WO2010088736A1

WO2010088736A1 - Improvements relating in and to a blind and a spline used in the blind

Info

Publication number: WO2010088736A1
Application number: PCT/AU2010/000121
Authority: WO
Inventors: Henk Dogger; Donald Craig Hailes
Original assignee: Spp Industries Holdings Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2009-02-05
Filing date: 2010-02-05
Publication date: 2010-08-12
Also published as: AU2009100111A4

Abstract

A spline for securing a section of material to a batten which has an elongate slot which extends along a side of the batten, the spline has an elongate body which has a first portion which is profiled to be registerable in a secure manner with the slot and a second portion which is attached to the first portion and which is positioned outside and adjacent to the slot when the first portion is engaged with the slot, the second portion has a lower surface which faces the first portion and which has a first end, an opposed second end, and an intermediate portion, and wherein the lower surface is shaped so that at least the first end occupies a plane which is between a plane, in which the intermediate portion lies, and the first portion.

Description

IMPROVEMENTS RELATING IN AND TO A BLIND AND A SPLINE USED IN THE

BLIND

TECHNICAL FIELD

The invention described herein relates generally to a device for securing a section of material or fabric to a support structure covering a window and more particularly is concerned with a spline which secures the section of material to a batten of a roman blind although the scope of the invention is not necessarily limited thereto.

BACKGROUND ART

A blind, used to cover a window, can be constructed in a number of different ways. One such type of construction is generally referred to as a roman blind. In such a blind structure a section of material or fabric used in the construction of the blind is divided into a number of strips which are folded onto each other as the blind is moved to a contracted configuration thereby exposing the window. In reverse, the strips are unfolded when the blind is moved to an expanded configuration so that the blind substantially covers the window.

Generally the roman blind structure includes a plurality of spaced apart battens which support the section of material as the blind is moved between the expanded and contracted configurations. The battens are interconnected so that as a lowermost batten is drawn towards an upper end of the blind structure, a respective strip of fabric/material, which is positioned between two adjacent battens, is folded as the two adjacent battens are drawn towards each other. In this way the battens are stacked onto each other as the blind is moved to the contracted configuration. A wide variety of techniques have been used to secure the battens to the section of material. Typically a side of the batten which faces the section of material is formed with a groove which leads to a cavity inside the batten. The section of material is folded into the cavity and a spline is inserted into the fold so that the section of material is secured to the batten. The spline has a maximum cross sectional diameter which is greater than the maximum cross sectional diameter of the groove so that the section of material cannot be pulled from the cavity. Securing the section of material to the battens in the above mentioned way can result in the groove being visible when the blind is viewed from the font. The spline can be shaped to have a cross sectional profile which is substantially T-shaped and to include a strip or part which is positioned outside the groove and which effectively covers the groove. However, the battens have a tendency to tilt under the force of gravity, which can result in a bottom end of the part moving away from the section of material. This can leave a visible gap between the bottom of the part and the blind fabric which is unsightly and therefore undesirable.

Some examples of a roman blind construction are shown in the specification of United States patent No. 6,854,500 entitled "Foldable window blind structure". In the embodiment of the invention protected in this US patent, a front rod or spline is engaged with a back rod. However, in use the back rod is pulled downwardly by the force of gravity so that a lower end of a cap or strip of the front rod is moved away from the section of material or curtain cloth or fabric. A gap will therefore be created between the lower end of the strip and the curtain cloth which could detract from the overall appearance of the blind. Some roman blinds are tailored to include a second section of material which covers the first section of material. Conventional T-shaped splines stand proud from the first section of material which can result in a front surface of the second section of material to be profiled by the splines. This may detract from the overall appearance and aesthetics of the tailored blind, once finished. It is an aim of the invention to provide a spline and which overcomes or ameliorates one or more of the disadvantages or problems described above, or which at least provides the consumer with a useful choice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The invention, in a first form, resides broadly in a spline for securing a section of material to a batten which includes an elongate slot which extends along a side of the batten, the spline including an elongate body which includes a first portion which is profiled to be registerable in a secure manner with the slot and a second portion which is attached to the first portion and which is positioned outside adjacent to the slot when the first portion is engaged with the slot, the second portion having a lower surface which faces the first portion and which includes a first end, an opposed second end, and an intermediate portion, and wherein the lower surface is shaped so that at least the first end occupies a plane which is between a plane, in which the intermediate portion lies, and the first portion.

