WO2016153351A2

WO2016153351A2 - System comprising a stationary support structure, and an movable panel, as well as a casement stay

Info

Publication number: WO2016153351A2
Application number: PCT/NL2016/050205
Authority: WO
Inventors: Emiel Jan Gijsbert VAN VUGT
Original assignee: Axa Stenman Nederland B.V.
Priority date: 2015-03-26
Filing date: 2016-03-24
Publication date: 2016-09-29
Also published as: WO2016153351A3; NL2014527B1; NL2014527A

Abstract

System comprising a stationary support structure, and an panel, for example a casement window or a door, and a casement stay, wherein the casement stay comprises - a gripping structure, including a stay arm and a mounting bracket, arranged to fix the gripping structure to one of the stationary support structure and the panel, and - a safety bracket arranged to cooperate with said stay arm to secure the panel in a ventilation position.

Description

Title: System comprising a stationary support structure, and an movable panel, as well as a casement stay The invention relates to a system comprising a stationary support structure and an panel, for example a casement window or a door, and a casement stay, wherein the casement stay comprises a gripping structure, including a stay arm and a mounting bracket, the mounting bracket being arranged to fix the gripping structure to one of the stationary support structure and the panel, respectively, wherein said stay arm is pivotally coupled to said mounting bracket via a coupling structure, and further comprising a safety bracket configured to be mounted to one of the panel and the stationary support structure, respectively, and being arranged to cooperate with said stay arm to hold the panel at least in a ventilation position with respect to the stationary support structure.

Such a system is generally known and intends to afford protection against unauthorized entry into a building through a movable (e.g.

swivable) door or window, turned into a ventilation position with a slight opening, small enough not to enable a potential intruder to gain access. These prior art systems exist in a variety of designs.

For example, FR 2712339 discloses a catch for holding a window or a French window in a half-open position. It consists of a bar which is pivoted both vertically and horizontally to a bracket, with the bar itself in a basic rectangular parallelepiped shape of constant thickness and with two side ribs and projections to engage with a hook on a second bracket which has a projecting stud to engage with holes in the bottom of the bar. A disadvantage of this device is that the combination of the sliding bar and the projecting studs to engage with holes makes it rather difficult to handle. Moreover, it is a device that should be added to a conventional window fastener, resulting in two devices on a single window. EP 1529909 discloses an anti -burglary safety device for doors and windows showing a dovetailed cut-out in the safety bracket for

accommodating the stay arm. It suffers from the same disadvantages already mentioned, and does not seem to be safe against unwanted intrusion from outside.

Another problem often encountered in these systems is for example that a window or a door held in a ventilation position tends to rattle in the wind. Further, the known devices are not child-proof, that is, they can be operated from the inside by anyone including small children.

It is an aim of the present invention to solve or alleviate one or more of the above-mentioned problems by providing an improved system to hold windows or doors in a ventilation (or e.g. closed) position, which is preferably easy to handle, yet safe for children. Another object is to provide a system which is safe against unwanted intrusion. Besides, an object is to provide a system does not rattle in the wind. Yet another object is to provide a system which is compact and elegant on a window or door.

To this aim, according to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a system that characterized by the features of claim 1.

The gripping structure includes a spring mechanism arranged to apply a restoring spring force on said stay arm.

As will be explained in more detail further on, the spring mechanism in the gripping structure may be configured to substantially prevent a window or door held in a ventilation position from rattling in the wind by cushioning the impact of the wind on the opened panel. At the same time, according to an embodiment, this spring mechanism can make the casement stay easy to handle, yet safe against children fooling around. Particularly, the spring mechanism can serve to combine various functions and advantages. For example, one the functions can be to force the stay arm in an engaged position (engaging the safety bracket , wherein the stay arm can be moved out of that engaged position (e.g. to a releasing position) against the spring force applied by the spring mechanism. In a further embodiment, one the functions can be to force the stay arm in a position wherein the arm can not be brought into an engagement position (engaging the safety bracket), e.g. to prevent that a child can use the system for locking the panel to the stationary support structure, or to prevent that the panel is unexpectedly locked in case it is unexpectedly thrown from an open position into a closed position (e.g. by wind force) .

