Automated windows systems and anchors therefor
The invention is an an anchor for attaching an automated window mechanism to a sliding panel of a window. The sliding panel has a border with an outer face generally perpendicular to the window. The anchor includes a base configured to be secured to the outer face. The base and mechanism mount has a first tongue-and-groove component protruding from the base away from the outer face. The anchor also includes a mechanism mount configured to be secured to the automated window mechanism, the mechanism mount having a second tongue-and-groove component protruding therefrom. The first tongue-and-groove component and the second tongue-and-groove components are shaped and aligned to permit the mechanism mount to slide relative to the base in a direction generally perpendicular to the window, and to thereafter hold the mechanism in proper alignment relative to the sliding panel of the window.
1. An anchor for attaching an automated window mechanism to a sliding panel of a window, the sliding panel having a border with an outer face generally perpendicular to the window, the anchor comprising:
a base configured to be secured to the outer face, having a first tongue-and-groove component protruding from the base away from the outer face; and
a mechanism mount configured to be secured to the automated window mechanism, the mechanism mount having a second tongue-and-groove component protruding therefrom;
wherein the first tongue-and-groove component and the second tongue-and-groove components are shaped and aligned to permit the mechanism mount to slide relative to the base in a direction generally perpendicular to the window, and to thereafter hold the mechanism in proper alignment relative to the sliding panel of the window.
2. The anchor of claim 1 , wherein the first tongue-and-groove component comprises a groove having an open end, and running perpendicular to the window, and having a shape that is narrower at its open end than at a point inward of the open end, and wherein the second tongue-and-groove component comprises a similar-shaped tongue running parallel to the groove, whereby the tongue is captured by the groove when inserted therein.
3. The anchor of claim 2 , wherein the groove and the tongue both have a trapezoid-shaped cross section.
4. The anchor of claim 1 , wherein the tongue-and-groove has a T-shaped profile.
5. The anchor of claim 1 , wherein the base includes a major surface that attaches to the outer face and a minor surface, which is perpendicular to the major surface and is configured to abut a face of the border that is perpendicular to the outer face, to thereby properly align the base as it the base is attached to the outer face.