AU2014201116A1 - Universal End Support for a Spring Assisted Roller Blind - Google Patents

Abstract

A universal end support for a spring assisted roller blind of the type having a first elongate tube mounting a blind sheet for extension and retraction relative thereto, a second elongate tube concentrically within the first elongate tube and a spring mounted relative to at least one end support and between the first elongate tube and the second elongate tube for the storage of tension, the universal end support including an adaptor portion for engaging with a rear end or a ratchet assembly of the roller blind, a spring mounting portion and an elongate finger to be received at least partially within the second elongate tube mounting the spring of the roller blind thereabouts wherein the spring mounting portion is provided with portions of both a left hand thread and a right hand thread. ene C)C

Description

I UNIVERSAL END SUPPORT FOR A SPRING ASSISTED ROLLER BLIND TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates generally to spring assisted roller blind and particularly to a universal end support for a spring assisted roller blind. BACKGROUND ART [0002] Conventional roller blinds and awnings include an elongate tube about which the fabric sheet is wound and unwound. The tube has two ends, one of which is associated with a control end or drive end and the other which has an idle end. The control end is normally provided with an operating chain to rotate the drive end, which in turn rotates the tube to wind and unwind the fabric. [0003] A spring assisted roller blind and awning is provided with a similar arrangement but the ends are generally similar to one another and mount a spring within the tube such that a user can pull the blind fabric down which tensions the spring, and when the user desires to wind the blind or awing sheet back onto the tube, the spring assists with this, using the tension on the spring created by unwinding the blind or awing sheet. [0004] A ratchet assembly is provided such that as the tube is unwound, the tension is stored and the tube does not simply rotate to allow the blind to fall down. Instead, the blind must be forcibly drawn down against the biasing force of the spring, storing tension in the spring. The ratchet assembly also locks the tube in a variety of unwound conditions and releases the tube to rotate when the user wants to unwind further or to wind the blind or awing sheet back onto the tube. The ratchet assembly is normally provided at one end of the tube with the opposite end being called the "rear end". [0005] Due to the nature of a spring assisted blind or awing, the spring can only provide the tension if mounted correctly, that is, is mounted in the correct orientation. Also, the spring can only function to add tension when the tube is rotated in one direction. This means that the end supports that mount the spring within the tube are either left hand threaded or right hand threaded. Once the appropriately directioned threaded end supports are chosen, the spring is then mounted to the end supports. [0006] Further, using a left hand threaded end support when a right hand threaded end support should be used, means that the roller blind or awning works in the reverse to that required. This means that a great deal of attention needs to be given to use of the correct end supports and mounting the roller blind or awning in the correct orientation and with the correct end supports. [0007] 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 INVENTION [0008] The present invention is directed to a universal end support for a spring assisted roller blind, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice. [0009] With the foregoing in view, the present invention in one form, resides broadly in a universal end support for a spring assisted roller blind of the type having a first elongate tube mounting a blind sheet for extension and retraction relative thereto, a second elongate tube concentrically within the first elongate tube and a spring mounted relative to at least one end support and between the first elongate tube and the second elongate tube for the storage of tension, the universal end support including an adaptor portion for engaging with a rear end or a ratchet assembly of the roller blind, a spring mounting portion and an elongate finger to be received at least partially within the second elongate tube mounting the spring of the roller blind thereabouts wherein the spring mounting portion is provided with portions of both a left hand thread and a right hand thread. [0010] In an alternative aspect, the present invention resides in a spring assisted roller blind assembly including a first elongate tube mounting a blind sheet for extension and retraction relative thereto, a second elongate tube concentrically within the first elongate tube and a spring mounted relative to at least one end support and between the first elongate tube and the second elongate tube for the storage of tension, and at least one end support including an adaptor portion for engaging with a rear end or a ratchet assembly of the roller blind, a spring mounting portion and an elongate finger to be received at least partially within the second elongate tube mounting the spring of the roller blind thereabouts wherein the spring mounting portion is provided with portions of both a left hand thread and a right hand thread. [0011] According to the invention, the universal end support can be used in both ends of the roller blind assembly interchangeably. This will allow manufacture of one type of universal end support in various sizes to provide functionality that conventionally requires two different end supports. [0012] This will also allow a single type of end support to be provided to installers rather than two different types. This will minimise the chance that the installers install the end supports incorrectly which will likely result in the roller blind assembly not functioning as required. [0013] The end support preferably provides an interface between the second tube which mounts a spring thereabouts, the spring itself and the rear end and ratchet assembly provided in a roller blind assembly. [0014] It is preferred that the universal end support of the present invention is configured as a unitary member or body having portions provided to accomplish different functionality or for different purposes. Normally, the universal end support will be manufactured of a plastic material but it is anticipated that other types of materials or combinations of materials could be used. [0015] The universal end support of the present invention includes an adapter portion for engaging with a rear end or ratchet assembly of a roller blind assembly. The adapter portion preferably allows