AU2014101131A4 - Roller Blind Mounting Bracket Cover - Google Patents

Abstract

There is disclosed a cover mountable to either one of oppositely handed brackets via which a roller blind is mounted, so as to conceal the bracket, the cover comprising a first component, having open opposite lateral sides, and a second component, which is configured to overlie a laterally outer side face of that bracket and is engageable with whichever lateral side of the first component is to be outermost in the mounted cover, whereby that side is closed and the cover assumes an assembled condition, the cover being configured such that, when it is mounted, a shaft of the blind which is rotatably supported by the brackets and on which flexible sheeting of the blind is wound extends through the innermost lateral side of the first component.

Description

H:\sbt\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\SBT\6734732_I.DOC-12/09/2014 Roller Blind Mounting Bracket Cover The present invention relates to a cover for concealing a roller blind mounting bracket, to a kit comprising a pair of such covers, to a roller blind fitted with a pair of such covers and 5 to a method of concealing a roller blind mounting bracket. Referring to Figure 1, a typical roller blind comprises a core tube 1, fabric 2, which winds onto the tube during raising of the blind and unwinds from the tube during lowering of the blind, an actuator assembly comprising a chain gear 3 coupled to the core and a 10 pull-chain 4 which is engaged with the chain gear 3 and is manually operable to effect rotation of the tube 1 and thus raising or lowering of the blind, and a pair of oppositely handed mounting brackets 5 from which opposite ends of the tube 1 are rotatably supported. 15 After installation, the brackets 5 are left exposed and the mechanism and gaps are considered visually undesirable. The actuator assembly, including the chain 4, can be arranged at either end of the core tube 1. To create a unique cover for both brackets in both configurations (left- and right-handed chain mounting) would require four separate parts and as such the combinations required make a single piece bracket impractical. Although 20 it is desirable to cover, in addition to each bracket, the chain gear and the gap between the bracket and the fabric 2/tube 1, many of the cover arrangements currently available cover only the laterally outer side of each bracket, whereby the chain gear and gap remain exposed. If both the bracket and chain gear/gap are covered by a single piece, the blind often becomes difficult to remove as a result of screws used to mount it being difficult to 25 access and the tube being trapped behind the bracket. According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a cover mountable to either one of oppositely handed brackets via which a roller blind is mounted, so as to conceal the bracket, the cover comprising a first component, having open opposite lateral 30 sides, and a second component, which is configured to overlie a laterally outer side face of that bracket and is engageable with whichever lateral side of the first component is to be H:\sbt\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\SBT\6734732_I.DOC-12/09/2014 -2 outermost in the mounted cover, whereby that side is closed and the cover assumes an assembled condition, the cover being configured such that, when it is mounted, a shaft of the blind which is rotatably supported by the brackets and on which flexible sheeting of the blind is wound extends through the innermost lateral side of the first component. 5 Generally speaking, the shaft will be defined by or will include a core or tube on which the sheeting is wound. Preferably, the cover is configured such that, when it is mounted to a said bracket, the first 10 component overlies a perimeter edge of that bracket. Preferably, the first component is configured such that an end portion of a roll of said sheeting on the shaft, which portion lies adjacent the bracket to which said cover is mounted, is received through the lateral side of the first component which is innermost in 15 the mounted bracket, so as to be concealed. Preferably, the components are configured so as to be disengageable whereby the cover may reassume its disassembled condition. 20 Preferably, the first component is configured with slots arranged to receive the second component such that the second component is engaged with the first component. Preferably, the second component and each lateral side of the first component are configured with interengageable tongue-and-groove formations whereby one component 25 can be slid relative to the other such that the cover assumes said assembled condition. Preferably, the or each tongue formation is defined by an edge of the second component. Preferably, the formations are arranged such that sliding of one component relative to the other, to effect interengagement of the components, is in a plane generally parallel to a sidewall of the cover defined by the second component. 30 H:\sbt\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SBT\6734732_I.DOC-12/09/2014 -3 Preferably, a proximal end of the first component is open whereby the first component is introduceable over either bracket in a direction from a distal end thereof to a proximal end thereof to mount the cover to that bracket. That direction will typically be a forwards direction but could, without departure from the invention, be an upwards direction. 5 Preferably, the first component has a generally C-shaped configuration whereby the open proximal end is defined. Preferably, the first component comprises a plastic wall structure. 10 Preferably, the first component is a single piece. Preferably, the second component comprises a plastic wall structure. 15 Preferably, the second component is a single piece. Preferably, the cover comprises at least one magnet engageable with magnetically susceptible material from which the bracket is formed such that the cover is mounted to the bracket. Preferably, said second component comprises the magnet(s) such that the or each 20 magnet engages said laterally outer side face of the bracket. Preferably, the first component has a configuration that is symmetrical about a plane which, when the first component is mounted to a said bracket, is generally parallel to the laterally outer side face of the bracket. 25 Preferably, the first component has a configuration that is symmetrical about a plane which, when the cover is mounted to the bracket, is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said shaft.

