Compared to common roof windows with horizontal pivot axis, the said window construction is advanta- geous in the situations where the window is to be used as access to a roof, e. g. for craftsmen such as roofers and chimney sweepers, or as emergency exit in case of fire.

However, it is an inconvenience that production and stocking have to be made of windows which open to the one side and the other side, respectively, as de- mands are made for both kinds of window construction.

In general, this depends essentially on the position- ing of the chimney or chimneys in relation to the roof exit, but may be due to the fact that the window is to be mounted close to a roof edge or another win- dow, and the window must therefore be openable in a way that provides the possibility for a secure and

easy access to the roof.

An object of the invention is to provide a win- dow construction which does not have above inconven- ience and which at the same time is simple to con- struct and to mount.

With this object, the window construction ac- cording to the invention is characterized in that the second hinge portion is designed for releasable en- gagement with retaining means arranged at an optional frame member, at least two frame members being pro- vided with or prepared for such retaining means.

It is thus obtained that the window construc- tion in a simple way can be assembled as to open to either the one or the other side. Only one type of window is required resulting in substantial savings, as there is no need to produce and stock two types of windows, and the risk of faulty delivery regarding right-hinged and left-hinged window is eliminated.

Furthermore, it will be possible to modify the hinge axis of a mounted window, if it is subsequently found to be more appropriate.

According to an embodiment, the hinge or hinges are arranged between the sash and frame side members, permitting a relatively discreet construction as the window construction can be formed such that the hinge or hinges are hidden or essentially hidden in both the closed and open position of the window.

In an alternative embodiment, the hinge or hinges are arranged between respective top and bottom members of frame and sash, respectively, which per- mits a stronger hinge construction such that the hinge or hinges can support a relatively large and heavy window, in particular as the hinge portions can

extend far from the hinge axis.

In a further development of the window con- struction, the connection between the first hinge portion and the sash side member is also releasable, more sash members being provided with retaining means for said first hinge portion. Both the connection be- tween the second portion and the frame member and the connection between the first hinge portion and the sash member thus being made releasable, the exchange of the hinge axis from the one to the other frame and sash side can be effected without turning the sash, which is an advantage, e. g. if the window construc- tion is already mounted in the roof.

The window construction can further comprise a lifting device acting on the sash and being connected to a frame member, preferably releasably secured to a frame side member, thus facilitating the opening and closing of the window, as at least a part of the frame and pane weight is counterbalanced by the lift- ing force of the lifting device. Such a lifting de- vice contributes to maintaining the force required to be applied on the sash by the user to open the window at a moderate level such that physically weak or weakened persons are not prevented opening the win- dow. By securing the lifting device releasably to a frame side member, as described, it is still possible to easily change the hinge axis from being parallel with one frame side member to be parallel with the other frame side member.

The lifting device can e. g. be constituted by any appropriate kind of spring, such as a gas spring or a coil spring, however, in a particularly simple embodiment, the lifting device is a spring wire bent

essentially in a Y-shape which at its central leg is secured to a frame side member, and the two branches extend along the frame side member and are bent at the ends in order to in an unloaded position be di- rected essentially perpendicular outward from the plane of the frame. The ends of the spring wire abut on the sash and affect this in the opening direction, the spring wire functioning as a torsion spring with maximal spring force at closed window which decreases to zero at fully opened window. This lifting device is discreet, simple and inexpensive.

A particularly simple mounting of a lifting de- vice can be obtained in that the frame side members are provided with one or more retaining means for the lifting device. The frame side members being thus provided with retaining means, the lifting device is very easy to mount and very easy to move.

The frame comprises preferably means for torque transferring guidance of the lifting device, an ad- vantageous weather strip pressure being obtainable in the closed position of the window.

According to an embodiment, the window con- struction further comprises a linkage element ar- ranged between a frame member and a sash member, the linkage element being adapted for releasable connec- tion with frame and/or sash. The linkage element per- mits the window to be kept in an open position, and the releasable connection between the linkage element and the frame and/or the sash permits the linkage element to be disengaged in a simple manner, e. g. if the hinge axis is to be displaced to the other frame side member.

