Joints and connections – Interfitted members – Longitudinally splined or fluted rod
Reexamination Certificate
2000-06-08
2002-04-23
Browne, Lynne H. (Department: 3629)
Joints and connections
Interfitted members
Longitudinally splined or fluted rod
C403S362000, C016S429000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06375382
ABSTRACT:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
1. Field of the Invention
This invention relates to a crank assembly for use on a window operating mechanism.
More specifically, the invention relates to a crank assembly for use on the shaft of a casement window operating mechanism.
2. Discussion of the Prior Art
Crank handles for window opening and closing devices are disclosed. for example by U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,189,248, issued to G. R. Sully on Feb. 19, 1980, 5,168.770, issued to F. G. Ellis on Dec. 8, 1992; 5,400,473, issued to G. S. Delman on Mar. 28, 1995; 5,410,778, issued to Y. Langevin on May 2, 1995; 5,467,503, issued to D. A. Nolte et al on Nov. 21, 1995; 5,551,316, issued to J. L. Blank on Sep. 3, 1996 and 5,802,673, issued to J. Nemeth on Sep. 8, 1998. As clearly illustrated by some of these patents, a crank handle is mounted on a splined shaft, which is rotated to operate a lever to open or close a window. Various efforts have been made to make such handles more streamline, because a handle projecting outwardly form a window operating mechanism is somewhat obtrusive. interfering with the opening and closing of curtains or blinds. An obvious solution to the problem is to make the handle foldable for storage in a non-use position. Such a structure is proposed by the Delman, Langevin, Nolte et al, Blank and Nemeth patents. However, there still exists a need for a crank handle which while streamlined, can be easily moved between use and non-use positions. It is also important that the handle is stable during rotation, and provides maximum torque to facilitate window opening.
There are many different versions of window operating assemblies, i.e. assemblies having splined shafts which differ from each other in terms of length, diameter and spline configuration. Examples of such assemblies are available from Andersen Corporation, Bayport, Minnesota; Peachtree Doors, Inc., Norcross, Georgia: Pella Corporation, Pella. Iowa and Truth Hardware Corporation, Owatonna, Minn. The handles used to crank the different assemblies are unique to each model, i.e. they are not interchangeable. Moreover, for the most part the crank handles on available assembles are not foldable to a storage position.
GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An object of the present invention is to provide a solution to the above-identified problems with existing devices in the form of a relatively simple, compact, streamline crank assembly for a window operating mechanism which includes a foldable handle., and which is universal. i.e. can be used on most if not all existing models of window operating mechanisms.
Accordingly, the invention relates to a crank assembly for use on a splined shaft operable to open and close a casement window comprising a tubular body having a closed top end and an open bottom end; a socket in said open bottom end for mounting the body on the splined shaft; a handle pivotal on one corner of said top end for rotation between an extended position in which the handle extends outwardly from the body for rotating the body and the splined shaft to open and close the window, and a stored position in which the handle extends across the top of the body, one of the top end of the body and the handle defining a trough or ridge; and the other said top end of the body or the handle defining a complementary ridge or trough, whereby in the stored position, with the trough and ridge mating, the bottom edge of the handle lies beneath the end of the body; and a knob on a free end of said handle, in the stored position, the knob being spaced apart from one end of the body for facilitating manual access to the knob and rotation of the handle to the extended, use position for rotating the body and the shaft.
REFERENCES:
patent: 4615236 (1986-10-01), Boots
patent: 5201241 (1993-04-01), Pollack, Jr.
patent: 5410778 (1995-05-01), Langevin
patent: 5802673 (1998-09-01), Nemeth
Browne Lynne H.
Cottingham John R.
Seaby George A.
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