WO1996012859A1

WO1996012859A1 - Method and apparatus for securing a sash within a frame

Info

Publication number: WO1996012859A1
Application number: PCT/US1995/012607
Authority: WO
Inventors: Todd W. Bruchu; Jeffrey M. Lynn
Original assignee: Andersen Corporation
Priority date: 1994-10-19
Filing date: 1995-09-29
Publication date: 1996-05-02
Also published as: JPH10507797A; GB2309478B; GB2309478A; GB9706778D0; MX9702862A; CA2202047C; DE19581803T1; AU3734895A; AU701784B2; CA2202047A1; US5657579A

Abstract

The present invention provides a double-hung window assembly having at least one sash assembly (300a, 300b) slidably mounted within a frame (200). Elongate stops (460) are secured along opposite sides of the slidable sash and are moveable between first positions interengaging a respective side of the frame (200) and second positions free of engagement with the frame (200). When the stops (460) are in their first positions, the sash is constrained to move in a linear path relative to the frame (200). When the stops (460) are in their second positions, the sash is free to pivot relative to the frame (200) about pins (1116) or similar structure extending between the sash (300a, 300b) and the frame (200).

Description

METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR SECURING A SASH WITHIN A FRAME

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates to a sash secured within a frame in such a manner that the sash slides relative to the frame and may be selectively tilted relative to the frame.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A popular type of window is the double-hung window having sashes that may be tilted relative to their frame to provide access to both sides of the sashes from only one side of the frame. However, the provision of such a window raises certain issues regarding structural integrity in view of the freedom between the sash and the frame necessary to allow pivoting of the former relative to the latter. There exists a need not only for a safe and reliable seal between the sash and the frame on such windows, but also for a window system that is cost effective to manufacture and convenient to operate.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a double-hung window assembly having at least one sash slideably mounted within a frame. Elongate stops are secured along opposite sides of the slideable sash and are moveable between first positions interengaging a respective side of the frame and second positions free of engagement with the frame. When the stops are in their first positions, the sash is constrained to move in a linear path relative to the frame. When the stops are in their second position, the sash is free to pivot relative to the frame about pins or similar structure extending between the sash and the frame.

Operators engage the upper ends of the stops and urge the upper ends toward the second position. The remainder of each stop is then retracted from engagement with the frame simply by pivoting the sash relative to the frame. The stops automatically return to their first position as the sash is pivoted back into augment with the frame. When in the first position, the stops extend between the entire length each side of the sash and the frame and thereby provide an effective, overlapping seal between the outside of the window and the inside of the window.

Several benefits are realized by securing the stops to the sash rather than to the frame. For example, the side jamb liner portions of the frame need not be as deep as would otherwise be required in order to accommodate the entire stop, when in a retracted position, as well as any counterbalance hardware. For any given size of framed opening, relatively shallower side jamb liners allow more of the window assembly to be glass rather than supporting structure. Also, since any counterbalance hardware is disposed entirely within the side jamb liners and only a portion of each stop extends from the sash and into engagement with the frame, a channel on each side jamb liner requires relatively short sidewalls extending to distal ends proximate the sash. The shorter these distal sidewalls, the greater their structural integrity, particularly in resistance to deflection that might otherwise occur in heavy winds. These and other advantages of the present invention will become apparent upon a more detailed description of the preferred embodiment.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING With reference to the Figures of the Drawing, wherein like numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views,

Figure 1 is a front view of a preferred embodiment double hung window assembly constructed according to the principles of the present invention (as viewed from an interior side of the window assembly) ;

Figure 2 is a profile or sectioned side view of a preferred embodiment window sash and glass panel constructed according to the principles of the present invention and shown in projection relative to one another; Figure 3 is a profile or sectioned side view of preferred embodiment upper and lower sashes and side jamb components constructed according to the principles of the present invention and shown in projection relative to one another; Figure 4 is a profile or sectioned side view of preferred embodiment upper and lower sashes and side jamb components constructed according to the principles of the present invention and shown assembled relative to one another and in a first configuration; Figure 5 is a profile or sectioned side view of preferred embodiment upper and lower sashes and side jamb components constructed according to the principles of the present invention and shown assembled relative to one another and in a second configuration; Figure 6 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment lower sash release component constructed according to the principles of the present invention;