The stay arm is pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket via a coupling structure, allowing the stay arm to be pivotally moved between different positions. This coupling structure may comprise the spring mechanism, or be actuated or spring-biased by the spring mechanism.

Preferably, the coupling structure is configured to allow a translational movement of the stay arm with respect to the mounting bracket, wherein said spring mechanism is configured to counteract a said translational movement of the stay arm with respect to the mounting bracket, particularly to restore a position of a translated stay arm to an initial position.

For example, said translational movement may be a relatively small displacement, e.g. in the range of about 1-3 cm, and can be used to make the system child-proof. For example, the translational movement can be between a first (exit) position in which operation (that is: a pivotal movement) of the stay arm is blocked by a blocking means, and a second position in which the stay arm can be operated, e.g. turned/pivoted in a certain direction. In addition, the translational movement can be used in returning the stay arm to a stable exit position with respect to the mounting bracket.

Preferably, the spring mechanism is configured to restore the position of a translated stay arm to an initial (exit) position, wherein the mounting bracket includes a contact surface arranged to contact an opposite surface of the stay arm when the arm is in a said initial position. For example, the contact surface and opposite stay arm surface can be shaped to hold the stay arm in a certain orientation when they make spring-biased contact, the spring bias being caused by the spring

mechanism.

The spring mechanism as such can be configured in various ways, as will be appreciated by the skilled person. For example, it can include a coil spring, a spiral spring, a linear spring, a leaf spring or a different spring. It can include one or more spring elements. It can be a spring made of metal or an alloy, plastic, rubber, elastomer or a different material. The spring mechanism can also be provided by an elastically compressible material or elastic compound. The spring mechanism can be a separate part that is installed in the system, or it can be integrated or made in one piece with another part of the system (e.g. with the stay arm or with the mounting bracket).

Said spring mechanism may e.g. be at least partly embedded or enclosed within the coupling structure, and preferably such that the spring mechanism is not visible from an environment of the system. The spring mechanism can also be at least partly embedded or enclosed within another component of the system, for example in the mounting bracket or in the say arm. By embedding or enclosing the spring mechanism, it can be well protected against damage. Also, the spring mechanism can be embedded or enclosed such within other components that it can remain a desired spring orientation, e.g. to achieve a substantially linear spring force during operation.

Preferably said gripping structure comprises a first pivot, pivotally coupling said stay arm to the coupling structure allowing a rotational movement of said stay arm around a first axis, wherein said gripping structure comprises a second pivot, pivotally coupling said coupling structure to said mounting bracket allowing said coupling structure and stay arm to be rotated around a second axis, wherein said first pivot and said second pivot are mutually perpendicular.

As a result the stay arm can be swung into various positions.

Preferably, said gripping structure includes a guiding structure for guiding the coupling structure in a Y-direction, between at least two positions, with respect to the mounting bracket, particularly a Y-direction that is normal with respect to a pivot axis of the a mounting bracket.

The guiding is particularly advantageous to provide an aforementioned translational movement of the stay arm with respect of the mounting bracket.

For example, the guiding structure may includes a guiding slot, receiving a pivot of the gripping structure, the guiding slot for example being part of an U-shaped coupling structure.

In this way a compact and durable guiding structure can be provided. Also, it can allow smooth movements of the stay bracket with respect to the other elements of the system. Besides, according to a further embodiment, the guiding slot may receive at least part of said spring mechanism, particularly for embedding or enclosing that mechanism within the system.

According to an embodiment, the spring mechanism is configured to apply a restoring spring force along a Y direction on said coupling structure, which restoring spring force is transmitted via said coupling structure to said stay arm.

For example, the coupling structure as such can be translationally movable to allow a said translational movement of the stay arm with respect to the mounting bracket.

According to an embodiment, said safety bracket and the gripping structure are configured and positioned such, that said stay arm can be moved from a first safety bracket engaging position wherein the said stay arm is engaged by the safety bracket, to a stay arm releasing position wherein the stay arm can be released from the safety bracket, wherein a movement of the stay arm from the first safety bracket engaging position to the stay arm releasing position is counteracted by said spring mechanism.