The first and second ends may occupy a plane which is between a plane, in which the intermediate portion lies, and the first portion. The body may have a length which is less than the length of the slot, but the length of the body may be substantially equal to the length of the slot.

The first portion may have any suitable shape to secure the device to the batten. For example, the first portion may have a profile, when viewed in cross section, which represents a shape of an inverted T so that a first recess and an opposed second recess are formed between the first and second portions. The slot includes first and second opposed sides which are insertable respectively into the first and second recesses. Alternatively, the first portion may include, when viewed in cross section, a cylindrical portion and a rib which extends between and which connects the cylindrical portion to the second portion. The cylindrical portion is insertable into a cavity of the slot with the rib extending through the slot so that the second portion is positioned adjacent the slot. The cylindrical portion has a maximum cross sectional diameter which is greater than a maximum width of the slot. The cylindrical portion can therefore not be easily pulled through the slot.

The second portion may have any suitable shape such as conical, rectangular or the like. The second portion may be shaped into a strip so that an upper surface of the second portion is substantially planar and has an average cross sectional thickness which is less than 3 mm, or alternatively in the order of 2 rnm.

The lower surface may have any suitable shape. For example, the lower surface may have a stepped profile when viewed in cross section. The lower surface may extend in a. straight line between the intermediate portion and respectively the first and second ends. In a second broad form, the invention resides in a spline for securing a section of material to a batten which includes an elongate slot which extends across a length of a side of the batten, the spline including an elongate body which, when viewed in cross section, includes a flange and a securing portion which extends from the flange and which is shaped to be securely registerable with the slot, the flange including an upper surface which is substantially planar, an upper end, a lower end which opposes the upper end, and a portion which is central - A - to the upper and lower ends, and wherein a cross sectional thickness of the flange increases from the central portion to at least the lower end.

The cross sectional diameter of the flange may increase from the central portion to the lower end and to the upper end. The flange includes a lower surface that is profiled to have any suitable shape. For example, the under surface may have, when viewed in cross section, a stepped profile. The under surface may be tapered so that the cross sectional diameter of the flange gradually increases from the central portion to the lower end and to the upper end.

In this embodiment the flange is positioned outside the batten adjacent the slot when the securing portion is secured to the slot. In a third broad form, the invention resides in a blind which includes a first section of material and a second section of material which is secured to the first section of material, a plurality of spaced apart battens which are interconnected, the blind being moveable between an expanded configuration at which the battens are spaced apart, and a contracted configuration at which the battens are stacked onto each other, each batten being secured to the first section of material using a spline as described herein above, and wherein a front surface of the second section of material, when the blind is in an extended configuration, is substantially planar.

Any suitable technique may be used to attach the first section of material to the second section of material. The first section of material may be glued, for example by using double sided tape, to the second section of material. In another broad form, the invention resides broadly in a spline for securing a blind batten to a section of blind fabric, the batten being of the type which is securable on a rear surface of the fabric and which includes an elongate slot which extends along a side of the batten, the spline including a first portion which is insertable into the slot with the fabric so that the first portion is secured to the batten with the fabric positioned between the first portion and the batten, and a second portion which is positioned outside and adjacent the slot when the first portion is registered with the slot and which includes a first end and an opposed second end, and wherein only the opposed ends contact the section of fabric when the blind is in an extended configuration.

The second portion may include a lower surface which is profiled so that the lower surface, when viewed in cross section, has substantially a V-shape. The lower surface contacts substantially the section of fabric only at the first and second ends. In a further broad form, the invention resides broadly in a method of manufacturing a blind comprising the steps of providing at least one piece of blind fabric having two sides, securing at least one blind batten to a section of the blind fabric using a spline, and attaching a further piece of material to at least one side of the at least one piece of blind fabric so that the further piece overlies the spline.

According to one aspect of the invention, the spline may have a substantially planar face lying adjacent to a surface of the further piece of fabric.

According to a second aspect of the invention, the spline may be as described in the above broad forms. According to another aspect of the invention, the further piece of fabric may be attached to the at least 1 piece of blind fabric by double-sided tape or adhesive.