Figure 7 is an isometric view of a preferred embodiment upper sash release component constructed according to the principles of the present invention; Figure 8 is an isometric view of preferred embodiment upper sash and upper sash release components constructed according to the principles of the present invention and shown assembled relative to one another; Figure 9 is an exploded perspective view of a sliding locking block with a pivot;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the sliding locking block shown in Figure 9, depicted in an assembled state and without the pivot; Figure 11 is a side view of a counterbalance that interconnects the sliding locking block shown in Figure 10 to the window frame; and Figure 12 is a sectioned top view of the sliding block shown in Figure 9, depicted in an assembled state.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT A preferred embodiment double-hung window unit constructed according to the principles of the present invention is designated as 100 in Figure 1. The window 100 generally includes a window frame 200, an upper sash 300a, and a lower sash 300b. The window frame 200 is secured relative to a wall 90. The upper sash 300a and the lower sash 300b are slideably mounted within the window frame 200.

The window frame 200 includes four window frame members 201-204 that are secured end to end at right angles relative to one another. Each of the four window frame members 201-204 is an extrusion of a composite material including wood and polyvinyl chloride, and each has the same cross-sectional profile shown in Figure 3 (for the right side frame member 202) . The window frame members 201-204 are welded to one another by applying heat until a bond forms between some of the polyvinyl chloride in each of two adjacent members.

A side liner 402 is secured to the right side frame member 202 (see Figure 3), and an identical side liner 404 is secured to the left side frame member 204 (see

Figures 4-5) . As shown in Figure 3, the profile of each side liner includes a main beam 420 that extends between and integrally interconnects an interior wall 430 and an exterior wall 440. A tab 421 projects beyond the exterior wall 440 and interengages a notch 245 on the frame member 202 when the main beam 420 is proximate the main beam 220.

The exterior wall 440 includes a first segment 441 that extends downward from the main beam 420 and integrally joins a standoff 442, which extends downward and toward the exterior side of the window assembly 100. The standoff 442 extends into and integrally joins a second segment 443, which extends substantially parallel to the first segment 441. A third segment 444 is integrally joined to an intermediate portion of the second segment 443. The third segment 444 extends toward the interior side of the window assembly 100 and terminates in a pointed end 445. Just inside the pointed end 445, a substantially L-shaped flange 446 extends toward the frame member 202 and then toward the exterior side of the window assembly 100 to define a notch 447. The third segment 444 and a distal portion of the second segment 443 cooperate to define an interior corner 449.

The interior wall 430 extends substantially perpendicular from the main beam 420 and away from the frame 202. The interior wall 430 extends into and integrally joins a first standoff 431, which extends toward the exterior side of the window assembly 100 and away from the frame 202. The first standoff 431 extends into and integrally joins a second standoff 432, which extends toward the exterior side of the window assembly 100. The standoffs 431 and 432 cooperate to define an internal corner or shoulder 433 which engages a lip 233 on the frame member 202. The second standoff 432 is a mirror image of the third segment 444 in that it also terminates in a pointed end 445 that supports a substantially L-shaped member 446, which extends toward the frame 202 and then toward the interior side of the window assembly 100 to define a notch 447.

Intermediate the endwalls 430 and 440, a pair of legs 423 and 424 are integrally joined to the main beam 420 and extend away from the frame member 202. The legs 423 and 424 are mirror images of one another and extend perpendicularly away from the main beam 420. A foot 425 extends from a distal end of the leg 423, and a foot 426 extends from a distal end of the leg 424. The feet 425 and 426 extend in opposite directions away from one another. The feet 425 and 426 are mirror images of the third segment 444 and the second standoff 432, respectively. In particular, each of the feet 425 and 426 terminates in a pointed end 445 which supports a substantially L-shaped member 446 that extends toward the frame member 202 and then perpendicularly to define a notch 447.

