GB2295635A

GB2295635A - Retaining means for blinds

Info

Publication number: GB2295635A
Application number: GB9524019A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ernest Geoffrey Harman
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 1994-12-01
Filing date: 1995-11-23
Publication date: 1996-06-05
Anticipated expiration: 2015-11-23
Also published as: GB9524019D0; GB2295635B

Abstract

A blind arrangement (10) comprises a flexible blind member (12) attachable at one end (14) to or near to a one side (16) of a frame (18) of a window or door, and movable between a drawn condition in which the blind member (12) extends across the frame (18), and an open condition in which the blind member (12) is at least partly collapsed and removed from across the frame (18). A retaining means (22) is provided which comprises a first part 20 on the blind member (12) which is releasably cooperable with a second part (24) of the retaining means to hold the blind member (12) in the drawn condition across the frame 18. <IMAGE>

Description

Improvements in or Relating to Blinds The present invention is concerned with improvements in or relating to blinds.

Conventionally blinds including collapsible, pleated, roller and Venetian blinds can be selectively drawn upwardly and downwardly across windows and doors using a friction cord arrangement. Such arrangements are operable to enable movement of the blind across the window etc.

between an open condition in which the blind is generally at the top of the window/door substantially away from over the window/door to a closed condition in which the blind extends down across the window/door. The friction cord arrangements also retain the blind in either the open or closed condition. However, these arrangements have several drawbacks. They are relatively complex, require careful and skilful manipulation, and are prone to failure. Moreover, they often present unsightly hanging lengths of cord.

It is an object of the present invention to obviate or mitigate one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art.

The term "blind" is used in this specification to mean any form of blind or curtain or other similar member selectively movable to extend across an opening, window1 door or similar.

According to the present invention there is provided a blind arrangement comprising a flexible blind member attachable at one end to or near to one side of a frame, and which is movable between a drawn condition in which the blind member is held generally across the frame. and an open condition in which the blind member is at least partly removed from across the frame, a first part of retaining means provided on the blind member being releasably cooperable with a second part of the retaining means to hold the blind member in the drawn condition.

Preferably the blind arrangement is such that the blind member is moved generally upwardly against gravity to be held in the drawn condition by the retaining means. Preferably the said one end of the blind member is attachable, desirably fixedly attachable, to or near to a lower side of a frame, and preferably the second part of the retaining means is arranged to cooperate with the first part on the member to hold the blind member in a generally upwardly extending condition when in the drawn condition. The second part of the retaining means may be located on or near to the position on the frame, desirably the top of the frame, to which the blind member extends when in the drawn condition. The first and second parts of the retaining means may be magnetically cooperable. The first part may comprise a magnet, the second part a ferromagnetic metal member or cooperable magnet.Alternatively, the first part may comprise a ferromagnetic metal member and the second part comprise a magnet. The first part is preferably located on an end of the blind member substantially opposite to the end thereof which is attachable to a frame.

Alternatively, or additionally, the first and second parts may be mechanically cooperable, for example, by releasably engageable formations provided on each of said first and second parts. The formations may comprise engageable male and female formations. One or both of the formations may comprise a hook. The retaining means may comprise a hook and fleece arrangement.

Preferably the first and second parts are arranged to allow the blind member to extend across the frame in the drawn condition to leave little or no gap between the blind member and the side of the frame toward which the member is drawn.

Alternatively, the second part may be fixed at a location remote from the said position on the frame, and one or both of the first and second parts being extendable to cooperate with the other of the said parts to retain the blind member in the drawn condition. The second part may be located to be relatively readily accessible by a user of the arrangement. The first part may comprise a line, such as a cord connected to the blind member and arranged to be pulled to draw the blind member into the drawn condition. The line may be arranged to draw the blind member as the line is pulled generally downwardly, and may extend over a pulley or similar at or near the said position on the frame.The second part may comprise a projection attached to a fixture, such as the frame, to which the line can be attached when the blind member is in the drawn condition to hold the blind member in the drawn condition.

Preferably the blind member is movable from the drawn condition to the open condition generally under the influence of gravity. The blind member is preferably collapsed when in the open condition, preferably about a series of generally parallel folds or pleats in for example a concertinered configuration. Alternatively the blind member may be collapsible in a rolled configuration. The blind member may be attached to a roller member attachable at or near said one side of a frame. The roller member may be spring loaded to urge the blind member toward the open condition when the parts of the retaining means are not in cooperation.

Means may be provided to support the blind member when in the open condition. Guide means may be provided to guide the movement of the blind member.

