ENTREBAILLEUR ARM FOR MAINTAINING A DOOR IN A PREDETERMINED OPEN POSITION RELATIVE TO A FRAME.

A Stay arm and a window or a door equipped with the stay arm.

A window or door typically includes a frame mounted in a bay and at least one door rotatably mounted on the frame, between an open position wherein the sash releases a passage through the frame and a closed position in which the door closes the passage.

It is known to equip the windows or doors stay with an arm. Stay The arm is connected to the frame, and to the door. It can maintain the door in a predetermined open position.

However, the impact applied to the windows or doors known are transmitted directly to the arm Stay, rupturable. The opening panel is no longer held by the stay arm and can be freely moved. As a result, also damages, a significant lowering of security level since the stay arm only fills and the function of holding the opening into its predetermined open position, or a function of aperture limiter.

Therefore, the present invention aims to overcome all or part of these drawbacks by proposing a stay arm has high security, even after a violent shock, and a window or a door equipped with the stay arm.

To this end, the present invention relates to a stay arm for holding a door in a predetermined open position relative to a frame, characterized in that the stay arm comprises at least a proximal portion to be connected to the window frame and at least a distal portion to be connected to opening, linking means arranged for connecting the proximal portion and the distal portion and for allowing a relative displacement of the proximal portion and the distal portion between a perennial deployed position and a retracted position exceptional, stabilization means designed for holding the proximal portion and the distal portion by perennial deployed position as long as a force on the arms is smaller than or equal to a predetermined threshold value and for allowing the relative displacement of the distal portion and the proximal portion to the exceptional retracted position as soon as the force to the arm exceeds the predetermined threshold value.

Therefore, the arm Stay according to the invention has the ability to support high impact, without breaking, so that it continues to provide its function after a violent shock half open, or in the alternative at least one function of aperture limiter.

Perennial For position is meant deployed position corresponding to a normal position of use in which the arm permits movement of the sash relative to the frame between the predetermined open position and the closed position, and wherein the arm is particularly suitable to maintain the sash in the predetermined open position.

Exceptional For retracted position is meant position reached in rare situations of operation corresponding to emergency situations, for example following a violent impact, wherein the distance between an end of the proximal portion to be connected to the window frame and an end of the distal portion to be connected to opening is minimal.

The stress transmitted to the arm to the minimal after impacts are redeemed directly by the arm if it can resist; optionally, the proximal portion and the distal portion are maintained substantially immovable relative to each other by the stabilizing means. The stress transmitted to the arm as a result of a violent shock against the opening member are redeemed by the frame, against which abuts the door following the contact with the object. Optionally, the proximal portion and the distal portion articulate to preserve the physical integrity of the arm and for that the door can come to rest against the frame.

According to a feature of the arm Stay according to the invention, the connecting means comprise an axis of rotation about which are designed to swivel the proximal portion and the distal portion between the perennial deployed position and the exceptional retracted position.

Therefore, the proximal portion and the distal portion are movable in rotation with respect to each other. This can create tangential components of the thrust force on the arm to cause movement of an end of the distal portion to which is attached a stud mounted sliding in a slot of the opening. Therefore, the pad moves in the light not to constrain the arm.

According to a further aspect of the arm Stay according to the invention, the proximal portion and the distal portion are arranged substantially an angle with respect to each other in perennial deployed position.

Advantageously, the proximal portion and the distal portion in position perennial expanded, form an angle α between them calculated to permit rotation in a clockwise direction of the distal portion with respect to the proximal portion.

This advantageously produces the lifting of the end of the distal portion to which is attached the stud slidably mounted in the aperture of the opening panel.

In one embodiment, the angle a is between 135° to 180° and when the proximal portion and the distal portion are in the deployed position.

In one embodiment, the stabilizing means comprise means of snapping the proximal portion and the distal portion adapted to lock the proximal portion and the distal portion by perennial deployed position.

Advantageously, the latching means comprise at least one flexible member adapted to engagement or disengagement of a tenon in the mortise.

In one possibility, the stabilizing means comprise elastic return means connecting the distal portion and the proximal portion and tending to maintain the distal portion and the proximal portion in perennial deployed position.

Advantageously, the resilient return means comprise a spring having one end connected to the proximal portion and its other end is attached to the distal portion.

The spring is advantageously dimensioned for generating a biasing force preventing rotation of the distal portion and the proximal portion about the axis as long as the torque exerted on the shaft is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold value and allowing the rotation of the distal portion and the proximal portion about the axis as soon as the torque exerted on the shaft is greater than the predetermined threshold value.