In this way, improved child-safety can be achieved. Also, this can reduce panel rattling. Particularly, the stay arm cannot unwantedly leave a safety bracket engaging position, and will remain in this position, unless someone applies the correct handling to the stay arm. Thus, this

configuration has various advantages: preventing unwanted intrusion, and at the same time safety against children fooling around, as the handling to disengage the stay arm is rather difficult for children to find out.

According to a further embodiment, the stay arm can be configured to remain in a, preferably downwards, position preventing unwanted engagement/closing of the opened panel, for example a door or a window, for example because of a sudden gust.

In a system according to a preferred embodiment, combination of a first pivot axis with the spring mechanism can produce an improved absorption of shock impacts on the panel, for example due to wind, so that the system in a ventilation position is substantially rattle -free.

Also, according to a preferred embodiment the stay arm can be allowed to be rotated around a second pivot axis, for example between an unengaged position (for example an upwards or downwards position), a safety bracket engaging position and a closed position. The system can therefore be easily manipulated between the different functionality positions.

In yet another preferred embodiment, an axis line X, defined by said first pivot, an axis line Y, defined by said spring mechanism, and axis an line Z, defined by said second pivot are mutually perpendicular, implying that a rotational movement around the first pivot is a movement in the plane defined by axis lines YZ. Similarly, a rotational movement around the second pivot is a movement in the plane defined by axis lines XY. In a more preferred embodiment, the spring mechanism applies a restoring spring force along said Y axis line both on said second pivot and on said coupling structure. The restoring spring force is transmitted to said stay arm indirectly, thus pushing the stay arm against or towards the second pivot (for example a pivot pin). Again, this feature contributes to rendering the system easy to operate.

After mounting, according to a further embodiment, the safety bracket may be located below the gripping structure, such that said stay arm can be moved between a first unengaged position and a second safety bracket engaging position via a translational movement of said stay arm along a substantially vertical direction (e.g. axis line Y) by applying a force counteracting said spring mechanism, for example by pulling said stay arm or by pushing said coupling structure in that substantially vertical direction.

In a further embodiment, at least one lateral side, preferably both lateral sides, of said stay arm include at least one safety bracket guiding groove. A proximal end of the at least one guiding groove may comprise a projection access. The safety bracket may include for example at least one, for example two, projections adapted to engage the at least one, for example two, guiding grooves via said projection access. The stay arm thus slidingly engages the safety bracket, enhancing smooth operation of the system.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the at least one projection guiding groove comprises at least one, for example two or more, notches arranged to accommodate said at least one projection to keep the panel in a given ventilation position. The notches allow the panel to be fixed into intermediate ventilation positions, for example between a closed position and a maximal ventilation position.

In another embodiment, the safety bracket comprises a safety bracket mounting plate adapted for fixing said safety bracket on one of the panel and the stationary support structure. The mounting plate allows easy adaptation of the system to left-hand or right-hand opening panels, for example windows or doors.

According to a further embodiment, the gripping structure may be mounted such that a longitudinal axis of the stay arm in an unengaged position or in a closed position is substantially parallel to the panel, preferably parallel to hinges or a hinging axis of the panel. This way of mounting is the more elegant way of mounting a structure on, preferably, the panel, for example a window or a door, similar to most fasteners, rather than a wide-spread mounting of casement stays perpendicular to the hinges of a panel.

In another preferred embodiment, the system further comprises a locking structure, for example a closing block, configured to be mounted onto the same element as the a safety bracket, and arranged to secure said stay arm in a position in which the said stay arm is engaged by the safety bracket and particularly when the moveable panel has been moved to a closed position with respect to the stationary support structure.

The locking structure may turn a casement stay into a combined window or door fastener, for example without the need of, for example, an extra padlock. At the same time, the system benefits of same advantages of the spring mechanism in the system, as previously described, for example easy manipulation, no unwanted engagement or disengagement, safe for children.

