NL2004599C2

NL2004599C2 - Window covering element and window covering system.

Info

Publication number: NL2004599C2
Application number: NL2004599A
Authority: NL
Inventors: Eric Fonville
Original assignee: Mare Beheer B V
Priority date: 2010-04-23
Filing date: 2010-04-23
Publication date: 2011-10-25

Description

WINDOW COVERING ELEMENT AND WINDOW COVERING SYSTEM FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a window covering element and a window covering system using such a window covering element,

5 BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Window covering system such as horizontal blinds, vertical blinds, folding curtains, rollo shades, panel shades, banners and plantation shutters, use vertical or horizontal shutters, or thin sheet material provided with decorative strips. Preferably these are made of decorative materials that match the design of the window covering system.

10 Unfortunately, many esthetically attractive materials have mechanical disadvantages, limiting the freedom of design.

OBJECT AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to enable the use of decorative materials in window 15 covering irrespective of the mechanical disadvantages some decorative materials may have.

The invention provides a window covering element for use in a window covering system, comprising at least one decorative strip mounted on a support element, wherein 2 0 the support element at least partially supports the decorative strip. Thus, the decorative strip can be made from any material to provide the desired decorative effect, whereas the support element provides the necessary mechanical properties, thus providing a great freedom of design. The window covering element is designed to be taken up in a window covering system such as horizontal blinds, vertical blinds, folding curtains, rollo 25 shades, panel shades, banners, plantation shutters, vertical or horizontal shutters. In such a system, the window covering element may act for instance as a sun-blocking element and/or as part of the mechanical construction, typically as a moving part. Preferably, the support element is made of a relatively stiff material, for instance a metal, allowing to support decorative materials such as wood, that are prone to 30 deformation under the influence of external factors such as temperature, humidity and mechanical load. The support element may for instance be a metal strip, preferably made of aluminum. The support element may support the decorative strip by attachment to at least part of a surface of the decorative strip, preferably stretching out over at least part of the length of the decorative strip, most preferably matching the 2 length of the decorative strip. This is in particular of importance for window coverings that use floating elements, which can not be supported by for instance a framework.

5 Preferably, the decorative strip is attached to the support element by adhesive means, for instance glue or resin. Preferably, double sided adhesive tape is used as adhesive means, as double sided adhesive tape offers a convenient and spill-free method of adhering the decorative strip to the support element.

10 In a preferred embodiment, the support element supports at least two decorative strips, wherein a first decorative strip is supported on a first side of the support element, and a second decorative strip is supported on a second side of the support element, opposite to the first side. This allows for supporting two decorative strips visible from opposite sides of the support element. The decorative strips also may act as a means to 15 at least cover part of the supportive element from direct view.

In a preferred embodiment, the support element is provided with at least one recess arranged to at least partially accommodate the decorative strip. Such an arrangement provides a stable construction and makes it easier and faster to attach the decorative 2 0 strip in the desired way during construction.

It is advantageous if the decorative strip at least partially protrudes from the recess. In such a construction the decorative strip obscures the edges of the supportive element from direct view, allowing for an improved visual impact of the decorative strip. Also, it is 25 relatively easy to apply the decorative strip in the recess.

Alternatively, it is also possible to have the decorative strip lay lower than or at the same height as the edges of the recess, which offers a better protection of the decorative strip against damage.

30

It is preferred if the support element comprises at least one profiled part accommodating at least one decorative strip. Profiled parts can be used to provide mechanical strength while having a relatively low weight, allowing for the construction of relatively lightweight window covering systems. The profiled part may for instance form a recess to 35 accommodate the decorative strip.

3

In a preferred embodiment, the profiled part comprises at least one profile selected from an L-profile, a U-profile and an H-profile. Such profile types induce relatively high stiffness without need for a supporting framework. Various profile types may be combined for a particular purpose.

5

It is advantageous if the support element comprises two interlocking profile parts, preferably designed to fix a thin sheet material between the interlocking profile parts. This allows for the easy integration of a window covering element according to the invention into window covering systems based on a thin sheet material such as fabric or 10 paper. Interlocking profile parts provide a good fixation means for the window covering element on the flexible thin sheet material.

In a preferred embodiment, the decorative strip is connected to the support element by adhesive means. Adhesive means are an easy and fast technique for construction of 15 connections between different types of material. Adhesive means include for instance glues and resins.