engagement with either the ratchet assembly or the rear end depending upon the end of the blind assembly on which the universal end support is used. [0016] According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the universal end support will preferably include a substantially planar flange at one end of the preferred unitary body. The planar flange can have any shape, but given that the roller blind assembly is based around a rotation action, the planar flange will preferably be substantially circular. The planar flange will normally have an outer planar surface through which an engagement opening is formed and also a planar annular face on the opposite side of the flange. [0017] An engagement opening will preferably be provided into the flange and partially into the preferred unitary body of the universal end support. The purpose of the engagement opening is to allow engagement with a shaped protrusion provided on both the ratchet assembly and rear end. Typically the same shaped protrusion will be provided on both the ratchet assembly and rear end of the blind assembly and therefore, an engagement opening of a single shape can receive a shaped protrusion from either the ratchet assembly or the rear end. [0018] The engagement opening will typically be substantially rectangular in cross-section and preferably extends through the flange and partially into the unitary body. Alternatively, the engagement opening could be hexagonal or oval or any other shape that allows engagement. The _r engagement opening is preferably located centrally, coaxially with the longitudinal axis of the universal end support. [0019] The universal end support of the present invention also includes a spring mounting portion which is provided with portions of both a left-hand thread and a right-hand thread. Preferably, the portions of the left-hand thread and right-hand thread are formed through the provision of a series of ridges provided over a part of the length of the preferred unitary body of the universal end support adjacent the adapter portion. Preferably, the preferred unitary body of the universal end support of the present invention will be provided with a frustoconical portion spaced from the planar annular face of the preferred planar flange by a seating groove. [0020] As the term would suggest, the frustoconical portion will typically have a larger end and a smaller end. Preferably, the larger end will be located adjacent to the adapter flange and the smaller end will be spaced further away from the adapter flange. Preferably, the larger end and smaller end of the frustoconical portion will each be provided with a shoulder in order to delineate the frustoconical portion. [0021] At the end of the preferred unitary body at which the flange is located, the provision of a shoulder will preferably create or partially define the spring seating groove or channel between the planar annular surface of the flange and the shoulder defining the frustoconical portion. The spring seating groove or channel will preferably be shaped. Typically, the groove or channel will be an arcuate as the spring will normally be manufactured of wire having a substantially circular cross-section. [0022] A transverse opening is preferably provided into or through the spring seating groove or channel in order to receive a free end of the spring to secure the spring relative to the end support. [0023] Preferably, the frustoconical portion provided is substantially tubular. The frustoconical portion preferably extends about a portion of the elongate finger over at least a portion of the length of the elongate finger. Normally an inner surface of the frustoconical portion is spaced from the elongate finger in order to create an annular opening or gap between an external surface of the elongate finger and an inner surface of the frustoconical portion. The annular opening may be provided to receive and mount an end of the second elongate tube of the roller blind assembly about which the spring is preferably located. [0024] As mentioned above, the portions of the left-hand thread and right-hand thread are typically formed through the provision of ridges on an external surface of the frustoconical portion. Typically, two sets of ridges are provided, one on either lateral side, preferably opposite sides of the frustoconical portion. The set of ridges on one side are typically offset from or staggered with the set of ridges on the opposite side. [0025] Typically, the ridges will be spaced from one another with a depression located between adjacent ridges. Preferably, the set of ridges on one side of the frustoconical portion is offset from the set of ridges on the opposite side such that a ridge on one side of the frustoconical portion is substantially in line with a depression between ridges on the other side of the frustoconical portion. [0026] According to the preferred embodiment, each ridge in the set is shaped to provide both a left-hand thread and a right-hand thread. Each ridge is preferably thicker or wider towards the centre of the ridge and tapers inwardly toward the tip of each ridge at either end of the ridge. This will typically form angled portions at the ends of each ridge. This will act to provide a left hand threaded portion utilising one side surface of the ridge at one end and the opposite side surface at the other end and vice versa for the formation of a right-hand threaded portion. [0027] The ridges are preferably substantially hemispherical in section. Further, the ridges are preferably higher or taller in the middle of the ridge and taper downwardly towards each of the ends of the ridge. [0028] Preferably, the frustoconical portion will be formed such that the shoulder of the smaller end of the frustoconical portion extends inwardly towards the elongate finger of the universal end support but is spaced therefrom. [0029] The universal end support of the present invention also includes an elongate finger to be at least partially received within the second elongate tube mounting the spring of the roller blind assembly. Preferably, the elongate finger is spaced concentrically within the frustoconical portion such that a gap, typically annular in shape is formed therebetween. An engagement assembly may be provided within the gap. In particular, the engagement assembly may be provided to engage with a corresponding assembly provided on end of the second tube. This may allow the second tube to be snapfit to the universal end support. [0030] There are preferably a number of spacing members provided within the gap in order to maintain the frustoconical portion about the elongate finger. The spacing members will normally be spaced about the circumference of the elongate finger. [0031] The elongate finger will typically have a tapered free end.

