Force-resistant window hinge system

Abstract

This invention pertains to a hinge for a rotatable window sash forming part of a hinge system including a window sash and a window frame. The hinge may comprise means to extending the window sash beyond a building wall while concurrently providing support. Introducing a fail-safe mechanism, the hinge is engineered to withstand undesired loading, including bending moments and torsional forces. The innovative design includes features aimed at alleviating forces on connection joints, thereby safeguarding these joints from failure. The overall result is a hinge that prevents structural failure even under challenging conditions, ensuring the robust and reliable performance of the window assembly.

Description

[0001] Force-Resistant Window Hinge System

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to a window hinge for supporting a rotatable / fully reversible window sash.

[0004] Background

[0005] With an everchanging market and its demands it is important that the field of window hinge arrangements is continuously advanced to ensure capacity, size demands and first and foremost safety concerns are addressed and tested. The market has primarily focused on hinge mechanisms, function and size that allow windows to tilt for ventilation or cleaning purposes. Hinge development has still focused on security, but the ever-increasing demands on size and weight it is important that the safety aspect is documented. There are several existing designs in the market that fall short in providing a comprehensive solution to prevent hinge arm breakage, which can pose significant risks by allowing the window to fall uncontrollably, causing potential damage.

[0006] Hinge assemblies designed for rotatable and fully reversible window sashes, particularly those with extendable features, are more fragile due to their inclusion of multiple joints and connection points. These assemblies must have the capability to both support a window sash and function as a lever, providing the necessary structural support to hold a window sash beyond the confines of a building wall.

[0007] Different types of known hinge arrangements may be improved to better withstand excessive forces or impacts, causing the hinge to fail. If a hinge should fail, say due to extreme weather conditions or other types of unwanted external loading, the associated window sash may become unstable, posing a threat to both occupants and the surrounding environment. This highlights the need for a more resilient and preventive approach in window hinge arrangement design. Some existing solutions attempt to address safety concerns by incorporating additional support elements, but they often compromise the aesthetics, functionality, or ease of use of the window. The need for an improved hinge arrangement is evident, one that not only allows tilting for ventilation or cleaning but also improves prevention of hinge arm failure.

[0008] The innovation described herein aims to improve existing solutions by introducing a specialized means to ensure that hinge arms can absorb mechanical loading and alleviating weak connection points such as hinge joints, thereby preventing the window from colliding with the wall, falling to the ground and mitigating potential dangers and damages.

[0009] Summary of the invention

[0010] The invention mainly relates a hinge assembly for a rotatable window sash. The hinge includes a support arm with a first rotation joint and a rotation pin for connecting with the window sash. A first extension arm is rotatably connected to a frame via a first frame rotation joint and linked to the support arm via the first rotation joint, establishing a rotation axis. Notably, the support arm incorporates a stopping pin between the first rotation joint and the first end portion, allowing the first extension arm to contact it during rotation. Additionally, a first support arm sacrificial means is located in proximity to the first rotation joint and between the first rotation joint and the rotation pin.

[0011] The hinge may also include a second extension arm rotatably connected to the frame via a second frame rotation joint, connected to the support arm via a second rotation joint. A second support arm sacrificial means is positioned in proximity to the second rotation joint and between the first and second rotation joints.

[0012] The sacrificial means, including through-hole apertures or recesses, act as weak points to protect the hinge joints from forces. Specific dimensional ratios are specified for the sacrificial means, support arm, and extension arms. The hinge system, when connected to the window sash and frame, resides between them when the window is closed. The invention relates to a hinge for a rotatable / reversible window sash comprising a support arm comprising a first end portion, a second end portion and a first rotation joint; wherein the support arm comprises a rotation pin for establishing rotational connection with a window sash; a first extension arm rotatably connected to a frame via a first frame rotation joint; wherein the first extension arm is rotatably connected to the support arm via the first rotation joint wherein the first rotation joint establishes a rotation axis; wherein the support arm comprises a stopping pin located between the first rotation joint and the first end portion and in proximity to the first rotation joint to allow the first extension arm to come into contact with the stopping pin during rotation around the rotation axis; wherein the support arm comprises a first support arm sacrificial means located in proximity to the first rotation joint and between the first rotation joint and the rotation pin.

