THRUST COMPENSATION KIT FOR A SASH OF A LIFT-AND-SLIDE WINDOW OR DOOR

Abstract

 A thrust compensation kit (100) for a sash (A) of a lift-and-slide window or door comprising a fixing bracket (10) that is stably applicable in a receiving seat (S) obtained on a lower cross member (T) of the sash (A) and having an abutment projection (11). The kit (100) further comprises a containment body (20) that is insertable within the receiving seat (S) and has a first end (20a) configured to come to abut with said abutment projection (11) and a second end (20b), opposite the first end (20a) and having an access opening. The kit (100) further comprises an elastic contrasting means (30) extending in the containment body (20) and compressible or extendible along the prevalent direction of extension (X). The kit (100) further comprises a thrust body (40) that is at least partially housed slidingly inside said containment body (20) and is slidable between a retracted position and an extracted position.

Description

[0001] The object of the present invention is a thrust compensation kit for a sash of a lift-and-slide window or door.

[0002] A further object of the present invention is a sash of a lift-and-slide window or door and a method for installing a thrust compensation kit.

[0003] In particular, the present invention relates to moving a lift-and-slide window or door, i.e. a window or door in which the sash in the closed position is lowered and rests on the lower base of the fixture (frame) of the window or door whilst, for sliding from the closed position to an open position, the sash has to be lifted with respect to the lower base of the fixture.

[0004] Sliding windows or doors are known in which the sash is made by a glass panel inserted into a frame, generally made of wood, having both a structural and housing function for the devices and accessories that are necessary for sliding the sash and locking the sash in the closed position. Normally, such windows or doors have a rotatable handle for activating or locking the aforesaid devices for sliding and locking the sash.

[0005] More in detail, the handle is connected to the devices by a control rod comprising an end associated with the handle and an end connected kinematically to the devices.

[0006] Such devices normally feature sliding carriages rigidly connected in series by a connection bar.

[0007] In greater detail, the carriages are inserted within a seat made in the lower cross member of the frame of the sash and are configured to slide on the lower base of the fixture between a sliding position and a stopped position so as to permit respectively lifting or lowering of the sash and thus opening and closure thereof.

[0008] Each carriage of known type comprises a lifting element that is adapted to being fixed to the sash and connected to the carriage by the tilted plane means. In this manner, a movement of the carriage to a first so-called "sliding" position determines raising of the wing, whilst a movement of the carriage to a so-called "stopped" position causes lowering of the sash.

[0009] In use, in order to open the window or door, a user rotates the handle to cause actuation of the control rod associated with the handle. In this situation, the rod moves the carriages to the sliding position, in such a manner that each lifting element causes lifting of the wing, permitting sliding opening thereof. In order to close the wing, the user again rotates the handle, causing actuation of the control rod in a direction opposite the preceding direction, so as to take the carriages to the stopped position. In this situation, each lifting element lowers, causing resulting lowering of the wing, which can thus stop on the fixture.

[0010] Although very widespread, this type of window or door has some drawbacks.

[0011] Usually, lift-and-slide windows or doors have a sash of considerable dimensions and weight. In this situation, during the step of lifting the wing, the weight of the latter makes rotation of the handle difficult.

[0012] A further drawback further occurs during lowering of the sash. In fact, the considerable weight of the sash contributes to lowering of the latter, causing sudden, and sometimes violent, undesired rotation of the handle. In this situation, the sudden and uncontrolled movement of the handle is extremely hazardous for the user.

[0013] In addition, an uncontrolled lowering can damage the sash and/or the hardware components.

[0014] According to the prior art, solutions are known in which a spring is fitted to the connection bar of the carriages of the wing, to control the lifting or lowering movement thereof.

[0015] In particular, when the sash is opened, the spring extends to thrust the sash upwards and helps lifting whereas when the sash is closed the spring compresses to oppose the lowering of the wing, slowing it down. A solution of this type is shown, for example, in document EP2535492.

[0016] This solution also has some drawbacks.

[0017] A first drawback arises from the difficulty of mounting the spring.

[0018] Secondly, if the spring is installed at the end of the carriages, i.e. on the side opposite the control rod relative to the carriages, the loads arising from the weight of the sash are not distributed in an optimum manner, i.e. distributed in a balanced manner on the carriages, and can compromise the mechanical resistance and/or make actuation of the window or door less fluid.

[0019] The technical task of the present invention is to provide a thrust compensation kit for a sash of a lift-and-slide window or door, a sash for a lift-and-slide window or door and an installation method that are able to overcome the drawbacks that have emerged from the prior art.

[0020] In particular, one object of the present invention is to provide a thrust compensation kit for a sash of a lift-and-slide window or door that is reliable, tough and durable over time.

[0021] A further object of the present invention is to make available a thrust compensation kit that allows safe and easy movement of even particularly heavy windows or doors.

[0022] A further object of the present invention is to propose a thrust compensation kit that is easy and fast to install.

[0023] A further object of the present invention is to provide a sash of a lift-and-slide window or door, in which the distribution of the loads arising from the weight of the window or door is balanced and well distributed.

[0024] A further object of the present invention is to make available an installation method for the aforesaid kit that is easy to implement.

[0025] The specified technical task and the specified objects are substantially achieved by a thrust compensation kit for a sash of a lift-and-slide window or door, by a sash of a lift-and-slide window or door and by an installation method comprising the technical features set out in one or more of the appended claims. The dependent claims correspond to possible embodiments of the invention.

