EP4077862B1

EP4077862B1 - Roller screen with improved handle portion

Info

Publication number: EP4077862B1
Application number: EP20828286.3A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Carsten Thomsen
Original assignee: VKR Holding AS
Current assignee: VKR Holding AS
Priority date: 2019-12-20
Filing date: 2020-12-17
Publication date: 2024-03-27
Anticipated expiration: 2040-12-17
Also published as: EP4077862A1; CN114829734A; WO2021121516A1

Description

Technical Field

The invention relates to a roller screen, in particular in the form of an insect net or the like, for shielding a building aperture, in particular a roof window area, in an inclined wall. The roller screen comprises: a top casing defining a first longitudinal direction and in which a spring-biased roller bar is arranged rotatably, a bottom bar configured to extend substantially in parallel with the top casing and being manually operable, a first side rail and a second side rail, each extending in a second longitudinal direction, substantially perpendicular from a respective end of the top casing, a screening body having two side edges and a predefined length between a first end portion connected to the roller bar and a second end portion connected to the bottom bar, said screening body being movable in the second longitudinal direction between a non-screening position and a screening position in which the screening body is unwound from the roller bar and covers the building aperture, the two side edges of the screening body being preferably provided with discrete or continuously positioned thickenings guided in the first track and having a transverse dimension larger than the opening.

Background Art

A roller screen of the above mentioned type may assume different screening positions. The positions may be achieved by moving the screening body up or down by utilizing a bottom bar of the roller screen. Movement of the screening body to different screening positions can be difficult and cumbersome as side rails guide the bottom bar, thereby giving problems with the bottom bar getting snagged on or getting stuck in the side rails.
Additionally, in the case of insect nets, correct positioning of the screening body is important to ensure that it effectively seals off the building aperture to minimize the risk of insects entering through small gaps or openings that can be caused by incorrect operation of the roller screen.
In the prior art, various devices have been suggested in an attempt of alleviating the above problems. For instance, it is known to provide a more stable system by adding guidance cords, which helps in avoiding the bottom bar getting stuck in the side rails.
However, the use of guidance cord may sometimes not be a viable solution, as the cord system associated with the guidance cords may be quite complicated with several parts.
Further examples of prior art screening devices include AU 2017 216 606 A1 , which shows and describes an external roller screen with a head box, a sheet of blind material, a pair of guide tracks functioning as side rails, and a bottom bar with a continuous handle, and JPH0584798U shows and describes a roll screen device with a bottom bar with a handle.
Thus, there is a desire to propose an improved roller screen of the type mentioned by way of introduction, with which the above drawbacks are more fully alleviated.