According to a further aspect of the invention, the further piece of fabric may be secured to at least one surface of the spline. The further piece of fabric may be secured to at least one surface of the spline by double sided tape or adhesive.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In order that the invention may be more readily understood and to be more readily put into practice, one or more preferred embodiments of the invention will be further described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a photograph taken of a front view of a conventional roman blind in which a slot of a batten of the blind is visible from a front side of the blind;

Figure 2 is a photograph taken from an end of the blind of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a schematical representation, on an enlarged scale, of a spline according to a first embodiment of the invention; Figure 4 is a schematical representation, on an enlarged scale, of the spline of Figure 3 in a different embodiment;

Figure 5 is a photograph taken from an end of a blind in which the spline of Figure 4, shown in a second embodiment, is used; Figure 6 is a photograph taken of a front side of a tailored blind in which the spline of Figure 5 is used; and

Figure 7 is a photograph taken of a rear side of the blind of Figure 6.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Figures 1 and 2 of the accompanying drawings show a conventional blind 10 which has a plurality of spaced apart battens 12 which are secured to a section of material 14. The construction of the blind is substantially conventional and only the aspects required for a greater understanding of the invention are described in greater detail hereinafter. Each of the battens 12 has an elongate slot 16 which is formed in a side 18 of the batten which is adjacent the section of material 14. The slot extends through the side of the batten into a cavity 20 (not visible in Figure 1-2) which extends across a length of the batten. The material is folded so that a bend is formed in the material. The bend is inserted through the slot into the cavity so that a spline 22 (not shown) which is substantially cylindrical can be inserted into the cavity between the two layers of material. The spline has a maximum cross sectional diameter which is greater than the maximum, width of the slot. This results in the spline, and consequently the section of material, not being readily detachable from the relevant batten.

Figures 1 and 2 show the blind 10 fully extended. Part of the slot is visible from a front side 24 of the blind which may be undesirable. The spline can be modified to include a cover section (not shown) which is positioned adjacent the slot when the spline is located inside the cavity. However, as is best illustrated in Figure 2, the battens 12 have a tendency to pivot or tilt relative to the material under the force of gravity. This could lead to a visible gap being formed between the cover section and the section of material which can be as undesirable as having an uncovered slot. Figure 3 shows a first embodiment of a spline 30 according to the invention and Figure

4 shows a second embodiment of a spline 30A of the invention. Like reference numerals are used to designate like components of the splines 30 and 3OA. The section of material 14 has been secured to the batten 12 with the spline 30 in the manner as described hereinbefore. In the figures, the section of material is not shown so that the drawing can be simplified. The spline includes an elongate body 32 which includes a first or securing portion 34 and a second portion or flange 36 which is attached to the first portion. The first portion may have any suitable shape so that this portion can be securely registered with the slot 16. In the example used in the first and second embodiments, the first portion includes a cylindrical portion 38 and a rib 40 which extends between and which connects the cylindrical portion 38 to the second portion 36. As with the conventional spline 22, the cylindrical portion 38 has a maximum cross sectional diameter 44 which is greater than the maximum width 42 of the slot so that the likelihood of the cylindrical portion from being pulled through the slot is reduced.

The second portion 36 has a lower surface 46 which faces the first portion and which includes a first end 48, an opposed second end 50, and an intermediate portion 52. The lower surface 46 is profiled so that the first and second ends occupy a plane 54 (see Figure 4) which is positioned between a plane 56, in which the central portion lies, and the first portion 34. The lower surface 46 may extend substantially in a straight line between the central portion and the first and second ends respectively (see figure 4). However, this should not be seen as limiting since the lower surface 46 can equally be shaped to have a stepped or concave profile (see figure 3), the latter of which is shown in Figure 3.

Referring to Figure 3, the spline is profiled to have substantially a T-shape so that a first recess 58 is formed on one side of the rib 40 and an opposed second recess 60 is formed on an opposed side of the rib. The slot has opposed first and second sides 62 and 64 which are located in the first and second recesses respectively when the cylindrical portion is located inside the cavity. Each side 62 and 64 has an upper surface 66 (see figure 4) on which the section of material lies when the section of material has been secured to the batten.