[0026] In particular, the technical task and the specified objects are achieved by a compensation kit comprising a fixing bracket having an abutment projection and stably applicable in a seat obtained on a lower cross member of the sash. In other words, the fixing bracket is solidly constrained to the sash. The kit further comprises a containment body insertable within the seat obtained on the lower cross member. In greater detail, the containment body is hollow so as to house, in use, a connection bar for connecting the movement carriages for moving the sash. The kit further comprises an elastic contrasting means housed in the containment body and fittable, in use, around the connection bar for connecting the carriages. The elastic contrasting means, for example a spring, is compressible or extendible along a prevalent direction of extension of the containment body. The kit then comprises a thrust body that is at least partially housed slidingly inside the containment body and having a first end facing the elastic contrasting means and a second end, opposite the first end and configured to generate a thrust on one of the movement carriages for moving the sash. In particular, the elastic contrasting means can adopt a compressed configuration, when the thrust body is arranged in a position near the first end of the containment body, and an at least partially extended configuration, when the thrust body is moved away from the first end of the containment body. In particular, the thrust body is in turn hollow to permit the connection bar to be housed in use. Advantageously, the presence of the containment body makes the operations of mounting the kit on the sash of the window or door, i.e. the operations of installing the kit on the connection bar for connecting the carriages, simple and fast. In this situation in fact, the kit is arranged with the thrust body and the elastic contrasting means already housed within the containment body such that by fitting the latter on the connection bar, also the thrust body and the elastic contrasting means are fitted simultaneously therewith.

[0027] In order to maintain the thrust body within the containment body during installation, the kit further comprises locking means configured to lock the thrust body inside the containment body in a preload configuration, in which the elastic contrasting means is in a set compression configuration that is suitable for mounting the containment body on the sash. Preferably, the elastic means is arranged in a maximum compression configuration, i.e. in a configuration of maximum insertion of the thrust body inside the containment body.

[0028] In use, at the moment of installation of the kit on the sash of the window or door, the kit is provided such that the thrust body is (preferably) entirely inside the containment body and is locked within the containment body itself by the locking means. In this situation, the containment body is inserted into the seat of the cross member of the sash and fitted to the connection bar, so as to be interposed between the fixing bracket, previously fixed to an upper wall of the seat, and a movement carriage for moving the sash.

[0029] Advantageously, the presence of the locking means prevents, during mounting, the undesired exit of the thrust body from the containment body, facilitating and accelerating positioning of the kit on the sash.

[0030] In particular, the locking means permits simple mounting of the kit, because it is not necessary to retain the thrust body within the containment body during installation. Subsequently, the locking means is released, so as to place in use the kit and permit at the moment of closure and opening of the wing, extension/compression of the elastic contrasting means. In particular, the thrust body is extracted from the containment body when the sash is lifted to be opened, whilst it is retracted into the containment body when the sash is lowered to be closed. Advantageously, the presence of the containment body prevents the elastic contrasting means twisting, slipping against the walls of the seat or is deformed in an uncontrolled manner during use of the wing, thus increasing the working life of the entire kit. In other words, the presence of the containment body enables the elastic contrasting means to work extending and compressing in an optimum manner along the prevalent direction of extension.

[0031] In a further advantageous manner, the presence of the thrust body prevents direct contact between the elastic contrasting means and the carriage, preserving the elastic means from rapid wear.

[0032] A further object of the present invention is a sash for a lift-and-slide window or door comprising a panel made of a glass or other transparent material, and a frame for the panel, which is provided with a lower cross member in which a seat is obtained.

[0033] Preferably, the seat has an upturned "U" section in which the horizontal portion defines an upper wall of the seat. The sash further comprises a front carriage and a rear carriage inserted into the seat and opposed to one another. The carriages are configured to permit sliding of the sash along an opening and closing direction of the window or door. Each carriage comprises a lifting element combined with the carriage itself by cam means or a tilted plane. In further detail, the lifting element is movable between a raised position and a lowered position, such that a movement of the carriage relative to the lifting element causes raising or lowering of the sash. The sash further comprises a connection bar for connecting the carriages to perform a simultaneous movement of the carriages.

[0034] Preferably, the connection bar is interposed between the rear carriage and the front carriage

[0035] The sash further comprises manoeuvring means connected to at least one of the carriages to perform a longitudinal movement of the carriages. The sash further comprises a kit according to the above description, installed on the connection bar in a position interposed between the front carriage and the rear carriage. This kit is arranged and/or configured in such a manner that the elastic contrasting means exerts a thrust on the carriages contrasting a lowering movement of the sash and thus assisting a lifting movement of the sash.

[0036] Advantageously, positioning of the kit between the carriages of the sash enables the handle and the driving rod to be installed, both on the front part of the wing, near the abutment zone against the frame and behind the wing, in particular on the thickness thereof.

[0037] In a further advantageous manner, positioning the kit between the carriages of the sash ensures better and more balanced distribution of the loads.

[0038] One object of the present invention is moreover a method of installation of a thrust compensation kit on a sash of a lift-and-slide window or door. This method comprises a step of arranging a kit according to the above description. In this step, the thrust body is locked within the containment body by the locking means. The method further comprises a step of connecting the fixing bracket of the kit inside a seat obtained on a lower cross member of the wing, such that the bracket is solidly constrained to the sash. The method further comprises a step of inserting the containment body inside the seat, between the fixing bracket and a carriage of the sash. In this step, the containment body, the elastic contrasting means and the thrust body are fitted on a connection bar between movement carriages for moving the sash.

[0039] Subsequently to installing the kit on the connection bar, the locking means of the thrust body is removed and the kit is ready for use

[0040] Advantageously, the installation method can be implemented also in order to retrofit a kit on a pre-existing sash. In this situation, in fact, it will be sufficient to dismantle the connection bar for connecting the carriages and fitting the suitably oriented kit thereto, such that the elastic contrasting means opposes resistance to the lowering of the sash and is thus of assistance in lifting the sash.

