WO2017089863A1

WO2017089863A1 - Mounting device for a roller blind or the like

Info

Publication number: WO2017089863A1
Application number: PCT/IB2015/059074
Authority: WO
Inventors: Erwan Bouroullec; Ronan Bouroullec
Original assignee: Kvadrat A/S
Priority date: 2015-11-24
Filing date: 2015-11-24
Publication date: 2017-06-01

Abstract

The mounting device (1) includes a longitudinal frame (3) for mounting by a longitudinal mounting bracket (4). The longitudinal mounting bracket has an at least substantially L-formed cross-section (5) including a first and second flange (6, 7). The longitudinal frame has a ridge (12) or groove adapted to engage with a ridge or groove (13, 14) at free ends (8, 9) of the respective flanges. The longitudinal mounting bracket is thereby adapted to be mounted on the longitudinal frame in a first position with the first flange mounted on a horizontal mounting surface (15) or in a second position with the first flange mounted on a vertical mounting surface (16). The longitudinal frame has a snap- lock connector part (17) locking releasably with one of corresponding snap-lock connector parts (18, 19) arranged on the first and second flanges between the free ends and fixed ends (10, 11) of the respective flanges.

Description

MOUNTING DEVICE FOR A ROLLER BLIND OR THE LIKE

The present invention relates to a mounting device for a roller blind or the like, including a longitudinal frame accommodating the roller blind or the like and a corresponding lon- gitudinal mounting bracket, the longitudinal frame being adapted to be mounted by means of the longitudinal mounting bracket in a mounting position on a building so that the roller blind or the like may be extended in a downward direction from the longitudinal frame, the longitudinal mounting bracket having an at least substantially L-formed cross- section including a first flange and a second flange, each flange having a free end and a fixed end, the longitudinal frame being provided with a ridge or groove adapted to engage with one of corresponding ridges or grooves arranged at either one of the free end of the first flange and the free end of the second flange, the longitudinal mounting bracket thereby being adapted to be mounted on the longitudinal frame, when the longitudinal frame is in its mounting position, in a first position wherein the first flange may be mounted on a horizontal mounting surface of the building or in a second position wherein the first flange may be mounted on a vertical mounting surface of the building.

EP 2 388 429 A1 discloses a housing for accommodating winding rollers for awnings and the like, which has a lower face that is open for the passage of an awning wound reversibly on a roller accommodated in the housing. The housing is composed by two complementary L-formed profiles enclosing the roller, and a first one of the L-formed profiles has a first wall adapted for being fixed to a mounting bracket mounted on a ceiling or a wall. A second one of the L-formed profiles has two fins with curved cross- section at one end thereof, and the first L-formed profile is provided at either end with a correspondingly mating groove having a curved cross-section. Thereby, the L-formed profiles may be mutually connected by a rotating movement, whereby one of the curved fins is inserted into one of the curved grooves. In this way, two alternative mating configurations are defined, in which the lower face is opposite or, respectively, adjacent to the first wall of the first L-formed profile, so as to allow the installation of the housing respectively on a ceiling or wall. However, the mounting procedure includes several steps and may therefore be somewhat cumbersome. Firstly, the mounting bracket is mounted on a ceiling or a wall. Secondly, the first L-formed profile is mounted on the mounting bracket by means of screws. Thirdly, the roller with the awning wound thereon has to be arranged in the housing before the second L-formed profile is connected to the first L-formed profile thereby closing the housing. However, in order to arrange the roller in the housing, it seems that additionally some kind of end covers must be fixed firstly to the ends of the first L-formed profile, before the second L-formed profile is eventually mounted. The mounting of the second L-formed profile by said rotating movement in itself seems quite cumbersome, because a precise positioning and movement is required in order for the curved fin to be inserted correctly into the curved groove.

EP 2 754 843 A2 discloses a mounting assembly for a sunshade including a housing from which a curtain is suspended. The housing is supported in a U-formed carrier profile which is suspended from a mounting rail placed on a ceiling. A first leg of the U- formed carrier profile is provided with a horizontally extending rib adapted to slide into a groove formed on the mounting rail during mounting of the U-formed carrier profile on the mounting rail. A second leg of the U-formed carrier profile is provided with a horizontally extending rib having a downward protrusion under which a catch hook of the mounting rail may engage in order to lock the U-formed carrier profile to the mounting rail. The mounting assembly is only suitable for sunshades to be mounted on a ceiling and not on a wall.

JP 4939708 B2, KR 20090008077 U and JP 2014109104 A all disclose mounting assemblies for a sunshade or the like, whereby a U-formed carrier profile may be connected to a mounting rail by means of elastic members.