According to an embodiment, the window con-

struction is characterized in that the linkage ele- ment is an articulation, preferably a toggle joint, which is adapted for locking in the fully extended position of the articulation, corresponding to a maximal opening of the window. The window is thus prevented from being opened too much and thus damag- ing the hinges, the sash and/or the frame. At the same time, the locking effect assures that the window does not slam after being opened to the fully opened position. Since the window may thus be left in fully open position, there is no risk of e. g. the window slamming after a person has entered the roof.

Furthermore, the window construction can com- prise a control device connected to a sash member or a pane mounted in the sash, which device is adapted for cooperation with an engagement means mounted on the frame. The device can be a handle, an arm or a hasp providing the user with a good grip of the win- dow during the opening movement, and also can be used for locking of the window in closed position or re- taining of the window in a somewhat open ventilation position.

The window can comprise separate lifting device and linkage element, however, in a particularly sim- ple embodiment, the window construction is character- ized in that the linkage element also constitutes the lifting device. This can e. g. be obtained in that the lifting device is a gas spring provided with an ex- ternal case sliding outside the gas cylinder and in the fully opened position of the window abuts on the end of the gas cylinder and thus prevents compres- sion.

According to an aspect of the invention, the

window construction is characterized in the sash and the frame are arranged so that the sash may option- ally be connected to the frame for pivoting about an axis along one frame side member or the other frame side member, the sash and the frame being adapted for mutual connection or disconnection, together with possible connecting elements. This aspect assures a substantial saving when mounting the window which can be effected rapidly and efficiently, and in particu- lar the hinge axis can at the mounting or later optionally be arranged to extend along one or the other frame side member.

In the following, the invention will be de- scribed in more detail by means of an embodiment and with reference to the accompanying drawing, where Fig. 1 is a view obliquely from below of a win- dow construction according to the invention, Fig. 2 is a cross-section of the frame side member to which a sash side member is hingedly con- nected according to a first embodiment, Fig. 3 is a view from the side of the frame side member in Fig. 2, Fig. 4 is a view from above of the frame side member in Fig. 3, Fig. 5 is a view of a reception means for a hinge, Fig. 6 is enlarged view corresponding to fig.

2, Fig. 7 is a section of the opposite frame side member, Fig. 8 is a side view of the frame side member in Fig. 7, Fig. 9 is a part of a sash member,

Fig. 10 is a cross-section of the sash member corresponding to Fig. 9, Fig. 11 is a view corresponding to Fig. 9 with a mounted linkage element, Fig. 12 is a view of a portion of the frame and the sash with hinge connection according to a second embodiment of the invention, Fig. 13 is a view of a hinge connection accord- ing to the second embodiment comprising a linkage element, and Fig. 14 is a view of a hinge portion comprising guides for a lifting device.

Fig. 1 shows the window construction 1 ac- cording to the invention. The window construction comprises a frame 2 with a top frame member 3, a bottom frame member 4 and two frame side members 5,6 and a sash 7 with a top sash member, a bottom sash member 9 and two frame side members 10,11.

The referential number 16 indicates a linkage mecha- nism which, in the embodiment, is placed at the top frame member 3, which is preferred in the cases where the window must be usable as an exit. If the window is not to be used as an exit, it may be appro- priate to arrange the linkage mechanism 16 at the bottom frame member 4 as in particular with highly placed windows it may otherwise be difficult to reach the linkage mechanism 16 when this is necessary.

Fig. 2 illustrating a first embodiment of the invention shows a cross-section through the frame side member 6 and the sash side member 11 in a position where the frame is in its fully opened posi- tion. The frame side member 6 and the sash side member 11 are as shown connected by a hinge 12

with two hinge portions 13,14 of which the first hinge portion 13 is connected to the sash side mem- ber 11 and the second hinge portion 14 is con- nected to the frame side member 6. In the sash 7, a pane 17 is installed, and the figure also shows a lifting device 19 in the form of spring wire bent in such an angle that one leg extends along the frame side member 6 and one leg is pressed against the pane 17 or the sash 7. The spring wire may advan- tageously run in guides at the sash such that the spring wire can transfer torque to the sash such that the spring wire influences the sash with a weather strip pressure in the closed position of the window.