[0041] Advantageously, during installation, the operator can decide, on the basis of the direction of closure (and thus of opening) of the wing, in which direction to mount the kit. It is in fact sufficient for the containment body (and thus the elastic contrasting means and the thrust body inserted therein) to be interposed between the fixing bracket and a carriage, such that the elastic contrasting means is compressed in a direction so as to contrast the lowering movement of the sash.

[0042] Further characteristics and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the indicative and thus non-limiting description of an embodiment of a thrust-compensating kit for a lift-and-slide window or door and a relative window or door.

[0043] Such a description will be set out below with reference to the appended drawings, which are provided solely for illustrative and therefore non-limiting purposes, in which:

• figure 1 shows a sectional view of the compensation kit for a lift-and-slide window or door that is the object of the present invention;
• figure 2A shows a sectional view of the kit in a mounting configuration;
• figures 2B and 2C show respectively a top view and a sectional view of the kit;
• figures 3A and 3B show a sectional view of two different configurations of the kit mounted on a sash of the window or door;
• figures 4A and 4B show a lift-and-slide window or door, in which the sash is respectively in a lowered and raised position;
• figures 5A and 5B show a further embodiment of a lift-and-slide window or door, in which the sash is respectively in a lowered and raised position.

[0044] With reference to the accompanying figures, 100 indicates a thrust compensation kit for a sash "A" of a lift-and-slide window or door.

[0045] With particular reference to figures 3A and 3B, the term "lift-and-slide" means a window or door in which the sash "A" is movable between a lowered position, in which the sash "A" rests on a lower guide "G" of the window or door, and a raised position, in which the sash "A" is raised relative to the lower guide "G" and ready to slide between a closed position and an open position. The kit 100 is installable on a connection bar 200 of the movement carriages 300a, 300b of the sash "A". Preferably, the connection bar 200 is interposed between the carriages 300a, 300b and the kit 100 is thus installable in a position interposed between a front carriage 300a and rear carriage 300b of the sash "A" that are slidable within a receiving seat "S" obtained on a lower cross member "T" of the sash "A". The term "front carriage" means the carriage nearest a control rod, whereas the term "rear carriage" means the carriage furthest from the control rod. Alternatively, the kit 100 could be installed at the back or at the head of the train of carriages 300a, 300b. Preferably, the receiving seat "S" has an upturned "U"-shaped section in which the horizontal portion defines an upper wall of the receiving seat "S".

[0046] As shown in figure 1, the kit 100 comprises a fixing bracket 10 stably applicable within the receiving seat "S". In particular, the fixing bracket 10 is connected to the wing, so as to be movable integrally with the sash "A" itself between the lifted position and the lowered position. According to one aspect of the present invention, the fixing bracket 10 is substantially "L"-shaped and comprises a first portion 10a having a prevalent direction of extension "X" that is substantially parallel to the sliding direction of the wing, and a second portion 10b, transverse to the first portion 10a, and defining an abutment projection 11. Preferably, the first portion 10a has a length that is greater than the second portion 10b. Alternatively, the first portion 10a and the second portion 10b have the same length.

[0047] In the embodiment shown in figure 1, the first and the second portion 10a, 10b are connected together by a third curvilinear portion 10c. Alternatively, the first and the second portion 10a, 10b are joined together directly to form a right angle.

[0048] As shown in figure 1, the first portion 10a comprises at least one anchoring means 13 extending away from the first portion 10a and configured to be inserted, for example snap-fitted, within a respective cavity made in the upper wall of the receiving seat "S", as it is shown for example in figure 2A. Preferably, the first portion 10a comprises two anchoring means 13. The first portion 10a further comprises at least one through hole 14 shaped to receive a connecting means, like for example a grub screw or screw, to connect the fixing bracket 10 to the upper wall of the receiving seat "S". The second portion 10b on the other hand has a shaped recess 12 configured to receive, in use, the connection bar 200 of the movement carriages 300a, 300b of the sash "A". In other words, at the moment of mounting the fixing bracket 10 within the receiving seat "S" of the sash "A", the connection bar 200 of the movement carriages 300a, 300b of the sash "A" is housed within the shaped recess 12 (figure 2A).

[0049] In one possible embodiment, the shaped recess 12 substantially has the shape of an upturned "U" so as to be open below to envelop at least partially the connection bar 200. Alternatively, the shaped recess 12 could have the shape of a closed and elongated slot through which the connection bar 200 is inserted. In both the embodiments, the shaped recess 12 prevents the connection bar 200 moving vertically in use following lifting/lowering of the sash "A". This aspect is particularly advantageous because it avoids undesired breaks or deformation of the kit 100, as will be described in detail below.

[0050] With particular reference to figure 1, the kit 100 further comprises a containment body 20 that is insertable within the receiving seat "S" and extends along the prevalent direction of extension "X" that is parallel, once the kit 100 is mounted on the sash "A", to the opening and closing direction "Y" (figure 2A) of the sash "A". According to one aspect of the invention, the containment body 20 is hollow so as to house, in use, the connection bar 200, which is also in a configuration parallel to the prevalent direction of extension "X".

[0051] As shown in figure 1, the containment body 20 has a first end 20a configured to abut on the abutment projection 11 of the fixing bracket 10 and a second end 20b, opposite the first end 20a and having an access opening.

