GB2561201A

GB2561201A - A pelmet and a method of installing a pelmet for a blind

Info

Publication number: GB2561201A
Application number: GB1705453.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Beverley John
Original assignee: BEVERLEYBLINDS Ltd
Current assignee: BEVERLEYBLINDS Ltd
Priority date: 2017-04-05
Filing date: 2017-04-05
Publication date: 2018-10-10
Also published as: GB201705453D0

Abstract

A pelmet 10 has a section including a mounting portion (12, fig 1) with an attachment formation for attachment of the pelmet to a surface. It also has a fascia (14, fig 1) extending at an angle to the mounting portion. The pelmet has a first blind attachment formation 48, 52 and a second blind attachment formation 142, 144 in different positions on the pelmet section. The fascia is positioned to obscure the first and second blind attachment formations, in use. The pelmet may be used with e.g. a vertical blind or a roller blind, and may include a blind end attachment formation (20, fig 1) for retaining a free end of a day and night roller blind.

Description

(71) Applicant(s):

BeverleyBlinds Ltd

Unit 2, Brindley Road, Exhall, CV7 9EP, United Kingdom (72) Inventor(s):

John Beverley (56) Documents Cited:

GB 1596272 A DE 003802536 A1 US 4222427 A

GB 1264062 A DE 002557646 A US 20100307697 A1 (58) Field of Search:

INT CLA47H, E06B

Other: Online: WPI, EPODOC (74) Agent and/or Address for Service:

Vault IP Limited

5th Floor Cavendish House, 39 Waterloo Street, Birmingham, B2 5PP, United Kingdom (54) Title of the Invention: A pelmet and a method of installing a pelmet for a blind Abstract Title: A pelmet for alternative blind configurations (57) A pelmet 10 has a section including a mounting portion (12, fig 1) with an attachment formation for attachment of the pelmet to a surface. It also has a fascia (14, fig 1) extending at an angle to the mounting portion. The pelmet has a first blind attachment formation 48, 52 and a second blind attachment formation 142, 144 in different positions on the pelmet section. The fascia is positioned to obscure the first and second blind attachment formations, in use. The pelmet may be used with e.g. a vertical blind or a roller blind, and may include a blind end attachment formation (20, fig 1) for retaining a free end of a day and night roller blind.

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1106d

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1108

1106a

Fig. 6

A pelmet and a method of installing a pelmet for a blind

The present invention is concerned with a pelmet and a method of installing the same for a blind. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with an extruded pelmet profile for attachment to a surface, and to which various further blinds and decorative elements can be attached.

Many types of blinds for covering windows are known in the art. For the purposes of understanding the present invention three types of blinds will be referred to in particular, as follows.

Roller blinds comprise an elongate shaft around which a sheet of material is wound. The shaft is rotatably mounted within a pair of brackets (one at either end). One end of the shaft is provided with a chain drive unit which can be driven by the user pulling on an endless chain to raise or lower the blind. The free end of the blind hangs down below the shaft, keeping the material taut.

A special type of roller blind is known as a day and night blind. Instead of being a uniform opacity, the sheet comprises elongate stripes (parallel to the axis of rotation of the shaft) of alternating opacity. For example one stripe may be clear, followed by an opaque stripe and so on. Instead of hanging, the free end of the blind is attached to a position proximate (and usually behind) the shaft. As such, when the user lowers the blind, he or she is presented with two layers of the material (a U-shaped loop is formed). The user can either unwind the blind such that the e.g. transparent strips align (in which light can come in and the user can see out), or such that the transparent strips align with opaque strips (in which case the blind is made entirely opaque).

A third type of blind is a vertical blind. Such blinds comprise a plurality of vertical leaves or strips of material which hang from a rail. The blind has a close position in which the strips are equally spaced and rotated about their axes such that the blind material completely covers the window. The strips can be rotated such that to the user, gaps appear between them to allow light in. The strips of most vertical blinds are slidably mounted so they can be moved to the side of the window to a completely open state.

