WO2012070077A1

WO2012070077A1 - Venetian blind for internal use with slats fixed to upright carrier slats, designed for inclusion in a glass-enclosed chamber

Info

Publication number: WO2012070077A1
Application number: PCT/IT2010/000510
Authority: WO
Inventors: Giovanni Nicolosi
Original assignee: Pellini S.P.A.
Priority date: 2010-11-25
Filing date: 2010-12-22
Publication date: 2012-05-31
Also published as: ITMI20102186A1; EP2643539A1; IT1403581B1

Abstract

A solar screen (24), in the form of a Venetian blind with fixed slats (25), consists throughout of two types of thin slats: horizontal slats (25), here called reflecting slats (26, 27, 28), and vertical carrier slats anchored to the reflecting slats. Both types of slat are made of the same substratum of hardened aluminium alloy and possess a high degree of reflectivity. The cross sections of both types of slat are curved for greater rigidity. The horizontal slats (25) have opposite pairs of notches (30, 31, 32) on their longitudinal edges, spaced as on the carrier slats (26, 27, 28). In each of these latter there is a succession of parallel oblique slots (29) to receive and apply an elastic hold to the reflecting slats (25) in the notches. The edge of the slots (29) is varyingly bent to create a zone within which the reflecting slat (25) can freely slide, and with a concavity (33 ) contiguous to a vertex of the slot (29) so that the bent slat (25) is elastically held. At the other end of the concavity (33 ) is a tooth (C) that extends inside the slot. When the first horizontal slat (25) has been fitted into all the respective slots (29) in the carrier slats (26, 27, 28), in alignment with the notches (30, 31, 32), pressure against the longitudinal edge of the horizontal slat (25) towards the vertex of the slot, elastically deforms said slat (25) which can then be fitted into the underlying concavity (33 ); subsequent release of thrust causes an elastic return to fit the slat (25) onto the edge of the slot (29) between the notches (30, 31, 32) and below the tooth (C). The same process is used for all the other reflecting slats (25).

Description

Venetian blind for internal use with slats fixed to upright carrier slats, designed for inclusion in a glass-enclosed chamber

Field of application of the invention

The present invention relates to the field of solar screens for mounting on windows or French windows in buildings, or on skylights on roofs, and in particular to a Venetian blind for internal use, with slats fixed to upright carrier slats, designed for inclusion in a glass-enclosed chamber.

Review of the known art

Solar screens usually consist of shutters of one sort or another fitted externally to windows or French windows to keep out the sunlight, protect the windows from rain and snow, or the house from unlawful entry when the window is closed, and to provide ventilation when the window is open. Shutters consist of a frame with rounded slats, usually of painted aluminium, fitted into its opposite sides, and spaced at equal distances to fill the inner space of the frame. The slats are slanted so that an outside observer sees them downwardly inclined. The edges of the slats are usually sufficiently superimposed to allow air to pass as well as a fraction of sunlight. No further mention will be made here of such external sunscreens as, being so heavily and rigidly built, they do not concern the field of the present invention which relates to the Venetian- blind type of sunscreen with extremely thin fixed slats unsuitable for external purposes.

Venetian blinds for internal use may either be placed against the front of a window glass or glass-enclosed chamber or inside it. Both positions of the screen concern the present invention; the greatest advantages in terms of working life and reliability of the solar screen are best ensured when placed in the glass-enclosed chamber.

Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic representation of how solar radiation is reflected onto a screen and how light penetrates beyond it. The figure shows a transversal section of a glass-enclosed chamber 1 the edges of which fit into a frame 2 fixed to the walls 3 that surround the window. Inside the glass- enclosed chamber 1 is a sunscreen of slats 4 equally placed to cover its entire area. The slats 4 are slightly bent and slanted as seen in the figure. Solar rays 5 strike the slats 4 at an angle a to perpendicular 7 at a tangent to the slat and are reflected at the same angle. Some incident solar radiation 5 is diffused by air at variable angles; the diffused radiation 8 crosses the slat screen 4 and enters the building. Angle a varies during the day while inclination of the slats does not vary. But choosing a suitable angle of inclination and a suitable space between slats, the screen can reflect the greater part of incident radiation.