[0052] With particular reference to the embodiment illustrated in figure 1, the first end 20a of the containment body 20 is defined by an end wall 21 perpendicular to the prevalent direction of extension "X". This end wall 21 is configured to be arranged in a sliding rest relation against the abutment projection 11 of the fixing bracket 10, so as to absorb, in use, vertical misalignments that are due to the lifting of the sash "A". According to one aspect of the invention, the end wall 21 is made in the form of a closing element, like for example a cap or a cover, which is removably applied to the containment body 20. In this situation, the closing element is inserted securely within the first end 20a of the containment body 20 such as to be solidly constrained thereto. Alternatively, the end wall 21 is made solidly or as a single piece with the containment body 20. In both the aforesaid embodiments, the end wall 21, in a step of supplying the kit 100, is in a fixed configuration relative to the containment body 20, i.e. is applied stably thereto or is integral therewith.

[0053] Again with reference to figure 1, the kit 100 further comprises an elastic contrasting means 30 extending in the containment body 20 starting from the first end 20a. In this situation, the end wall 21 defines an abutting wall for an end of the elastic contrasting means 30, which is thus prevented from separating from the containment body 20 through the first end 20a of the latter. The elastic contrasting means 30 is fittable, in use, around the connection bar 200 and is compressible or extendible along the prevalent direction of extension "X". In particular, the elastic contrasting means 30 is compressed against the end wall 21 or extended to the second end 20b of the containment body 20.

[0054] As shown in the embodiment of the accompanying figures, the elastic contrasting means 30 is preferably made in the form of a helical spring. Still more preferably, the elastic contrasting means 30, and in particular the elastic constant thereof, is selected on the basis of the weight of the sash "A" on which the kit 100 is mounted. In greater detail, the heavier the sash "A", the higher the elastic constant of the elastic contrasting means 30 so as to contrast, during the step of closing the window or door, sudden lowering of the sash "A" due to the weight thereof, as will be described in detail below. At the same time, a high elastic constant will be of assistance in lifting the wing, during the step of opening the window or door.

[0055] With reference to figure 1, the kit 100 further comprises a thrust body 40 that is at least partially housed slidingly inside the containment body 20. As visible in figures 1 and 2, the thrust body 40 is hollow to enable the connection bar 200 to be housed.

[0056] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, the thrust body 40 is made in the form of a cylindrical tube having portions with a different diameter.

[0057] With particular reference to figure 1, the thrust body 40 has a first end 40a facing the elastic contrasting means 30, and preferably in contact with the elastic contrasting means 30 itself, and a second end 40b opposite the first end 40a and configured to generate a thrust on one of the movement carriages 300a, 300b of the sash "A". The thrust body 40 is slidable through the access opening of the containment body 20 between a retracted position, in which the elastic contrasting means 30 is compressed and the thrust body 40 is partially retracted into the containment body 20 (figure 3A) and an extracted position, in which the elastic contrasting means 30 is at least partially extended and the thrust body 40 is at least partially extracted from the containment body 20 (figure 3B).

[0058] With reference to figures 2B and 2C, to prevent the thrust body 40 from disconnecting totally from the containment body 20 when in the extracted position, the kit 100 comprises a safety device, preferably at least a stop pin 15, positioned between the thrust body 40 and the containment body 20. In greater detail, the stop pin 15 is configured to set a maximum extraction position of the thrust body 40 from the containment body 20. In further detail, the stop pin 15 acts as a safety device, preventing the thrust body 40 from being ejected accidentally from the containment body 20 and hitting an operator, for example if the locking means (which will be mentioned better below) separates before the kit 100 is installed on the window or door.

[0059] In other words, the thrust body 40 and the elastic contrasting means 30 are connected operationally in such a way that an elongation of the elastic contrasting means 30 is matched by sliding of the thrust body 40 from the retracted position to the extracted position whereas a compression of the elastic contrasting means 30 is matched by a sliding movement of the thrust body 40 from the extracted position to the retracted position

[0060] The sliding movement of the thrust body 40 is particularly advantageous for facilitating and controlling the opening and closure of the sash "A". In particular, the passage of the thrust body 40 from the retracted position to the extracted position following elongation of the elastic contrasting means 30, facilitates opening of the sash "A" inasmuch as it contributes to sliding of the movement carriages 300a, 300b in the lifting direction of the sash "A". On the other hand, the transition of the thrust body 40 from the extracted position to the retracted position permits closure of the sash "A" to be controlled, slowing lowering thereof. This movement will be clearer further on in this description.

[0061] In order to facilitate the mounting of the kit 100 within the receiving seat "S", the kit 100 comprises locking means 50 configured to lock the thrust body 40 inside the containment body 20, in a preload configuration in which the elastic contrasting means 30 adopts a set compression that is suitable for mounting the containment body 20 on the sash "A". Preferably, the thrust body 40 detects a configuration of maximum insertion into the containment body 20 (figure 2A), that corresponds to a maximum compression configuration of the elastic means.

[0062] Thus, advantageously, the presence of the locking means 50 enables an operator to install the kit 100 on the sash "A" conveniently and simply because it is not necessary to retain manually or by tools the thrust body 40 within the containment body 20 to overcome the force exerted by the elastic contrasting means 30.

[0063] As shown in the embodiment of figure 1, the locking means 50 each comprise at least one guide hole 51 obtained in the containment body 20 and extending transversely to the prevalent direction of extension "X". Preferably, the guide hole 51 has an inlet section obtained on an outer surface of the containment body 20 and an outlet section obtained on an inner surface of the containment body 20.

[0064] In the embodiment shown in the accompanying figures, the containment body 20 has two guide holes 51. Alternatively, the containment body 20 can have any number of guide holes 51, also only one guide hole. The locking means 50 further comprises a corresponding locking grub screw 52 inserted into a respective guide hole 51 to engage, in a locking configuration, the thrust body 40 and prevent movement thereof along the prevalent direction of extension "X".

