts may be economically produced and assembled and veasily mounted in operative relation to the sash of the Window casing.

Fourth, to provide improved coacting tubular elements and torsion elements.

Objects pertaining to details and economies `of the invention will denitely appear from the description to follow. The invention is dened in the claims.

A structure embodying the features of the invention is clearly illustrated in the accompanying drawing, in which: Y

Fig. 1 is a` fragmentary elevation view of a window and casing with a sash balance embodying my invention installed therein, the balance being illustrated partially in longitudinal section.

Fig. 2 is a fragmentary sectional view corresponding to that of Fig. 1 with the sash in raised position.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary view of the sash balance partially in longitudinal section on line 3-3 of Fig. 4.

Fig. 4 is a transverse section on line 4--4 of Figs. land 3.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary View looking from the right of Figs. 3 and Vl showing the details of the torsion element and its relation to the coacting tubular element.

Fig. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary longitudinal section on line 6,-6 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary view of a modied form or embodiment of the invention, the invention being mainly in the attaching bracket.

Fig. 8fis aV perspective View ofthe attaching bracketV of Fig. '7.

Fig. 9 is a fragmentary View corresponding to that of Fig. 1 illustrating a modiiied form or embodiment of the invention in which the tubular member has a single spiral track as distinguished from the double track of Fig. 1.

Fig. 10 is an enlarged transverse section on line llll0 of Fig. 8.

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of the torsion member of the embodiment shown in Figs. 9 and 10.

Fig. 12 is a fragmentary side elevation of a furthermodifled form or embodiment of my invention providedV with two spiral groove-like tracks.

Fig; 13 is an enlarged transverse section on line |3-I3 of Fig. 12.

In the drawing l represents a Window casing and 2 a window sash having a channel or groove 3 in the edge thereof adapted to receive the sash balance. In the embodiment of the invention illustrated in Figs. 1 to 6 the tubular element designated generally by the numeral 4 is provided with two spiral groove-like tracks 5 and 6 of the same pitch so that they may both simultaneously coact with a torsion element having two track-engaging lugs or parts, these lugs or parts being oppositely disposed. This is of advantage in minimizing frictional and distortion stresses.

The tubular element comprises an inner member T and an outer member 8 closely embracing the inner member, the two members coacting to produce a very rigid tubular element and at the same time one which may be made of relatively light material and does not have the weight which would result. from otherwise securing the same degree of rigidity or resistance to bending and deilecting stresses. Both of these inner and outer members are formed from strips 9 and l0 of ribbon stock, preferably steel, spirally coiled, and the convolutions or turns of the spirals are such that longitudinal slots Il and I2 are formed by the edges of the strip or between the turns or convolutions of the spirally coiled strip.

The outer member is provided with a spiral corrugation i3 preferably centrally thereof, which forms a spiral groove I4. 'I'he spiral corrugation is positioned in the spiral slot Il of the inner member as shown in Figs. 3 and 6. The slot i2 of the outer member is bottomed by the inner member and the parts coact to form the spiral groove or track I5.

A coiled torsionspring I6 is housed within the tubular member, being clutchingly engaged at one end with the inner end of the torsion rod .I1 and at the other end engagedwith the inner end of the anchoring rod IB, which is provided with having a hole 24 therein receiving the indentation 25 of the inner member, the outer member having a corresponding indentation 2S. rI he members are thus secured against' rela'tive' roltation as well as being secured tovfthebushing. The bushing is provided with ratehet teeth 2 1 at its inner end coacting with a ratchet head 28 mounted on the inner end of the torsion rod,-tl ii s -inthe embodiment illustrated being in the form of a sleeve secured to the torsion rod by indenting at 2S ,i'r it`othe recesses 30 formed in the torsion rod; see Fig. 3. The lsp r i n"g'lis', ,underaxial thrust and serves to urge the ratehetmemb'ers into engagement. These parts provide -an effective closure for this en'd of the tubular member so that it serves as a grease or lubricant `"cont'aitier permitting introduction oi thelubricant preferably in the form o f' a suitable grease whichis Aeiectively retained and doesnot reduire replacement. The mais functies ci ineiubiicant iste prevent noise and prevent corrosion; The rod 31 arranged within the coiled spring also prevents noise in that it keeps the coils of the spring from interlocking and kinking.

Tnetorsion mantenerme emb'odimentof the inveniion-iinstratedi i its. 1; m6 immenses ,the anllll mmbl 132. 'Suda-bly ,mbfaig thE tubU- lar member', The 'annular member is carried by the arm 34 perforated 'at 35 to' receive an attaching jscrew The torsion member is indented to form. a hiewhih coactswith the. track 14 wire `n@ arm is provini-,apnea ieg 31 coasting wiinxihe track .These ,lugs :are iormed ,by inclinations in. the sans and are suitably pinned @Correspond t0 th Pitcher :the irasksl. ,Ther engage the tracks -oppositelsf; thereby minimizing canting orclutching stresses.

