Window hinge system for a rotatable window with safety mechanism

Abstract

The present invention pertains to a resilient hinge system for a rotatable window, specifically a hinge system designed for a vertically movable and rotatable window. The window is connected to a hinge track (100) mounted on the window frame (10), allowing both vertical and rotational movement. A key aspect of the invention is its ability to withstand external forces, providing robust rotation for the window. The hinge system comprises a support bracket (200) featuring a support arm (201) equipped with a sliding piece (203) designed to engage the hinge track (100). Additionally, the hinge system incorporates a safety rail (300) aimed at preventing the window sash (12) from dislodging from the building surface and ensuring the hinge system remains securely attached to the window frame (10).

Description

[0001] Window Hinge System for a Rotatable Window with Safety Mechanism

[0002] Field of the invention

[0003] The invention relates to a hinge system for a rotatable / reversible window or window sash for rotatably connecting a window sash to a window frame including a safety mechanism.

[0004] Background

[0005] The field of window hinge systems has seen various developments over the years; however, the existing solutions may be improved to address safety concerns, particularly when subjected to extreme weather conditions or other types of unwanted external loading. A demand for larger and heavier windows requires robustness to withstand the significant forces imposed on the hinges during operation, preventing the potential dislodging of the hinge system from the window frame which may lead to damage to both the window and the surrounding structure.

[0006] There is therefore a need for an improved hinge system that not only provides a safe and secure means for facilitating the rotation of a window but also addresses the critical issue of preventing dislodgement under extreme loading conditions. Moreover, it is important to achieve these enhanced safety features without compromising the aesthetic appeal of the window, ensuring that the hinge system remains discreet and visually pleasing.

[0007] Norwegian patent NO 345426 (same applicant) discloses a safety feature for a rotatable window with a window frame and a window sash in addition to several fittings holding the window frame to the window sash, allowing the window to rotate. A standing, sliding hinge rail is fixed to one or both sides of the window frame and is configured to receive a sliding piece connected to the window sash. The sliding piece slides in a first vertical track of the sliding hinge rail. The sliding rail includes a second vertical track receiving a runner, parallel to the first vertical track. The runner is secured to the sliding piece and slides along with the sliding piece, each in respective tracks of the sliding rail. The present invention seeks to introduce a novel hinge system designed to offer a secure and safe solution for rotating windows. This innovation aims to improve conventional hinge systems by providing a discreet and aesthetically pleasing hinge system with robust mechanisms to prevent the window sash from falling out of the building surface, even under extreme loading conditions. The invention represents a significant advancement in the field of window hinge technology, promising improved safety without sacrificing the visual integrity of the window structure.

[0008] Summary of the invention

[0009] The invention relates to a hinge system for a rotatable / reversible windows / window sashes, comprising a hinge track fixable to an inner side surface of a window frame, the hinge track defining an open hinge track channel extending along inner side surface; a support arm connecting a window sash to the window frame; a sliding piece connected to the support arm and fitting into the hinge track channel; wherein the hinge track is positioned at a distance from an inner rear surface of the window frame, providing a first track adjacent surface; a safety rail fixable to the inner rear surface at a distance away from the inner side surface providing a first rail adjacent surface; wherein the safety rail comprises a first safety rail surface extending away from the inner rear surface, and a second safety rail surface extending away from the first safety rail surface in a direction towards the inner side surface; wherein the first track adjacent surface, the first rail adjacent surface, the first safety rail surface and the second safety rail surface form an open safety rail channel extending alongside the hinge track; wherein the support arm comprises a diverting portion diverting from the inner side surface in a direction towards the first safety rail surface; wherein the diverting portion extends beyond the confines of the second safety rail surface.

[0010] The invention further relates to said hinge system wherein the diverting portion redirects, in a curved or L-shaped manner. The invention further relates to said hinge system wherein the hinge track channel and the safety rail channel provide intersecting openings when mounted to the window frame.

[0011] The invention further relates to said hinge system wherein the support arm comprises a diverting portion providing additional distance between the window sash and the inner side surface.

[0012] The invention further relates to said hinge system wherein the support arm is non- rotationally connected to the window frame while rotatably connected to the window sash.

[0013] The invention further relates to said hinge system further comprising at least one hinge arm.

[0014] The invention also relates to a rotatable window comprising a window frame with an inner side surface and a rear surface, a window frame groove, and a hinge system. The hinge track is integrated within the window frame, at least partly within the window frame groove.

[0015] The invention also relates to said rotatable window wherein the inner side surface and the rear surface are aligned perpendicularly.

[0016] The invention also relates to said rotatable window with a side recess in the inner side surface.

[0017] The invention also relates to said rotatable window comprising a hinge system wherein the at least one hinge arm is located between the window sash and an inner side surface of the window frame.