For example, the locking structure may be configured to lock the stay arm in or near said first safety bracket engaging position, the locking structure particularly being configured to prevent movement of the stay arm from the first safety bracket engaging position to the stay arm releasing position in a locking condition, and particularly allowing such movement in an unlocked condition. Again, this repositioning of the stay arm is preferably

counteracted by the spring mechanism, e.g. preventing unwanted intrusion and providing extra safety against children.

Advantageously, the locking structure can be equipped with at least one locking part for engaging a respective locking part of said stay arm.

This can provide a easy and quick way to close the system.

Said locking structure may be configured to engage a distal section of the stay arm.

Thus, a firm, robust, locking of the stay arm can be achieved.

The stay arm and safety bracket are preferably configured such, that a proximal section of the stay arm is forced onto a part of the safety bracket when the stay arm is held in a locked position by the locking structure, wherein a contact point between the proximal section of the stay arm and the safety bracket is preferably located at a distance from a pivot of the gripping structure.

This configuration can allow bringing said stay arm to a closed position with less effort than the resistance with which the panel is pushed into the stationary support frame, resulting in a safe and firm closing of the panel, for example a window or a door, as well as an easy handling of the system.

Preferably, wherein said locking mechanism comprises an operable locking element, adjustable between a locking and releasing position, for engaging and releasing, respectively, the stay arm.

This is a locking mechanism that is easy to produce and to manipulate.

Also, an aspect of the invention provides a casement stay as defined by the features of claim 22. This casement stay can provide the above-mentioned advantages. The present invention will be further elucidated with reference to figures of exemplary embodiments. Corresponding elements are designated with corresponding reference signs.

Figure 1 shows a top view of part of an example of a system according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a casement stay of the system shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 shows a perspective detail of the embodiment of Figure

2;

Figure 4 shows a cross section in an YZ plane of the detail of

Figure 3;

Figures 5a, 5b and 5c show further details of the embodiment of Figure 2 with the stay arm extending along a YZ plane, with Figure 5a showing a perspective view, and Figures 5b and 5c showing perspective cross-sectional views;

Figure 6 shows another perspective view of the same embodiment as in Figure 2, wherein the stay arm has been moved to an upwards position;

Figures 7a, 7b, 8 show opened side views of part of the system, during various locking steps;

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of a casement stay of a system according to the invention;

Figures 10a and 10b show a perspective view of a detail of the embodiment of Figure 9.

Figure 1 shows a top view of a system according to a non-limiting example of the invention. The system comprises a stationary support structure S, for example a frame (shown in part), and an openable/movable panel P (partly shown), for example a window or a door. For example, the panel P can be configured for closing an opening that is enclosed by the support structure when the panel P is in a closed position. In an embodiment, the panel P can be swivably positioned with respect to the stationary support structure S. The system also includes a casement stay C, which is configured to hold the panel P in a ventilation position (see Fig. 1), in a respective engagement position of the stay C. The casement stay C can also be brought into a releasing position (see Fig. 2), allowing further opening of the panel P with respect of the support structure S. Figures 3 and 5a indicated three orthogonal directions/axes X, Y, Z, the directions being defined with respect of an orientation of the a mounting bracket 3 of the system.

Figure 2 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of a casement stay of the system according to an example of the invention. The casement stay C comprises a gripping structure 1, including a stay arm 2 and a mounting bracket 3. The bracket 3 is arranged to fix the gripping structure 1 to one of the stationary support structure S and the panel P. In this example, the bracket 3 has been connected to the panel P.

In the example, the gripping structure 1 is mounted such that a longitudinal axis of the stay arm 2, in case of the arm 2 being in an unengaged position (see Fig. 3, 6) or in a closed position (as in Fig. 9), is substantially parallel to the panel P, preferably parallel to hinges or a hin gin g axis of the panel P.