Figure 2 gives an exploded view of a glass-enclosed chamber produced by the same Applicant, containing a sunscreen described in the preamble to claim 1. The chamber consists of a rectangular frame formed by channelled bars, collectively marked 10, of extruded aluminium joined by angle joints 10b. A sunscreen can be seen inside the frame 10 formed of superimposed and suitably inclined slats, collectively marked 9, supported by spacer supports 11, 12, formed of aluminium bars slotted comb-wise with teeth upwardly inclined at an angle between 30° and 45°. The spacer supports 1 1, 12 comprise an upright bar 13, 16, backing a comb-like structure 14, 17 consisting of a series of teeth spaced by oblique fissures into which the slightly bent slats 9 can fit. A self- adhesive strip 15, 18 is laid along the bar 13, 16 to glue it to the glass 20 facing onto the outside of the building. The ends of bars 13, 16 rest against fins 10a underlying channelled bars 10 at the position of lower 1 1a, 12a and upper 1 lb, 12b cuts in said fins. Glued to the rectangular edges on both sides of the frame 10, already containing the slats 9 in their relative spacer supports 11, 12, are glued glass panes, marked 20 and 21 in Figure 3, forming the glass-enclosed chamber. Figure 3 is a transversal section along a plane passing through the longitudinal axis of the spacer support 12 where said chamber can be seen when completely assembled. Figure 4 shows in greater detail the lower end of the chamber in Figure 3 and the oblique teeth 17 of greater thickness in relation to the space between them, so that the bent slats 9 can be elastically locked against the walls of respective fissures.

The technical problem

By means of the solution in Figure 2, aluminium slats only 0.2 mm thick and up to m 1 long can be held firmly in place. Slats longer than this would need additional spacers, set m 0.5 apart, to oppose the otherwise inevitable bending. The spacer supports 11, 12 are the best possible for use in a glass-enclosed chamber but can also easily be adapted for use in screens of fixed slats to place in front of fixed or movable glazing, whether ordinary windows or glass- enclosed chambers. When used with screens other than such chambers, supports 1 1 , 12 are anchored to the frame of a lateral window. When used in a glass-enclosed chamber, the upright bars 13, 16 of spacer supports 1 1 , 12 must be glued to the glass in their exact positions before assembling the slats 4, a fact which constitutes extra work for the glassworks. The upright bars 13, 16 must also be of a certain width to provide adequate support against the glass to ensure stability and an efficient glue hold. Some discontinuity of incident light on the slats is therefore created at the supports 11, 12 and therefore of the light that penetrates inside the building. This implies greater thermal dissipation inside the glass-enclosed chamber and this in time might lead to misting on the glass and worsening the aesthetic of perceived lightness. A further problem arises when screening of this kind must be used for triangular windows as the gradual lessening of the size of the opening makes it necessary to use increasingly shorter slats that will need additional spacer supports.

Summary of the invention

Purpose of the invention is to overcome the limitations and drawbacks referred to above.

To achieve this purpose subject of the present invention is a solar screen comprising: a plurality of reflecting slats;

at least two non-collapsible spacer supports to provide a plurality of oblique seats in which to fit respective reflecting slats, therefore inclined, said seats being longitudinally parallel one to another at a reciprocal distance in each spacer support so that reflecting slats occupy the span to be screened,

wherein according to the invention:

said spacer supports are second slats made of the same material and being of the same thickness as the reflecting slats;

- said seats are slots made transversally in the wall of the second slats, there being in each slot a concavity crossable by a respective reflecting slat elastically bent in said seat to exert pressure against its edge so assisting immobilization, as described in claim 1.

Further characteristics of the present invention, in its differently realized forms considered innovative, are described in the dependent claims.

According to one aspect of the invention, the transversal section of said reflecting slats is bent to increase flexural rigidity.

Considered in its wider field the invention needs slots having at least one seat where maximum distance between external points is less than the width of the reflecting slat when unbended. Before fitting the reflecting slat into the seat, its longitudinal edges must be compressed so that the slat can be bent crosswise to a degree sufficient for the purpose. The solar screen so produced is the simplest to realize but, at the same time, stability of the structure depends solely on friction between the edges of the reflecting slats against the edge where compression is applied in the slots. Such an embodiment is suitable when making small solar screens solely for use in a fixed glass-enclosed chamber.

In a second example of its execution, progress is made at the cost of a small complication in the reflecting slats: on each reflecting slat there are notches one opposite another along the longitudinal edges, in pairs spaced for coupling to the carrier slats, the edge of a respective slot to be inserted in the notches of each pair and prevent the reflecting slat from making a longitudinal movement. This second example is suited to production of solar screens larger than the earlier one.

