WO2006074654A1

WO2006074654A1 - Screening arrangement and a method for installing

Info

Publication number: WO2006074654A1
Application number: PCT/DK2005/000013
Authority: WO
Inventors: Martin Armand Mortensen
Original assignee: Vkr Holding A/S
Priority date: 2005-01-11
Filing date: 2005-01-11
Publication date: 2006-07-20
Also published as: EP1838945A1; PL1838945T3; CN101099023A; EP1838945B1

Abstract

Screening arrangement (1), in particular for a roof window, said screening arrangement comprising a top casing (2) containing a screening element (9), such as an awning cloth or a roller shutter, the screening arrangement further comprising a first side rail (3) and a second side rail (4) for guiding the screening element (9), said side rails having a first end (a) and a second end (b), wherein the first end (a) of the first and second side rails (3, 4) is adapted for releasable connection with the top casing (2) to provide a screening arrangement, which is compact in a state of delivery.

Description

SCREENING ARRANGEMENT AND A METHOD FOR INSTALLING

The present invention relates to a screening arrangement, in particular for a roof window, said screening arrangement comprising a top casing containing a screening element, such as an awning cloth or a roller shutter, the screening arrangement further comprising a first side rail and a second side rail for guiding the screening element, each side rail comprises one rigid and continuously piece of material having a first end and a second end, the first end of the first and second side rails is adapted for connection with the top casing, thereby forming an inverted U-shape .

Lofts and attics are increasingly being exploited for living, and hence roof windows are installed to provide light . If, however, the window e . g . faces south, there may be a need for a screening arrangement to regulate the sunlight coming into the loft or attic, to provide a pleasant indoor climate . It may be preferred to have the screening arrangement mounted externally of the window to restrict access of heat and light into the building . Such screening arrangements are well-known in the art and comprises a top casing containing an a roller shutter comprising interconnected aluminium lamellas, the screening arrangement further comprising a first side rail and a second side rail for guiding the screening element . A lower part of each side rail is connected to the window sash, whereas the upper part is connected to the window frame . A traverse rail element might be connecting the two the parts are connected during installation . The operation of the roller is either manual or electric , both through rotation of a winding tube .

Also known are screening arrangement comprises a top casing containing an awning cloth, the screening arrangement further comprising a first side rail and a second side rail for guiding the screening element , each of said side rails being of two-piece construction with a pivot j oint . A lower part of each side rail is connected to the window sash, whereas the upper part is connected to the window frame . The screening arrangement is delivered as a unit with each side rail being folded about its pivot j oint , to a position where a lower part of the two-piece con- struction is folded back on the upper part and the top casing .

An object of the invention is hence to provide a screening arrangement, which is compact in a state of delivery, is easy to handle during installation, and at the same time will secure an effective and reliable operation after installation .

To achieve this obj ect, the screening arrangement as outlined above is characterized in that said screening arrangement further comprises a cord system with a first cord arranged to extend between an end part of the screening element via a return means at the second end of the first side rail to a cord reel arranged at the top casing .

To further enhance the functionality, the screening arrangement may further comprise a transport and installation protection means provided at the top casing for releasable retaining of each side rail in a transport position in parallel with the top casing . As the side rails are arranged in parallel with the top casing in the transport position, the screening arrangement is relatively compact at delivery, in contrast to the prior art screening arrange- merit, in which the side rails at delivery are mounted to the top casing in the position of use, i . e . at right angles to the top casing . Further the transport protection means retaining the side rails in the transport position will facilitate easy retrofitting of the screening arrangement, as it is very compact in the delivery mode, and hence can be supplied to the exterior of the building through the window opening . Furthermore essential parts of the screening arrangement are tied together, so the risk of loss of essential parts is reduced.

It may be favourable to provide resilient means for absorbing slack or extension of the cord or cords during installation and/or use, to provide tension of the cords , while on the other hand allowing extension thereof .

According to an embodiment, the screening arrangement further comprises engagement means for engagement of said first and second side rails with a window sash. Hereby no separate engagement means are necessary, and hence the risk of missing engagement means is prevented.

The side rails may be connected to the window sash by any convenient means , such as screws or nails, according to an embodiment, however, said en- gagement means is a releasable coupling, such as a pin engaging a hole . Hence no tools are necessary, and installation and/or repair of the screening arrangement is made easier . The screening arrangement may be supplied in the state of delivery as a kit of loose, separate parts , however to facilitate installation, especially retrofitting, the screening arrangement in the state of delivery may be supplied as a fully equipped screening arrangement with all elements interconnected and ready for installation to a roof window. This means that the risk of misplacement of parts is eliminated, and e . g . the risk of entanglement of the cords is reduced.

