[0001] The present invention relates to a door or window particularly for buildings and/or
watercraft.
[0002] The use of sliding doors or windows has been and still is widespread in many contexts,
especially in order to meet the need to insert doors or windows in spaces in which
one wishes to avoid the space occupation entailed by conventional doors that swing
about hinges during opening or closing.
[0003] The use of sliding doors or windows is further widespread outside the building sector,
in shipbuilding, a field in which, in addition to the need to utilize space rationally,
the characteristics of resistance and waterproofing are particularly important, especially
in the presence of atmospheric phenomena that can cause intense stresses to the structure
of said door or window and the infiltration of cold air or water from the outside
towards the interior environment.
[0004] Moreover, in a marine environment, the processes of degradation of materials, including
the materials used in the manufacture of doors or windows, are accelerated considerably
by the presence of high concentrations of corrosive agents in the atmosphere.
[0005] Known types of door or window are currently used, both in the construction sector
and in the naval sector, which have one or more movable leaves that can slide with
respect to a perimetric framework by way of devices that are generally located in
the lower part of said framework and are constituted for example by carriages provided
with bearings or self-lubricating pivots, which allow the movement of the one or more
movable leaves.
[0006] These known types of door or window comprise, in order to ensure an intended seal
against atmospheric agents, gaskets preferably of the lip type or brushes, which are
arranged on the framework and forced against the one or more sliding leaves so as
to offer a seal that to a certain extent is proportional to the pressure that they
apply to said leaves.
[0007] The main drawback of this known type of door or window is that said gaskets or brushes,
in order to offer the required performance, are pressed against said sliding leaves
with a force that offers, during opening and closure of the leaves, strong resistance
to the movement of said leaves due to their mutual sliding.
[0008] Another drawback of this known type of door or window relates to the fact that due
to this interference the gaskets can undergo permanent deformations, which in the
long term cause a decrease in the sealing performance against atmospheric agents of
said door or window.
[0009] A second known type of door or window comprises a lever system, which is arranged
at the lower region of the sliding leaves and is capable of lifting them and of making
them exit from the seats provided in a lower region in the perimetric framework and
of disconnecting them from the sealing gaskets, so as to prevent their sliding against
them during opening and closing operations.
[0010] The main drawback of this second known type of door or window is that the lever system
has high manufacturing costs, which limit its use to particularly high-value installations.
[0011] Another drawback is that this known type of sliding door or window can be used only
in the building sector, since it cannot be adapted to naval applications.
[0012] The aim of the present invention is to solve the above-mentioned problems, eliminating
the drawbacks of the cited background art, by providing a door or window that is capable
of offering excellent sealing performance against the infiltration of air and water
from the outside and of resistance to the action of wind and at the same time can
be opened and closed easily.
[0013] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a door or window that allows
to offer high constancy in performance during its use.
[0014] Another object is to provide a door or window that allows to ensure a seal against
the infiltration of air and water that is suitable for the external climate conditions
and can be adapted to them.
[0015] Another object is to provide a door or window that is structurally simple and has
low manufacturing costs.
[0016] This aim and these and other objects that will become better apparent hereinafter
are achieved by a door or window, particularly for buildings and/or watercraft, characterized
in that it comprises at least one leaf, which cooperates with sliding and tilting
means arranged inside a perimetric framework, means being provided for moving said
at least one leaf along planes that are parallel thereto, means being further provided
for temporarily locking said at least one leaf against a first gasket provided on
said perimetric framework.
[0017] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent
from the following detailed description of a particular but not exclusive embodiment
thereof, illustrated by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings,
wherein:
Figure 1 is a perspective view of the door or window according to the invention in
a closed position;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the door or window in a fully open position;
Figure 3 is a front view of the door or window in the closed position;
Figure 4 is a sectional view, taken along the line IV-IV of Figure 3, of a detail
of the door or window during a first step of the closure operation;
Figure 5 is a view, similar to Figure 4, of a detail of the door or window during
a second step of the closure operation;
Figure 6 is a view, similar to Figure 5, of a detail of the door or window in the
closed position;
Figures 7 and 8 are sectional views, taken along the line VII-VII of Figure 3, of
a detail of the door or window respectively during a first step and a second step
of the closure operation;
Figure 9 is a view, similar to Figures 7 and 8, of a detail of the door or window
in the closed position;
Figures 10 and 11 are two perspective views of two details of the door or window;
Figure 12 is a perspective view of a detail of the door or window in the fully closed
position;
Figure 13 is a sectional view, taken along the line XIII of Figure 6, of a detail
of the door or window in the fully closed position;
Figure 14 is a sectional view, taken along the line XIV-XIV of Figure 2, of a detail
of the door or window in the fully open position;
Figure 15 is a sectional view, taken along the line XV-XV of Figure 3, of a detail
of the door or window in the closed position;
Figure 16 is a view, similar to Figure 15, of a detail of the door or window in the
fully or partly open position;
Figure 17 is a sectional view, taken along the line XVII-XVII of Figure 3, of a detail
of the door or window in the fully or partly open position;
Figure 18 is a view, similar to Figure 17, of a detail of the door or window in the
closed position.
[0018] In the embodiments that follow, individual characteristics, given in relation to
specific examples, may actually be interchanged with other different characteristics
that exist in other embodiments.
[0019] Moreover, it is noted that anything found to be already known during the patenting
process is understood not to be claimed and to be the subject of a disclaimer.
[0020] With reference to the figures, the reference numeral 1 designates a door or window
according to the invention, which comprises a perimetric framework 2 that is composed
of a first vertical perimetric post 2a, a second vertical perimetric post 2b, a first
lower perimetric cross-member 2c, and a second upper perimetric cross-member 2d.