The object of the present invention is to provide a mounting device for a roller blind or the like of the type mentioned by way of introduction, whereby the mounting procedure is simple and easy. In view of this object, the longitudinal frame is provided with a snap-lock connector part adapted to, when said ridge and groove are inserted into each other, lock releasably with one of corresponding snap-lock connector parts arranged on either one of the first and second flanges between the free end and the fixed end of the respective flanges. In this way, independently of whether the longitudinal mounting bracket is mounted on a horizontal or a vertical mounting surface, the longitudinal frame accommodating the roller blind or the like may be mounted on the longitudinal mounting bracket by a simple displacement of the longitudinal frame, whereby the ridge and groove engage mutually and the snap-lock connector parts interconnect. The snap-lock connector parts may be adapted to interconnect by means of a relatively small force, because the weight of the roller blind or the like may be carried at least almost solely by the engagement between said ridge and groove. Said relatively small force necessary for the connection further facilitates an easy mounting procedure. Therefore, the mounting device according to the present invention may be mounted on a building by a simple two-step procedure, whereby firstly, the longitudinal mounting bracket is mounted on said surface for in- stance by means of screws, and secondly, the longitudinal frame accommodating the roller blind or the like is simply displaced against the longitudinal mounting bracket and thereby connected thereto. Moreover, later disconnection of the longitudinal frame from the longitudinal mounting bracket may also be facilitated by a relatively small force necessary for disconnection.

In an embodiment, said ridge and groove are adapted to be inserted into each other by an at least substantially horizontal displacement of the longitudinal frame in relation to the longitudinal mounting bracket when the longitudinal mounting bracket is mounted on the horizontal or vertical mounting surface of the building, and the snap-lock connector part provided on the longitudinal frame is adapted to lock releasably with one of said corresponding snap-lock connector parts during insertion of said ridge and groove into each other by said at least substantially horizontal displacement of the longitudinal frame. Thereby, the mounting procedure may be further facilitated. Depending on the dimensions of the longitudinal frame, said horizontal displacement may ensure that the mounting device may also be arranged on a relatively broad frame member without colliding with said frame member.

In an embodiment, the longitudinal frame forms in its mounting position a downward open inner cavity for accommodation of the roller blind or the like, and the longitudinal mounting bracket is adapted to be mounted on an outer upper side of the longitudinal frame. Thereby, a structural advantageous configuration may be obtained, and, in the mounted state of the mounting device, conveniently, the corresponding snap-lock connector parts may be concealed behind the L-formed mounting bracket, thereby providing for an esthetic appearance.

In an embodiment, the snap-lock connector part adapted to lock releasably with a corresponding snap-lock connector part on the longitudinal mounting bracket is arranged on the outer upper side of the longitudinal frame. In this way, an advantageous mounting position for the snap-lock connector part on the longitudinal frame may be obtained, thereby resulting in a strong connection between the longitudinal frame and the longitudinal mounting bracket. In an embodiment, in the mounting position of the longitudinal frame, the longitudinal frame is provided with its ridge or groove at an upper position in order for said ridge or groove to engage the corresponding ridge or groove on the free end of the first flange or on the free end of the second flange when said flange is arranged horizontally extending. Thereby, a stronger connection between the longitudinal frame and the longitudinal mounting bracket may be obtained, because the weight of the longitudinal frame and the roller blind may cause a moment about the ridge and groove connection which may be counteracted by the longitudinal frame abutting the free end of the second flange.

In an embodiment, when the longitudinal frame is in its mounting position and the longitudinal mounting bracket is mounted on the longitudinal frame, an abutment provided on the longitudinal frame supports the free end of the first flange or the free end of the second flange when said flange is arranged vertically extending. Thereby, a stronger connection between the longitudinal frame and the longitudinal mounting bracket may be obtained, because the weight of the longitudinal frame and the roller blind may cause a moment about the ridge and groove connection which may be counteracted by the abutment on the longitudinal frame supporting the free end of the second flange.

In an embodiment, the longitudinal frame is in its mounting position and the longitudinal mounting bracket is mounted on the longitudinal frame, the ridge and groove connection between the longitudinal frame and the longitudinal mounting bracket is located along a central line at the top of the assembly of the longitudinal frame and the longitudinal mounting bracket. Thereby, a stronger connection between the longitudinal frame and the longitudinal mounting bracket may be obtained, because the weight of the longitudinal frame and the roller blind may cause only a relatively reduced moment about the ridge and groove connection as a result of the centre of gravity of the mounting device, without the longitudinal mounting bracket, being positioned more or less vertically below the ridge and groove connection.

In an embodiment, when the longitudinal frame is in its mounting position and the longitudinal mounting bracket is mounted on the longitudinal frame, the centre of gravity of the entire mounting device including the longitudinal frame, first and second end covers and the roller blind or the like, but excluding the longitudinal mounting bracket, is located at least substantially vertically below the ridge and groove connection between the longitudinal frame and the longitudinal mounting bracket. Thereby, a stronger connection between the longitudinal frame and the longitudinal mounting bracket may be obtained, because the weight of the entire mounting device including the longitudinal frame, first and second end covers and the roller blind or the like, but excluding the longitudinal mounting bracket, may cause only a relatively reduced moment about the ridge and groove connection.

