EP4711571A1

EP4711571A1 - Auxiliary support device for doors or windows with at least one hinged leaf, swing leaf door or window and method for increasing the bearing capacity of a door or window

Info

Publication number: EP4711571A1
Application number: EP25167023.8A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Giacomo Mario ALBAN
Original assignee: Alban Giacomo SpA
Current assignee: Alban Giacomo SpA
Priority date: 2024-09-17
Filing date: 2025-03-28
Publication date: 2026-03-18

Abstract

An auxiliary support device (1) for doors or windows with at least one hinged leaf, comprising a frame block (2) and a plate (3) installed on the leaf (A) of a door or window. Furthermore, the device (1) comprises a cable (4) having an upper end (5) and a lower end (6) constrained respectively to said frame block (2) and to a lower connection portion (3A) of the plate (3) so that a reversible movement of the leaf (A) from the closed position to the open position results in a reversible switch of the cable (4) between a loose configuration and a tensioned configuration, in which it supports the weight of the leaf (A), transferring it to the frame block (2). The device (1) comprises a support rod (7) and a thrust-bearing element (11) operatively associated so that the reversible movement of the leaf (A) from the closed position to the open position results in the reversible sliding of the support rod (7) from an active configuration, in which the upper end (9) of the support rod (7) is in abutment against the thrust-bearing element (11) to transfer at least in part the weight of the leaf (A) to the frame block (2), and an inactive configuration, in which the upper end (9) of the support rod (7) is not in abutment against said thrust-bearing element (11).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to an auxiliary support device for doors or windows with at least one hinged leaf, swing leaf door or window and method for increasing the bearing capacity of a door or window.
In particular, the present invention falls within the technical field of swing leaf doors or windows.

STATE OF THE ART

As is known, swing leaf doors or windows comprise a frame fixed to one wall and a leaf rotatable with respect to the frame between an open position and a closed position.
Disadvantageously, the use of large-sized leaves causes the occurrence of severe stresses on the hinges that couple the leaf to the frame, leading to failures that undermine the safety of the door or window. Reinforced hinges that allow the support of higher loads than the commonly used standard hinges are therefore currently used. However, the use of reinforced hinges leads to an increase in the costs of the production process. Furthermore, reinforced hinges are not adaptable to the different types of leaf and are therefore often oversized. Lastly, reinforced hinges are harder to find, making maintenance and repair operations more difficult.
Sector operators are constantly seeking new solutions to increase the degree of safety of doors and windows with heavy leaves, without having to oversize the hinges.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

In this context, an object of the present invention is to provide an auxiliary support device for doors or windows with at least one hinged leaf, a swing leaf door or window and a method for increasing the bearing capacity of a door or window that are capable of making doors or windows with heavy leaves safer without having to oversize the hinges.
A further object of the present invention is to propose an auxiliary support device for doors or windows with at least one hinged leaf and a method for increasing the bearing capacity of a door or window having marked adaptability.
A further object of the present invention is to propose an auxiliary support device for doors or windows with at least one hinged leaf, a swing leaf door or window and a method for increasing the bearing capacity of a door or window capable of simplifying maintenance and repair operations.
The specified objects are substantially achieved by an auxiliary support device for doors or windows with at least one hinged leaf, a swing leaf door or window and a method for increasing the bearing capacity of a door or window, which comprise the technical features set forth in one or more of the appended claims.
The dependent claims correspond to possible embodiments of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the illustrative and thus non-limiting description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of an auxiliary support device for doors or windows with at least one hinged leaf and a swing leaf door or window, as illustrated in the appended drawings, in which:

Figures 1A-1B illustrate, respectively, a front view and a top view of an embodiment of a swing leaf door or window in accordance with a possible operating configuration;
Figures 2A-2B illustrate, respectively, a front view and a top view of the door or window shown in Figures 1A-1B, in accordance with a further operating configuration;
Figure 3 illustrates a device for increasing the bearing capacity for doors or windows in a partially disassembled condition, in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;
Figure 4 illustrates the device for increasing bearing capacity shown in Figure 3 in an assembled condition and in accordance with an operating configuration;
Figures 5A-5B illustrate enlarged views of respective portions of the device for increasing bearing capacity shown in Figure 4;
Figure 6 illustrates the device for increasing bearing capacity shown in Figure 3 in an assembled condition and in accordance with a further operating configuration;
Figures 7A-7C illustrate enlarged views of respective portions of the device for increasing bearing capacity shown in Figure 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to an auxiliary support device for doors or windows that will also be referred to below as device 1.
With particular reference to Figures 3 and 4, the device 1 comprises a frame block 2 and a plate 3 configured to be installed respectively on the upright "M" of the frame "T" and on the leaf "A" of a door or window "S". In greater detail, the leaf "A" is hinged to the frame "T" by means of hinges "C".
The device 1 comprises a cable 4 having an upper end 5 and a lower end 6 constrained respectively to the frame block 2 and to the plate 3, so that a reversible movement of the leaf "A" between the closed position (Figures 2A-2B) and the open position (Figures 1A-1B) results in a reversible switch of the cable 4 between a loose configuration, when the leaf "A" is arranged in the closed position (Figures 2A, 6, 7C), and a tensioned configuration, when the leaf "A" is arranged in an open position and the cable 4 supports at least partially the weight of the leaf, transferring it to the frame block 2 (Figures 4, 5A).
With particular reference to Figures 4 and 5A, the device 1 further comprises a support rod 7 having a lower end 8, hinged to the frame block 2, and an upper end 9, slidably coupled to a vertical guide 10 and reversibly movable between a lower stop position (Figure 4) and an upper stop position (Figures 6, 7A).
As more clearly visible in Figure 7A, the device 1 comprises a thrust-bearing element 11 constrained at the upper stop position. In particular, the reversible movement of the leaf "A" from the closed position (Figures 2A-2B) to the open position (Figures 1A-1B) results in the reversible sliding of the support rod 7 from an active configuration (Figures 6, 7A), in which the upper end 9 of the support rod 7 is in abutment against the thrust-bearing element 11 to transfer at least in part the weight of the leaf to the frame block 2, and an inactive configuration (Figure 4), in which the upper end 9 of the support rod 7 is not in abutment against the thrust-bearing element 11.
In this manner, the device 1 cooperates with the hinges "C" of the door or window to support the leaf "A". In particular, the combined action of the cable 4 and the support rod 7 allows the weight of the leaf "A" to be transferred to the frame block 4 and, therefore, to be discharged onto the frame "T", relieving the weight from the hinges "C" both during the open position and during the closed position of the leaf "A". The present invention therefore overcomes the need to use reinforced hinges in applications with doors or windows having particularly heavy leaves. In other words, the present invention allows the use of standard hinges (not reinforced) even with very heavy swing leaves. The present invention increases the safety of doors or windows with heavy leaves, as it contributes to reducing failures and breakages of the hinges.
The use of standard hinges also allows the production costs to be contained. Furthermore, standard hinges are easy to find, which contributes to simplifying maintenance operations.
It is also emphasised that the present invention provides an auxiliary support device for doors or windows that has no complicated lever mechanisms that cause the need for frequent maintenance. As illustrated in the figures, the device 1 is easy to manufacture and assemble, overcoming the need for complicated processes on the frame and/or on the leaf.
With particular reference to the example illustrated in Figures 4, 6, 7A, the device 1 further comprises a slider 12 rotatably constrained to the upper end 9 of the support rod 7 and slidably inserted into the vertical guide 10 to couple the upper end 9 of the support rod 7 to the vertical guide 10.
In accordance with an advantageous aspect, the support rod 7 has a circular cross section. This shape allows, for example, a simplified coupling rotatable between the slider 12 and the upper end 9 of the support rod 7. With particular reference to the example illustrated in Figures 2A, 6, 7A, 7B, the support rod 7 is aligned along a substantially vertical direction when the leaf "A" is arranged in the closed position. Furthermore, the support rod 7 is aligned along a substantially oblique direction when the leaf is arranged in the open position.
Preferably, the elasticity of the support rod 7 is such as to allow it to be arranged in abutment against the thrust-bearing element 11 before the leaf "A" reaches the closed position, so as to give increased assistance to the hinges "C" in supporting the leaf "A".
In accordance with a possible embodiment not illustrated in the appended figures, the thrust-bearing element 11 can be configured to slide vertically and the device 1 can comprise elastic means active on the thrust-bearing element 11 in order to maintain it normally in the stop position downwards. In this manner, the support rod 7 can enter into abutment against the thrust-bearing element 11 before the leaf "A" reaches the closed position, acting on the thrust-bearing element 11 and pushing it upwards, and progressively compressing the elastic means so as to guarantee a support of the leaf "A" even before complete closure thereof.