The casement stay C also comprises a safety bracket 4 arranged to cooperate with said stay arm 2 to hold the panel P in the ventilation position (see Fig. 1), or optionally in a closed position (see Fig. 9). In this example, the safety bracket 4 has been mounted onto the stationary support structure S. In the example, the stay arm 2 extends along a substantially horizontal plane YZ when it is in the ventilation position. The stay arm 2 is pivotally coupled to the mounting bracket 3 via a coupling structure 6.

Figure 6 shows another perspective view of the same embodiment as in Figure 2. In this exemplary embodiment at least one lateral side, preferably both lateral sides, of the stay arm 2 include at least one projection guiding groove 9. A proximal end of the at least one projection guiding groove 9 comprises a projection access 10.

The safety bracket 4 of the embodiment in Figure 6 includes at least one, for example two, projections 11 adapted to engage the at least one, in this example two, guiding grooves 9 via the projection access 10. The at least one projection guiding groove 9 comprises at least one, for example two or more, notches 12 arranged to accommodate the at least one, in this example two, projections 11 to keep the panel P in a given ventilation position.

Furthermore, the safety bracket 4 of the embodiment in Figure 6 comprises a safety bracket mounting plate 4a adapted for fixing the safety bracket 4 on one of the panel P and the stationary support structure S of the system.

Advantageously, the coupling structure 6 is configured to allow a translational movement of the stay arm 2 with respect to the mounting bracket 3 (the translational movement being in a Y-direction in the present drawings). According to the invention, the gripping structure 1 includes a spring mechanism 5 (schematically indicated by an arrow in Figures 4, 5b, 5c) arranged to apply a restoring spring force on said stay arm 2. In the example, the spring mechanism includes a compression spring 5, configured to counteract compression by spring force. Such a spring can be configured in various ways as well be clear to the skilled person. Said spring

mechanism 5 is particularly configured to counteract a said translational movement of the stay arm 2 with respect to the mounting bracket 3, particularly to restore a position of a translated stay arm 2 to an initial position. Advantageously, the spring mechanism is configured to restore the position of a translated stay arm 2 to an initial position (shown in Fig. 4). The mounting bracket 3 includes a contact surface 3a arranged to contact an opposite surface 2a of the stay arm 2 when the arm is in a said initial position (see Figures 3, 4). In the example, the safety bracket 4 is located below the gripping structure 1, such that the stay arm 2 can be moved from a safety bracket engaging position wherein the said stay arm 2 is engaged by the safety bracket 4 (as in Figures 8, 9), to a stay arm releasing position (not shown) wherein the stay arm 2 can be released/separated from the safety bracket 4 (as in Figures 7a, 7b). In the releasing position, the projections 11 can laterally enter or exit the aforementioned projection access 10, by suitable pivoting the arm 2 over a pivot axis 8. In the safety bracket engaging position, the projections 11 are engaged by respective guiding grooves 9 of the arm 2 (as in Figures 8, 9).

A movement of the stay arm 2 from the safety bracket engaging position to the stay arm releasing position is counteracted by said spring mechanism 5. Translating the stay arm between a said safety bracket engaging position and stay arm releasing position is particularly carried out when the panel P is in a said closed position with respect to the support structure; translating the arm can involve pulling the stay arm 2 or by pushing the coupling structure 6 in a direction T substantially along the longitudinal axis of the stay arm 2 (see Fig. 4).

A further advantage of the invention follows from Figure 2, which shows a position of the stay arm 2 wherein it does not yet engage the safety bracket. In this case, the stay arm 2 is held in a longitudinally retracted position by the spring force of the spring mechanism 5. Further pivoting the stay arm 2 downwards (over second pivot axis 8) is blocked since the projection access 10 is not in a position for receiving the respective projections 11 of the safety bracket. Thus, automatic locking of the arm to the safety bracket is prevented. The configuration is such that the locking can only be achieved by translating the arm in its longitudinal direction, counteracting the spring force of the spring mechanism 5, such that the projection access 10 comes in-line with the respective projections 11 of the safety bracket, to receive those projections 11. Only then (i.e. after translation of the arm) the arm 2 can be pivoted further towards the safety bracket in order to engage that bracket.