[0032] The preferred elongate finger is at least partially hollow. According to a preferred embodiment, a bore is preferably formed through the elongate finger. According to a most preferred embodiment, the opening in the adapter portion is larger in diameter than the bore in the elongate finger with a portion of even smaller diameter provided between the opening in the adapter portion and the bore in the elongate finger. This may allow the use of a fastener is inserted through a rear end in order to attach the rear end to the universal end support. The fastener can have any form. For example, a snapfit fastener could be used or alternatively, a threaded fastener can be used as this may allow both insertion and removal of the fastener more easily. [0033] In use, the spring of the blind assembly is located about the second elongate tube and within the first elongate tube. The universal end support so then preferably forced into the ends of the second tube whilst deforming the ends of the spring to engage the spring with the ridges formed on the preferred frustoconical portion as required. Once the universal end support is properly positioned, the free end of the spring is typically inserted into the transverse opening in the seating groove of the universal end support in order to secure the spring relative to the end support. The rear end and ratchet assembly can then be attached via the adapter portion as required by the installer. [0034] As mentioned above, the provision of the universal end support of the present invention allows the same end support to be used at either end of the assembly to allow the spring to store tension in either direction as required. [0035] Any of the features described herein can be combined in any combination with any one or more of the other features described herein within the scope of the invention. [0036] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as an acknowledgement or any form of suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS [0037] Preferred features, embodiments and variations of the invention may be discerned from the following Detailed Description which provides sufficient information for those skilled in the art to perform the invention. The Detailed Description is not to be regarded as limiting the scope of the preceding Summary of the Invention in any way. The Detailed Description will make reference to a number of drawings as follows: [0038] Figure 1 is a sectional side elevation view of a spring assisted roller blind assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0039] Figure 2 is a side elevation view of a universal end support according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0040] Figure 3 is an end view of the universal end support illustrated in Figure 2 from a first end. [0041] Figure 4 is an end view of the universal and support illustrated in Figure 2 from a second end. [0042] Figure 5 is a sectional view of the universal end support illustrated in Figure 2 along line A-A. [0043] Figure 6 is a side elevation view of a ratchet assembly used in the spring assisted roller blind assembly according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0044] Figure 7 is an end view of the ratchet assembly illustrated in Figure 6 from a first end. [0045] Figure 8 is an end view of the ratchet assembly illustrated in Figure 6 from a second end. [0046] Figure 9 is a sectional view of the ratchet assembly illustrated in Figure 6 along line B-B. [0047] Figure 10 is an end elevation view from a first end of a rear end support according to a first preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0048] Figure 11 is a sectional side view of the rear end support illustrated in Figure 10 along line C-C. [0049] Figure 12 is an end elevation view from a second end of the rear end support illustrated in Figure 10. [0050] Figure 13 is an end elevation view from a first end of a rear end support according to a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. [0051] Figure 14 is a sectional side view of the rear end support illustrated in Figure 13 along line D-D. [0052] Figure 15 is an end elevation view from a second end of the rear end support illustrated in Figure 13. DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS [0053] According to a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, a universal end support for a spring assisted roller blind is provided. [0054] The universal end support of the preferred embodiment is illustrated in Figure 1 in a spring assisted roller blind assembly 10 having a first, outer elongate tube 11 mounting a blind sheet for extension and retraction relative thereto, a second, inner elongate tube 12 concentrically within the first elongate tube 11 and a spring 13 mounted between a pair of universal end supports 14 and between the first elongate tube 11 and the second elongate tube 12 for the storage of tension created in the spring when the blind sheet is extended. An elongate spacer tube 15 is also provided within the second elongate tube 12. The universal end support 14 at a first end of the blind assembly mounts a ratchet assembly 16 and the universal end support 14 at the second end of the blind assembly mounts a rear end 17. [0055] The universal end support illustrated in Figures 2 to 5 includes an adaptor portion 18 for engaging with a rear end 17 or a ratchet assembly 16 of the roller blind, a spring mounting portion 19 and an elongate finger 20 to be received at least partially within the second elongate tube 12 mounting the spring 13 of the roller blind thereabouts. The spring mounting portion 19 is provided with portions of both a left hand thread and a right hand thread. [0056] According to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the universal end support can be used in both ends of the roller blind assembly interchangeably. This will allow manufacture of one type of universal end support in various sizes to competition a function that conventionally requires two different end supports. [0057] The universal end support of the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figures 2 to 5 is configured as a unitary body having portions provided to accomplish different functionality or for different purposes. Normally, the universal end support will be manufactured of a plastic material. [0058] The adaptor portion of the universal end support illustrated in Figures 2 to 5 includes a substantially planar flange 21 at one end of the preferred unitary body. The planar flange 21 illustrated is substantially circular. The planar flange 21 includes an outer planar face 22 through which an engagement opening 24 is formed and also a planar annular face 23 on the opposite side of the flange 21. [0059] The engagement opening 24 is provided through the flange 21 and partially into the unitary body of the universal end support to allow engagement with a shaped protrusion 25 provided on both the ratchet assembly 16 as illustrated in Figures 6 to 9 and a rear end, two embodiments of which are illustrated in Figures 10 to 12 (38mm) and in Figures 13 to 15 (48mm). As illustrated in Figures 6 to 15, the same shaped protrusion is provided on both the ratchet assembly 16 and rear end 17 of the blind assembly and therefore, the shaped opening 24 can receive a shaped protrusion from either the ratchet assembly 16 or the rear end 17. [0060] As illustrated, the engagement opening 24 is substantially rectangular in cross section and extends through the flange 21 and partially into the unitary body. The opening 21 is preferably located centrally, coaxially with the longitudinal axis (line A-A) of the universal end support. [0061] The spring mounting portion 19 provided has portions of both a left-hand thread and a right-hand thread. In the illustrated embodiment, the portions of the left-hand thread and right hand thread are formed through the provision of a series of ridges 26 provided over a part of the length of the preferred unitary body of the universal end support adjacent the adapter portion 18. The ridges are provided on a frustoconical spring mounting portion 19 spaced from the planar annular face 23 of the planar flange 21 by a seating groove 27. [0062] As illustrated, the frustoconical spring mounting portion 19 has a larger end and a smaller end with the larger end located adjacent to the flange 21 and the smaller end spaced further away from the flange 21. The larger end and smaller end of the frustoconical portion will each be provided with a shoulder in order to delineate the frustoconical portion. [0063] At the end of the body at which the flange 21 is located, the provision of the shoulder 28 creates or partially defines the spring seating groove 27 between the planar annular surface 23 of the flange and the shoulder 28 defining the frustoconical spring mounting portion 19. The spring seating groove 27 is shaped as the spring will normally be manufactured of wire having a substantially circular cross-section. [0064] A transverse opening 36 is provided into or through the spring seating groove 27 in order to receive a free end of the spring 13 to secure the spring 13 relative to the end support.