Preferably handle means is provided on the blind member for use by a person moving the blind between the said open and drawn conditions.

The handle means may comprise an engageable formation such as a loop, preferably located at or near the upper end of the blind member at which the first part of the retaining means is located.

A handle engaging member may be provided to facilitate movement of the blind member by a user. The handle engaging member may comprise an elongate member, preferably with a formation at one end thereof engageable with the handle means.

Preferably the blind arrangement is operable across a window, a roof or ceiling window or door.

According to a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a blind member substantially as described in any of the preceding ten paragraphs.

Further according to the present invention there is provided a kit of parts for a blind arrangement, the kit comprising a blind member and retaining means substantially as described in any of the preceding eleven paragraphs.

The kit may further comprise handle means and/or a handle engaging member as described in any of the preceding five paragraphs.

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig. 1 shows a blind arrangement according to one embodiment of the present invention with a blind member in a closed, drawn condition across a frame; Fig. 2 is an enlargement generally of the area II of Fig. 1; Fig. 3 shows a blind arrangement according to a second embodiment of the present invention with a blind member in a drawn condition across a frame; and Fig. 4 is a diagrammatic representation of blind arrangements in use in a conservatory, in accordance with the present invention.

With reference to the drawings, a blind arrangement 10 comprises a flexible blind member 12 attachable at one end 14 to or near to a one side 16 of a frame 18, and movable between a drawn condition in which the blind member 12 extends across the frame 18, and an open condition in which the blind member 12 is at least partly removed from across the frame 18, a first part 20 of retaining means 22 on the blind member 12 being releasably cooperable with a second part 24 of the retaining means 22 to hold the blind member 12 in the drawn condition across the frame 18.

In more detail, with reference to Fig. 1, the blind member 12 is usable on an upwardly extending triangular window, such as a transparent roof panel of a conservatory, and comprises a generally triangular sheet of flexible material having a series of parallel fold lines 28 extending thereacross, allowing the member 12 to be collapsible in a concertinered fashion. The blind member 12 is attached along the lower end 14 of the sheet, to the lowermost side 16 of the frame member 18 by any suitable means to provide secure attachment.

The first part 20 of the retaining means 22 (see Fig. 2) comprises a magnet 34 securely attached to a member 35 which in turn is securely attached to the upper apex end 30 of the blind member 12. The end 30 is opposite the lower end 14 and is formed to fit generally into the upper corner 26 of the triangular frame 18 when the member 12 is in the drawn condition. The second part 24 of the retaining means 22 comprises a metal bracket 32 securely attached to an upwardly extending side 27 of the frame 18 at a distance from the said one side 16 of the frame 18 generally equal to the extended length of the blind member 12 between the respective ends 14,30 thereof when in the drawn condition.

Handle means in the form of a loop 36 is provided on the member 35 to facilitate movement of the blind member 12 as will be explained. It is to be appreciated that the handle means 36 may be of any suitable configuration and attached to any appropriate point at or near the end 30 of the blind member 12. Alternatively, the member 35 may be used to facilitate movement of the blind member 12.

An elongate handle engaging member 38 (Fig. 4) comprising a formation (not shown) on a free end thereof is provided, operable to releasably engage the loop 36 to enable a user 40 to move the blind member 12, between the open and drawn conditions when the member 12 is out of normal reach.

In use, the blind member 12 is attached at its one end 14 to a lower side 16 of a window or door frame 18 and is movable between an open condition in which the blind member 12 is collapsed in a concertinered fashion and rests generally at the one, lower side 16 of the frame 18, and a drawn condition in which the blind member 12 extends generally upwardly across the window or door frame 18, and is held there by the retaining means 22. Means (not shown) may be provided on which the blind member 12 may rest when concertinered in the open condition.

When the-blind member 12 is in the open condition light may pass through the window framed by the triangular frame 18. When it is desired to prevent or reduce light passing through the window, the blind member 12 is moved upward, through use of the handle engaging member 38 if necessary, by a user, to the drawn condition, in which the magnet 34 attractively contacts the metal bracket 32 to thereby retain the blind member 16 in the closed, drawn condition.

The retaining means 22 is sufficiently small and arranged so as to enable the blind member 12 to extend far into the corner 26 of the triangular frame 18, thereby allowing for generally complete coverage of the window by the blind member 12, and thereby a reduction in light escaping around the blind member 12 in that corner, when the blind member 12 is drawn across the window.