H:\sbt\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\SBT\6734732_I.DOC-12/09/2014 -4 Preferably, the second piece has a configuration that is symmetrical about a plane in which extends an axis along which the bracket projects and to which plane the laterally outer side face is substantially perpendicular when the cover is mounted to the bracket. 5 Preferably, the second piece has a configuration which is symmetrical about a plane in which an axis along which the bracket projects and an axis of rotation of said shaft extend when the cover is mounted to the bracket. Preferably, the cover is configured such that, when it is mounted to a said bracket, the first 10 piece straddles the perimeter edge of the bracket. In one embodiment of the invention, a bottom of the cover is formed with an opening through which a pullcord, such as a chain, operable to raise and lower the blind, may pass when the cover is mounted. Preferably, the bottom opening is defined by said first 15 component. Preferably, the bottom opens in a direction from a distal end thereof to a proximal end thereof whereby the bottom opening is unbounded at the proximal end such that the cover first component can be introduced over the pullcord in said direction so that the pullchord passes through the bottom opening. In another embodiment of the invention, the cover is closed at a bottom thereof and is thus for a said bracket which is arranged at a 20 side of the blind at which no such pullcord is provided. According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a roller blind mounting bracket cover kit, comprising two said covers, the covers being mountable to oppositely handed brackets via which the blind is mounted. Preferably, one covers is 25 formed with said bottom opening, whereby that cover is mountable to one of the brackets at a side of the blind at which said pullcord is provided, and the other cover is closed at the bottom thereof whereby to be mountable to the other bracket which is arranged at a side of the blind at which no such pullcord is provided. 30 According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of concealing either one of oppositely handed brackets via which a roller blind is mounted, H:\sbt\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\SBT\6734732_I.DOC-12/09/2014 -5 the method comprising mounting a said cover to the bracket such that the second component overlies a laterally outer side face of that bracket and is engaged with whichever lateral side of the first component is outermost in the mounted cover, whereby that side is closed and the cover assumes its assembled condition, and whereby a shaft of 5 the blind which is rotatably supported by the brackets and on which flexible sheeting of the blind is wound extends through the innermost lateral side of the first component. According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a blind assembly comprising a roller blind having oppositely handed brackets via which it is mounted, and 10 covers of said kit mounted to said brackets, wherein the second component of each cover overlies a laterally outer side face of the bracket to which the cover is mounted and wherein a shaft of the blind which is rotatably supported by the brackets and on which flexible sheeting of the blind is wound extends through the innermost lateral side of the first component of each cover. 15 The invention will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a conventional roller blind in situ; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the roller blind of Figure 1 and covers embodying 20 the invention applied to mounting brackets thereof; Figure 3 is a perspective view of a cover according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a perspective view of a cover according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention; and 25 Figures 5A and 5B are perspective views, from opposite sides, of an alternative one of two pieces forming the cover of either of the first and second embodiments. The preferred embodiments of the invention have application to a roller blind, or "Holland blind", shown in Figure 1. The blind comprises a shaft, defined by a core tube 1, 30 a flexible fabric sheet 2, which winds onto the tube during raising of the blind and unwinds from the tube through lowering of the blind, an actuator assembly comprising a H:\sbt\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\SBT\6734732_I.DOC-12/09/2014 -6 chain gear 3 coupled to the core 1 and a pull-chain which is engaged with the chain gear 3 and is manually operable to effect rotation of the tube 1 and thus raising or lowering of the blind, and a pair of oppositely handed mounting brackets 5, fixed to a window frame 6, from which opposite ends of the tube 1 are rotatably supported. 