[0021] Said perimetric framework further comprises a third vertical post 2e, which is arranged
in an approximately intermediate position between the first and second perimetric
posts 2a and 2b and is shallower than said posts, so that by being aligned with them
on the inner side of the door or window 1 it is arranged internally with respect to
the external face of said door or window.
[0022] The first perimetric post 2a is constituted by a first profiled element 3, which
is made for example of metallic, plastic, composite or any other material that can
be used in the manufacture of doors or windows, and can have a variously shaped external
cross-section depending on the particular application, and has the function of providing
a connection to the wall of the building or watercraft to which the door or window
is applied, as well as an aesthetic function.
[0023] For example, the first profiled element can have a substantially L-shaped cross-section,
which is optionally rounded, or a C-shaped cross-section or a cross-section that is
shaped like a segment of a circle or ellipse.
[0024] The first profiled element 3 further has, proximate to its region that is adjacent
to the external environment, a first external flap 4 and a second internal flap 5,
which are parallel to each other and to the wall on which the door or window is installed;
said flaps are directed toward the internal opening thereof, so as to form a first
seat 6 that is longitudinal with respect to the first profiled element 3 and is arranged
vertically along the entire first perimetric post 2a.
[0025] The second internal flap 5 supports a vertical portion of a first tubular gasket
7, which is accommodated within the first longitudinal seat 6 and has, at rest, an
approximately rectangular cross-section, the longest side of which, directed toward
the inside of the first seat 6, is convex, while the first external flap 4 supports
two second gaskets 8, which also protrude toward the first seat 6.
[0026] The second internal flap 5 may further be approximately L-shaped, thus comprising
a first tab 5a proximate to its free end, so as to contain laterally the first gasket
7.
[0027] A second profiled element 11 is coupled, for example by means of one or more first
screws 10, to the bottom 9 of the first seat 6, protrudes inside the first seat 6
in a direction that is substantially parallel to the first and second flaps 4 and
5, and runs vertically approximately along the entire length of the first perimetric
post 2a.
[0028] A second seat 12 is provided longitudinally to said second profiled element and proximate
to the first gasket 7, has a circular cross-section and has an opening along a generatrix
in order to accommodate a first guiding element 13 constituted by a cylinder that
is preferably made of plastic material, which can be inserted longitudinally in the
second seat 12 and can rotate freely axially within it, protruding from it with part
of its cross-section at said opening provided in said second seat.
[0029] Advantageously, the second seat is arranged so that its opening, from which part
of the first guiding element 13 protrudes, is directed toward the second flap 5 and
is inclined with respect to it at a preset angle toward the internal opening of the
door or window 1.
[0030] Approximately at the central region of the first perimetric post 2a, the second profiled
element 11 supports a closure block 14, which protrudes parallel to the first and
second flaps toward the internal opening of the door or window 1 and is constituted
by a box-like body that forms internally a cavity 15 that is open at the front and
along one of its sides.
[0031] The lower region of the cavity forms a first guide 15a, which is for example straight
and open at the front, and whose first lateral walls 15b and 15c, which are parallel
and straight, are inclined with respect to the vertical direction so as to approach
the second flap 5 and the first gasket 7 as they descend.
[0032] Conveniently, the thickness of the first walls increases, toward the inside of the
cavity 15, as they descend, so that inside the cavity there is a second wall 15d,
which is inclined toward the inside of the cavity 15 and surrounds the perimeter of
the first guide 15a.
[0033] Further, the second wall 15d slopes towards the first side walls 15a and 15b so as
to form a flared portion that perimetrically surrounds the first guide 15a.
[0034] The second perimetric post 2b is constituted by a third profiled element 16, the
cross-section of which is similar to the cross-section of the first profiled element
3 and has, proximate to its region that is adjacent to the external environment, a
third external flap 17 and a fourth intermediate flap 18, which are parallel to each
other and to the first and second flaps 4 and 5 provided on the first perimetric post
2a and are directed toward the internal opening of the door or window 1 so as to form
a third seat 19, which is longitudinal with respect to the second profiled element
16 and is arranged vertically along the entire second perimetric post 2b.
[0035] The third and fourth flaps 17 and 18 are arranged respectively at the first and second
flaps 4 and 5, so that the first seat 6 and the third seat 19 face each other.
[0036] Like the first flap 4, the third external flap 17 can support two second gaskets
8 that protrude inward toward the third seat 19.
[0037] The third profiled element 16, which constitutes the second perimetric post 2b, further
comprises a fifth internal flap 20, which is parallel to the fourth flap 18 and forms
with it a fourth seat 21.
[0038] Conveniently, the fourth seat 21 can be narrower than the first and third seats 6
and 19, while third gaskets 22 protrude toward the inside of the fourth seat from
the fourth and fifth flaps 18 and 20.
[0039] The first and second perimetric posts 2a and 2b are connected in a lower region by
the first perimetric cross-member 2c, which is constituted by a fourth profiled element
23 that has an approximately L-shaped external cross-section that is optionally rounded
and a box-like internal structure.
[0040] The fourth profiled element 23 thus forms a fifth seat 24, which is open and longitudinal
and arranged horizontally and is delimited, toward the inside of the door or window
1, by a third vertical wall 23a, which optionally in collaboration with a second horizontal
tab 23b supports, along a portion thereof that is adjacent to the first perimetric
post 2a, a horizontal portion of the first tubular gasket 7.
[0041] A third tab 23d protrudes vertically upward from a first base 23c of the fourth horizontal
profiled element 23 that is adjacent to the third vertical wall 23a and delimits in
a lower region the fifth seat 24; the tab supports a second guide 25, constituted
for example by a rail, in which the upper head 25a has a curved profile that is constituted
for example by a circular arc.
[0042] The rail can be constituted for example by a metallic rod, preferably made of steel,
which has a circular cross-section and is connected to the third tab 23d by interposing
an insert that is made for example of polyamide or other material.
