GB2615126A

GB2615126A - Frame assembly for a window covering

Info

Publication number: GB2615126A
Application number: GB2201202.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Beverley John
Original assignee: BEVERLEYBLINDS Ltd
Current assignee: BEVERLEYBLINDS Ltd
Priority date: 2022-01-31
Filing date: 2022-01-31
Publication date: 2023-08-02
Also published as: GB202201202D0

Abstract

A blind frame which is connected to a window frame. The blind frame 100 comprises at least one side member 102, a clip 104 which attaches the side member to a window frame so that the side member overlaps the window frame, and a seal with a mounting portion 204 which attaches to the side member and engaging portion which extends between the side member and window frame to form a seal between them. The side member cross-section may have a channel 122 into which the mounting portion of the seal is fitted, and the frame may also have a corner piece which fits into the channel. The window frame engaging portion of the seal may be foot shaped 212, with a toe 216 that sits against the window frame 12. The seal alone is also claimed.

Description

Frame assembly for a window covering

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention is concerned with a frame assembly for a window covering. More specifically, the present invention is concerned with a frame assembly having a seal member, the frame assembly configured to receive a blind or shade for covering a window.

Background Art

[0002] It is common for windows to have blinds on the interior side of buildings. Blinds allow a user to selectively cover the window glass and come in a variety of configurations such as vertical blinds, venetian blinds, roller blinds and roman blinds.

[0003] Although blinds are seen as a necessity in many homes and offices, they are often difficult to install for end users, requiring drilling into the walls and / or window frames to fasten brackets thereto. This requires some skill and is prone to errors, which may affect the appearance of the window.

[0004] One solution has been developed is disclosed in WO 2006/109009 Al. This patent application discloses a solution by Louver-lite Limited (TM) known as PERFECT FIT (RTM). The prior art solution involves sliding a plurality of L-shaped clips between the seal and glazing. A frame having (e.g.) four extruded portions and four angle joints in a rectangular shape is attached to the clips via a snap fit. The frame extruded portion has a front face with a flat region (on the glazing side) and a pitched region (on the frame side), the pitched region contacting the frame. A blind is attached to the frame via e.g. snap-on clips. In this way, the blind and frame are secured to the window without any drilling required.

[0005] There are various problems with the solution disclosed in WO'009.

[0006] Firstly, if the depth of the from the glazing to the innermost surface of the window frame is too small, the outer pitched region of the blind frame may not contact it. This necessitates the use of packing tape which can be unsightly, and involves extra work for the installer.

[0007] Secondly, although the extruded portions (i.e. the sides of the frame) are attached to the window via the clips, the clips are necessarily provided in discrete locations. Often, a gap is created between the blind frame and the window frame which can allow the bleed of light. This is problematic, particularly in the case of so-called blackout blinds in which light leakage reduction is paramount [0008] Thirdly, the blind frame may rattle against the window frame-particularly if there is a small gap.

[0009] Fourthly, in very wide profile window frames, this type of approach may not be suitable. Such window frames have a very shallow angle leading to the bead. This means that the pitched region of the front face of the prior art frame may not extend far enough to contact the frame.

[0010] Fifthly, the blind frame may scratch the interior surface of the window frame, particularly in the case of UPVC frames.

Summary of Invention

100111 According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a blind frame assembly comprising: a blind frame for assembly with a window frame, the blind frame comprising: at least one side member having a cross-section; and, at least one clip formation to attach the at least one side member to a window frame such that a part of the side member overlaps the window frame; and, a seal comprising: a mounting portion attached to the cross-section of the at least one side member; and, a window frame engaging portion extending from the mounting portion, the window frame engaging portion configured to extend between the at least one side member and the window frame to form a seal therebetween in use.

[0012] Advantageously the present invention negates the need for the use of a packing tape which is both impractical and ugly when the window reveal is of a size that requires the packing tape. Further, due to the flexibility of the seal, light bleed around the blind frame and rattling of the frame against the window frame is reduced. The invention also provides a more cosmetically pleasing and professional finish. The invention allows the prior art system to be fitted to windows that have a very wide profile by extending the "reach" of the seal. Finally, the invention prevents the perfect fit frame from scratching the surface of the window frame, particularly if it is a UPVC frame.

[0013] Preferably the cross-section of the at least one side member comprises a channel having an opening, and wherein the mounting portion is received in the channel with the window frame engaging portion extending from the opening.

[0014] Preferably the at least one side member comprises a front panel, and wherein the channel is formed from at least two projections extending from the front panel.