In an embodiment, when the longitudinal frame is in its mounting position and the longi- tudinal mounting bracket is mounted on the longitudinal frame, the centre of gravity of the entire mounting device including the longitudinal frame, first and second end covers and the roller blind or the like, but excluding the longitudinal mounting bracket, at least in the rolled-up position of the roller blind, is located oppositely the fixed ends of the flanges of the at least substantially L-formed cross-section of the longitudinal mounting bracket seen in relation to a vertical plane extending through the ridge and groove connection between the longitudinal frame and the longitudinal mounting bracket. Thereby, a stronger connection between the longitudinal frame and the longitudinal mounting bracket may be obtained, because the weight of the entire mounting device including the longitudinal frame, first and second end covers and the roller blind or the like, but excluding the longitudinal mounting bracket, may cause a moment about the ridge and groove connection resulting in the corresponding snap-lock connector parts being pressed together, whereby effective engagement between the corresponding snap-lock connector parts may be ensured even by relatively heavy roller blinds or the like as well as during manual operation of the roller blind or the like whereby downward forces may be applied to the roller blind or the like when it is rolled up or down.

In a structurally particularly advantageous embodiment, the snap-lock connector part arranged on the longitudinal frame has the form of an elastic member adapted to grip over the corresponding snap-lock connector part arranged on the longitudinal mounting bracket, and wherein the snap-lock connector parts arranged on the longitudinal mounting bracket have the form of a first longitudinal rib formed on the first flange and a second longitudinal rib formed on the second flange. The elastic member may be conceived with an elasticity providing a suitable holding force between the corresponding snap- lock connector parts and still allowing easy assembly and disassembly of the longitudi- nal frame and the longitudinal mounting bracket. In a structurally particularly advantageous embodiment, the snap-lock connector parts arranged on the longitudinal mounting bracket have the form of a first set of two separate, symmetrically arranged hook-formed ribs and a second set of two separate, symmetrically arranged hook-formed ribs. Thereby, an appropriate distance between sym- metrically arranged hook-parts may be obtained without requiring excessive material thickness.

In an embodiment, the snap-lock connector part arranged on the longitudinal frame has the form of an at least substantially U-formed element having hook-formed legs. This configuration may ensure a self-centring effect between the corresponding snap-lock connector parts so that a more precise connection between the longitudinal frame and the longitudinal mounting bracket may be obtained.

In an embodiment, the snap-lock connector part arranged on the longitudinal frame has the form of a number of separate elements aligned longitudinally on the longitudinal frame. Thereby, a suitable holding force between the corresponding snap-lock connector parts may easier be obtained in that the number of separate elements aligned longitudinally on the longitudinal frame may be adapted to the required holding force instead of for instance further manipulating the elasticity of elastic members. For in- stance, if one single snap-lock connector part is arranged on the longitudinal frame in the entire length of the longitudinal frame, the holding force may tend to be too large resulting in the assembly and disassembly of the longitudinal frame and the longitudinal mounting bracket being inconvenient. In an embodiment, the separate elements of said snap-lock connector part are mounted in a groove of the longitudinal frame. Thereby, correct alignment of the separate elements of said snap-lock connector part may be facilitated.

In an embodiment, the longitudinal mounting bracket in each of its mounted positions on the longitudinal frame is flush with the outer upper side of the longitudinal frame. Thereby, easier cleaning of the mounting device may be obtained. Furthermore, an esthetic appearance of the mounting device may be achieved.

In an embodiment easy to manufacture, the longitudinal frame and the longitudinal mounting bracket have the form of extruded profiles. In an embodiment easy to manufacture, the snap-lock connector parts arranged on the longitudinal mounting bracket have the form of ribs extruded integrally with the longitudinal mounting bracket. A separate mounting procedure for the snap-lock connector parts arranged on the longitudinal mounting bracket may thereby be avoided.

In an embodiment, the first flange of the longitudinal mounting bracket on its outer face adapted to face a mounting surface of the building is provided with two mutually spaced, longitudinally extending ribs. Thereby, a so-called shadow groove may be formed between the body of the mounting device, including the longitudinal frame and the longitu- dinal mounting bracket, and the mounting surface of the building. Said shadow groove may conceal a possibly less accurate abutment between the longitudinal mounting bracket and the mounting surface of the building resulting from said mounting surface of the building being not perfectly plane. Thereby an esthetic appearance may be achieved.