Summary of Invention

It is therefore the object of the invention to provide a roller screen by which the operational conditions are improved.
This and other objects are achieved by means of a roller screen of the type mentioned by way of introduction, which is furthermore characterised in that the bottom bar comprises a longitudinal groove and at least one insert element accommodated within the longitudinal groove, wherein the at least one or more insert element delimits a handle portion within the longitudinal groove to allow a user to introduce finger/s into the longitudinal groove for gripping the bottom bar at a central section of the bottom bar.
In this way, a simple solution for a roller screen has been found. By encouraging a user to operate the roller screen at the centre, it may ensure proper operation of the roller screen, thereby minimizing the risk of the bottom bar getting snagged or stuck. Gaps resulting from an uneven coverage by the screening body may also be lessened, since pulling centrally on the bottom bar may ensure the ends of the bottom bar moves substantially synchronous to each other.
In a presently preferred embodiment, the bottom bar comprises a first insert and a second insert positioned at a distance from each other in the longitudinal groove, thereby delimiting the handle portion for gripping the bottom bar at the central section of the bottom bar. This provides for a simple and reliable solution. The handle portion formed within the longitudinal groove is limited by the longitudinal groove itself in the transverse direction of the bottom bar, thus providing a natural stop for the user's finger or fingers introduced into the cavity, and in the longitudinal direction of the bottom bar by the inserts.
In an alternative embodiment, the bottom bar comprises a single insert, wherein the single insert comprises a grip portion delimiting the handle portion for gripping the bottom bar at a central section of the bottom bar. This entails particularly easy retention of the insert within the longitudinal groove of the bottom bar and thus ensures that the handle portion is positioned correctly in a simple manner. By forming the grip portion of a suitably low material thickness, adequate space for the user's finger/s is ensured.
In a further development of this embodiment, the grip portion of the single insert comprises a concavity delimiting the handle portion. This provides for an aesthetically pleasing configuration, with smooth transitions between the insert and the handle portion located within the longitudinal groove.
In further embodiments, the insert or inserts accommodated within the longitudinal groove may serve additional purposes to the main function of setting a limit to the handle portion in the longitudinal direction of the bottom bar.
In one such embodiment, the insert comprises at least one or more lighting elements for emitting light. This may for instance be used to indicate the location of the handle portion which in turn improves the user experience.
The insert element comprises a proximity sensor communicatively coupled to the one or more lighting elements, wherein the one or more lighting elements are activated by a signal from the proximity sensor. This enhances the functionality of the roller screen even further.
In a presently preferred embodiment, the handle portion extends over 5 to 50% of the length of the bottom bar, preferably 10 to 33%. This provides for a suitable flexibility and appropriate room for the handle portion.
To optimize the available space, the at least one insert element may comprise an interior space. Advantageously, the interior space accommodates a power supply and/or a scent unit, such as perfume, mosquito repellent etc.
In principle, the longitudinal groove may take any suitable shape as long as it is possible to define a handle portion which renders the roller screen easily operable. In one presently preferred embodiment, the groove has a substantially C-shaped cross-section, preferably comprising at least one edge section. This provides for a rounded cavity which is advantageous not only for the tactile properties experienced by the user but also for cleaning purposes since the number of corners is reduced.
To ensure that the handle portion is at all times located correctly, the at least one or more insert element is locked in place in the groove by form-locking engagement and/or by mechanical fastening means and/or adhesion.
To meet user demands in terms of colour and material properties, the at least one or more insert elements may be made from plastic, metal, composite, foam, cork and/or wood.
A particular embodiment making it possible to tailor the handle portion to specific requirements, the bottom bar may comprise a first planar insert, a second planar insert, and at least one or more curving insert, wherein the first planar insert and the second planar insert are positioned at a distance from each other in the longitudinal groove, wherein the at least one or more curving insert are accommodated in the longitudinal groove in-between the first planar insert and the second planar insert, and wherein the at least one or more curving insert delimits the handle portion for gripping the bottom bar at a central section of the bottom bar.
Other presently preferred embodiments and further advantages will be apparent from the subsequent detailed description and drawings.

Brief Description of Drawings

In the following description embodiments of the invention will be described with reference to the schematic drawings, in which

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a roller screen in an embodiment of the invention mounted at a building aperture;
Fig. 2 shows an exploded plan view of a roller screen in an embodiment of the invention before assembly;
Fig. 3 shows an enlarged view of a part of a bottom element of the roller screen of Fig. 2, corresponding to the detail "III" shown in Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a top casing and a mounting bracket of the roller screen of Fig. 2;
Fig. 5 is a partial front view of a roller screen in an embodiment of the invention, with a screening body in-between a wound and unwound screening position.
Fig. 6 is an exploded perspective view of a side rail, a bottom bar and an end device of an embodiment of a roller screen in an embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view of details of the bottom bar in an embodiment of the invention.
Fig. 8 is a schematic cross-sectional top view of details of the bottom bar in an embodiment of the invention.
Figs. 9 to 11 show a workflow for installing an insert into a longitudinal groove of a bottom bar;
Fig. 12 is a top view of a corner of the bottom bar of the roller screen in an embodiment of the invention;
Figs 13 to 16 show schematic partial top view of the bottom bar of the roller screen in different embodiments of the invention;