5 In the example blind shown, the actuator assembly is arranged at the left-hand end of the tube 1. Applied to the bracket 5 at that end is a cover 100 according to a first preferred embodiment of the invention, and applied to the bracket 5 at the other end is a cover 200 according to a second preferred embodiment of the invention. 10 The cover 100 according to the first preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in a disassembled condition in Figure 3. The cover 100 comprises a first piece 7 having open opposite lateral sides 7A, 7B and a generally C-shaped configuration whereby a proximal or forward end 7C of the first component 7 is likewise open. The lateral sides 7A and 7B 15 of the first component 7 are configured with respective grooves 7D, 7E. A bottom end of the first piece 7 is formed with an opening 7F to accommodate the chain 4, as will be described in further detail later. The first piece 7 is symmetrical about a vertical plane whereby it can overlie the perimeter edge of either of the brackets 5. 20 The cover 100 further comprises a second piece 9 a distal edge portion of which is configured with a rib or tongue 9A selectively receivable in either of grooves 7D and 7E, by sliding of one piece relative to the other, whereby the first piece 7 and second piece 9 interengage and the cover 100 assumes an assembled condition. The piece 9 is symmetrical about a horizontal plane whereby the assembled cover 100 can assume either 25 of two configurations one of which is the mirror image of the other. Specifically, the piece 9 when orientated as shown in Figure 3 can be engaged with the lateral side 7B, and, when rotated 180 degrees about a horizontal axis, can be engaged with the lateral side 7A. The second piece 9 comprises a plastic wall 9B, which defines a side wall panel of the assembled cover 100, and spaced apart magnets 10 arranged equidistant from opposite 30 sides of the plane of symmetry of the second piece 9. It will be clear that the magnets 10 occupy an interior of the cover 100 regardless of which of the two configurations the H:\sbt\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\SBT\6734732_I.DOC-12/09/2014 -7 cover 100 assumes when assembled. The magnets 10 are receivable against a laterally outer side face of the bracket 5 to which the cover 100 is to be applied. Because, in the exemplary blind shown, the chain is 5 arranged adjacent the left-hand bracket 5, it is appropriate to fit the second piece 9 to the laterally outer side 7B of the first piece 7, whereby the wall 9B defines a left-hand wall panel of the assembled cover 100 which conceals the (leftmost) laterally outer side face of the bracket 5. Following assembly of the cover 100, forward introduction thereof over the distal end of the left-hand bracket 5 results in the magnets 10 engaging the laterally outer 10 side face of the bracket 5 and the first piece 7 being received over a perimeter edge of the bracket 5, thereby concealing it, with the chain 4 being received into the opening 7F, through an unbounded proximal end of the opening. Alternatively, the second piece 9 can be mounted to the bracket 5, via engagement between the magnets 10 and bracket laterally outer side face, and the first piece 7 then forwardly introduced over the distal end of the 15 bracket 5 such that the rib or tongue 9A is received in the groove 7E whereby the pieces 7 and 9 interengage and the cover 100 assumes an assembled condition. As will be clear from Figure 2, the first piece is of a width sufficient that it overlies an edge of the roll of fabric on the tube 1, whereby a gap between that edge and the chain 20 gear 3 or bracket 5 is concealed, enhancing aesthetics. The cover 200 according to the second preferred embodiment of the invention is shown in a disassembled condition in Figure 4. The cover 200, like the cover 100, comprises two interengageable pieces, namely a first piece 8 and second piece 9, the latter being identical 25 to the second piece 9 in the cover 100. The first piece 8 is identical to first piece 7 with the exception that the former 8 is not configured with any provision to accommodate the chain 4, since the bracket 5 for which the cover 200 is intended is not one which lies adjacent a chain 4. Specifically, the first piece 8 has open opposite lateral sides 8A, 8B and a generally C-shaped configuration whereby a proximal or forward end 8C of the first 30 component 8 is likewise open. The lateral sides 8A and 8B of the first component 8 are configured with respective grooves 8D, 8E. A bottom end of the first piece 8 is closed.

