WO2023039630A1

WO2023039630A1 - Blind latching arrangement

Info

Publication number: WO2023039630A1
Application number: PCT/AU2022/051109
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rhett Payne
Original assignee: JSR IP Holdings Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2021-09-14
Filing date: 2022-09-13
Publication date: 2023-03-23
Also published as: AU2022348600A1

Abstract

A latching mechanism (10) for a blind (12) of a track (14) guided blind systemcomprising a body for coupling to the blind (12); and at least two latch members (16) extending from opposite sides of the body so as to be able to be retained by arespective catch (60); wherein the at least two latch members (16) or a portion thereofare retractable by moving an actuator (50) in a direction substantially parallel to alongitudinal axis of each of the at least two latch members (16).

Description

Blind Latching Arrangement

Field of the Invention

[0100] The present invention relates to a latching arrangement for use with a blind system.

Background

[0200] The following discussion of the background art is intended to facilitate an understanding of the present invention only. It should be appreciated that the discussion is not an acknowledgement or admission that any of the material referred to was part of the common general knowledge as at the priority date of the application.

[0300] Some latching mechanisms require complex movements and/or additional equipment to engage with to latch and/or unlatch a blind. Many blind systems use a catch to prevent a blind from being retracted. Different catch arrangements may be positioned at a point remote from the blind roller. Other catch arrangements may be incorporated into the blind rollers.

[0400] Particularly in the area of luxury goods, aesthetics feed into the perceived quality or value of the goods. Some mechanisms or features of blind systems wear out or are damaged through normal wear and tear of the system. Alternatives are sought.

[0500] Throughout the specification unless the context requires otherwise, the word "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers.

[0600] Throughout the specification unless the context requires otherwise, the word "include" or variations such as "includes" or "including", will be understood to imply the inclusion of a stated integer or group of integers but not the exclusion of any other integer or group of integers. [0700] The headings and subheadings in this specification are provided for convenience to assist the reader, and they are not to be interpreted so as to narrow or limit the scope of the disclosure in the description, claims, abstract or drawings.

Summary of Invention

[0800] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a latching mechanism for a blind of a track guided blind system comprising: a body for coupling to the blind; and at least two latch members extending from opposite sides of the body so as to be able to be retained by a respective catch; wherein the at least two latch members or a portion thereof are retractable by moving an actuator in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of each of the at least two latch members.

[0900] In an embodiment, the at least two latch members or a portion thereof are retractable by moving an actuator in a direction substantially aligned with a longitudinal axis of each of the at least two latch members.

[1000] In an embodiment, the at least two latch members are biased towards a latchable position.

[1100] In an embodiment, actuation of the actuator retracts the at least two latch members to an unlatched position.

[1200] In an embodiment, the longitudinal axes are parallel.

[1300] In an embodiment, the longitudinal axes are aligned.

[1400] In an embodiment, the latch members are within a sleeve.

[1500] In an embodiment, the sleeve is mounted to or within the body.

[1600] In an embodiment, the latch members are resiliently retractable.

[1700] In an embodiment, one or more of the latch members are resiliently retractable using a spring. [1800] In an embodiment, one of the at least two latch members is fixed relative to the actuator.

[1900] In an embodiment, one of the at least two latch members is configured to move in an opposite direction to the actuator.

[2000] In an embodiment, one of the at least two latch members is configured to be retracted using a separate connector and drive block connected by a flexible element around a pulley.

[2100] In an embodiment, a length of travel of the actuator is substantially equal to a length of travel of at least one of the latch members between the latchable position and unlatched position.

[2200] In an embodiment, each of the latch members retracts independently of the other.

[2300] In an embodiment, the actuator comprises a handle.

[2400] In an embodiment, each of the at least two latch members are connected to a shared handle.

[2500] In an embodiment, the actuator comprises a handle on one side (internal or external) of the blind.

[2600] In an embodiment, the actuator comprises a handle on both sides (internal and external) of the blind.

[2700] In an embodiment, the handle is coupled to a drive connector block, preferably using fasteners.

[2800] In an embodiment, the fastener is a self-tapping screw.

[2900] In an embodiment, the fastener extends through a first handle, through the drive block and into a second handle on an opposite side of the blind to the fist handle.

[3000] Preferably, the first handle and second handle are configured such that the fastener extends through one handle and forms a thread when screwed into the other handle. [3100] In an embodiment, the drive connector block is further coupled on one side to a biasing means and on the other to one of the two latch members.

[3200] In an embodiment, each of the latch members comprises an engagement surface.