[0013] The invention further relates to said hinge wherein the first extension arm comprises a first extension arm sacrificial means located between the frame rotation joint and the first rotation joint and in proximity to the first rotation joint.

[0014] The invention further relates to said hinge further comprising a second extension arm rotatably connected to the frame via a second frame rotation joint; wherein the second extension arm is rotatably connected to the support arm via a second rotation joint; wherein the support arm comprises a second support arm sacrificial means located in proximity to the second rotation joint and between the first rotation joint and the second rotation joint.

[0015] The invention further relates to said hinge wherein at least one of the sacrificial means is a through-hole aperture.

[0016] The invention further relates to said hinge wherein at least one of the sacrificial means is a recess. The invention further relates to said hinge wherein the support arm sacrificial means is located at a distance (D1 ) away from the first rotation joint; wherein the support arm sacrificial means has a width (W2) and a length (L1 ); wherein the support arm has a width (W1) and provides a length (L4) between the first rotation joint and the rotation pin; wherein the ratio D1 / L4 < 0.2; wherein the ratio W2 / W1 is within the range 0.4 - 0.7; wherein the ratio L1 / W2 is within the range of 0.7 - 1 .0.

[0017] The invention further relates to said hinge wherein the first extension arm sacrificial means is located at a distance (D3) away from the first rotation joint; wherein the first extension arm sacrificial means has a width (W6) and a length (L3); wherein the first extension arm has a width (W5) and provides a length (L5) between the first rotation joint and the second rotation joint; wherein the ratio D3 / L6 < 0.2; wherein the ratio W6 / W5 is within the range 0.4-0.6; wherein the ratio L3 / W6 is within the range of 0.3 - 1 .0.

[0018] The invention further relates to said hinge wherein the second support arm sacrificial means is located at a distance (D2) away from the second rotation joint; the second support arm sacrificial means has a width (W4) and a length (L2); wherein the support arm has a width (W3) and provides a length (L6) between the first frame rotation joint and the first rotation joint; wherein the ratio D2 / L5<0.2; wherein the ratio W4 / W3 is within the range 0.2-0.4; wherein the ratio L2 / W4 is within the range of 0.3-1 .0.

[0019] The invention further relates to a window comprising a hinge according to any of the preceding claims; a window frame; a window sash; wherein the hinge rotatably connected to the window sash; wherein the hinge is connected to an inner surface of the window frame; wherein when the window is closed, the hinge resides between the window sash and the inner surface of the window frame.

[0020] The invention further relates to said window wherein the window sash is solely connected to the hinge and wherein the window sash can be extended away from a building wall. List of figures

[0021] Figure 1 illustrates a rotatable window configuration according to the invention; Figures 2A and 2B present a perspective view of a hinge in accordance with an aspect of the invention, showcasing its front and rear sides, respectively;

[0022] Fig. 3A and 3B are perspective views of the hinge 13 illustrated in Fig. 2A and 2B. Figure 4 provides a detailed illustration corresponding to Figure 3B, offering a close-up view that delineates the dimensions of various relevant components within the hinge system.

[0023] Fig. 5 serves as a visual representation of Figure 4, presenting the specific dimensions of the components in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

[0024] Detailed description

[0025] Figure 1 illustrates a rotatable window configuration according to the invention. This configuration includes a window frame 10, a window sash 12 and a hinge assembly.

[0026] The hinge assembly comprises at least one hinge 13. Typically, two hinges 13 are attached on both sides of the window sash, positioned between the window sash and the window frame 10. The hinges 13 may be integrated into the inside surface of the window frame 10. The hinges 13 are typically attached to an inner surface of the window frame 10, wherein the inner surface faces an oppositely placed inner surface of the window frame 10.

