SE542761C2

SE542761C2 - Fastening system for installing a blind for a transparent sheet

Info

Publication number: SE542761C2
Application number: SE1851288A
Authority: SE
Inventors: Pekka Junnikkala; Vesa Pitkänen
Original assignee: Solar Kaihdin Ky
Priority date: 2017-11-09
Filing date: 2018-10-19
Publication date: 2020-07-07
Also published as: FI20185444A1; FI20176004A1; SE542762C2; SE1851288A1; SE1850553A1; FI127943B; FI128509B

Abstract

According to an example aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fastening system (1) comprising a first part (2) configured to be partially inserted into a hollow profile (3), a second part (4) configured to be coupled to the first part (2), and wherein the second part is configured to be coupled to a blind (5) capable of at least partially covering a transparent sheet (6).

Description

FASTENING SYSTEM FOR INSTALLING A BLIND FOR A TRANSPARENT SHEET FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to a fastening system.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Glazing units for a terrace, balcony, or similar spaces are known, by means of which protection from wind, rain, snow, etc. and simultaneously visibility can be provided. The glazing units can often be turned aside when necessary. A glazing unit typically comprises an upper profile and a lower profile separated by a transparent sheet. The transparent sheet is typically made of glass. The glazing units are typically supported by an upper frame structure and a lower frame structure. In such a case, the frame structures serve as a guiding when turning aside the glazing units. Such glazing arrangements are, for example, disclosed in document EP 2518250 A1.

[0003] However, there is a need of installing a blind for the transparent sheet. In view of the foregoing it would be beneficial to provide a fastening system by means of which a transparent sheet can be provided with a blind. In particular, it would be beneficial to provide a fastening system by means of which a glazing unit for a terrace or balcony can be provided with a blind.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The invention is defined by the features of the independent claims. Some specific embodiments are defined in the dependent claims.

[0005] According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a fastening system comprising a first part configured to be partially inserted into a hollow profile, wherein the first part comprises a base and at least one first protrusion protruding from the base, which first protrusion is configured to be inserted into the hollow profile, and wherein the base is configured to serve as a closure of one end of the hollow profile, a second part configured to be coupled to the first part, and wherein the second part is configured to be coupled to a blind capable of at least partially covering a transparent sheet, wherein the first part comprises an opening in the base, wherein the second part comprises first and second attachment elements configured to couple the second part to the first part, and wherein the first and second attachment elements are each configured to be at least partially inserted into the opening in the base of the first part.

[0006] Various embodiments of the first aspect may comprise at least one feature from the following bulleted list: the opening is accessible from outside of the hollow profile as the first part is partially being inserted into the hollow profile the first part comprises first and second stoppers configured to hold the second part in position relative to the first part as the second part is being coupled to the first part each attachment element comprises a section in the form of a hook the hook of the first attachment element is hooked over an edge of the first stopper and the hook of the second attachment element is hooked over an edge of the second stopper the first part comprises a groove configured to be coupled to a free side edge of the transparent sheet the groove is arranged in the base of the first part

[0007] Considerable advantages are obtained by certain embodiments of the invention. A fastening system for installing a blind for a transparent sheet is provided. A window, door, or glazing unit can be equipped with a blind by means of the fastening system according to certain embodiments. In particular, glazing units for a terrace or balcony can be equipped with a blind by means of the fastening system.

[0008] Coupling of the fastening system to a hollow profile can take place quickly and easily by inserting a first part partially into the hollow profile and subsequently coupling a second part to the first part. According to certain embodiments, a further third part can be coupled to the second part by sliding the third part relative to the second part.

[0009] Further, the fastening system can be made of plastic material and be produced by injection molding, for instance. Thus, it is possible to manufacture a large number of fastening systems in a specific period of time and the production of the fastening systems is cost efficient.

[0010] Furthermore, the fastening system can serve as a closure for the end of the hollow profile, thus preventing liquid from flowing into the hollow profile.

[0011] Additionally, the fastening system according to certain embodiments partially encloses a free side edge of the transparent sheet. The transparent sheet can be held in its position or supported by using a plurality of fastening systems at each end of an upper hollow profile and a lower hollow profile.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] FIGURE 1 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a fastening system in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention,

[0013] FIGURE 2 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a first part of a fastening system in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention,

[0014] FIGURE 3 illustrates a schematic side view of a fastening system in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention.

