AU2011201877B2 - An improved track guided blind system - Google Patents

Abstract

This invention relates to a track guided blind system comprising a sheet of blind material, a guide track extending along at least a side of the sheet of blind material, and a mounting means for the or 5 each guide track, where each guide track is locatable with respect to its respective mounting means so as to be pivotally rotatable about at least an axis substantially parallel to a direction of elongation of the guide track, 36 34b 36b 32 34a 34c 34 w FigI 202 200 8 202 200 14 14 200 36a 36a 36 36a £36 S36b 3b Fig 2 Fig 3

Description

Regulation 3.2 AUSTRALIA PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT ORIGINAL Name of Applicant: Slidetrack Blinds Pty Ltd Actual Inventor: Brian Lionel Zwar Address for Service: C/- MADDERNS, GPO Box 2752, Adelaide, South Australia, Australia Invention title: AN IMPROVED TRACK GUIDED BLIND SYSTEM The following statement is a full description of this invention, including the best method of performing it known to us.

2 AN IMPROVED TRACK GUIDED BLIND SYSTEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to a track guided blind system. 5 PRIORITY This patent application claims priority from: Australian Provisional Patent Application 2010901842, titled "AN IMPROVED TRACK GUIDED 0 BLIND SYSTEM", and filed on 30 April 2010. The entire content of this application is hereby incorporated by reference. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 5 This invention relates to track guided blind (or awning) systems of the type suitable for use as window and/or veranda blinds, clear blinds, sunshades, retractable awnings and the like, although the invention need not be necessarily limited to these applications. The applicant has previously devised of a track guided blind system of this type, where this was the 0 subject of Australian Patent Application 2009212839, titled "Track Guided Blind System", the full content of which should be considered incorporated herein by way of reference. The track for track guided blind systems of the prior art should be fixed to or relative to a supporting surface that is perpendicular to the plane in which the blind extends. It follows then that these systems 25 cannot be employed where the supporting surfaces are not so ideally oriented, as the blind may jam or the installation may otherwise look unsightly. It is an object of the invention therefore to provide a track guided blind system that ameliorates one or more of the above stated difficulties, or which at the least provides a useful alternative to track guided 30 blind systems of the prior art. Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description, taken in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein, by way of illustration and example, an embodiment of the present invention is disclosed. 35 SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 3 In one aspect of this invention there is proposed a track guided blind system comprising a sheet of blind material, a guide track extending along at least a side of the sheet of blind material, and a mounting means for the or each guide track, where each guide track is locatable with respect to its respective mounting means so as to be pivotally rotatable about at least an axis substantially parallel to 5 a direction of elongation of the guide track. For the purpose of this specification the term "blind material" is intended to include any material which may be used to form a blind, including, but not limited to materials such as fabrics, canvas, PVC etc. This blind material may be light blocking or at least partially light transmitting as the 0 intended application dictates. In one form, the sheet of blind material is secured to a roller at or toward a proximal end and a drawbar at or toward a distal end, and each guide track defines a first channel in which an end of the drawbar runs, and a second channel in which at least a portion of the mounting means for the guide 5 track may be located. In one form, the second channel comprises a concave and arcuate portion for receiving a convex and arcuate portion of the mounting means. !0 In one form, each mounting means comprises at least a base portion securable to a supporting surface and an intermediate portion that locates the guide track relative to the base portion, and where the intermediate portion is located with respect to the base portion so as to be pivotally rotatable about at least an axis substantially parallel to a direction of elongation of the guide track. 25 In one form, at least a portion of the intermediate portion of the mounting means is located in the second channel of the guide track, In an alternative, the guide track locates in a channel defined by the intermediate portion. That is to say, in one form, the sheet of blind material is secured to a roller at or toward a proximal end 30 and a drawbar at or toward a distal end and each guide track defines a first channel in which an end of the drawbar runs, and an insertion portion over which a receiving portion of the mounting means for the guide track may be located. In one form, the intermediate portion defines a concave and arcuate channel for receiving a convex 35 and arcuate portion of the base portion of the mounting means.

