IT201900001547A1 - FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE FOR WINDOWS AND WINDOWS FOR THE ACCESS OF ANIMALS, PARTICULARLY DOMESTIC - Google Patents

Description

FRAMEWORK STRUCTURE FOR WINDOWS AND WINDOWS FOR THE ACCESS OF ANIMALS, PARTICULARLY DOMESTIC

DESCRIPTION

The present invention relates to a window frame structure and a window frame for accessing animals, particularly domestic animals.

The invention is applicable in the construction sector for the construction of doors and windows for accessing domestic animals. However, the invention can also be used in other fields such as breeding for working animals or for food purposes.

Today, pets are often the symbols on which men pour their need for love and exercise their drives for self-fulfillment and are increasingly treated as family members.

In fact, recent market research shows that there is an increase in households, also understood as single people living alone, in which there is at least one pet.

The expression "pet" refers, in this description, to an animal that is kept at home for pleasure and company and not for food or work purposes.

The domestic animal landscape is dominated by cats and dogs, although fish, birds, rabbits, hamsters and guinea pigs are common among others.

Particularly considering dogs and cats, the owners of these animals generally live in apartments or houses with gardens.

For different reasons, such as the need to leave the animal at home alone to go to work, the need has arisen over the years to create accesses to the house dedicated to the animal.

In this way the animal is able to enter and leave the house independently from its owner to reach a garden and / or a terrace.

The market trend is now that of making a special hole in a wall and / or on a frame and / or on a window and / or on a door or French window which is then closed with a window equipped with one or multiple branches.

Considering the scenario of the technological solutions present today, there is a market structure divided substantially into three segments:

- a first segment, of simple and low-cost technical solutions, in the order of € 50-100, - a second segment, of simple, medium-cost technical solutions, in the order of € 200-400,

- a third segment, of sophisticated and high-cost technical solutions, in the order of € 500-1500.

The first segment includes purely mechanical solutions without digital technologies.

Some pet door access options include a four-position lock system, consisting of a mechanical door lock, manually operated by the owner, which can typically allow the pet, depending on its configuration, to:

- enter and leave the house freely,

- enter, but do not leave the house, - leave, but do not enter the house, - stay outside or inside the house.

The second segment normally includes solutions with the availability of simple and immediate digital technologies, without excessive sophistication, based on the reading of a microchip applied to the animal, for example with RFID (Radio-Frequency IDentification) technology.

This is a higher range segment than the previous one and allows you to manage numerous digital animal recognition technologies.

The hardware part is simple, usually in plastic material, and typically applied to frames and / or windows and / or doors.

A tag bearing the microchip hangs on the animal's collar and an RFID reading system on the access is able to verify the identity of the animal in its vicinity to unlock the opening.

With this segment of solutions it is possible to set selective access of animals to the home and also to program time slots in which entry and / or exit is allowed or prohibited.

The third segment includes solutions with considerable availability of digital technologies, and is aimed at customers with high familiarity with these technologies.

These solutions are complex both from the construction point of view and from the point of view of operation.

These are solutions that include a considerable electronic component and that allow you to manage the windows remotely, using a dedicated application for smartphones and tablets.

Therefore, they have both chip readers, for example of the RFID type, applied with collar tags to animals or with a subcutaneous microchip, and data communication elements, via the internet for management via smartphone or tablet, located on the frame. of the window frame.

With these solutions, the accesses are fully customizable and manageable even remotely.

However, these known techniques have some drawbacks.

In order to implement any of the solutions described above, it is necessary to drill a hole in a wall and / or on a frame and / or on a window and / or on a door, or French window.

Generally, this implementation is carried out when the building is finished, with artisan or construction techniques whose dimensional accuracy is limited.

Furthermore, in a modern home, the external or internal insulation system reduces heating costs and allows for comfortable and constant indoor climatic conditions throughout the year. With the solutions listed above, for the construction of access for pets, however, the execution of a hole that passes through the insulation layer of the building generates a significant thermal and acoustic bridge between the interior and the exterior of the building. .

The presence of one or more of these thermal bridges determines a drastic localized reduction in the energy efficiency of the building envelope with a consequent increase in consumption and costs for air conditioning and can determine the presence, in the home, of unpleasant acoustic disturbances. , as well as favoring the formation of mold and creating a trigger for dangerous interstices of humidity that can initiate a progressive deterioration of the building envelope.

Furthermore, the doors and windows for the access of animals known to date, even the most complex ones, do not include sufficient protection of the hole in which they are applied causing on the wall and / or on the frame and / or on the window and / or on the door, o French windows, sealing problems and infiltration of water, air, heat or humidity. These problems are usually contained with the use of sealants, such as those based on silicone, which do not, however, have thermoacoustic characteristics comparable to those of the building in its original state.