[0027] The hinges 13 serve as a mechanism for supporting the window sash 12 and providing means to allow the window sash 12 to rotate. Additionally, the hinges 13 provide the user with the ability to extend the window outward from the window frame 10. This extension allows the window sash 12 to rotate without inclining into the interior space of the room where the window is situated, preventing interference with curtains, draperies or other objects. The hinge assembly can be installed in either a top-bottom configuration, positioned between a window sash 12 and a window frame 10, enabling the window sash to pivot around a vertical axis. Alternatively, it may be implemented in a side-mounted configuration, as illustrated in Fig. 1 , facilitating the rotation of the window sash 12 about a horizontal axis.

[0028] Notably, this hinge assembly is versatile and can be employed for doors as well (not shown), being installed between a door frame and the door blade.

[0029] Figures 2A and 2B present a perspective view of a hinge 13 in accordance with an aspect of the invention, showcasing its front and rear sides, respectively. In Fig. 2A, the front side of the hinge 13 is shown, facing the window sash 12. while Fig. 2B displays the rear surface facing the window frame 10 (see Fig. 1).

[0030] The hinge 13 includes of a support arm 130 designed to engage the window sash 12 with a sash rotation pin 30, establishing an axis of rotation for the window sash 12. The support arm 130 may be connected to the window frame 10 through various means, either directly or indirectly. The hinge 13 incorporates mechanisms, such as single or multiple rails, guides, or brackets, to connect the support arm 130 to the window frame 10.

[0031] In one aspect of the invention, the support arm 130 links to the window frame 10 through an integrated support rail 100, secured, for example, with screws or bolts. This support rail 100 includes at least one connection point for the support arm 130, allowing for rotatable and / or slidable attachment directly or indirectly to the support rail 100.

[0032] Another aspect of the invention, illustrated in Fig. 2A and 2B, involves the support arm 130 connecting to the support rail 100 via at least a first extension arm 110 and optionally a second extension arm 120. The support arm 130 is rotatably connected to the first extension arm 110 through a first rotation joint 131 and to the second extension arm 120 through a second rotation joint 132. These extension arms 131 , 132 extend the support arm away from the window frame 10 while providing sufficient support. Importantly, the support arm 130 and extension arms 131 , 132 can be retracted and compacted, ensuring that when the window is closed, the hinge assembly remains hidden between the window sash 12 and the window frame 10, avoiding exposure or protrusion.

[0033] The rotation joints mentioned herein may also be referred to as pin joints or hinge joints, and they can take the form of conventional revolute joints. In the presented aspect of the invention Fig. 2A and Fig. 2B, the hinge 13 may incorporate a lock mechanism 20, such as a sliding lock. This lock mechanism can engage with the first extension arm 110 to securely lock it into a hook portion when the window sash 12 is retracted. When the window is closed, the lock mechanism 20 serves as a safety lock, requiring the user to lift it to unhook the first support arm 110, providing the ability to open, extend, and rotate the window sash 12.

[0034] Fig. 3A and 3B are perspective views of the hinge 13 illustrated in Fig. 2A and 2B. As a point of reference, Fig. 3A and 3B illustrate that the support arm 130 comprises a first end portion 134 and a second end portion 135.

[0035] During operation, the hinge 13 may experience undesired movements and forces. For instance, the window sash 12 (refer to Fig. 1 ) could be impacted or loaded by an object falling onto it, or by an external object or person colliding with the window sash. External factors like earthquakes or explosions may also impose unexpected loads on the window sash 12, transmitting force to the weakest parts of the hinge 13 and potentially causing it to break or fail.

[0036] Typically, the vulnerable components in a hinge assembly for tiltable windows are the joints connecting one part to another. These joints may give way before the hinge arm, bar, or rail breaks, depending on material properties and dimensions. If any joint fails, the entire hinge system may fail, leading to the window sash 12 dropping and rotating - only prevented by the presence of a secondary hinge, if one exists. The remaining hinge then bears the full weight of the window sash, increasing the likelihood of joint failure in the remaining hinge as well. When the first hinge fails, the second hinge is subjected to bending and torsional forces as the window sash 12 descends and rotates. Joints are particularly susceptible to bending or torsional forces, whereas hinge arms are more resistant and less prone to failure.