[3300] In an embodiment, a surface of one or each catch is oblique to a direction of movement of the blind.

[3400] In an embodiment, the surface of the respective catch and the engagement surface of the respective latch member are substantially parallel.

[3500] In an embodiment, the body comprises one or more projections on a side of at least one of the at least two latch members.

[3600] In an embodiment, the projections extend away from the body at least as far as the latch members so that the latch members are not visible from a front view or a rear view.

[3700] In an embodiment, the projections interact with the track and/or catch so as to guide the ends of the latch members to the surface and/or the aperture of the catch.

[3800] According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a catch arrangement for a track guided blind system, the catch arrangement comprising: a body having an aperture for receiving a latch member which is resiliently retractable with respect to a blind and a surface for engaging with an engagement surface at an end of the latch member; wherein engagement of the surface of the body with the engagement surface of the latch member when moving across the body causes the latch member to retract such that the end can be moved with respect to the body and then into the aperture of the body.

[3900] In an embodiment, the surface is oblique to a direction of movement of the blind. [4000] In an embodiment, the surface and the engagement surface of the latch member are substantially parallel.

[4100] In an embodiment, each of the tracks of the track guided blind system comprises the catch arrangement.

[4200] In an embodiment, opposing catch arrangements are located at the same level within the tracks which are substantially parallel.

[4300] In an embodiment, the catch arrangement comprises a void between each side of a track and the body.

[4400] In an embodiment, the body of the latching mechanism comprises one or more projections on a side of at least one of at least two latch members.

[4500] In an embodiment, the projections extend away from the body of the latching mechanism at least as far as the latch members so that the latch members are not visible from a front view or a rear view.

[4600] In an embodiment, each void is able to receive a respective projection when the latch members move to a latched position.

[4700] In an embodiment, the ends of the latch members align with the aperture of a respective catch due to the or each projection being within a respective void.

[4800] In an embodiment, the projections guide the ends of the latch members to the surface and/or the aperture of the respective catch.

[4900] According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a handle for use with a latching mechanism, wherein the handle comprises: a body comprising one or more voids; wherein when the body is installed for use the one or more voids extend substantially vertically such that particulates between the body and the object to which it is affixed to are able to be displaced from behind the body without the body being removed.

[5000] In an embodiment, the handle further comprises a setback at each end. [5100] In an embodiment, the setback is substantially equal in length to, or greater than, the maximum length of travel of the handle.

[5200] In an embodiment, the handle is used with the latching mechanism and/or the catch arrangement as described herein.

[5300] In an embodiment, one or more of the features of the handle alone, or in combination, may be used with one or more of the features of the latching mechanism alone, or in combination, and/or one or more of the features of the catch arrangement alone, or in combination.

[5400] According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of unlatching a blind of a track guided blind system, wherein the method comprises: providing the blind in a latched position; moving an actuator in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of each of at least two latch members which extend from opposite sides of a body; retracting the latch members from a catch due to movement of the actuator; and releasing the blind.

[5500] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of latching a blind of a track guided blind system, wherein the method comprises: retracting at least two latch members; and moving a blind to or towards a latchable position adjacent a respective catch; releasing an actuator such that the at least two latch members extend to be retained by the catch to a latched position.

[5600] In an embodiment, retracting of each latch member is by moving an actuator in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of each of the at least two latch members. [5700] In an embodiment, retracting of each latch member is by contact and continued engagement of the end of each latch member with a respective surface of the catch as the latch member moves into a latched position.

[5800] According to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, there is provided a latching mechanism for a blind for a track guided blind system comprising: first and second drivers, first and second apertures for retaining the blind at the position of the apertures, first and second latch members, wherein first and second biasing members urge the first and second latch members at least part way through the first and second apertures, thereby retaining the blind at the position of the apertures; wherein the latching mechanism is arranged as a two-part retracting system, the first part of the retracting system comprising: a flexible element connecting the first driver with the first latch member via a pulley arrangement, wherein the flexible element and the pulley cooperate about the first driver such that when a user moves the first driver toward the first aperture, the first biasing member is depressed and the first latch member is disengaged from the first aperture, and the second part of the retracting system comprising: the second driver, wherein when a user moves the second driver in a direction away from the second aperture, the second biasing member is depressed and the second latch member is disengaged from the second aperture.

[5900] In an embodiment, the flexible element is a string.

[6000] In an embodiment, the flexible element is plastic material. [6100] In an embodiment, the latching mechanism comprises a sleeve to retain the first and second drivers, first and second biasing members, flexible element and the pulley arrangement in a linear configuration.