[0015] Preferably the blind frame comprises at least one corner piece having a portion engaged in the channel at a first end of the at least one side member.

[0016] Preferably the window frame engaging portion comprises a foot terminating in a toe, angled to the foot such that a tip of the toe engages the window frame in use.

[0017] Preferably the mounting portion has an internal opening. [0018] Preferably the mounting portion is a hollow polygonal section.

[0019] Preferably the seal is constructed from a material having a Young's modulus being at least one order of magnitude less than that of a material from which the side panel is constructed.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the invention there is provided a blind frame seal comprising: a mounting formation for engagement with a blind frame; a window frame engaging portion extending from the mounting portion, the window frame engaging portion configured to extend between a blind frame and a window frame to form a seal therebetween in use.

[0021] Preferably the window frame engaging portion comprises a foot terminating in a toe, angled to the foot such that a tip of the toe engages a window frame in use.

[0022] Preferably the mounting portion has an internal opening.

[0023] Preferably the mounting portion is a hollow polygonal section.

[0024] Preferably the seal is constructed from a material having a Young's modulus of 0.1 GPa or less.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0025] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the following figure in which: FIGURE 1 is a side section view of a prior art blind frame FIGURE 2 is an end view of a first seal member according to the present invention; FIGURE 3 is a perspective view of the first seal member of Figure 2; and, FIGURE 4 is a section view of a blind frame assembly incorporating the seal of Figure 2. Detailed description [0026] The following description will be made with reference to an X, Y, Z coordinate system. It will be noted that in use, the positive Y direction is away from the window (i.e. towards the interior of the room in which the window is installed). The X and Z directions are generally parallel to the window pane. The positive X direction is towards the centre of the window on which the apparatus is installed.

[0027] Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a prior art blind frame 100 comprising a plurality of side members (a single extruded side member 102 is shown) joined by corner pieces (not shown) and a clip 104. The blind frame is substantially as described in WO 2006/109009.

[0028] The side member 102 cross-section comprises a front face 106 having a flat region 108 and an angled region 110, projecting outwardly from the flat region 108. Projecting from the front face there are provided three projections 112, 114, 116. The first projection 112 extends from the area where the flat region 108 and angled region 110 meet, having a free end 118. The second projection 114 extends from the flat region 108 to a flange 120 such that the second projection 114 is L-shaped. The first and second projections 112, 114 thereby form a channel 122, which is used in the prior art for engagement of a part of each corner piece (which can be inserted axially into the extruded member 102). The third projection 116 extends parallel and offset to the second projection 114 from the flat region 108, such that a channel or slot 124 is formed between the second and third projections. A plurality of spaced-apart openings 125 is provided along the axial length of the third projection 116.

[0029] The clip 104 is generally L-shaped having a foot 126 and an engagement portion 128. The foot is flat, and the engagement portion 128 projects normal to it. The engagement portion comprises a lug 130, the function of which is to retain the clip 104 and side member 102 together by engaging one of the openings in the third projection 116 as discussed in the prior art.

Description of the first embodiment

[0030] Referring to Figures 2 and 3, the present invention provides a seal 200. Configuration [0031] The seal 200 is a unitary component It is extruded such that it forms an elongate structure with a constant cross-section 202 in the XY plane (Figure 2) extending along an axis Z (Figure 3).

[0032] The seal cross-section 202 comprises a mounting portion 204 which in this example is tubular and quadrilateral, specifically square, in shape having a central cavity 206 extending along the axis Z. The mounting portion 204 has first and second sides parallel to the X axis, and third and fourth sides parallel to the Y axis.

[0033] Extending from a corner of the mounting portion in the Y direction, parallel to one of the sides (and therefore a continuation thereof) there is provided a leg 208. The leg 208 terminates in a 90 degree corner 210 which transitions to a foot 212. The foot 212 is longer than the leg 208 and extends perpendicular thereto, parallel to the X axis.

[0034] The foot 212 terminates in an angled corner 214, extending into a toe 216. The toe 216 extends at an angle A which is greater than zero, but less than ninety degrees to the foot 212. In this example, A = 45 degrees. The toe 216 projects from the foot 212 in a direction opposite to the direction of the mounting portion 204.

[0035] A tab 218 extends from the upper side of the foot 212 and at an angle B towards the mounting portion 204. The tab 218 extends in the positive Y direction, i.e. in a direction opposite to the toe 216.