[0065] Preferably, the thrust body 40 is engaged by the locking grub screws 52 owing to the presence of a circumferential recess 41 made on the thrust body 40 and configured to receive a respective locking grub screw 52 in the locking configuration. In other terms, the recess 41 defines abutment portions that are positioned on the portion of the locking grub screw 52 that protrudes with respect to an inner surface of the containment body 20. In particular, the recess 41 can also adopt the shape of a circumferential throat 41a.

[0066] As shown for example in figure 2B, the presence of the recess 41 is particularly advantageous as it permits housing of the stop pin 15. In this situation in fact, the stop pin 15 is inserted within the recess 41 so that when the thrust body 40 is taken to the extracted position, the stop pin 15 slides within the recess 41 until it abuts on the first end 40a of the thrust body 40, defining the maximum possible extraction thereof so as to avoid its separation from the containment body 20.

[0067] The locking grub screw 52 is releasable to define a release configuration, in which it permits a movement of the thrust body 40 along the prevalent direction of extension "X". In one possible embodiment, in the release configuration, the locking grub screw 52 is retracted within the guide hole 51.

[0068] Alternatively, the locking grub screw 52 is removed from the guide hole 52. Advantageously, the possibility of totally removing the locking grub screws 52 from the respective guide holes 51 prevents, during movement of the sash "A" and of the thrust body 40, the locking grub screws 51 separating independently from the guide holes 51, falling on the lower guide "G" of the sash "A" and thus impeding movement thereof.

[0069] As more visible in figures 4A to 5B, one object of the present invention is a sash "A" for a lift-and-slide window or door comprising a panel "P" made of glass (or alternatively of another transparent material) and a frame "C" for the panel "P". The frame "C" comprises a lower cross member "T" in which a receiving seat "S" is obtained. The sash "A" comprises a front carriage 300a and a rear carriage 300b that are inserted into the receiving seat "S" and are opposed to one another. The carriages 300a, 300b are configured to permit movement of the sash "A" between a lowered position, in which the sash "A" is lowered such that the lower cross member "T" rests on a lower guide "G" of the window or door, and a raised position in which the sash "A" is lifted relative to the lower guide "G" and is free to slide, again owing to the carriages 300a, 300b, along the lower guide "G" (defining an opening and closing direction "Y") to permit or prevent a passage through the space of the window or door.

[0070] With particular reference to figures 3A and 3B, each carriage 300a, 300b comprises a lifting element 301 that is operationally associated with the carriage 300a, 300b by cam means or a plane that is tilted and movable between a raised position and a lowered position, such that a sliding movement of the carriage 300a, 300b with respect to the lifting element 301 causes raising or lowering of the lifting element 301 and thus of the sash "A".

[0071] With reference to figures 5A and 5B, the connection between each carriage 300a, 300b and the respective lifting element 301 is preferably achieved by a tilted plane, in particular, by a tilted slot 301a obtained in the lifting element 301 and slidably associated with a cursor 301b integrated into the carriage 300a, 300b. In other words, the tilted slot 301a defines means that exploits the concept of "tilted plane" to guide the movement of another element, in this case the cursor 301b. The lifting element 301 thus enables the respective carriage 300a, 300b to be mounted on the sash "A" so as to be slidingly movable relative to the sash "A".

[0072] As more visible in figures 3A and 3B, the sash "A" further comprises a connection bar 200 arranged rigidly connected to the carriages 300a, 300b to perform a simultaneous movement of the carriages 300a, 300b themselves. In particular, the connection bar 200 is interposed between the carriages 300a, 300b.

[0073] As shown in figures 4A and 4B or also in figures 5A and 5B, each carriage 300a, 300b performs the sliding motion relative to the sash "A" between a stopped position (figures 4A and 5A), in which the respective lifting element 301 is lowered, the cursor 301b is in the upper part of the tilted slot 301a and the sash "A" rests on the lower guide "G" of the window or door, and a sliding position (figures 4B and 5B), in which the cursor 301b is in the lower part of the tilted slot 301a and the lifting element 301 is lifted determining raising of the sash "A "relative to the lower guide "G" of the window or door. In other words, the sliding motion of the carriages 300a, 300b between the stopped position and the sliding position and vice versa determines respectively raising and lowering of the respective lifting elements 301 and consequently of the sash "A" along a direction that is vertical and perpendicular to the opening and closing direction "Y". Once the sash "A" is lifted relative to the lower guide "G", the carriages 300a, 300b simultaneously perform, owing to the connection bar 200, a rolling motion along the opening and closing direction "Y", so as to move the sash "A" sliding between a closed position, in which an jamb "M" of the sash "A" is in contact with a respective jamb of the frame of the window or door, and an open position, in which the jamb "M" of the sash "A" is moved away from the jamb of the frame of the window or door.

[0074] As more visible in figures 4A and 4B, the sash "A" further comprises a manoeuvring means 400 connected to at least one of the carriages 300a, 300b to perform a longitudinal movement of the carriages 300a, 300b themselves. In greater detail, the manoeuvring means 400 comprises articulated traction and pushing levers 401 applied to one of the carriages 300a, 300b, in particular to the front carriage. As already explained previously, the term "front" carriage means the carriage nearest a control rod 403 and thus the carriage indicated by the number 300a in the accompanying figures. According to one aspect of the invention, the manoeuvring means 400 comprises a handle 402 applied to the jamb "M" of the frame "C" of the sash "A". According to a further aspect, the control rod 403 is installable along one of the jambs of the frame "C" and is kinematically connected to the handle 402 and to the articulated levers 401. In greater detail, the handle 402 is rotatable between a release position and a locked position to permit or inhibit lifting and subsequent sliding of the sash "A".