The spring may correspond to a compression spring or a torsion spring.

In one embodiment, the stabilizing means comprise means of friction of the distal portion and the proximal portion adapted to generate friction forces opposing the movement of the distal portion with respect to the proximal portion.

Advantageously, the friction means comprise a first functional surface arranged on the proximal portion to abut a second operational surface arranged on the distal portion.

The first functional surface and the second operational surface are advantageously sized to generate friction preventing rotation of the distal portion and the proximal portion about the axis as long as the torque exerted on the shaft is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold value and allowing the rotation of the distal portion and the proximal portion about the axis as soon as the torque exerted on the shaft is greater than the predetermined threshold value.

Advantageously, the stabilizing means are reversible.

That is, the stabilizing means are adapted to maintain the proximal portion and the distal portion in a deployed position after a shock having driven the rotation of the proximal portion and the distal portion about the axis. The arm can thus replenishing its function half open.

In one embodiment, the stabilizing means comprise a connecting member integral with the distal portion and the proximal portion, the connector being for breaking as soon as the force to the arm exceeds the predetermined threshold value.

In this case, the arm may not be again a function of half open; however it provides for a function of aperture limiter to maintain a high level of security.

According to another aspect of the invention, it also relates to a window or a door, comprising an opening, a frame, and an arm Stay mentioned characteristics.

It should be noted that both the frame may correspond to a frame fixed in a bay that to an opening panel or door leaf which is held locked in a closed position (may be also speak leaf or opening semi-fixed).

Other features and advantages of the present invention shall become apparent in the following description of embodiments of the invention, given by way of non-limiting example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

-figures 1 and 2 are schematic views of an arm profile according to an embodiment of the invention, in two operating positions,

-figures 3 and 5 are schematic views profile according to a particular embodiment of the present invention, in two operating positions,

figure 4-is a schematic view and top view of a portion of an arm according to the particular embodiment of Figures 3 and 5, in different operating positions,

-figures 6 and 7 are schematic views profile according to a particular embodiment of the present invention, in two operating positions,

-figures 8 and 9 are schematic views profile according to a particular embodiment of the present invention, in two operating positions,

-figures 10 and 11 are schematic views profile according to a particular embodiment of the present invention, in two operating positions,

-figures 12 and 13 are schematic views profile according to a particular embodiment of the present invention, in two operating positions,

figure 14-is a schematic view and top view of a portion of an arm according to the particular embodiment of Figures 12 and 13, in different operating positions.

Figures 1 and 2 show schematically an arm 1 Stay according to one embodiment of the invention.

Stay The arm 1 is for maintaining an opening 2 in a predetermined open position relative to a frame 4, as shown in Figure 1. Unlike Stay of an arm, an arm aperture limiter only provides the ability to limit the opening of the sash to a predetermined open position, but does not provide the ability to maintain the opening in the predetermined open position. The opening panel 2 and the frame 4 are partially represented.

Stay The arm 1 has a proximal portion and a distal portion 6 8. The proximal portion 6 comprises an end 10 to be connected to the window frame 4. The distal portion 8 comprises an end 12 to be connected to opening 2.

In the example of Figures 1 and 2, the end 12 of the distal portion 8 is attached to a pad 14 mounted sliding in a slot 16. Light 16 may correspond to a lumen in a selvage 18, for example a latch (not shown) for the locking in a closed position of the door 2, the faceplate 18 being attached to the opening 2.

Stay The arm 1 comprises linking means arranged for connecting the proximal portion and the distal portion 6 8. The linking means allow a relative movement of the proximal portion of the distal portion 6 and 8 relative to one another. In the examples of Figures 1 to 14, the connecting means comprise an axis 20 of rotation about which are hinged the proximal portion and the distal portion 6 8.

6 The proximal portion and the distal portion 8 are movable (herein in rotation) between a perennial deployed position, visible in Figures 1, 3, 6, 8, 10 and 12, and exceptional a retracted position (not shown). Figures 2, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13 show the proximal portion 6 and the distal portion 8 in an intermediate position between the extended position and the perennial exceptional retracted position.

Stay The arm 1 also includes stabilising means, described in more detail below, arranged for holding the proximal portion and the distal portion 6 8 in position perennial deployed as a force to the arm 1 stay is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, and for allowing the relative displacement of the distal portion 8 and of the proximal portion 6 to the exceptional retracted position as soon as the force to the arm 1 Stay exceeds the predetermined threshold value.