[0018] The invention also relates to said rotatable window comprising two mirrored hinge assemblies. List of figures

[0019] Fig. 1 presents a perspective view of a window featuring a rotatable window sash; Fig. 2 shows a top-down cross-sectional perspective featuring a window frame and a hinge system according to the invention;

[0020] Fig. 3 shows a top-down cross-sectional perspective featuring a window frame and a hinge system including a support bracket of the invention;

[0021] Fig. 4A is a frontal view of the support bracket and Fig. 4B is a side view of the support bracket;

[0022] Fig. 5A and 5B show cross-sectional elevations featuring a hinge track channel and a safety rail channel according to the invention.

[0023] Detailed description

[0024] Fig. 1 presents a perspective view of a window featuring a rotatable / reversible window sash 12. The invention relates to a window including a rotatable window sash 12 and a unique hinge system which is incorporated into a particular window frame 10 (see also Fig. 2).

[0025] The window comprises a window frame 10 and a window sash 12. The window sash 12 is connected to the interior of the window frame 10 through a hinge system, allowing for the window's opening, closing, and tilting.

[0026] This hinge system encompasses components needed to facilitate the movable connection between the window sash 12 and the window frame 10, enabling both the opening and closing of the window and the tilting of the window sash 12.

[0027] Each side of the window sash 12 is equipped with a hinge assembly of the hinge system according to the invention, i.e. the hinge system may comprise two hinge assemblies. Each hinge assembly may include a hinge track 100 integrated into a groove 109 of the inner side surface 14 of the window frame 10, which faces the window sash 12. The hinge track 100 may be integrated so that it does not protrude from the inner side surface 14. Mounting hinge assemblies on the left and right sides permit horizontal rotation (around a horizontal axis) of the window sash. Optionally, mounting hinge assemblies on the top and bottom of the window sash enables vertical pivoting (rotation about a vertical axis).

[0028] The hinge system includes a mechanism for connecting the window sash 12 to the hinge track 100. The window sash 12 may be furnished with a support bracket 200 one for each hinge track 100. This bracket 200 serves as a robust platform for the connection means engaging with the hinge track 100.

[0029] Furthermore, the hinge system may incorporate hinge arms 16 to provide support to the window sash 12 during its rotation and vertical movement.

[0030] In summary, utilizing this hinge system allows the window sash 12 to execute both movement from top to bottom, or from side to side, and simultaneous rotation.

[0031] Fig. 2 shows a top-down cross-sectional perspective featuring a window frame 10 and a hinge system according to the invention.

[0032] The hinge system of the invention can be mounted to regular window frames, although it may provide additional functionality if the frames are L-shaped / corner shaped. In Fig. 2, a structural arrangement of the window frame 10 in this invention is depicted. The window frame 10 of Fig. 2 adopts an L-shaped configuration, offering both the inner side surface 14 (as illustrated in Fig. 1) that faces an opposite inner side surface of the window frame 10, and an inner rear surface 18 facing away from the building to which the window is mounted. Nevertheless, the hinge system can operate even in the absence of an inner rear surface 18; however, it offers support for optional components of the invention that will be elaborated.

[0033] Fig. 2 focuses on the left side of the window frame 10 (seen from the outside), as exemplified in Fig. 1 , and emphasizes the hinge track 100, integrated into the window frame 10. Functioning as a partially rectangular open channel, this track, oriented vertically in this instance, acts as a guide for the connecting mechanism that links the window sash 12 to the window frame 10. In the embodiment depicted in Fig. 2, the hinge track 100 is positioned at a distance from the inner rear surface 18, consequently leaving a section of the inner side surface 14 exposed. This particular segment of the surface is referred to as the first track adjacent surface 14A.

[0034] The hinge track 100 shown in Fig. 2 exhibits the presence of three surfaces, a first hinge track side surface 101 , a hinge track base surface 102, and a second hinge track side surface 103, wherein the hinge track base surface 102 is oriented to face away from the inner surface of the frame 14. In other words, this configuration results in an open hinge track channel 110, extending along the window frame 10 alongside the window sash 12, wherein the open channel faces the window sash 12 and the opposite side of the window frame 10. The channel opening is directed in parallel to the plane of the window. A similar configuration is naturally provided on the right side of the window only mirrored.

[0035] The orientation of hinge track 100 offers several technical advantages, creating a synergistic effect. An objective of the invention, embodied in the hinge system, is to prevent the window sash 12 from dislodging from the surface, serving as a security measure in case of inadvertent pushing or pulling. While such events are rare, robust and secure hinge solutions necessitate consideration of such scenarios.