[6200] In an embodiment, an actuator is fastened to the first driver and the second driver to actuate the two-part retracting system.

[6300] Various aspects described herein can be practiced alone or in combination with one or more of the other aspects, as will be readily appreciated by those skilled in the relevant art. The various aspects can optionally be provided in combination with one or more of the optional features described in relation to the other principal aspects. Furthermore, optional features described in relation to one example (or embodiment) can optionally be combined alone or together with other features in different example embodiments.

[6400] The term drive block as used herein is not intended to convey a meaning that the feature is block shaped and can take any form or shape that is suitable to be a driving member, alternative shapes, such as cylinders, are within the meaning of the term.

Brief Description of Drawings

[6500] In order to provide a better understanding, embodiments of the present invention will be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 is an isometric view of a latched blind of a track guided blind system comprising a latch mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 2 is an isometric view of the latching mechanism of Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a vertical cross section B-B of the body of the latching mechanism of Figure 2;

Figure 4 is a vertical cross section of the latching mechanism of Figure 1 in an unlatched position; Figure 5 is a vertical cross section of the latching mechanism of Figure 1 in a latched position;

Figure 6 is a vertical cross section of the components of the latching mechanism of Figure 1 in an unlatched position;

Figure 7 is a vertical cross section of the components of the latching mechanism of Figure 1 in a latched position;

Figure 8 is an isometric view of a catch according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 8A is a top view of the catch of Figure 8 installed in a track according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 9 is an isometric view of an end cap with latch member therethrough according to an embodiment of the present invention;

Figure 10 is an isometric of the end cap of Figure 9 engaged with a catch of Figure 8; and

Figure 11 is a horizontal cross section of a handle according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 12 is an isometric view of a latching mechanism according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Description of Embodiments

[6600] Referring to Figure 1, there is provided a latching mechanism 10 attached to a blind 12 within a track 14 of a track guided blind system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The present invention may be incorporated with a blind 12 rolled on a spring loaded roller wherein as the blind 12 is drawn, the roller applies a force to the blind so as to attempt to rewind the blind 12 onto the roller. The force is overcome when drawing the blind 12 to move into place to be latched. In the art, it is also known that the blind 12 may be rewound with other means such as a motor, rather than spring loaded means. LATCHING MECHANISM

[6700] Referring to Figures 1, 2 and 4 to 7 generally, there is provided the latching mechanism 10 for a track guided blind comprising a body 20 able to be affixed to a blind 12 (discussed below with reference to Figure 3). The latching mechanism 10 comprises a plurality, in this embodiment two, latch members 16 extending from opposite sides of the body 20 and in this embodiment, aligned with one another. The latch members 16 are each suitable for being retained by a respective catch 60. The catches 60 will be discussed in more detail below. Each latch member 16 is resiliency retractable between a latchable or a latched position (as seen in Figures 5 and 7) and an unlatched position (as seen in Figures 4 and 6). Each of the latch members 16, or at least a portion of the latch members 16, are retractable by moving an actuator in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the at least two latch members 16.

[6800] The present embodiment comprises two latch members 16. In alternative embodiments, there may be more than two latch members 16. In a preferred embodiment, the two latch members 16 are biased towards a latchable position (as seen in Figure 7). Preferably, the latch members 16 are biased with at least one spring 26, and two springs are preferred. These springs do not need to be located at these positions and could be external to the latch members 16.

[6900] Throughout the specification reference may be made to a 'latchable position' and a 'latched position'. The difference between a latchable position and a latched position is that the latchable position requires the latch members 16 to be in a position which is capable of being retained by the catch 60, if present. In some instances these terms may be used interchangeably. The latched position means the latch members 16 are retained by the catch 60.

[7000] In the preferred embodiment, the actuator is actuated by moving a handle 50 in the left direction in Figures 4 and 5. Moving the handle 50 retracts the two latch members 16 from the latachable position (or the latched position) to the unlatched position thereby allowing the latching mechanism 10 to rise with a tension caused by a spring in a blind roller, motor or other means (not shown).