[0043] The second perimetric cross-member 2d, which completes in an upper region the perimetric
framework 2, is constituted by a fifth profiled element 26, which is similar to the
first and third profiled elements 3 and 16 that constitute respectively the first
and second perimetric posts and is provided, proximate to its region that is adjacent
to the external environment, with a sixth external flap 27 and with a seventh internal
flap 28, which are parallel to each other and to the wall on which the door or window
is installed, and are directed downward, so as to form a sixth seat 29 that is longitudinal
with respect to the fifth profiled element 26 and is arranged horizontally along the
entire second perimetric cross-member 2d.
[0044] A pair of second gaskets 8 can protrude toward the inside of the sixth seat 29 from
the sixth flap 27, while the seventh internal flap 28, optionally in collaboration
with a fourth tab 28a that protrudes horizontally from its free end, supports, along
a portion thereof that is adjacent to the first perimetric post 2a, a horizontal portion
of the first tubular gasket 7.
[0045] Conveniently, the first perimetric post 2a, the second perimetric post 2b, the first
perimetric cross-member 2c and the second perimetric cross-member 2d are connected
to each other at their own ends, so that the first seat 6, the third seat 19, the
fifth seat 24 and the sixth seat 29 are mutually adjacent, so as to form a single
perimetric seat that is continuous along the entire profile of the perimetric framework.
[0046] Each one of the perimetric posts and cross-members can further be constituted by
joining two or more partial profiled elements.
[0047] The first and second perimetric cross-members are further connected to each other
approximately at their central region by the third intermediate post 2e, which is
arranged vertically between the first and second perimetric posts.
[0048] The third post 2e is constituted by a sixth profiled element 30, which has for example
an approximately rectangular cross-section from which an eighth flap 31 and a ninth
flap 32 protrude horizontally and are directed toward the second perimetric post 2b,
such flaps being parallel to each other so as to form a seventh seat 33 that conveniently
has approximately the same width as the fourth seat 21, and supports third gaskets
22 that protrude toward the inside of the seventh seat 33.
[0049] The third post is arranged so that the seventh seat 33 is arranged at the fourth
seat 21 and faces it, so that a first fixed glass pane 34, constituted for example
by a double-glazing unit, can be accommodated therein so to occupy part of the opening
of the door or window 1.
[0050] As an alternative, said first glass pane can be replaced with a transparent or opaque
panel made of the material that is most suitable for the intended type of finish or
for the intended mechanical strength, for example plastic or metallic material or
wood, in variable sizes.
[0051] Moreover, on the face of the third post that is directed toward the environment on
the outside of the door or window 1, proximate to the first glass pane 34, there is
a tenth flap 35, which is for example L-shaped and supports, at its free end directed
toward the second perimetric post 2b, a fifth tab 35a, which has a circular arc-like
cross-section that preferably is longer than a semicircle.
[0052] The fifth tab 35a forms an eighth seat 36, which has a circular cross-section and
an opening along a generatrix that runs vertically, for example along the entire length
of the third post 2e, in order to accommodate a second guiding element 37, which is
similar to the first guiding element 13 and is also constituted by a cylinder that
is preferably made of plastic material, which can be inserted longitudinally in the
eighth seat 36 and can rotate freely axially inside it, protruding from it with part
of its cross-section at the longitudinal opening provided in the eighth seat.
[0053] Advantageously, the eighth seat is arranged so that its region that opens toward
the outside, from which part of the second guiding element 37 protrudes, is directed
toward the third post 2e and is inclined with respect to it at a preset angle toward
the second post 2b.
[0054] Further, the tenth flap forms, together with the surface of the third post 2e that
is directed outward, a ninth seat 38 that is open outward.
[0055] Such surface of the third post 2e further supports a final vertical portion of the
first tubular gasket 7, which is thus arranged along the first perimetric post 2a
and the third post 2e, and along a portion of the first lower perimetric cross-member
2c and of the upper perimetric cross-member 2d, providing a closed path.
[0056] It is therefore possible to arrange a single first gasket 7 along all of the path,
thus obtaining a single closed and continuous chamber arranged inside said first gasket.
[0057] Further, the door or window 1 comprises a leaf 38, the frame 39 of which is constituted
by a fourth vertical post 39a, a fifth vertical post 39b, a third upper cross-member
39c, and a fourth lower cross-member 39d.
[0058] The fourth post 39a is constituted by a seventh profiled element 40, which in the
example illustrated in the figures has an approximately H-shaped cross-section constituted
by a first inner wing 40a and by a second outer wing 42b, which are parallel to each
other and are connected by at least one first central body 40c that is transverse
to them.
[0059] A ninth seat 41, directed toward the outside of the frame 39, and a tenth seat 42,
directed toward the inside of said frame, are formed between said first and second
wings.
[0060] The first wing 40a has, as its first free end 43 directed toward the outside of the
frame 39, a first abutment 44, which in the example is formed by a first vertical
surface 44a that is arranged on the internal side of the first wing 40, within the
ninth seat 41, and is inclined with respect to said first wing, in that the first
vertical surface 44a increases its distance from the first wing 40 as one moves along
said first wing toward the second free end 45, directed toward the inside of the frame,
of said wing.
[0061] Conveniently, the fourth post 39a, determined by the distance between the wings that
constitute the seventh profiled element 40, is narrower than the first seat 6 provided
in the first perimetric post 2a.
[0062] The seventh profiled element 40 can be optionally constituted by joining two or more
partial profiled elements, and can have an internal structure provided with a plurality
of central bodies so as to connect the wings, or can be internally solid, for example
by having an approximately rectangular cross-section, the ninth and tenth seats 41
and 42 being formed at its opposite ends.