The aim of the present invention is to provide a frame structure for door and window frames and a window frame for accessing animals which is capable of improving the known technique in one or more of the aspects indicated above.

Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a frame structure for window and door frames and a window frame for the access of animals which do not require the need to make a hole in the finished building for their installation, but that they are industrialized and that have a dimensionally precise hole.

Another object of the invention is to provide a frame structure for a window or door and a window for accessing animals which prevent the formation of thermal and acoustic bridges between the interior and the exterior of the building.

A further object of the invention is to provide a frame for door and window frames and a window frame for accessing animals in which there are no problems of sealing and infiltration of water, air, heat or humidity on the element to which they are applied.

Another object of the invention is to provide a frame structure for door and window frames and a window frame for accessing animals in which modern solutions for managing access can be used automatically, even remotely by application.

Furthermore, the present invention aims to overcome the drawbacks of the known art in an alternative way to any existing solutions.

Not least object of the invention is to provide a frame structure for door and window frames and a window frame for accessing animals which are highly reliable, relatively easy to manufacture and at competitive costs.

This task, as well as these and other purposes which will become clearer hereinafter, are achieved by a frame structure for door and window frames for the access of animals having a tubular body with a parallelepiped shape characterized in that it comprises:

- an external tubular profile, with a quadrangular section in extruded expanded polystyrene,

- an entrance,

- an exit,

- a duct defined between said inlet and said outlet.

Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become clearer from the description of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the frame structure for door and window frames and the door or window frame for accessing animals according to the invention, illustrated, by way of non-limiting example, in the joined drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a frame structure according to the invention in one of its applications;

Figure 2 illustrates an overall view of the frame structure of Figure 1,

- Figures 3a and 3b each illustrate a sectional view of the frame structure of Figure 2,

- figure 4 shows an overall perspective view of a window frame according to the invention, - figure 5 shows a sectional view of the window frame of figure 4,

Figure 6 shows an exploded view of a sectional view of the window frame with the elements of two different embodiments.

With reference to the aforementioned figures, a frame structure according to the invention is globally indicated with the reference number 10.

In Figure 1, the structure 10 is connected, in a first embodiment, to the frame structure of a window frame for human use.

In other application forms, not shown in the figures, the structure 10 is installed individually in the wall of a building, independently of the window frames for human use.

The structure 10 is made in the factory with numerical control machines and is then installed, for example on the construction site, during the construction of the building, in the application phase of the fixtures.

In this way there is no need to make a hole in the wall when the building is finished.

The structure 10 has a tubular body with a parallelepiped shape.

The structure 10 has an inlet 12 and an outlet 13 defining a duct 18 between the two.

This structure 10 has an orthogonal development to the development of the wall to which it is applied, and comparable to the thickness of this wall.

The entrance 12 and the exit 13 are placed, one at the internal surface and the other at the external surface of the wall in which the structure 10 is installed.

The terms "entry" and "exit" are used in this description to facilitate the reader in understanding, but do not represent an absolute definition, in the sense that, depending on whether the animal wants to enter the building from the outside, or exit the building, go through first exit 13 and then entrance 12, or vice versa.

One of the peculiarities of the structure 10 is constituted by the fact that it comprises an external tubular profile 14, with a quadrangular section in extruded expanded polystyrene (XPS).

Profile 14 is made with the techniques and precision used in the field of frames for thermal insulating windows for human use, for buildings with high energy efficiency and / or NZEB standard (Nearly Zero Energy Building), in compliance with the European Directive EPBD (Energy Performance of Buildings Directive): 2018/844 / UE.

To cover the internal surfaces of the profile 14, and to define the duct 18, there are:

- a base 19 and a ceiling 20,

- two opposite side walls 21a, 21b.

In particular, the base 19, the ceiling 20 and the two opposite side walls 21a and 21b, each consist of a panel of sound-absorbing and fire-resistant material, such as, for example, the one known by the trade name of "Stratocell Whisper FR ”of the company Sogimi Spa.

This panel is preferably black in color.

The black color hinders the entry of light from the outside when opening the window and visually minimizes any traces of dirt left by the animal.

At the inlet 12 and outlet 13, there is a frame element defining an inlet and an outlet of the duct 18, respectively 15a and 15b.

Each frame element 15a, 15b comprises:

- a first layer 16a, 16b, facing the outside of the structure 10,

- a second layer 17a, 17b, interposed between the first layer 16a, 16b and the profile 14.

Each layer, first 16a, 16b, and second 17a, 17b, consists of a panel with a median through hole adapted to correspond to the passage section of the duct 18.