The invention will now be explained in more detail below by means of examples of embodiments with reference to the very schematic drawing, in which

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a mounting device for a roller blind with a roller blind in downward extended position;

Fig. 2 is a side view of the mounting device with roller blind in Fig. 1 , seen from the left;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of the mounting device with roller blind in Fig. 1 , but with the roller blind in rolled-up position, and whereby a longitudinal mounting bracket has been removed;

Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the mounting device with roller blind corresponding to the view of Fig. 3, whereby the longitudinal mounting bracket has been mounted on the mounting device;

Fig. 5 is a perspective view seen from above of the longitudinal mounting bracket before mounting on the mounting device;

Fig. 6 is a perspective view seen from below of the longitudinal mounting bracket as illustrated in Fig. 5; Fig. 7 is a perspective view seen from below of a longitudinal frame with a first end cover mounted thereon, forming part of the mounting device with roller blind illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4;

Fig. 8 is a perspective view seen from above of the longitudinal frame with the first end cover and snap-lock connector parts mounted thereon, as illustrated in Fig. 7;

Fig. 9 is a perspective view of a second end cover for mounting on the longitudinal frame illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8;

Fig. 10 is a perspective view illustrating the mounting of the second end cover illustrated in Fig. 9 on the longitudinal frame illustrated in Figs. 7 and 8, whereby only part of the longitudinal frame is shown;

Fig. 11 is a perspective view of a snap-lock connector part for mounting on the longitudinal frame as illustrated in Fig. 8;

Figs. 12 and 13 are end views illustrating the procedure of mounting the mounting device with roller blind as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4 on a horizontal mounting surface of a building, whereby the second end cover has been removed; and

Figs. 14 and 15 are end views illustrating the procedure of mounting the mounting device with roller blind as illustrated in Figs. 3 and 4 on a vertical mounting surface of a building, whereby the second end cover has been removed.

Fig. 1 illustrates a mounting device 1 for a roller blind 2 mounted on a surface of a not shown building. The mounting device 1 includes a longitudinal frame 3 accommodating the roller blind 2 and a corresponding longitudinal mounting bracket 4 as illustrated in Figs. 12 to 15. Although the roller blind 2 is illustrated, the mounting device 1 could equally be used for other types of blind, such as for instance a Venetian blind. The longitudinal frame 3 is by means of the longitudinal mounting bracket 4 mounted in the illustrated mounting position on the not shown building. In Figs. 1 and 2, the roller blind 2 is extended in a downward direction from the longitudinal frame 3. The roller blind 2 may be rolled up or down in relation to the longitudinal frame 3 in a manner well known in the art, whereby a user draws a rope or chain 35. The rope or chain 35 is held to a wall 41 (indicated partly by broken lines) by means of a child-safety bracket 36 and is provided with a weight 37. The lower edge of the roller blind 2 is provided with a bottom profile 38 providing counterweight. As illustrated in Figs. 12 to 15, the longitudinal mounting bracket 4 has an at least substantially L-formed cross-section 5 including a first flange 6 and a second flange 7, whereby each flange has a free end 8, 9 and a fixed end 10, 11. The longitudinal frame 3 is provided with a ridge 12 adapted to engage with one of corresponding grooves 13, 14 arranged at either one of the free end 8 of the first flange 6 and the free end 9 of the second flange 7. Alternatively, of course, the longitudinal frame 3 could be provided with a groove adapted to engage with one of corresponding ridges arranged at either one of the free end 8 of the first flange 6 and the free end 9 of the second flange 7. Thereby, the longitudinal mounting bracket 4 is adapted to be mounted on the longitudinal frame 3, when the longitudinal frame 3 is in its mounting position, in a first position as illustrated in Figs. 12 and 13 wherein the first flange 6 may be mounted on a horizontal mounting surface 15 of the building or in a second position as illustrated in Figs. 14 and 15 wherein the first flange 6 may be mounted on a vertical mounting surface 16 of the building. As seen, the first flange 6 is mounted on the respective mounting surface 15, 16 of the building by means of mounting screws 49.

The first flange 6 of the longitudinal mounting bracket 4 is on its outer face 33, which is adapted to face the respective mounting surface 15, 16 of the building, provided with two mutually spaced, longitudinally extending ribs 34. Thereby, a so-called shadow groove 48 may be formed between the body of the mounting device 1 , including the longitudinal frame 3 and the longitudinal mounting bracket 4, and the respective mounting surface 15, 16 of the building. Said shadow groove 48 may conceal a possibly less accurate abutment between the longitudinal mounting bracket 4 and the mounting surface 15, 16 of the building resulting from said mounting surface of the building being not perfectly plane. Thereby an esthetic appearance may be achieved.