In each of these cases the top of the blind can be unsightly. In the case of roller blinds, the brackets, shaft and winding arrangement are not particularly attractive. Similarly, a vertical blind rail is not attractive. It is known to provide a pelmet to cover these features in use.

A problem with the prior art is that a pelmet needs to be selected to fit the specific blind. This increases part variability, stock requirement for distributors and retailers and therefore cost.

It is an aim of the present invention to overcome, or at least mitigate, the above-mentioned problems.

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a pelmet having a section comprising:

a mounting portion having an attachment formation for attachment of the pelmet to a surface; and, a fascia extending at an angle to the mounting portion;

a first blind attachment formation for attachment of a first blind;

a second blind attachment formation for attachment of a second blind in a different position on the pelmet section to the first blind;

in which the fascia is positioned to obscure the first and second blind attachment formations in use.

Advantageously, such a pelmet provides the user with the opportunity to optionally fit one of two blinds- for example a vertical or roller blind. The formations are positioned for optimum positioning of the different types of blinds. The pelmet is usually installed such that the mounting portion is horizontal and the fascia vertical.

For example, the first blind attachment formation may be positioned on the mounting portion and as such is suitable for a vertical blind (which are typically hung from their top rail). The second blind attachment formation may be positioned on the fascia which is more suitable for roller blinds, and allows the roller blind to be mounted well within the pelmet.

Preferably the pelmet is in an L shape, in which the first and second blind attachment formations are on the concave side of the L shape.

Preferably the attachment formation is positioned on a first side of the mounting portion, and in which the fascia comprises:

a main fascia portion extending to a second side of the mounting portion; and, an overlap portion extending to the first side of the mounting portion to at least partially obscure the attachment formation.

Preferably the pelmet comprises an attachment bracket for attachment to a surface attached to the attachment formation, in which the overlap portion and the attachment bracket extend from the mounting portion by substantially the same distance (preferably within 5mm). In this way, the pelmet is made more visually attractive.

Preferably the pelmet comprises a first and second cover attachment formation for attachment of a fascia cover to cover the fascia. Preferably the fascia comprises a first side and a second side, in which the mounting portion extends from the second side of the fascia, and in which the first and second cover attachment formations are positioned on the second side of the fascia. Advantageously, this obscures those mounting positions. Preferably the first cover attachment formation is positioned proximate a join between the mounting portion and the fascia.

Preferably there is provided a pelmet cover comprising a flexible portion and a pair of mounting formations at either side, in which the flexible portion is wrapped around the fascia to cover the first side, with the mounting formations engaging respective cover attachment formations. Preferably the mounting formations are strips of a material having a higher stiffness than the flexible portion. Preferably the fascia attachment formations are slots defined by facing tabs with an opening therebetween.

Preferably the pelmet comprises a roller blind end attachment formation for attachment of a free end of a roller blind, in particular a day / night roller blind.

Preferably the roller blind end attachment formation is provided on the mounting portion, distal to the fascia.

Preferably the fascia has a curved end distal to the mounting portion, the curved end being curved in the same direction as the mounting portion extends.

Preferably the first blind attachment formation is positioned directly opposite the attachment formation on the mounting portion.

Preferably which the first and / or second blind attachment formation comprises a channel formed from opposing, facing tabs having an opening therebetween.

Preferably which the attachment formation comprises a pair of tabs extending away from each other.

Preferably the pelmet is extruded.

The invention also provides a kit comprising:

a pelmet according to any preceding claim having a first end and a second end;

at least one end cap configured to engage and cover at least one end of the pelmet.

Preferably there are provided two end caps configured to engage both ends of the pelmet and thereby form a cassette for receiving a blind.

The invention also provides a kit comprising:

a pelmet according to the first aspect;

a blind selected from: a vertical blind, a roller blind and a day / night roller blind, the blind having a formation compatible with at least one of the first and second blind attachment formations;

an attachment bracket being compatible with the attachment formation of the pelmet.