[0075] With reference to figures 4A-4B and 5A-5B, the control rod 403 is movable vertically following rotation of the handle 402. In particular, when the handle 402 is rotated to the release position, the control rod 403 directly connected thereto is lifted and the carriages 300a, 300b are free to slide from the stopped position to the sliding position along the opening and closing direction "Y" to permit lifting and subsequent opening of the sash "A" (figures 4B, 5B). On the other hand, when the handle 402 is rotated to the locked position, the control rod 403 is lowered and the carriages 300a, 300b go from the sliding position to the stopped position so as to cause lowering of the sash "A" (figures 4A, 5A). In the stopped position, the carriages 300a, 300b are prevented from a sliding movement along the opening and closing direction "Y" and they maintain the sash "A" lowered and in a closed position.

[0076] With particular reference to figures 5A and 5B, the handle 402 is installed on the jamb "M" of the frame "C" that comes into contact with the jamb of the frame of the window or door when the sash "A" is in the closed position.

[0077] With reference to figures 4A and 4B, the handle 402 is installed on the jamb "M" of the frame "C" in an opposite position, relative to the panel "P", to the jamb of the frame that comes into contact with the frame of the window or door when the sash "A" is in the closed position. In other terms, the handle 402 is installed behind the closing direction of the sash and is fixed on the thickness surface of the frame "C".

[0078] As more visible in figures 4A to 5B, the sash "A" comprises a kit 100 according to what has been described above and installed on the connection bar 200 interposed between the front carriage 300a and the rear carriage 300b. Preferably, the sash "A" comprises a sole kit 100 applied in the receiving seat "S" of the lower cross member "T" between the front carriage 300a and the rear carriage 300b.

[0079] At the moment of supply of the kit 100, the thrust body 40 is in the preload configuration, so it is entirely inserted within the containment body 20 and the elastic contrasting means 30 is in the maximum compression configuration. In this situation, the locking grub screws 52 are inserted within respective guide holes 51 and engage the thrust body 40 so as to prevent movement thereof (figure 2A). Also the fixing bracket 10 is supplied, together with the containment body 20, with the thrust body 40 and the elastic contrasting means 30 inserted therein.

[0080] Subsequently, during installation of the kit 100, the fixing bracket 10 is connected to the sash "A" within the receiving seat "S". In particular, the first portion 10a is fixed to the upper wall of the receiving seat "S" by the anchoring means 13 and by the connecting means inserted into the at least one hole 14, whereas the second portion 10b, defining the abutment projection 11, is arranged in such a manner that the shaped seat 12 at least partially envelops the connection bar 200.

[0081] Subsequently to installing the fixing bracket 10, also the containment body 20, in which the thrust body 40 and the elastic contrasting means 30 are retained in the preload configuration by the locking grub screws 52, is positioned in the receiving seat "S", in particular between the fixing bracket 10 and one of the carriages 300a, 300b.

[0082] During installation, the containment body 20 is fitted (placed) on the connection bar 200 so that the latter extends through the elastic contrasting means 30 and the thrust body 40 (figure 2A). In greater detail, the containment body 20 is placed in such a way that the first end 20a abuts against the abutment projection 11 and the guide holes 51 are oriented on the opposite side to an upper wall of the receiving seat "S" to be accessible to the operator by a tightening/loosening tool.

[0083] As shown in figure 2A, once the containment body 20 is fitted, the latter, together with the elastic contrasting means 30 and the thrust body 40 that are retained there, are substantially suspended on the connection bar 200. In this situation, the thrust body 40 is totally retracted into the containment body 20 and is spaced apart from the carriage 300a, 300b on which it is intended to act.

[0084] The kit 100 is mounted on the sash "A" such that, once the locking means 50 is released, the elastic contrasting means 30 exerts, via the thrust body 40 a thrust force on one of the carriages 300a, 300b a contrasting a lowering movement of the sash "A". According to one aspect of the invention shown in the figures, the thrust body 40 exerts this thrust on the front carriage 300a.

[0085] Advantageously, the kit 100 is installable both on sashes "A" that have the handle 402 installed on the jamb "M" of the frame "C" that comes into contact with the jamb of the frame of the window or door when the sash "A" is in the closed position (figures 5A, 5B), and on sashes that have the handle 402 installed behind, i.e. on the jamb "M" of the frame "C" in an opposite position, relative to the panel "P", on the jamb of the frame that comes into contact with the frame of the window or door when the sash "A" is in the closed position (figures 4A, 4B). The present invention is even more advantageous on sashes with a rear handle, because a possible uncontrolled rotation of the handle would occur outside the plane of the sash (i.e. transversely to the opening and closing direction "Y") and could thus hit a user who was located in zones bordering the window or door. Subsequently to the positioning of the containment body 20, the locking grub screws 52 are released and made to return into the respective guide holes 51 or are removed totally therefrom. In this situation, the thrust body 40 is free to slide along the prevalent direction of extension "X", and in particular is subjected to the thrust action exerted by the elastic contrasting means 30.

[0086] If the sash "A" is in the lowered position and the handle 402 is in the locked position, the carriages 300a, 300b are in the stopped position and are prevented from moving. Thus in this situation, the front carriage 300a acts as a lock on the extension of the elastic contrasting means 30 and thus on the extraction of the thrust body 40 (figures 3A, 4A, 5A). According to one aspect of the invention, the second end 40b is arranged to abut against an abutment element 302 connected to the front carriage 300a. Preferably, each carriage 300a, 300b is provided with the abutment element 302. In this manner, it is advantageously possible to adapt the carriages 300a, 300b and the kit 100 to any type of wing, i.e. both to sashes with a front handle (figures 5A, 5B), and to sashes with a rear handle (figures 4A, 4B). For example, it will be sufficient to overturn specularly the carriages 300a, 300b and kit 100 with respect to a middle axis of the sash "A".