By "passage section" of the duct 18 is meant the transverse section, ie the one defined on a section plane orthogonal to the predominant direction of development of the structure 10.

This median hole has dimensions and profile equal to those of the passage section of the duct 18.

In particular, the first layer 16a, 16b, is made with a panel of insulating material from the point of view of thermo-acoustic and / or vapor-permeable and / or water-repellent and / or fire-retardant material such as, for example, the one known by the trade name of "Celenit ”Of the Celenit company.

The second layer 17a, 17b, is made with a moisture-resistant panel, for example wood-based, such as the one known commercially as OSB 3 (Oriented Strand Board 3).

In this way, the frame structure 10 offers access for pets while ensuring high thermal and acoustic insulation, helping to maintain the energy level of the building and preventing the formation of infiltration of water, air, heat or humidity on the element. to which it is applied.

Figures 4 to 6 show a window frame 22 according to the invention.

The window frame 22 comprises a frame 10 structure, according to the above.

In correspondence with the entrance 12 and / or the exit 13 of the structure 10, one or more tilting doors 23 can be installed, hinged close to the ceiling 20.

These one or more doors 23 can be moved by the animal as it passes by or moved and managed electronically by means of one or more devices already present on the market and of a known type.

Depending on the needs, these one or more counters can also be managed remotely via a dedicated application for smartphones and tablets and / or through a local user interface.

In these cases, all the elements necessary for the access operation are placed inside the profile 14.

These elements are then, if necessary, connected to the domestic electrical network.

The window frame 22 has, at the entrance 12 and the exit 13, an inlet element 24a, 24b, 24b '.

This element 24a, 24b, 24b 'has an annular body 25 with an internal section comparable to the passage section of the duct 18.

Said body 25 has a tubular appendage 26 able to be, at least partially, inserted in the duct 18, in correspondence with the inlet 12 or the outlet 13.

In particular, the external section of the tubular appendage 26 has a shape and dimensions substantially equal to the passage section of the duct 18.

The external section of the annular body 25 has a shape similar to that of the external section of the tubular appendage 26, but of larger dimensions.

This inlet element can be installed as it is, as in the case of the element 24b 'of figure 6, or it can have a door 23, as in the case of the elements 24a and 24b of figure 6.

The window frame 22 can have no doors 23, have only one door at the entrance 12 or the exit 13, or have two doors 23, one at the entrance 12 and the other at the exit 13.

In particular, the door 23 can be made of a material with a high degree of thermal insulation, such as polystyrene, which has a thermal conductivity of the order of 0.003 W / (m K), and / or a multilayer based on wood, with a conductivity of the order of 0.10 W / (m · K).

In an advantageous embodiment, not shown in the figures, the window 22 is equipped with two doors 23 with a high degree of thermal insulation, with servo-assisted operation managed by a combination of the following technologies: RFID logic, dedicated application for smartphones or tablets and / or RS485, which together or autonomously allow to univocally recognize one or more domestic animals for which the window frame 22 is designed.

The window 22 has a programmable logic, decided in part by the user, in part by predefined safety criteria, and allows to respect the schedules of times, dates and operating configurations, set by the owner, for example through a dedicated application for smartphones and / or tablet, or through a possible local interface.

The operation of a window 22 as just described is as follows.

The animal is registered, upon first use, in the application which manages the operation of the window frame 22, for example by associating it with an RFID chip to be affixed to its collar, and authorizations and a time program of operation are set.

Permissions are set, for example, in the case of a sick animal to inhibit its exit from the building.

Once the three conditions are satisfied (univocal recognition, programming and set authorizations) an actuation unit, not shown in the figures, moves the doors 23 for motorized opening.

Once the complete transit of the animal has been detected, or after a certain period of time has elapsed, which can be set by the user, without detecting the animal's passage, the doors 23 are moved up to the closing configuration.

Subsequently, the following are carried out:

- verification of the area occupied between the two doors 23, by means of an infrared and / or ultrasound sensor.

- verification of the closure perimeters against crushing due to closure by means of a pneumatic edge device, photocells, optical sensors or similar.

Any additional accessories for window frame 22 can be:

- one or more air blades to remove any deposits in the duct 18,

- an ultrasound generator for purification from insects and parasites and to prevent the entry of mosquitoes, mice and other pests,

- one or more ultraviolet radiation lamps for the periodic and / or programmed sanitization of the duct 18.

The window frame 22, in other embodiments not shown in the figures, can be used and adaptable to the access technologies for domestic animals currently available on the market and of a known type.

In practice it has been found that the invention achieves the intended aim and objects by providing a frame structure for window and door frames and a window frame for the access of animals which do not require the need to make a hole in the finished building for their installation. , but they are industrialized and have a dimensionally precise hole.