In a third example of its realization the slots are more complex and the resulting solar screens more structurally stable and easier to assemble.

In this example the edge of each slot has an inward facing tooth-like projection between the start of said concavity and a remaining part of the slot crossable by the reflecting slat, not thereby deformed; the tooth, fitted onto the edge of the reflecting slat, is pressed inside said concavity at the position of a pair of notches that prevent its elastic return into the remainder of the slot.

The third example is suited to the production of solar screens of any size usable both outside a window or fixed or movable glass-enclosed chamber, and inside a fixed or movable such chamber.

Slot profile is configured to give it a double function for the reflecting slat, namely sliding and elastic retention; it therefore appears to be of an original shape in the context where it is used.

A further subject of the invention is therefore a part designed to carry the reflecting slats in a solar screen which, according to the invention:

in turn is a second slat made of the same material and being of the same thickness as the reflecting slats;

said second slat includes a series of longitudinally parallel slots, equally inclined and spaced for insertion of the reflecting slats;

- the edge of each slot is varyingly bent to form a first concavity contiguous to a first end of the slot and also contiguous to a tooth-like projection on the edge facing towards the inside of the slot, said projection in turn being contiguous to a second and more marked concavity at a second end of the slot, extending past the first concavity forming, together with the slot beyond the first concavity, a seat to allow the reflecting slat to cross without undergoing deformation, the distance between the first end of the slot and the base of tooth together with the depth of the first concavity permitting the elastically-bent reflecting slat to be held by the tooth, as described in one independent claim.

According to one aspect of the invention, the reflecting slats are of equal length to form rectangular solar screens, and the pairs of notches occupy the same positions on all the reflecting slats. An embodiment of this kind is also advantageous in varyingly bent solar screens in relation to an axis orthogonal to the reflecting slats.

According to another aspect of the invention:

the reflecting slats become progressively shorter to form a triangular screen;

the distance between adjacent pairs of notches on the reflecting slats progressively shortens towards the vertex of the triangle so that more carrier slats can be accommodated.

A further subject of the invention is a manufacturing method for the manufacture of a solar screen of the first example of execution, comprising the following steps:

a) moulding reflecting slats from a thin metal lamina possessing characteristics suitable for the purpose;

b) manufacture of at least two spacer supports to anchor reflecting slats in suitably inclined seats, placed at a reciprocal distance so as to occupy the span of the space to be screened with reflecting slats;

c) application of reflecting slats to the spacer supports,

wherein according to the invention:

step b) carried out for each spacer support includes the following steps:

- moulding of a second slat from the same thin lamina as that used to make the reflecting slats, or from a lamina of the same material and thickness; slotting transversal slots in the body of the second slat at the position of said seats, there being in each slot a concavity to hold a respective elastically bent reflecting slat;

step c) carried out for each reflecting slat and for each second slat includes the following step: - gradual insertion of the reflecting slat in the corresponding slots of all the second slats, the elastically bent reflecting slat exerting pressure against the edge of the slot so assisting its immobilization in said concavity.

Valid for realization of the solar screen according to the second example of its execution, the method further includes:

in step a)

slotting opposite notches in both longitudinal edges at the positions assigned for anchoring the reflecting slat to the second slats;

in step c)

- positioning of each pair of notches at each respective slot.

Valid for realization of the solar screen according to the third example of its execution, the method includes steps for realization of the solar screen according to the second example of its execution, and further:

in step b)

in slotting, the edge of each slot having a tooth-like inward-facing projection adjoining a concavity contiguous to a vertex of the slot able to hold the elastically bent reflecting slat, said tooth also adjoining the remaining part of the slot crossable by the reflecting slat without undergoing deformation;

in step c)

- thrust by reflecting slat against the vertex of slot until the reflecting slat is sufficiently and elastically bent for its insertion in said concavities of the respective slots of all the second slats, and subsequent release of thrust to allow tooth to be coupled into the edge of reflecting slat at all the pairs of notches, simultaneously.

The method here described makes possible the production of a self-supporting and structurally stable solar screen that can be used in the ways envisaged by the third example of its execution.