[0015] FIGURE 4 illustrates a schematic side view of a first part of a fastening system in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention.

[0016] FIGURE 5 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a fastening system in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, wherein the fastening system is being coupled to a hollow profile,

[0017] FIGURE 6 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a first part of a fastening system in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, wherein the first part is being coupled to a hollow profile,

[0018] FIGURE 7 illustrates a schematic front view of a fastening system in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, wherein the fastening system is being coupled to a hollow profile,

[0019] FIGURE 8 illustrates a schematic front view of a first part of a fastening system in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, wherein the first part is being coupled to a hollow profile,

[0020] FIGURE 9 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a fastening system in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, wherein the fastening system is being coupled to an upper hollow profile of a glazing unit for a terrace or balcony,

[0021] FIGURE 10 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a first part of a fastening system in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, wherein the first part is being coupled to an upper hollow profile of a glazing unit for a terrace or balcony,

[0022] FIGURE 11 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a fastening system in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, wherein the fastening system is being coupled to an lower hollow profile of a glazing unit for a terrace or balcony,

[0023] FIGURE 12 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a first part of a fastening system in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, wherein the first part is being coupled to a lower hollow profile of a glazing unit for a terrace or balcony,

[0024] FIGURE 13 illustrates a schematic front view of a glazing unit comprising four fastening systems in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention,

[0025] FIGURE 14 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a glazing unit comprising four fastening systems in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, wherein a blind is coupled to the fastening systems,

[0026] FIGURE 15 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a detail of a glazing unit comprising a fastening system in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, wherein a blind is coupled to the fastening system, and

[0027] FIGURE 16 illustrates a schematic front view of a glazing unit comprising four fastening systems in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention, wherein a blind is coupled to the fastening systems.

EMBODIMENTS

[0028] In FIGURE 1 a schematic perspective view of a fastening system 1 in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The fastening system 1 comprises a first part 2 configured to be partially inserted into a hollow profile (not shown). Further, the fastening system 1 comprises a second part 4 configured to be coupled to the first part 2. The second part 2 is configured to be attached to a blind (not shown) capable of at least partially covering a transparent sheet (not shown).

[0029] The first part 2 comprises a base 7 and a first protrusion 8 protruding from the base 7. The first protrusion 8 is formed as a perimeter wall and configured to be inserted into the hollow profile.

[0030] Both the first part 2 and the second part 4 are made of plastic material and produced using injection molding.

[0031] In FIGURE 2 a schematic perspective view of a first part 2 of a fastening system 1 in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The fastening system 1 comprises a first part 2 configured to be partially inserted into a hollow profile (not shown). The first part 2 comprises an opening 11 in the base 7. Further, the fastening system 1 comprises a second part (not shown) configured to be coupled to the first part 2. When the fastening system 1 is coupled to the hollow profile, the opening 11 is accessible from outside of the hollow profile. In other words, the first part 4 is configured to only be partially inserted into the hollow profile. In particular, the first protrusion 8 protruding from the base 7 is configured to be inserted into the hollow profile. The base 7 is not configured to be inserted into the hollow profile.

[0032] In FIGURE 3 a schematic side view of a fastening system 1 in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The fastening system 1 comprises a first part 2 configured to be partially inserted into a hollow profile (not shown). Further, the fastening system 1 comprises a second part 4 coupled to the first part 2. The second part 2 is further configured to be attached to a blind (not shown) capable of at least partially covering a transparent sheet (not shown).

[0033] The second part 4 comprises first and second attachment elements 14, 15 configured to couple the second part 4 to the first part 2. The first and second attachment elements 14, 15 are each configured to be at least partially inserted into the opening 11 in the base of the first part 2.

[0034] The first part 2 comprises first and second stoppers 17, 18 configured to hold the second part 4 in position relative to the first part 2 as the second part 4 is being coupled to the first part 2. Each attachment element 14, 15 comprises a section in the form of a hook 16. The hook 16 of the first attachment element 14 is hooked over an edge of the first stopper 17 and the hook 16 of the second attachment element 15 is hooked over an edge of the second stopper 18.