Figure 5 shows the spline 3OA of figure 4 in use in a blind 68 which is in an extended configuration 70. Only one batten 12A is shown in the photograph but it should be noted that the blind typically includes a plurality of battens. A second portion or flange 36A of the spline 30A is shaped to have, when viewed in cross section, substantially a rectangular profile. An upper surface 74 of the flange is substantially planar. The cross sectional thickness of the flange increases from an intermediate portion 52 to respectively the first and second ends 48A and 50A (see figure 4).

The blind 68 is constructed in substantially the same way as is the conventional blind 10 of figure 1. The section of material 14 is folded so that a fold 76 is made in the material. The fold is then inserted into the cavity 20 of the batten normally by feeding the fold from one end of the batten to an opposed end through the cavity. A first or securing portion 34 of the spline is then registered with the batten by sliding a cylindrical portion 38 into the fold between the two adjacent layers of material from the one end of the batten to the opposing end. The rib 40 extends through the slot 16 of the batten so that the flange 36A is positioned adjacent the slot. The spline has a length 78 which is roughly equal the length 80 of the batten so that the second portion 36 A substantially covers the entire length of the slot. The section of material is now secured to the batten, at least to some extent. The profiled lower surface 46 allows the batten 12 to pivot under the force of gravity and to still remain substantially in abutment with the section of material 14 when the material extends between adjacent battens. This reduces the likelihood of a gap forming between the first end 48A of the spline and the section of material .

Figures 6 and 7 show the spline 30A of figure 4 in use in a tailored blind 82. A second section of material 84 is used to cover a front side 86 of a first section of material 88. Any suitable technique can be used to secure the sections of material to each other such as stitching, stapling or the like. The sections of material are secured to each other using double-sided tape, not shown. As is particularly evident in Figure 6, when the blind is in an extended configuration 90, a front surface 92 of the blind, at least to some extent, is smooth. The upper surface 74 of the flange 36A of the spline 3OA is substantially planar so that the part of the second section of material which overlies the flange is also planar. Additionally, the average cross sectional thickness 94 of the flange is relatively small when compared to the thickness of the batten so that a small volume of space is occupied by the flange between the first and second sections of material. Typically the average cross sectional thickness of the flange is in the order of 2 mm. The combination of the planar upper surface and small cross sectional thickness of the flange reduces the effect that the flange will have on the front surface of the blind. Thus, the positioning of the flange between the first and second sections of material has a reduced affect on the smoothness of the front surface.

The invention has a number of distinct advantages over the conventional splines currently on the market. The lower surface of an outer portion or flange of the spline is profiled so that pivotal movement of the batten under the force of gravity can be accommodated without the lower surface moving a distance away from a section of material used in the blind which would result in a sizeable, visible gap appearing between the flange and the material. Additionally, the spline, with a flange portion which has a substantially planar upper surface, can be used in a tailored blind so that the smooth front surface of the blind is not excessively altered by the inclusion of the flange between sections of material which are used in the construction of the blind. The invention provides a spline which reduces the likelihood of a gap forming between a lower surface of and outer portion or flange of the spline and the front surface of the blind as a batten, to which the spline is secured, is allowed to pivot under the force of gravity. An upper surface of the flange can be made to be substantially planar so that such a spline can be used in the construction of a tailored roman blind. The flange has a reduced cross sectional profile so that the affect on the smooth front surface of the tailored blind is minimised when the spline is included between two sections of material used in the construction of the blind.

The foregoing embodiments are illustrative only of the principles of the invention, and various modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art. The invention is capable of being practiced and carried out in various ways and in other embodiments. It is also to be understood that the terminology employed herein is for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting.

The term "comprise" and variants of the term such as "comprises" or "comprising" are used herein to denote the inclusion of a stated integer or stated integers but not to exclude any other integer or any other integers, unless in the context or usage an exclusive interpretation of the term is required.

Any reference to publications cited in this specification is not an admission that the disclosures constitute common general knowledge in Australia.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A spline for securing a section of material to a batten which includes an elongate slot which extends along a side of the batten, the spline including an elongate body which includes a first portion which is profiled to be registerable in a secure manner with the slot and a second portion which is attached to the first portion and which is positioned outside adjacent to the slot when the first portion is engaged with the slot, the second portion having a lower surface which faces the first portion and which includes a first end, an opposed second end, and an intermediate portion, and wherein the lower surface is shaped so that at least the first end occupies a plane which is between a plane, in which the intermediate portion lies, and the first portion.