In an embodiment of the screening arrangement, the top casing comprises means for releasable connection to a mounting bracket, to further facilitate easy handling and mounting of the screening arrange- ment .

Another aspect of the invention relates to a method of installation of a screening arrangement according to any of the claims above, on a roof window, comprising the steps of : providing a screening ar- rangement having a top casing containing a screening element, a first side rail and a second side rail , each side rail comprises one rigid and continuously piece of material , the first end of the first and second side rails is adapted for connection with the top casing, a cord system with a first cord arranged to extend between an end part of the screening element via a return means at the second end of the first side rail to a cord reel arranged at the top casing, attaching the top casing of the screening ar- rangement to a window part .

To facilitate easy transport and handling of the screening arrangement during installation, the method comprises the further steps of : connecting a first end of the first side rail to the top casing, connecting a first end of the second side rail to the top casing, thereby forming an inverted U-shape .

According to an embodiment , the method of in- stallation comprises the intermediate steps of : releasing the first side rail from a transport protection means arranged on the top casing of the screening arrangement ; and releasing the second side rail from a transport protection means arranged on the top casing of the screening arrangement . Hereby the side rails are kept fixed during transport and handling while mounting, and further kept within reach while mounting the screening arrangement to a window.

According to a further embodiment , the method of installation comprises the further steps of : connecting the first side rail to a window sash part; connecting the second side rail to a window sash part .

In the following the invention will be de- scribed by way of example and with reference to the drawing, in which

Fig . 1 illustrates a prior art screening arrangement in a state of delivery,

Fig . 2 illustrates a screening arrangement ac- cording to the invention in a delivery state,

Fig . 3 illustrates a first step of mounting the screening arrangement of Fig . 2 on a roof window,

Fig . 4 illustrates a second step of mounting the screening arrangement, ^' Fig . 5 illustrates further steps of mounting the screening arrangement,

Fig. 6 is an illustration of part of a screening arrangement , Fig. 7 depicts a transport protection clamp,

Fig. 8 depicts the transport protection clamp of Fig . 7 mounted on a top casing of a screening arrangement, and Fig . 9 depicts a mounting bracket for the screening arrangement .

The prior art screening arrangement 100 of Fig . 1 is shown in a delivery state . This screening arrangement 100 comprises a top casing 101 containing an awning cloth (not shown) . At each end of the top casing 101 , a side rail 102 , 103 , respectively, is arranged. Each side rail 102 , 103 is of a two-piece construction and provided with a pivot j oint 104 , 105 , respectively . The part of the side rails 102 , 103 most remote from the top casing is folded back on the side rails and top casing, and held in place by a transport protection strap 106 , 107.

Fig . 2 illustrates the screening arrangement 1 according to the invention. The screening arrangement 1 comprises a top casing 2 containing a screening element , such as an awning cloth or roller shutter wound on a roller (not shown) . The screening arrangement 1 further comprises a first side rail 3 , and a second side rail 4 intended for guiding the screening element . The screening arrangement is in Fig . 2 shown in a delivery state, in which the side rails 3 , 4 are arranged detached from the top casing 2 and arranged in a transport and installation position in parallel with the top casing 2. The side rails 3 , 4 , which are made from one rigid and continuously piece of material , such as aluminium, comprises a first end 3a, 4a adapted for connection with the top casing 2 at opposite ends thereof , and a second end 3b, 4b to be ar- ranged remote from the cop casing . As best illustrated in Fig . 5 the top casing and the two attached side rails forms an inverted U-shape after installation and the screening arrangement will only be sup- ported in four spots , two sides of the top casing and two ends of the side rails . And as the attachment between the top casing and the mounting brackets are made as a pivotable connection, the hole inverted U- shape ( top casing and side rails) can be pivoted when the window is opened.

The screening arrangement (1 ) comprises further a cord system ( 6) with a first cord (7 ) arranged to extend between an end part of the screening element (9 ) via a return means (10) at the second end (b) of the first side rail ( 3 ) to a cord reel ( 11) arranged at the top casing (2 ) .

Fig . 6 illustrates the screening arrangement with the cord system 6 seen from the interior in a deployed position of the screening element 9. The screening element 9 is at one end thereof wound on a roller tube 13 , and at the other free end thereof connected to a bottom bar 8. A cord 7 is arranged within the side rail 3 to extend between a cord reel 11 positioned in the top casing 2 and connected to the roller tube, via a return wheel 10 arranged at the second end 3b of the first side rail 3 to the bottom bar 8 for tensioning of the screening element 9.