Advantages of the invention

The present invention offers numerous substantial advantages that will be listed here. The first will be found both in applications to the outside of a pane of glass facing into a building and inside a glass-enclosed chamber; the other advantages are mainly found when the invention is used inside such a chamber: The first advantages include:

constructional simplicity: the screen consists of two differently sized slats, reflecting and carrier slats, no accessories being required;

low production costs: the solar screen components can be made using a single slat moulding machine fed by rolls of the aluminium used for the two slats;

maximum diffusion of light: the bulk of each carrier slat is no greater than the thickness of a reflecting slat;

flexibility in realizing the different geometrical shapes of the screen: without altering the number of carrier slats also used as spacers, triangular and other irregular shapes can be obtained by cutting sets of slats with a different profile ;

- supply in kit form of the elements to be assembled: the single parts are put together by simply fitting the reflecting slats into the positioning slots and coupling them onto the carrier slats;

simple to mount: a sufficiently rigid and self-supporting structure with parts that fit one into another, easily set in the frame of a window or skylight.

The other advantages include:

inalterability of the screen's reflecting properties over a period of time no maintenance being needed; these are typical advantages of the solar screen when fitted inside a glass-enclosed chamber;

- as the screen is light in weight and self-supporting, needing no parts to fix it inside the chamber, it follows that:

o the screen can be fixed inside the glass-enclosed chamber by the profile of the aluminium channelled bar forming part of the frame; o the screen can be assembled and placed inside the chamber while at the glassworks.

Short description of the figures Further purposes and advantages of the present invention will become clear from the following detailed description of an example already realized and from the attached drawings provided for purely explanatory reasons and in no way limitative, wherein:

Figure 1 is a diagrammatic representation of interaction between solar radiation and a solar screen with fixed slats, whether of a type already known or newly invented, in a glass-enclosed chamber of which a cross section is shown.

Figure 2 is an exploded perspective of a Venetian blind-type of solar screen with fixed slats in a glass-enclosed chamber produced and put on sale by the Applicant.

Figure 3 is a cross section of the chamber in Figure 2 along the longitudinal axis of a spacer support marked 12.

Figure 4 is an enlargement of part of Figure 3.

Figure 5 is an exploded perspective of a solar screen according to the present invention.

Figure 6 is a view from above of a reflecting slat forming part of the solar screen in Figure 5.

Figure 7 is a detail of Figure 6.

Figure 8 is a cross section of the reflecting slat in Figure 6.

Figure 9 is an elevation of a carrier slat used as a spacer support for the reflecting slats in the solar screen in Figure 5.

Figure 10 is a section view of the slat in Figure 9.

Figure 11 is an enlargement of the edge of a slot in the slat in Figure 9.

Figure 11A shows two possible configurations for a reflecting slat in Figure 6 in its own seat on the slat in Figure 9.

Figure 11B shows a detail of Figure 1 1A.

Figures 12 to 20 are perspective views showing the constructional sequence of the solar screen subject of the present invention.

Figures 21 to 23 are perspective views of the constructional sequence of a glass-enclosed chamber with the solar screen in Figure 20 inside it. Figures 24 to 26 are perspective views showing the sequence for mounting the framed solar screen in Figure 21 onto the front of the glass pane of a window, of a glass-enclosed chamber or of a skylight, inside a building.

Figure 27 to 29 are perspective views showing the sequence for mounting the bare solar screen in figure 20 in front of the pane of a window, glass-enclosed chamber or skylight, on the inside of a building.

Detailed description of some preferred forms of realizing the invention

In the following description, elements that appear in different figures may be marked with the same symbols.

Figure 5 shows a solar screen 24 of the Venetian-blind type in which the single components have been separated better to enhance their individuality. It will be seen from the figure parallel slats 25, one above the other and separated by an identical previously set distance, occupy the entire space to be screened. Though in no way limiting the invention, the side of the screen 24 seen in the figure is the one facing the sun, with the horizontal slats 25 inclined outward and downward at an angle a considered the best for catching sunlight during the day. This configuration of the slats 25 is made possible by carrier slats 26, 27, 28, seen on the right in the figure, that also function as spacers for the reflecting slats 25. Carrier slats 26, 27, 28 stand vertically each one containing a series of slots 29 through which reflecting slats 25 will be passed when the screen 24 is being mounted. In each carrier slat the slots 29, of the same number as the number of slats 25, are placed one above another, all slanting at an angle a to the longitudinal orthogonal axis of the slat. Carrier slats 26, 27, 28 can be produced in lots that differ by the angle a decided in relation to the slant of the window to be screened in accordance with the angle of incidence of solar radiation and with the maximum height above the horizon reached by the sun during the year. In each reflecting slat 25 there are three notches on both its longitudinal sides, making a total of six set in three pairs of opposite notches 30, 31, 32. In all the reflecting slats 25 the pair of notches 31 lies at the centre of the respective slat while the remaining pairs of notches 30, 32 lie at the same distance from the central pair 31. So placed, the pairs of notches in all the slats 25 are aligned to form three vertical rows 30, 31, 32. When assembling the screen 24, the vertical rows of pairs of notches 30, 31 , 32 will fix respective upright carrier slats 26, 27, 28 at the edge of the slots 29, as will shortly be more fully explained. The number of carrier slats can vary from a minimum of two up to the number needed to ensure that the screen 24 is sufficiently rigid should the number and length of the reflecting slats 25 be increased. Being so slender, whatever the number of carrier slats may be needed the quality of light perceived beyond the screen 24 is not adversely affected. Nothing else is needed for assembling screen 24.

