AU2003261480B1

AU2003261480B1 - Blade Member for an Awning or Louvre System

Info

Publication number: AU2003261480B1
Application number: AU2003261480A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Alan Brownbill
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2003-11-06
Filing date: 2003-11-06
Publication date: 2004-04-22
Anticipated expiration: 2023-11-06

Description

BLADE MEMBER FOR AN AWNING OR LOUVRE SYSTEM Field of the Invention The present invention relates to blade members for awnings or louvre systems and in particular to blade members adapted to provide increased protection from inclement weather conditions while minimizing damage to the blade members.

Background Art Blade members for awnings, louvre systems and the like are well known, and widely commercially available.

Various window treatments are utilized both in residential and commercial business applications. Prior art devices include louvres for mounting in the wall of a building or other enclosures to permit ventilating air from the outside to enter such building or enclosure. Louvres can be manufactured to accommodate window openings of various sizes and shapes. The blades are conventionally made of wood, light metal or plastic in order to reduce weight and are assembled in a highly labour intensive operation. During or after fabrication, most louvres are stained or painted. A functional advantage of louvres is that the blades can be adjusted to regulate the desired light level and also serves to deflect sunlight, rain or hailstones and also reduce glare.

Most louvre assemblies have a vertical series of spaced apart blades which are upwardly inclined in the direction of flow and which are supported and retained in position by a generally rectangular frame. The configuration of the blades, coupled with the inclination thereof, substantially blocks the flow of rain or hail droplets through the louvre and drains the blocked rain. The blades of these louvre assemblies are exposed to damage during storms, particularly from hail or falling debris. This damage is generally due to impacts with hailstones or the like.

If the louvres are of the adjustable type, the louvres are mounted on dowels which are inserted in cooperating bores spaced along the edges of the stiles.

While, as indicated above, louvres are widely accepted, there nevertheless exists a need for a louvre of an improved construction which provides improved damage resistance as a result of environmental exposure particularly to hailstones and other flying debris during storms.

In order to maintain an increasing demand for louvred window covering assemblies, the industry is also constantly seeking new ways to enhance the decorative appearance of louvre blade members in a cost-effective manner. In the past, various fabrics have been laminated to plain polyvinyl chloride blades to dress them up and match the design or colouring of a house or building exterior. Other methods have included embossing or powder coating the exterior surfaces of louvre blades to create a decorative pattern thereon. These methods include the step of embossing the surface of an extruded slat or profile formed of a thermoplastic material as well as embossing a non-woven polyester web which has been impregnated with a pigmented thermoplastic resin composition. Alternative methods include applying a printed ink design or pattern to one or more surfaces of a thermoplastic louvre blade member using a heat transfer method, wherein a printed design on a transfer sheet is released onto the surface of the thermoplastic louvre vane.

However, the heat transferring method, requiring the use of heat transfer paper, is expensive and produces a great deal of waste. The production of decorative louvre blades using the heat transfer method requires buying large quantities of heat transfer paper having printed designs thereon from a supplier. The cost of the paper is considerably expensive and is limited to available designs. In order to produce custom designs, manufacturers of louvre blades must commit to large quantities from transfer paper suppliers, rendering the process even more expensive, especially if the designs do not sell very well.

Accordingly, there still exists a need in the window covering industry for a less expensive method of applying a decorative addition directly to the exterior surface or surfaces of louvre blades for use as vertical blinds, venetian blinds, miniblinds and the like, in order to satisfy the user's desires for more colourful and varied designs of louvers and awnings.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Summary of the Invention The present invention is directed to a blade member for an awning or louvre system, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

In one form, the invention resides in a blade member for an awning or louvre system, the blade member having at least one shaped portion extending at least partially along the length of the member, the shaped portion adapted to be removably engageable with a correspondingly-shaped engaging portion on a cover member.

While the blade member has been described with reference to an awning or louvre blade assembly, it may be appreciated that the blade member of the present invention may be adapted for use in a variety of other interior and/or exterior uses such as in blinds for protecting windows (internal or external) or slatted coverings of any type. For example, a plurality of blade members may be used in a pergola roof covering, which may be pivotable between the open and closed positions.