[0087] At the moment of the opening of the sash "A", the handle 402 is taken from the locked position to the release position, causing movement of the control rod 403. By so doing, the carriages 300a, 300b slide from the stopped position to the sliding position and the respective cursor 301b slides in the tilted slot 301a causing lifting of the lifting element 301 and thus of the sash "A" (figures 3B, 4B, 5B). In this situation, the fixing bracket 10 is lifted together with the sash "A" and the shaped seat 12 prevents also the bar 200 being lifted together with the sash "A", misaligning with respect to the opening and closing direction "Y" of the sash "A".

[0088] In this situation, as the front carriage 300a is free to slide, the elastic contrasting means 30 no longer has any obstacle to extending and accordingly by extending thrusts the second end 40b of the thrust body 40 further away from the second end 20b of the containment body 20. Owing to the extension of the elastic contrasting means 30, the thrust body 40 is extracted so as to facilitate motion of the front carriage 300a, pushing the front carriage 300a to the position that corresponds to lifting of the sash "A" (figures 3B, 4B, 5B). In other words, as the elastic contrasting means 30 extends in the same movement direction as the carriages 300a, 300b to the lifting position of the wing, the elastic force is exploited by the thrust body 40 to contribute to sliding of the carriages 300a, 300b and thus to lifting of each lifting element 301 and the sash "A" associated therewith. Advantageously, also in the case of particularly heavy sashes "A", a user is thus able without excessive effort to take the sash "A" to the raised position, because the user is assisted by the thrust action exerted by the elastic contrasting means 30, by the thrust body 40, on the front carriage 300a. Once the sash "A" is taken to the raised position, it is free to slide along the lower guide "G" to move from the closed position to the open position and vice versa.

[0089] During the step of closing the sash "A", the handle 402 is rotated to the locked position and the carriages 300a, 300b are slid in an opposite direction to the preceding direction, i.e. to the stopped position to lower the sash "A" to the lower guide "G". During this movement, the front carriage 300a imposes a thrust action against the thrust body 40, tending to return the latter inside the containment body 20. In this situation, the elastic contrasting means 30 is compressed, opposing progressively elastic resistance to the insertion of the thrust body 40 within the containment body 20. In this manner, the elastic contrasting means 30 acts as an obstacle to the sliding of the front carriage 300a, thus actuating gradual and controlled lowering of the sash "A".

[0090] Once the sash "A" has reached the lowered position, the elastic contrasting means 30 is compressed, the thrust body 40 has re-entered at least partially into containment body 20 (preferably, the thrust body 40 reenters entirely the containment body 20), the lifting elements 301 of the carriages 300a, 300b are lowered and the handle 402 is rotated to prevent undesired and accidental opening of the sash "A".

[0091] The present invention achieves the proposed objects, eliminating the drawbacks that have emerged from the known art.

[0092] Above all, installing the kit 100 on the sash "A" enables a user to lower and lift the sash "A" in a controlled and simple manner also, and especially, if the sash "A" is particularly heavy.

[0093] Further, the controlled and weighted movement of each component of the sash "A" and of the kit 100 prevents the risk of sudden and undesired rotations of the handle 402 that are caused by undesired and sudden lowering of the sash.

[0094] A further advantage is that the kit 100 is retrofittable on pre-existing sashes "A", by simply fitting the fixing bracket 10 and the containment body 20 (together with the elastic contrasting means 30 and with the thrust body 40) on the connection bar 200 between the carriages 300a, 300b.

[0095] Advantageously, positioning the kit 100 between the carriages 300a, 300b permits better distribution of the loads deriving from the weight of the sash "A".

[0096] In a further embodiment that is not shown, the kit 100 could be installed at the back of the train of carriages 300a, 300b. For example, the kit 100 could be mounted at the back of the rear carriage 300b to act thereupon with a thrust.

[0097] In a further advantageous manner, the presence of the containment body 20 avoids damage to and twisting of the elastic contrasting means 30 during extension or contraction thereof. In the same manner, the fact that the interaction between the elastic contrasting means 30 and a carriage 300a, 300b occurs by the thrust body 40 preserves the elastic contrasting means 30 from further damage.

[0098] Advantageously, the presence of the locking means 50 makes the installation method easy and quick to implement because it frees an operator from having to maintain the thrust body 40 within the containment body 20 using tools provided or even manually.

[0099] In an additionally advantageous manner, the installation method of the kit 100 is simple, practical and fast, also in the event of retrofitting on pre-existing sashes "A" because there is only the need to fix the fixing bracket 10 to the receiving seat "S" of the sash "A" and to fit the containment body 20 to the connection bar 200.

Claims

1. A thrust compensation kit (100) for a sash (A) of a lift-and-slide window or door, comprising:

- a fixing bracket (10) that is stably applicable in a receiving seat (S) obtained on a lower cross member (T) of the sash (A) so as to be movable solidly to said sash (A) between a raised position and a lowered position, said fixing bracket (10) comprising an abutment projection (11);

- a containment body (20) insertable into the receiving seat (S) and hollow so as to house, in use, a connection bar (200) between movement carriages (300a, 300b) for moving said sash (A) in a configuration in which the connection bar (200) is parallel to a prevalent direction of extension (X) of the containment body (20), said containment body (20) having a first end (20a) configured to abut on said abutment projection (11) and a second end (20b), opposite the first end (20a) and having an access opening;

- an elastic contrasting means (30) extending in the containment body (20) starting from said first end (20a) and fittable, in use, around the connection bar (200), said elastic contrasting means (30) being compressible or extendible along the prevalent direction of extension (X) of the containment body (20);

- a thrust body (40) at least partially housed slidingly inside said containment body (20) and having a first end (40a) facing said elastic contrasting means (30) and a second end (40b), opposite the first end (40a) and configured to generate a thrust on one of said movement carriages (300a, 300b) for moving the sash (A), said thrust body (40) being slidable through said access opening between a retracted position, in which said elastic contrasting means (30) is compressed, and an extracted position, in which said elastic contrasting means (30) is at least partially extended, said thrust body (40) being hollow to enable, in use, a housing of the connection bar (200).