With the invention, a frame structure for door and window frames and a window frame for the access of animals has been developed which prevent the formation of thermal and acoustic bridges between the interior and exterior of the building and which do not involve sealing problems. and infiltration of water, air, heat or humidity on the element to which they are applied.

Furthermore, the invention has provided a frame structure for door and window frames and a door or window frame for accessing animals in which modern solutions for managing access automatically, even remotely by means of an application, can be used.

The invention thus conceived is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the inventive concept; moreover, all the details can be replaced by other technically equivalent elements.

In practice, the materials employed, so long as they are compatible with the specific use, as well as the contingent shapes and dimensions, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

Where the features and techniques mentioned in any claim are followed by reference marks, these marks have been affixed for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and consequently such reference marks have no limiting effect on the interpretation of each element. identified by way of example by these reference signs.

Claims (24)

CLAIMS 1. Structure (10) of a window or door frame for the access of animals having a tubular body with a parallelepiped shape characterized in that it comprises: - an external tubular profile (14), with a quadrangular section in extruded expanded polystyrene, - an entrance (12), - one outlet (13), - a conduit (18) defined between said inlet (12) and said outlet (13). 2. Structure (10), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that said profile (14) is made with the techniques for high energy efficiency buildings and / or NZEB standard, in compliance with the European Directive EPBD: 2018/844 / EU . Structure (10), according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the internal surfaces of said profile (14) are covered respectively by: - a base (19) and a top (20), - two opposite side walls (21a, 21b), suitable for defining said duct (18). 4. Structure (10), according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said base (19), top (20) and two opposite side walls (21a, 21b), each consist of a panel of material sound absorbing and fire resistant. 5. Structure (10), according to the preceding claim, characterized in that said panel is black in color. Structure (10), according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at said inlet (12) and said outlet (13), there is a frame element (15a, 15b). Structure (10), according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said frame element (15a, 15b) comprises: - a first layer (16a, 16b), facing the outside of said structure (10), - a second layer (17a, 17b), interposed between said first layer (16a, 16b) and said profile (14). 8. Structure (10), according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first layer (16a, 16b), and second layer (17a, 17b), consist of a panel with a median through hole, suitable for to correspond to the passage section of said duct (18). Structure (10), according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said first layer (16a, 16b), is made with a panel of insulating material from the point of view of thermo-acoustic and / or vapor-permeable waterproof and / or fireproof. Structure (10), according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that said second layer (17a, 17b) is made with a moisture-resistant panel. Frame (22) for accessing animals, characterized in that it comprises a frame structure (10) according to one or more of the preceding claims. Door frame (22), according to the preceding claim, characterized in that it has one or more doors (23). 13. Door or window frame (22), according to one or more of claims 11 and 12, characterized in that it has one or more swinging, hinged doors (23) in correspondence with said inlet (12) and / or said outlet (13) near said sky (20). 14. Window frame (22), according to one or more of claims 11 to 13, characterized by the fact that said one or more doors (23) can be managed electronically by means of a dedicated application for smartphones and tablets, remotely, and / or through an interface local user. Window frame (22), according to one or more of claims 11 to 14, characterized in that it presents, at said inlet (12) and said outlet (13), an element (24a, 24b, 24b ') inlet. Frame (22), according to one or more of claims 11 to 15, characterized in that said inlet element (24a, 24b, 24b ') has an annular body (25) with an internal section comparable to the passage section of said duct (18). Frame (22), according to one or more of claims 11 to 16, characterized in that said annular body (25) has a tubular appendix (26) capable of being, at least partially, inserted in said duct (18). 18. Frame (22), according to one or more of claims 11 to 17, characterized in that the external section of said tubular appendix (26) has a shape and dimensions substantially equal to the passage section of said duct (18). 19. Door or window frame (22), according to one or more of claims 11 to 18, characterized in that the external section of said annular body (25) has a shape similar to that of the external section of said tubular appendix (26), but larger in size. 20. Door frame (22), according to one or more of claims 11 to 19, characterized in that said inlet element (24a, 24b) has one of said one or more doors (23). Frame (22), according to one or more of claims 11 to 20, characterized in that said one or more doors (23) are made of material with a high degree of thermal insulation. Frame (22) according to one or more of claims 11 to 21, characterized in that it comprises two doors (23) with servo-assisted operation managed by a combination of the following technologies: RFID logic, dedicated application for smartphones or tablets and / or RS485. 23. Door or window frame (22) according to one or more of claims 11 to 22, characterized in that it has a programmable logic. Frame (22) according to one or more of claims 11 to 23, characterized in that it comprises: - one or more air blades, - and / or an ultrasound generator, - and / or one or more ultraviolet radiation lamps.