The foot 426, the leg 424, the main beam 420, the first segment 441, the standoff 442, the second segment 443, and the third segment 444 cooperate to define a substantially C-shaped channel 448, which houses hardware that interconnects the upper sash 300a and the frame 200. This interconnecting means, which is designated as 409 in Figure 5, functions to counterbalance the weight of the sash and to facilitate (a) movement of the upper sash 300a in a linear path relative to the frame 200 and (b) pivoting of the upper sash 300a about its lower or sill end relative to the frame 200. Components of this interconnecting means 409 are shown in Figures 9-12. Figure 9 shows an exploded view of a sliding locking block, generally designated as 1114, and a sash pivot 1116. One sliding locking block 1114 is slideably mounted within each side jamb channel or compartment 439 (shown in Figure 4) on each side jamb liner. A pivot 1116 is fastened to lower opposite sides of each sash 300a and 300b. Pivots 1116 are supported for rotation by sliding locking blocks 1114. Each sash is tiltable about a longitudinal axis through pivots 1116 disposed on opposite sides of either sash 300a or 300b. The sliding locking block 1114 has a housing 1118 preferably of rigid plastic. This housing 1118 has sliding surfaces 1120 with slots 1122. The housing 1118 has an aperture 1124 and a plate groove 1126 for attaching a sash pivot retainer spring 1128 and a metal plate 1130, respectively. A counterbalance spring (shown in Figure 11) is attached to metal plate 1130. The housing 1118 has a circular channel 1132 for receiving a locking cam 1134 having camming surfaces 1136. Housing 1118 also has a box-like area for receiving a locking spring 1138 which has serrated end portions 1140. Locking cam 1134 has a head 1142 which retains spring 1138 in the box- like area of housing 1118.

Sash pivot retainer spring 1128, as shown in Figure 9, has a hooked first end 1144 which is received by aperture 1124 to operably connect retainer spring 1128 to housing 1118. Retainer spring 1128 also has free end 1146. Retainer spring 1128 is preferably spring steel. The locking cam 1134, as shown in Figure 9, has a sash pivot opening 1148 with an open top slot 1150. Located proximate a front side of locking cam 1134 on opposite sides of sash pivot opening 1148, are inwardly disposed cam flanges 1152.

Figure 10 shows a perspective view of the assembled sliding locking block 1114 without pivot 1116. Retainer spring 1128 and plate 1130 are shown installed within housing 1118. Free end 1146 of spring 1128 is in a normal position proximate the front side of locking cam 1134. Locking cam 1134 is shown inserted within circular channel 1132 and is retained within locking block 1114 by a tab 1154. Figure 10 also shows one serrated end portion 1140 of spring 1128 retracted within slot 1122 in sliding surface 1120.

Figure 11 shows a counterbalance, generally designated as 1164. At least one counterbalance 1164 is placed in each side jamb channel or compartment 439 proximate a top portion of the window of frame by hook 1166 proximate one end of counterbalance 1164.

Proximate the other end of the counterbalance 1164 is a tab 1168 for connecting the counterbalance 1164 to plate 1130 of sliding locking block 1114. Counterbalance 1164 also has a spring 1170, pulleys 1172, and a cord 1174 operably connected to function in a manner known in the art .

As shown in Figure 12, when pivot 1116 is inserted into sash pivot opening 1148, the elongated portion 1158 extends into the opening beyond cam flanges 1152. Pivot flanges 1156 of pivot 1116 are disposed widely enough that when pivot 1116 is inserted in this manner, pivot flanges 1156 engage with cam flanges 1152 so that pivot 1116 cannot be pulled out of the pivot opening 1148 in a direction approximately parallel to a longitudinal axis of the elongated portion 1158. This feature is particularly important during transport and installation of window.

This interconnecting means or hardware 409 is disclosed and described in greater detail in United States Patent Application Serial No. 07/927,204 filed on August 7, 1992, and assigned to the assignee of the present invention. To the extent that it facilitates understanding of the present invention, this patent application is incorporated herein by reference to same.

