AU2018204885B2 - A reinforced louvre blade - Google Patents
A reinforced louvre blade Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- AU2018204885B2 AU2018204885B2 AU2018204885A AU2018204885A AU2018204885B2 AU 2018204885 B2 AU2018204885 B2 AU 2018204885B2 AU 2018204885 A AU2018204885 A AU 2018204885A AU 2018204885 A AU2018204885 A AU 2018204885A AU 2018204885 B2 AU2018204885 B2 AU 2018204885B2
- Authority
- AU
- Australia
- Prior art keywords
- shell
- axis
- stiffening member
- major axis
- reinforced
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Ceased
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- Specific Sealing Or Ventilating Devices For Doors And Windows (AREA)
Abstract
This invention relates to a reinforced louvre blade 20
that includes a generally elliptically shaped tubular shell 21
having an obverse wall 22 and an opposing reverse wall 23 that
5 together define a through bore 24. The shell 21 includes a
major axis 25 that extends between opposed side edge portions
26 of the shell 21 and a minor axis 27 that bisects said major
axis and is perpendicular to said major axis. The bore 24 is
filled with a core material and whereby the core 28 is
0 reinforced by a stiffening member 30 that extends the length
of the bore, and wherein the stiffening member is offset from
the minor axis in the general direction of the major axis.
27 30 ?
2 23
33
332
Description
27 30 ?
2 23
33
A Reinforced Louvre Blade
This invention relates to a reinforced louvre blade.
This invention has particular, but not exclusive,
application to louvre blades used in the construction of
shutters and wherein reference will be made to same. However,
it will be appreciated that this invention may have other
applications, such as in the construction of awnings and some
blinds.
Shutters typically include two opposing, substantially
parallel, vertically orientated, stiles that are maintained in
a spaced relationship by an intermediate top rail and an
intermediate bottom rail, and a plurality of louvre blades
that extend between, and are capable of rotational movement
relative to, the stiles. The louvre blades may be constructed
from a variety of materials, including wood and various
plastics materials.
It has been observed that louvre blades made from a
laminated polymer foam material, if generally longer than 300
mm, have a tendency to warp when used in excessively warm
'0 climates, such as are found in many parts of Australia. In
order to overcome this problem manufacturers have taken to
using reinforced louver blades in the construction of shutters
that require a louvre that is significantly longer than 300mm.
The reinforced louvre blades include an aluminium
extrusion having a top wall and an opposing bottom wall that
are substantially flat and parallel, said top and bottom walls
being maintained in a spaced relationship by two opposing webs
located on either side of a centrally located, generally
circular, web having a through bore. The extrusion when viewed
end on, further includes opposing, semi-circular, end
portions. The extrusion is generally inserted into the foamed polymer material during the process of making the louver blade.
Reinforced louvre blades of the type described are typically provided in 3.4 m lengths and are cut into lengths to suit the shutter to be manufactured. These louver blades are ideal for use in the construction of shutters that include a plurality of louver blades that rotate relative to the stiles about opposing louver pins. Typically, each pin includes an end portion that is locatable in the bore of the central web, and wherein adjacent louver blades are connected to one another by an external tilt rod. However, the end portions of the extrusion can be seen when the louvre blades rotate and it is believed that being able to see parts of the extrusion generally detracts from the overall appearance of the shutter.
Further, where these same louvre blades are used in the construction of shutters that include a tilt mechanism that is hidden from view within one of the stiles, it is necessary when assembling the shutter to create a cavity in one end '0 portion of the louvre blade to accommodate a driving biscuit. The cavity is created by pushing against one end of the extrusion so that the extrusion may slide relative to the foamed material, such that the opposing or second end of the extrusion is proud of the end of the louvre. A portion of the exposed second end of the extrusion is then trimmed away prior to the extrusion being pushed back into the louvre blade such that the second end is again generally flush with the end of the louvre blade. This additional modification of the louvre blade is both time consuming and adds significantly to the overall cost of manufacture of the shutter.
It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a reinforced louvre blade that will alleviate at least some of the disadvantages of the prior art.