As regards the slat-manufacturing process, it must be stated that both the reflecting 25 and carrier slats 26, 27, 28 are made from a single band of the special hardened aluminium alloy generally used to make slats for Venetian blinds, their thickness being only 0.2 mm including the reflecting surface layer. Notches and slots are cut as a simultaneous operation in the moulding and slotting machine used for making slats for Venetian blinds. As seen in Figure 5, the reflecting slats 25 are 16 mm wide and the carrier slats 25 mm. During the moulding process the slats of both types are slightly bent by special moulding rollers to increase their resistance to bending. Bending causes an identical rise on the longitudinal edges of the slat compared with its original plane form so that it appears slightly concave along its whole length, as if it were channel-shaped. Bending of the carrier slats 26, 27, 28 is the same as that of the reflecting slat 25. The slight concavity of reflecting slat 25 faces upward to favour bending the slots 29. Concavity of all the carrier slats preferably faces in the same direction.

Figure 6 gives a plan view of a reflecting slat 25 showing more clearly the position of the pairs of notches 30, 31, 32 reciprocally spaced on the longer sides of the slat, symmetrical in relation to the centre for a more balanced distribution of the weight and elasticity when interacting with the carrier slats. In each pair the notches are transversally opposite. The four corners of the slat 25 are well rounded. Figure 7 shows in detail the central pair of notches 31 with rounded inside angles. The notches are 0.5 mm deep and 1 mm wide; with these values the edge of seat 29 present in the carrier slat 27 can be accommodated between the two notches 31a and 31b on the long sides of slat 25, allowing for the bend in both types of slat, their width and the width of seat 29 at the points of contact with the edges of slat 25 in the notches 31. Figure 8 can be seen as a view of slat 25 from the shorter side or as a cross section that gives emphasis to its bend. There is a camber of 1 mm at each end.

Figure 9 is a plan view of a short central section of carrier slat 27 functioning as a central spacer support, showing how the three slots 29 are placed one above the other. The slots are slanted at an angle a of about 15° corresponding to the slant, compared to a transversal line O, of a line P joining two points D and H at the opposite ends of a concave seat 33 whose purpose is to fix slat 25 stably in slot 29. The distance between homologous points of adjacent slots is 12 mm. Figure 10 can be seen as a view from above of slat 27 from its shorter side or as a cross section that gives emphasis to its bend. The camber at each end is 2 mm. Figure 11 shows the varyingly bent edge of any slanting slot 29. It will be seen that the oblique line P joining points D and H divides the slot into two areas, 33, 34, the first of which is concave and the second slightly convex, the purpose of this being shown in Figure 11 A. The edge of slot 29 is marked with the following letters listed anti-clockwise: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, each of which is a central point of an arc of a circle that joins the preceding arc to the one following. Starting from letter A, the edge comprises:

a semicircle A, radius R = 1 mm and inward concavity of slot 29 joined to, an arc of a circle B, radius R = 9.5 mm and inward concavity of slot 29, so short as to seem almost rectilinear, joined to,

a semicircle C, radius R = 0.35 mm and outward concavity of slot 29, joined to,

a semicircle D, radius R = 0.35 mm and inward concavity of slot 29 joined to,

a short arc of a circle E, radius R = 10 mm and outward concavity of slot 29, so short as to seem almost rectilinear, joined to,

- a wide arc of a circle F, radius R = 15 mm and concavity of about 55° to the inside of slot 29, joined to, a short arc of a circle G, radius R = 10 mm and concavity outward of slot 29, so short as to seem almost rectilinear, joined to,

a semicircle H, radius R = 0.35 mm and concavity towards the inside of slot 29 opposite to the concavity of semicircle D connected to the ideal line P, joined to,

the wider arc of a circle I, radius R = 45 mm and concavity of about 22° outward of slot 29 joined to semicircle A closing the edge of slot 29.