Furthermore, according to the present invention and as illustrated in Figs. 12 to 15, the longitudinal frame 3 is provided with a snap-lock connector part 17 adapted to, when said ridge 12 and groove 13 are inserted into each other, lock releasably with one of corresponding snap-lock connector parts 18, 19 arranged on either one of the first and second flanges 6, 7 between the free end 8, 9 and the fixed end 10, 1 1 of the respective flanges 6, 7. As furthermore illustrated in Figs. 12 to 15, said ridge 12 and groove 13 are adapted to be inserted into each other by a horizontal displacement of the longitudinal frame 3 in relation to the longitudinal mounting bracket 4 when the longitudinal mounting bracket 4 is mounted on the horizontal or vertical mounting surface 15, 16 of the building, and the snap-lock connector part 17 provided on the longitudinal frame 3 is adapted to lock re- leasably with one of said corresponding snap-lock connector parts 18, 19 during insertion of said ridge 12 and groove 13 into each other by said horizontal displacement of the longitudinal frame 3. Thereby, the snap-lock connector parts 17, 18, 19 may be adapted to interconnect by means of a relatively small force, because the weight of the roller blind 2 may be carried at least almost solely by the engagement between said ridge 12 and groove 13. In the embodiment illustrated, said horizontal displacement means that said ridge 12 and groove 13 extend substantially horizontally seen in the cross-sectional view of Figs. 12 to 15. However, as seen, said ridge 12 and groove 13 are slightly tapered, thereby facilitating insertion of the ridge 12 into the groove 13. Alternatively to the illustrated embodiment, in the arrangement of Figs. 12 and 13, the horizontally extending ridge 12 and groove 13 could be arranged on the free end 9 of the second flange 7 and at a corresponding lower point of the longitudinal frame 3. In the arrangement of Figs. 14 and 15, the horizontally extending ridge 12 and groove 13 could be arranged on the free end 8 of the first flange 6 and at a corresponding lower point of the longitudinal frame 3. However, in these alternative cases, a relatively smaller part of the weight of the mounting device 1 with roller blind 2 would be carried by the engagement between said ridge 12 and groove 13 and a relatively larger part of the weight of the mounting device 1 with roller blind 2 would be carried by the engaging snap-lock connector parts 17, 18, 19.

The longitudinal frame 3 forms in its mounting position a downward open inner cavity 20 for accommodation of the roller blind 2, and the longitudinal mounting bracket 4 is adapted to be mounted on an outer upper side 21 of the longitudinal frame 3. As seen, the snap-lock connector part 17 adapted to lock releasably with a corresponding snap- lock connector part 18, 19 on the longitudinal mounting bracket 4 is arranged on the outer upper side 21 of the longitudinal frame 3.

In the mounting position of the longitudinal frame 3, the longitudinal frame 3 is provided with its ridge 12 at an upper position on the longitudinal frame 3 in order for said ridge 12 to engage the corresponding groove 13 on the free end 8 of the first flange 6 or on the free end 9 of the second flange 7 when said flange is arranged horizontally extending. As seen, in Figs. 12 and 13, the first flange 6 is arranged horizontally extending, and in Figs. 14 and 15, the second flange 7 is arranged horizontally extending. When the longitudinal frame 3 is in its mounting position and the longitudinal mounting bracket 4 is mounted on the longitudinal frame 3, an abutment 22, 23 provided on the longitudinal frame 3 supports the free end 8 of the first flange 6 or the free end 9 of the second flange 7 when said flange is arranged vertically extending. As seen, in Figs. 12 and 13, the second flange 7 is arranged vertically extending, and in Figs. 14 and 15, the first flange 6 is arranged vertically extending. In the embodiment illustrated, the abutment 22, 23 includes a first vertically extending abutment part 22 and a second horizontally extending abutment part 23. The first vertically extending abutment part 22 is adapted to abut a corresponding vertically extending abutment part 42 on the free end 8 of the first flange 6 (situation in Figs. 14 and 15) or a corresponding vertically extending abutment part 43 on the free end 9 of the second flange 7 (situation in Figs. 12 and 13). The second horizontally extending abutment part 23 is adapted to abut a corresponding horizontally extending abutment part 44 on the free end 8 of the first flange 6 (Figs. 14 and 15) or a corresponding horizontally extending abutment part 45 on the free end 9 of the second flange 7 (Figs. 12 and 13).

Comparing for instance Fig. 13 and Fig. 4, it is seen that, when the longitudinal frame 3 is in its mounting position and the longitudinal mounting bracket 4 is mounted on the longitudinal frame 3, the ridge 12 and groove 13 connection between the longitudinal frame 3 and the longitudinal mounting bracket 4 is located along a central line 24 at the top of the assembly of the longitudinal frame 3 and the longitudinal mounting bracket 4.

As illustrated in Fig. 13, when the longitudinal frame 3 is in its mounting position and the longitudinal mounting bracket 4 is mounted on the longitudinal frame 3, the centre of gravity 25 of the entire mounting device 1 including the longitudinal frame 3, first and second end covers 39, 40 and the roller blind 2, but excluding the longitudinal mounting bracket 4, is located substantially vertically below the ridge 12 and groove 13 connection between the longitudinal frame 3 and the longitudinal mounting bracket 4.