Description of Embodiments

In the following detailed description, a preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described. However, it is to be understood that features of the different embodiments are exchangeable between the embodiments and may be combined in different ways, without departing from the scope of the appended claims. It may also be noted that, for the sake of clarity, the dimensions of certain components illustrated in the drawings may differ from the corresponding dimensions in real-life implementations.
It is noted that terms such as "up", "down", "left-hand", "right-hand", "exterior", "interior", "outer", "inner" are relative and refers to the viewpoint in question.
Referring initially to Fig. 1, a first embodiment of a screening arrangement in the form of a roller screen 1 mounted at a building aperture 3 in an inclined wall 35 is shown.
The roller screen 1 may be in the form of an insect net or the like. The roller screen 1 may be for shielding a building aperture 3, in particular a window area in an inclined wall or an inclined wall. The building aperture 3 is delimited by side inclined walls 31 and 32, an upper inclined wall 33 and a lower inclined wall 34 and the roller screen 1 is mounted on the internal side of the building aperture 3 on the inclined wall 35. A periphery is defined by surface portions of the inclined wall 35, i.e. extending in a plane substantially perpendicular to the side inclined walls 31, 32, the upper inclined wall 33 and the lower inclined wall 34.
The roller screen 1 may also be mounted directly on a sash 21 of a roof window 2 mounted in the building aperture 3. The sash 21 comprises side elements 22, a top element 23 and a bottom element 24, and the roller screen 1 is mounted on the internal side of the sash 21 facing the interior of a building in which the roof window 2 is mounted.
The roller screen 1 comprises a supply condition and a condition of use. Referring also to Fig. 2, the roller screen 1 further comprises a top casing 4, a bottom element 5 and first and second side rails 6, 7. In an assembled condition, as shown in Fig. 1, the top casing 4, bottom element 5 and first and second side rails 6, 7 form a rectangular frame where the top casing 4 and a bottom element 5 extending substantially in parallel to each other in a first longitudinal direction defining, in the condition of use, a width direction, and where the first and second side rails 6, 7 extend substantially in parallel to each other in a second longitudinal direction defining, in the condition of use, a height direction. The first longitudinal direction is substantially perpendicular to the second longitudinal direction. The first and second side rails 6, 7 thus connect the top casing 4 and the bottom element 5. The thus formed rectangular frame delimits an aperture 100. Furthermore, the roller screen 1 may comprise connection elements 40 configured to connect the top casing to the side rails and corner connection elements or inserts 60 configured to connect the bottom element to the side rails.
The roller screen 1 may further comprise extension elements 8, 9 for the first and second side rails 6, 7. The extension elements 8, 9 makes it possible to extend the side rails 6, 7 such as to fit the roller screen 1 to the size of the building aperture 3 or roof window 2 during mounting. The roller screen 1 may also comprise further connection elements or inserts similar to the connection elements 40 configured for connecting the side rails and the extension elements.
The top casing 4, bottom element 5, side rails 6, 7 and, if provided, the extension elements 8, 9 are intended to be arranged along the edges of the building aperture 3 or along the edges of the sash 21 of the roof window 2. An arrestable locking device for engagement with a retainer device may be provided at the bottom of each guide rail of the side rails 6, 7.
The roller screen 1 further comprises a screening body in the form of a lightweight flexible screen 10, which may be made of wire mesh 15. The screen of wire mesh 15 is an insect net adapted to cover an aperture of a window in order to prevent insects, leaves, debris, birds and the like from entering the building while a flow of fresh air into the building is permitted. The screen of wire mesh 15 may be a wire net of metal, fiberglass and the like synthetic fibers in a mesh or a plastic mesh made from polypropylene, polyethylene, nylon, PVC or PTFE or the like materials. Preferably, the screen of wire mesh 15 is a PVC coated insect net of fiberglass. In order to facilitate handling of the roller screen in a storage condition, the screen of wire mesh 15 is preferably made so flexible that it may be wound up for easier handling during storage outside the season or in the supply condition of the roller screen 1. The side edges of the screen 10 are guided in tracks, cf. a first track 71 in Fig. 6, in the side rails 6, 7, and if present, the extension elements 8, 9. The side edges of the screening body may be provided with discrete or continuously positioned thickenings guided in the first track 71 and having a transverse dimension larger than the opening into the track. The screen 10 of wire mesh 15 thus covers the aperture 100 of the rectangular frame completely in the condition of use.