[0036] The hinge track 100 is strategically positioned to function as a retainer for the fastening mechanism connecting the window sash 12 to the window frame 10, inherently reducing the risk of the window sash 12 falling out. The synergy arises from its ability to facilitate both rotational and axial movement of the window sash 12 while simultaneously acting as a safeguard against accidental dislodgment. The hinge system may operate without the need for additional auxiliary retainers, although an extra stopping rail is provided in aspects of the invention. In essence, the hinge track serves dual purposes - as a facilitator of movement and a built-in security measure. While the hinge track 100 appears partially rectangular in Fig. 2, it is important to note that its shape can be tailored to accommodate the connecting mechanism. The hinge track's 100 form might include partial circular elements, triangular segments, or even feature rectangular surfaces that are angled, giving rise to a trapezoidal or parallelogram configuration, for instance.

[0037] In an aspect of the invention, in addition to the hinge track 100, the hinge system may include a safety rail 300, extending along the hinge track 100, for retaining the connecting mechanism that links the window sash 12 to the window frame 10, thus also providing additional means to retaining the window sash 10 and thus reducing the risk of the hinge system dislodging from the window frame 10.

[0038] The safety rail 300 is fixed to the inner rear surface 18 at a distance from the inner side surface 14, creating a space or segment of the surface between the inner side surface 14 and the safety rail. This particular segment will be referred to as the first rail adjacent surface 18A. The surfaces mentioned in this application may be referred to as walls, e.g. first rail adjacent wall 18A.

[0039] The safety rail 300 comprises a first safety rail surface 301 extending away from the inner rear surface 18 (preferably at an angle of 90 degrees + / - 20 degrees relative to the rear surface 18), and a second safety rail surface 302 that extends at an angle (preferably 90 degrees + / - 20 degrees) from the first surface 301 . This configuration results in the formation of a hook shaped - or a substantially L- shaped profile / cross-section.

[0040] The first track adjacent surface 14A, first rail adjacent surface 18A, the first safety rail surface 301 and the second safety rail surface 302 forms a confined space with an opening referred to as a safety rail channel 310 extending along the frame surface alongside the hinge track 110.

[0041] Fig. 5A shows a cross-sectional elevation featuring the hinge track channel 110 and the safety rail channel 310. As depicted in the figure, there is a deliberate design consideration to prevent any overlap between the safety rail channel 310 and the hinge track channel 110. It is important to highlight that the hinge system's design is focused on achieving a space-efficient configuration, ensuring ample room for the movement and rotation of the window sash 12. Furthermore, the design aims to establish a secure hinge system that effectively avoids dislodgement. Figure 5A further shows, through the use of arrows, the intersecting directions of the openings within the channels. In one embodiment, these openings might be oriented perpendicular to each other. While alternative configurations with angled directions are possible, the inherent positioning of the hinge track channel 110 on the side of the window frame and the safety rail channel 310 at the rear of the window frame 10 ensures that the channels inevitably cross paths. Fig. 5B shows, in an aspect, that the channels may be void of any overlap when seen from above.

[0042] In the configuration depicted in Fig. 2, the hinge track channel 110 and the safety rail channel 310 are designed with openings that are unobstructed. The opening of the hinge track channel 110 points in a direction that is substantially perpendicular to the opening of the safety rail channel 310.

[0043] Fig. 3 shows a top-down cross-sectional perspective featuring a window frame 10 and a hinge system including a support bracket 200 of the invention.

[0044] Fig. 3 illustrates the connection of the window sash 12 (refer to Fig. 1 ) to the window frame 10, demonstrating its engagement with the hinge track 100 and safety rail 300. The support bracket 200, depicted as L-shaped in Fig. 1 and affixed to a corner of the window sash 12, can also be attached to the side surface of the window sash 12 without covering its top surface. An important function of the support bracket 200 is to provide stability for the rotatable connection means on the window sash 12, although the hinge system may function even without a support bracket 200.

[0045] The support bracket 200 connects to a support arm 201 (may also be referred to as pivot arm) through a rotation joint 202, possibly a pin joint. The window sash 12 is allowed to rotate around the axis of the rotation joint 202. The support arm 201 links to a sliding piece 203 (may also be referred to as a slide), which may be e.g. a basic slide or a linear bearing slide. The hinge track 100 and sliding piece 203 together form a linear slide system, ensuring precise and smooth movement of the window sash 12. The sliding piece 203 fits seamlessly into the hinge track channel 110, as depicted in Fig. 2.

[0046] The support arm 201 may have a distinctive shape with a bend / L-shape, extending away from the support bracket 200. Notably, the support arm 201 diverts from a completely straight shape by means of a diverting portion 201 A to create space between the inside side surface 14 and the window sash 12. In this space, hinge arms 15 and 16 can be accommodated, becoming compacted when the window is closed to fit discreetly between the window frame 10 and the window sash 12.

[0047] The inner side surfaces 14 are found on both sides on the window frame 10 and may comprise a side recess 14B for providing space for hinge arms 15, 16 (see Fig. 1).