Figures 3 and 4 show the coupling structure 6

comprising/enclosing said spring mechanism 5. In this embodiment the spring mechanism 5 is in line with a longitudinal axis of said stay arm 2 to apply a restoring spring force on said stay arm 2, in case the stay arm 2 is in an initial pivot position when it extends along the XY plane (i.e. when the arm 2 has not swung sideways over the pivot axis 7, such as shown in Figure 5c) .

The coupling structure 6 of this embodiment comprises a first pivot axis 7, pivotally coupling said stay arm 2 to the coupling structure 6 allowing a rotational movement of said stay arm 2 around the X-axis to compensate for an angle between the panel P and the stationary support structure S in a ventilation position.

The coupling structure 6 in this embodiment further comprises a second pivot axis 8, pivotally coupling the coupling structure 6 to the mounting bracket 3 allowing the stay arm 2 to be moved around the Z-axis between an upper (first) unengaged position (see Fig. 6), and a second safety bracket engaging positions (including closed position, as shown in Figures 8, 9). In this example, axis line X, defined by said first pivot 7, axis line Y, defined by said spring mechanism 5, and axis line Z, defined by said second pivot 8 are mutually perpendicular in the embodiment of Figures 2- 4.

In this exemplary embodiment the spring mechanism 5 applies a restoring spring force along the Y axis line on the second pivot 8 and on the coupling structure 6. This restoring spring force is transmitted to the stay arm 2.

The gripping structure 1 includes a guiding structure for guiding the coupling structure 6 in a Y-direction, between at least two positions, with respect to the mounting bracket, particularly a Y-direction that is normal with respect to a pivot axis Z of the a mounting bracket. The present guiding structure includes a guiding slot 18 (see Fig. 4), receiving the second pivot 8 of the gripping structure 1, the guiding slot 18 for example being part of the coupling structure 6. In the example, the guiding slot 18 extends in said Y-direction and also includes the spring mechanism 5 (se Fig. 4). The guiding slot 18 holds the second pivot 8 with relatively little play/tolerance at lateral sides.

The coupling structure 6 of this embodiment is substantially U- shaped. An open end of the U-shaped coupling structure 6 is coupled to a proximal end of the stay arm 2 via the first pivot 7. The second pivot 8 passes between both flanges of the U, flanges to which said second pivot pin 8 is perpendicular. The spring mechanism 5 lies in between both flanges of the U, flanges to which said spring mechanism 5 is parallel.

Figures 5a, 5b and 5c show another detail, the gripping structure 1, of the embodiment of Figure 2. These Figures illustrate the possible rotational movement of the stay arm 2 around the first pivot 7 (particularly in case the stay arm extends along the YZ plane) to compensate for an angle between the panel P and the stationary support structure S in a ventilation position. The combination of this first pivot 7 with the spring mechanism 5 produces an improved absorption of shock impacts on the panel, for example due to wind, so that the system in a ventilation position is substantially rattle -free.

Figures 7a, 7b and 8 show side views of a further exemplary embodiment of a casement stay of the system according to the invention. This exemplary embodiment differs from the example shown in Figures 1-6 in that the casement stay C further comprises a closing block 13 arranged to cooperate with said stay arm 2 to secure the panel P in a closed position. This closing block 13 is located below the safety bracket 4, in this example, such that said stay arm 2 can be moved into, and/or out of, a closed position (see Figure 8) via a said translational movement of said stay arm 2 (along axis line Y by applying a force counteracting said spring mechanism 5, for example by pulling said stay arm 2 or by pushing said coupling structure 6 in a direction along the Y axis line). The closing block 13 can be configured in various ways. In the example, it is equipped with at least one projection 14, and said stay arm 2 is equipped with at least one projection 15, both shown in Figure 7b, each arranged to get mutually engaged such that the panel P is secured in a closed position, as shown in Figure 8.

From the drawing it follows that the stay arm 2 and safety bracket 4 are configured such, that a proximal section of the stay arm 2 can be forced onto the projections 11 of the safety bracket 4 when the stay arm 2 is held in a locked position by the locking structure 13. A contact point between the proximal section of the stay arm 2 and the safety bracket 4 is preferably located at a certain distance xl from a pivot 8 of the gripping structure 1.