The invention also provides a blind assembly comprising:

a pelmet according to the first aspect; and, a blind selected from: a vertical blind, a roller blind and a day / night roller blind, attached to one of the first and second blind attachment formations.

An example pelmet and method of installing the same will now be described with reference to the accompanying Figures in which:

Figure 1 is a section view of a first pelmet in accordance with the present invention;

Figures 2 to 4 are section views of the pelmet of Figure 1 in various different configurations of use;

Figure 5 is a second pelmet in accordance with the present invention; and,

Figure 6 is a view of an end cap for fitting to the pelmets of Figure 5.

Referring to Figure 1, there is shown the section view of an extruded pelmet 10 in accordance with the invention. It will be understood that the pelmet may be made to any length to suit the requirement (i.e. window / blind size). The pelmet 10 is constructed from Aluminium.

The pelmet 10 comprises a mounting portion 12 and a fascia 14. The mounting portion 12 and fascia are generally elongate sections which join at respective ends to form an L shape. The mounting portion 12 and fascia 14 are generally at 90 degrees to each other.

The mounting portion 12 has a first end 16, a second end 18, a first side 17 and a second side 19.

Extending from the first end 16 of the mounting portion there is provided a blind end attachment formation 20. The blind end attachment formation 20 comprises a first channel sidewall 22 normal from the mounting portion 12 away from the fascia 14. Extending from the point at which the first channel sidewall 22 meets the mounting portion 12 there is provided a channel endwall 24. The channel endwall 24 extends normal to the channel sidewall, and terminates in a second channel sidewall 26 extending parallel to, and offset from the first channel sidewall 22. The first and second channel sidewalls 22, 26 and the endwall 24 thereby form a C shape facing away from the fascia 14. A pair of opposed tabs 28, 30 extend from the ends of the sidewalls 22, 26 opposite the endwall 24, forming a channel section having an entry aperture 32 in the form of a slot along the extruded pelmet 10.

Proximate the first end 16, and on the second side 19 there is provided a vertical blind attachment formation 40. The vertical blind attachment formation 40 is formed of a first and a second protrusion 42, 44 respectively, extending from, and normal to, the second side 19 of the mounting portion 12. The first protrusion 42 comprises a first sidewall 46 terminating in a first tab 48 extending towards the second protrusion 44. The second protrusion 44 comprises a second sidewall 50 terminating in a second tab 52 extending towards the first protrusion 42. The protrusions 42, 44 are therefore both L shaped and together with the mounting portion 12 form a channel section with an aperture 54 defined therein.

It will be noted that in this embodiment, the endwall 24 of the blind end attachment formation 20 and the first sidewall 46 of the first protrusion 42 of the vertical blind attachment formation 40 are unitary.

Proximate the first end 16, and on the first side 17 there is provided a bracket attachment formation 60. The bracket attachment formation 60 is formed of a first and a second protrusion 62, 64 respectively, extending from, and normal to, the first side 17 of the mounting portion 12. The protrusions 62, 64 are spaced-apart. The first protrusion 62 comprises a first sidewall 66 terminating in a first tab 68 extending away from the second protrusion 64. The second protrusion 64 comprises a second sidewall 70 terminating in a second tab 72 extending away from the first protrusion 62. The protrusions 62, 64 are therefore both L shaped face away from each other.

The vertical blind attachment formation 40 and the bracket attachment formation 60 are directly opposite each other on the mounting portion 12.

The fascia 14 has a first end 80, a second end 82, a first side 81 and a second side 83. The fascia 14 overhangs the first side 17 of the mounting portion 12 by an overhang 84.

On the first side 17 of the mounting portion 12, and at the second end 18 where it joins the fascia 14 there is provided a first cover attachment formation 90. The first cover attachment formation 90 comprises a first protrusion 92 extending from the first side 17 of the mounting portion spaced apart from the fascia 14. The first protrusion comprises a sidewall 94 and a first tab 96 extending therefrom towards the fascia 14. The cover attachment formation 90 further comprises a second tab 98 extending from the second side 83 of the fascia 14 (partway along the overhang 84) towards the first tab 96. The first cover attachment formation is in the shape of a channel with an aperture 100 defining a slot along the extruded pelmet 10.