With the forgoing and other objects in view, this
invention relates to a reinforced louvre that is capable of
rotation about an elongate axis through engagement with a
drive biscuit that is operatively connected to a drive
mechanism, said louvre including:
an elongate tubular shell having a first end and an
opposite second end, said shell having a substantially
elliptically shaped transverse cross-sectional shape,
consisting of an obverse wall and an opposing reverse wall;
said obverse wall combining with said reverse wall to define
an open ended internal bore, and wherein said shell includes a
major axis extending between opposed side edge portions of
said shell and a minor axis that bisects said major axis and
is perpendicular to said major axis;
an axis of rotation that extends the length of said shell
from said first end to said second end, said axis of rotation
being coincident with the intersection of said major axis and
said minor axis;
a core that fills said internal bore, said core having a
first end portion that coincides with said first end of said
shell and an opposing second end portion that coincides with
said second end of said shell;
a stiffening member that is contained within said core
and which extends along much, if not all, of the length of
said shell, said stiffening member being offset from said axis
of rotation in the general direction of said major axis, said
stiffening member including receiving means having two opposed
portions that are each adapted to engage the drive biscuit,
and
a recess formed in said first end portion of said core,
said recess being adapted to receive the driving biscuit and
cDECO1123descriptionamd2July2O2O
3a
wherein a portion of said recess is defined by said opposed
portions of said receiving means.
Preferably the stiffening member is light weight. For
example, the stiffening member may be made from a suitable
metal, such as aluminium, or a suitable plastics material and
whereby the stiffening member may be manufactured by an
extrusion process.
cDECO1123descriptionamd2July2O2O
The stiffening member may include a first receiving means that is connected to a second receiving means by an intermediate web portion. For example, the stiffening member may be symmetrical about at least one, and possibly two planes of symmetry.
The receiving means may resemble a channel having opposed jaws that in use engage opposing portions of the drive biscuit and wherein the cross-sectional shape of the channel may be "V" shaped, generally "U" shaped, generally "J" shaped, or any other suitable shape.
The receiving means may be formed integrally with the stiffening member and wherein the receiving means may extend along all or only part of the length of the stiffening member. For example, the receiving means may be associated with one end of the stiffening member.
In other embodiments, the receiving means may be attached to the stiffening member, such as one end of the stiffening member. Again, the receiving means may extend along all or only part of the length of the stiffening member.
The shell may have any cross-sectional shape. However, typically the shell will have a generally elliptical transverse cross-section. Further, the shell may be made from any suitable material, such as a suitable plastics material.
The core may be made from any suitable material, such as a foamed polymer material.
The louvre may also include a cavity formed in at least one end portion of the core that is adapted to receive a portion of the driving biscuit, said cavity being at least partially formed by the receiving means.
In another aspect, this invention relates to a method of making a reinforced louvre blade of the type that is capable of rotation about an elongate axis through engagement with a drive biscuit that is operatively connected to a drive mechanism, said method including: providing a tubular shell consisting of an obverse wall and an opposing reverse wall; said obverse wall combining with said reverse wall to define an open ended internal bore, and wherein said shell includes a major axis extending between opposed side edge portions of said shell and a minor axis that bisects said major axis and is perpendicular to said major axis; providing a stiffening member having receiving means that is capable of receiving a portion of the drive biscuit and wherein said receiving means includes two opposed portions that are adapted to engage the drive biscuit; filling the shell with a core material, and positioning the stiffening member in the core material such that it extends along much, if not all, of the length of the shell, said stiffening member being offset from the axis of rotation in the general direction of the major axis.
In some embodiments the core may be provided in a solid form and slid into the bore and may be retained therein using a suitable adhesive, if necessary. Alternatively, the core may be created by filling the bore with a suitable material in a liquid form that will later solidify. For example, the core may be constructed from an expandable foam material.
In order that this invention may be more readily understood and put into practical effect, reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings which illustrate a preferred embodiment of the invention wherein:
Fig. 1 is a pictorial representation of a typical shutter;
Fig. 2 is an end view of a reinforced louvre blade
constructed in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 3 is an end view of the louvre blade shown in figure
2 in which there is formed a recess that is adapted to
receive a driving biscuit;
Fig. 4 is an end view of an extrusion constructed in
accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 5 is an end view of another reinforced louvre blade
constructed in accordance with the present invention;
Fig. 6 is an end view of the louvre blade shown in figure
5 in which there is formed a recess that is adapted to
receive a driving biscuit, and
Fig. 7 is a schematic view of a shutter constructed in
accordance with the present invention.