With particular reference to Figures 2A, 3, 4, 6, 7A, the device 1 comprises a regulation grub screw 14 configured to reversibly move the thrust-bearing element 11 along a vertical direction, so as to vary the distance between the thrust-bearing element 11 itself and the engagement seat (coupling recess 13 better described below) of the support rod 7 in the frame block 2. Advantageously, in this manner the support rod enters into contact with the thrust-bearing element 11 when the leaf has not yet reached the closed position, thus allowing the support rod to be preloaded. In addition, the presence of the regulation grub screw 14 allows the extent of the compression force exerted on the support rod 7 to be modulated and therefore the portion of weight of the leaf discharged onto the upright "M" of the frame "T" to be predetermined. The invention therefore has a marked adaptability. The thrust-bearing element 11 and/or the regulation grub screw 14 are mounted on the plate 3.
According to an advantageous embodiment, the cable 4 is configured so as to have a predetermined elasticity, in order to reach a configuration of partial tensioning, in which it supports the weight of the leaf "A", before the leaf reaches the open position, thus giving increased assistance to the hinges "C".
With particular reference to Figure 7B, the support rod 7 has a coupling pin arranged at the lower end 8 and inserted into a respective coupling recess 13 of the frame block 2 to rotatably couple the support rod 7 and the frame block 2.
With particular reference to Figures 5A, 7C, the cable 4 has a coupling sphere 15 arranged at the upper end 5 and configured to obtain a coupling, preferably rotatable, between the cable 4 and the frame block 2. In particular, the frame block 2 has a coupling seat 19 adapted to receive the coupling sphere 15. Furthermore, the frame block 2 has, preferably, retention means (for example, a constriction lever 20) activatable on the coupling sphere 15 in order to maintain it inside the coupling seat 19.
With particular reference to Figure 5B, in accordance with an advantageous aspect, the device 1 comprises a connection element 16 configured to connect the lower end 6 of the cable 4 to the plate 3. Furthermore, the device 1 comprises a regulation bushing 17 configured to move reversibly along a vertical direction the connection element 16 with respect to the plate 3 in order to regulate a pre-tensioning of the cable 4. In particular, the regulation bushing 17 gives an increased adaptability to the device 1. The connection element 16 and/or the regulation bushing 17 are mounted on the plate 3.
In accordance with the examples illustrated in the figures, the device 1 comprises a single plate 3 extending mainly along a longitudinal direction of extension. Furthermore, the vertical guide 10 is associated with, preferably obtained in, the plate 3. In particular, the plate 3 is configured to be installed on the leaf "A" of the door or window so that the vertical guide 10 is aligned with a vertical direction.
In accordance with a further aspect, the present invention relates to a swing leaf door or window "S" comprising a frame "T" fixable to the opening of a wall and a swing leaf "A", reversibly movable between a closed position (Figures 2A-2B) and an open position (Figures 1A-1B). In particular, the door or window "S" comprises at least one hinge "C" configured to rotatably constrain the leaf "A" to the frame "T". For example, the hinge "C" can be a concealed hinge or a traditional visible hinge.
Advantageously, the door or window "S" comprises an auxiliary support device 1 for doors or windows in accordance with what has been described above. Such device 1 allows the use of leaves having a high mass while maintaining non-reinforced hinges "C". In other words, the device 1 increases the bearing capacity of the door or window "S" and allows the use of standard hinges with reduced bearing capacity even on doors or windows out of the bearing capacity range.
Advantageously, furthermore, the device 1 demonstrates a high installation flexibility, since it can also be used in the presence of a lifting member (not illustrated in the figures), which is typically installed in proximity to the handle of the leaf "A" and which is adapted to engage on a corresponding hardware component of the frame "T", in order to assist the user in lifting the leaf itself during the last step of passing from the open position to the closed position.
In accordance with a further aspect, the present invention relates to a method for increasing the bearing capacity of a door or window, preferably a swing leaf one. The method comprises the step of constraining a lower end 6 of a cable 4 to a plate 3 mounted on the leaf "A" of a door or window "S".
Furthermore, the method comprises the step of slidably coupling an upper end 9 of a support rod 7 to a vertical guide 10, so that it is slidably movable between a lower stop position and an upper stop position.
Preferably, the vertical guide 10 is obtained in the plate 3. Alternatively, the method further comprises a step of constraining the vertical guide 10 to the plate 3.
The method further comprises the step of constraining a thrust-bearing element 11 at the upper stop position.
Furthermore, the method comprises the step of connecting an upper end 5 of a cable and a lower end of the support rod 7 to the frame "T" of the door or window "S".
Advantageously, the method further comprises the step of arranging the leaf "A" in an open position and regulating the pre-tensioning of the cable 4 so that the cable 4 partially supports the weight of the leaf by transferring it to the frame "T". Furthermore, the method comprises the step of arranging the leaf "A" in an open position and changing the positioning of the thrust-bearing element 11 to regulate the extent of the compression force on the support rod, so that, at least in a closed position of the leaf "A", the upper end 9 of the support rod 7 is in abutment against the thrust-bearing element to transfer at least in part the weight of the leaf to the frame "T". In this manner, the method guarantees a marked adaptability to the features, for example dimensions and weight, of the door or window to which it is applied.
Preferably, the method comprises the step of providing a device 1 in accordance with what has been previously described. In that case, the method provides for using the device 1 to perform at least one of the aforesaid steps.