Louvre assemblies have also been described in which the blade members are oriented substantially horizontally, but it is anticipated that the blade members according to the present invention may be used in louvre assemblies in which the blade members are oriented substantially vertically, or even angled.

The blade member is typically formed of a light but strong metal such as aluminium (but can be made of other material such as plastics or glass) and are generally rectangular when viewed in plan. The blade member has a longitudinal dimension (length), a transverse dimension (width) and a depth (thickness). Suitably, the blade will be longer than it is wide or thick. The blade member can have a length of anywhere between 10 to 120cm, a width of between 3 to 40cm, and a thickness of between 4 to A louvre window assembly is generally manufactured comprising a surround frame formed from frame portions, and a plurality of louvre blades pivotally connected relative to the surround frame. It is usual for the blades to be supported by end clips, one end clip positioned at either end of each blade. One end clip is pivotally attached to one side frame portion and the other end clip is pivotally attached to the other side frame portion. It is normal for the end clips on one side frame portion to be functionally attached together such that all the end clips can be rotated by a louvre operating mechanism. The end clips on the other side frame portion can usually pivot independently.

In order to reduce water penetration through a louvre window, the blades are in an overlapping configuration when closed, which means that a longitudinal edge of a first blade overlaps the upper longitudinal edge of an adjacent louvre blade. It is also known to have end clips configured to seal against each other to minimise water penetration through the end clips.

Awnings manufactured have a similar overall configuration. They also include a plurality of blade members located relative to a frame. Pivotable awning blade members are known and the blade members according to the invention may be used in either a fixed or pivotable configuration.

In another broad form, the invention resides in a blade member for an awning or louvre system, the blade member adapted to be removably engageable with a separate cover member.

In another form, the invention resides in a blade member for an awning or louvre system, the blade member having at least one shaped portion extending at least partially along the length of the member, and an elongate cover member to cover at least a portion of the elongate member, the cover member having at least one shaped portion corresponding to the shaped portion on the blade member to removably engage the shaped portion on the blade member to secure the cover member relative to the blade member.

In yet another form, the invention resides in an awning, louvre assembly or other shielding assembly comprising a surround frame, and a plurality of blade members mounted relative to the surround frame, each blade member having at least one shaped portion extending at least partially along the length of the member, and an elongate cover member to cover at least a portion of the elongate member, the cover member having at least one shaped portion corresponding to the shaped portion on the blade member to removably engage the shaped portion on the blade member to secure the cover member relative to the blade member.

The blade member may be substantially rigid, and as such may be adapted for use as part of a security louvre or awning.

The blade member will typically be an elongate member which may be solid but will preferably be substantially hollow. The blade member will generally have a constant cross-sectional shape along its length. Three cross-sectional shapes are particularly preferred, namely a fusiform or foil shaped cross-section, an oval or capsule cross-section and a U-shaped or C-shaped cross-section, but other shapes may be used.

The fusiform or foil shaped cross-section may typically comprise a pair of arcuate, longitudinally extending sidewalls joined or linked to one other at two edges of the blade member.

The oval or capsule cross-sectional shaped blade member may typically comprise a pair of arcuate edge portions joining a pair of substantially planar, longitudinally extending, spaced apart sidewalls.

The U-shaped or C-shaped cross-sectional shaped blade member may typically comprise a pair of arcuate edge portions joined by a substantially planar longitudinally extending sidewall.

Each of the different cross-sectionally shaped blade members may have a peripheral wall defining the blade cross-section and also defining a longitudinal opening through the blade. The peripheral wall may also define an outer plane of the blade member. The blade member may further comprise one or more internal bracing walls. Preferably, there may be a single centrally disposed bracing wall extending between and linked to the side walls of the blade member. The bracing wall may act to assist the blade member with the resistance of torsional or twisting forces.

The shaped portion of the blade member may preferably be an opening or a channel. Suitably the opening or channel may be oriented longitudinally along at least one of the side walls of the blade member. At least one, and preferably both of the edge portions may also have a shaped portion being an opening or a channel extending longitudinally along the edge portion. Suitably, the opening or channel may extend into the hollow interior of the blade.