4 In one form, in an alternative, the base portion defines a concave and arcuate channel for receiving a convex and arcuate portion of the intermediate portion of the track mount. In one form, the or each base portion is of constant cross section along its length. 5 In one form, the or each intermediate portion is of constant cross section along its length. In one form, the or each guide track is of constant cross section along its length. 0 In one form, the first channel of the guide track further includes a longitudinally extending slot opening into a longitudinally extending cavity, wherein each of the side edges of the sheet of blind material are adapted to be retained in a respective longitudinal cavity. In one form, in an alternative, each mounting means is a unitary component of constant cross section .5 along its length. In one form, in an alternative, the mounting means defines a concave and arcuate channel for receiving a convex and arcuate portion of the guide track. O In a further aspect of this invention there is proposed a method of mounting a track guided blind according to any one of the preceding claims, the method including the steps of fixing the mounting means and supports for the roller to a support structure, locating the guide tracks relative to the mounting means, pivotally adjusting the guide tracks to achieve optimal alignment and tension, and then fixing the guide tracks in position relative to the mounting means. 25 In a further aspect of this invention there is proposed a mounting arrangement for a blind comprising a guide track extending along a side of the blind, and a mounting means for each guide track, both the guide track and mounting means being cooperatively adapted to permit pivotal adjustment the guide track relative to the mounting means. 30 In this respect, before explaining at least one embodiment of the invention in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and to the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawing. 35 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS For a better understanding of this disclosure it will now be described with respect to an exemplary embodiment which shall be described herein with the assistance of drawings wherein: 5 Figures 1, 2 and 3 are cross-sectional views through the guide tracks and mounting means of a track guided blind assembly according to a first exemplary embodiment; 5 Figures 4, 5 and 6 are cross-sectional views through the guide tracks and mounting means of a track guided blind assembly according to a second exemplary embodiment; and Figure 7 is a cross-sectional view through the guide track and mounting means of a track guided blind assembly according to a third exemplary embodiment. 0 In the following description, like reference characters designate like or corresponding parts throughout the several views of the drawings. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION .5 Referring now to Figures 1 through 3, where an exemplary embodiment of a track guided blind or awning system 1 is illustrated. Although not illustrated herein, the system 1 comprises a sheet of blind material 2, one end of which is attached to a spring loaded roller 4, while the other is attached to a drawbar 6. In this way the sheet of 0 blind material 2 may be rolled on to or off of the roller 4 in a known fashion. There is a guide track 8 (illustrated) to each of a pair of side edges of the sheet of blind material 2, each track guide defining a channel 10 in which an end of the drawbar 6 runs. 25 This first channel 10 of the guide track 8 further includes a longitudinally extending slot opening into a longitudinally extending cavity 14. The sheet of blind material 2 (not illustrated herein) has longitudinal beads 16 formed along its side edges, where these beads 16 run in the longitudinal cavities 14 and where they are formed so as to 30 have a shape and dimension which is greater than the width of the slot 12 so as to prevent their escape from the aforementioned longitudinal cavities 14. The guide tracks 8 have a cross-sectional shape that is generally 'H' shaped, in that each guide track 8 is comprised of a pair of parallel flanges 200 bridged by a web 202 which extends between them. In 35 this way, on one side of the web 202 there is formed a first channel 10, and on the other side of the web 202 there is formed a second channel 30.