Figure 1 shows a typical shutter 10 that includes two
opposing, substantially parallel, vertically orientated,
stiles 11 that are maintained in a spaced relationship by an
intermediate top rail 12 and an intermediate bottom rail 13.
The shutter 10 also includes a plurality of louvre blades 14
'0 that are pivotally connected to, and extend between, opposing
stiles 11. The louvre blades 14 are each capable of rotational
movement about a longitudinal axis relative to the stiles and
wherein movement of the louvre blades is controlled by a
suitable mechanical mechanism contained within one or the
stiles 11 such that the louvre blades move in unison.
Figure 2 is an end view of a reinforced louvre blade 20
made from a laminated polymer foam material including a
generally elliptically shaped tubular shell 21, made from a
suitable plastics material, having an obverse wall 22 and an
opposing reverse wall 23 that together define a through bore
24.
The shell 21 includes a major axis 25 that extends between opposed rounded end portions 26 of the shell 21 and a minor axis 27 that bisects said major axis and is perpendicular to said major axis.
The bore 24 is filled with a foamed polymer material and whereby this foamed core 28 is reinforced by a stiffening member 30 that extends the length of the bore.
The stiffening member 30 may be manufactured from any suitable metal or plastics material, including aluminium, and may be produced by any suitable process, including a process of extrusion. The stiffening member 30, shown in figure 4, includes a first receiving means 31 connected to a second receiving means 32 by an intermediate web portion 33 having top and bottom walls 34 and 35 respectively that each include a shallow channel 36 that extends longitudinally along the length thereof. It is believed that the inclusion of the channel 36 in the top and bottom walls assists with the adhesion of the foamed material to the stiffening member 30.
The stiffening member 30 is symmetrical about a first '0 axis 38, that bisects each receiving means 31 and 32, and a second axis 39, that bisects the web 33, said second axis 39 being perpendicular to said first axis 38.
The stiffening member 30 is imbedded in the foam core 28 such that the first axis 38 and the major axis 25 are contained in the same plain while the second axis 39 is offset from the minor axis 27, as shown in figure 2.
It is envisaged that the louvre blade 20 will be provided in lengths that are approximately 3.4 metres long and that manufacturers of shutters will cut the lengths into small portions in order to form louvre blades of a desired length. Further, prior to assembling a shutter, manufacturers will be required to form a recess 40 in one end of the foam core 28 that is adapted to receive a drive biscuit having an end portion that will engage the first receiving means 31, as shown in figure 3.
Figure 5 shows an alternative louvre blade 60 that
includes two stiffening members 30 imbedded in the foam core
28, such that the first axis 38 of each stiffening member and
the major axis 25 are contained in the same plain while the
second axis 39 of each stiffening member is offset an equal
distance from the minor axis 27, as shown in figure 5.
It is envisaged that the louvre blade 60 will be provided
in lengths that are approximately 3.4 metres long and that
manufacturers of shutters will cut the lengths into small
portions in order to form louvre blades of a desired length.
Further, prior to assembling a shutter, manufacturers will be
required to form a recess 65 in one end of the foam core 28
that is adapted to receive a drive biscuit having opposing end
portions that will engage adjacent receiving means 31, as
shown in figure 6.
Figure 7 shows a shutter 50 that includes a plurality of
'0 louvre blades 20 that extend between two opposing stiles 51,
shown in dotted outline. The louvre blades 20 are capable of
rotational movement about a longitudinal axis relative to the
stiles 51 in the general direction of arrows 52, and whereby
movement of the louvre blades is controlled by a mechanical
mechanism hidden in one of the stiles. It will be appreciated
that the stiles also prevent persons from seeing any part of
the stiffening members 30 as the louvre blades rotate.
It will of course be realised that while the foregoing
description has been given by way of example of the invention,
all other modifications and variations thereto as would be
apparent to persons skilled in the art are deemed to fall within the broad scope and ambit of this invention as herein defined in the appended claims.