As shown in Figure 3, a cover or clip 450 inserts into and effectively spans the channel 448 thereby defining a smaller, substantially U-shaped channel bounded on opposing sides by the third segment 444 and the foot 426 and their respective L-shaped members 446. The clip 450 includes a main panel 454 that extends between a pair of substantially J-shaped ends 451 that extend away from the frame 202 and then toward one another to define a pair of notches 452. Intermediate the J-shaped ends 451, a rail 453 extends in an opposite direction from the clip 450, away from the frame 202. The J-shaped ends 451 on the clip 450 interengage the L- shaped members 446 on the third segment 444 and the flange 426 to secure the clip 450 relative to the channel 448. The clip 450 enhances the structural integrity of the side jamb liner 402, as it prevents the opposing sidewalls of a respective jamb channel from deflecting away from one another, which might otherwise occur when the window is subjected to heavy wind.

The flange 425, the leg 423, the main beam 420, the interior wall 430, and the standoffs 431 and 432 similarly cooperate to define an adjacent, substantially C-shaped channel, which houses counterbalance hardware that facilitates opening of the lower sash 300b. Another clip 450 inserts into and effectively spans the channel to form a compartment 439 and conceal the counterbalance hardware. The J-shaped ends 451 on the clip 450 interengage the L-shaped members 446 on the standoff 432 and the flange 425 to secure the clip 450 relative to the channel and effectively seal the hardware 409 within the compartment 439.

Each of the window sashes 300a and 300b includes four window sash members 301-304 that are secured end to end at right angles relative to one another to support a glass panel 390. As shown in Figure 2, each glass panel 390 includes an exterior pane of glass 391 and an interior pane of glass 392, which are secured in parallel, side by side relationship to one another by a seal 393 disposed between peripheral edges thereof. Each of the four window sash members 301-304 is an extrusion of a composite material including wood and polyvinyl chloride, and each has the cross-sectional profile 310 shown in Figure 2. The window sash members 301-304 are welded to one another by applying heat until a bond forms between some of the polyvinyl chloride in each of two adjacent members.

As shown in Figure 2, the profile 310 is generally H-shaped, having an exterior wall 323, an interior wall 320, and an intermediate structure 315 extending transversely therebetween. These components cooperate to define a substantially U-shaped channel 324 that opens inward, toward the glass panel 390, and a substantially U-shaped channel 340 that opens outward, away from the glass panel 390 and toward the frame 200. The exterior wall 323 and the interior wall 320 extend substantially parallel to the glass panes 391 and 392.

A weather resistant, aesthetically pleasing coating is disposed about the exterior face of the sash profile 310, including a relatively inward wall 324 (facing generally inward or toward the glass panel 390) , the exterior wall 323, and a relatively outward wall 322 (facing generally outward or toward the frame 200) . A relatively thicker tab 348 of the coating projects beyond the frameward wall 322 and across a portion of the channel 340. Similarly, a weather resistant, aesthetically pleasing coating is disposed on the interior face of the sash profile 310, including a glass engaging sidewall 326, a relatively inward wall 319, the interior wall 320, and a relatively outward wall 321. A relatively thicker tab 347 of the coating projects beyond the frameward wall 321 and across a portion of the channel 340.

As shown in Figures 3-5, a stop 460 is secured relative to each side of the upper sash 300a and each side of the lower sash 300b. In a preferred embodiment, each stop 460 is an extrusion of a composite material including wood and polyvinyl chloride. The stops 460 function as a second interconnecting means between each sash and the frame, selectively constraining each sash to move up and down along a linear path within the frame. Each stop 460 has a uniform profile that may be described as substantially trapezoidal. A first, relatively shorter parallel side or wall 461 extends substantially parallel to the main beam 420 on the side liner 402. A second, relatively longer parallel side or wall 463 similarly extends substantially parallel to the main beam 420, between a first end 464 and a second 465. A pair of equal length, non-parallel, V-shaped sides or walls 462 and 466 integrally interconnect the parallel sides 461 and 463 and cooperate therewith to define an internal compartment 467 that also may be described as having a substantially trapezoidal cross-section or profile. The longer wall 463 of the stop 460 is disposed within the channel 340, and an elongate piece of resilient, semi-rigid foam 470 is disposed between the stop 460 and a base wall 343 of the channel 340. The foam 470 biases the stop 460 outward from the channel 340 and into engagement with the side jamb liner 402. The ends 464 and 465 of the longer wall 463 extend beyond the junctures with the V-shaped walls 462 and 466 and thereby define a longer wall length, which is less than the interior width of the channel 340, as defined between the sidewalls 341 and 346, but greater than the distance between the tabs 347 and 348, which limit access into and out of the channel 340. Thus, the tabs 347 and 348 retain the stop 460 and the foam 470 within the channel 340. On the other hand, the length of the shorter wall 461 is less than the channel access width defined between the tabs 347 and 348. Thus, the shorter wall 461 is free to move between a first position interengaged with the side jamb liner, and a second position free of the side jamb liner.