6 The system 1 further includes mounting means in the form of a pair of track mounts 32 for attachment to a supporting surface or structure, and against which the guide tracks 8 are located. In this exemplary embodiment, the drawbar 6, guide tracks 8 and track mounts 32 are all aluminium extrusions. 5 Each of the track mounts 32 comprises a base portion 34 securable to a supporting surface, and an intermediate portion 36 that will locate the guide track 8 relative to the base portion 34 of the track mount 32, where the intermediate portion 36 is located with respect to the base portion 34 so as to be pivotally rotatable about at least an axis substantially parallel to a direction of elongation of the two portions 34 and 36. 0 The intermediate portion 36 of each track mount 32 comprises a rail of constant cross-section along its length, where this cross-section comprises a pair of flat, parallel sides 36a separated by a portion 36b defining a concave and arcuate channel. More particularly, this concave and arcuate portion 36c defines a semi-circular channel. 5 The intermediate portion 36 of each track mount 32 is located in the second channel 30 of one of the guide tracks 8, as illustrated in Figures 1 through 3. Alternatively however, the parallel flanges 200 of the guide track 8 may locate inside of the parallel sides 36a of the intermediate portion 36 of the track mount 32, as illustrated in Figure 7. The base portion 34 of each track mount 32 comprises a rail of constant, asymmetric cross-section along its length, where this asymmetric cross-section comprises two flat sides 34a and 34b which meet at a corner, and a substantially convex and arcuate portion 34c extending between the two flat sides 34a and 34b. More particularly, this convex and arcuate portion 34c has the cross-sectional shape of 25 between one half and two thirds of a complete circle. The cross-section of the track mount 32 base portion 34 is asymmetric in as much as the convex and arcuate portion 34c forms a blended continuation of flat side 34b but not side 34a, which it meets at such an angle of greater than 90 degrees so as to form thereby a further corner. 30 In use, the base portion 34 is secured to a supporting surface (such as a wall or post) by way of fasteners or adhesive applied to one of the flat sides 34a or 34b thereof. The concave and arcuate channel of the intermediate portion 36 then receives the convex and arcuate portion 34c of the base portion 34 of the track mount 32 with a sliding fit, so that the intermediate portion 36 can be pivotally 35 rotated with respect to the base portion 34.

7 The channel 30 of the guide track 8 is then located over the parallel sides 36a of the intermediate portion 36. The orientation of the guide track 8 (along with the captured intermediate portion 36 of the track 5 mount 32) is pivotally rotatable with respect to the base portion 34 of the track mount 32 so as to permit adjustment of alignment. When being pivotably adjusted, the guide track 8 (along with the captured intermediate portion 36 of the track mount 32) are intended to be rotated away from flat side 34b of base portion 34 and toward [0 flat side 34a (i.e. in the direction indicated by arrow A in Figure 1). Where pivotable adjustment is required in the opposite direction (i.e. in the direction indicated by arrow B in Figure 1), the base portion 34 should be mounted in the reverse fashion, as illustrated in Figure 2. This arrangement optimises the aesthetics of the installation. [5 To recap then, installation of track guided blind or awning system 1 of the type described above may be effected by securing the base portions 34 of the track mounts 32 (typically with fasteners) to support structure or surface (not illustrated), be this a window frame or the like. The intermediate portions 36 are located in the second channels 30 of the guide tracks 8 and then they Z0 are located against the base portions 34, the alignment is pivotally adjusted, and then the arrangement is fixed using rivets or the like when the proper tension and alignment has been achieved. Referring now to Figures 3 through 5, where a further embodiment of a track guided blind or awning system 100 is illustrated. 25 In this embodiment each modified guide track 8a defines a first channel 10 in which an end of the drawbar 6 runs, and a portion 36b defining a second, concave and arcuate channel facing in a direction opposing that of the first channel 10 in which a convex and arcuate portion 34c of a unitary track mount rail 34 for the guide track 8 may be located. This arrangement is similar to that described above 30 then, but it makes redundant the two portion track mount arrangement 32. When being pivotably adjusted, the guide track 8a is intended to be rotated away from flat side 34b of base portion 34 and toward flat side 34a (i.e. in the direction indicated by arrow A in Figure 4). Where pivotable adjustment is required in the opposite direction (i.e. in the direction indicated by arrow B in 35 Figure 4), the base portion 34 should be mounted in the reverse fashion, as illustrated in Figure 5. This arrangement optimises the aesthetics of the installation.