2. The kit according to claim 1, wherein the first end (40a) of the thrust body (40) is in contact with said elastic contrasting means (30).

3. The kit according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first end (20a) of the containment body (20) is defined by an end wall (21) that is perpendicular to the prevalent direction of extension (X) of the containment body (20), and wherein said end wall (21) acts as an abutment for an end of the elastic contrasting means (30).

4. The kit according to claim 3, wherein said end wall (21) is configured to be arranged in a sliding rest relation against the abutment projection (11) of the fixing bracket (10) so as to absorb, in use, the vertical misalignments due to the lifting of the sash (A).

5. The kit according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising locking means (50) configured to lock the thrust body (40) inside the containment body (20) in a preload configuration, in which the elastic contrasting means (30) is in a preset compression, preferably in a configuration of maximum compression corresponding to a maximum insertion configuration of the thrust body (40) into the containment body (20).

6. The kit according to claim 5, wherein said locking means (50) each comprise:

- at least one guide hole (51) obtained in said containment body (20) and extending transversely to said prevalent direction of extension (X);

- at least one corresponding locking grub screw (52) inserted into the guide hole (51) to engage the thrust body (40) and prevent the movement thereof along the prevalent direction of extension (X) in a locked configuration, the locking grub screw (52) being releasable to define an unlocked configuration in which a movement of the thrust body (40) along the prevalent direction of extension (X) is permitted.

7. The kit according to claim 6, wherein said thrust body (40) comprises at least one circumferential recess (41) configured to receive the respective locking grub screw (52) in the locked configuration.

8. The kit according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising at least one safety device, preferably a stop pin (15), positioned between the containment body (20) and the thrust body (40) to set a position of maximum extraction of the thrust body (40) from the containment body (20) under the action of the elastic contrasting means (30).

9. The kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fixing bracket (10) is substantially L-shaped and comprises a first portion (10a) extending parallel to the prevalent direction of extension (X) of the containment body (20), and a second portion (10b) transverse to the first portion (10a) and defining said abutment projection (11), and wherein the second portion (10b) of the fixing bracket (10) has a shaped recess (12) to receive, in use, the connection bar (200) between movement carriages, preferably the first portion (10a) having a greater length than said second portion (10b).

10. The kit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elastic contrasting means (30) is made in the form of a helical spring.

11. A sash (A) for a lift-and-slide window or door, comprising:

- a panel (P) made of a glass or transparent material;

- a frame (C) for said panel (P), said frame (C) comprising a cross member (T) in which a receiving seat (S) is obtained;

- a front carriage (300a) and a rear carriage (300b) inserted into said receiving seat (S) and opposed to one another, said carriages (300a, 300b) being configured to permit sliding of the sash (A) along an opening and closing direction (Y) of the window or door, each carriage (300a, 300b) comprising a lifting element (301) associated operationally with said carriage (300a, 300b) by cam means or a tilted and movable plane between a raised position and a lowered position such that a sliding movement of the carriage (300a, 300b) with respect to the lifting element (301) causes a raising and lowering of the lifting element (301) and thus of the sash (A);

- a connection bar (200) arranged to connect rigidly the carriages (300a, 300b) to achieve a simultaneous movement of the carriages (300a, 300b);

- manoeuvring means (400) connected to at least one of said carriages (300a, 300b) to perform a longitudinal movement of the carriages (300a, 300b);

- a kit (100) according to any one of the preceding claims installed on said connection bar (200) in a position interposed between said front carriage (300a) and said rear carriage (300b) and further arranged and/or configured so that said elastic contrasting means (30) exerts a thrust on one of the carriages (300a, 300b) contrasting a lowering movement of the sash (A).

12. The sash according to claim 11, wherein said second end (40b) of the thrust body (40) is arranged abutting against one of said carriages (300a, 300b) or against an abutment element (302) connected to one of said carriages (300a, 300b).

13. The sash according to claim 11 or 12, wherein said sash (A) comprises only one compensating kit (100) applied in a portion of the lower cross member (T) between said front carriage (300a) and said rear carriage (300b), preferably said manoeuvring means (400) comprises articulated traction and pushing levers (401) applied to one of said carriages (300a, 300b).

14. An installation method for installing a thrust compensation kit (100) on a sash (A) of a lift-and-slide window or door, comprising the steps of:

- setting up a kit (100) according to one or more of the preceding claims 1 to 10;

- connecting the fixing bracket (10) in a receiving seat (S) obtained on a lower cross member (T) of the sash (A) such that said bracket is movable solidly constrained to said sash (A);

- inserting said containment body (20), together with said elastic contrasting means (30) and with said thrust body (40), inside the receiving seat (S) such that the containment body (20), together with the elastic contrasting means (30) and with the thrust body (40), are fitted to a connection bar (200) of movement carriages (300a, 300b) of said sash (A).

15. The method according to claim 14, wherein at the end of this inserting step there is the sub-step of leaving the containment body (20), the elastic contrasting means (30) and the thrust body (40) suspended on the connection bar (200).

16. The method according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the steps of the method are implemented with reference to a pre-existing sash (A) so that said kit (100) is retrofitted to the sash (A).

Drawing