The opening or channel in the blade member may suitably be shaped to converge as the opening extends from the interior of the blade towards the outer plane of the peripheral wall. This may allow the opening to engage and secure a correspondingly shaped portion of the cover member therein.

Typically, the blade member may have three different types of shaped portions, each differing in configuration and position on the blade member. A first type of shaped portion may suitably be a channel portion. This channel portion may extend longitudinally, be located in a sidewall of the blade member and may be of the converging type as detailed previously.

A second type of shaped portion may be a guide opening on at least one and preferably both edge portions. The guide opening may suitably be a groove or the like and may be provided to assist in the positioning and security of the cover member relative to the blade member.

A third type of shaped portion may be a rebate portion. Suitably, more than one rebate portion may be provided. The rebate may be provided to receive a part of the cover member and to provide a means to ensure a flush fit between the cover member and the blade member. The rebate portions will suitably be positioned on or adjacent the edge portions of the blade member.

The shaped portions will preferably extend over the length of the blade member or may be provided in a plurality of spaced apart sections over the length of the blade member.

The cover member may suitably be provided as a protective or decorative portion. The cover member may be available in a number of different colours and finishes, and may be adapted for aesthetic reasons.

Suitably, the cover member will be a vinyl or plastic extruded member which may be cut to length to match the length of the blade member to which it will be attached. The cover member may suitably be at least slightly resilient and may provide a cushioning effect against impacts to the blade member.

The cover member will generally be shaped to correspond to the crosssectional shape of the blade member to which it is associated. The cover member may not extend completely about the blade member, but instead be substantially C-shaped to cover a sidewall that may be positioned towards the elements and at least part of at least one, but preferably both edge portions.

The cover member may suitably extend over the length of the blade member and is suitably slidably engageable with the blade member. The cover member may be at least 0.5mm in thickness.

The cover member may possess more than one shaped portion to correspond with the shaped portion(s) on the blade member to which it will be fitted.

As stated above, the blade member may have at least one shaped portion and the cover member will be correspondingly designed to associate with the blade member.

The correspondingly shaped portions provided on the blade member and the cover member may preferably be configured as one or more openings or channels on the blade member, and one or more correspondingly shaped protrusions on the cover portion. It is anticipated that the reverse configuration may be used or a combination configuration where the blade member may have at least one opening or channel and at least one protrusion to engage with corresponding openings or channels and protrusions on the cover member.

The cover member may be provided with at least one flap or flange portion extending at least partially about at least one, but preferably both edge portions of the blade member. These flap or flange portions preferably engage with the rebate portions on the blade member.

Where a plurality of blade members are provided in an awning, louvre assembly or other shielding assembly, the blade members may be fixed or pivotable.

If pivotable, then suitably a means to pivot all or at least some of the blade members will be provided. This means may be mechanical or may be a handle or the like.

Means to pivot or control the position of the louvres are well known in the art and any type may be used.

Brief Description of the Drawings Various embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an exploded perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective view of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 3 is an exploded perspective view of a third preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Detailed Description of the Invention According to an aspect of the invention, a blade member 10 for an awning or louvre system is provided.

The blade member 10 has at least one shaped portion extending at least partially along the length of the member adapted to removably engage a correspondingly-shaped engaging portion on a cover member 11. In the following description, the invention is described with reference to the blade member with the cover member fitted to it unless otherwise indicated.

The Figures illustrate three cross-sectional shapes of blade member which are particularly preferred, namely a foil shaped cross-section (Figure an oval or capsule cross-section (Figure 2) and a U-shaped or C-shaped cross-section (Figure 3).

The foil shaped cross-section comprises a pair of arcuate, longitudinally extending sidewalls 12 joined or linked to one other at two edges 13 of the blade member The Oval or capsule cross-sectional shaped blade member comprises a pair of arcuate edge portions 14 joining a pair of substantially planar, longitudinally extending, spaced apart sidewalls The U-shaped or C-shaped cross-sectional shaped blade member comprises a pair of arcuate edge portions 14 joined by a substantially planar longitudinally extending sidewall The blade member is typically formed of a light but strong metal such as aluminium and is generally rectangular when viewed in plan. The blade is much longer than it is wide or thick. The blades can have a length of anywhere between to 120cm, a width of between 3 to 40cm, and a thickness of between 4 to A louvre window assembly (not shown) is generally manufactured comprising a surround frame formed from frame portions, and a plurality of louvre blade members 10 pivotally connected relative to the surround frame.

