US 4,879,842 AGranted

Emergency window system

AssigneeMagnet, LLC

InventorFrank Bailey

Life of this patent

Estimating the term…

Loading patent…

Abstract

The invention concerns a window specially designed for emergency use. The window comprises a fixed outer frame (1) and a sash (2) mounted for normal horizontal pivoting movement between open and closed positions about axis Y--Y. Two arms (3) extend in the respective side rebates between the frame (1) and sash (2), and opposed horizontal pivots (6) are secured to the sash (2) and the arms (3) for such normal pivoting movement of the sash (2). Each arm (3) is connected to the top (1a) of the frame (1) by a hinge (4) and each arm is acted on by a respective telescopic gas spring (5) confined within the rebate but acting on the associated arm (3) to urge it outwardly of the frame (1). For normal opening and closing movement of the sash (2) for which a casement fastener (7) is fitted, the arms (3) are retained secured to the frame (1) by a catch arrangement that is operable manually by a control handle (8) separate to the fastener (7). For emergency opening of the window, the control handle (8) is actuated and the catch means is released to disengage the lower ends of the arms (3) so that the forces applied by the gas springs (5) act on the arms (3) causing the arms to move outwardly of the frame (1) about the hinge axis Z--Z carrying the sash (2) outwardly clear of the opening of the frame (1) for emergency access. Special features for automatic re-engagement of the catch means and control of the system are described in detail. The invention has particular application for roof windows.

Claims10

Dependent claims

A window comprising an outer frame for securing to a structure, a sash mounted by opposed pivot means for pivotal movement about a horizontal axis relative to said outer frame, the horizontal pivot axis lying intermediate the top and bottom of said outer frame, two opposed arms supported from said top of the outer frame with each said arm extending alongside a respective side member of said outer frame for confinement within the rebate between said outer frame and said sash when the sash is closed, each said arm being supported at its upper end by a hinge mounted on said outer frame, spring means acting between said outer frame and said arms to urge said arms in a direction outwards of said outer frame, a retainer mounted on said outer frame for engagement with catch means on the lower end of at least said arm to retain the arms alongside the respective side member of said outer frame against the force of said spring means to preclude pivotal movement of said arms about their respective hinges, said opposed horizontal pivot means being connected to said sash and to said arms whereby when said retainer is so engaged with said catch means said sash can be opened and closed relative to said outer frame in a normal mode pivoting about said intermediate horizontal axis, and an actuator mounted on said sash for disengaging said catch means from said retainer whereby said arms are released for hinged movement about their upper ends under the force of said spring means to displace said arms with said sash outwardly clear of the opening in said outer frame in which said sash seats when in the closed position.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.