[0063] A first external handle 46 and a second internal handle 47 are coupled to the seventh
profiled element 40 in an approximately central position; by means of said handles
it is possible to operate a bolt 48 of a lock, which is fixed for example by means
of a plate 48a to the first central body 40c of the seventh profiled element within
the ninth seat 41.
[0064] The bolt 48 is composed of a stem 48b, which protrudes at right angles from the plate
48a toward the closure block 14, is preferably shaped like a parallelepiped and has
two fourth flat walls 48c, which are parallel and inclined with respect to the vertical
direction in that they approach the second flap 5 as they descend vertically.
[0065] Advantageously, the thickness of the stem 48b, which is determined by the distance
of the two fourth parallel walls 48c, is slightly smaller, in order to allow its insertion,
than the distance between the first side walls 15b and 15c of the first guide 15a
provided on the closure block 14, while its inclination conveniently matches the inclination
of said first side walls of the first guide 15a.
[0066] The free end of the stem 48b supports a second head 48d, which is constituted for
example by a plate that is arranged with the inclination of said stem with respect
to the vertical direction and in which the face 48e that is directed toward the plate
48a has a flared portion, which is orientated so as to reduce its thickness from the
center toward the perimeter.
[0067] Moreover, said plate is inclined also with respect to a vertical plane so as to move
away from the plate 48a as it descends vertically.
[0068] Advantageously, said inclination is equal to the inclination of the second wall 15d
that surrounds the first guide 15a, while the flared region of the face 48e matches
the flared region of the second wall 15d, so that said walls can mate slidingly and
are guided by the stem 48b, which can be accommodated detachably within the first
guide 15a.
[0069] The fifth post 39b of the frame 39 is constituted by an eighth profiled element 49,
which has for example a rectangular cross-section and has a pair of eleventh flaps
50, which are parallel and directed toward the inside of the frame, so as to form
an eleventh seat 51 that is as wide as the tenth seat 42 provided on the fourth post
39a.
[0070] Conveniently, the thickness of the fifth post 2b is equal to the thickness of the
fourth post 2a and therefore lower than the width of the third seat 19 provided on
the third post 2b.
[0071] A second abutment 53 protrudes from the face 52 of the fifth post 39b, which is directed
toward the internal environment delimited by the door or window 1, at its end that
is directed toward the outside of the frame; the second abutment 53 is for example
hook-shaped and is formed, in the illustrated example, by a second vertical surface
53a, which is inclined with respect to the plane of the leaf 38 by a preset angle
and is conveniently parallel to the first surface 44a, in that said second surface
53a moves away from the face 52 of the fifth post 39b in the direction of the fourth
post 39a.
[0072] The fourth and fifth posts 39a and 39b are joined in a lower region by the third
lower cross-member 39c, which is constituted by a ninth profiled element 54, which
is fully similar to the seventh profiled element 40 that constitutes the fourth post
39a and preferably has an H-shaped cross-section that is formed by a third internal
wing 54a and by a fourth external wing 54b, which are mutually parallel and are joined
by at least one second central body 54c that lies transversely thereto so as to form,
at its opposite ends, a twelfth upper seat 55, which is directed toward the inside
of the frame 39, and a thirteenth lower seat 56, which is directed toward the outside
of the frame.
[0073] A sliding and tilting means 57 is accommodated within the thirteenth seat 56 and
is composed, in the illustrated example, of a third approximately L-shaped abutment
58, which is rigidly coupled, by means of a first portion 58a, below the second central
body 50c of the ninth profiled element 54, so that a second portion 58b thereof protrudes
vertically downward from said second central body parallel to the third and fourth
wings.
[0074] Optionally, the third abutment 58 can be composed of the joining of two separate
portions, optionally made of mutually different materials, and be obtained by bending
or extrusion.
[0075] At the free end 59 of the first portion 58a, at least one fork 61 is rotatably coupled
to the third abutment 58 by means of at least one hinge 60, said fork being approximately
U-shaped and arranged vertically and abutting, with a fifth external wing 61a thereof,
against the second portion 58b of the third abutment 58.
[0076] The rotation of the at least one fork 61 is limited by the fact that its sixth internal
wing 61b can instead abut against the third internal wing 54a of the ninth profiled
element 54.
[0077] In this manner, the at least one fork 61 can move from a first position, also termed
closed position, in which it is arranged vertically and abuts, with its fifth wing
61a, against the second portion 58b of the third abutment 58, to a second position,
also termed actuation position, in which it is inclined, abutting with its sixth wing
61b against the third internal wing 54a of the ninth profiled element 54.
[0078] Said at least one fork further supports at least one wheel 62, which has a concave
perimetric profile that appropriately matches the profile of the upper head 25a of
the rail 25, provided on the first perimetric cross-member 2c.
[0079] Finally, the frame 39 is closed in an upper region by the fourth cross-member 39d,
which is constituted by a tenth profiled element 63, on the lower face of which, directed
toward the inside of the frame, there is a fourteenth seat 64, which is as wide as
the tenth seat 42, the eleventh seat 51 and the twelfth seat 55, all of which are
directed toward the inside of the frame 39.
[0080] The perimetric ends of a second glass pane 65 can be accommodated within said seats
so as to complete the leaf 38.
[0081] Conveniently, the thicknesses of the third and fourth cross-members 39c and 39d are
equal to the thicknesses of the fourth and fifth posts 39a and 39b, so that they are
respectively narrower than the width of the fifth seat 24 and of the sixth seat 29,
provided respectively in the first perimetric cross-member 2c and in the second perimetric
cross-member 2d.
[0082] The leaf 38 can therefore be associated with the perimetric framework 2 by inserting
the upper end of the fourth upper cross-member 39d within the sixth seat 29 formed
in a lower region in the second perimetric cross-member 2d and by accommodating the
lower end of the third lower cross-member 39c within the fifth seat 24 formed in the
first perimetric cross-member 2c.