More precisely, in the embodiment illustrated, as seen in Fig. 13, when the longitudinal frame 3 is in its mounting position and the longitudinal mounting bracket 4 is mounted on the longitudinal frame 3, the centre of gravity 25 of the entire mounting device 1 including the longitudinal frame 3, the first and second end covers 39, 40 and the roller blind 2 or the like, but excluding the longitudinal mounting bracket 4, at least in the rolled- up position of the roller blind 2, is located oppositely the fixed ends 10, 1 1 of the flanges 6, 7 of the at least substantially L-formed cross-section 5 of the longitudinal mounting bracket 4 seen in relation to a vertical plane 26 extending through the ridge 12 and groove 13 connection between the longitudinal frame 3 and the longitudinal mounting bracket 4. Thereby, a stronger connection between the longitudinal frame 3 and the longitudinal mounting bracket 4 may be obtained, because the weight of the entire mounting device 1 including the longitudinal frame 3, first and second end covers 39, 40 and the roller blind 2, but excluding the longitudinal mounting bracket 4, may cause a moment about the ridge 12 and groove 13 connection resulting in the corresponding snap-lock connector parts 17, 18, 19 being pressed together, whereby effective engagement between the corresponding snap-lock connector parts may be ensured even by relatively heavy roller blinds or the like as well as during manual operation of the roller blind 2 whereby downward forces may be applied to the roller blind when it is rolled up or down. As seen in Fig. 13, the centre of gravity 25 may act on an arm a about the ridge 12 and groove 13 connection resulting in a corresponding moment acting on the corresponding snap-lock connector parts 17, 18, 19, but also acting on the mutually abutting abutment parts 22, 23, 42, 43, 44, 45, thereby ensuring good and precise connection between the longitudinal frame 3 and the longitudinal mounting bracket 4.

As seen in Figs. 12 to 15, the snap-lock connector part 17 arranged on the longitudinal frame 3 has the form of an elastic member adapted to grip over the corresponding snap- lock connector part 18, 19 arranged on the longitudinal mounting bracket 4, and the snap-lock connector parts 18, 19 arranged on the longitudinal mounting bracket 4 have the form of a first longitudinal rib formed on the first flange 6 and a second longitudinal rib formed on the second flange 7.

Furthermore, the snap-lock connector parts 18, 19 arranged on the longitudinal mount- ing bracket 4 have the form of a first set of two separate, symmetrically arranged hook- formed ribs 27 and a second set of two separate, symmetrically arranged hook-formed ribs 28.

The snap-lock connector part 17 arranged on the longitudinal frame 3 has the form of two separate at least substantially U-formed elements 29 having hook-formed legs 30 and being aligned longitudinally on the longitudinal frame 3. Any suitable number of separate at least substantially U-formed elements 29 may be employed, depending on the required engagement force. One such U-formed element 29 is illustrated in Fig. 11. It is seen that the hook-formed legs 30 have hook tips 31 directed against each other and that the U-formed element 29 has a mounting hole 46. Said hook tips 31 of the hook-formed legs 30 are adapted to grip over corresponding hook tips 58 on the above- mentioned two separate, symmetrically arranged hook-formed ribs 27 of the respective snap-lock connector parts 18, 19.

As seen in Figs. 3, 8, and 12 to 15, the U-formed elements 29 are mounted in a groove 32 of the longitudinal frame 3 by means of respective mounting screws 47 inserted from the downward open inner cavity 20 so that their respective screw heads abut in said cavity 20 and their respective threads engage respective corresponding threads formed in the respective mounting holes 46. As seen in Figs. 13 and 15, the longitudinal mounting bracket 4 in each of its mounted positions on the longitudinal frame 3 is flush with the outer upper side 21 of the longitudinal frame 3. Furthermore, it is seen that in said respective mounted positions, a least the upper half of the mounting device 1 has a substantially rectangular cross-section. Preferably, the longitudinal frame 3 and the longitudinal mounting bracket 4 have the form of extruded profiles, preferably aluminium profiles. The snap-lock connector parts 18, 19 arranged on the longitudinal mounting bracket 4 preferably have the form of ribs 27 extruded integrally with the longitudinal mounting bracket 4. Preferably, the snap- lock connector part 17 in the form of the U-formed elements 29 is made in a plastic material and preferably by injection moulding. However, any other suitable materials than those mentioned may be used. For instance, the snap-lock connector part 17 may have the form of one or more metal clips.

