US2735676A - Window regulator - Google Patents

Description

Feb. 21, 1956 H. E. LANGE 2,735,676

WINDOW REGULATOR Filed Sept. 22, 1954 I N VE N TOR {Yon 42a E [elves ATTORNEYS United States Patent WINDOW REGULATOR Howard E. Lange, North Miami, Fla. Application September 22, 1954, Serial No. 457,662 1 Claim. (Cl. 268-104) The present invention relates to window regulators and more particularly to an improved device whereby a semiautomatic control of window movement is enabled.

In the modern casement, awning-type or jalousie window there is conventionally employed a manually operated crank and gear mechanism through which the glazed panels of the window are opened and closed. Although the actual regulating operation is not difiicult a reasonable amount of energy is required to drive the gear mechanism and to accomplish the desired efiect in regulating the position of the window panels. Frequently, it becomes necessary or desirable to change the position of the window panels rapidly, a result unobtainable in present devices.

A principal object of the present invention i the provision of a window regulator wherein manual operation in positioning the window panels energizes an integral spring mechanism sufficiently to insure upon its release, return of the window panels to their original position.

A second object of my invention is to provide a semiautomatic window regulator of such construction that it may readily be adapted to a varity of window types without excessive modification.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a semi-automatic window regulator which is entirely independent of the window installation per se.

Other objects and advantages of my invention will be readily apparent from the following detailed description of a preferred embodiment thereof when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawing wherein:

Fig. 1 is a vertical sectional view of the window regulator contemplated by my invention in a typical installation;

Fig. 2 is a bottom plan view of the window regulator with part broken away; and

Fig. 3 is a vertical sectional view taken substantially along the line 3-3 of Fig. 2.

Briefly stated, my inventive concept entails the provision in a window regulator of a spring mechanism which serves to drive the regulator through a course opposed to that accomplished manually, the manual manipulation automatically energizing the spring mechanism for repeated actuation thereof.

In the drawings in which like numerals indicate like parts throughout the several views, a window regulator 1 comprises an inner casing 2 of circular configuration provided with an inwardly projecting peripheral flange 3 and an outwardly projecting boss 4 of suitable shape to permit its attachment as for example by a screw 5 or other suitable means to a housing 6 enclosing the operating means which is to be controlled of a window unit (not shown). The casing 2 is so positioned with relation to the window unit that it encircles the window operating shaft 8, a suitable opening 9 being provided in the casing 2 for its reception.

A cylindrical sleeve 11 frictionally engages the extended portion of the shaft 8 and is secured thereto against ICC rotation by any suitable means as for example a locking pin 12. An outer cover or cap 15 provided with a projecting peripheral flange 16 of a size and configuration to encompass the inner casing 2 is also secured to the operating shaft 8, as for example by means of a bolt 17 and provides a convenient knob whereby rotation of the shaft 8 is enabled.

In their assembled position the inner casing 2 and outer cover 15 define a centrally disposed chamber 29 in which is positioned a coil spring 21 secured at one end to the flange 3 of the inner casing 2 by means of the bolt 22 and at the opposite end to the sleeve 11 by a bolt or screw 23. To avoid possible lateral displacement of the spring 21, a restraining shield 25 is secured within the chamber 20 in close proximity to one side of the spring 21.

Also disposed within the chamber 20, inwardly of the spring 21 is a detent control therefor. A ratchet wheel 28 is secured to the sleeve 11 adjacent the leading end thereof by any suitable means (not shown) for rotation therewith. A lever arm 29 pivotally secured to the inner casing 2 through a pin 30 adjacent one end thereof is provided with a scar 31 which engages the ratchet wheel 28 and so locks it and the shaft 8 against counter rotation as the window regulator functions. A leaf spring 34 secured at one end to the inner casing 2 by a stud 35 engages a cam-like projection 36 at the end of the arm 29 beyond the pivot point and maintains a constant force against said arm urging the sear 31 against the ratchet wheel 28. The lever arm 29 terminates in an enlarged wing pad 38 projecting at right angles therefrom beyond the casing 2 through a slot 39 therein to provide a means for moving the sear 31 out of engagement with the ratchet wheel 28 and to free the shaft 3 for counterrotation. A bumper or stop 40 of rubber or similar resilient material is secured to the inner casing 2 by any suitable means to limit inward movement of the lever arm 29 under influence of the spring 34.

When it is desired to regulate the position of the panels of a window equipped with my regulator rotation of the outer casing 15, which is of sufficient diameter that the necessary torque may be applied, causes rotation of the sleeve 11 and the operating shaft 3. Such rotation of the sleeve 11 occasions an increase in the amount of tension on the coil spring 21, an action which may be compared to the winding of a clock spring. The ratchet 28 and sear detent 31 prevent a reversed movement of the shaft 8 and lock the control mechanism at any desired point of window panel opening. When it becomes necessary or desirable to close the Window panels, lever 29 is moved, releasing the sear detent from engagement with the ratchet 28, permitting the coiled spring 21 to drive the shaft 8 in a reverse direction until the window panels are restored to their original position.

Manifestly, the strength or capacity of the spring 2i must be varied dependent upon the size and/or weight of window panels to be manipulated thereby. The spring 21 can also be adjusted so that opening of the window panels is opposed by a slight spring tension in order that a more rapid and complete closing of the window panels can be assured under the spring drive of the operating means.

The lever 29 which serves to lock the regulator in open position may be adapted for remote or automatic control by the addition thereto of a solenoid or an electromagnet which upon being energized will move the lever away from the ratchet wheel 28.

It will at once be obvious that various modifications in the described form of my invention and alteration in the arrangement of the component elements thereof are possible without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the following claim.

What I claim is:

A semi-automatic window regulator for the glazed panels of a window assembly inter-connected for simultaneous manipulation thereof through a crank'actuated operating means, which regulator comprises a fixed casing member secured to said window assembly in a position over and around its operating means from which the crank has been removed, a rotatable casing member encompassing said fixed member, and bearing thereon, in engagement with and driving the window operating means, a coiled spring disposed within and secured between said casing members, said spring being energized by mox ement of the rotatable casing member as the window panels are opened whereby to exert a sufficient counter-rotative effect against said rotatable casing member to insure a spring-driven closing of the window panels, and a detent securing the outer rotatable casing member and the window operating means against counter-rotation induced by said energized spring, said detent being releasable to permit counter-rotation of the outer rotatable casing member and the Window operating-means to close the window panels.

Refit-senses Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS

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