The profile of slot 29 described above determines a distance between points D and H less than the width of reflecting slat 25 and a distance between points A and H greater than the width of reflecting slat 25; point C, between points A and D, is slightly nearer H than is point D. In slot 29 two contiguous functional areas are thus formed on either side of point C: a first area in which reflecting slat 25 can freely slide and a second in which the longitudinal edges of the slat are compressed.

Explained more precisely, at the edge of slot 29, a tooth-like inward-facing projection is formed on the semicircular profile C. By means of the semicircular profile D and of the short length E, tooth C is joined to a first end of concavity 33 defined by the arc of circle F. Through the short length B, tooth C is further connected to the semicircular concavity A at a first end of slot 29. Through the short length G, the other end of concavity 33 is contiguous to a second end of slot 29 defined by the semicircular profile H, G. Concavity 33 is therefore defined at its two ends by semicircular profiles, respectively D and H, contiguous through tooth C to the semicircular concavity A beyond which it extends to the second end H of slot 29 defined by the edge B, A, I. The second and more marked semicircular concavity A at the second end of slot 29 forms, with slot 29 beyond the first concavity 33, a seat 34 through which passes the reflecting slat 25, without bending, as seen in the upper slot in Figure 11 A. The distance between the two areas D, H delimiting the first concavity 33, is less than the width of reflecting slat 25 which therefore has to bend transversally in passing from seat 34 to concavity 33, deep enough to receive the elastically-bent reflecting slat 25. The longitudinal edges of reflecting slat 25 in the opposite notches 31a and 31b are pressed against the respective semicircular profiles D and H that delimit concavity 33, as seen in the lower slot in Figure 11 A. Tooth C projects above the longitudinal edge of slat 25 inside the notch 31a, in this way contributing, together with the lateral edges of said notch, to hold slat 25 in its seat, as shown in the enlargement in Figure 11B.

Here follows the assembly of the solar screen 24 explained with the aid of Figures 12 to 20. Figure 12 shows a first reflecting slat 25 at the moment of its insertion in slots 29 in the carrier slats 26, 27, 28, orthogonal to the former. A broken line indicates the positions of pairs of opposite notches 31. In the drawing slat 25 has already passed through the slots 29, lower down in the carrier slats 26 and 27, and is about to pass slot 29 lower down in carrier slat 28. When inserted, slat 25 freely slides into slot 29 since, as shown in Figure 13, the seat 34 is wider than slat 25 itself. Figure 14 shows reflecting slat 25 when passing through slot 29 lower down in the carrier slat 28. The enlargement shows that the notches 32 have not yet reached carrier slat 28. The reasons given for Figure 12 also apply here. Figure 15 shows the reflecting slat 25 that has passed through the slots 29 in the carrier slats 26, 27,28 and has been fixed in place by the pairs of notches 30, 31, 32 (as seen in the enlargement). The manoeuvre of fixing the reflecting slats 25 is shown diagrammatically in Figures 13, 16, 17 simultaneously for all the carrier slats 26, 27, 28. Figure 13 (already explained) shows the situation at the start when the reflecting slat 25 is in place and notches 30, 31, 32 are aligned with the slots 29 in the carrier slats 26, 27, 28. The arrow in Figure 16 shows the direction of force exerted by the operator on the longitudinal edge of slat 25, opposite to that which engages the narrower end H of slot 29. Subjected to such a force and considering how thin slat 25 is, the two longitudinal edges come closer together and the slat bends crosswise to itself. Figure 17 shows the further manoeuvre applied to the bent slat 25 to fit it into seat D at the base of tooth C. The direction taken by the semicircular arrow indicates the rotation to impress on the reflecting elastically-bent slat 25 to bring it inside concavity 33 in all the carrier slats 26, 27, 28 simultaneously, after which pressure against the longitudinal edge of the slat is released and the slat partially recovers its form in concavity 33 of the carrier slats as far as the distance between anchorage points D and H allows it. As previously stated, the reflecting slat 25 is elastically bent in each concavity 33 and is firmly fixed to the carrier slats 26, 27, 28 because: (a) the thin longitudinal edges of slat 25 penetrate almost to fixing point in the semicircular widely-curved seats D and H (Figure 17); (b) tooth C prevents the edge of slat 25 from becoming detached from the seat D (figure 1 IB), acting as an anti-reverse tooth on slat 25, from a bent to an extended configuration in seat 34; (c) the sides of notches 30, 31, 32 form joints against the wall of slot 29 at seats D and H preventing them from translating longitudinally.