As seen in Figs. 12 to 15, according to the present invention, independently of whether the longitudinal mounting bracket 4 is mounted on a horizontal or a vertical mounting surface, the mounting device 1 may be mounted on a face of a building with no visible connection means. The longitudinal frame 3 accommodating the roller blind 2 may be mounted on the longitudinal mounting bracket 4 by a simple displacement of the longitudinal frame 3, whereby the ridge 12 and groove 13 engage mutually and the snap-lock connector parts 17, 18, 19 interconnect. The snap-lock connector parts may be adapted to interconnect by means of a relatively small force, because the weight of the roller blind 2 may be carried at least almost solely by the engagement between said ridge 12 and groove 13. Said relatively small force necessary for the connection further facilitates an easy mounting procedure. Therefore, the mounting device according to the present invention may be mounted on a building by a simple two-step procedure, whereby firstly, the longitudinal mounting bracket is mounted on said surface for instance by means of screws as illustrated, or by other suitable means, and secondly, the longitudinal frame 3 accommodating the roller blind 2 is simply displaced against the longitudinal mounting bracket 4 and thereby connected thereto. Moreover, later disconnection of the longitudinal frame 3 from the longitudinal mounting bracket 4 may also be facilitated by a rela- tively small force necessary for disconnection.

As understood from Figs. 7, 8, 9 and 10, the longitudinal frame 3 illustrated is an extruded profile and has co-extruded longitudinal grooves 50 for insertion of respectively a mounting screw 51 and guide rods 52 for mounting the end covers 39, 40 on the longitudinal frame 3. Each end cover 39, 40 has a hole 54 for the mounting screw 51. The second end cover 40 further has an elongated opening 55 through which the rope or chain 35 may pass when the second end cover 40 is mounted on the longitudinal frame 3. The first end cover 39 has a central hole 57 for insertion of a not shown corresponding tap of a first end of the roll of the roller blind 2. The second end cover 40 has a central splined tap 53 for insertion into a corresponding splined hole 56 of a second end of the roll of the roller blind 2.

List of reference numbers

1 mounting device

2 roller blind

3 longitudinal frame

4 longitudinal mounting bracket

5 at least substantially L-formed cross-section

6 first flange

7 second flange

8, 9 free end

10, 11 fixed end

12 ridge

13, 14 groove

15 horizontal mounting surface

16 vertical mounting surface

17 snap-lock connector part

18, 19 snap-lock connector part

20 downward open inner cavity

21 outer upper side

22, 23 abutment

24 central line

25 centre of gravity

26 vertical plane

27, 28 hook-formed ribs

29 at least substantially U-formed element

30 hook-formed leg

31 hook tip

32 groove

33 outer face

34 longitudinally extending rib

35 rope or chain

36 child-safety bracket

37 weight

38 bottom profile

39 first end cover

40 second end cover wall

abutment part mounting hole mounting screw shadow groove mounting screw groove mounting screw guide rod central splined tap hole

elongated opening splined hole central hole hook tip

Claims

1. A mounting device (1) for a roller blind (2) or the like, including a longitudinal frame (3) accommodating the roller blind or the like and a corresponding longitudinal mounting bracket (4), the longitudinal frame (3) being adapted to be mounted by means of the longitudinal mounting bracket (4) in a mounting position on a building so that the roller blind (2) or the like may be extended in a downward direction from the longitudinal frame

(3) , the longitudinal mounting bracket (4) having an at least substantially L-formed cross- section (5) including a first flange (6) and a second flange (7), each flange having a free end (8, 9) and a fixed end (10, 1 1), the longitudinal frame (3) being provided with a ridge (12) or groove adapted to engage with one (13) of corresponding ridges or grooves (13, 14) arranged at either one of the free end (8) of the first flange (6) and the free end (9) of the second flange (7), the longitudinal mounting bracket (4) thereby being adapted to be mounted on the longitudinal frame (3), when the longitudinal frame (3) is in its mount- ing position, in a first position wherein the first flange (6) may be mounted on a horizontal mounting surface (15) of the building or in a second position wherein the first flange (6) may be mounted on a vertical mounting surface (16) of the building, characterised in that the longitudinal frame (3) is provided with a snap-lock connector part (17) adapted to, when said ridge (12) and groove (13) are inserted into each other, lock releasably with one of corresponding snap-lock connector parts (18, 19) arranged on either one of the first and second flanges (6, 7) between the free end (8, 9) and the fixed end (10, 11) of the respective flanges (6, 7).

2. A mounting device according to claim 1 , wherein said ridge (12) and groove (13) are adapted to be inserted into each other by an at least substantially horizontal displacement of the longitudinal frame (3) in relation to the longitudinal mounting bracket

(4) when the longitudinal mounting bracket (4) is mounted on the horizontal or vertical mounting surface (15, 16) of the building, and the snap-lock connector part (17) provided on the longitudinal frame (3) is adapted to lock releasably with one of said corresponding snap-lock connector parts (18, 19) during insertion of said ridge (12) and groove (13) into each other by said at least substantially horizontal displacement of the longitudinal frame (3).