Most preferably, the adhesive means are double-sided adhesive tape. Double-sided adhesive types allow for the easy and fast attachment of the decorative strip onto the 2 0 support element. Compared to other adhesive means, it is an advantage that the risk of spilling adhesive on a decorative surface is minimized by using adhesive tape.

It is advantageous if the elongate support element is provided with attaching means for attaching the window covering element to a window covering system. This makes it 25 easier to integrate the window covering element into a window covering system. The attaching means may for instance comprise a click profile.

In a preferred embodiment, the support element is substantially made of a metal or a metal alloy, preferably aluminum. Metals, such as iron, steel and including alloys, 30 provide mechanical strength and are relatively easy to shape for the desired purpose. Light-weight metals are preferred. Aluminum is preferred as it combines light weight with sufficient stiffness.

In a preferred embodiment, the decorative strip is substantially made of a material 35 selected from the group consisting of paper, cardboard, fabric, wood, wood veneer, resin, or composite materials thereof. Such materials are relatively easy to shape into a desired decorative strip. Wood and wood veneer, as well as some resins, are 4 susceptible towards deformation by external influences such as temperature and humidity, and benefit most from being supported by a relatively stiff support element. Various suitable composite materials, for instance combining a decorative wood veneer 5 layer on a resin layer, are known in the art.

The invention also provides a window covering system comprising a window covering element according to the invention. Typically, such systems would include a mount for installing the window covering near a window, and control means for lowering or 10 otherwise adjusting the window covering in order to control the amount of light blocked by the window covering.

In a preferred embodiment, the window covering element is integrated as a shading element, wherein the shading element is adjustable to at least one at least partially light-15 blocking orientation. The window covering element according to the invention may for instance be used as a horizontal or vertical blind, which may be rotated along a longitudinal axis in order to adjust the amount of light blocked by the window covering system.

2 0 In another preferred embodiment, the window covering system comprises at least one window covering element according to the invention, arranged on a thin sheet material. The thin sheet material may for instance be fabric or paper. The thin sheet material may be provided with a window covering element on one side, but it is also possible to arrange the thin sheet material between two window covering elements. The window 2 5 covering element may be attached to the thin sheet material by various coupling methods, for instance and adhesive or by arranging the thin sheet material between interlocking profile parts. The window covering elements may for instance be as ribs designed to control the position of the thin sheet material.

3 0 The window covering system using window covering elements according to the invention is preferably selected from the group consisting of horizontal blinds, vertical blinds, folding curtains, rollo shades, panel shades, banners and plantation shutters.

The invention will now be further elucidated by the following non-limiting examples.

35 5

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Figures 1a-1c show various embodiments of window covering elements according to the invention.

5

Figures 2a-2c show a window covering system including elements according to the invention.

Figures 3 shows an alternative window covering system including elements according to 10 the invention.

Figure 4 shows yet another alternative window covering system including elements according to the invention.

15 DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Figures 1a shows a window covering element 1 according to the invention. The U-type profile 2 forms a recess wherein a decorative strip 3, for instance made of wood, is inlaid. The decorative strip 3 may be fixed onto the profile part 2 by adhesive means 4, preferably double sided adhesive tape, applied to the contacting surfaces of the strip 3 2 0 and the supporting profile part 2. The profiled part 2 is made of a relatively stiff material such as aluminum, which allows the use materials of relatively low mechanical strength for the decorative strip.

Typical dimensions would include a width of the strip of about 9mm or about 24 mm, 25 with a thickness of 0.8 mm. The width of the profile part 2 could for instance be 1 mm more than the strip 3, and the height of the recess could be 0.3 mm lower than the top surface of the strip 3. In order to ensure minimal visual impact of the profile 2 on the appearance of the decorative strip 3 the width of the profile on the same side as the decorative strip should be equal to or less than 10% of the width of the decorative strip. 30 A thickness of the profile part 2 of about 2 mm would be sufficient for most purposes; preferably the thickness of the section of the profile 2 supporting the strip 3 is in the range of 1-3 mm. Such dimensions may be applied to other profiles accordingly.

Figure 1 b shows a double-sided window covering element 5 according to the invention. 35 The support element 6 has an H- or I- type profile, which provides recesses on opposite 6 sides wherein two decorative strips 7 are inlaid, preferably further fixed by adhesive means.