The roller screen 1 further comprises a spring-biased roller bar 12 (cf. Fig 4) arranged in the top casing 4. The top casing 4 and the roller bar 12 are to be mounted at an upper edge of the building aperture 3 or roof window 2.
A bottom bar 13 is arranged at a bottom edge 11 of the flexible screen 10. The flexible screen 10 is designed to be wound and unwound from a screening position to a non-screening position, and vice versa, by winding and unwinding, respectively, the flexible screen 10 on the roller bar 12. The bottom bar 13 comprises, at its opposite ends, guide members slidable in guide tracks of the side rails 6, 7. The bottom bar 13 comprises a handle portion 14 intended to be gripped by a user when operating the roller screen 1. The handle portion 14 is provided in the form of a longitudinal groove 131 in the bottom bar 13 to allow a user to introduce finger/s to operate the screening arrangement 1. The handle portion 14 of the bottom bar 13 is delimited by one or more inserts 20 accommodated in the longitudinal groove such that the handle portion 14 is provided within the longitudinal groove 131, i.e. within the hollow provided by the longitudinal groove 131 and limited at the ends by the inserts 20. The inserts delimit the handle portion 14 at a central section of the bottom bar 13, which thereby urges a user of the roller screen 1 to interact with the handle portion 14 at the central section of the bottom bar 13. The at least one or more inserts 20 and the bottom bar 13 will be discussed in greater detail in relation to Figs 5 to 16.
Referring also to Fig. 3, the bottom element 5 further comprises an opening 18 for receiving a fastening element 19, such as a screw, for fixing the bottom element 5 to the inclined wall 35. The bottom element 5 is temporarily fixed to the inclined wall 35 in a first, intermediate position. Following sideways adjustment of the bottom element 5 and of the top casing 4, such that the rectangular shape is retained, the bottom element 5 and consequently the top casing are fixed in a second, final position. The opening 18 is an oblong opening allowing for adjusting the sideways position of the assembled rectangular frame before fastening the fastening element 19 completely and thus fixing the position of the bottom element 5 and of the other components with respect to the inclined wall 35. Alternatively, the opening 18 may be a round opening.
Furthermore, at least one of the side elements 6 and 7 may in a similar manner comprise an opening for receiving a further fastening element for fixing the side element 6, 7 to the inclined wall 35. Also, the extension elements 8, 9, where provided, may also comprise such an opening.
Referring now to Fig. 4, the top casing 4 comprises a rear surface 41, a front surface 42 and an upper surface 43. The rear surface 41 abuts the inclined wall 35 in a mounted condition of the roller screen 1. The front surface 42 faces away from the inclined wall 35 in a mounted condition of the roller screen 1. The upper surface 43 connects the rear surface 41 and the front surface 42. The top casing 4 defines an interior 49 in which the roller bar 12 is accommodated. The flexible screen 10 is at one end portion connected to the roller bar 12 and wound on the roller bar 12 such that most of the flexible screen 10 is also accommodated in the top casing 4 in the non-screening position. Fig. 4 is a simplistic view, not showing the connection of the flexible screen 10 to the bottom bar 13. An opening 48 allows insertion of the flexible screen 10 into the interior 49 of the top casing 4.
The top casing 4 further comprises a track 44 provided in the rear surface 41 of the top casing 4 in a position adjacent to, close to or near the upper surface 43 of the top casing 4. The track 44 is adapted for receiving a part of a mounting bracket 16 to be described further below. The track 44 extends in a longitudinal direction of the top casing 4 between opposite longitudinal ends 47a and 47b (Fig. 2) of the top casing 4. The track 44 may extend all the way or part of the way, preferably centrally, between the opposite longitudinal ends 47a and 47b of the top casing 4.
Referring to Fig. 5 showing a partial front view of the roller screen 1 in an embodiment of the invention, with the screening body 10 in-between a wound and unwound screening position. Moving the screening body 10 from the wound to the unwound screening position, or vice versa, may be done by utilizing the handle portion 14 of the bottom bar 13. The handle portion 14 allows a user of the roller screen 1 to grip the bottom bar 13 with their fingers, and then move the screening body 10, guided by side rails 6, 7, to a desired screening position. When moving the screening body 10 it is important to interact with the bottom bar 13 at the central section of the bottom bar 13, otherwise the bottom bar 13 may move unevenly leading to the bottom bar 13 getting snagged on the side rails 6, 7. Therefore, by introducing one or more insert element 20 delimiting a handle portion 14 at the central section of the bottom bar 13, may help to allievate problems such as snagging when moving the bottom bar 13. Since the one or more inserts 20 urges a user of the roller screen 1 to interact with the bottom bar 13 at the central section of the bottom bar 13, thereby giving leading to even movement of the bottom bar 13.