[0037] Hence, invention equips the hinge with a fail-safe mechanism that alleviates stress on the joints, redirecting forces to be absorbed by the hinge arms instead. In the event of a heavy load, the hinge may deform, but the joints may still withstand the stress, preventing the window sash 12 from dropping, rotating, colliding with the wall, or falling to the ground. The hinge remains intact, capable of holding and supporting the window sash.

[0038] In one aspect of the innovation, a sacrificial feature is incorporated into the support arm 130 and / or the extension arms 110, 120 in close proximity to the rotation joints. This sacrificial element is strategically introduced to mitigate undesirable forces, such as bending moments, strain, or stress, on the rotation joints. The sacrificial feature may also be denoted as a sacrifice point, sacrifice element, failure notch, yield zone, compromise point, breakpoint, breakaway, yielding spot, or failure zone.

[0039] Typically, the hinge 13 is constructed from metal, although alternative materials such as composites, polymers, or other rigid materials may also be used.

[0040] The sacrificial means can take various forms, including a recess, groove, cavity, notch, inset, channel, or niche - a designated zone or point where a part of the hinge arm is either partially removed (like a groove) or completely absent, as in the case of an opening, hole, or aperture through the hinge material.

[0041] This sacrificial means may be implemented during production, extrusion, or added later after the hinge is manufactured. It could involve scooping away or thinning a part of the hinge material at the specified location, creating an opening or aperture. Additionally, the sacrificial means may manifest as a crack, welding point, or a substitution of material within that specific zone - employing a weaker material with a lower yield strength compared to the surrounding material. The result of incorporating the sacrificial means is the creation of a compromised area capable of elastic or plastic deformation under loading conditions, such as bending moments or torsion. Importantly, it serves to absorb loading forces, thus preserving a neighbouring weak spot, such as a rotation joint. Consequently, the bending force experienced by the rotation joint is significantly reduced, ensuring its preservation.

[0042] In a particular aspect of the invention, the hinge 13 incorporates at least one sacrificial means. Specifically, the support arm 130 is equipped with a sacrificial means positioned in proximity to the first rotation joint 131 . In cases where a first extension arm 110 is present, it may also include a sacrificial means in proximity to the first rotation joint 131 .

[0043] In another aspect of the invention, depicted in Figures 2A, 2B, 3A, and 3B, the hinge 13 is designed with multiple sacrificial means. The first extension arm 110 may be furnished with a sacrificial means, denoted as the first extension arm sacrificial means 501 , situated in proximity to the first rotation joint 131 . Similarly, the support arm 130 may feature a first support arm sacrificial means 500 positioned in proximity to the first rotation joint 131 . Additionally, the support arm 130 has the option to incorporate a second support arm sacrificial means 502 in proximity to the second rotation joint 132.

[0044] In certain embodiments, the hinge, as per the invention, may be equipped solely with the support arm sacrificial means 500. When forces are transmitted through the support arm 130 from the window sash, the primary impact occurs at the support arm sacrificial means 500, making it the pivotal sacrificial weak point that safeguards all hinge joints. Nevertheless, incorporating a second and third sacrificial means generates a synergistic effect. This arrangement ensures that the hinge joints are shielded from various directions, and forces have the potential to propagate towards a sensitive joint from multiple pathways. The strategic placement of the sacrificial means may vary, and as their presence offers positive contributions in various ways, is not imperative that they align precisely with the illustrations in the figures. The reasion behind their positioning in the figures is explained as follows: In Fig. 3A, a significant undesired movement of the hinge is depicted — the rotational axis R2. This occurs, for instance, when the window sash 12 is tilted, generating torsional forces along the support arm 130.