[7100] In a preferred embodiment, one or more components of the latching mechanism 10 as described herein may be within a sleeve 40. When assembling, the components of the latch mechanism 10 may be assembled within the sleeve 40. Subsequently, the sleeve 40 is slid into a void 44 of the body 20 of the latching mechanism 10 through aperture 42 seen in Figure 3. In the present embodiment, the sleeve is fixed to the body 20 by a frictional engagement between the sleeve 40 and the body 20. In an alternative embodiment, the sleeve 40 may be held within the void 44 by an end cap 30 at each end of the body 20. In a further alternative, the sleeve 40 may be a fixing plate whereby the fixed components are fixed relative to the body 20 by a fastener, such as a pin or screw. In alternative embodiments, the fixed components themselves may be fixed to the body 20 by other means, such as a pin or screw. The sleeve 40 may also be mounted to the body 20 within the void 44. The sleeve 40 may have limited openings for attaching the handle 50 to the latching mechanism 10 thereby reducing the opportunity for dirt, debris and particulates from being introduced into the components of the latching mechanism 10. The sleeve 40 may extend substantially the length of the body 20 of the latching mechanism 10. Alternatively, each of the latch members 16 may be supported by one or more support sleeves 36 (as seen in Figures 4 to 7).

[7200] Furthermore, a portion of the end caps 80 may extend within the body 20 of the latching mechanism 10 to provide additional guidance and support for each of the latch members 16. The support sleeves 36 provide a hole through which the latch members 16 can slide through during retraction and extension. They may be fixed in position on the latch members 16 or alternatively remain in place within the sleeve 40.

[7300] The latch members 16 may be resiliently retractable. For example, each latch member 16 may be coupled to a spring 26. When moving the handle 50, each spring 26 compresses during retraction of the or each latch member 16. When moving the handle 50 to a neutral position or releasing the handle 50, the force produced by the spring 26 as it releases its compression moves, or assists in moving, the latching mechanism 10 back to a latchable position.

[7400] In the preferred embodiment, each latch member 16 is connected to a shared handle 50. Accordingly, in alternative embodiments, one spring 26 may be used provided the characteristic of the spring 26 is sufficient to bias each of the latch members 16 to a latchable position. In the present embodiment, each of the springs 26 are intermediate the respective latch member 16 and a connector 28 (left side of Figures 4 to 7), 32 (right side of Figures 4 to 7). In further alternative embodiments, the spring 26 may be positioned between the latch member 16 and the sleeve 40 or other component of the latching mechanism 10. In an even further alternative embodiment, instead of springs, or in combination with springs, the latching mechanism 10 may comprise one or more flexible elements in addition to flexible element 24, preferably, comprising a resilient material. The flexible element 24 will be discussed further below.

[7500] Each of the latch members 16 retract towards a centreline of the body 20 of the latching mechanism 10. Movement of the handle 50 to retract each of the latch members 16 is in a direction parallel with a longitudinal axis of said latch members 16. In the preferred embodiment, each of the latch members 16 is retracted by separate and independent components. For example, referring to Figures 4 to 7, there is provided at least one latch member 16 which is fixed relative to the actuator. The handle 50 is coupled to a drive connector block 32, for example using a fastener 37. The drive connector block 32 is further coupled on one side to a spring 26 and on the other to one of the two latch members 16. The spring 26 is further coupled to the sleeve 40. Accordingly, as the handle 50 is moved to the left in Figures 4 and 5 the drive connector block 32 compresses the right side spring 26. As the spring 26 compresses the latch member 16 retracts towards the centreline of the body 20 of the latching mechanism 10. The distance the handle 50 moves is substantially equal to each of the distance the spring 26 is compressed and the distance the respective latch member 16 is retracted. Preferably, the retraction of the latch member 16 is more than sufficient to allow the latching mechanism 10 to pass over the catch 60.

[7600] The left side latch member 16 may be retracted using a separate connector 28 and drive block 30 connected by a flexible element 24 around a pulley 22 or portion thereof. In the present embodiment, the pulley 22 is fixed relative to the sleeve 40 and/or body 20. The handle 50 is coupled to the drive block 30, for example using a fastener 37. The flexible element 24 is coupled to an end of the drive block 30 adjacent the pulley 22 and extends around the pulley 22, or a portion thereof, returning adjacent the drive block 30 and couples to the connector 28. The connector 28 may have a plurality of grooves 38 which can be used for coupling the flexible element 24 to the connector 28. Additional grooves (not shown) may be present on the drive block 30 for the same purpose of coupling the flexible element 24 to the drive block 30. In the present embodiment, there is a spring 26 coupled between the connector 28 and the drive block 30. Accordingly, the handle 50 moves the drive block 30 towards the respective latch member 16 pulling the flexible element 24 and consequently moving the connector 28 inwardly of the sleeve 40 thereby compressing the spring 26 therebetween. In an embodiment without springs, the latching mechanism 10 may utilise a flexible element 24 comprising a resilient material which causes the latch members 16 to be resiliently retractable.