Referring now to Fig. 6 showing an exploded perspective view of the side rail 7, the bottom bar 13 and an end device 50 of an embodiment of the roller screen 1 in an embodiment of the invention. The end device 50 may be used as connector piece, connecting the bottom bar 13 with the side rails 6, 7. The bottom bar 13 comprises two opposing ends 130. Each of the opposing ends 130 may be associated with their own end device 50. In Fig. 6 only one end 130 of the bottom bar 13 is shown, though the same configuration may apply to the other opposing end 130. A part of the end device 50 is connected to the end 130 of the bottom bar. Another part of the end device is connected to the side rail 7. The end device 50 is connected movably to the side rail 7, thereby allowing the end device 50 to move within the first track 71 of the side rail 7. So when a user grips the bottom bar 13 at the handle portion 14 and moves the bottom bar 13, the end device 50 moves along the first track 71, and as a consequence the bottom bar 13 also moves along the first track 71. Alternatively, no end device 50 may be used and the opposing ends 130 of the bottom bar 13 are connected directly to the side rails 6, 7, leading to the bottom bar 13 being directly guided by the side rails 6, 7.
Referring to Fig. 7 showing an exploded perspective view of details of the bottom bar 13 in an embodiment of the invention. The bottom bar 13 comprises two opposing ends 130. Extending along the length of the bottom bar 13 in-between the opposing ends 130 is the longitudinal groove 131. The longitudinal groove 131 is configured to allow a user of the roller screen 1 to insert their fingers into the longitudinal groove 131. The end devices 50 when connected to the opposing ends 130 of the bottom bar may act to delimit the longitudinal groove 131. Furthermore, a first insert 201 and a second insert 202 are shown on Fig. 7. The inserts 201, 202 are configured to be accommodated within the longitudinal groove 131 to delimit the handle portion 14 for a user to interact with.
Referring to Fig. 8 showing a schematic cross-sectional top view of details of the bottom bar 13 in an embodiment of the invention. In the shown embodiment the end device 50 have been connected to the end 130 of the bottom bar 13. The second insert 202 is accommodated within the longitudinal groove 131. The end device 50 acts as a stop for the longitudinal groove 131. The end device 50 is formed to extend over one end of the second insert 202, the same configuration may be present at the opposing end 130 of the bottom bar 13. The extension of the end device 50 over the second insert 202 may help in keeping the second insert 202 in place. Furthermore, the extension over the second insert 202 may create a space, as shown in Fig. 8. The space being delimited in-between the second insert 202 and the end device 50, in some cases in-between the second insert 202, the end device 50, and the bottom bar 13. The space delimited may be especially useful, in cases where the inserts undergo thermal expansion, the space may then provide leeway for the insert to expand.
Referring now to Figs 9 to 11 which show a workflow for installing an insert into the longitudinal groove 131 of a bottom bar. A first step being to provide the bottom bar 13 with the longitudinal groove 131, as shown in Fig. 9. The longitudinal groove 131 may be formed with a substantially C-shaped cross-section, which may facilitate grapping of the bottom bar 13. Other cross-sections may also be used, e.g. a substantially rectangular cross-section with one open side for inserting a user of the roller screen fingers into. The cross-section of the longitudinal groove may be provided with at least one or more edge sections 132. In the shown embodiment the longitudinal groove 131 is provided with a substantially C-shaped cross-section with two edge sections 132. The edge sections 132 may help facilitating gripping of the bottom bar 13. The edge sections 132 may also help with keeping the inserts accommodated within the bottom bar 13 by forming a form-locking engagement. In a second step, shown Fig. 10, a first insert 201 and fastening means 19 are provided. The fastening means 19 provided may be mechanical fastening means 19, such as a screw 19. In other embodiments the insert 201 is fixed to the longitudinal groove 131 by adhesion. In yet another embodiment the first insert 201 is fixed to the longitudinal groove 131 only by form-locking engagement, e.g. by a form-locking engagement between the one or more edge sections 132 and the first insert 201. Alternatively, a combination of mechanical fastening, adhesion, and form locking engagement may be used. In a third step, shown Fig. 11, the first insert 201 is introduced into the longitudinal groove 131. The first insert 201 may be introduced by snapping in the first insert 201 or sliding the first insert 201 in. Subsequently to the first insert 201 being introduced into the longitudinal groove 131, the fastening means fixes the first insert to the longitudinal groove, in the shown embodiment, this is carried out by screwing a screw 19 through the bottom bar 13 and into the first insert 201.