The V-shaped walls 462 and 466 on the stop 460 may be said to be convexly oriented relative to one another and thus, provide notches on the external sides of the stop 460. An elongate weather strip 469 is disposed in each of these notches and extends in convex fashion from the concave walls 462 and 466. When the sash is in a normal operating condition, as shown in Figures 1 and 4, for example, the foam 470 biases the shorter wall 461 out of the sash channel 340 and into the jamb channel 448 in such a manner that the weather strips 469 occupy the span between the pointed ends 445. This arrangement provides a positive, overlapping seal along the entire length of each side of the sashes 300a and 300b and constrains the sashes to travel in a linear path up and down relative to the frame 200. When it is desirable to access the exterior faces 395 of the glass panels 390, the stops 460 are withdrawn from the jamb channels 448 to arrive at the configuration shown in Figure 5, and thereby allow pivoting of the sashes about their respective lower ends relative to the frame.

The stops 460 on the lower sash 300b are retracted from the side jamb liners 402 and 404 by means of release operators 410, one of which is shown in Figure 6, to allow pivoting of the lower sash 300b relative to the frame 200. Each operator 410 includes a generally flat base 411 and a generally L-shaped member 412 secured to one side of the base 411. A longitudinal groove 415 is formed in an opposite side of the base 411. The base 411 extends from a relatively thin, leading end 413 to a relatively thick, trailing end 414. The L-shaped member 412 likewise extends from a relatively thin, leading end 416 to a relatively thick, trailing end 417. The L-shaped member 412 includes a wedge portion 418 that increases in thickness from the leading end 416 to the trailing end, and a handle portion 419 that extends substantially perpendicular from the base 411 proximate the trailing end 414.

An operator 410 is disposed within each channel 448, above the lower sash 300b, and with the leading ends 413 and 416 directed downward toward the lower sash 300b. Each base 411 is retained proximate a respective clip 450 by a respective pair of opposing ends 445 that limit the opening of each channel 448. The groove 415 in each operator 410 engages the nub 453 on a respective clip 450, and the handle 419 on each operator extends outward beyond its channel 448 so as to be accessible to a person standing near the interior side of the window assembly 100. When not in use, the operators 410 are moved to upwardmost positions within their respective channels 448 and thus, are visible, if at all, against the backdrop of a similarly colored upper sash member 301 on the upper sash 300a.

When pivoting of the lower sash 300b is desired, the lower sash 300b is moved upward some distance from the sill of the window, and each operator 410 is moved downward and between a respective clip 450 and a respective stop 460 on the lower sash 300b. Each operator 410 effectively "wedges" an topmost portion of a respective stop 460 out of its respective channel 448, thereby allowing a person to pivot the lower sash 300b inward about its lower end. Once wedged at the top, the stops 460 simply ease out of their respective channels 448 from top to bottom in response to the pivoting. The bottommost portion of each stop 460 remains captured between a respective sash member 302 or 304 and a respective side jamb 402 or 404, so the stops 460 simply ease back into their respective channels 448 from bottom to top when the lower sash 300b is pivoted back into its locked position relative to the frame 200.

The stops 460 on the upper sash 300a function in much the same manner as those on the lower sash 300b, but in response to different release mechanisms, one of which is designated as 480 in Figures 7-8. Each mechanism or operator 480 includes a generally S-shaped bar 481 and a web 482 extending perpendicularly from the S-shaped member 481. The S-shaped bar 481 extends from a handle 483 to a V-shaped intermediate portion consisting of equal length segments 484 and 485 to a finger 487. The web 482 is disposed on the concave side of the V-shaped portion and extends from an intermediate portion of the handle 483 to a distal end of the finger 487 and cooperates with the S-shaped member 481 to give the mechanism 480 a T-shaped cross-section. The web 482 includes a first, substantially triangular portion 488 extending from the handle 483 to a second, substantially triangular portion 489 extending across the V-shaped portion to a third, linear portion extending along the finger 487. The side of the second substantially triangular portion 489 opposite the corner 486 of the V- shaped portion extends substantially perpendicular relative to the handle 483 and the finger 487, which extend in opposite directions therefrom.