[0035] When the attachment elements 14, 15 of the second part 4 of the fastening system 1 are inserted through the opening in the base 7 of the first part 2, the attachment elements 14, 15 are guided along guiding surfaces 19 of the first and second stoppers 17, 18, respectively. The guiding surfaces 19 of the first and second stoppers 17, 18 are arranged to each other such that a guiding channel 20 with decreasing cross-section is provided from the opening in the base 7 towards the edges of the stoppers 17, 18. Thus, the sections in the form of a hook 16 of the first and second attachment elements 14, 15 are pressed towards each other as the attachment elements 14, 15 are guided in the guiding channel 20 along the guiding surfaces 19 and finally click or jump into their attachment position as the edges of the stoppers 17, 18 are reached. In the attachment position the hook 16 of the first attachment element 14 is hooked over the edge of the first stopper 17 and the hook 16 of the second attachment element 15 is hooked over the edge of the second stopper 18.

[0036] In FIGURE 4 a schematic side view of a first part 2 of a fastening system 1 in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The first part 2 comprises a groove 9 configured to be coupled to a free side edge of a transparent sheet (not shown). The groove 9 is arranged in the base 7 of the first part 2. The free side edge of the transparent sheet can be partially enclosed by the first part 2 as the free side edge is partially inserted into the groove 9. The width of the groove substantially equals the thickness of the transparent sheet.

[0037] In FIGURE 5 a schematic perspective view of a fastening system 1 in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the fastening system 1 is being coupled to a hollow profile 3. The fastening system 1 comprises a first part 2 being partially inserted into the hollow profile 3. Further, the fastening system 1 comprises a second part 4 being coupled to the first part 2. The second part 2 is configured to be attached to a blind (not shown) capable of at least partially covering a transparent sheet 6. The transparent sheet 6 may be, for example, a window or a glazing of a terrace or balcony.

[0038] The base 7 of the first part 2 serves as a closure 12 of one end 13 of the hollow profile 3. When the first part 2 of the fastening system 1 is partially inserted into the hollow profile 3, the closure 12 covers an opening of the hollow profile 3. Thus, liquid is prevented from flowing into the hollow profile 3, for instance. Between the first part 2 of the fastening system 1 and the hollow profile 3 a seal (not shown) may be optionally arranged.

[0039] A free side edge 10 of the transparent sheet 6 is partially inserted into the groove 9 of the first part 2 of the fastening system 1, thus enclosing a part of the free side edge 10 of the transparent sheet 6.

[0040] In FIGURE 6 a schematic perspective view of a first part 2 of a fastening system 1 in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the first part 2 is being coupled to a hollow profile 3. A second part coupled to the first part 2 of the fastening system 1 is not shown. The first part 2 comprises an opening 11 in the base 7. The opening 11 is accessible from outside of the hollow profile 3 as the first part 2 is partially being inserted into the hollow profile 3.

[0041] When coupling the first part 2 of the fastening system 1 to the hollow profile 3, the first protrusion protruding from the base 7 of the first part 2 is pushed or pressed through the opening of the hollow profile 3 into the hollow profile 3 and a part of the free side edge 10 of the transparent sheet 6 is enclosed by the groove 9 in the base 7 of the first part 2.

[0042] The second part (not shown) of the fastening system 1 can then be easily pushed or pressed through the opening 11 in the base 7 of the first part into its attachment position.

[0043] In FIGURE 7 a schematic front view of a fastening system 1 in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the fastening system 1 is being coupled to a hollow profile 3. It can be seen that the first part 2 of the fastening system serves as a closure 12 of one end 13 of the hollow profile 3. The second part 4 is coupled to the first part 2 and is configured to be attached to a blind (not shown) capable of at least partially covering the transparent sheet 6.

[0044] In FIGURE 8 a schematic front view of a first part 2 of a fastening system 1 in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the first part 2 is being coupled to a hollow profile 3. It can be seen that the opening 11 in the base 7 of the first part 2 is easily accessible from the outside of the hollow profile 3.

[0045] In FIGURE 9 a schematic perspective view of a fastening system 1 in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the fastening system 1 is being coupled to an upper hollow profile 21 of a glazing unit for a terrace or balcony. A connector 23 is attached to the upper hollow profile 21 of the glazing unit. The connector 23, and thus also the glazing unit, is configured to be linearly moved along a guiding (not shown) comprised by the terrace or balcony. Further, the connector 23, and thus also the glazing unit, is configured to be rotated around a longitudinal axis of the connector 23. When providing a terrace or balcony with such glazing units, it is for a user possible to decide whether a terrace or balcony should be open or at least partially closed by the glazing units. For example, a balcony or terrace can be held open during summer time and closed during winter time. Such opening and closing mechanisms are known in the art.