Claims (6)
1. A reinforced louvre that is capable of rotation about an
elongate axis through engagement with a drive biscuit that is
operatively connected to a drive mechanism, said louvre
including:
an elongate tubular shell having a first end and an
opposite second end, said shell having a substantially
elliptically shaped transverse cross-sectional shape,
consisting of an obverse wall and an opposing reverse wall;
said obverse wall combining with said reverse wall to define
an open ended internal bore, and wherein said shell includes a
major axis extending between opposed side edge portions of
said shell and a minor axis that bisects said major axis and
is perpendicular to said major axis;
an axis of rotation that extends the length of said shell
from said first end to said second end, said axis of rotation
being coincident with the intersection of said major axis and
said minor axis;
a core that fills said internal bore, said core having a
first end portion that coincides with said first end of said
shell and an opposing second end portion that coincides with
said second end of said shell;
a stiffening member that is contained within said core
and which extends along much, if not all, of the length of
said shell, said stiffening member being offset from said axis
of rotation in the general direction of said major axis, said
stiffening member including receiving means having two opposed
portions that are each adapted to engage the drive biscuit,
and
a recess formed in said first end portion of said core,
said recess being adapted to receive the driving biscuit and
cDECO1123claimsamd2July2O2O wherein a portion of said recess is defined by said opposed portions of said receiving means.
2. A reinforced louvre blade as claimed in claim 1, wherein
said receiving has a generally semicircular shaped transverse
cross-sectional shape.
3. A reinforced louvre blade as claimed in anyone of the
preceding claims, wherein said receiving means extends along
much, if not all, of the length of said stiffening member.
4. A reinforced louvre blade as claimed in any one of the
preceding claims, wherein said stiffening member includes two
opposing channel shaped receiving means located on opposite
sides of an intermediate web portion.
5. A reinforced louvre blade as claimed in any one of the
preceding claims, wherein said stiffening member is
substantially symmetrical.
6. A method of making a reinforced louvre blade of the type
that is capable of rotation about an elongate axis through
engagement with a drive biscuit that is operatively connected
to a drive mechanism, said method including:
providing an elongate tubular shell having a first end
and an opposite second end, said shell having a substantially
elliptically shaped transverse cross-sectional shape,
consisting of an obverse wall and an opposing reverse wall;
said obverse wall combining with said reverse wall to define
an open ended internal bore, and wherein said shell includes a
major axis extending between opposed side edge portions of
said shell and a minor axis that bisects said major axis and
is perpendicular to said major axis, said shall having an axis
of rotation that extends the length of said shell from said
first end to said second end, said axis of rotation being
coincident with the intersection of said major axis and said
minor axis;
cDECO1123claimsamd2July2O2O
11a
filling the shell with a core material;
providing a stiffening member having receiving means that
includes two opposed portions that are each adapted to engage
the drive biscuit;
positioning the stiffening member in the core material
such that it extends along much, if not all, of the length of
the shell, said stiffening member being offset from the axis
of rotation in the general direction of the major axis, and
forming a recess that is adapted to receive the drive
biscuit in the core material at the first end of said shell
and whereby a portion of said recess is defined by each of
said opposed portions of said recess.
cDECO1123claimsamd2July2O2O
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2018101481A AU2018101481B4 (en) | 2017-07-05 | 2018-10-04 | A reinforced louvre blade |
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2017902628 | 2017-07-05 | ||
| AU2017902628A AU2017902628A0 (en) | 2017-07-05 | A reinforced louvre blade |
Related Child Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2018101481A Division AU2018101481B4 (en) | 2017-07-05 | 2018-10-04 | A reinforced louvre blade |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| AU2018204885A1 AU2018204885A1 (en) | 2018-11-15 |
| AU2018204885B2 true AU2018204885B2 (en) | 2020-07-23 |
Family
ID=64135658
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| AU2018204885A Ceased AU2018204885B2 (en) | 2017-07-05 | 2018-07-05 | A reinforced louvre blade |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| AU (1) | AU2018204885B2 (en) |
Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20140086735A1 (en) * | 2012-09-27 | 2014-03-27 | Taicang Kingfu Plastic Manufacture Co., Ltd. | Louver blade |
-
2018
- 2018-07-05 AU AU2018204885A patent/AU2018204885B2/en not_active Ceased
Patent Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20140086735A1 (en) * | 2012-09-27 | 2014-03-27 | Taicang Kingfu Plastic Manufacture Co., Ltd. | Louver blade |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU2018204885A1 (en) | 2018-11-15 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| FGA | Letters patent sealed or granted (standard patent) | ||
| MK14 | Patent ceased section 143(a) (annual fees not paid) or expired |