GB2085953A

GB2085953A - Awnings

Info

Publication number: GB2085953A
Application number: GB8130886A
Authority: GB
Original assignee: PERCO AWNINGS Ltd
Current assignee: PERCO AWNINGS Ltd
Priority date: 1980-10-14
Filing date: 1981-10-13
Publication date: 1982-05-06
Also published as: GB2085953B

Abstract

A support for a blind has U- shaped frame members b, c, d hinged at X, each frame member having a base 1 and side limbs 2 pivotally connected by hinges C. When the supports are folded to lie adjacent and one on the other all the side limbs 2 may then be swung in to lie parallel with the bases 1. The hinges C prevent the limbs 2 being swung through more than a right angle shown. <IMAGE>

Description

SPECIFICATION Improvements in or relating to awnings and the like This invention relates to an improved awning structure and is more specifically concerned with the rigid framework support over which material forming an awning or sun blind is supported. Awning or blind structures comprise generally a number of rectangular Ushaped supports in which the ends of the limbs of the U are pivotally connected to a wall fixing whereby the supports may be swung outwardly from the wall fan-wise in order to provide a structure over which a fabric awning or blind may be stretched. Such blinds are normally stowed in a folded condition with the supports lying in superposed relationship against the wall and one against the other.The arrangement of the supports however is inconvenient for storage and transport purposes, and it is an object of this invention to provide an improved support arrangement for a blind.

According to this invention, there is provided a support structure for a blind comprising a number of U-shaped support members in which the ends of the limbs of each Ushape support are each connected to a respective fixing means through a pivot whereby the supports may be swung open fan-wise to provide a supporting structure for a blind, each U-shaped support member incorporating a hinge assembly located at the junction between each side limb and the respective end of the base portion of the U whereby each side portion may be pivoted into a position in which it lies adjacent and generally parallel with the base member of the U, the hinge being further arranged with a stop member to prevent the limb being swung beyond a right angular position with respect to the base limb of the support.

With a blind support arrangement constructed in accordance with the invention all the side limb portions of the U-shaped supports may be swung inwardly to lie adjacent to the base portions whereby storage and transport of a complete blind assembly is facilitated. It will be appreciated that this construction is particuarly useful in respect of domestic blinds and it enables a relatively large blind structure to be transported in a relatively small container or package.

Individual and preferred features of the construction of a typical blind are described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings showing an example and wherein: Figure 1 illustrates the support structure for a blind in the open-in-use position but with the fabric material forming the actual blind itself removed for clarity, Figure 2 illustrates the blind support in an out-of-use position such as may be adopted when the blind is fixed to a wall or the like but not required, Figure 3 shows the blind structure in a collapsed condition for transport or storage, Figure 4 shows a detail of the end support member, and Figure 5 illustrates the pivotal connection of the supports and fixing means for attachment to a wall, Referring to Figs. 1 to 4 of the drawings, a support for a blind comprises a number of Ushaped frame members a, b, C, and d, each of which is constituted by a base portion 1 which supports the blind and two side limb portions 2 normally at right angles to the base 1.

The first support member a is pivotally connected to an intermediate portion of the side limbs 2 of the second support member b, whereas the remaining support members b, c and d are pivotally interconnected at a point X shown in more detail in Fig. 5. The separation between the support members when opened out is defined by an inextensible tape member T or the like check-strap which is connected between mutually adjacent supports. The first support member a is pivotally connected to the side portions 2 of the member b by means of a hinge illustrated in Fig. 4. When the supports are in the closed position they lie in adjacent relationship as indicated in Fig. 2.

For each support member the side limb 2 is connected to each end of the base limb 1 through pivotal connection C which has a substantially U-shaped channel member within which the ends of the relevant limbs of the support may lie, the member being connected positively to the limb 2, and connected to the limb 1 through a pivot C2. By this means the parts 1 and 2 of each U-shaped support may be swung together as illustrated in Fig. 3 and when in the open position as illustrated in Fig. 2 the limbs 2 cannot swing outwardly further than the righ angular position by virtue of the abutment formed by the channel member C engaging the end of the limb 1.

As can be seen from Fig. 3 the complete support structure can be folded to a compact elongate unit which is readily transportable.

The ends of respective limbs 2 of each support connect with the fixing X, and referring to Fig. 5 this comprises an arrangement with the support d connected to a bracket member 40 which is adapted for securing to a wall 41. The support member C is connected with a part 42 which in turn pivotally connects with the part 40 through pivot 43 enabling the support cto be swung outwardly until abutment surfaces 44 meet. In a similar way the support b is pivotally connected at 45 to the part 42 and may also be swung outwardly to a point defined by abutment surfaces which coact with the part 42. The support a is opened out by virtue of the hinge connection with the support b.

The support structures may conveniently be formed of timber strips which enables the hinges to be readily connected to the ends of the member.

Claims

1. A support structure for a blind comprising a number of U-shaped support members in which the ends of the limbs of each Ushape support are each connected to a respective fixing means through a pivot whereby the supports may be swung open fan-wise to provide a supporting structure for a blind, each U-shaped support member incorporating a hinge assembly located at the junction between each side limb and the respective end of the base portion of the U whereby each side portion may be pivoted into a position in which it lies adjacent and generally parallel with the base member of the U, the hinge being further arranged with a stop member to prevent the limb being swung beyond a right angular position with respect to the base limb of the support.

2. A support structure for a blind in accordance with Claim 1, wherein the hinge comprises a channel member in which the end of the base portion or end of the side limb is secured, the end of the side limb or end of the base portion, as appropriate, being pivotally mounted in the channel, the base portion and side limb abutting when at right angles

3. A support structure as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, wherein one or more outermost supports are pivotally connected to the next adjacent support by hinges mounted on the side limbs of the adjacent support and connected with the ends of the limbs of the outermost support.

4. A support structure for a blind or blind assembly as herein described and as shown in the accompanying drawings.