[0045] In this scenario, the torsional forces initiate at the sash rotation pin 30 and progress through the arm towards the first weak point, in this case the first rotation joint 131. If the torsional force were to reach the first rotation joint 131 , it could potentially cause damage to the joint. To prevent this, the sacrificial means 500 is strategically positioned between the rotation joint 131 and the sash rotation pin 30. This positioning ensures that the sacrificial means absorbs torsional loading before it reaches the vulnerable first rotation joint 131 , alleviating it of the torsional force.

[0046] The torsional force generated by loading around the axis R2 may not be entirely eliminated, allowing some residual torsional force to persist beyond the sacrificial means 500. Consequently, this retained torsional force impacts the components of the hinge 13. To address this, additional sacrificial means may be incorporated near connection points, such as rotation joints. For instance, the first extension arm 110 could be equipped with a first extension arm sacrificial means 501 in proximity to the rotation joint 131 . This feature alleviates the rotation joint 131 of bending forces, inducing deformation in the first extension arm 110 instead.

[0047] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 3A and 3B, the support arm 130 is furnished with a stopping pin 400. The stopping pin 400 serves multiple functions, working in conjunction with the sacrificial means to prevent hinge 13 failure.

[0048] Firstly, the stopping pin 400 imposes an angular limitation on the rotation joint 131 , restricting the angle formed between the support arm 130 and the first extension arm 110 when the window is opened and the hinge 13 is extended. This limitation prevents the window sash 12 from extending too far out of reach for the user and also safeguards against the creation of a structurally weak configuration in the hinge 13.

[0049] Moreover, the stopping pin 400 acts as a preventive measure against the reversal of the gap between the arms, ensuring that the angle does not exceed 180 degrees between the support arm 130 and the first extension arm 110. While the second extension arm 120 contributes to this prevention, the stopping pin 400 is important, as without it, and under sufficient torsional force, the combined rotation about the rotation axis R1 and R2 could potentially cause the second extension arm 120 to overlap the first extension arm 110, leading to an initial jamming of the hinge 13. If further bent, this could result in the undesirable downward pointing of the support arm 130.

[0050] Another aspect of the hinge 13 of the invention is that the hinge arms may have different dimensions such as width. The sacrificial means may therefore also be adapted according to the dimension of the hinge portion it resides on. As seen in Fig. 3B, the second support arm sacrificial means 502 is narrower than the first support arm sacrificial means 500, because the support arm 130 is narrower in that location. The distance between the sacrificial means and the nearest edge of the hinge arm may be coordinated or identical. In Fig. 3B, this distance is substantially equal for both sacrificial means 500, 502.

[0051] In Figure 3A, force vectors, specifically denoted as G, Gx, and Fx, are depicted. G represents the gravitational force exerted by the window sash 12 (not explicitly shown), and it includes an axial component, Gx, aligned along the support arm 130. Additionally, the hinge system may experience an undesired force, leading to an axial force component, Fx, along the support arm 130. In certain scenarios, the support arm 130 bears the combined axial load of Gx and Fx. Furthermore, the rotational torque force, illustrated with reference R2 (R2 may refer to a rotational force and a mere rotation axis) is applied to the support arm, adding to the potential stress. These forces pose a risk of joint 131 failure. To mitigate this risk, the support arm sacrificial means 500 is strategically placed, inducing plastic deformation at point 500 instead of risking the structural integrity of the first rotation joint 131 .

[0052] Figure 4 provides a detailed illustration corresponding to Figure 3B, offering a close-up view that delineates the dimensions of various relevant components within the hinge system.

[0053] Various dimensions are defined, including W1 and W3, which pertain to the first and second widths of the support arm 130, respectively. W5 signifies the width of the first extension arm 110, while W2, L1 , W4, and L2 relate to the dimensions of the sacrificial means 500 and 502. Similarly, W6 and L3 represent the width and length of the sacrificial means 501. Distances, denoted as D1 , D2, and D3, are specified between rotation joints and sacrificial means, and lengths such as L4, L5, and L6 describe distances between various joints.