Although the work flow explained in association with Figs 9 to 11 have been explained with only the first insert 201 being mentioned, similar or matching work flows may also be carried out for other inserts.
Referring now to Figs 12 to 15 which show schematic partial top views of the bottom bar of the roller screen in different embodiments of the invention.
Referring initially only to Fig. 12 which shows an embodiment, wherein a first insert 201 and a second insert 202 are accommodated within the longitudinal groove 131 of the bottom bar. The first insert 201 and the second insert 202 are positioned at a distance from each other in the longitudinal groove 131, thereby delimiting the handle portion 14 for gripping the bottom bar 13 at the central section of the bottom bar 13.
Referring now only to Fig. 13 which shows an embodiment, wherein a single insert 203 is accommodated within the longitudinal groove 131 of the bottom bar. The single insert 103 comprises a grip portion 2031 delimiting the handle portion 14 for gripping the bottom bar 13 at a central section of the bottom bar 13. The grip portion 2031 of the single insert may be shaped in any way which allows for the grip portion 2031 to delimit the handle portion 14. The grip portion 2031 may for example comprise a concavity 2031 delimiting the handle portion 14. Alternatively, the grip portion 2031 may be formed with a rectangular indent, a trapezoidal indent, or a triangular indent, which defines the handle portion 14.
Referring now only to Fig. 14 which shows an embodiment, wherein a first planar insert 204, a second planar insert 205, and a curving insert 206 are accommodated within the longitudinal groove 131. The first planar insert 204 and the second planar insert 205 are positioned at a distance from each other in the longitudinal groove 131. The curving insert 206 is accommodated in the longitudinal groove 131 in-between the first planar insert 204 and the second planar insert 205. The curving insert delimits the handle portion 14 for gripping the bottom bar 13 at a central section of the bottom bar 13. The curving insert 206 may be comprised by only a single curving insert 206, alternatively the curving insert 206 may comprise a plurality of curving inserts, which together delimits the handle portion 14.
Referring now only to Fig. 15 which shows an embodiment, wherein a first planar insert 204, a second planar insert 205, and a curving insert 206 are accommodated within the longitudinal groove 131. In the shown embodiment the first planar insert 204, the second planar insert 205, and the curving insert 206 are made from different materials. The inserts 204, 205, 206 may be made from materials such as plastic, metal, composite, foam, cork, and/or wood. If more than one insert is accommodated within the longitudinal groove 131, the different inserts may vary both in colour and/or surface texture.
Referring now to all of Figs 12-15. The handle portion 14 delimited by the one or more insert 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206 may extend over 5 to 50% of the length of the bottom bar 13, preferably 10 to 33%.
As shown the one or more inserts 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206 may comprise lighting elements 2011. The lighting elements 2011 may be LEDs, OLEDs or Electroluminescent strips of different colours. The lighting elements 2011 may be arranged to guide a user of the roller screen 1 to the handle portion 14. This may be carried out by arranging lighting elements within the handle portion 14, or arranging the lighting elements as arrows pointing towards the handle portion 14. The use of lighting elements may facilitate use of the roller screen 1 in dimly lit rooms or at night.
The one or more inserts 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206 may also comprise a proximity sensor 2015 configured for detecting movement in the proximity of the bottom bar 13. The proximity sensor 2015 may be communicatively coupled to the one or more lighting element 2011, and configured to turn on the one or more lighting elements 2011 when detecting something in the proximity of the bottom bar 13.
The one or more inserts 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206 may also comprise an interior space 2019. The interior space 2019 may accommodate a power supply, e.g. batteries or solar cells. If the interior space comprises a power supply, the power supply may be used for powering the lighting elements 2011 and/or the proximity sensor. The interior space 2019 may also accommodate a scent unit, such as perfume, mosquito repellent etc.
The person skilled in the art realizes that the present invention by no means is limited to the preferred embodiments described above. On the contrary, many modifications and variations are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