On the second side 83 of the fascia 14, and at the second end 82 there is provided a second cover attachment formation 110. The second cover attachment formation 110 comprises a first protrusion 112 and a second protrusion 114 extending from the second side 83 of the fascia 14. The first protrusion 112 comprises a first sidewall 116 and a first tab 118 extending therefrom towards the second protrusion 114. The second protrusion 114 comprises a second sidewall 120 and a second tab 122 extending therefrom towards the first protrusion 112. The second cover attachment formation is in the shape of a channel with an aperture 124 defining a slot along the extruded pelmet 10.

On the second side of the fascia 14, between the second end 82 and the mounting portion 12, there is provided a roller blind attachment formation 140. The roller blind attachment formation 140 is formed of a first and a second tab 142, 144. The first tab 142 extends from the sidewall 120 of the second protrusion 114 of the second cover attachment formation 110, in the direction of the mounting portion 12. The second tab 144 extends from the second side 19 of the mounting portion 12 towards the first tab 142. The roller blind attachment formation 140 is therefore shaped as a channel section with an aperture 146 extending as a slot along the extruded pelmet 10.

Referring to Figures 2 to 4, various modes of use of the pelmet 10 are shown. In each case, and as detailed in Figure 2, the pelmet is attached to a horizontal surface 200 (such as a ceiling or upper surface of a window aperture) by a plurality of brackets 202. The brackets 202 are constructed from a sheet metal material and comprise an attachment portion 204 having a fastener aperture 206 therethrough. At either side of the attachment portion 204 there are provided opposed inwardly facing tabs 208, 210. The brackets 202 are attached to the surface 200 by mechanical fasteners 212.

Because the brackets 202 are constructed from an elastically deformable sheet metal material, the tabs 208, 210 can be separated to engage the bracket attachment formation 60. The tabs 208, 210 hook under the tabs 68, 72 of the bracket attachment formation 60. In this way, the pelmet 10 can be secured to a surface 200 (and removed therefrom).

In each of Figures 2 to 4, a fascia cover 400 is also provided comprising a strip of flexible decorative material 402 and two edge flanges 404, 406. The edge flanges 404, 406 are constructed from strips of relatively stiff (but deformable) tape constructed from a plastics material. The first edge flange 404 is adhered and stapled to the decorative material 402. The first edge flange 404 sides into the first cover attachment formation 90. At the opposite side of the material 402 to the first flange 404, the material is pushed into the second cover attachment formation 110 with a suitable tool, to tension thematerial over the fascia 14. The second flange 406 is then pushed into the second cover attachment formation 110 to retain the loose material in place. In this way, the outer, first, surface 81 of the fascia 14 is covered with a decorative material. Because both formations 90, 110 are on the second side 83, it cannot be seen how the fascia cover 400 is attached. It will also be noted that because of the overlap 84, the brackets 202 (and therefore the attachment of the pelmet 10) is obscured, ensuring an aesthetically pleasing appearance.

In Figure 2, the pelmet 10 is shown acting as a mount for a vertical blind 300. The vertical blind 300 comprises a horizontal track 302 in which a plurality of leaves 304 hanging therefrom in use. The leaves 304 can rotate and move as known in the art.

On the opposite side of the track 302 to the leaves 304 the vertical blind 300 comprises an attachment formation 306 in the form of a member 308 having a pair of opposed flanges 310, 312. The flanges 310, 312 can clip into, and be retained by, the tabs 48, 52 of the vertical blind attachment formation 40. The vertical blind attachment formation 40 deforms elastically during attachment and removal of the vertical blind 300.

It will be noted that the weight of the vertical blind 300 is applied to the pelmet directly opposite the attachment 202, thus ensuring that minimal load is passed through the pelmet section. This is beneficial as vertical blinds 300 can be heavy. Further, by positioning the vertical blind offset from the fascia 14 (i.e. at the first end 20 of the mounting portion 12) space is provided for rotation of the leaves 304 into the open position (shown in hidden line in Figure 2).