In me embpfiiment- 'f the fnyeiitioni'iistrated in, Fits*- 'Y 'and 58 the brafiki 38., is Provided, with has'a `single spiral :track '4 3' I have illustrated embodiments of my invention Which I have found highly practical. I have not attempted to illustrate certain other embodiments and adaptations which I contemplate as it is believed this disclosure will enable those skilled in the art to embody the invention as may be desired. 4

Having thus described my inventic'in,4 what I claim as new and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. In a sash balance, the combination of a tiibular element having two outwardly facing spiral 4grooves of the same pitch, said element compris'inginnerand outer members, each membr consisting of Va strip spirally coiled with its edges in spaced relation providing a spiral slot,

' the outer member being in overlying relation to the spiral slot of the inner member and having a lspiral rib-like inset therein intermediate its edges disposed vin the slot of the inner member and providing one of said grooves, the spiral slot of the outer memberbeing intermediate the edges of the inner member and bottomedthereby and constituting vthe otherof said spiral grooves', a bushing securedv within one end of said vtubular element provided with ratchet teeth at its inner end, a tensi'on rod disposedwithin said bushing for rotation therein and provided vvithar ratchet head coacting with the ratchet teeth -o'i lsaid bushing, an anchoring rod at the other end of said tubular element providedwithan attaching bracket and with a bushing fitting within said tubular element,

the inner ends of said anchoring and tensioning rods constituting clutch pins, a coiled spring arranged within said element with its ends in clutch'- ing engagement within said clutch pins, and a torsion member provided with opposed grooveengaging lugs coacting with b'o'th 'spiralgroovs of said tubular element, said tubular element 'members 'and saidbushing and rods being in lubricant retaining tting relationship;

2. In a sash balance, the combination of a tu'- bular element having two -outwardlir facing spiral grooves of the sam'e pitch; said 'element comprising inner and outer membersy each member consistirlg of a nStrip 'S'p'rlly lcoiled. with its edges 'in spaced relation providing a spiral slot; the out'er member being in overlying relation tothe spiral 510i fof the inner member an; having a spirai rib-like n's'et therein linteiiiie'di'ate Iits edges disposed in the slot of the inner memberand ptroviding "one or said groeves, the spira-1 not or die @meer member being intermediate :the edges ofthe inner 'member and bottomed thereby and'cons'tiuiting the einer ci said spiral :groei/es, a finishing secured within ene-end di said tubuiar nement provided With ratchet teeth -at its inner end; a tension member disposed Within said bushing rotation thereinand Vprovided lwitha ratchet-head coacting With the ratchet t'eth of lsa'1`d bushing, an anchoring member at the other en'd Uf 'said tubular element, a coiled spring arranged Within rib-like inset therein intermediate its edges dis' outer member beingintermediate the edges ofi the innermember and bottomed thereby and constituting the other of said spiral grooves, a ten-f sion memberV mounted on one end of said tubular element, an anchoring memberat the other end of said tubular element, a coiled spring ar-` ranged within said element with one end operatively connected to said tension member and the other to said anchoring member, anda torsion' member provided with groove-engaging lugs coacting with both spiral grooves of said tubular element.

4. In a sash balance, the combination of a tu-A bular element comprising inner and outer members, each consisting of a spirally coiled strip coiled with the edges thereof in spaced relation providing a spiral slot, the outer member overlapping the slot of the inner member and having a spiral corrugation disposed in the spiral slot of the inner member and constituting an outwardly facing spiral groove, the slot of the outer member being underlapped by the inner member, said members being in close tting lubricant retaining relation to each other, a coiled spring housed Within said tubular element and operatively connected thereto at one end, a mounting bracket at the other end of said tubular element and to which said coiled spring is connected, meansA at vthe other end of said tubular element for adjusting the tension of said spring from the exterior of said tubular element, and a torsion element comprising an annular torsion member embracing and slidably receiving said tubular element and having an integral oiset portion engaging one of said grooves, and an attaching arm provided with laterally spaced slots adjacent the free ends thereof, said annular torsion member having the ends thereof disposed through said slots and folded upon the rear side of said arm, said arm having an inward offset between said slots coacting with the other of said grooves.

5. In a sash balance, the combination of a tubular element comprising inner and outer members, each consisting of a spirally coiled strip coiled with the edges thereof in spaced relation providing a spiral slot, the outer member overlapping the slot of the inner member and having a spiral corrugation disposed in the spiral slot of the inner member and constituting an outwardly facing spiral groove, the slot of the outer member being underlapped by the inner member, said members being in close fitting lubricantk retaining relation to each other, a coiled spring housed Within said tubular element and operatively connected thereto at one end, a mounting bracket at the other end of said tubular element and to which said coiled spring is connected, means at the other end of said tubular element for adjusting the tension of said spring from the exterior of said tubular element, and a torsion element emb-racing and slidably receiving said tubular element and having opposed lugs coacting with said. grooves.