H:\sbt\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\SBT\6734732_I.DOC-12/09/2014 The first piece 8 is symmetrical about a vertical plane whereby it can overlie the perimeter edge of either of the brackets 5 (provided that bracket does not lie adjacent a chain 4). Following assembly of the cover 200, forward introduction thereof over the distal end of the right-hand bracket 5 results in the magnets 10 engaging the laterally outer side face of 5 the bracket 5 and the first piece 8 being received over a perimeter edge of the bracket 5, thereby concealing it. Alternatively, the second piece 9 can be mounted to the right-hand bracket 5, via engagement between the magnets 10 and bracket laterally outer side face, and the first piece 8 then forwardly introduced over the distal end of the bracket 5 such that the rib or tongue 9A is received in the groove 8A whereby the pieces 8 and 9 interengage 10 and the cover 200 assumes an assembled condition. The slots or grooves 7D, 7E and 8D, 8E in the respective first pieces 7 and 8 and the rib or tongue 9A in the second piece 9 may be configured such that there is a light interference fit therebetween when they are interengaged, this being achieved by configuring the 15 slots/grooves such that they are slightly narrower than the ribs/tongues, whereby a tight friction fit is formed between each of the first pieces 7 and 8 and the second piece 9 which connects to it. The covers 100, 200, advantageously, comprise interchangeable modular pieces. The 20 piece 9 serves as a universal side piece which can be used in each cover in either of its left and right-handed configurations. Each of the covers 100, 200, advantageously, conceals the respective bracket 5 to which it is applied and also a gap between that bracket and the edge of the roll of fabric on the core 1. Also concealed is the/each chain gear 3. 25 Referring to Figures 5A and 5B, the second piece 9, in each of the covers 100, 200, may be configured with mounting feet 9C, provided as an alternative or in addition to the magnets 10, which project perpendicular to the side wall 9B, from a proximal end thereof, to be able slot behind the bracket 5 to which the cover mounts. The mounting feet 9C are spaced apart by cut-outs arranged to align with cut-outs or holes in the bracket 5 so as to 30 receive therethrough screws which pass through the bracket holes/cut-outs to mount the bracket 5 to the window frame 6, such that the second piece 9C is clamped between the H:\sbt\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\SBT\6734732_I.DOC-12/09/2014 -9 bracket 5 and window frame 6. The mounting feet 9C are appropriate, for example, where the bracket 5 is made from magnetically unsusceptible material, e.g. plastic, in which case magnets 10 cannot engage the bracket 5 (and may be omitted from sockets 9D in which they are otherwise held). Mounting the piece 9 via the feet 9C is a very secure way of 5 fixing the piece 9 relative to the bracket 5 and permits the piece 7 or 8 to be disengaged therefrom in the mounted cover 100 or 200 (in the same way it can where the magnets 10 are employed) such that the bracket 5 can be serviced. Both covers 100, 200 are easily removable from the brackets 5 to which they mount, 10 permitting dismantling of the blind. Also, the first pieces 7, 8 of the covers 100, 200 can be removed, permitting servicing of the blind and/or access to screws (not shown) via which the brackets 5 are mounted to the window frame 6, while the second pieces 9 thereof remain attached to the laterally outer side faces of the brackets 5. 15 While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not by way of limitation. It will be apparent to a person skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the present invention should not be limited by any of the above described 20 exemplary embodiments. For example, each of the first components 7 and 8 of the covers 100, 200 and the second components 9 of those covers may, without departure from the invention, be configured in an alternative manner, as would be appreciated by a person skilled in the art, whereby to be 25 interengageable; for instance, they may be snap-lock interengageable or interconnectable via at least one screw/other fastener. Also, each cover may, without departure from the invention, be configured to engage the respective bracket 5 in an alternative manner so as to be mounted to that bracket. For 30 example, the cover may be attached to the bracket 5 via double-sided tape, which may be applied to the second piece in the cover so as to engage the laterally outer side face of the H:\sbt\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SBT\6734732_I.DOC-12/09/2014 - 10 bracket 5. Alternatively, the cover may be securable to the bracket via at least one screw or other fastener. In another alternative, the cover, and particularly the second piece therein, may be snap-lock engageable with the respective bracket. 5 In addition, it will be appreciated that, although the blind described and illustrated has a "standard roll" configuration, in which the fabric falls closest to the window, the invention could be applied to a blind having a "reverse roll" configuration, in which the fabric sheet instead unfurls in a direction away from the window, with some modification to each of the first pieces 7, 8, particularly lower ends thereof, as would be straightforward to a 10 person skilled in the art, to accommodate the sheet 2 hanging from a portion of the roll which is furthest from, rather than closest to, the window. Throughout this specification and the claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise", and variations such as "comprises" and "comprising", will 15 be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or step or group of integers or steps but not the exclusion of any other integer or step or group of integers or steps. The reference in this specification to any prior publication (or information derived from it), or to any matter which is known, is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgment or 20 admission or any form of suggestion that that prior publication (or information derived from it) or known matter forms part of the common general knowledge in the field of endeavour to which this specification relates.