[0048] Furthermore, the support arm 201 features a hook / L-shape / bent portion 204 on its distal end, diverting the arm away from the side surface 14, preferably 90 degrees - / - 20 degrees relative to the inner side surface 14. This hook portion 204 neatly fits into the safety rail channel 310, as illustrated in Fig. 3. Importantly, the hook portion 204 extends beyond the confines of the second safety rail surface 302. When installed, the safety rail 300 functions as a retentive guard, preventing movement of the support arm 201 and, consequently, the window sash 12 in the z- axis direction, as demonstrated in Fig. 3. In situations where the window sash 12 is subjected to extreme forces capable of damaging the hinge system, the safety rail 300 serves as a preventative measure, preventing the hinge system from dislodging and the window sash 12 from falling out of the building surface along the z-axis. In a situation where the window sash 12 is pulled along the the z-axis, the hook portion 204 will engage the safety rail 300, preventing further movement along the z-axis. The sliding piece 203 naturally also assists in retaining the window sash 12 from movement along the z-axis whereby the first hinge track side surface 101 and the second hinge track side surface 103 serve as barriers. Fig. 4A is a frontal view of the support bracket 200 and Fig. 4B is a side view of the support bracket 200. Fig. 4A shows the nearly L-shaped bracket. Fig. 4A further depicts the support arm 201 and the rotation joint 202. The support bracket 200 may further comprise a diverting bracket portion 200A for providing distance between the upper part of the window frame 10 and the window sash 12, facilitating rotation of deep window sashes 12, avoiding collision between the window sash 12 and the window frame 10.

[0049] In Fig. 4B one sees that the support arm 201 extends rearward of the bracket 200 to fit the window sash (12; Fig. 1 ) into the L-shaped window frame (10; Fig. 1 , Fig. 2).

Claims

P A T E N T C L A I M S1 . A hinge system configured for a rotatable window, comprising: a hinge track (100) fixed to an inner side surface (14) of a window frame (10) adopting an L-shaped configuration between the side surface (14) and an inner rear surface (18), the hinge track (100) defining an open hinge track channel (110) extending along inner side surface (14); a support arm (201 ) connecting a window sash (12) to the window frame (10); a sliding piece (203) connected to the support arm (201 ) and fitting into the hinge track channel (110); wherein the hinge track (100) is positioned at a distance from the inner rear surface (18) of the window frame (10), providing a first track adjacent surface (14A); a safety rail (300) fixed to the inner rear surface (18) at a distance away from the inner side surface (14) providing a first rail adjacent surface (18A); wherein the safety rail (300) comprises a first safety rail surface (301 ) extending away from the inner rear surface (18), and a second safety rail surface (302) extending away from the first safety rail surface (301 ) in a direction towards the inner side surface (14); wherein the first track adjacent surface (14A), the first rail adjacent surface (18A), the first safety rail surface (301 ) and the second safety rail surface (302) form an open safety rail channel (310) extending alongside the hinge track (110); wherein the support arm (201 ) comprises a diverting portion (204) diverting from the inner side surface (14) in a direction towards the first safety rail surface (301 ); and wherein the diverting portion (204) extends beyond the confines of the second safety rail surface (302).

2. A hinge system according to claim 1 , wherein the diverting portion (204) redirects either in a curved or L-shaped manner.

2. A hinge system according to any preceding claim, wherein the hinge track channel (110) and the safety rail channel (310) provide intersecting openings when mounted to the window frame (10).

3. A hinge system according to claim 1 , wherein the support arm 201 comprises a diverting portion (201 A) providing additional distance between the window sash (12) and the inner side surface (14).

4. A hinge system according to any preceding claims, wherein the support arm (201) is non-rotationally connected to the window frame (10) while rotatably connected to the window sash (12).

5. A hinge system according to any preceding claims, further comprising at least one hinge arm (15, 16).

6. A rotatable window comprising: a window frame (10) comprising an inner side surface (14) and a rear surface (18) and a window frame groove (109); a hinge system according to any preceding claim; a window sash (12); wherein the hinge track (100) is integrated within the window frame (10) at least partly within the window frame groove (109).

7. A rotatable window according to claim 6, wherein the inner side surface (14) and the rear surface (18) are aligned perpendicularly.

8. A rotatable window according to any of the preceding claims 6-7, wherein the inner side surface (14) is provided with a side recess (14B).

9. A rotatable window according to any of the preceding claims 6-8, comprising a hinge system according claim 5, wherein the at least one hinge arm (15,16) is located between the window sash (12) and an inner side surface (14) of the window frame (10).

10. A rotatable window according to any of the preceding claims 6-9, comprising two mirrored hinge systems according to any of the preceding claims 1-5.

Images