Awnings manufactured have a similar overall configuration. They also include a plurality of blade members 10 located relative to a frame.

In another aspect, the invention resides in a blade member for an awning or louvre system, the blade member having at least one shaped portion extending at least partially along the length of the member, and an elongate cover member to cover at least a portion of the elongate member, the cover member having at least one shaped portion corresponding to the shaped portion on the blade member to removably engage the shaped portion on the blade member to secure the cover member relative to the blade member.

The blade member 10 is substantially rigid, and as such may be adapted for use as part of a security louvre or awning.

The blade member 10 is an elongate member which is substantially hollow. The blade member 10 will generally have a constant cross-sectional shape along its length, generally according to one of the embodiments illustrated in the Figures.

Each of the different cross-sectionally shaped blade members 10 have a peripheral wall 16 defining the blade cross-section and also defining a longitudinal opening 17 through the blade. The peripheral wall also defines an outer plane of the blade member 10. The blade member illustrated in Figure 1 has an internal, centrally disposed bracing walt 18 extending between and linked to the side walls 15 of the blade member The shaped portion of the blade member as shown in the illustrations, comprises a main opening or a channel 19. The opening or channel 19 is oriented longitudinally along the side wall 15 of the blade member 10. At least one, and preferably both of the edge portions 14 also have a shaped portion being a guide opening or channel 20 extending longitudinally along the edge portion 14. The opening or channel extends into the hollow interior 17 of the blade.

The main opening or channel 19 in the blade member 10 is shaped to converge as the opening 19 extends from the interior of the blade towards the exterior plane of the peripheral wall. This allows the opening to engage and secure a correspondingly shaped portion of the cover member 11 therein.

The blade member as illustrated 10 has three different types of shaped portions, each differing in configuration and position on the blade member 10. A first type of shaped portion is the main channel 19. This channel 19 extends longitudinally, is located in a sidewall 15 of the blade member 10 and is of the converging type as detailed previously.

A second type of shaped portion may be a guide opening 20 on each edge portions 14. The guide opening 20 is a groove or the like and is provided to assist in the positioning and security of the cover member 11 to the blade member A third type of shaped portion is a rebate portion 21. There is a rebated portion 21 adjacent or on each edge portion 14. The rebate 21 receives a part of the cover member 11 and provides a means to ensure a flush fit between the cover member 11 and the blade member The shaped portions each extend over the length of the blade member.

The cover member 11 is provided for protective or decorative embellishment of the blade member 10. The cover member 11 is available in a number of different colours and finishes, and is adapted for aesthetical reasons.

The cover member 11 is a vinyl or plastic extruded member which can be cut to length to match the length of the blade member 10 to which it will be attached. The cover member 11 is resilient and may provide a cushioning effect against impacts to the blade member The cover member 11 corresponds in shape to the cross-sectional shape of the blade member 10 to which it is associated. The cover member 11 is substantially C-shaped to cover a sidewall 15 of the blade member 10 that is positioned towards the elements and at least part of at least one, but preferably both edge portions 14.

The cover member 11 extends over the length of the blade member and is slidably engageable with the blade member. The cover member will be at least in thickness.

The cover member 11 has more than one shaped portion to correspond with the shaped portions on the blade member 10 to which it will be fitted.

In the embodiments illustrated, the correspondingly shaped portions provided on the blade member 10 and the cover member 11 are configured as one or more openings or channels on the blade member 10 and one or more correspondingly shaped protrusions 22 on the cover portion 11. It is anticipated that the reverse configuration may be used or a combination configuration where the blade member may have at least one opening or channel and at least one protrusion to engage with corresponding openings or channels and protrusions on the cover member.