The mechanism 480 is disposed in the channel 340 on the upper sash member 301 in such a manner that the finger 487 extends downward into the compartment 467 in the stop 460, and the handle 483 extends upward beyond the channel 340. The corner 486 of the V-shaped portion rests upon the base 343, and a notch 479 is formed in an upper end of the longer parallel wall 463 on the stop 460 to receive the segment 485 proximate the finger 487. As a result, the mechanism 480 lies within the channel 340 with the side of the upwardmost side of the second substantially triangular portion 489 substantially parallel to the base 343. A top rail filler (not shown) covers the channel 340 and retains the mechanism 480 therein, and the handle 483 projects out a slot in the top rail filler so as to be accessible to a person standing proximate the interior side of the window assembly 100. Additional structure on the top rail filler assures adequate clearance for the handle 483 relative to the head jamb liner.

When pivoting of the upper sash 300a is desired, the lower sash 300b must first be released and pivoted relative to the frame 200. Then, the handles 483 on opposite sides of the upper sash 300a are simple pulled toward one another to retract a topmost portion of each stop 460 out of its respective channel 448, thereby allowing a person to pivot the upper sash 300a inward about its lower end. Once extracted at the top, the stops 460 simply ease out of their respective channels 448 from top to bottom in response to the pivoting. The lowermost portion of each stop 460 remains captured between a respective sash member 302 or 304 and a respective side jamb 402 or 404, so the stops 460 simply ease back into their respective channels 448 from bottom to top when the upper sash 300a is pivoted back into its locked position relative to the frame 200.

A head liner, having a profile unlike that of the side jamb liners 402 and 404, is secured to the upper or head frame member 201. In particular, by means of snap fit, a tab on the head liner interengages the notch 245 in the frame, and the lip 233 on the frame interengages a shoulder on the head liner. The top rail filler is secured to the upper sash member on the upper sash 300a to seal off the channel 340 and cooperate with structure on the head liner.

A sill liner, having a profile unlike that of the side jamb liners 402 and 404 or the head liner, is secured to the lower or sill frame member 203 to form a sill for the window 100. In particular, by means of snap fit, a hook on the sill liner interengages the notch 245 in the frame, and the lip 233 on the frame interengages a channel in the sill liner. A lower rail filler is secured to the lower sash member on the lower sash 300b to seal off the channel 340 and cooperate with structure on the sill liner. Also, interlocks are secured to the upper sash member on the lower sash 300b and the lower sash member on the upper sash 300a to seal of the respective channels 340 and cooperate with one another.

The present invention is described with reference to particular embodiments and applications. However, those skilled in the art will recognize additional embodiments and applications of the present invention. Accordingly, the present invention is to be limited only to the extent of the following claims:

Claims

1. A double hung window assembly, comprising: a frame; a sash disposed within said frame; and an elongate stop secured along each side of said sash and moveable between a first position interengaging a respective side of said frame and thereby confining said sash to move in a linear path relative to said frame, and a second position free of said respective side of said frame and thereby allowing said sash to pivot relative to said frame.

2. A double hung window assembly according to claim 1, further comprising a biasing means associated with each said stop for biasing said stop toward said first position.

3. A double hung window assembly according to claim 2, wherein each said biasing means includes an elongate strip of resilient foam disposed between said sash and said stop.

4. A double hung window assembly according to claim 1, further comprising an operating means associated with each said stop for moving said stop from said first position to said second position.

5. A double hung window assembly according to claim 4, wherein each said operating means includes a wedge mounted on a rail on said frame and moveable along said linear path from a first location away from said sash to a second location between said frame and a portion of said stop.

6. A double hung window assembly according to claim 4, wherein each said operating means includes a lever mounted on said sash, and said lever has a handle accessible to a person standing near the window assembly, and a hook engaged within an opening in said stop.