Within the bottom bar 8 , a spring 12 is ar- ranged for tensioning the cord 7 to absorb slack or extension of the cord during use and/or installation . In Fig . 6 the spring is a screw compression spring and in this embodiment the cord is passing through the spring and being connected to the spring in the end most inside the tube . Other embodiments are possible as long as the resilient element is able of absorbing slack or extension of the cord during use and/or installation . It is also possible to place a spring or another resilient element in other places than the bottom bar . A further embodiment could be the use of a spring connected at one end to the return means ( 10 ) and connected at the other end to the second end (b) of the first side rail ( 3 ) .

The return means (10) in all embodiments could be a movable wheel , a pulley or just a return point, e . g . a round pin .

Preferably the screening arrangement comprises two cord systems ( 6 ) , one in each side, as this will result in an optimal operation of the screening arrangement .

An electric motor (not shown) is placed inside the tubular roller tube ( 13 ) . As the roller tube ( 13 ) and the two cord reels ( 11) are in connection, they will rotate at the same speed during operation . The cords (7 ) will create a pulling force at the bottom bar of the awning cloth or roller shutter in the situation where the awning cloth or roller shutter is being unwinded from the roller tube . When the awning cloth or roller shutter is being winded onto the roller tube, the motor will create the rotating force, while the cord system ( 6 ) will keep the awning cloth or roller shutter tightly stretches at all times .

Further a transport protection means may be provided at the top casing for releasable retaining the side rails in the transport and installation po- sition . The transport protection means may be provided as a plastic clamp 5 with engagement means for the top casing 2 on one side thereof and engagement means for the side rails 3 , 4 on another side thereof, as illustrated in Fig . 5 , 7 and 8 and further described below. Alternatively the transport protection means may be a double-sided adhesive tape, which can be mounted on the top casing 2 and provide a means for releasable retention of the side rails in the transport position . A pierce of material having adhesive surfaces on two opposite sides could also be use, thereby creating any distance - between the top casing and the side rails . When using tape or any kind of adhesives it is of course of importance to use a tape or adhesive that will not create any permanent markings after removal .

A further alternative could be the use of any kind of strap, such as a self-locking plastic strip, as the transport and installation protection means . In Fig . 3 a first step of mounting the screening arrangement 1 of Fig . 2 to a roof window 20 arranged in a roof 21 is shown . The shown roof window 20 is a centre-hung window with a pivot j oint 24 with a horizontal pivot axis arranged approximately half way along the window sash 23 , which surrounds a win- dowpane 22. In the first step, the top casing 2 is connected to a mounting bracket at the roof window 20.

A second step of mounting the screening ar- rangement can be seen in Fig . 4. In this second step, the first side rail 3 of the screening arrangement 1 is detached from the transport protection clamp 5 arranged on the top casing 2 , and the first end 3a of the first side rail 3 is connected to the top casing 2. The said first end 3a may be provided with engagement means cooperating with corresponding engagement means provided at the top casing, such as a hollow tube-like means engaging a pin . The first end of the side rail and the top casing may be provided with cooperating self-locking means to counteract pull-out of the side rail from the top casing, or separate locking means may be provided, such as a screw for- connecting the rail and top casing . The first side rail 3 may further be attached at the second end 3b to the window sash 23.

In an embodiment where the cords (7 ) are unre- leasable connected to the return means ( 10 ) , the in- stallation comprises the further step of moving the side rail to a position perpendicular to the length of the top casing, thereby placing the cord in a track on the lower side of the side rail , pulling the first end (3a, 4a) of the side rail a short distance away from the top casing, whereby a resilient means ( 12 ) in connection with the cord ( 7 ) is either compressed or expanded, moving the first end (3a, 4a) of the side rail into engagement with retaining means between the top casing and the end of the side rail , thereby releasing the compression or expansion of the resilient means . Especially if a compression or expansion of the resilient means is maintained after finished installation the installation is easy as the side rail will be pulled lightly towards the top cas- ing .