[0083] In this manner, the at least one wheel 62 rests on the second guide 25, allowing
the leaf 38 to slide longitudinally with respect to the first and second perimetric
cross-members on the plane of the door or window 1.
[0084] Since the first seat 6, the third seat 19, the fifth seat 24 and the sixth seat 29
formed in the perimetric framework 2 are wider than the frame 39 is deep, the leaf
38 can perform a translational motion at right angles to its sliding plane along the
second guide 25 by way of the tilting means 57, moving away or toward the first perimetric
gasket 7, depending on whether the at least one fork 61 is in the closed position
or in the actuation position.
[0085] The operation of the door or window 1 according to the invention entails that in
the actuation position, when the at least one fork 61 and the at least one wheel 62
are tilted, so that the sixth wing 61b of the at least one fork abuts against the
third internal wing 54a of the third cross-member 39c, the leaf 38, which can slide,
is in the position in which it is at its maximum distance from the first gasket.
[0086] In this condition, the leaf 38 rests in an upper region on the sixth external flap
of the second perimetric cross-member 2d by means of the second gaskets 8, which protrude
from said flap and avoid direct contact of the leaf on the fifth profiled element
26.
[0087] The leaf 38 can thus slide freely, by way of the rotation of the at least one wheel
62, along the second guide 25 and can be actuated by means of the handles applied
to it.
[0088] The extent of the movement of the leaf at right angles to its sliding plane is determined
by the width of the sixth seat 29 formed in the second upper perimetric cross-member
2d, and by the maximum inclination with respect to the vertical direction allowed
to the at least one fork 61 and to the at least one wheel 62.
[0089] Advantageously, said movement is such as to ensure the complete disengagement of
the leaf 38 from the first tubular gasket 7 when said leaf is in the sliding position.
[0090] In this manner, the sliding of the leaf 38 along the second guide 25 is extremely
easy, since no friction forces caused by its sliding on the first gasket 7 are generated.
[0091] In the fully open position, the fifth post 39b of the frame 38 is partially accommodated
within the third seat 19, which is formed longitudinally with respect to the second
perimetric post 2b and rests on the third external flap 17 thereof, by means of the
second gaskets 8, as shown in Figure 10.
[0092] The door or window 1 is closed by means of a sliding action of the leaf 38, which
is kept by its own weight in the actuation position and therefore disengaged from
the first gasket 7, along the second guide 25, up to the point where the fourth post
39a is partially inserted within the first seat 6 formed longitudinally in the first
perimetric post 2a.
[0093] As shown in Figure 4, the first abutment 44, provided on the fourth post 39a, thus
makes contact, by means of its first vertical surface 44a, with the first guiding
element 13, which imparts to the leaf 38 a thrust in a direction that is perpendicular
to its sliding plane and is directed toward the environment on the inside of the door
or window.
[0094] In this manner, part of the inertia possessed by the leaf 38 upon contact between
the first abutment 44 and the first guiding element 13 is converted into a force that
acts so as to move the first internal wing 40a of the fourth post 39a toward the first
gasket 7, supported by the second internal flap 5 of the first perimetric post 2a.
[0095] The presence of the cylinder that can rotate freely about its own axis, constituting
the first guiding element 13, allows gentle contact with the first abutment and allows
to minimize friction forces generated between the leaf 38 and the framework 2.
[0096] Such movement of the leaf 38 is further assisted by the at least one wheel 62 and
by the at least one fork 61, whose inclination with respect to the vertical direction
tends to decrease.
[0097] Figure 5 illustrates an intermediate step of the process for closing the door or
window 1, in which the first internal wing 40a of the fourth post 39a is in contact
with the first gasket 7, while the bolt 48 of the lock is partially accommodated within
the cavity 15 formed inside the closure block 14.
[0098] Final closure of the door or window 1 can therefore occur by means of an action on
the first handle 46, by means of which the stem 48b of the bolt 48 is inserted within
the first guide 15a provided in the closure block 14.
[0099] In this manner, the second head 48d of the bolt 48 is accommodated within the cavity
15, while its flared face 48e abuts against the second wall 15d, which has a similar
flared portion, of the closure block 14.
[0100] An action on the handle entails a downward movement of the second head 48d, which
by sliding on the second wall 15d places the fourth post 39a of the leaf 38 adjacent
to the closure block 14.
[0101] Simultaneously, the stem 48d, by sliding within the first guide 15a, forces said
fourth post 39a of the leaf 38 against the first gasket 7, defining the fully closed
position of the door or window 1.
[0102] In this manner, the leaf 38 is subjected to an additional thrust, which acts so as
to force the first wing 40a of the fourth post 39a against the vertical portion of
the first gasket 7, which is supported by the second internal wing of the first perimetric
post 2a, until a chosen compression of said first gasket is achieved, said compression
being intended to achieve high impermeability of the door or window to atmospheric
agents.
[0103] The closure block 14 can be coupled alternatively to the first perimetric post 2a
by being rotated through 180°, so that the first guide 15a is arranged upward, in
which case an action on the handle aimed at closing the door or window must impart
an upward movement to the second head 48d.
[0104] Simultaneously with what occurs at the first perimetric post, during the closure
process the second abutment 53, which protrudes from the fifth post 39b, makes contact
with the second guiding element 37, which protrudes from the third intermediate post
2e, and is guided by it inside the eighth seat 36, so that the face 52 of the fifth
post 39b is forced against the portion of the first gasket 7 that is supported by
the third post 2e.
[0105] By virtue of the rigidity of the frame 39, the third and fourth cross-members 39c
and 39d are simultaneously forced against the portions of the first gasket 7 that
are supported respectively by the first and second perimetric cross-members 2c and
2d, so that the frame adheres along its entire perimeter against the first gasket
7.