[0046] In FIGURE 10 illustrates a schematic perspective view of a first part 2 of a fastening system 1 in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the first part 2 is being coupled to an upper hollow profile 21 of a glazing unit for a terrace or balcony.

[0047] In FIGURE 11 a schematic perspective view of a fastening system 1 in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the fastening system 1 is being coupled to a lower hollow profile 22 of a glazing unit for a terrace or balcony.

[0048] In FIGURE 12 a schematic perspective view of a first part 2 of a fastening system 1 in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated, wherein the first part 2 is being coupled to a lower hollow profile 22 of a glazing unit for a terrace or balcony.

[0049] In FIGURE 13 a schematic front view of a glazing unit 24 comprising four fastening systems 1 in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated. The fastening systems 1 are coupled to each end of an upper hollow profile 21 and to each end of a lower hollow profile 22. Between the upper hollow profile 21 and the lower hollow profile 22 a transparent sheet 6 is arranged. Both the upper hollow profile 21 and the lower hollow profile 23 comprise a connector 23. The longitudinal axes of the connectors 23 are arranged collinearly to each other. Thus, the glazing unit 24 is configured to be linearly moved along a guiding (not shown) comprised by a terrace or balcony and to be rotated around the longitudinal axes of the connectors 23. Thus, the glazing unit 24 can be turned aside when necessary.

[0050] The free side edges 10 of the transparent sheet 6 are partially inserted into respective grooves of the first parts of the fastening systems 1, thus each enclosing a part of the respective free side edge 10 of the transparent sheet 6 and holding the transparent sheet 6 in its position relative to the hollow profiles 21, 22. The fastening systems 1 are coupled to each end of an upper hollow profile 21 and to each end of a lower hollow profile 22.

[0051] In FIGURE 14 a schematic perspective view of a glazing unit 24 comprising four fastening systems 1 in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated, wherein a blind 25 is coupled to the fastening systems 1. The fastening systems 1 are coupled to each end of an upper hollow profile 21 and to each end of a lower hollow profile 22. Between the upper hollow profile 21 and the lower hollow profile 22 a transparent sheet 6 is arranged. Between the fastening systems on one side of the transparent sheet 6 first strings 26 are arranged and between the fastening systems 1 on the other side of the transparent sheet 6 second strings 27 are arranged. By means of the strings 26, 27 a user may adjust the position of the blind 25, for example in order to at least partially cover the transparent sheet 6 with the blind 25.

[0052] In FIGURE 15 a schematic perspective view of a detail of a glazing unit 24 comprising a fastening system 1 in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated, wherein a blind 25 is coupled to the fastening system 1. The fastening system 1 comprises a first part 2 being partially inserted into an upper hollow profile 21. Further, the fastening system 1 comprises a second part 4 being coupled to the first part 2.

[0053] The fastening system 1 further comprises a third part 29 configured to be coupled to the second part 4. The third part 29 is attached to an upper blind profile 30 to which a blind 25 is coupled. The blind 25 is capable of at least partially covering a transparent sheet 6. The transparent sheet 6 may be, for example, a window or a glazing of a terrace or balcony.

[0054] The third part 29 is slideably coupled to the second part 4 of the fastening system 1. In other words, it is possible to slide the third part 29 of the fastening system 1 relative to the second part 4. The second part 4 and the third part 29 are configured to be attached to each other by sliding the second part 4 into an indentation comprised by the third part 29. The second part 4 further comprises a securing section 32 preventing the third part 29 from being removed from the second part 4. Thus, the third part 29 can be fixedly attached to the second part 4 of the fastening system 1.

[0055] Between the fastening systems 1 on one side of the transparent sheet 6 first strings (not shown) are arranged and between the fastening systems 1 on the other side of the transparent sheet 6 second strings (not shown) are arranged. The strings are attached to each third part 29 of the glazing unit 24. By means of the strings a user may, for example, adjust the position of the upper blind profile 30, for example in order to at least partially cover the transparent sheet 6 with the blind 25. Additionally, the blind 25 may comprise at least one guiding string 28 along which the blind can be guided when adjusting the position of the blind 25.

[0056] In FIGURE 16 a schematic front view of a glazing unit 24 comprising four fastening systems 1 in accordance with at least some embodiments of the present invention is illustrated, wherein a blind 25 is coupled to the fastening systems 1.