I "I [0065] The frustoconical spring mounting portion 19 illustrated is substantially tubular. The frustoconical spring mounting portion 19 extends about a portion of the elongate finger 20 over at least a portion of the length of the elongate finger 20. Normally an inner surface of the frustoconical portion is spaced from the elongate finger in order to create an annular gap 29 between an external surface of the elongate finger 20 and an inner surface of the frustoconical spring mounting portion 19. [0066] As mentioned above, the portions of the left-hand thread and right-hand thread are typically formed through the provision of ridges 26 on an external surface of the frustoconical spring mounting portion 19. As illustrated in Figures 3 and 4 in particular, two sets of ridges are provided, one on either lateral side, preferably opposite sides of the frustoconical spring mounting portion 19. The set of ridges 26 on one side are offset from or staggered with the set of ridges 29 on the opposite side. [0067] Typically, the ridges 26 are spaced from one another with a depression located between adjacent ridges. Preferably, the set of ridges on one side of the frustoconical spring mounting portion 19 is offset from the set of ridges on the opposite side such that a ridge on one side of the frustoconical spring mounting portion 19 is substantially in line with a depression between ridges 26 on the other side of the frustoconical spring mounting portion 19. [0068] According to the preferred embodiment, each ridge in the set is shaped to provide both a left-hand thread and a right-hand thread. As illustrated best in Figure 2, each ridge 26 is thicker or wider towards the centre of the ridge 26 and tapers inwardly toward the tip at either end of the ridge. This forms angled portions at the ends of each ridge. This will act to provide a left-hand threaded portion utilising one side surface of the ridge at one end and the opposite side surface at the other end and vice versa for the formation of a right-hand threaded portion. [0069] The ridges 26 are preferably substantially hemispherical in section. Further, the ridges 26 are preferably higher or taller in the middle of the ridge 26 and taper downwardly towards each of the ends of the ridge 26. [0070] Preferably, the frustoconical spring mounting portion 19 will be formed such that the shoulder 30 of the smaller end of the frustoconical spring mounting portion 19 extends inwardly towards the elongate finger 20 of the universal end support but is spaced therefrom. [0071] The elongate finger of the illustrated embodiment is spaced concentrically within the frustoconical spring mounting portion 19 such that a gap 29, which is annular in shape is formed therebetween.