8 A clear advantage of the above described invention is the additional (pivotable) adjustability this affords. As a result, the track guided blind system described herein can be secured to supporting surfaces that are not strictly perpendicular to the plane in which the blind extends. 5 It will be understood that the term "comprise" and any of its derivatives (e.g. comprises, comprising) as used in this specification is to be taken to be inclusive of features to which it refers, and is not meant to exclude the presence of any additional features unless otherwise stated or implied. All publications mentioned in this specification are herein incorporated by reference. Any discussion 10 of documents, acts, materials, devices, articles or the like which has been included in the present specification is solely for the purpose of providing a context for the present invention. It is not to be taken as an admission that any or all of these matters form part of the prior art base or were common general knowledge in the field relevant to the present invention as it existed in Australia or elsewhere before the priority date of each claim of this application. 15 Although the disclosure has been herein shown and described in what is conceived to be the most practical and preferred embodiment, it is recognised that departures can be made within the scope of the invention, which is not to be limited to the details described herein but is to be accorded the full scope of the appended claims so as to embrace any and all equivalent devices and apparatus.

Claims (17)

1. A track guided blind system comprising a sheet of blind material, a guide track extending along at least a side of the sheet of blind material, and a mounting means for the or each guide track, where each guide track is locatable with respect to its respective mounting means so as to be pivotally rotatable about at least an axis substantially parallel to a direction of elongation of the guide track.

2. The track guided blind system of claim 1, wherein the sheet of blind material is secured to a roller at or toward a proximal end and a drawbar at or toward a distal end and each guide track defines a first channel in which an end of the drawbar runs, and a second channel in which at least a portion of the mounting means for the guide track may be located.

3. The track guided blind system of claim 2, wherein the second channel comprises a concave and arcuate portion for receiving a convex and arcuate portion of the mounting means.

4. The track guided blind system according to either of claims 2 or 3, wherein each mounting means comprises at least a base portion securable to a supporting surface and an intermediate portion that locates the guide track relative to the base portion, and where the intermediate portion is located with respect to the base portion so as to be pivotally rotatable about at least an axis substantially parallel to a direction of elongation of the guide track.

5. The track guided blind system of claim 4, wherein, at least a portion of the intermediate portion of the mounting means is located in the second channel of the guide track.

6. The track guided blind system of claim 5, wherein the intermediate portion defines a concave and arcuate channel for receiving a convex and arcuate portion of the base portion of the mounting means.

7. The track guided blind system of claim 5, wherein the base portion defines a concave and arcuate channel for receiving a convex and arcuate portion of the intermediate portion of the track mount.

8. The track guided blind system according to any one of claims 4 through 7, wherein the or each base portion is of constant cross section along its length.

9. The track guided blind system according to any one of claims 4 through 8, wherein the or each intermediate portion is of constant cross section along its length. 10

10. The track guided blind system according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the or each guide track is of constant cross section along its length.

11. The track guided blind system according to claims 1 through 3, wherein each mounting means is a unitary component of constant cross section along its length.

12. The track guided blind system according to any one of claims 2 through 11, wherein the first channel of the guide track further includes a longitudinally extending slot opening into a longitudinally extending cavity, wherein each of the side edges of the sheet of blind material are adapted to be retained in a respective longitudinal cavity.

13. The track guided blind system of claim 1, wherein the mounting means defines a concave and arcuate channel for receiving a convex and arcuate portion of the guide track.

14. The track guided blind system of claim 1, wherein the sheet of blind material is secured to a roller at or toward a proximal end and a drawbar at or toward a distal end and each guide track defines a first channel in which an end of the drawbar runs, and an insertion portion over which a receiving portion of the mounting means for the guide track may be located.

15. A method of mounting a track guided blind according to any one of the preceding claims, the method including the steps of fixing the mounting means and supports for the roller to a support structure, locating the or each guide track relative to the mounting means, pivotally adjusting the guide tracks to achieve optimal alignment and tension, and then fixing the guide tracks in position relative to the mounting means.

16. A track guided blind system being substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

17. A method for mounting a track guided blind system being substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.