The closing block 13 is located for example below the safety bracket 4, such that said distance xl between the pivot 8 and the at least one projection 11 of the safety bracket 4 is smaller than a distance x2 between the at least one projection 11 of said safety bracket 4 and said projection 14 of said closing block 13, allowing to bring said stay arm 2 to a closed position (by applying a force F2) with relatively little effort. Also, as a result, the panel P can be pushed firmly to a closed position with respect to the stationary support frame S (force Fl).

Figure 9 shows a perspective view of a further exemplary embodiment of a casement stay of the system according to the invention, which differs from the above-described examples in that the closing block 13 comprises a locking mechanism 16 to block a translational movement of said stay arm 2 along the Y axis line thus locking the panel P and/or preventing unwanted opening of the panel P. As illustrated in Figures 10a and 10b, showing a perspective view on a detail of the embodiment from Figure 9, the locking mechanism 16 comprises an asymmetrical pin 17 including a first, for example flat, side 18 allowing said stay arm 2 to slide along the Y axis line, and a second, for example cylindrical, side 19 arranged to engage a corresponding cut-out 20 in said stay arm 2 thus blocking translational movement of said stay arm 2 along the Y axis line.

It should be clear to the person skilled in the art that the invention is not limited to the embodiments described above. Various alternatives are possible within the scope of protection as formulated in the claims hereafter.

The stay arm and the safety bracket can cooperate to secure a panel differently than for example via a projection guiding groove in the stay arm and projections on the safety bracket. This also holds for the cooperation between the stay arm and the closing block, for which different configurations are possible. Furthermore, one can imagine various locking mechanism on the closing block, without leaving the scope of protection as described in the claims hereafter

Also, the coupling structure may be a separate component of the system, particularly in addition to the stay arm, for example in case the stay arm as such is pivotal about at least two different (orthogonal) pivot axes with respect to the mounting bracket. In an alternative embodiment, the coupling structure may be (integral, a one-piece) part of the stay arm itself, for example in case the stay arm is only pivotal about a single pivot axis with respect of the mounting bracket.

Claims

1. System comprising a stationary support structure (S), for example a frame, and an movable panel (P), for example a window or a door, and a casement stay (C), wherein the casement stay comprises:

- a gripping structure (1), including a stay arm (2) and a mounting bracket (3), the mounting bracket being arranged to fix the gripping structure (1) to one of the stationary support structure (S) and the panel (P), wherein said stay arm (2) is pivotally coupled to said mounting bracket (3) via a coupling structure (6); and

- a safety bracket (4), configured to be mounted to one of the panel (P) and the stationary support structure (S), respectively, and being arranged to cooperate with said stay arm (2) to hold the panel (P) in a ventilation position with respect to the stationary support structure (S),

characterized in that the gripping structure (1) includes a spring

mechanism (5) arranged to apply a restoring spring force on said stay arm (2).

2. System according to claim 1, wherein said coupling structure (6) is configured to allow a translational movement of the stay arm (2) with respect to the mounting bracket (3), wherein said spring mechanism (5) is configured to counteract a said translational movement of the stay arm (2) with respect to the mounting bracket (3), particularly to restore a position of a translated stay arm (2) to an initial position.

3. System according to claim 2, wherein the spring mechanism is configured to restore the position of a translated stay arm (2) to an initial position, wherein the mounting bracket (3) includes a contact surface arranged to contact an opposite surface (2a) of the stay arm (2) when the arm is in a said initial position.

4. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said gripping structure (1) comprises a first pivot (7), pivotally coupling said stay arm (2) to the coupling structure (6) allowing a rotational movement of said stay arm (2) around a first axis (X), wherein said gripping structure (1) comprises a second pivot (8), pivotally coupling said coupling structure (6) to said mounting bracket (3) allowing said coupling structure (6) and stay arm (2) to be rotated around a second axis (Z), wherein said first pivot (7) and said second pivot (8) are mutually perpendicular.

5. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said gripping structure (1) includes a guiding structure for guiding the coupling structure (6) in a Y-direction, between at least two positions, with respect to the mounting bracket, particularly a Y-direction that is normal with respect to a pivot axis (Z) of the a mounting bracket.

6. System according to claim 5, wherein the guiding structure includes a guiding slot, receiving a pivot (8) of the gripping structure (1), the guiding slot for example being part of an U-shaped coupling structure (6).

7. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said spring mechanism (5) is configured to apply a restoring spring force along a Y direction on said coupling structure (6), which restoring spring force is transmitted via said coupling structure (6) to said stay arm (2).

8. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said spring mechanism (5) is at least partly embedded or enclosed within the coupling structure (6).

9. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said safety bracket (4) and the gripping structure (1) are configured and positioned such, that said stay arm (2) can be moved from a first safety bracket engaging position wherein the said stay arm (2) is engaged by the safety bracket (4), to a stay arm releasing position wherein the stay arm (2) can be released from the safety bracket (4), wherein a movement of the stay arm (2) from the first safety bracket engaging position to the stay arm releasing position is counteracted by said spring mechanism (5).

10. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least one lateral side, preferably both lateral sides, of said stay arm (2) include at least one safety bracket guiding groove (9), particularly for cooperation with a projection (11) of the safety bracket (4).

11. System according to claim 10, wherein a proximal end of the at least one guiding groove (9) comprises a projection access (10).

12. System according to any of the preceding claims 10-11, wherein said safety bracket (4) includes at least one, for example two, projections

(11) adapted to engage the at least one, for example two, guiding groove (9) via said projection access (10).

13. System according to any of the preceding claims 10-12, wherein the at least one projection guiding groove (9) comprises at least one, for example two or more, notches (12) arranged to accommodate said at least one projection (11) to keep the panel (P) in a given ventilation position.

14. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein said safety bracket (4) comprises a safety bracket mounting plate (4a) adapted for fixing said safety bracket (4) on one of the panel (P) and the stationary support structure (S).

15. System according to any of the preceding claims, further comprising a locking structure, for example a closing block (13), configured to be mounted onto the same element (S) as the a safety bracket (4), and arranged to secure said stay arm (2) in a position in which the said stay arm (2) is engaged by the safety bracket (4) and particularly when the moveable panel (P) has been moved to a closed position with respect to the stationary support structure (S).

16. System according to at least claims 9 and 15, wherein said locking structure (13) is configured to lock the stay arm in or near said first safety bracket engaging position,

17. System according to claim 16, wherein the locking structure is configured to prevent movement of the stay arm (2) from the first safety bracket engaging position to the stay arm releasing position in a locking condition, and particularly allowing such movement in an unlocked condition.

18. System according to any of the preceding claims 15-17, wherein said locking structure (13) is equipped with at least one locking part (14) for engaging a respective locking part (15) of said stay arm (2).

19. System according to any of the preceding claims 15-18, wherein said locking structure (13) is configured to engage a distal section of the stay arm (2).

20. System according to any of claims 15-19, wherein the stay arm (2) and safety bracket (4) are configured such, that a proximal section of the stay arm (2) is forced onto a part (11) of the safety bracket (4) when the stay arm (2) is held in a locked position by the locking structure (13), wherein a contact point between the proximal section of the stay arm (2) and the safety bracket (4) is preferably located at a distance (xl) from a pivot (8) of the gripping structure (1). .

21. System according to any of the preceding claims 15-20, wherein said locking mechanism (16) comprises an operable locking element (17), adjustable between a locking and releasing position, for engaging and releasing, respectively, the stay arm (2).

22. System according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the safety bracket (4) and said stay arm (2) are configured to be separated from each other, for example for allowing opening of the panel (P) with respect to the stationary support structure (S), wherein the safety bracket (4) and said stay arm (2) are configured to be engaged from a separated position only after an operation that counteracts the spring force of the spring

mechanism, the operation for example being a translational movement of the stay arm with respect of the safety bracket (4).

23. Casement stay of a system according to any of the preceding claims.