[0057] It is to be understood that the embodiments of the invention disclosed are not limited to the particular structures, process steps, or materials disclosed herein, but are extended to equivalents thereof as would be recognized by those ordinarily skilled in the relevant arts. It should also be understood that terminology employed herein is used for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting.

[0058] Reference throughout this specification to one embodiment or an embodiment means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment” or “in an embodiment” in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Where reference is made to a numerical value using a term such as, for example, about or substantially, the exact numerical value is also disclosed.

[0059] As used herein, a plurality of items, structural elements, compositional elements, and/or materials may be presented in a common list for convenience. However, these lists should be construed as though each member of the list is individually identified as a separate and unique member. Thus, no individual member of such list should be construed as a de facto equivalent of any other member of the same list solely based on their presentation in a common group without indications to the contrary. In addition, various embodiments and example of the present invention may be referred to herein along with alternatives for the various components thereof. It is understood that such embodiments, examples, and alternatives are not to be construed as de facto equivalents of one another, but are to be considered as separate and autonomous representations of the present invention.

[0060] Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided, such as examples of lengths, widths, shapes, etc., to provide a thorough understanding of embodiments of the invention. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, etc. In other instances, well-known structures, materials, or operations are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

[0061] While the forgoing examples are illustrative of the principles of the present invention in one or more particular applications, it will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art that numerous modifications in form, usage and details of implementation can be made without the exercise of inventive faculty, and without departing from the principles and concepts of the invention. Accordingly, it is not intended that the invention be limited, except as by the claims set forth below.

[0062] The verbs “to comprise” and “to include” are used in this document as open limitations that neither exclude nor require the existence of also un-recited features. The features recited in depending claims are mutually freely combinable unless otherwise explicitly stated. Furthermore, it is to be understood that the use of "a" or "an", that is, a singular form, throughout this document does not exclude a plurality.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0063] At least some embodiments of the present invention find industrial application in installing a blind for a window or door.

REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 fastening system 2 first part 3 hollow profile 4 second part blind 6 transparent sheet 7 base 8 first protrusion 9 groove free side edge of transparent sheet 11 opening 12 closure 13 end of hollow profile 14 first attachment element second attachment element 16 hook 17 first stopper 18 second stopper 19 guiding surface guiding channel 21 upper hollow profile 22 lower hollow profile 23 connector 24 glazing unit blind 26 first strings 27 second strings 28 guiding string 29 third part upper blind profile 31 lower blind profile 32 securing section CITATION LIST Patent Literature EP 2518250 A1

Claims

CLAIMS:

1. A fastening system (1) comprising: - a first part (2) configured to be partially inserted into a hollow profile (3), wherein the first part (2) comprises a base (7) and at least one first protrusion (8) protruding from the base (7), which first protrusion (8) is configured to be inserted into the hollow profile (3), and wherein the base (7) is configured to serve as a closure (12) of one end (13) of the hollow profile (3), - a second part (4) configured to be coupled to the first part (2), and wherein the second part is configured to be coupled to a blind (5) capable of at least partially covering a transparent sheet (6), - wherein the first part (2) comprises an opening (11) in the base (7), - wherein the second part (4) comprises first and second attachment elements (14, 15) configured to couple the second part (4) to the first part (2) - and wherein the first and second attachment elements (14, 15) are each configured to be at least partially inserted into the opening (11) in the base (7) of the first part (2).

2. The fastening system (1) according to claim 1, wherein the opening (11) is accessible from outside of the hollow profile (3) as the first part (2) is partially being inserted into the hollow profile (3).

3. The fastening system (1) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first part (2) comprises first and second stoppers (17, 18) configured to hold the second part (4) in position relative to the first part (2) as the second part (4) is being coupled to the first part (2).

4. The fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 1-3, wherein each attachment element (14, 15) comprises a section in the form of a hook (16).

5. The fastening system (1) according to claim 3 and 4, wherein the hook (16) of the first attachment element (14) is hooked over an edge of the first stopper (17) and the hook (16) of the second attachment element (15) is hooked over an edge of the second stopper (18).

6. The fastening system (1) according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein the first part (2) comprises a groove (9) configured to be coupled to a free side edge (10) of the transparent sheet (6).

7. The fastening system (1) according to claim 6, wherein the groove (9) is arranged in the base (7) of the first part (2).