In other words, according to the examples shown in Figures 1 to 13, the means Stabilizing, when the proximal portion and the distal portion 6 8 are perennial deployed, the relative rotation of the proximal portion and the distal portion 6 of 8 whilst torque at the axis 20 is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, but permits this rotation (only) when the torque at the axis 20 is greater than the predetermined threshold value.

The predetermined threshold value is calculated to avoid the breakage of the stay arm 1. Therefore, when the arm 1 Stay force is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold value, the arm 1 stay is able to withstand without breaking the mechanical stresses generated by this force. In contrast, when the force exceeds the predetermined threshold value, this means that the arm could break Stay 1 ; also, the stabilizing means allow in which case the rotation of the proximal portion of the distal portion 6 and 8.

As visible in Figures 3, 6, 8, 10 and 12, 6 representing the proximal portion and the distal portion 8 in the perennial deployed position, the proximal portion 6 and the distal portion 8 may be arranged substantially an angle with respect to each other, and not necessarily aligned perfectly rectilinear manner as shown in Figure 1.

In particular, the proximal portion and the distal portion 6 8 in position perennial expanded, form an angle α between them calculated to permit rotation in a clockwise direction of the distal portion 8 with respect to the proximal portion 6 (shown in Figures, i.e. distal portion 8 pointing to the right and proximal portion 6 facing the left). Therefore, a violent impact applied on the door 2 causes the clockwise rotation of the distal portion 8 with respect to the proximal portion 6, to permit move the end 12 of the distal portion 8 out of the lower portion of the light 16 in which it was originally received. The angle a may advantageously be between 180° and 135°.

Figures 3 to 14 illustrate several embodiments of the arm 1 Stay according to the invention, which differ in stabilizing means used.

In the illustrated embodiment in Figures 3 to 5, the stabilizing means comprise means of snapping the proximal portion of the distal portion 6 and 8 adapted for engagement of the proximal portion of the distal portion 6 and 8 in perennial deployed position (Figure 3) and for the locking of the proximal portion of the distal portion 6 and 8 when the arm is a stress greater than the predetermined threshold value (Figure 5).

As visible in Figure 4, the latching means comprise at least one flexible member adapted to engagement or disengagement of a pin 24 in a mortise 26. Here, the latching means comprise two flexible members corresponding to one end 22 of the distal portion 8 and one end 28 of the proximal portion 6. Furthermore, the pin 24 is secured to the end 22, and the groove 26 is provided on the end 28 of the proximal portion 6.

The figure the top of Figure 4 shows the pin 24 inserted into the groove 26. Therefore, the proximal portion and the distal portion 6 8 are held in perennial deployed position. The insertion of the pin 24 in the mortise 26 opposes any rotation of the proximal portion of the distal portion 6 and 8.

The medium of Figure 4 shows the deformation of the end 22 and the end 28 immediately following an force on the arm 1 Stay exceed the predetermined threshold value. The pin 24 has left the mortise 26 to allow rotation of the distal portion 8 with respect to the proximal portion about the axis 20.

The figure the bottom of Figure 4 shows the ends 22, 28 relaxed to their initial state before deformation, after the pin has left the mortise 24 26. The pin 24 and the groove 26 are no longer engaged; the stabilizing means more from opposing to the rotation of the distal portion 8 with respect to the proximal portion 6 to the exceptional retracted position.

The flexible members, herein the ends 22, 28, the pin 24 and the groove 26 are shaped and/or sized to allow the removal of the pin 24 of the mortise 26 only when the door 2 is a pushing force greater than the predetermined threshold value.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 6 to 9, the stabilizing means comprise elastic return means, as a spring 30, connecting the distal portion 8 and the proximal portion 6 and tending to maintain the distal portion 8 and the proximal portion 6 in perennial deployed position.

The spring 30 is advantageously sized to generate a return force, which prevents the rotation of the distal portion of the proximal portion 8 and 6 about the axis 20 as long as the torque exerted on the shaft 20 is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold value and allowing the rotation of the distal portion of the proximal portion 8 and 6 about the axis 20 as soon as the torque exerted on the shaft 20 is greater than the predetermined threshold value.

As shown in Figures 6 and 7, the spring 30 may correspond to a compression spring; it has a end 31 attached to the proximal portion 6 and another end 33 attached to the distal portion 8.

As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the spring 30 may correspond to a torsion spring. The spring 30 has a branch 32 bearing against a lug 34 attached to the proximal portion 6 and a leg 36 bearing against a lug 38 attached to the distal portion 8. The spring 30 is arranged such that the axis 20 extend into the space bounded by its turns.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 10 and 11, the stabilizing means comprise means of friction of the distal portion of the proximal portion 8 and 6.