1 1 [0072] There are a number of spacing members 31 provided within the gap 29 in order to maintain the frustoconical spring mounting portion 19 about the elongate finger 20. The spacing members 31 are spaced about the circumference of the elongate finger 20. [0073] The elongate finger will typically have a tapered free end as shown in Figures 2 and 5. [0074] The illustrated elongate finger is at least partially hollow with a bore 32 formed through the elongate finger 20. According to the illustrated embodiment, the engagement opening 24 in the adapter portion 18 is larger in diameter than the bore 32 in the elongate finger 20 with a neck portion 33 of even smaller diameter provided between the engagement opening 24 in the adapter portion 18 and the bore 32 in the elongate finger 20. This may allow the use of a fastener 34 inserted through an opening 35 in the rear end 17 in order to attach the rear end 17 to the universal end support 14 as illustrated at the right hand side of Figure 1. [0075] In use, the spring of the blind assembly is located about the second elongate tube and within the first elongate tube. The universal end support so then preferably forced into the ends of the second tube whilst deforming the ends of the spring to engage the spring with the ridges formed on the preferred frustoconical portion as required. Once the universal end support is properly positioned, the free end of the spring is typically inserted into the transverse opening in the seating groove of the universal end support in order to secure the spring relative to the end support. The rear end and ratchet assembly can then be attached via the adapter portion as required by the installer. [0076] As mentioned above, the provision of the universal end support of the present invention allows the same end support to be used at either end of the assembly to allow the spring to store tension in either direction as required. [0077] In the present specification and claims (if any), 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. [0078] 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 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. [0079] 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 (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims (23)

1. A universal end support for a spring assisted roller blind of the type having a first elongate tube mounting a blind sheet for extension and retraction relative thereto, a second elongate tube concentrically within the first elongate tube and a spring mounted relative to at least one end support and between the first elongate tube and the second elongate tube for the storage of tension, the universal end support including an adaptor portion for engaging with a rear end or a ratchet assembly of the roller blind, a spring mounting portion and an elongate finger to be received at least partially within the second elongate tube mounting the spring of the roller blind thereabouts wherein the spring mounting portion is provided with portions of both a left hand thread and a right hand thread.