[0054] For reference, the dimensions are defined as follows:

[0055] W1 - First width of support arm 130

[0056] W3 - Second width of support arm 130

[0057] W5 - Width of first extension arm 110

[0058] W2 - width of first support arm sacrificial means 500

[0059] L1 - length of first support arm sacrificial means 500

[0060] W4 - width of second support arm sacrificial means 502 L2 - length of second support arm sacrificial means 502 W6 - width of first extension arm sacrificial means 501 L3 - length of first extension arm sacrificial means 501 D1 - distance from first rotation joint 131 to first support arm sacrificial means 500 D2 - distance from second rotation joint 132 to second support arm sacrificial means 502

[0061] D3 - distance from first rotation joint 131 to first extension arm sacrificial means 501

[0062] L4 - Length from first rotation joint 131 to sash rotation pin 30

[0063] L5 - Length from first rotation joint 131 to second rotation joint 132

[0064] L6 - Length from first frame rotation joint 111 to first rotation joint 131 A specific example of the preferred embodiment is provided with numerical values for the dimensions: W1 = 30 mm, W2 = 14 mm, L1 = 14 mm, D1 = 22 mm, W4 = 8 mm, L2 = 22 mm, D2 = 15 mm, W3 = 24 mm, L3 = 5 mm, D3 = 10 mm, W6 = 13 mm, and W5 = 25 mm.

[0065] The subsequent section presents dimension ratios derived from the specific embodiment, such as W2 / W1 and D1 / W1 , and these ratios are expressed as numerical values.

[0066] W2 / W1 = 14 / 30 = 0.4667

[0067] W4 / W3 = 8 / 24 = 0.3333

[0068] W6 / W5= 13 / 25 = 0.52

[0069] D1 / W1 = 22 / 30 = 0.7333

[0070] D2 / W3 = 15 / 24 = 0.625

[0071] D2 / W5 = 15 / 25 = 0.6

[0072] W2 / L1 = 14 / 14 = 1.0

[0073] W4 / L2 = 8 / 22 = 0.3636

[0074] L1 / L4 = 14 / 5 = 2.8

[0075] L2 / L5 = 22 / 13 = 1.6923

[0076] L3 / L6 = 5 / 13 = 0.3846

[0077] L3 / W6 = 5 / 13 = 0.3846

[0078] The preferred dimension ratio ranges are also detailed as follows, providing a range for each ratio.

[0079] W2 / W1 = 0.4-0.7

[0080] W4 / W3 = 0.2-0.4

[0081] W6 / W5 = 0.4-0.6

[0082] D1 / W1 = 0.5-1.0

[0083] D2 / W3 = 0.5-0.7

[0084] D2 / W5 = 0.3-0.6

[0085] L1 / W2 = 0.7-1.0 L2 / W4 = 0.3-1.0

[0086] L1 / L4 < 0.2

[0087] L2 / L5 < 0.5

[0088] L3 / L6 < 0.2

[0089] L3 / W6 = 0.3-1.0

[0090] D1 / L4<0.2

[0091] D2 / L5<0.2

[0092] D3 / L6<0.2

[0093] Notably, the dimension and ratio choices adhere to specific design principles. The sacrificial means are intentionally small and compact in size relative to the arms they are attached to - as opposed to say very long apertures, ensuring controlled and localized deformation rather than a prolonged plastic deformation. This design choice aims to achieve a predictable and reliable response in the event of deformation.

[0094] The specified dimensions and ratios for the sacrificial means in the hinge underwent controlled damage testing, subjecting the window to various force applications. Through this process, one determined the optimal size dimensions. The use of relative ratios, rather than fixed measurements, is important for scalability. This allows the hinges to be adjusted proportionally, accommodating windows of different sizes, whether scaling up or down.

[0095] Fig. 5 serves as a visual representation of Figure 4, presenting the specific dimensions of the components in accordance with an embodiment of the invention.