[0106] Further, since the first tubular gasket 7 is arranged along a closed path, the force
applied by the leaf 38 against it produces a reaction on the part of the air contained
inside it, which produces excellent adhesion of said first gasket to the frame 39.
[0107] In this manner, excellent insulation between the environment on the inside of the
door or window 1 and the outside environment is achieved, since the passage of cold
air or water from one to the other is hindered by the presence of the first gasket
thus compressed against the frame 39.
[0108] In this closed position, the at least one fork 61 and the at least one wheel 62 are
arranged along an approximately vertical direction.
[0109] The door or window is opened by means of a process that is the reverse of the one
described for closing it, since a movement of the handle produces, by way of the action
applied by the bolt 48 to the cavity 15 during disengagement from the closure block
14, a force that acts on the fourth post 39a so as to move the leaf 38 away from the
first gasket 7, said action being performed in a first step also by the air contained
inside the first gasket 7.
[0110] In this manner, the at least one fork 61 and the at least one wheel 62 are again
inclined with respect to the vertical direction, so that the weight of the leaf 38
produces a moment that acts so as to tilt further the at least one fork 61 until it
abuts against the third internal wing 54a of the ninth profiled element 54, moving
the leaf 38 further away from the first gasket 7, until the actuation position is
reached.
[0111] By way of the possibility to disconnect the leaf 38 from the first gasket 7 during
opening and closure maneuvers, the sliding of said leaf is extremely easy, while its
compression against said first gasket occurs only during the last step of closure,
when the sliding of the leaf is practically nil.
[0112] By way of the fact that the sliding leaf, when it is in the actuation position, does
not slide against the first gasket, the wear of said first gasket is extremely modest
and so is the possibility of imparting permanent mechanical deformations thereto or
of said gasket undergoing rapid degradation as a consequence of repeated closure and
opening of the door or window.
[0113] It has thus been found that the invention has achieved the intended aim and objects,
a door or window having been provided which is capable of offering excellent performance
in terms of tightness against infiltration of air and water from the outside and in
terms of resistance to the action of wind and corrosion, at the same time allowing
easy opening and closure thereof.
[0114] Another object is to provide a door or window that allows to offer a highly constant
performance during its use and to ensure a tightness against air and water infiltration
that is adequate for the external climate conditions.
[0115] The invention is of course susceptible of numerous modifications and variations,
all of which are within the scope of the appended claims.
[0116] Thus, for example, it is possible to use a first gasket 7 of the internally pressurized
type, so as to adapt the performance in terms of tightness against infiltrations of
atmospheric agents according to the actual external environmental conditions.
[0117] The pressure that acts inside the first gasket can conveniently be adjusted when
the door or window is closed, and depressurization of said first gasket can be performed
when the handle is operated for opening, so that no additional effort is required
from the user.
[0118] As an alternative to this solution, or in combination with it, it is possible to
use, in order to provide the first tubular gasket 7, a gasket of the type that can
be heated electrically, so as to minimize the possibility of forming condensation
on the perimetric regions of the glass panes on the internal side of the door or window.
[0119] Proximate to the frame 39, especially if said frame is made of metallic material,
the temperature of the glass panes may in fact reach, even on the side that faces
the internal environment, values that are low enough to cause condensation of ambient
moisture, a phenomenon that is avoided by the presence of heated gaskets arranged
proximate to said region.
[0120] As an alternative to these solutions, or in combination with them, it is further
possible to use, in order to provide the first tubular gasket 7, a gasket that comprises
hygroscopic elements, which are constituted for example by a layer of material that
has a high atmospheric humidity absorption capacity and is applied to one or more
external surfaces of said gasket.
[0121] If the degree of humidity that is present in the air of the environment on the outside
of the door or window tends to increase, the layer of hygroscopic material that is
present on the gasket undergoes a substantial increase in volume caused by absorption
of part of said humidity.
[0122] The gasket is thus subjected to a further compression, accordingly increasing its
insulation capacity simultaneously with the worsening of the external climate conditions,
which is detected by way of the increase in the degree of humidity in the air.
[0123] The materials used, as well as the dimensions that constitute the individual components
of the invention, may of course be more pertinent according to specific requirements.
[0124] The various means for performing certain different functions need not certainly coexist
only in the illustrated embodiment but can be present per se in many embodiments,
including ones that are not illustrated.
[0125] The characteristics indicated as advantageous, convenient or the like may also be
omitted or replaced or be replaced with equivalents.
[0126] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. TV2004A000021 from which this application
claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.
[0127] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs,
those reference signs have been included for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility
of the claims and accordingly, such reference signs do not have any limiting effect
on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference
signs.
1. A door or window, particularly for buildings and/or watercraft, characterized in that it comprises at least one leaf, which cooperates with sliding and tilting means arranged
inside a perimetric framework, means being provided for moving said at least one leaf
along planes that are parallel thereto, means being further provided for temporarily
locking said at least one leaf against a first gasket provided on said perimetric
framework.
2. The door or window according to claim 1, characterized in that said perimetric framework comprises a first vertical perimetric post, a second vertical
perimetric post, a third vertical post, a first lower perimetric cross-member, and
a second upper perimetric cross-member, said third post being arranged in a position
that is approximately intermediate between said first and second perimetric posts
and being shallower than said posts and preferably aligned with them on the internal
side of said door or window.
3. The door or window according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said first perimetric post is constituted by a first profiled element, on which there
is a first longitudinal seat that is preferably formed by a first external flap and
by a second internal flap, said flaps being mutually parallel and protruding toward
the internal opening of said door or window, said second flap supporting a vertical
portion of a first preferably tubular gasket that is accommodated within said first
longitudinal seat.
4. The door or window according to claims 1 and 3, characterized in that said first gasket has, at rest, an approximately rectangular cross section, in which
the longest side directed toward the inside of said first seat has a convex shape.