Figure 1c shows a window covering element 10, having a relatively complex profiled 5 support part 11, which is designed to interlock with another profiled part of the same type, while fixing a thin sheet material such as paper of a fabric in between two such profiled parts, as will be demonstrated in figure 3. A recess on one side of the profiled part 11 accommodates a decorative strip 12, which may be applied by adhesive means. The supporting part of the profile 11 actually forms a U-profile. The side of the support 10 element 11 opposite to the decorative strip 12 is provided with a number of protruding profile organs (13, 14, 15, 16) designed for the interlocking interaction with another profiled part of the same type and fixing a thin sheet material. Other designs may be envisaged wherein such protruding parts are designed for interlocking with a different type of profiled part.

15

Figure 2a shows a window covering system 20, based on a flexible thin sheet material 21 such as paper, fabric or plastic, on which a window covering element according the invention is arranged. The supporting element 22 is attached to the thin sheet 21, for instance by an adhesive, whereas the decorative strip 23 is arranged on the supporting 2 0 element 22 pointing away from the thin sheet 21.

Figure 2b shows an alternative window covering system 24, comparable to the system in figure 2a, wherein the thin sheet is provided with window covering elements according to the invention on both sides of the thin sheet material.

25

Figure 2c shows yet another double-sided window covering system 25, comparable to the system in figure 2b, wherein relatively large window covering elements are used and a larger part of the area of the thin sheet material is obscured by the window covering elements compared to the system 24 in figure 2b.

30

The window covering systems according to figures 2a-2c may for instance be incorporated in a rollo shade system, using a mount wherein the sheet material including multiple decorative strips may be stored on a roll, having control means for lowering or raising the window shade.

35

Figure 3 shows a double-sided window covering system 30 using the profile parts 31 as shown in figure 1c. Profile parts 31 engage in an interlocking manner, as a pair forming 7 window covering elements while fixing the flexible thin sheet material 32 such as paper or fabric which is arranged in between the profile parts 31. The thin sheet material 32 may be arranged between pairs of window covering elements to define areas. The thin sheet material may be an opaque or at least partially translucent material, suitable 5 for instance as a window shade.

The system according to figure 3 may be incorporated in for instance a folding curtain, a rollo shade or panel shade window covering system.

10 Figures 4 shows a window covering system 40 wherein window covering elements 41 according to the invention are arranged as horizontal blinds, interconnected by vertical connectors which may also be used to control the angle of the blinds 41. The array of window covering elements may be mounted to a window by conventional means. Using well known techniques, the window covering elements could also be arranged as 15 vertical blinds or plantation shutters.

Claims

A window covering element for use in a window covering system, comprising at least one decorative strip applied to a support element, wherein the support element at least partially supports the decorative strip.

2. Window covering element as claimed in claim 1, wherein the support element supports at least two decorative strips, wherein a first decorative strip is supported on a first side of the support elements and a second decorative strip is supported on a second side of the support element opposite on the first side .

3. Window covering element as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the support element is provided with at least one recess adapted for at least partially receiving the decorative strip.

A window covering element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the support element comprises at least one profile part that accommodates at least one decorative strip.

A window covering element according to claim 4, wherein the profile part comprises at least one profile selected from an L-profile, a U-profile and an H-profile. 2 5

A window covering element as claimed in claim 4 or 5, wherein the support element comprises two cooperating profile parts, preferably designed to fix a thin layer of material between the two cooperating profile parts.

7. Window covering element as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the decorative strip is connected to the support element by means of adhesive means.

The window covering element of claim 7, wherein the adhesives comprise double-sided adhesive tape.

9. Window covering element as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the elongated support element is provided with fixing means for fixing the window covering element to a window covering system.

10. Window covering element as claimed in any of the foregoing claims, wherein the support element is substantially made of a metal or a metal alloy, preferably aluminum.

A window covering element according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the decorative strip is substantially made of a material selected from the group consisting of paper, cardboard, fabric, wood, wood veneer, synthetic resin or composite materials thereof.

A window covering system comprising a window covering element according to any one of the preceding claims.

13. Window covering system according to claim 12, wherein the window covering element is integrated as a sun protection element, wherein the sun protection element is adjustable to an at least partially light-blocking orientation.

A window covering system, according to claim 12, wherein the window covering element comprises at least one window covering element applied to a thin layer of material. 20

The window covering system according to any of claims 12-14, wherein the window covering system is selected from the group consisting of horizontal slats, vertical slats, roman blinds, roller awnings, panel awnings, banners and window shutters.