Pivoting Handle Installation Tool for Assembling Pre-tension Spiral Balances into Window Frames
A tool to facilitate the installation of spiral rod balances after the sash has been installed into the window frame. The tool becomes an extension onto the end of the spiral rod of a conventional spiral rod balance and forms a spiral balance sub-assembly. It enables the installer to pull the end of the spiral rod from its pre-tensioned positioned in the balance containment tube without the necessity of having to use another tool, turn the tool so that a sash clip securely fixed onto the spiral rod is seated the sash rail. The tool can be recycled by the window manufacturer for re-use.
1 . In a spiral balance, a tool for assembling the spiral balance in a jamb channel of a window frame comprising:
a) a main support shaft having a first end and a second end, the first end of the main support shaft being pivotally connected to a handle, the second end of the main support shaft terminating in a hook, the hook having a tapered tip; and
b) an elongated strap spring, having a first end and a second end, the first end of the elongated strap spring being securely connected to the main support shaft in proximity to the second end of the main support shaft; the second end of the elongated strap spring having a hole for receiving the tip of the hook.
2 . The tool of claim 1 wherein the first end of the main support shaft pivotally connects with the handle in proximity to the middle of the handle.
3 . A spiral balance sub-assembly for windows, wherein the spiral balance consists of a spiral rod within a containment tube, the containment tube having an open end and a closed end, the spiral rod having an end in proximity to the open end of the containment tube, the end of the spiral rod having a hole in proximity to its open end and, optionally, an extension spring surrounding the containment tube, the spiral balance sub-assembly comprising:
a) a spiral balance; and
b) a tool
i) comprising a main support shaft, the main support shaft having a first end and a second end, the first end of the main support shaft being pivotally connected to a handle, the second end terminating in a tapered hook;
ii) an elongated strap spring, having a first end and a second end, the first end of the elongated strap spring being securely connected to the main support shaft in proximity to the second end of the main support shaft, the second end of the elongated strap spring having a hole;
wherein the tip of the hook traverses through the hole in end of the spiral rod and the hole in the second end of the elongated strap spring, such that the spiral rod of the spiral rod balance is non-permanently secured between the hook and the elongated strap spring.
4 . A method for assembling the spiral balance sub-assembly of claim 3 within a jamb channel of a window frame, wherein the window frame consists of two opposing parallel jambs, the two jambs containing a first sash rail and a second sash rail, the jamb channel having a first end and a second end, the method comprising the sequential steps of:
a) pivoting the handle so that a portion of the handle abuts the main support shaft;
b) orienting the end of the handle for insertion into the first end of the jamb channel;
c) urging the spiral balance sub-assembly down the jamb channel in the direction of the second end of the jamb channel;
d) urging the sash toward the first end of the jamb channel until the first sash rail abuts a sash stop in proximity to the first end of the jamb channel until the tool is exposed beyond the second sash rail;
e) securing the containment tube of the spiral balance to a wall of the jamb channel;
f) pivoting the handle of the tool until the handle forms substantially a “T” shape with respect to the main support shaft;
g) rotating the handle so that a clip securely affixed to and in proximity to the end of the spiral rod is aligned with a clip interface located on the second rail or stile of the sash;
h) permitting the clip to seat onto the clip interface; and
i) orienting the tool so that it detaches from the spiral rod.
5 . The method of claim 4 wherein the closed end of the containment tube is attached to the wall of the jamb channel.
6 . The method of claim 5 wherein containment tube is attached using conventional retention means.
7 . The method of claim 6 wherein the conventional retention means are the combination of a clip and a screw.
8 . The method of claim 4 wherein the tool is oriented so that the hook is removed from the hole in the end of the spiral rod and the hole in the elongated strap spring.