Window sash counterbalance with independently operable sashes

摘要

A window, with a hybrid sash counterbalance and assist mechanism, includes a frame having upper and lower sashes slidable within the frame. A sash coupling element extends between the upper and lower sashes. The hybrid sash counterbalance and assist mechanism is coupled with the sash coupling element. The window with the hybrid sash counterbalance and assist mechanism is operable in a sash counterbalance mode and in an independent sash movement mode. In the sash counterbalance mode, movement of the upper or lower sash causes converse movement of the lower or upper sash through the sash coupling element, and the movement of the upper or lower sash is assisted. In the independent sash movement mode, one of the upper and lower sashes is held static while the other of the lower or upper sashes is moved, and the moved sash is assisted.

主权项

1. A window with independently operable upper and lower sashes, the window comprising:
a window frame including the upper and lower sashes slidable within the window frame; a sash coupling element extending between the upper and lower sashes; a hybrid sash counterbalance and assist mechanism including an intermediate pulley coupled with the sash coupling element, the hybrid sash counterbalance and assist mechanism is operable in a sash counterbalance mode and an independent sash movement mode,
in the sash counterbalance mode, movement of one of the upper or lower sashes causes converse movement of the other one of the upper or lower sashes through the sash coupling element, the intermediate pulley is substantially stationary with respect to the window frame, and the movement of the one of the upper or lower sashes is assisted by the converse movement of the other one of the upper or lower sashes, andin the independent sash movement mode, one of the upper and lower sashes is statically held with respect to the window frame while the other one of the upper or lower sashes is moved with respect to the window frame with assistance from the hybrid sash counterbalance and assist mechanism, and the intermediate pulley is moved with respect to the window frame.