The friction means comprise a first functional surface 40 arranged on the proximal portion 6 to abut a second surface 42 functional arranged on the distal portion 8.

The first functional surface 40 and the second operational surface 42 are advantageously sized to generating friction forces (within the cross-hatched area in Figures 10 and 11) preventing rotation of the distal portion of the proximal portion 8 and 6 about the axis 20 as long as the torque exerted on the shaft 20 is less than or equal to the predetermined threshold value and allowing the rotation of the distal portion of the proximal portion 8 and 6 about the axis 20 as soon as the torque exerted on the shaft 20 is greater than the predetermined threshold value.

According to the embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 11, the stabilizing means are reversible, i.e. that they are apt to allow the return of the proximal portion of the distal portion 6 and 8 in a position to maintain perennial deployed and again the proximal portion and the distal portion 6 8 in the perennial deployed position, in the case where the proximal portion and the distal portion 6 8 have been moved to the exceptional retracted position. Therefore, according to the embodiments shown in Figures 3 to 11, the arm 1 can stay replenishing its function Stay, i.e. maintain the opening 2 in the predetermined open position if necessary.

In the embodiment shown in Figures 12 to 14, the stabilizing means comprise a connecting member, for example a shaft 44, connecting both the distal portion and the proximal portion 8 6. The axis 44 is provided to immobilize the proximal portion and the distal portion 6 8 in the perennial deployed position by restraining rotation of the relative to each other. The axis 44 is for breaking as soon as the force to the arm 1 Stay exceeds the predetermined threshold value, to release the rotation of the proximal portion of the distal portion 6 and 8 relative to one another to the exceptional retracted position.

The figure the top of Figure 14 shows the axis 44 connecting the proximal portion and the distal portion 6 8 substantially immovable relative to each other, in perennial deployed position.

The figure the bottom of Figure 14 shows the axis 44 has been broken the rotation of the distal portion 8 with respect to the proximal portion 6.

Unlike illustrated embodiments in Figures 3 to 11, the axis 44 irreversible shape of the stabilizing means; it will not allow stabilizing again the proximal portion and the distal portion 6 in a perennial deployed position after being lost. Therefore, according to the embodiment shown in Figures 12 and 13, the arm 1 Stay can no longer perform its function half open; however it provides a function of aperture limiter.

The invention also relates to a window or a door (not shown) comprising an opening 2, a frame 4, and an arm 1 Stay according to one embodiment shown in Figures 3 to 14.

The frame 4 may correspond to a mounting frame in a bay, or a wing or leaf said semi-fixed, i.e. adapted to be held locked in a closed position while the door 2 is in the open position.

Stay The operation of the arm 1 is described in more detail below, starting from an initial state wherein the proximal portion and the distal portion 6 8 are in perennial deployed position, as shown in Figures 1, 3, 6, 8, 10 and 12.

When the opening 2 is a force normal 46 tending to urge it towards the frame, mechanical stresses are generated and transmitted to the arm 1 stay.

When the force 46 is less than or equal to a predetermined threshold value, the arm 1 stay is capable of resist without breaking. The stabilization means are adapted to maintain 6 consequently the proximal portion and the distal portion 8 in the perennial deployed position.

However, upon application of a force 26 on the door 2 greater than a predetermined threshold value, and only in this case, the stabilizing means permits movement of the proximal portion of the distal portion 6 and 8 relative to one another, from the perennial deployed position to the exceptional retracted position, as is visible in Figures 2, 5, 7, 9, 11 and 13.

By pivoting relative to one another, the proximal portion and the distal portion 6 8 allow the opening 2 to the frame 4. The opening panel 2 can be in support against the frame 4 for shock absorption.

Furthermore, the inclined arrangement of the proximal portion of the distal portion 6 and 8 in position perennial deployed causes the clockwise rotation of the distal portion 8 with respect to the proximal portion 6 to raise the pad 14 attached to the end 12 in the light 16.

Following the shock having driven the movement of the distal portion of the proximal portion 8 and 6 relative to one another, they can again pivot to the perennial deployed position. Depending upon the embodiment of the stabilizing means, the arm 1 can then either continue to half open, as before the shock, provide either a function of aperture limiter.

Of course, the invention is in no way limited to the embodiments described above, these embodiments has not been given as examples. Modifications are possible, particularly from the point of view of the constitution of the various elements, or by substitution of technical equivalents, without exiting to the protection domain of the invention.

Therefore, the proximal portion 6 and the distal portion 8 may be mobile in translation with respect to one another between the deployed position and the perennial exceptional retracted position.