Figure 18 shows how a second reflecting slat 25b is inserted, as in Figure 12 for the first reflecting slat 25, the same explanations being suited to this case. Figure 19 shows that slat 25b has been fitted in, see Figures 16, 17, as was done for the first slat in figure 15. Figure 20 pictures the solar screen 24 when fully assembled. The structure of this screen is self-supporting and is ready for use as required, like the examples to be seen in the following figures. Screen 24 is light and easy to transport when assembled, but at the same time is strongly built and sufficiently rigid, due to structural rigidity of the two types of slats being increased by bending and by the considerable number of joints where the reflecting slats intersect with the orthogonal carrier slats.

Figures 21, 22, 23 summarize the method of production of a glass-enclosed chamber 45 that includes the screen 24 in Figure 20. Figure 21 shows a frame 40 in exploded form, the individual components disposed around the solar screen 24. The components of the frame are shaped like the channelled aluminium bars normally used by the Applicant in his glass-enclosed chambers and already illustrated in Figure 2, except that the channel is narrower due to the lesser crosswise bulk of the carrier slats 26, 27and 28, compared with the bulk of spacer supports 13, 16, and to the presence of lateral fins of type 10a. The dimensions of the screen fit perfectly into the space inside the frame. The particular profile of the channelled bar forming the frame 40 is seen in the enlargement, notably the two longitudinal parallel fins 40a and 40b, the four assembled channelled bars constituting a double frame to fix the solar screen 24 into the glass-enclosed chamber 45. Figure 22 shows the solar screen 24 in place in the frame 40 forming a single whole 41 ready for use, for example in realizing the glass-enclosed chamber 45 where the exploded view shows the two panes of glass to mount on the front 42 and rear 43. Figure 23 shows the glass-enclosed chamber 45 completely assembled, the two panes of glass 42, 43 glued to the respective surrounding edges at front and back and the whole sealed by sealing material 44.

Figures 24, 25, 26 summarize the method used for assembling a window or skylight that completes the framed solar screen 41 in Figure 22, also seen in Figure 24. Figure 25 shows a window, or skylight consisting of an outer frame 50 comprising a pane of double glass 53 with a wide surround 52 beyond the pane facing inside the building. The wide rectangular surround 52 provides a seat for the framed solar screen 41. A handle 54 is fitted onto the window 51. The complete screened window 55 is shown in Figure 26 and forms a strong and compact structure.

Figures 27, 28, 29 summarize the method used for assembling a window or skylight that completes the unframed solar screen 24 in Figure 20. The product so obtained is naturally less expensive than the one in Figure 26. Figure 27 shows an exploded view of the components used in assembly, namely the window in Figure 25, solar screen in Figure 20 and two rectangular aluminium or plastic slats 56, 57 with a series of holes along one side to receive screws 58. In Figure 28 the screen 24 is fitted into the rectangular seat 52 of the window 51. Figure 29 shows the finished product obtained by mounting the two slats 56, 57 against the shorter sides of the frame on the window 51, fixing them with screws 58.

Based on the description given of a preferred example of realization of the invention, some changes can obviously be made by a specialized technician without thereby departing from its sphere, as will appear from the following claims.

Claims

C L A I M S

1. Solar screen comprising:

- a plurality of reflecting slats (25);

- at least two non-collapsible spacer supports (26, 27, 28) to provide a plurality of oblique seats (29) in which to fit respective reflecting slats (25), therefore inclined, said seats (29) being longitudinally parallel one to another at a reciprocal distance in each spacer support so that reflecting slats (25) occupy the span to be screened,

characterized in that:

- said spacer supports are second slats (26, 27, 28) made of the same material and being of the same thickness as the reflecting slats (25);

- said seats are slots (29) made transversally in the wall of the second slats, there being in each slot (29) a concavity (33) crossable by a respective reflecting slat (25) elastically bent in said seat to exert pressure against its edge so assisting immobilization.

2. Solar screen as in claim 1, characterized in that the transversal section of said second slats (26, 27, 28) is bent to increase flexural rigidity.

3. Solar screen as in claim 1, characterized in that the transversal section of said reflecting slats (25) is bent to increase flexural rigidity.