2. A universal end support as claimed in claim 1 wherein the universal end support is configured has a solid body.

3. A universal end support as claimed in claim 2 including a substantially planar flange at one end of the solid body and having an outer planar surface and a planar annular face on the opposite side of the planar flange.

4. A universal end support as claimed in claim 3 wherein an engagement opening is provided into the flange and partially into the solid body.

5. A universal end support as claimed in claim 4 wherein the engagement opening is non circular in cross-section having shaped sidewalls to provide one or more engagement surfaces.

6. A universal end support as claimed in claim 4 or claim 5 wherein the engagement opening is located centrally, coaxially with a longitudinal axis of the universal end support.

7. A universal end support as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the portions of the left-hand thread and right-hand thread are formed through the provision of a series of ridges provided over a part of the length of the universal end support adjacent the adapter portion.

8. A universal end support as claimed in claim 7 provided with a frustoconical portion with the series of ridges provided over a part of the length of the frustoconical portion.

9. A universal end support as claimed in claim 8 wherein a larger end of the frustoconical portion is located adjacent to the adapter portion and the smaller end of the frustoconical 1 -r portion is spaced further away from the adapter portion.

10. A universal end support as claimed in claim 8 or claim 9 wherein the frustoconical portion is located adjacent to the adapter portion to define a spring seating groove therebetween.

11. A universal end support as claimed in claim 10 further including a transverse opening provided into or through the spring seating groove in order to receive a free end of a spring of a blind assembly.

12. A universal end support as claimed in any one of claims 7 to 11 wherein the frustoconical portion provided is substantially tubular extending about a portion of the elongate finger over at least a portion of the length of the elongate finger.

13. A universal end support as claimed in claim 12 wherein an inner surface of the frustoconical portion is spaced from the elongate finger in order to create an annular gap between an external surface of the elongate finger and an inner surface of the frustoconical portion.

14. A universal end support as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 13 wherein two sets of ridges are provided, one on either lateral side of the frustoconical portion.

15. A universal end support as claimed in claim 14 wherein the set of ridges on one side are offset from or staggered with the set of ridges on the other lateral side of the frustoconical portion.

16. A universal end support as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 15 wherein the ridges are spaced from one another with a depression located between adjacent ridges, a set of ridges on one side of the frustoconical portion offset from a set of ridges on an opposite side such that a ridge on one side of the frustoconical portion is substantially in line with a depression between adjacent ridges on the opposite side of the frustoconical portion.

17. A universal end support as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 16 wherein each ridge is thicker or wider towards the centre of the ridge and narrows toward a tip of each ridge at either end of the ridge.

18. A universal end support as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 16 wherein each ridge is substantially hemispherical in section being higher or taller in the middle of the ridge and taper downwardly towards each of the tips of the ridge.

19. A universal end support as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the elongate finger is at least partially hollow with a bore formed through the elongate finger.

20. A universal end support as claimed in claim 19 wherein an opening is provided in the adapter portion larger in diameter than the bore in the elongate finger with a portion of even smaller diameter provided between the opening in the adapter portion and the bore in the elongate finger.

21. A universal end support as claimed in any one of the preceding claims wherein the end support is a unitary member.

22. A spring assisted roller blind assembly including a first elongate tube mounting a blind sheet for extension and retraction relative thereto, a second elongate tube concentrically within the first elongate tube and a spring mounted relative to at least one end support and between the first elongate tube and the second elongate tube for the storage of tension, and at least one end support including an adaptor portion for engaging with a rear end or a ratchet assembly of the roller blind, a spring mounting portion and an elongate finger to be received at least partially within the second elongate tube mounting the spring of the roller blind thereabouts wherein the spring mounting portion is provided with portions of both a left hand thread and a right hand thread.

23. A spring assisted roller blind assembly as claimed in claim 22 wherein a universal end support is used in both ends of the roller blind assembly.