A third step of mounting the screening arrangement can be seen in Fig . 5 , in which the second side rail 4 is detached from the clamp 5. As illustrated in the detail view of the second end 4b of the second side rail 4 , the side rail is connected to the sash 23 near the corner thereof . Preferably the side rails 3 , 4 are provided with a slide shoe slidable along at least a part of the side rail . The slide shoe may be provided with releasable engagement means for connection to the sash 23. Preferably the engagement means are self-locking, such as a spring-biased barb in a hole for retaining a tap inserted in the hole . As il- lustrated in the detail view of the first end 4a of the side rail 4 , said first end 4a is inserted in a slot 24 of the top casing 2. As can be seen, the cord 7 may advantageously be provided and fitted prior to mounting of the side rails in a manner, where the cord ( 7 ) or cords are connected to the return means

(10 ) in an unreleasable manner . By unreleasable is meant in a way that the cord cannot be released from the return means (10) by itself during transport and/or installation and operation. Very easy retro- fitting of the screening arrangement is achieved when the cords are fitted at delivery, as the correct position of the side rails is safeguarded, and further the number of mounting steps is reduced, and the risk of entanglement of the cords is minimized as well as the risk of dropping the side rails are minimized during installation. As illustrated in the other detail view showing the second end 4b, this second end 4b may be connected to the window sash 23 at a corner thereof . On a centre-hung roof window as illustrated, all mounting steps can be performed from inside the building, as the elements of the screening arrangement can be reached through the window opening from inside, and the majority of the mounting steps can be performed either without tools , or with tools used through the window opening from a position inside the building . Hence the working conditions of the person mounting the screening arrangement is nearly perfect , compared to the working conditions when the screening arrangement must be mounted from a position outside the window with awkward and potentially dangerous working conditions on a sloping roof .

Am embodiment of the transport and installation protection clamp is illustrated in Fig . 7. The shape and material of the clamp may - be altered as will be appreciated by the skilled person . It is presently recommended that the clamp is made of a plastic material, as the production cost for this kind of clamp in plastic is modest, and the clamp will be relatively robust . The illustrated clamp comprises a first leg with a first claw 33 and a second leg with a second claw 34 for engagement with the top casing ( see Fig . 8 ) . The clamp further comprises a set of clips 35 , 36 for engagement with and retention of a side rail 3 , 4. The clamp 5 is seen in the mounted state in Fig 8 , where a clamp 5 is mounted on the top casing 2 at opposite ends of the top casing 2. The clamp 5 comprises a first holder 31 for a side rail , and a second holder 32 for another side rail . The claws 33 , 34 as well as the holders 31 , 32 are preferably constructed with a ^" slightly resilient effect , that will course a tightly engagement to the top casing 2 as well of the side rails while still secure an easy detachment during installation .

A mounting bracket 40 for easy mounting of the top casing at the window is shown in Fig . 9. The mounting bracket 40 is adapted for receiving a pin (not shown) of the top casing in an opening 41 bordered by a fixed jaw 46 and a moveable closing element 42. The closing element 42 is pivotable about a pivot point 43 and operable by moving a hand lever 44. The hand lever 44 may be lockable, e . g. self- locking, in the shown closed position, so that unintentional release of the top casing from the window is avoided. For the person installing the screening arrangement it will be easy to connect the two mount- ing brackets 40 at the top of the window frame, take the top casing with the attached side rails and place the pins of the top casing in the openings 41 of the brackets . It will be within the normal capabilities of the skilled person to provide a self-locking hand lever 44 , e . g . in that the lever 44 is retained in the closed position by cooperating barbs , so the lever must be pressed and moved sideways to disengage the barbs . Alternatively the lever 44 may be provided with a recess engaged by an indentation or proj ection on the mounting bracket 40 , or vice versa . The mounting bracket 40 may be mounted at the window by means of screws inserted through an opening 45 provided in the mounting bracket 40.

The invention is not to be restricted by the illustrated embodiments and the description above . For example it will be within the normal capability of skilled person to provide a screening arrangement with side rails of two-piece construction. Hereby the screening arrangement may be provided in a very com- pact delivery state, even with screening arrangements with one rigid long side rails .

The transport and installation protection clamp is illustrated in Fig . 7 and as described can of course be used with any kind of screening arrangement comprising a top casing and two side rails (or several side rail parts) independently whether a cord system is present or not .

Claims

P A T E N T C L A I M S

1. A screening arrangement (1) , in particular for a roof window, said screening arrangement comprising a top casing (2 ) containing a screening ele- ment (9 ) , such as an awning cloth or a roller shutter, the screening arrangement further comprising a first side rail (3 ) and a second side rail (4) for guiding the screening element (9 ) , each side rail comprises one rigid and continuously piece of mate- rial having a first end ( 3a, 4a) and a second end

(3b, 4b) , the first end (3a, 4a) of the first and second side rails (3 , 4) is adapted for connection with the top casing, thereby forming an inverted U- shape (2) c h a r a c t e r i z e d in that said screening arrangement (1) further comprises a cord system ( 6 ) with a first cord (7 ) arranged to extend between an end part of the screening element (9 ) via a return means (10 ) at the second end (b) of the first side rail (3 ) to a cord reel ( 11) arranged at the top casing (2 ) .

