FI128484B

FI128484B - Fastening system

Info

Publication number: FI128484B
Application number: FI20195380A
Authority: FI
Inventors: Pekka Junnikkala; Vesa Pitkänen
Original assignee: Solar Kaihdin Ky
Priority date: 2019-05-08
Filing date: 2019-05-08
Publication date: 2020-06-15
Also published as: FI20195380A1

Abstract

According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fastening system (1) for a blind system (11), the fastening system (1) comprising a cover (2) configured to be coupled to an end (3) of a hollow profile (4), and a fastener (5) configured to be coupled to the cover (2), wherein the fastener (5) comprises a first section (6) and a second section (7), and wherein the first section (6) is movable in relation to the second section (7), and wherein the first section (6) comprises an indentation (8) which is configured to engage with a part of the cover (2).

Description

FASTENING SYSTEM FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a fastening system.

[0002] Further, the present invention relates to a use of a fastening system.

[0003] Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method of installing a blind system for a transparent sheet.

BACKGROUND

[0004] Glazing units for a terrace, balcony, or similar spaces are known, by means of which protection from wind, rain, snow, etc. and simultaneously visibility can be provided. The glazing units can often be turned aside when necessary. A glazing unit typically comprises an upper profile and a lower profile separated by a transparent sheet. The transparent sheet is typically made of glass. The glazing units are typically supported by an upper frame structure and a lower frame structure. In such a case, the frame structures serve as a guiding when turning aside the glazing units. Such glazing arrangements are, for example, disclosed in document EP 2518250 A1.

[0005] Document FI 20155367 A discloses a fastening system for a blind system.

O N 20 The fastening system comprises a cover configured to be coupled to an end of a hollow

N & profile and a fastener configured to be coupled to the cover. The fastener comprises a first

O © section and a second section, wherein the first section is movable in relation to the second N . - section. a a 3 [0006] Document FI 20145746 A describes a method of installing a blind system for O 25 atransparent sheet. The method comprises steps of providing an upper hollow profile and a > lower hollow profile separated by the transparent sheet, coupling a cover of a fastening system to each end of the upper hollow profile and the lower hollow profile, coupling afastener of the fastening system to both ends of the upper hollow profile and both ends of the lower hollow profile and coupling strings of the blind system to the fastener.

[0007] Document DE 202018103173 Ul teaches a fastening system for a blind system and a method of installing a blind system for a transparent sheet.

[0008] However, there is a need of installing a blind for the transparent sheet. In view of the foregoing it would be beneficial to provide a fastening system by means of which a transparent sheet can be provided with a blind system. In particular, it would be beneficial to provide a fastening system by means of which a glazing unit for a terrace or balcony can be provided with a blind system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The invention is defined by the features of the independent claims. Some specific embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0010] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fastening system for a blind system, the fastening system comprising a cover configured to be coupled to an end of a hollow profile, and a fastener configured to be coupled to the cover, wherein the fastener comprises a first section and a second section, and wherein the first section is movable in relation to the second section, and wherein the first section comprises an indentation which is configured to engage with a part of the cover.

[0011] Various embodiments of the first aspect may comprise at least one feature o from the following bulleted list: & oh e at least a part of the first section and at least a part of the second section are

O © configured to be inserted into the hollow profile

N E e the first section is configured to move towards the second section when the first 3 25 section and the second section are simultaneously at least partially inserted into the O hollow profile

O O . . . . . . . N e thefirst section is movable relative to the second section in a spring-like mannere the first section and the second section form a U-shaped unit or a substantially U- shaped unit, a C-shaped unit or a substantially C-shaped unit, or a V-shaped unit or a substantially V-shaped unit e the fastener further comprises a third section for attachment of strings of a blind system to the fastener e the third section comprises an opening through the material of the third section e the third section comprises a recess for receiving a knotted part of the strings of the blind system e the third section comprises two first grooves on opposite sides of the third section, wherein the first grooves extend from the opening to the recess e the third section comprises two second grooves on opposite sides of the third section, wherein the second grooves extend from the opening to an outer edge of the third section e the third section is configured to be arranged outside of the hollow profile, or partially outside of the hollow profile, or within the hollow profile, or partially within the hollow profile, or outside of the cover, or partially outside of the cover, or within the cover, or partially within the cover e the sections of the fastener form a single unit e the indentation is arranged next to a first end of the first section, which first end is arranged opposite to a second end of the first section, where the first section and the