[7700] In an embodiment, the flexible element is secured from one side 31 (upper) of the drive block 30, which may have a main section 33 and a detachable end 35 which can be screwed tight to retain the string at the interface 34 therebetween. The main section 33 and detachable end 35 may be screw thread engageable.

[7800] The person skilled in the art would readily appreciate that retraction of the latch members 16 may incorporate a number of different components or mechanisms. The orientation of the components provided in the Figures is for example only and may be different or reversed.

[7900] In an embodiment, a length of travel of the actuator is substantially equal to a length of travel of at least one of the latch members 16 between the latchable position and unlatched position.

[8000] The latching mechanism 10 above may be used with a simple catch such as a projecting member. Alternatively, the catch 60 may also comprise one or more of the features as described herein. The catch 60 may comprise one or more of the features alone, or in combination with the catch 60 as described herein. Preferably, each latch member 16 has a separate catch 60. In alternative embodiments where more than two latch members 16 are used, multiple latch members 16 may be retained by a shared catch (not shown).

[8100] Referring to Figure 9, the body comprises an end cap 80 at each end. Each end cap comprises one or more projections 82 on a or each side of the respective latch member 16. Preferably, the projections 82 extend away from the body 20 in the same direction as the latch member 16. Preferably, the projections 82 extend at least as far as the latch member 16. The projections 82 preferably extend such that the latch members 16 would not be visible from a front view or a rear view, although the latch member 16 may be visible. Preferably, the projections 82 reduce and/or eliminate the interaction between each latch member 16 and each respective track 14. The engagement surface 17 at the end of the latch members 16 may be visible from side angles of the latch mechanism 10, as shown in Figure 9. Additionally, the projections 82 may prevent the latch member 16 from coming into contact with the or each track 14 and/or the catch 60. The projections 82 may be configured to direct the catch 60 into an open ended slot 86 of the respective end cap 80 so as to align the latch member 16 with the aperture 62 of the catch 60. In the preferred embodiment, the inner surface 84 of the slot 86, or a portion thereof, may be tapered such that it assists in receiving the catch 60 within the slot 86 of the end cap 80. Furthermore, the slot 86 of the end cap 80 may terminate such that an upper portion of the catch 60 abuts an end of the slot 60 when the latch member 16 is aligned with the aperture 62 (as seen in Figure 10). The projections 82 and/or inner surface 84 of the end caps 80 may also assist in directing the engagement surfaces 17 of the latch members 16 to engage with a surface 66 of the catch 60. As will be discussed below, in one embodiment, the engagement of the latch members 16 and the catch 60 and/or a surface 66 of the catch 60 may cause the latch members 16 to retract.

[8200] The end caps 80 may comprise a similar or different material than the body 30 of the latching mechanism 10. Preferably, the end caps 30 comprise a material which is non-destructive to the or each track 16. Any damage to the tracks 14 may allow the underlying material of the tracks 14 to rust or be affected by other corrosive effects. The latching mechanism 10 is envisaged to be used in harsh environments such as in direct sunlight and/or sea air. Accordingly, the or each track 14 may be treated with a layer of material, such as an anti-corrosion layer. The projections are designed to prevent contact between the latch members 16 and the tracks 14 entirely. Furthermore, the design of the latching mechanism is intended to limit or reduce the contact between the end caps 80 and the tracks. In doing so, the friction between the tracks 14 and the end caps 80 may be reduced and/or eliminated.

[8300] As mentioned above, the blind 12 may be affixed to the body 20 of the latching mechanism 10 by affixing an edge of the blind 12 to an object having a wider diameter or width which can be slid into channel 18. The end caps 80 may comprise a projection which projects into the channel 18 at both ends so as to keep the blind 12 in place and prevent the body 20 from sliding off the blind 12. For example, the edge of a blind 12 may be wrapped around a longitudinally extending member which is then slid into channel 18. The longitudinally extending member would preferably be wider, and preferably substantially the same diameter as the channel 18. In this manner the blind 12 may only be removed by sliding it laterally out of the channel 18 and not by pulling the blind away from the body 20.