Correspondingly, Fig. 3 shows the frame side member 6 in a side view, the sash 7 being removed in order to show more clearly the lifting device 19.

As it appears, the lifting device 19 is a wire bent to a shape as an open Y where two branches project upward at the ends of the frame side member 6 to which the wire is kept in retaining means 22, whereas the rest of the wire extends along the frame side member 6 to which the wire, in the shown exam- ple is secured in the middle in a retaining means 21. A lifting device is thus obtained in a simple manner, the wire being in the closed position of the window twisted on the portion extending along the frame side member 6. In positions where the window is not fully open, the spring wire thus affects the sash in the opening direction. A counterbalance is thus obtained of the effect from gravity on the sash such that the window will be easier to open and cor- respondingly the lifting device counteracts that the window slams during closing.

In Fig. 4, the frame side member 6 is seen from above, and it can be seen that the spring wire extends along the frame side member 6.

A combined fitting for mounting on a frame side member, the fitting comprising retaining means 15 for a hinge portion 14 and a retaining means 22 for the spring wire constituting the lifting device 19, is seen in Fig. 5. The fitting can be secured to the frame side member by e. g. screws, rivets or adhe- sive.

It is observed that the hinges 12 in the shown embodiment of the window construction are con- nected to the frame 2 and the sash 7, respec- tively, in that the second portion 14 of each of e. g. two hinges is releasably connected to the re- taining means 15 on the frame side member 6, whereas the first hinge portion 13 is fixedly con- nected to the sash side member 11. Obviously, the sash side members 11 and 10 might instead or like- wise be provided with retaining means for the first hinge portion 13.

Fig. 6 is an enlargement of a cross-section through the frame side member 6 and the sash side member 11. Here, it is more clearly than in Fig. 2 how the hinge portion 14 is inserted in the retain- ing means 15, whereas the hinge portion 13 in this embodiment as mentioned in the above is fixedly con- nected to the sash side member 11. In this figure, the lifting device is not shown for the sake of clearness. In the shown example, the hinge portion 14 is an insertion hinge having a resilient flap which in a way not shown in detail enters in engage- ment with the upper edge on the retaining means 15

such that the hinge portion 14 cannot immediately be withdrawn from the retaining means 15. If the hinge portion is to be removed from the retaining means 15, the resilient flap must be bent away from the frame side member 6 such that the flap avoids the upper edge of the retaining means, which in most cases is feasible without use of tools. Assembling and separation may thus be effected rapidly and effi- ciently, and without tools which the assembler other- wise risks to forget or loose. Furthermore, it is an advantage of such insertion hinges that they create no perforation in the covering or frame side which could result in moisture penetration. If a particular protection against removal of the hinge portion 14 from the retaining means 15 is desired, e. g. a screw or the like may, however, be provided through the retaining means 15 and the hinge portion 14.

As an alternative to a insertion hinge, the retaining means can be threaded pins, above which the hinge portion 14 is mounted and fastened by means of a wing nut or the like. Vice verse, the retaining means can be a hole in the frame side member, in which a bolt or a screw can be screwed.

A cross-section through the second frame side member 5 and corresponding sash side member 10 is seen in Fig. 7 which also shows a control device 18 means for cooperation with a pin 20 on the frame side member 5. In the illustration, the window is shown in a slightly open ventilation position. In the preferred embodiment, the control device 18 is fix- edly connected to the pane 17 and/or the sash side member 10, e. g. by adhesion and riveting. In the figure, the control device 18 is shown as a flat

strip, however, the control device 18 can obviously be preferably provided with a more or less ergonomic handle such that the user is sure to get a good grip on the control device 18. Thus, it will also be ob- vious that the control device 18 can comprise sev- eral parts, such as a first metal strip connected to sash and/or pane and hingedly connected to the second metal strip hingedly connected to an arm. The double arrow indicates that the control device 18 is hinged so that it can be moved from or against the frame side member 5, in order to assure that the control device 18 can be moved for engagement with or out of engagement with the pin 20, the control device 18 being provided with one or more not shown holes for engagement with the pin 20.