To move the blind member 12 from the drawn condition to the open condition, the magnet 34 is pulled away from the bracket 32 until the magnetic forces are overcome. The blind member 12 is then allowed to fall, preferably under the control of the user, to the open condition.

Fig. 3 shows a blind arrangement 110 according to a second embodiment of the present invention, in use over a triangular frame 118 substantially as described above. The retaining means 122 however comprises a first part 120 in the form of a cord attached at the upper end 130 of the blind member 112 and which extends therefrom up over a pulley P mounted to the top of the frame 118 and down therefrom to be locatable around a second part 124 of the retaining means, which is in the form of a projection or cleat attached on the frame 118, at a position accessible to a user. The locations of the pulley P and cleat 124 may be varied on the frame 118 or they may be fixedly mounted to other fixtures such as a wall in which the frame 118 is situated, to allow the cleat 124 and cord to be and remain accessible by a user.In use, the blind arrangement 110 operates in a similar manner to the embodiment described above. When the blind member 112 is in an open condition the cord 120 remains accessible to a user, and may be wrapped at its free end around the cleat 124. To draw the blind member 112 to the drawn condition, a user unwraps the cord 120 from around the cleat 124 if necessary and then pulls the cord downward, thereby lifting the blind member 112 to the top of the frame 118. When the blind member 112 is in the drawn condition, or a desired part-drawn condition, the cord 120 is then wrapped around the cleat 124 to hold the member 112 there.

This embodiment, as with the first embodiment provides a simple means for actuating a blind member, and allows the blind member to reach far into an apex when of triangular configuration as shown.

It is to be appreciated that features of the first and second embodiments can be used together on a blind arrangement.

It is to be appreciated that the blind member 12 can be of any desired shape to fit a given shape of a window, door or opening. Fig. 4 shows blind members 212a,b,c and d of varying shapes and sizes according to further embodiments of the present invention, in use in a conservatory 48.

A rectangular blind member 2 12a is shown in a drawn, closed condition, with three retaining means 222 similar to the retaining means 22, retaining the blind member 212a in that condition. A rectangular blind member 2 12b is also shown, in an open, collapsed condition. Both blinds 212a, 2 12b are extendable generally vertically for use aross respective side panels 44,46 of the conservatory 48.

A further rectangular blind 212e extends upwardly, and across an inclined rectangular roof panel 50 of the conservatory 48, again retained in the closed condition by catch means 222.

Figure 4 also shows a triangular blind member 212d, similar to blind member 12, in use and being urged towards the closed condition by a user 40 using a handle engaging member 38, across a correspondingly-shaped inclined roof panel 52 of the conservatory 48.

It is to be-further appreciated that the present invention is operable on all types of blinds, including pleated, roller1 Venetian, curtains etc.

Various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention. For example, the retaining means can be any suitable means, for example, cooperable formations, such as hook formations or releasable male and female formations. The retaining means could alternatively comprise hook and fleece fasteners. Any number of retaining means can be provided on a blind member. The loop 36 may be replaced by any suitable formation. The member 35 of the retaining means 22 may be shaped to be usable to move the blind member 12.

The blind members 12,112, 212a,b,c,d, may be roller blinds and attached to the frame 18,118 at the respective one end 14,114,214 by a spindle. The spindle may be spring loaded to urge the blind member toward the open condition when the parts of the catch means are not in cooperation.

Guide means may be provided to guide movement of the blind member between the said conditions. The guide means may comprise channels along respective sides of the frame along which the edges of the blind member nm when being moved. The guide means may help support the blind member1 particularly when in the drawn condition and extending non-vertically.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

1. A blind arrangement comprising a flexible blind member attachable at one end to or near to one side of a frame, and which is movable between a drawn condition in which the blind member is held generally across the frame, and an open condition in which the blind member is at least partly removed from across the frame, a first part of retaining means provided on the blind member being releasably cooperable with a second part of the retaining means to hold the blind member in the drawn condition.

2. A blind arrangement as claimed in claim 1, in which the blind arrangement is such that the blind member is moved generally upwardly against gravity to be held in the drawn condition by the retaining means.

3. A blind arrangement as daimed in claim 1 or claim 2, in which the said one end of the blind member is attachable to or near to a lower side of a frame.

4. A blind arrangement as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, in which the second part of the retaining means is arranged to cooperate with the first part on the member to hold the blind member in a generally upwardly extending condition when in the drawn condition.

5. A blind arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the second part of the retaining means is located on or near to the position on the frame to which the blind member extends when in the drawn condition.