CATCH

[8400] Referring to Figure 8, there is provided an embodiment of the catch 60 which may be used independently, or in conjunction with, the latching mechanism 10, or one or more of its features, as outlined herein. The catch 60 comprises an aperture 62 through which a latch member 16 may be received and retained. The catch 60 may further comprise the surface 66 which can engage with an engagement surface 17 at an end of a latch member 16. As the engagement surface 17 of the latch member 16 and the surface 66 come into contact, a resulting force applied by the surface 66 and/or the catch 60 to the engagement surface 17 of the latch member 16 causes the latch member 16 to retract such that the latch member can be moved into position adjacent to and through the aperture 62 of the catch 60. Preferably, the engagement surface 17 of the latch member 16 is sloped such that when the engagement surface 17 engages with the surface 66 or other portion of the catch 60, some of the resulting force will be directed along, or at least parallel to, the longitudinal axis of the latch members 16 thereby causing the retraction of the contacting latch member 16. Once the blind 12 is drawn past surface 66, then the latch member 16 (not shown) may enter the aperture 62 below to be retained by catch 60 in the latched position. In a preferred embodiment, the surface 66 may also be oblique to the direction of movement of the blind 12 and/or the longitudinal axis of the latch members 16. In one embodiment, the engagement surface 17 of the latch member 16 and the respective surface 66 may be substantially parallel.

[8500] The oblique and preferably parallel surfaces 17, 66 are advantageous in that the latch member 16 is caused to retract by directing some of the force in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the latch members 16. Without the oblique surfaces 17,66 a lower surface of the latch member 16 would contact an upper surface 67 of the catch 60, neither of which are oblique to the longitudinal axis of the latch member 16, and thus no force would be imparted along this axis.

[8600] In one embodiment, the catch 60 may be installed within the track 14 of a track guided blind system as seen in Figure 1. Each side of the track may comprise a catch 60. As mentioned above, each latch member 16 preferably is retained by a distinct catch 60. Accordingly, the catch 60 in each track 14 is preferably installed at the same height within the track 14 such that when the latch members 16 are retained, the latching mechanism 10 is substantially parallel with a surface adjacent the tracks 14.

[8700] In the preferred embodiment, each track 14 comprises a slot (not shown) through which a wedge 64 of the catch 60 may be installed and releasably or permanently affixed. The catch 60 may be installed through a frictional fit of the wedge 64 within the slot of the track 14. Alternatively, or in addition, the catch 60 may be screwed, fastened or otherwise affixed to the track 14. Preferably, when installed in the track 14, there is a track void 68 on each side of the catch 60 as seen in Figure 8A. Each track void 68 receives one of the projections 84 when moving the latching mechanism 10 into a latched position. The track voids 68 further allow the projections 84 can slide over the catch 60 as seen in Figure 10. As mentioned above, the end caps 80 preferably comprise a material or are treated such that they do not interact and/or damage the tracks 14 if, or when, they come into contact. Preferably, the track voids 68 are big enough such that when the end cap 80 receives the catch, the end cap 80 is not in contact with the track 14.

[8800] In an alternative embodiment, the catch 60 may be affixed or fastened to a member without using tracks 14. The tracks 14 may be a 'C' channel, a 'll' channel or similar. In such an instance, the end caps 80 of the latching mechanism 10 and the respective catches 60 may be aligned by the user when drawing the blind 12 to a latched position.

HANDLE

[8900] As mentioned above, the actuator comprises a handle 50. Referring to Figures 4, 5 and 11, the handle 50 may comprise one or more open ended slots 52 within a face which abuts the body 20 of the latching mechanism 10. The handle 50 may comprise one or more ribs 54 between each open ended slot 52. When installed, the one or more open ended slots 52 are oriented to be substantially vertical having the open ends facing downwards such that any debris, grit or other particulates are able to fall out of the handle 50 under the effect of gravity. In this manner, the ribs 54 and slots 52 assist in preventing the handle 50 from locking relative to body 20 and/or the sleeve 40 of the latching mechanism 10.

[9000] In the preferred embodiment, each end of the handle 50 comprises a portion or region, referred to as a setback 56, of the handle 50 which is spaced from the body 20 of the latching mechanism 10. Each of the ribs 54 provide sections of the handle in which debris, grit and other particulates may be caught between the rib 54 of the handle 50 and the body 20 of the latching mechanism 10. The or each setback 56 provides a portion of the handle 50 which covers an area which may be scratched or otherwise damaged due to the reciprocal movement of the handle 50 back and forth across a section of the body 20 of the latching mechanism 10. Preferably, the length of the setback 56 is substantially equal to, or greater than, the length of travel in the handle 50 from the latched position to the unlatched position.