The cover member 11 also has at least one flap or flange portion 23 extending at least partially about at least one, but preferably both edge portions 14 of the blade member 10 when the cover member 11 is fitted to the blade member These flap or flange portions 23 engage with the rebated portions 21 on the blade member In the present specification and claims, the word "comprising" and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an 11 embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. A blade member for an awning or louvre system, the blade member having at least one shaped portion extending at least partially along the length of the member, the shaped portion adapted to removably engage a correspondingly-shaped engaging portion on a cover member.

2. A blade member for an awning or louvre system, the blade member having at least one shaped portion extending at least partially along the length of the member, and an elongate cover member to cover at least a portion of the elongate member, the cover member having at least one shaped portion corresponding to the shaped portion on the blade member to removably engage the at least one shaped portion on the blade member to secure the cover member relative to the blade member.

3. A blade member according to either one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the blade member is substantially rigid, and as such is adapted for use as part of a security louvre or awning.

4. A blade member according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the blade member is foil shaped in cross section comprising a pair of arcuate, longitudinally extending sidewalls joined or linked by at least one edge of the blade member.

A blade member according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the blade member is oval or capsule shaped in cross-section comprising a pair of arcuate edge portions joining a pair of substantially planar, longitudinally extending, spaced apart sidewalls.

6. A blade member according to any one of claims 1 to 3 wherein the blade member is U-shaped or C-shaped in cross-section comprising a pair of arcuate edge portions joined by a substantially planar longitudinally extending sidewall.

7. A blade member according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the blade member has a peripheral wall defining the blade member cross-section and also defining a longitudinal opening through the blade member.

8. A blade member according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the blade member further comprises one or more internal bracing walls.

9. A blade member according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the shaped portion of the blade member comprises an opening or a channel.

A blade member according to claim 9 wherein there is at least one opening or channel oriented longitudinally along a side wall of the blade member.

11. A blade member according to claim 10 further comprising at least one opening or a channel extending longitudinally along an edge portion of the blade member.

12. A blade member according to either one of claim 9 or 10 wherein at least one opening or channel has a converging portion.

13. A blade member according to any one of claims 9 to 12 further comprising a rebate portion to receive a part of a cover member and to provide a means to ensure a flush fit between the cover member and the blade member.

14. A blade member according to claim 2 wherein the cover member is a plastic extruded member which may be cut to length to match the length of the blade member to which it will be attached.

A blade member according to either one of claims 2 or 14 wherein the cover member is shaped to correspond to the cross-sectional shape of the blade member with which it is associated.

16. A blade member according to claim 15 wherein the cover member is substantially C-shaped to partially cover the blade member.

17. A blade member according to any one of claims 2, or 14 to 16 wherein the cover member is slidably engageable with the blade member.

18. A blade member according to any one of claims 2, or 14 to 17 wherein the cover member is provided with at least one shaped portion to correspond with the shaped portion(s) on the blade member to which it will be fitted.

19. A blade member according to any one of claims 2, or 14 to 18 wherein the correspondingly shaped portion provided on the blade member and the cover member are configured as one or more openings or channels on the blade member and one or more correspondingly shaped protrusions on the cover portion.

A blade member according to any one of claims 2, or 14 to 18 wherein the correspondingly shaped portion provided on the blade member and the cover member are configured as one or more protrusions on the blade member and one or more correspondingly shaped openings or channels on the cover portion.

21. A blade member according to any one of claims 2, or 14 to 20 wherein the cover member is provided with at least one flap or flange portion extending at least partially about at least one edge portion of the blade member.

22. An awning, louvre assembly or other shielding assembly comprising a surround frame, and a plurality of blade members mounted relative to the surround frame, each blade member having at least one shaped portion extending at least partially along the length of the member, and an elongate cover member to cover at least a portion of the elongate member, the cover member having at least one shaped portion corresponding to the shaped portion on the blade member to removably engage the shaped portion on the blade member to secure the cover member relative to the blade member.

23. An awning, louvre assembly or other shielding assembly according to claim 22 wherein at least some of the blade members are pivotally mounted relative to the surround frame.

24. A blade member for an awning or louvre system, the blade member adapted to be removably engageable with a separate cover member. A blade member substantially as described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings. Dated the 6 h day of November 2003 Alan BROWNBILL By his Patent attorneys CULLEN CO