4. Solar screen as in claim 1, characterized in that in each reflecting slat

(25) there are opposed notches (30 31, 32) along the longitudinal edges, present in spaced pairs as needed for coupling them to said second slats (26, 27, 28), the edge of a respective slot (29) being inserted in the notches of each pair to prevent longitudinal translation of the reflecting slat (25).

5. Solar screen as in claim 4, characterized in that there is an inward- facing tooth-like projection (C) on the edge of each slot (29) between the starting point of said concavity (33) and a remaining part of the slot (34) crossable by the reflecting slat (25) without undergoing deformation, tooth (C) being superimposed into the edge of the reflecting slat (25) forced into said concavity (33) at the position of a pair of said notches (30, 31, 32) so preventing the reflecting slat from springing back into the remaining part (34) of the slot (29).

6. Solar screen as in claim 4, characterized in that said reflecting slats (25) are of equal length to form rectangular solar screens (24) said pairs of notches (30, 31, 32) occupying the same position in all the reflecting slats (25).

7. Solar screen as in claim 4, characterized in that:

- said reflecting slats (25) become progressively shorter to form a triangular screen (24);

- the distance between adjacent pairs of notches on the reflecting slats (25) progressively shortens towards the vertex of the triangle.

8. Supporting element for the reflecting slat (25) in a solar screen (24), characterized in that:

- it in turn is a second slat (26, 27, 28) made of the same material and being of the same thickness as the reflecting slats (25);

- said second slat includes a series of longitudinally parallel slots (29), equally inclined and spaced for insertion of the reflecting slats (25).

9. The element in claim 8, characterized in that the edge of each slot (29) is varyingly bent to form a first concavity (33) contiguous (G) to a first end (H) of the slot (29) and also contiguous (D) to a tooth-like projection (C) on the edge facing towards the inside of the slot (29), said projection (C) in turn being contiguous (B) to a second and more marked concavity (A) at a second end of the slot (29), extending past the first concavity (33) forming together with the slot beyond the first concavity (33) a seat (34) to allow the reflecting slat (25) to cross without undergoing deformation, the distance between the first end (H) of the slot (29) and the base of tooth (C) together with the depth of the first concavity (33) permitting the elastically-bent reflecting slat (25) to be held by the tooth (C).

10. Method for the manufacture of a solar screen comprising the following steps:

a) moulding reflecting slats (25) from a thin metal lamina possessing characteristics suitable for the purpose; b) manufacture of at least two spacer supports (26, 27, 28) to anchor reflecting slats (25) in suitably inclined seats (29), placed at a reciprocal distance so as to occupy the span of the space to be screened with reflecting slats;

c) application of reflecting slats (25) to the spacer supports,

characterized in that:

step b) carried out for each spacer support includes the following steps:

- moulding of a second slat (26, 27, 28) from the same thin lamina as that used to make the reflecting slats (25), or from a lamina of the same material and thickness;

- slotting transversal slots (29) in the body of the second slat (26, 27, 28) at the position of said seats, there being in each slot (29) a concavity (33) to hold a respective elastically bent reflecting slat (25);

step c), carried out for each reflecting slat (25) and for each second slat (26, 27, 28), includes the following step:

- gradual insertion of the reflecting slat (25) in the corresponding slots (29) of all the second slats (26, 27, 28), the elastically-bent reflecting slat (25) exerting pressure against the edge of the slot (29) so assisting its immobilization in said concavity (33).

1 1. Method as in claim 10 characterized in that it further includes:

in step a)

- slotting opposing notches in both longitudinal edges at the positions assigned for anchoring the reflecting slat (25) to the second slats (26, 27, 28);

in step c)

- positioning of each pair of notches (30, 31, 32) at each respective slot (29).

12. Method as in claim 1 1, characterized in that it further includes:

in step b)

- in slotting, the edge of each slot (29) having a tooth-like inward- facing projection (C) adjoining a concavity (33) contiguous to a vertex (H) of the slot (29) able to hold the elastically-bent reflecting slat (25), tooth (C) also adjoining the remaining part (34) of slot (29) crossable by the reflecting slat (25) without undergoing deformation;

in step c)

- thrust by reflecting slat (25) against the vertex (H) of slot (29) until the reflecting slat (25) is sufficiently and elastically bent for its insertion in said concavities (33) of the respective slots (29) of all the second slats (26, 27, 28), and subsequent release of thrust to allow tooth (C) to be coupled into the edge of the reflecting slat (25) at all the pairs of notches (30, 31, 32) simultaneously.