2. A screening arrangement ( 1) according to claim 1 , further comprising a second cord arranged to extend between an end part of the screening element via a return means at the second end of the second side rail to a cord reel arranged at the top casing .

3. A screening arrangement according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein the first and/or second cord (7 ) is connected to the return means ( 10 ) in an unreleasable manner .

4. A screening arrangement according to any of the claims above, further comprising resilient means (12 ) for absorbing slack or extension of the cord or cords of the cord system ( 6 ) during installation and/or use .

5. A screening arrangement according to claim 4 , that the resilient (12 ) means comprises a spring, preferable a screw compression spring, housed in a bottom bar ( 8) connected to the end of the awning cloth or a roller shutter .

6. A screening arrangement according to claim 4 , that the resilient (12 ) means comprises a spring connected at one . end to the return means ( 10 ) and connected at the other end to the second end (b) of the first side rail (3 )

7. A screening arrangement according to claim 4 or claim 5 or claim 6 , wherein the resilient means ( 12 ) is either compressed or expanded during instal- lation of the side rails (3 , 4 ) to the top casing (2 ) .

8. A screening arrangement according to any of the claims above, further comprising engagement means for engagement of said first and second side rails with a window sash.

9. A screening arrangement according to claim

6 , wherein said engagement means is a releasable coupling, such as a pin engaging a hole .

10. A screening arrangement according to any of the claims above, wherein the screening arrangement in the state of delivery is supplied as a fully equipped screening arrangement with all elements interconnected and ready for installation to a roof window.

11. A screening arrangement according to any of the claims above, wherein the top casing (2 ) comprises means for releasable connection to a mounting bracket (40 ) .

12. A screening arrangement according to any of the claims above, further comprising a transport and installation supporting means provided at the top casing (2 ) for releasable retention of each side rail (3 , 4) in a transport and installation position in parallel with the top casing (2 ) .

13. A screening arrangement according to any of the claims above, wherein the supporting means comprises a first leg with a first claw ( 33 ) and a second leg with a second claw (34) for engagement with the top casing (2 ) .

14. A screening arrangement according to any of the claims above, wherein the supporting means comprises a set of clips (35 , 36) for engagement with and retention of a side rail (3 , 4 ) .

15. A screening arrangement according to any of the claims above, wherein the supporting means is made of a material with resilient properties , preferable a plastic material .

16. A method of installation of a screening ar- rangement on a window, preferably a roof window, comprising the steps of : providing a screening arrangement having a top casing (2 ) containing a screening element , a first side rail (3 ) and a second side rail (4) , each side rail comprises one rigid and continuously piece of material , the first end (3a, 4a) of the first and second side rails (3 , 4) is adapted for connection with the top casing (2 ) , a cord system ( 6) with a first cord (7 ) arranged to extend between an end part of the screening element (9 ) via a return means (10) at the second end (b) of the first side rail (3 ) to a cord reel ( 11 ) arranged at the top casing (2 ) , attaching the top casing of the screening ar- rangement to a window part, connecting a first end (3a) of the first side rail ( 3 ) to the top casing (2 ) , connecting a first end (4a) of the second side rail (4) to the top casing (2 ) , thereby forming an inverted U-shape .

17. A method of installation according to claim 16/ comprising the intermediate steps of : releasing the first side rail (3 ) from a trans- port and installation protection means arranged on the top casing (2 ) of the screening arrangement ( 1 ) , releasing the second side rail (4) from a transport and installation protection means arranged on the top casing (2 ) of the screening arrangement ( 1) .

18. A method of installation according to claim 16 or 17 , wherein the first and/or second cord ( 7 ) is connected to the. return means (10 ) in an unreleasable manner, further comprising the intermediate steps of : moving the side rail to a position perpendicular to the length of the top casing, thereby placing the cord in a track on the lower side of the side rail , pulling the first end (3a, 4a) of the side rail a short distance away from the top casing, whereby a resilient means ( 12 ) in connection with the cord ( 7 ) is either compressed or expanded moving the first end (3a, 4a) of the side rail into engagement with retaining means between the top casing and the end of the side rail , thereby releasing the compression or expansion of the resilient means .

19. A method of installation according to claim 19 , where a compression or expansion of the resilient means is maintained after finished installation.

20. A method of installation according to any of the claims 16-19 , comprising the intermediate steps of : connecting the cord to the return means (10) at the second end (b) of the first side rail ( 3 ) .

21. A method of installation according to any of the claims 16-20 , comprising the further steps of : connecting the first side rail (3 ) to a window sash part , connecting the second side rail ( 4 ) to a window sash part, so that the screening arrangement is only connected to the window in 4 spots .