3. A mounting device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the longitudinal frame (3) in its mounting position forms a downward open inner cavity (20) for accommodation of the roller blind (2) or the like, and wherein the longitudinal mounting bracket (4) is adapted to be mounted on an outer upper side (21) of the longitudinal frame (3).

4. A mounting device according to claim 3, wherein the snap-lock connector part (17) adapted to lock releasably with a corresponding snap-lock connector part (18, 19) on the longitudinal mounting bracket (4) is arranged on the outer upper side (21) of the longitudinal frame (3).

5. A mounting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein, in the mounting position of the longitudinal frame (3), the longitudinal frame (3) is provided with its ridge (12) or groove at an upper position in order for said ridge (12) or groove to engage the corresponding ridge or groove (13) on the free end (8) of the first flange (6) or on the free end (9) of the second flange (7) when said flange is arranged horizontally extending.

6. A mounting device according to claim 5, wherein, when the longitudinal frame (3) is in its mounting position and the longitudinal mounting bracket (4) is mounted on the longitudinal frame (3), an abutment (22, 23) provided on the longitudinal frame (3) supports the free end (8) of the first flange (6) or the free end (9) of the second flange (7) when said flange is arranged vertically extending.

7. A mounting device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein, when the longitudinal frame

(3) is in its mounting position and the longitudinal mounting bracket (4) is mounted on the longitudinal frame (3), the ridge (12) and groove (13) connection between the longi- tudinal frame (3) and the longitudinal mounting bracket (4) is located along a central line (24) at the top of the assembly of the longitudinal frame (3) and the longitudinal mounting bracket (4).

8. A mounting device according to any one of the claims 5 to 7, wherein, when the longitudinal frame (3) is in its mounting position and the longitudinal mounting bracket

(4) is mounted on the longitudinal frame (3), the centre of gravity (25) of the entire mounting device (1) including the longitudinal frame (3), first and second end covers (39, 40) and the roller blind (2) or the like, but excluding the longitudinal mounting bracket (4), is located at least substantially vertically below the ridge (12) and groove (13) connection between the longitudinal frame (3) and the longitudinal mounting bracket (4).

9. A mounting device according to any one of the claims 5 to 8, wherein, when the longitudinal frame (3) is in its mounting position and the longitudinal mounting bracket (4) is mounted on the longitudinal frame (3), the centre of gravity (25) of the entire mounting device (1) including the longitudinal frame (3), first and second end covers (39, 40) and the roller blind (2) or the like, but excluding the longitudinal mounting bracket (4), at least in the rolled-up position of the roller blind (2), is located oppositely the fixed ends (10, 11) of the flanges (6, 7) of the at least substantially L-formed cross-section (5) of the longitudinal mounting bracket (4) seen in relation to a vertical plane (26) extending through the ridge (12) and groove (13) connection between the longitudinal frame (3) and the longitudinal mounting bracket (4).

10. A mounting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the snap-lock connector part (17) arranged on the longitudinal frame (3) has the form of an elastic member adapted to grip over the corresponding snap-lock connector part (18, 19) arranged on the longitudinal mounting bracket (4), and wherein the snap-lock connector parts (18, 19) arranged on the longitudinal mounting bracket (4) have the form of a first longitudinal rib formed on the first flange (6) and a second longitudinal rib formed on the second flange (7).

1 1. A mounting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the snap-lock connector parts (18, 19) arranged on the longitudinal mounting bracket (4) have the form of a first set of two separate, symmetrically arranged hook-formed ribs (27) and a second set of two separate, symmetrically arranged hook-formed ribs (28).

12. A mounting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the snap-lock connector part (17) arranged on the longitudinal frame (3) has the form of an at least substantially U-formed element (29) having hook-formed legs (30).

13. A mounting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the snap-lock connector part (17) arranged on the longitudinal frame (3) has the form of a number of separate elements (29) aligned longitudinally on the longitudinal frame (3).

14. A mounting device according to claim 13, wherein the separate elements (29) of said snap-lock connector part (17) are mounted in a groove (32) of the longitudinal frame (3).

15. A mounting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinal mounting bracket (4) in each of its mounted positions on the longitudinal frame (3) is flush with the outer upper side (21) of the longitudinal frame (3).

16. A mounting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinal frame (3) and the longitudinal mounting bracket (4) have the form of extruded profiles.

17. A mounting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the snap-lock connector parts (18, 19) arranged on the longitudinal mounting bracket (4) have the form of ribs (27) extruded integrally with the longitudinal mounting bracket (4).

18. A mounting device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first flange (6) of the longitudinal mounting bracket (4) on its outer face (33) adapted to face a mounting surface (15, 16) of the building is provided with two mutually spaced, longitudinally extending ribs (34).