6. A blind arrangement as claimed in claim 5, in which the second part is located generally at the top of the frame.

7. A blind arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim1 in which the first and second parts of the retaining means are magnetically cooperable.

8. A blind arrangement as claimed in claim 7, in which the first part comprises a magnet, the second part a ferromagnetic metal member or cooperable magnet.

9. A blind arrangement as claimed in claim 7, in which the first part comprises a ferromagnetic metal member and the second part comprise a magnet.

10. A blind arrangement as claimed in any of claims 3 to 9, in which the first part is located on an end of the blind member substantially opposite to the end thereof which is attachable to a frame.

11. A blind arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first and second parts are mechanically cooperable.

12. A blind arrangement as claimed in claim 11, in which the first and second parts comprise releasably engageable formations.

13. A blind arrangement as claimed in claim 12, in which the formations comprise engageable male and female formations.

14. A blind arrangement as claimed in claim 12 or claim 13, in which one or both of the formations comprise(s) a hook.

15. A blind arrangement as claimed in any of claims 11 to 14, in which the retaining means comprises a hook and fleece arrangement.

16. A blind arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the first and second parts are arranged to allow the blind member to extend across the frame in the drawn condition to leave little or no gap between the blind member and the side of the frame toward which the member is drawn.

17. A blind arrangement as claimed in any of claims 5 to 16, in which the second part is fixed at a location remote from the said position on the frame, and one or both of the first and second parts being extendable to cooperate with the other of the said parts to retain the blind member in the drawn condition.

18. A blind arrangement as claimed in claim 17, in which the second part is located to be relatively readily accessible by a user of the arrangement.

19. A blind arrangement as claimed in claim 17 or claim 18, in which the first part comprises a line, such as a cord connected to the blind member and arranged to be pulled to draw the blind member into the drawn condition.

20. A blind arrangement as claimed in claim 19, in which the line is arranged to draw the blind member as the line is pulled generally downwardly.

21. A blind arrangement as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, in which the line extends over a pulley or similar at or near the said position on the frame.

22. A blind arrangement as daimed in any of daims 17 to 21, in which the second part comprises a projection attached to a fixture, such as the frame, to which the line can be attached when the blind member is in the drawn condition to hold the blind member in the drawn condition.

23. A blind arrangement as daimed in any preceding claim, in which the blind member is movable from the drawn condition to the open condition generally under the influence of gravity.

24. A blind arrangement as daimed in any preceding claim, in which the blind member is collapsed when in the open condition.

25. A blind arrangement as claimed in claim 24, in which the blind member is collapsed about a series of generally parallel folds or pleats in for example a concertinered configuration.

26. A blind arrangement as claimed in claim 24, in which the blind member is collapsible in a rolled configuration.

27. A blind arrangement as claimed in claim 26, in which the blind member is attached to a roller member attachable at or near said one side of a frame.

28. A blind arrangement as daimed in claim 27, in which the roller member is spring loaded to urge the blind member toward the open condition when the parts of the retaining means are not in cooperation.

29. A blind arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, in which means is provided to support the blind member when in the open condition.

30. A blind arrangement as daimed in any preceding claim, in which guide means is provided to guide the movement of the blind member.

31. A blind arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, in which handle means is provided on the blind member for use by a person moving the blind between the said open and drawn conditions.

32. A blind arrangement as daimed in daim 31, in which the handle means comprises an engageable formation such as a loop.

33. A blind arrangement as daimed in daim 31 or claim 32, in which the handle means is located at or near the upper end of the blind member at which the first part of the retaining means is located.

34. A blind arrangement as daimed in any preceding claim, in which a handle engaging member is provided to facilitate movement of the blind member by a user.

35. A blind arrangement as claimed in claim 34, in which the handle engaging member comprises an elongate member engageable with the handle means.

36. A blind arrangement as claimed in claim 35, in which the handle engaging means comprises a formation at one end thereof which is engageable with handle means.

37. A blind arrangement as claimed in any preceding claim, in which the blind arrangement is operable across a window, a roof or ceiling window or door.

38. A blind member substantially as defined in any of the preceding daims.

39. A kit of parts for a blind arrangement, the kit comprising a blind member and retaining means substantially as described in any of the preceding claims.

40. A kit as daimed in daim 39, in which handle means and/or a handle engaging member as defined in any of daims 31 to 35, is provided.

41. A blind arrangement substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

42. A blind member substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

43. A kit substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

44. Any novel subject matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.