5. The door or window according to claims 1 and 4, characterized in that it comprises a second profiled element, which is coupled to the bottom of said first
seat, protrudes inside it in a direction that is substantially parallel to said first
and second flaps, and runs vertically along approximately the entire length of said
first perimetric post.
6. The door or window according to claims 1 and 5, characterized in that a second seat is formed longitudinally to said second profiled element and proximate
to said first gasket, has a circular cross-section and has an opening along a generatrix
in order to accommodate a first guiding element, which is constituted by a cylinder
that can be inserted longitudinally, is free to rotate in said second seat, and protrudes
from it with part of its cross-section.
7. The door or window according to claims 1 and 6, characterized in that said opening provided in said second seat is obtained adjacent to said second flap
and is inclined with respect to it by a preset angle towards the internal opening
of said door or window.
8. The door or window according to claims 1 and 7, characterized in that said second profiled element supports, approximately at the central region of said
first perimetric post, a closure block that protrudes parallel to said first and second
flaps toward the internal opening of said door or window and is constituted by a box-like
body that forms internally a cavity that is open at the front and optionally along
one of its sides.
9. The door or window according to claims 1 and 8, characterized in that a first preferably rectilinear guide is formed below said cavity, its first parallel
and straight side walls being inclined with respect to the vertical direction so as
to approach said second flap and said first gasket as they descend vertically.
10. The door or window according to claims 1 and 9, characterized in that the thickness of said first walls increases toward the inside of said cavity as they
descend, a second wall being thus formed inside said cavity and being inclined toward
the inside of said cavity and delimiting the perimeter of said first guide.
11. The door or window according to claims 1 and 10, characterized in that said second wall slopes toward said first side walls so as to form a flared portion
that surrounds perimetrically said first guide.
12. The door or window according to claims 1 and 11, characterized in that said second perimetric post is constituted by a third profiled element on which there
is a third longitudinal seat that is formed by a third external flap and by a fourth
intermediate flap, which are parallel to each other and to said first and second flaps
and are directed toward the internal opening of said door or window and are arranged
respectively at said first and second flaps and at said first and third seats and
face each other.
13. The door or window according to claims 1 and 12, characterized in that said third profiled element comprises a fifth internal flap, which is parallel to
said fourth flap and forms with it a fourth seat that is narrower than said first
and third seats.
14. The door or window according to claims 1 and 13, characterized in that said first and second perimetric posts are connected in a lower region by means of
said first perimetric cross-member, which is constituted by a fourth profiled element,
which has an approximately L-shaped cross-section and forms a fifth longitudinal seat
that is open and arranged horizontally and is delimited vertically by a third vertical
wall and by a first base that is adjacent to said third vertical wall.
15. The door or window according to claims 1 and 14, characterized in that said third vertical wall supports, along a portion that is adjacent to said first
perimetric post, a horizontal portion of said first gasket, a third tab protruding
vertically upward from said first base and supporting a second guide, preferably constituted
by a rail in which the upper head has a curved profile that is preferably constituted
by a circular arc.
16. The door or window according to claims 1 and 15, characterized in that said second perimetric cross-member connects in an upper region said first, second
and third perimetric posts and is constituted by a fifth profiled element on which
there is a sixth longitudinal seat that is preferably formed by a sixth external flap
and by a seventh internal flap, which are parallel to each other and protrude vertically
downward, said seventh flap supporting, along a portion that is adjacent to said first
perimetric post, a horizontal portion of said first gasket.
17. The door or window according to claims 1 and 16, characterized in that said first and second perimetric posts and said first and second perimetric cross-members
are connected to each other at their ends, said first and third and fifth and sixth
seats being mutually adjacent so as to form a single perimetric seat that is continuous
along the entire profile of said perimetric framework.
18. The door or window according to claims 1 and 17, characterized in that said third post is constituted by a sixth profiled element from which an eighth flap
and a ninth flap protrude horizontally and are directed toward said second perimetric
post, said flaps being mutually parallel, so as to form a seventh seat that is approximately
as wide as said fourth seat and faces said fourth seat, so as to accommodate a first
fixed glass pane, which is constituted by a double-glazing unit or by a transparent
or opaque panel made of another material.
19. The door or window according to claims 1 and 18, characterized in that a preferably L-shaped tenth flap is provided proximate to said glass pane on a face
of said third post that is directed toward the environment that lies outside said
door or window and supports, at its free end directed toward said second perimetric
post, a fifth tab, which forms an eighth seat that has a circular cross-section and
is provided with an opening along a generatrix in order to accommodate a second guiding
element constituted by a cylinder that can be inserted longitudinally and so that
it can rotate freely in said eighth seat and protrudes from it along part of its cross-section.
20. The door or window according to claims 1 and 19, characterized in that said opening provided in said eighth seat is provided adjacent to said third post
and is inclined with respect to it by a preset angle toward said second post.
21. The door or window according to claims 1 and 20, characterized in that said tenth flap forms, in collaboration with said surface of said third post that
is directed outward, a ninth seat that is open outward.
22. The door or window according to claims 1 and 21, characterized in that said surface of said third post that is directed outward supports a vertical portion
of said first gasket, which is arranged along said first perimetric post and said
third post, and along a portion of said first and second perimetric cross-members,
providing a closed path.
23. The door or window according to claims 1 and 22, characterized in that said leaf comprises a frame that is preferably constituted by a fourth vertical post,
by a fifth vertical post, by a third upper cross-member and by a fourth lower cross-member.
24. The door or window according to claims 1 and 23, characterized in that said fourth post is constituted by a seventh profiled element, which has an approximately
H-shaped cross-section obtained from a first internal wing and from a second external
wing, which are parallel to each other and are connected by at least one first central
body that lies transversely to them so as to form a ninth seat, which is directed
toward the outside of said frame, and a tenth seat, which is directed toward the inside
of said frame.