Claims (29)

1. A cover mountable to either one of oppositely handed brackets via which a roller blind is mounted, so as to conceal the bracket, the cover comprising a first component, 5 having open opposite lateral sides, and a second component, which is configured to overlie a laterally outer side face of that bracket and is engageable with whichever lateral side of the first component is to be outermost in the mounted cover, whereby that side is closed and the cover assumes an assembled condition, the cover being configured such that, when it is mounted, a shaft of the blind which is rotatably supported by the brackets and on 10 which flexible sheeting of the blind is wound extends through the innermost lateral side of the first component.

2. A cover according to claim 1, configured such that, when it is mounted to a said bracket, the first component overlies a perimeter edge of that bracket. 15

3. A cover according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first component is configured such that an end portion of a roll of said sheeting on the shaft, which portion lies adjacent the bracket to which said cover is mounted, is received through the lateral side of the first component which is innermost in the mounted bracket, so as to be concealed. 20

4. A cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the components are configured so as to be disengageable whereby the cover may reassume its disassembled condition. 25

5. A cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first component is configured with slots arranged to receive the second component such that the second component is engaged with the first component.

6. A cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second 30 component and each lateral side of the first component are configured with H:\sbt\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\SBT\6734732_I.DOC-12/09/2014 -12 interengageable tongue-and-groove formations whereby one component can be slid relative to the other such that the cover assumes said assembled condition.

7. A cover according to claim 6, wherein the or each tongue formation is defined by 5 an edge of the second component.

8. A cover according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the formations are arranged such that sliding of one component relative to the other, to effect interengagement of the components, is in a plane generally parallel to a sidewall of the cover defined by the 10 second component.

9. A cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a proximal end of the first component is open whereby the first component is introduceable over either bracket in a direction from a distal end thereof to a proximal end thereof to mount the 15 cover to that bracket.

10. A cover according to claim 9, wherein the first component has a generally C-shaped configuration whereby the open proximal end is defined. 20

11. A cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first component comprises a plastic wall structure.

12. A cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the the first component is a single piece. 25

13. A cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second component comprises a plastic wall structure.

14. A cover according to claim 13, wherein the second component is a single piece. 30 H:\sbt\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\SBT\6734732_I.DOC-12/09/2014 - 13

15. A cover according to any one of the preceding claims, including at least one magnet engageable with magnetically susceptible material from which the bracket is formed such that the cover is mounted to the bracket. 5

16. A cover according to claim 15, wherein said second component comprises the magnet(s) such that the or each magnet engages said laterally outer side face of the bracket.

17. A cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first component 10 has a configuration that is symmetrical about a plane which, when the first component is mounted to a said bracket, is generally parallel to the laterally outer side face of the bracket.

18. A cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first component 15 has a configuration that is symmetrical about a plane which, when the cover is mounted to the bracket, is substantially perpendicular to the axis of rotation of said shaft.

19. A cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second piece has a configuration that is symmetrical about a plane in which extends an axis along which the 20 bracket projects and to which plane the laterally outer side face is substantially perpendicular when the cover is mounted to the bracket.

20. A cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second piece has a configuration which is symmetrical about a plane in which an axis along which the 25 bracket projects and an axis of rotation of said shaft extend when the cover is mounted to the bracket.

21. A cover according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a bottom of the cover is formed with an opening through which a pullcord operable to raise and lower the 30 blind, may pass when the cover is mounted. H:\sbt\Intrwovn\NRPortbl\DCC\SBT\6734732_I.DOC-12/09/2014 - 14

22. A cover according to claim 21, wherein the bottom opening is defined by said first component.

23. A cover according to claim 22, wherein the bottom opens in a direction from a 5 distal end thereof to a proximal end thereof whereby the bottom opening is unbounded at the proximal end such that the cover first component can be introduced over the pullcord in said direction so that the pullchord passes through the bottom opening.

24. A cover according to any one of claims 1 to 20, being closed at a bottom thereof. 10

25. A roller blind mounting bracket cover kit, comprising two covers each of which accords with any one of the preceding claims.

26. A kit according to claim 25, wherein one cover accords with any one of claims 21 15 to 23 and the other cover accords with claim 24.

27. A kit according to claim 26, wherein the second component of one cover is identical to the second component of the other cover. 20

28. A method of concealing either one of oppositely handed brackets via which a roller blind is mounted, the method comprising mounting a cover according to any one of claims 1 to 24 to the bracket such that the second component overlies a laterally outer side face of that bracket and is engaged with whichever lateral side of the first component is outermost in the mounted cover, whereby that side is closed and the cover assumes its 25 assembled condition, and whereby a shaft of the blind which is rotatably supported by the brackets and on which flexible sheeting of the blind is wound extends through the innermost lateral side of the first component.

29. A blind assembly comprising a roller blind having oppositely handed brackets via 30 which it is mounted, and covers of the kit according to any one of claims 25 to 27 mounted to said brackets, wherein the second component of each cover overlies a laterally outer side H:\sbt\Interwoven\NRPortbl\DCC\SBT\6734732_I.DOC-12/09/2014 - 15 face of the bracket to which the cover is mounted and wherein a shaft of the blind which is rotatably supported by the brackets and on which flexible sheeting of the blind is wound extends through the innermost lateral side of the first component of each cover.