6. In a sash balance, the combination of a tubular element comprising inner and outer members, each consisting of a spirally coiled strip coiled with the edges thereof in spaced relation providing a spiral slot, the outer member overlapping the slot of the inner member and having a spiral corrugation disposed in the spiral slo-t of the inner member and constituting an outwardly facing spiral groove, the slot of the outer member being underlapped by the inner niember, a coiled'- spring housed within said tubularv element and-operatively connected thereto at one end, a mountingbracket at the other end of `said tubular element and to 'which said coiledspring is connected, and an annular torsion member embracing 'and slidably receiving said tubular element and provided with an attaching means and with opposed groove engaging lugs coacting with said spiral grooves of said tubular element and adapted to engage the grooves in diametrically opposed relation. Y

7, In a sash balance, the combination of a tubular'elemen't comprising inner and outer members, eachlconsisting of a spirally coiled strip coiled with the edges thereofin spaced relation providing a spiral slot, the strips being in joint breaking relation,` the outer of said strips having a spiral groove formed therein providing an inset spiral rib-like part disposed in the slot of the inner member, the slot of the outer member being bottomedby the'inner member, a spiral spring housed Within said tubular element and connected theretoV at onerend, an anchoring means for the otherend of said spring disposed within said tubular element, said tubular element being adapted to constitute a lubricant chamber in which the spring is enclosed, and means coactinglwith the tube for torsioning the spring comprising a groove-engaging member embracing and slidably receiving the tubular member and provided with means for attachment and having opposed lugs each adapted to engage one of the grooves of. said tubular element at opposite sides of the tubular element.

8". In a sash balance, the combination of a tubu lar element comprising inner and outer members, each consisting of a spirally coiled strip disposed in joint breaking relation to the other, the outer of said members having a spiral track formed therein, the edges of the convolutions of the outer member being spaced to provide a slot-like track bottomed by the inner member, a spiral spring housed Within said tubular element and connected thereto at one end, an anchoring means for the other end of said spring disposed within said tubular element, and means coacting With the tubular element for torsioning the spring comprising a track-engaging member embracing and slidably receiving the tubular member and provided with means for attachment and having means individually engaging one of the tracks of said tubular element.

9. In a sash balance, the combination of a tubular element comprising spirally coiled inner and outer members, the outer member closely embracing the inner member and in joint breaking relation thereto, the outer member having a spiral corrugation constituting a spiral track and having the edges of its convolutions spaced to provide a second spiral tting lubricant retaining relation to each other, a coiled spring housed within said tubular element and operatively connected thereto at one end thereof, an anchoring element at the other end of said tubular element and to which the other end of said spring is connected, means for adjusting the tension of said spring from the exterior of said tubular element, and a non-rotatable torsion member slidably engaging said tubular element and provided with track engaging members coacting with each of said spiral tracks of said tubular element.

10. A tubular element for sash balances adapted to receive a torsion spring and provided with track, said members being in close providing spiral slots,

two groove-like spiral torsion member engaging tracks, each consisting of a spirally coiled strip coiled with the edges thereof in spaced relation providing a spiral slot, the outer member overlapping the slot of the inner member and having a spiral corrugation disposed in the spiral slot of the inner member and constituting an outwardly facing spiral groove, the slot of the outer member being underlapped by the inner member, said members being in close fitting lubricant retaining relation to each other.

11. A tubular element for sash balances having two spiral groove-like torsion memberengaging tracks of the same pitch and comprising inner and outer members each consisting of a spirally coiled strip coiled with its edges in spaced relation the outer'member being in` overlyingv relation to the slot of the inner member and having a spiral rib-like offset therein intermediate its edges disposed in the slot of the inner member and providing one of said spiral groove-like tracks, the spiral slot of Vthe outer of said members being intermediate the edges of the inner member and bottomed thereby and constituting the other of said spiral groove-like tracks, said members being in closeengagement to retain lubricant.

12. A tubular element for sash balances comprising inner and outer members, each consisting of a spirally coiled strip` coiled with the edges thereof in spaced relation providing a spiral'sl'ot. the outer member overlapping the slot of the inner member: and havingf a spiral corrugation disposed in the spiral slot of the inner member and constituting a spiral track, the slot of the outer member constituting a spiral track and. being underlapped by the inner member.

I3". A tubular element for sash. balances having spiral tracks for enacting with a torsion member and comprising inner and outer members, each consisting of a strip spirally coiled with the edges thereof in spaced relation providing a spiral slot.` the strips' being in joint breaking relation, the outer of said strips having a spiral track formed therein providing a. Spiral ri -like part disposed in the slot of the inner member, the slot of the outer member being bottomed by the inner member.

14. A tubular element for sash balances comprising inner and outer members each consisting of a spirally coiled strip, the inner member beingcoiled with its edges in spaced relation providing a spiral slot, the outer member closely embracing the inner and overlapping the slot thereof and having a spiral corrugationv disposed in the spiral slot of the inner member and constituting a spira-l track.

15,.. A tubular element for sash balanceshaving spiral tracks and comprising inner and. outer members, each consisting of a spirally coiled strip, the outer member closely embracing the inner and overlapping the joint thereof, the outer member having a pluralityof spiraln corrugations constituting spiral tracks.

AUGUST VIEHWEGER.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record irr they iile4 of this patent.:

UNITED STATES PA'IEN'ISv

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