In Figure 3, the pelmet 10 is shown supporting a roller blind 400. The roller blind 400 comprises a rotatable shaft 402 having a flexible blind member 404 wrapped around. The shaft 402 can be rotated by pulling on an endless chain 406 to raise and lower the blind member 404. At either end of the shaft 402 there are provided brackets 408 (only one is visible) which rotatably support the shaft 402. Each bracket is generally L-shaped having a shaft attachment portion 410 and a flange 412 normal thereto. The flange 412 can be slid from the end of the pelmet 10 into the roller blind attachment formation 140 to be retained by the tabs 142, 144. The brackets 408 are slid into either end of the pelmet 10 to trap the shaft 402 therebetween for rotation. The flange 412 is retained in the roller blind attachment formation 140 with a small through-thickness screw (not shown).

Figure 4 is the same as Figure 3, with the exception that the roller blind 400 is a day and night roller blind having a free end 414 comprising an end flange 416 constructed from a relatively stiff (but deformable) plastics tape material. The end flange 416 is engaged with the blind end attachment formation 20 and retained by the tabs 28, 30. In this manner, the day and night blind can be operated.

It will be noted that in both Figures 3 and 4, the working parts of the roller blinds 400 are obscured by the fascia 14.

It is apparent from the above description that the pelmet 10 both acts as a mount for the three different types of blind, as well as providing an aesthetically pleasing cover for the working parts.

A second embodiment of a pelmet 1010 in accordance with the present invention is shown in Figure

5. Identical reference numerals are used for common features. The pelmet 1010 is identical to the pelmet 10 with the exception of the attachment between the mounting portion 12 and the fascia 14, and the roller blind attachment formation 140.

Instead of two opposed tabs, the roller blind attachment formation 140 is formed of a continuous member 1012 being parallel to, and offset from, the fascia 14. The member 1012 extends from the mounting portion 12 to the second sidewall 120 of the second protrusion 114 of the second cover attachment formation 110.

Where the member 1012 meets the mounting portion 12, a fillet 1014 is provided to enhance the stiffness between the mounting portion and the member 1012 / fascia 14.

In use, a roller blind can be attached in the same way as the pelmet 10- i.e. brackets are slid into either end of the channel between the fascia 14 and member 1012.

Turning to Figure 6, an end cap 1100 is shown which can be attached to either the pelmet 10 or pelmet 1010 (the pelmet 1010 is shown). The end cap 1100 comprises a generally rectangular flat plate 1102 surrounded by a flange 1104 on three sides thereof. Four pegs 1106a, 1106b, 1106c, 1106d project from the surface of the plate 1102 within, and in the same direction as, the flange 1104. On one side of the cap 1100 there is provided a protrusion 1108 in the profile.

When a pelmet 1010 has been fitted with a blind, two end caps 1100 (one being a mirror of the other) can be attached to the ends of the pelmet. The first protrusion 1106a abuts the concave side of the curved end of the fascia 14. The second protrusion 1106b abuts the first cover attachment formation 90. The third protrusion 1106c abuts the second protrusion 64 of the bracket attachment formation and the fourth protrusion 1106d abuts the first protrusion 62 of the bracket attachment formation.

The end caps 1100 are slid onto either end of the pelmet 1010 to form a cassette in which the blind is received.

Variations fall within the scope of the present invention.

Illumination means (such as an LED strip light) may be provided behind the fascia for downward projection onto the blind material.

Although the embodiment above is described as being a unitary extruded section, it is conceivable that the pelmet could be constructed from a separate mounting portion 12 and fascia 14 which are attached by e.g. a snap fit, or perhaps bonded with an adhesive.

Two pelmets could be joined together and / or mounted one in front of the other in order to provide for a double blind. For example, the pelmets may carry a blackout blind and a decorative blind.

Instead of an Aluminium extrusion, the pelmet may be constructed from an extruded plastic.