O S second section are connected with each other by material of the fastener

N O . O e thecoveris configured to serve as a closure of the end of the hollow profile N e the cover comprises a second opening for receiving a part of the fastener Tr a 3 25 [0012] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a use 0 O of the fastening system according to any one of claims 1-13 in combination with a blind S system. According to an embodiment, there is provided the use according to claim 14 in combination with a hollow profile. According to another embodiment, there is provided the use according to claim 14 in combination with a glazing unit.

[0013] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of installing a blind system for a transparent sheet, the method comprising providing an upper hollow profile and a lower hollow profile separated by the transparent sheet, coupling a cover of a fastening system to each end of the upper hollow profile and the lower hollow profile, coupling a fastener of the fastening system to each cover, and coupling strings of the blind system to the fastener such that a knot is arranged within a recess of the fastener.

[0014] Considerable advantages are obtained by certain embodiments of the invention. A fastening system and a use of a fastening system are provided. A window, — door, or glazing unit can be equipped with a blind by means of the fastening system according to certain embodiments. In particular, glazing units for a terrace or balcony can be equipped with a blind by means of the fastening system.

[0015] Coupling of the fastening system to a hollow profile can take place quickly and easily by partially inserting the cover into the hollow profile, coupling strings of the — blind system to the fastener and partially inserting the fastener into the hollow profile through an opening in the cover. In a locked position, an indentation of the fastener is engaged with a part of the cover. However, the fastener can be removed at a later stage, if required.

[0016] According to a certain embodiment, the fastener comprises a recess for receiving a knot. Thus, the knot can be hidden in a neat way. The recess is covered by a part of the hollow profile and material of the fastener when the fastener is being installed. Parts of the strings are further guided in grooves of the fastener. N [0017] Further, the fastening system can be made of plastic material and be > produced by injection molding, for instance. Thus, it is possible to manufacture a large 2 25 number of fastening systems in a specific period of time and the production of the 2 fastening systems is cost efficient. a S [0018] Furthermore, the fastening system can serve as a closure for the end of the O hollow profile according to certain embodiments, thus preventing liguid from flowing into > the hollow profile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] FIGURE 1 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a fastener of a fastening system in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention,

[0020] FIGURE 2 illustrates a schematic side view of a fastener of a fastening 5 system in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention,

[0021] FIGURE 3 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a fastening system in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention,

[0022] FIGURE 4 illustrates a schematic side view of a glazing unit having fastening systems in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, and

[0023] FIGURE 5 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a fastener of a fastening system in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, wherein strings are being attached to the fastener.

EMBODIMENTS — [0024] In FIGURE 1 a schematic perspective view of a fastener 5 of a fastening system in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The fastener 5 is configured to be coupled to a cover (not shown) which is in turn configured to be coupled to an end of a hollow profile (not shown).

[0025] The fastener 5 comprises a first section 6 and a second section 7. The first 2 20 — section 6 and the second section 7 form a substantially U-shaped, C-shaped or V-shaped N unit. In other words, the first section 6 comprises a first elongate leg which is connected to 3 a second elongate leg of the second section 7. The elongate legs are connected at one end N to each other. x - [0026] The first section 6 is movable in relation to the second section 7. At least a

O x 25 — part of the first section 6 and at least a part of the second section 7 are configured to be

LO > inserted into the hollow profile 4. The first section 6 is configured to move towards the

O N second section 7 when the first section 6 and the second section 7 are simultaneously at least partially inserted into the hollow profile 4. The first section 6 is further configured to move away from the second section 7 when the first section 6 and the second section 7 aresimultaneously removed from the hollow profile 4. In other words, the first section 6 is movable relative to the second section 7 in a spring-like manner.