Claims

P A T E N T C L A I M S1 . A hinge (13) for a rotatable window sash (12) comprising: a support arm (130) comprising a first end portion (134), a second end portion (135) and a first rotation joint (131 ); wherein the support arm (130) comprises a rotation pin (30) for establishing rotational connection with a window sash (12); a first extension arm (110) rotatably connected to a frame (10) via a first frame rotation joint (111 ); wherein the first extension arm (110) is rotatably connected to the support arm (130) via the first rotation joint (131 ) wherein the first rotation joint (131 ) establishes a rotation axis (R1 ); characterized in that the support arm (110) comprises a stopping pin (400) located between the first rotation joint (131 ) and the first end portion (134) and in proximity to the first rotation joint (131 ) to allow the first extension arm (110) to come into contact with the stopping pin (400) during rotation around the rotation axis (R1 ); wherein the support arm (130) comprises a first support arm sacrificial means (500) located in proximity to the first rotation joint (131 ) and between the first rotation joint (131 ) and the rotation pin (30).

2. The hinge according to claim 1 , wherein the first extension arm (110) comprises a first extension arm sacrificial means (501 ) located between the frame rotation joint (111 ) and the first rotation joint (131 ) and in proximity to the first rotation joint (131 ).

3. The hinge according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising: a second extension arm (120) rotatably connected to the frame (10) via a second frame rotation joint (112); wherein the second extension arm (120) is rotatably connected to the support arm (130) via a second rotation joint (132);wherein the support arm (130) comprises a second support arm sacrificial means (502) located in proximity to the second rotation joint (132) and between the first rotation joint (131 ) and the second rotation joint (132).

4. The hinge according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the sacrificial means (500, 501 , 502) is a through-hole aperture.

5. The hinge according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the sacrificial means (500, 501 , 502) is a recess.

6. The hinge according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: the support arm sacrificial means (500) is located at a distance (D1 ) away from the first rotation joint (131 ); wherein the support arm sacrificial means (500) has a width (W2) and a length (L1 ); wherein the support arm (130) has a width (W1) and provides a length (L4) between the first rotation joint (131 ) and the rotation pin (30); wherein the ratio D1 / L4 < 0.2; wherein the ratio W2 / W1 is within the range 0.4 - 0.7; wherein the ratio L1 / W2 is within the range of 0.7 - 1 .0.

7. The hinge according to any of the preceding claims 2-6, wherein: the first extension arm sacrificial means (501) is located at a distance (D3) away from the first rotation joint (131 ); wherein the first extension arm sacrificial means (501 ) has a width (W6) and a length (L3); wherein the first extension arm (110) has a width (W5) and provides a length (L5) between the first rotation joint (131 ) and the second rotation joint (132); wherein the ratio D3 / L6 < 0.2; wherein the ratio W6 / W5 is within the range 0.4-0.6; wherein the ratio L3 / W6 is within the range of 0.3 - 1 .0.

8. The hinge according to any of the preceding claims 3-7, wherein:the second support arm sacrificial means (502) is located at a distance (D2) away from the second rotation joint (132); the second support arm sacrificial means (502) has a width (W4) and a length (L2); wherein the support arm (130) has a width (W3) and provides a length (L6) between the first frame rotation joint (111 ) and the first rotation joint (131 ); wherein the ratio D2 / L5<0.2; wherein the ratio W4 / W3 is within the range 0.2-0.4; wherein the ratio L2 / W4 is within the range of 0.3-1 .0.

9. A window comprising: a hinge (13) according to any of the preceding claims; a window frame (10); a window sash (12); wherein the hinge (13) rotatably connected to the window sash (12); wherein the hinge (13) is connected to an inner surface of the window frame (10); wherein when the window is closed, the hinge (13) resides between the window sash (12) and the inner surface of the window frame (10).

10. A window according to claim 9, wherein the window sash (12) is solely connected to the hinge (13) and wherein the window sash (12) can be extended away from a building wall.

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