[9100] In one embodiment, the handle 50 is present on only one side of the latching mechanism 10. In an alternative embodiment, the handle 50 is present on both sides of the latching mechanism 10. The handle 50 may be in the form as seen in Figure 2 wherein a projection having a revolved channel revolving around the periphery of the handle. Alternatively, the handle 50 may be in the form as seen in Figure 11 wherein the handle comprises a body having one or more recesses for the user to grab to move the handle 50.

[9200] The method of latching and unlatching will now be described with reference to the Figures generally.

[9300] To unlatch the blind 12 comprising the latching mechanism 10 as described herein which is in the latched position, a user would move the handle 50 in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the latch members 16 extending from the opposite sides of the body 30. Moving the handle 50 causes the latch members 16 to retract from the catch 60 so as to put the latching mechanism in an unlatched position thereby allowing the blind 12 to move past the catch 60. Releasing the blind 12 so that the blind 12 can be rewound onto the spool. [9400] To latch the blind 12 comprising the latching mechanism 10 as described herein when it is not latched, a user retracts the latch members 16. While the latch members 16 are retracted the user moves the blind 12 into a position adjacent to the catch 16. The handle 50 is then released such that the latch members 16 which are retracted extend into the aperture 62 of the catch 60 thereby retaining the latch members 16 and latching the blind 12.

[9500] Alternatively, in an embodiment, the user may move the blind 12 into position near the catch 60. Once near the catch 60, the user may move the handle 50 to retract the latch members 16. While the latch members 16 are retracted, the user moves the blind 12 into position. The user then releases the handle 50 so that the latch members 16 extend into the aperture 62 of the catch 60 thereby latching the blind 12.

[9600] In a further alternative embodiment, retracting the latch members 16 occurs by pulling the blind down until the end of each of the latch members 16 contacts the surfaces 66 of the respective catches 60. The user continues to pull on the blind 12 such that the resulting force from pulling the blind 12 past the catch 60 pushes the latch members 16 into the latching mechanism 10 so that latch members 16 can be moved into alignment with the apertures 62 of the respective catches 60.

[9700] When latching the blind 12, the user may align the projections 82 of the end caps 80 with the respective catches 60. The user then begins to pull on the blind 12 to feed the catch 60 into the open ended slot 86 of the end caps 80. When partially received, the user continues to pull down the blind 12 until a portion of the catch 60 abuts an end of the open ended slot 86. When the catch 60 abuts the end of the open ended slot 86, the latch members 16 and the apertures 62 of the respective catches are aligned.

[9800] Specifically, reference to positional descriptions, such as 'left' and 'right', and associated forms, are to be taken in context of the embodiments shown in the Figures, and are not to be taken as limiting the scope of the principles described herein to the literal interpretation of the term, but rather as would be understood by the skilled reader. [9900] Modifications may be made to the present invention within the context of that described and shown in the drawings. Such modifications are intended to form part of the invention described in this specification.

Claims

1. A latching mechanism for a blind of a track guided blind system comprising: a body for coupling to the blind; and at least two latch members extending from opposite sides of the body so as to be able to be retained by a respective catch; wherein the at least two latch members or a portion thereof are retractable by moving an actuator in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of each of the at least two latch members.

2. A latching mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the at least two latch members are biased towards a latchable position.

3. A latching mechanism according to claim 1 or 2, wherein actuation of the actuator retracts the at least two latch members to an unlatched position.