[0027] The first section 6 comprises an indentation 8 which is configured to engage with a part of the cover. When the first section 6 and the second section 7 are far enough inserted into the hollow profile, the indentation 8 and said part of the cover form an interlock. In this position, the fastener 5 is fixedly attached to the cover which is attached to the hollow profile as shown in FIGURE 4.

[0028] The fastener 5 further comprises a third section 9 for attachment of strings 10 of a blind system 11 to the fastener 5 as shown and further described in connection with FIGURE 5. The third section 9 of the fastener 5 is not inserted into the hollow profile. Instead, the third section is completely arranged below/above the upper/lower profile of a glazing unit when the fastener 5 is being installed. The third section 9 comprises an opening 12 through the material of the third section 9. Additionally, the third section 9 comprises a recess 13 for receiving a knotted part of the strings 10 of the blind system 11. — Further, the third section 9 comprises two first grooves 14 on opposite sides of the third section 9, wherein the first grooves 14 extend from the opening 12 to the recess 13. Furthermore, the third section 9 comprises two second grooves 15 on opposite sides of the third section 9, wherein the second grooves 15 extend from the opening 12 to an outer edge 16 of the third section 9.

[0029] The three sections 6, 7, 9 of the fastener 5 form a single unit. Typically, the fastener 5 as well as the cover is made from plastic material by injection molding.

[0030] In FIGURE 2 a schematic side view of a further fastener 5 of a fastening N system in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is 3 illustrated. At least some features of FIGURE 1 are shown in another view. N 25 [0031] In FIGURE 3 a schematic perspective view of a fastening system 1 in E accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. When S installing a blind system 11 to a glazing unit comprising a transparent sheet 20 and an O upper hollow profile 4 and a lower hollow profile (not shown), a cover is coupled to each > end 3 of the hollow profiles. Additionally, strings 10 of the blind system 11 are attached to each of the four fasteners 5. Subsequently, the first and second section 6, 7 of the fasteners 5 are pushed into the openings 19 in the covers 2, respectively. When the fasteners 5 are intheir final installation position in relation to the covers 2, the indentations 8 of the first sections 6 of the fasteners 5 and parts of the covers 2 form an interlock. A fastener 5 can be removed from its installation position by manually moving the first section 6 towards the second section 7 of the fastener 5 and simultaneously pulling the fastener 5 out of the hollow profile 4.

[0032] In FIGURE 4 a schematic side view of a glazing unit having four fastening systems 1 in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. As can be seen, two fastening systems 1 are coupled to an upper hollow profile 4 and two fastening systems 1 are coupled to a lower hollow profile 4 of the glazing unit comprising a transparent sheet 20. A blind system 11 is coupled to each of the fastening systems 1 via strings 10.

[0033] In FIGURE 5 a schematic perspective view of a fastener 5 of a fastening system in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, wherein strings are being attached to the fastener is illustrated. In FIGURE 5 it is shown how the — strings 10 can be attached to the fastener 5. First, the strings 10 are from opposite sides guided through the opening 12 of the fastener 5. Then, the strings 10 are knotted with each other such that the knot is arranged within the recess 13. Parts of the strings are then arranged within the first grooves 14 between the opening 12 and the recess 13 as well as parts of the strings are then arranged within the second grooves 15 between the opening 12 and an outer contour of the fastener 5. In FIGURE 5, a situation before knotting the strings 10 with each other is shown. The knot can be hidden in a neat way in the recess 13. Unnecessary string material can be removed using scissors, for instance. When the fastener 5 is being installed, the recess 13 is typically covered by the hollow profile 4. Thus, the S knot cannot move out of its position in the recess 13 when a force is acting on the strings O 25 10. <Q N [0034] It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed are not z limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but are 2 extended to eguivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the O relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for > 30 — the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0035] Reference throughout this specification to one embodiment or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described inconnection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances 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. Where reference is made to a numerical value using a term such as, for example, about or substantially, the exact numerical value is also disclosed.

[0036] As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. In addition, various embodiments and example of the present invention may be referred to herein along with alternatives for the various components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments, examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as de facto equivalents of — one another, but are to be considered as separate and autonomous representations of the present invention.