L0036] The seal 200 is constructed from an elastomeric material having a Young's modulus less than 0.1 GPa.

Assembly [0037] Referring to Figure 4, there is shown an assembly according to the present invention installed on a window 10 having a window frame 12, a glazing panel 14, a bead 16 and a glazing seal 18.

[0038] When the blind frame 100 is assembled, the seal 200 of the present invention is assembled with at least one of the side members 102. The mounting portion 204 is engaged in the channel 122 and is retained in position by the first and section projections 112, 114. The mounting portion can be inserted into the channel 122 in one of two ways. In a first method, it can be slid into the channel 122 in an axial (Z) direction before one or both of the corner pieces. In the second method, the mounting portion 204 can be elastically compressed (due to the cavity 206) and inserted into the gap between the free end 118 of the first projection and the flange 120 of the second projection. Once fully inserted, the mounting portion 204 will resile to its original shape (due to its elastomeric properties).

[0039] Referring to Figure 4, once in position, the foot 212 is parallel to the flat region 108 of the front face 106, extending to the end of the angled region 110 (i.e., to the free end of the section of the blind frame 100).

[0040] When the frame 100 is installed with the seal 200 according to the invention, the clip 104 is inserted with the foot 126 between the seal 18 and glazing panel 14. The engagement portion 128 therefore extends normal to the surface of the glazing 14.

[0041] As with the prior art system, the side member 102 can be installed onto the clip(s) 104 by inserting the engagement portion between the projections 114, 116-i.e., into the channel 124. Engagement of the lug 130 with the opening 125 retains the blind frame in position [0042] As the side member 102 approaches the window frame 12, the seal 200 comes into engagement with its interior surface (Figure 4). The seal 200 elastically deforms upon contact to provide a resiliently biased contact between the seal 200 and window frame 10. This seal prevents any gaps, which would otherwise lead to the aforementioned problems with the prior art. It will also be noted that no packing tape is required for smaller depth frames L00431 It will be noted that construction of the seal 200 from a material with a lower stiffness than the frame 102 provides an advantage inasmuch as the frame 102 provides a stiff structure for mounting a blind (being necessary for the blind to operate properly) whereby the more flexible nature of the seal provides an enhanced sealing effect. For example, the frame 102 may be constructed from a material with a Young's modulus of greater than 1 GPa, more preferably greater than 10 GPa, whereas the seal 200 is 0.1 GPa or less.

Claims

Claims 1. A blind frame assembly comprising: a blind frame for assembly with a window frame, the blind frame comprising: at least one side member having a cross-section; and, at least one clip formation to attach the at least one side member to a window frame such that a part of the side member overlaps the window frame; and, a seal comprising: a mounting portion attached to the cross-section of the at least one side member; and, a window frame engaging portion extending from the mounting portion, the window frame engaging portion configured to extend between the at least one side member and the window frame to form a seal therebetween in use.
2. A blind frame assembly according to claim 1, wherein the cross-section of the at least one side member comprises a channel having an opening, and wherein the mounting portion is received in the channel with the window frame engaging portion extending from the opening.
3. A blind frame assembly according to claim 2, wherein the at least one side member comprises a front panel, and wherein the channel is formed from at least two projections extending from the front panel.
A blind frame assembly according to claim 2 or 3, wherein: the blind frame comprises at least one corner piece having a portion engaged in the channel at a first end of the at least one side member.
5. A blind frame assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the window frame engaging portion comprises a foot terminating in a toe, angled to the foot such that a tip of the toe engages the window frame in use.
6. A blind frame assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the mounting portion has an internal opening.
7. A blind frame assembly according claim 6, wherein the mounting portion is a hollow polygonal section.
8. A blind frame assembly according to any preceding claim, wherein the seal is constructed from a material having a Young's modulus being at least one order of magnitude less than that of a material from which the side panel is constructed.
9. A blind frame seal comprising: a mounting formation for engagement with a blind frame; a window frame engaging portion extending from the mounting portion, the window frame engaging portion configured to extend between a blind frame and a window frame to form a seal therebetween in use.
10. A blind frame seal according to claim 9, wherein the window frame engaging portion comprises a foot terminating in a toe, angled to the foot such that a tip of the toe engages a window frame in use.
11. A blind frame seal according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the mounting portion has an internal opening.
12. A blind frame seal according claim 11, wherein the mounting portion is a hollow polygonal section.
13. A blind frame assembly according to any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the seal is constructed from a material having a Young's modulus of 0.1 GPa or less.