25. The door or window according to claims 1 and 24, characterized in that said first wing has, at its first free end that is directed toward the outside of
said frame, means for moving said at least one leaf along planes that are parallel
to it, said means comprising a first abutment, which is formed by a first vertical
surface that is arranged on the internal side of said first wing inside said ninth
seat, said first vertical surface being inclined with respect to said first wing so
as to move away from said first wing toward said second free end, which is directed
toward the inside of said frame, of said first wing.
26. The door or window according to claims 1 and 25, characterized in that the thickness of said fourth post, determined by the distance between said first
and second wings, is lower than the width of said first seat provided on said first
perimetric post.
27. The door or window according to claims 1 and 26, characterized in that said fifth post is constituted by an eight profiled element on which an eleventh
seat is formed, said seat being approximately as wide as said tenth seat, preferably
formed by two eleventh flaps, which are parallel and directed toward the inside of
said frame.
28. The door or window according to claims 1 and 27, characterized in that the thickness of said fifth post is equal to the thickness of said fourth post, which
is smaller than the width of said third seat provided in said third post.
29. The door or window according to claims 1 and 28, characterized in that said means for moving said at least one leaf along planes that are parallel to it
comprise a second abutment that protrudes, at its end directed toward the outside
of said frame, from a face of said fifth post that is directed toward the internal
environment delimited by said door or window, said second abutment being hook-shaped
and being formed by a second vertical surface that is inclined with respect to the
plane of said leaf at a preset angle, in that said second surface moves away from said fifth post in the direction of said fourth
post and is parallel to said first surface.
30. The door or window according to claims 1 and 29, characterized in that said fourth and fifth posts are interconnected in a lower region by said third cross-member,
which is constituted by a ninth profiled element, which preferably has an approximately
H-shaped cross-section obtained from a third internal wing and a fourth external wing,
which are parallel to each other and are joined by at least one second central body
that lies transversely thereto, said wings forming, at the opposite ends of said cross-section,
a twelfth upper seat, which is directed toward the inside of said frame, and a thirteenth
lower seat, which is directed toward the outside of said frame, in order to accommodate
said sliding and tilting means.
31. The door or window according to claims 1 and 30, characterized in that said sliding and tilting means comprise a third abutment, which is L-shaped and is
rigidly coupled along a first portion below said second central body of said ninth
profiled element, a second portion thereof protruding vertically downward from said
second central body approximately parallel to said third and fourth wings.
32. The door or window according to claims 1 and 31, characterized in that said sliding and oscillation means comprise at least one fork, which is rigidly rotationally
coupled to said third abutment at the free end of said first portion by means of at
least one hinge, said at least one fork being approximately U-shaped and being arranged
approximately vertically and abutting, with a fifth external wing thereof, against
said second portion of said third abutment, so as to pass from a first position, also
termed closure position, in which said fork is arranged vertically and abuts, with
its fifth wing, against said second portion of said third abutment, to a second position,
also termed actuation position, in which it is inclined, abutting with its said sixth
wing against said third internal wing of said ninth profiled element.
33. The door or window according to claims 1 and 32, characterized in that said at least one fork supports at least one wheel, which has a concave perimetric
profile that matches the profile of said upper head of said rail provided on said
first perimetric cross-member.
34. The door or window according to claims 1 and 33, characterized in that said fourth cross-member is constituted by a tenth profiled element, on the lower
face of which there is a fourteenth seat that is as wide as said tenth, eleventh and
twelfth seats inside which the perimetric ends of a second glass pane can be accommodated.
35. The door or window according to claims 1 and 34, characterized in that the thickness of said third and fourth cross-members is equal to the thickness of
said fourth and fifth posts and is smaller respectively than the width of said fifth
and sixth seats, provided respectively in said first and second perimetric cross-members,
said leaf being associable with said perimetric framework by inserting the upper end
of said fourth upper cross-member in said sixth seat formed in a lower region on said
second perimetric cross-member, and by accommodating the lower end of said lower third
cross-member within said fifth seat, formed in said first perimetric cross-member,
said at least one wheel resting on said second guide (25).
36. The door or window according to claims 1 and 35, characterized in that said means for temporarily locking said at least one leaf comprise a lock provided
with a closure bolt, which can be operated preferably by means of a first external
handle and a second internal handle, said bolt being fixed, preferably by means of
a plate, to said first central body of said seventh profiled element inside said ninth
seat.
37. The door or window according to claims 1, 8 and 36, characterized in that said bolt is composed of a stem that protrudes at right angles from said plate toward
said closure block, is shaped like a parallelepiped and has two flat and parallel
walls that are inclined with respect to the vertical direction so that they approach
said second flap as they descend vertically.
38. The door or window according to claims 1 and 37, characterized in that the thickness of said stem, determined by the distance between said two fourth parallel
walls, in order to allow the insertion of said stem, is slightly less than the distance
between said first side walls of said first guide provided on said closure block,
its inclination matching the inclination of said first side walls of said first guide.
39. The door or window according to claims 1 and 38, characterized in that the free end of said stem supports a second head, which is preferably constituted
by a plate that is arranged according to the inclination of said stem with respect
to the vertical direction and in which the face that is directed toward said plate
has a flared portion, which is orientated so that its thickness decreases from the
center toward the perimeter.
40. The door or window according to claims 1 and 39, characterized in that said plate is inclined with respect to a vertical plane, in that it moves away from said plate as it descends, said inclination being equal to the
inclination of said second wall that surrounds said first guide, said flared portion
of said face that is directed toward said plate matching the flared portion of said
second wall.
41. The door or window according to claims 1 and 2, characterized in that said first, second and third perimetric posts, said first and second perimetric cross-members,
said fourth and fifth posts and said third and fourth cross-members are constituted
by one or more partial profiled elements or by a single profiled element.