Claims

1. A pelmet having a section comprising:

a mounting portion having an attachment formation for attachment of the pelmet to a surface; and,

5 a fascia extending at an angle to the mounting portion;

a first blind attachment formation for attachment of a first blind;

in which the fascia is positioned to obscure the first and second blind attachment formations

10 in use.

2. A pelmet according to claim 1, in which the first blind attachment formation is positioned on the mounting portion.

3. A pelmet according to claim 1 or 2, in which the second blind attachment formation is positioned on the fascia.

15

4. A pelmet according to any preceding claim forming an L shape, in which the first and second blind attachment formations are on the concave side of the L shape.

5. A pelmet according to any preceding claim, in which the attachment formation is positioned on a first side of the mounting portion, and in which the fascia comprises:

a main fascia portion extending to a second side of the mounting portion; and,

20 an overlap portion extending to the first side of the mounting portion to at least partially obscure the attachment formation.

6. A pelmet according to claim 5, comprising an attachment bracket for attachment to a surface attached to the attachment formation, in which the overlap portion and the attachment bracket extend from the mounting portion by substantially the same distance.

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7. A pelmet according to any preceding claim, comprising a first and second cover attachment formation for attachment of a fascia cover to cover the fascia.

8. A pelmet according to claim 7, in which the fascia comprises a first side and a second side, in which the mounting portion extends from the second side of the fascia, and in which the first and second cover attachment formations are positioned on the second side of the fascia.

9. A pelmet according to claim 8, in which the first cover attachment formation is positioned proximate a join between the mounting portion and the fascia.

10. A pelmet according to claim 7 or claim 8, comprising a pelmet cover comprising a flexible portion and a pair of mounting formations at either side, in which the flexible portion is wrapped around the fascia to cover the first side, with the mounting formations engaging respective cover attachment formations.

11. A pelmet according to claim 10, in which the mounting formations are strips of a material having a higher stiffness than the flexible portion.

12. A pelmet according to any of claims 7 to 11, in which the fascia attachment formations are slots defined by facing tabs with an opening therebetween.

13. A pelmet according to any preceding claim, comprising a roller blind end attachment formation for attachment of a free end of a roller blind.

14. A pelmet according to claim 13, in which the roller blind end attachment formation is provided on the mounting portion, distal to the fascia.

15. A pelmet according to any preceding claim, in which the fascia has a curved end distal to the mounting portion, the curved end being curved in the same direction as the mounting portion extends.

16. A pelmet according to any preceding claim, in which the first blind attachment formation is positioned directly opposite the attachment formation on the mounting portion.

17. A pelmet according to any preceding claim, in which the first and / or second blind attachment formation comprises a channel formed from opposing, facing tabs having an opening therebetween.

18. A pelmet according to any preceding claim, in which the attachment formation comprises a pair of tabs extending away from each other.

19. A pelmet according to any preceding claim, in which the pelmet is extruded.

20. A kit comprising:

a pelmet according to any preceding claim having a first end and a second end;

21. A kit according to claim 20, comprising two end caps configured to engage both ends of the pelmet and thereby form a cassette for receiving a blind.

22. A kit comprising:

a pelmet according to any of claims 1 to 19 or a kit according to claim 20 or 21;

5

23. A kit according to claim 22, in which the pelmet is a pelmet according to any of claims 7 to 9, and comprising a fascia cover for attachment to the cover attachment formations.

24. A kit according to claim 23, in which the fascia cover and the blind comprise matching surface decoration.

25. A blind assembly comprising:

10 a pelmet according to any of claims 1 to 19; and, a blind selected from: a vertical blind, a roller blind and a day / night roller blind, attached to one of the first and second blind attachment formations.

26. A blind assembly according to claim 25, in which the pelmet is a pelmet according to claim 13 or 14, and in which the blind is a day / night roller blind having a free end attached to the blind free

15 end attachment formation.

Intellectual

Property

Office

Application No: GB1705453.7 Examiner: Alan Jones