2. A spline as claimed in claim 1, wherein the elongated body of the spline has a length less than the length of the slot of the batten, but the length of the elongated body is substantially equal to the length of the slot.

3. A spline as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first portion of the spline has a profile, which represents a shape of an inverted 'T' when viewed in cross section, so that a first recess and an opposed second recess are formed between the first and second portions and first and second opposed sides of the slot of the batten, are insertable respectively into the first and second recesses.

4. A spline as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the first portion includes a cylindrical portion and a rib which extends between and connects the cylindrical portion to the second portion, the cylindrical portion being insertable into a cavity of the slot with the rib extending through the slot so that the second portion is positioned adjacent the slot.

5. A spline as claimed in claim 4, wherein the cylindrical portion has a maximum cross sectional diameter which is greater than a maximum width of the slot, so that the cylindrical portion can not be easily pulled through the slot.

6. A spline as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the second portion is shaped into a strip so that an upper surface of the second portion is substantially planar and has an average cross sectional thickness which is less than 3 mm.

7. A spline as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the second portion is shaped into a strip so that an upper surface of the second portion is substantially planar and has an average cross sectional thickness in the order of 2mm.

8. A spline as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the lower surface has a stepped profile when viewed in cross section.

9. A spline as claimed in any one of claim 1 to 7, wherein the lower surface extends in a straight line between the intermediate portion and respectively the first and second ends.

10. A spline for securing a section of material to a batten which includes an elongate slot which extends across a length of a side of the batten, the spline including an elongate body which, when viewed in cross section, includes a flange and a securing portion which extends from the flange and which is shaped to be securely registerable with the slot, the flange including an upper surface which is substantially planar, an upper end, a lower end which opposes the upper end, and a portion which is central to the upper and lower ends, and wherein a cross sectional thickness of the flange increases from the central portion to at least the lower end.

11. A spline as claimed in claim 10, wherein the cross sectional thickness of the flange increases from the central portion to the lower end and to the upper end.

12. A spline as claimed in claim 10, wherein the flange has a stepped profile.

13. A spline as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13, wherein the flange is positioned outside the batten adjacent the slot when the securing portion is secured to the slot.

14. A spline for securing a blind batten to a section of blind fabric, the batten being of the type which is securable on a rear surface of the fabric and which includes an elongate slot which extends along a side of the batten, the spline including a first portion which is insertable into the slot with the fabric so that the first portion is secured to the batten with the fabric positioned between the first portion and the batten, and a second portion which is positioned outside and adjacent the slot when the first portion is registered with the slot and which includes a first end and an opposed second end, and wherein the opposed ends push into the section of fabric when the blind is in an extended configuration.

15. A spline as claimed in claim 14, wherein the second portion includes a lower surface which is profiled so that the lower surface, when viewed in cross section, has substantially a V-shape; the lower surface contacting substantially the section of fabric only at the first and second ends.

16. A spline as claimed in claim 1 wherein the first end and the second end occupy a plane which is between a plane in which the intermediate portion lies and the first portion.

17. A blind which includes a first section of material and a second section of material which is secured to the first section of material, a plurality of spaced apart battens which are interconnected, the blind being moveable between an expanded configuration at which the battens are spaced apart, and a contracted configuration at which the battens are stacked onto each other, each batten being secured to the first section of material using a spline as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16, and wherein a front surface of the second section of material, when the blind is in an extended configuration, is substantially planar.

18. A blind as claimed in claim 17, wherein the first section of material is glued to the second section of material.

19. A method of manufacturing a blind comprising the steps of: providing at least one piece of blind fabric having two sides, securing at least one blind batten to a section of the blind fabric using a spline, and attaching a further piece of material to at least one side of the at least one piece of blind fabric so that the further piece overlies the spline.

20. A method as claimed in claim 19, wherein the spline has a substantially planar face lying adjacent to a surface of the further piece of fabric.

21. A method as claimed in claim 19 or claim 20, wherein the spline is as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 16.

22. A method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21, wherein the further piece of fabric is attached to the at least 1 piece of blind fabric by double-sided tape or adhesive.

23. A method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 22, wherein the further piece of fabric is secured to at least one surface of the spline.

24. A method as claimed in claim 23, wherein the further piece of fabric is secured to at least one surface of the spline by double sided tape or adhesive.

25. A blind manufactured using a method as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 24.