Claims

An auxiliary support device (1) for doors or windows with at least one hinged leaf, comprising:
- a frame block (2) configured to be installed on the upright (M) of the frame (T) of a door or window;

- a plate (3) configured to be installed on the leaf (A) of a door or window;

- a cable (4) having an upper end (5) and a lower end (6) constrained respectively to said frame block (2) and to said plate (3), so that a reversible movement of the leaf (A) between the closed position and the open position results in a reversible switch of the cable (4) between a loose configuration, when the leaf (A) is arranged in the closed position, and a tensioned configuration, when the leaf (A) is arranged in an open position and the cable (4) supports at least partially the weight of the leaf (A), transferring it to said frame block (2);

- a support rod (7) having a lower end (8), hinged to the frame block (2), and an upper end (9), slidably coupled to a vertical guide (10) and reversibly movable between a lower stop position and an upper stop position;

- a thrust-bearing element (11) constrained at said upper stop position; wherein the reversible movement of the leaf (A) from the closed position to the open position results in the reversible sliding of the support rod (7) from an active configuration, in which the upper end (9) of the support rod (7) is in abutment against said thrust-bearing element (11) to transfer at least in part the weight of the leaf (A) to said frame block (2), and an inactive configuration, in which the upper end (9) of the support rod (7) is not in abutment against said thrust-bearing element (11).
The device according to claim 1, comprising a slider (12) rotatably constrained to the upper end (9) of the support rod (7) and slidably inserted into said vertical guide (10) to couple the upper end (9) of the support rod (7) to the vertical guide (10).
The device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the support rod (7) is aligned along a substantially vertical direction when the leaf (A) is arranged in the closed position; and wherein the support rod (7) is aligned along a substantially oblique direction when the leaf (A) is arranged in the open position.
The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said support rod (7) has a coupling pin arranged at said lower end (8) and inserted into a respective coupling recess (13) of said frame block (2) to rotatably couple said support rod (7) and said frame block (2).
The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein said support rod (7) has a circular cross-section.
The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a regulation grub screw (14) configured to reversibly move the thrust bearing element (11) along a vertical direction, so as to regulate the extent of the compression force of the support rod (7).
The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the cable (4) has a coupling sphere (15) arranged at said upper end (5) and configured to obtain a coupling, preferably rotatable, between the cable (4) and the frame block (2); and wherein said frame block (2) has a coupling seat adapted to receive said coupling sphere (15).
The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising:
- a connection element (16) configured to connect the lower end (6) of the cable (4) to said plate (3);

- a regulation bushing (17) configured to reversibly move along a vertical direction said connection element (16) with respect to said plate (3) in order to regulate a pre-tensioning of the cable.
The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, comprising a single plate (3) extending along a longitudinal direction, and wherein said vertical guide (10) is associated with, preferably obtained on, said single plate (3).
A swing leaf door or window comprising:
- a frame (T) fixable to the opening of a wall;

- a leaf (A) rotatably coupled to the frame (T) and reversibly movable between a closed position and an open position;

- an auxiliary support device for doors or windows according to one or more of the preceding claims.
A method for increasing the bearing capacity of a door or window, comprising the steps of:
- constraining a lower end (6) of a cable (4) to a plate (3) mounted on the leaf (A) of a door or window;

- slidably coupling an upper end (9) of a support rod (7) to a vertical guide (10) of the plate (3), so that it is slidably movable between a lower stop position and an upper stop position;

- constraining a thrust-bearing element (11) at said upper stop position;

- connecting an upper end (5) of a cable (4) and a lower end (8) of the support rod (7) to the frame (T) of the door or window.
The method according to claim 11, comprising the steps of:
- arranging the leaf (A) in an open position and regulating the pre-tensioning of the cable (4) so that the cable (4) partially supports the weight of the leaf (A), transferring it at least to the frame (T);

- arranging the leaf (A) in an open position and changing the positioning of the thrust-bearing element (11) to regulate the extent of the compression force of the support rod (7), so that, at least in a closed position of the leaf (A), the upper end (9) of the support rod (7) is in abutment against the thrust-bearing element (11) to transfer at least partly the weight of the leaf (A) to the frame (T).