An illustration seen from the clearance of the frame towards the frame side member 5 is shown in fig. 8. In the figure, the control device 18 is seen with said holes for engagement with the pin 20 which is in this figure covered by the device. As in- dicated with double arrows, the control device 18 can be hinged in order to be pivoted to a position essentially parallel to the frame side member 5. The control device 18 can at the hinge axis appropri- ately be provided with an oblong hole which, in the closed position of the window abuts eccentrically on the portion of the hole opposite the sash and far- thest away from the centre axis, and when turning the control device 18, it is obtained that the sash 7 is drawn toward the frame 2 because the pin is drawn closer to the centre axis of the hole. Of course, the kinematically opposite situation is also possible where one or more pins are provided on the

control device and a hole is provided in the frame 2.

Figs. 9,10 and 11 are illustrations of a part of the top sash member 8 at the position where a possible linkage mechanism 16 is secured to the sash member 8. Fig. 9 is an ill-tration from the interior side of the sash where it is seen that in the edge of the sash member 8, a semicircular cut is provided, and a mounted spring plate 23 is indi- cated, which is more easy to see in combination with Fig. 10. Fig 10 is cross-section through the sash member 8, and it can be seen that the spring plate 23 comprises an upright flap 24. Finally, Fig. 11 shows how the linkage element 16 can be connected to the top sash member 8, the linkage element 16 being hingedly connected to a shoe which, in the mounted position is retained by the cut against dis- placement along the sash member 8, is retained against displacement away from the cut of the upright flap 24 of the spring plate 23, and at the same time is retained by the bent edge of the sash side member 8.

Even though the linkage element in the shown embodiment is connected to the top sash member, it is possible to move the connecting point from the top sash member to the bottom sash member, just as it will be possible to place the connection at one or the other sash side member.

An appreciable aspect of the invention is that the window construction before, during or after the installation in a roof construction can be changed from having a hinge axis along one side edge to have a hinge axis along another side edge. In the shown

embodiment, it may in practice be effected in the way that the window is opened and a possible linkage mechanism 16 is released form the top sash member 8 by the flap being pressed down and the shoe of the linkage mechanism being withdrawn from the bent edge of the sash member. In the fully open position of the window, the hinge portions 14 are released from the retainers 15, such that the sash 7 can be removed from the frame 2. If a lifting device 19 has been mounted, it is removed at the same time from the frame side member 6 by withdrawal of the spring wire out of engagement with the retainers 21 and 22 on the frame side member 6. Subsequently, the lift- ing device is mounted in corresponding retainers on the opposite frame side member 5. The sash with de- vice 18 is turned 180° and the hinge portions 14 are inserted in retainers 15 on the frame side mem- ber 5. Now only remains to connect the linkage mechanism 16 to the sash member 9 which is now the top sash part and to displace the possible pin 20 from the frame side member 5 to the opposite frame side member 6. If the hinge portions 14 are releasably connected to both the frame side member 6 and the sash side member 11, the hinge portions can released from both members and inserted in the re- tainers 15 on the opposite frame side member 5 and not-shown retainers on the opposite sash side member 10, as it is thus unnecessary to turn the sash 180°. In this case it is not necessary to dis- place the linkage mechanism, however, it will often be necessary to displace the control device 8 and the engagement means 19. As it appears, the hinge axis can be changed without using tools, which elimi-

nates the risk that the installer has forgotten, mis- laid or lost mounting means or tools, and the incon- veniences and dangers involved.