4. A latching mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the longitudinal axes are parallel.

5. A latching mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the latch members are within a sleeve.

6. A latching mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the sleeve is mounted to or within the body.

7. A latching mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the latch members are resiliently retractable.

8. A latching mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the at least two latch members is fixed relative to the actuator. A latching mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the at least two latch members is configured to move in an opposite direction to the actuator. A latching mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein one of the at least two latch members is configured to be retracted using a separate connector and drive block connected by a flexible element around a pulley. A latching mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a length of travel of the actuator is substantially equal to a length of travel of at least one of the latch members between the latchable position and unlatched position. A latching mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the latch members are connected to a shared handle. A latching mechanism according to claim 12, wherein the handle is coupled to a drive connector block. A latching mechanism according to claim 13, wherein the drive connector block is coupled on side to a biasing means and on the other side to one of the at least two latch members. A latching mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein each of the at least two latch members comprises an engagement surface. A latching mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a surface of one or each catch is oblique to a direction of movement of the blind. A latching mechanism according to claim 16 when dependent on claim 15, wherein the surface of the respective catch and the engagement surface of the respective latch member are substantially parallel. A latching mechanism according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the body comprises one or more projections on a side of at least one of the at least two latch members. A latching mechanism according to claim 18, wherein the projections extend away from the body at least as far as the latch members so that the latch members are not visible from a front view or a rear view. A latching mechanism according to claim 18 or 19, wherein the projections interact with the track and/or catch so as to guide the ends of the latch members to the surface and/or the aperture of the catch. A catch arrangement for a track guided blind system, the catch arrangement comprising: a body having an aperture for receiving a latch member which is resiliently retractable with respect to a blind and a surface for engaging with an engagement surface at an end of the latch member; wherein engagement of the surface of the body with the engagement surface of the latch member when moving across the body causes the latch member to retract such that the end can be moved with respect to the body and then into the aperture of the body. A catch arrangement according to claim 121, wherein the surface is oblique to a direction of movement of the blind. A catch arrangement according to claim 22, wherein the surface and the engagement surface of the latch member are substantially parallel. A catch arrangement according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein each of the tracks of the track guided blind system comprises the catch arrangement. A catch arrangement according to claim 24, wherein opposing catch arrangements are located at the same level within tracks which are substantially parallel. A catch arrangement according to any one of claims 21 to 25, wherein the catch arrangement comprises a void between each side of a track and the body. A catch arrangement according to any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the body of the latching mechanism comprises one or more projections on a side of at least one of at least two latch members. A catch arrangement according to claim 27, wherein the projections extend away from the body of the latching mechanism at least as far as the latch members so that the latch members are not visible from a front view or a rear view. A catch arrangement according to claim 28, or claim 27 when dependent on claim 26, wherein each void is able to receive a respective projection when the latch members move to a latched position. A catch arrangement according to claim 29, wherein the ends of the latch members align with the aperture of a respective catch due to the or each projection being within a respective void. A catch arrangement according to claim 29 or 30, wherein the projections guide the ends of the latch members to the surface and/or the aperture of the respective catch. A handle for use with a latching mechanism, wherein the handle comprises: a body comprising one or more voids; wherein when the body is installed for use the one or more voids extend substantially vertically such that particulates between the body and the object to which it is affixed to are able to be displaced from behind the body without the body being removed. A handle according to claim 32, wherein the handle further comprises a setback at each end. A handle according to claim 33, wherein the setback is substantially equal in length to, or greater than, the maximum length of travel of the handle. A handle according to any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein the handle is used with the latching mechanism and/or the catch arrangement as described herein. A method of unlatching a blind of a track guided blind system, wherein the method comprises: providing the blind in a latched position; moving an actuator in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of each of at least two latch members which extend from opposite sides of a body; retracting the latch members from a catch due to movement of the actuator; and releasing the blind. A method of latching a blind of a track guided blind system, wherein the method comprises: retracting at least two latch members; and moving a blind to or towards a latchable position adjacent a respective catch; releasing an actuator such that the at least two latch members extend to be retained by the catch to a latched position. The method of latching a blind according to claim 37, wherein retracting of each latch member is by moving an actuator in a direction substantially parallel to a longitudinal axis of each of the at least two latch members. The method of latching a blind accord to claim 37, wherein retracting of each latch member is by contact and continued engagement of the end of each latch member with a respective surface of the catch as the latch member moves into a latched position. latching mechanism for a blind for a track guided blind system comprising: first and second drivers, first and second apertures for retaining the blind at the position of the apertures, first and second latch members, wherein first and second biasing members urge the first and second latch members at least part way through the first and second apertures, thereby retaining the blind at the position of the apertures; wherein the latching mechanism is arranged as a two-part retracting system, the first part of the retracting system comprising: a flexible element connecting the first driver with the first latch member via a pulley arrangement, wherein the flexible element and the pulley cooperate about the first driver such that when a user moves the first driver toward the first aperture, the first biasing member is depressed and the first latch member is disengaged from the first aperture, and the second part of the retracting system comprising: the second driver, wherein when a user moves the second driver in a direction away from the second aperture, the second biasing member is depressed and the second latch member is disengaged from the second aperture. latching mechanism according to claim 40, wherein the flexible element is a string. latching mechanism according to claim 40 or 41, wherein the flexible element is plastic material. latching mechanism according to any one of claim 40 to 42, comprising a sleeve to retain the first and second drivers, first and second biasing members, flexible element and the pulley arrangement in a linear configuration. latching mechanism according to any one of claims 40 to 43, wherein an actuator is fastened to the first driver and the second driver to actuate the two-part retracting system.