[0037] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or N described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention. 3 25 [0038] While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present © invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary - skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation E can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the 2 principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention > 30 be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.

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[0039] The verbs “to comprise” and “to include” are used in this document as open limitations that neither exclude nor require the existence of also un-recited features. Thefeatures recited in depending claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the use of "a" or "an", that is, a singular form, throughout this document does not exclude a plurality.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0040] At least some embodiments of the present invention find industrial application in installing a blind for a window or door.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 fastening system 2 cover 3 end of hollow profile 4 hollow profile 5 fastener 6 first section 7 second section 8 indentation N 9 third section

N 3 10 string

N 11 blind system = a o 12 opening O» 0 O 13 recess

O

N 14 first groove 15 second groove

16 outer edge 17 first end of first section 18 second end of first section 19 opening in cover 20 transparent sheet

CITATION LIST Patent Literature EP 2518250 Al

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T ja m o oO

O 0

LO o

O N

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A fastening system (1) for a blind system (11), the fastening system (1) comprising: — a cover (2) configured to be coupled to an end (3) of a hollow profile (4), and — a fastener (5) configured to be coupled to the cover (2), wherein the fastener (5) comprises a first section (6) and a second section (7), and wherein the first section (6) is movable in relation to the second section (7), characterised in that — the first section (6) comprises an indentation (8) which is configured to engage with a part of the cover (2).

2. The fastening system (1) according to claim 1, wherein at least a part of the first section (6) and at least a part of the second section (7) are configured to be inserted into the hollow profile (4).

3. The fastening system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first section (6) is configured to move towards the second section (7) when the first section (6) and the second section (7) are simultaneously at least partially inserted into the hollow profile (4). —

4. The fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein the first section (6) is movable relative to the second section (7) in a spring-like manner.

5. The fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 1-4, wherein the first section o (6) and the second section (7) form O 25 — aU-shaped unit or a substantially U-shaped unit, g — a C-shaped unit or a substantially C-shaped unit, or O — aV-shaped unit or a substantially V-shaped unit. x a S

6. The fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the fastener (5) D 30 further comprises a third section (9) for attachment of strings (10) of a blind system (11) to 2 the fastener (5).

7. The fastening system (1) according to claim 6, wherein the third section (9) comprises an opening (12) through the material of the third section (9).

8. The fastening system (1) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the third section (9) comprises a recess (13) for receiving a knotted part of the strings (10) of the blind system (11).

9. The fastening system (1) according to claim 7 and 8, wherein the third section (9) comprises two first grooves (14) on opposite sides of the third section (9), wherein the first grooves (14) extend from the opening (12) to the recess (13).

10. The fastening system (1) according to claim 7, wherein the third section (9) comprises two second grooves (15) on opposite sides of the third section (9), wherein the second grooves (15) extend from the opening (12) to an outer edge (16) of the third section (9).

11. The fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 6-10, wherein the third section (9) is configured to be arranged — outside of the hollow profile (4), or — partially outside of the hollow profile (4), or — within the hollow profile (4), or — partially within the hollow profile (4), or — outside of the cover (2), or — partially outside of the cover (2), or o — within the cover (2), or R 25 — partially within the cover (2). & N

12. The fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 1-9, wherein the sections (6, E 7, 9) of the fastener (5) form a single unit. 3 O 30 —

13. The fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 1-12, wherein the indentation > (8) is arranged next to a first end (17) of the first section (6), which first end (17) is arranged opposite to a second end (18) of the first section (6), where the first section (6) and the second section (7) are connected with each other by material of the fastener (5).

14. Use of the fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 1-13 in combination with a blind system (11).

15. A method of installing a blind system (11) for a transparent sheet (20), the method comprising: — providing an upper hollow profile (4) and a lower hollow profile (4) separated by the transparent sheet (20), — coupling a cover (2) of a fastening system (1) to each end (3) of the upper hollow profile (4) and the lower hollow profile (4), — coupling a fastener (5) of the fastening system (1) to each cover (2), characterised by — coupling strings (10) of the blind system (11) to the fastener (5) such that a knot is arranged within a recess (13) of the fastener (5).

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