List of reference numerals

1

roller screen

2

roof window

21 sash
22 side sash element
23 top sash element
24 bottom sash element

3

building aperture

31 side wall
32 side wall
33 top wall
34 bottom wall
35 inclined wall

4

top casing

40 top connection element
41 rear surface
42 front surface
43 upper surface
44 track
47a opposite end
47b opposite end
48 opening
49 interior

5

bottom element

6

side rail

7

side rail
71 first track

10

screening body / flexible screen

11

bottom edge

12

spring-biased roller bar

13

bottom bar

130 end
131 longitudinal groove
132 edge section

14

handle portion

15

wire mesh

16

mounting bracket

17

fastening means

18

opening in bottom element

19

fastening element

20

insert element

201 first insert
202 second insert
203 single insert
204 first planar insert
205 second planar insert
206 curving insert
2011 lighting element
2015 proximity sensor
2019 interior space
2031 grip portion

50

end device

60

bottom connection corner

100

aperture

Claims

A roller screen (1), in particular in the form of an insect net or the like, for shielding a building aperture (3), in particular a roof window area, in an inclined wall, which roller screen comprises:
a top casing (4) defining a first longitudinal direction and in which a spring-biased roller bar (12) is arranged rotatably,

a bottom bar (13) configured to extend substantially in parallel with the top casing (4) and being manually operable,

a first side rail (6) and a second side rail (7), each extending in a second longitudinal direction, substantially perpendicular from a respective end of the top casing (4),

a screening body (10) having two side edges and a predefined length between a first end portion connected to the roller bar (12) and a second end portion connected to the bottom bar (13), said screening body (10) being movable in the second longitudinal direction between a non-screening position and a screening position in which the screening body (10) is unwound from the roller bar (12) and covers the building aperture, the two side edges of the screening body being preferably provided with discrete or continuously positioned thickenings guided in a first track (71) wherein

the bottom bar (13) comprises a longitudinal groove (131) and at least one insert element (20; 201, 202; 203) accommodated within the longitudinal groove (131), characterised in that said preferably provided discrete or continuously positioned thickenings have a transverse dimension larger than an opening of said first track, and the at least one or more insert element (20; 201, 202; 203) delimits a handle portion (14) within the longitudinal groove (131) to allow a user to introduce finger/s into the longitudinal groove (131) for gripping the bottom bar (13) at a central section of the bottom bar (13).
A roller screen according to claim 1, wherein the bottom bar (13) comprises a first insert (201) and a second insert (202) positioned at a distance from each other in the longitudinal groove (131), thereby delimiting the handle portion (14) for gripping the bottom bar (13) at the central section of the bottom bar (13).
A roller screen according to claim 1, wherein the bottom bar comprises a single insert (203), wherein the single insert (203) comprises a grip portion (2031) delimiting the handle portion (14) for gripping the bottom bar (13) at a central section of the bottom bar (13).
A roller screen according to claim 3, wherein the grip portion of the single insert (203) comprises a concavity (2031) delimiting the handle portion (14).
A roller screen according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the insert (203, 204, 205) comprises at least one or more lighting elements (2011) for emitting light.
A roller screen according to claim 5, wherein the one or more lighting elements (2011) indicates the location of the handle portion (14).
A roller screen according to claims 5 and 6, wherein the insert element (20; 201, 202; 203) comprises a proximity sensor (2015) communicatively coupled to the one or more lighting elements (2011), wherein the one or more lighting elements (2011) are activated by a signal from the proximity sensor (2015).
A roller screen according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the handle portion (14) extends over 5 to 50% of the length of the bottom bar (13), preferably 10 to 33%.
A roller screen according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one insert element (20; 201, 202; 203) comprises an interior space (2019).
A roller screen according to claim 9, wherein the interior space (2019) accommodates a power supply.
A roller screen according to claim 10, wherein the interior space (2019) accommodates a scent unit, such as perfume, mosquito repellent etc.
A roller screen according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the groove (131) has a substantially C-shaped cross-section, preferably comprising at least one edge section.
A roller screen according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one or more insert element (20; 201, 202; 203) is locked in place in the groove by form-locking engagement and/or by mechanical fastening means (191) and/or adhesion.
A roller screen according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one or more insert elements (20; 201, 202; 203) are made from plastic, metal, composite, foam, cork and/or wood.
A roller screen according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the bottom bar (13) comprises a first planar insert (201, 204), a second planar insert (202, 205), and at least one or more curving insert (206), wherein the first planar insert (201, 204) and the second planar insert (202, 205) are positioned at a distance from each other in the longitudinal groove (131), wherein the at least one or more curving insert (206) are accommodated in the longitudinal groove (131) in-between the first planar insert (201, 204) and the second planar insert (202, 205), and wherein the at least one or more curving insert (206) delimits the handle portion (14) for gripping the bottom bar (13) at a central section of the bottom bar (13).
A roller screen according to any of the previous claims, wherein the longitudinal groove (131) is provided in a front of the bottom bar (13).