Another embodiment is shown in Fig. 12 which for the sake of clarity shows the second hinge por- tion 14 separated from the frame member 3. The figure shows a portion of the top frame member 3 with retaining means 15 in the form of pins which can appropriately be provided with a head. A first hinge portion 13 is secured to a top sash member 8 and hingedly connected to a second hinge portion 14.

The second hinge portion 14 is provided with cut- outs 15a for reception of the retaining means 15.

The engagement between the hinge portion 14 and the frame portion 3 can in a way not shown in detail be self-locking, e. g. in that the hinge portion 14 or the frame member 3 are provided with a resilient flap permitting displacement of the hinge portion 14 to the mounting position, but preventing displacement of the hinge portion away from the mounting position.

As an alternative or a supplement, the hinge portion 14 can as indicated be fixed to the frame member 3 by means of e. g. a screw or a bolt (not-shown) via a hole 25 in the hinge portion 14 and a correspond- ing hole 26 in the frame member 3 where the hole 26 might be provided with a thread.

As shown in fig. 13, the hinge construction ac- cording to this embodiment can be combined with a linkage element 16, such that the two hinge portions 13,14 are connected via e. g. a toggle mechanism comprising a first member 27 and a second member 28, as shown. The hinge 12 and the linkage element 16 can thus be a unit construction delivered assem-

bled, which besides the obvious advantage that only one part is to be fixed to frame and sash, has also the advantage that the mounting of the sash to the frame is facilitated, the second hinge portion 14 being retained in relation to the sash and further the linkage element preventing sash from being over- turned during mounting, which reduces the risk of damaging the frame, sash and hinges during mounting.

By the shown shape of the second hinge portion 14, the mounting of the sash can be effected in a simple manner as the cut-out 15a on the outer end of the hinge portion is placed above the corresponding pin 15 on the frame, and the hinge portion 14 is tilted downward for engagement between the second cut-out 15a and the second pin 15, this engagement assuring against further turning in this direction.

Combined with the linkage element 16, the hinge con- struction can in the shown position receive the loads and torque from the sash caused by the mass hereof, such that the sash is in balance and in this posi- tion, the hinge portion can therefore without diffi- culties be fixed, e. g. by means of a screw or a bolt, as mentioned above.

With reference to Fig. 14, the hinge portion 13 can appropriately be provided with guides 29 for a spring wire constituting the lifting device. It is thus obtained that the force from the lifting de- vice is received by the hinge portion, the pane, its securing, and weather strips between pane and sash etc. being more or less relieved from this force. The pane can e. g. be secured to the sash by means of a silicone mass which can be sensitive to compressive stress. The guides 29 for the spring wire permet

further that the spring wire can transfer a torque to the hinge portion 13 and thus to the sash, such that the sash in closed position can be subjected to a torque which affects the sash in the closing direc- tion in order to increase the weather strip pressure between the sash/pane and the frame.

It is obvious that in the window construction, a combination can be used of one or more hinges at side members of the construction and one or more hinges at top and/or bottom members of the construc- tion.

Furthermore, one or two linkage elements can be used, preferably mounted between top frame and sash members. If a linkage element is mounted between bot- tom frame and sash members, it is preferred that the element is mounted as close to the hinge axis as pos- sible in order to assure least possible reduction of the exit for a person entering and leaving through the window.

It is to be understood that the frame of the window construction can e. g. be produced by pressing or deep drawing from a metal sheet which also consti- tutes a flashing. The frame can thus consist of pressed up edges of the metal sheet, such that the frame is not constructed by e. g. wooden parts to form a separate unit, as window constructions have conven- tionally been constructed. Such a frame can addition- ally be provided with e. g. insulating materials and/or wooden panels or the like for insulation and/or for aesthetic reasons.

Furthermore, it should be noted that the re- taining means do not necessarily have to be provided on a frame member as the retaining means can be ar-

ranged on or at the flashing at a distance from the frame.

The window construction is preferably for in- stallation in a pitched roof, but can further be used in a façade or another construction part. The expres- sion window construction is to be understood widely, as the window is not necessarily provided with a pane, but e. g. instead of a plate, such as a hatch or a door.