7. A double hung window assembly according to claim 1, further comprising elongate weather strips secured to opposite sides of each said stop, wherein when said stops are in said first position said weather strips also extend between said frame and said sash.

8. A double hung window assembly according to claim 1, wherein each said stop has a substantially trapezoidal cross-section including a relatively longer parallel wall retained within a channel in a respective side of said sash, and a relatively shorter parallel wall moveable into and out of said channel and into and out of engagement with said frame.

9. A double hung window assembly according to claim 8, wherein said substantially trapezoidal cross- section further includes a pair of equal length, nonparallel walls that are convex relatively to one another and thereby provide notches in which resilient, semi-rigid weather strip is disposed.

10. A double hung window assembly, comprising: a window frame having opposing side jamb channels that extend along opposing sides of said frame and open toward one another, wherein each of said jamb channels has an opening width; a window sash having opposite side sash channels that extend along opposite sides of said sash and open away from one another, wherein each of said sash channels has an interior width as defined between opposing sidewalls, and a relatively smaller, access width as defined by tabs extending from said opposing sidewalls and toward one another; and a separate elongate stop secured within each of said sash channels, wherein each said stop has a bottom wall that is narrower than said interior width but wider than said access width, and said bottom wall is disposed within a respective sash channel, and each said stop has a top wall that is narrower than said access width and said opening width, and each said stop is moveable from a first position wherein said top wall occupies at least a portion of a respective jamb channel, to a second position wherein said top wall is removed from said respective jamb channel.

11. A double hung window assembly according to claim 10, wherein said window frame has adjacent pairs of opposing side jamb channels that extend along opposing sides of said frame and open toward one another, and said adjacent pairs are spaced sufficiently far apart from one another to allow a fastener to be inserted therebetween for purposes of securing the window assembly relative to a wall.

12. A double hung window assembly according to claim 10, wherein each said sash channel has a base wall that extends between said opposing sidewalls, and a resilient biasing means is disposed between each said base wall and a respective stop.

13. A double hung window assembly according to claim 12, wherein each said biasing means is an elongate strip of foam.

14. A double hung window assembly according to claim 10, wherein each said sash channel has a base wall that extends between said opposing sidewalls, and a dimple is formed at a midpoint in each said base wall to provide a pilot for threading a screw into said base wall .

15. A double hung window assembly according to claim 10, further comprising a counterbalance disposed within each of said jamb channels and interconnected between said frame and said sash, and a cover that extends across each of said jamb channels outside of a respective counterbalance and inside of a respective opening width, wherein each said cover limits travel of a respective stop into a respective jamb channel.

16. A double hung window assembly according to claim 15, wherein each said cover is connected to a respective jamb channel in a manner that limits opposing sidewalls of a respective jamb channel from moving beyond a desired distance from one another.

17. A double hung window assembly according to claim 15, wherein each said cover includes a main panel and substantially J-shaped members disposed at opposite ends of said main panel, and said substantially J-shaped members extend substantially perpendicularly away from said main panel and toward one another, and each of said jamb channels includes sidewalls that extend from a common base to respective flanges that extend toward one another and define said opening width therebetween, and substantially L-shaped members extend from respective ends of said respective flanges toward said common base and then away from one another, and said substantially L-shaped members on said flanges engage said substantially J-shaped members on said cover.

18. A double hung window assembly, comprising: a window frame; a window sash; a first interconnecting means extending between said frame and said sash for interconnecting said frame and said sash in such a manner that said sash is moveable along a linear path relative to said frame and pivotal about one end relative to said frame; and a second interconnecting means secured relative to said sash and selectively extending between said frame and said sash for selectively interconnecting said frame and said sash in such a manner that said sash is maintained in an upright orientation relative to said frame, and said second interconnecting means effectively seals any gap between a side of said sash and a corresponding side of said frame.

19. A double hung window assembly according to claim 18, wherein said second interconnecting means inlcudes an elongate stop extending along said side of said sash and moveable into and out of engagement with said corresponding side of said frame.

20. A double hung window assembly according to claim 19, wherein said first interconnecting means includes a pin extending from said sash to a carriage moveably secured relative to said frame.