NL2037011B1 - Screen arrangement - Google Patents

Abstract

The present application concerns a screen arrangement comprising a screen, a roller configured to have the screen rolled thereon, one or more resilient elements configured to, when a first part of the screen is unrolled, tension said first part of the screen, and a detection unit configured to detect a change in the tension. [fig. 2]

Description

SCREEN ARRANGEMENT

The present application concerns a screen arrangement comprising a screen and a roller configured to have the screen rolled thereon.

Such screen arrangements may be installed in or in front of a construction opening such as a window, a door, a patio or a canopy. The screen arrangements can protect from the sun or from insects, or block a view and provide privacy, both while the corresponding window or door is open or closed. When the function of the screen is not required, the screen can be rolled onto the roller.

The screen then does not cover (or at least hardly covers) the construction opening. To use the screen, it can be unrolled from the roller. Depending on the desired function, it may already be sufficient to unroll the screen partially or it may be necessary to unroll the screen completely.

In some situations, a user wants to have the window or door open and the screen unrolled, (at least partially) covering the construction opening by which it is installed. Because screens are generally made of vulnerable material - or at least of materials that are easier to damage or remove from the construction opening than material of which a window or door will be made (e.g. glass or wood) — in such situations it becomes easier for a third party to pass through the construction opening. Screen systems from the prior art, when used in such a situation, are therefore better not left unattended.

The invention has as its object to at least partially alleviate this disadvantage.

For that purpose, the invention provides for a screen arrangement according to claim 1. The screen arrangement comprises a screen, a roller configured to have the screen rolled thereon, one or more resilient elements, configured to, when a first part of the screen is unrolled, tension said first part of the screen, and a detection unit configured to detect a change in the tension.

Tension on an unrolled part of the screen by the resilient element remains constant as long as the screen is undisturbed. If a malicious third party cuts or otherwise damages the screen, pushes the screen aside or removes the screen as a whole in an effort to enter the construction opening, this will change the amount of tension on the screen. The resilient element and the detection unit allow for these undesired situations to be detected, alleviating the abovementioned disadvantage.

Therefore, a screen arrangement according to the invention allows for a user to leave a door or window in front of which such a screen arrangement is installed, open with more certainty as the abovementioned undesired acts become detectable.

In such a screen arrangement, the screen may be a sunscreen or an insect-screen.

In some embodiments, to detect the change in the tension, the detection unit is further configured to detect movement of at least one of the one or more resilient elements and determine whether tension on the first part of the screen has changed based on the detected movement. While the tensioned part of the screen remains in tact, the resilient elements remain in place. When the tensioned part of the screen is cut or otherwise severely damaged, the screen will resist the resilient elements less (or no longer at all, depending on the damage) and the resilient elements will move, coupling their movement to the change in tension of the screen.

Detecting severe damage to the screen specifically can be achieved by an embodiment in which the detection unit is further configured to detect a loss of tension.

In a preferred embodiment the screen arrangement further comprises two elongated frame elements configured to guide an unrolled part of the screen. Guiding the unrolled part of the screen ensured that it will more appropriately cover whatever construction opening it is arranged in front of. Preferably, the one or more resilient elements are arranged in one or both of the two elongated frame elements and further configured to tension the first part of the screen between the two elongated frame elements. Including the resilient elements in the frame elements makes the screen arrangement overall easier to install.

At least one of the two elongated frame elements is co-extruded and/or made of aluminium or plastic. These types of frame elements are durable and relatively cost-effective.

Tension may be put on the system with any one of a number of types of resilient elements.

Examples are at least one of a rubber element or a spring.

Different types of screens may be used as well. In some embodiments, the screen is made at least one of a plastic, a polyester or a woven material such as a woven glass-fibre. These types of screens stretch for predictable amounts, meaning that for a given screen size the skilled person can determine what type and/or size of resilient element is necessary to put tension on the screen.

In a preferred embodiment, the screen arrangement further comprises an alarm unit, operationally coupled to the detection unit and comprising, as an alarm, at least one of a light, a speaker, or a connection to an alarm-service such as an app. The alarm unit may be configured to activate the alarm upon the detection unit detecting a change in the tension. In case the screen is damaged by a person trying to pass through the screen and possibly the construction opening the screen arrangement may be arranged in front of, turning on a light or making a sound via a speaker informs this person that they are detected and may deter them from pursuing their goal further.

Similarly, a connection to an alarm-service such as an app may inform the owner of the screen arrangement (or other parties involved, for that matter) that it is likely that the screen is damaged.

In a preferred embodiment. the detection unit comprises at least one of a proximity sensor, a push button. Buttons are robust but can only detect physical contact, corresponding to a set and limited amount of movement by the resilient elements. Proximity sensors might be more complex but capable of detecting the resilient elements and/or their movement at a distance, so physical contact that may otherwise risk their integrity may not be necessary with such sensors.

In order to protect the screen when not in use, in a preferred embodiment, a housing may be arranged around the roller and, when the screen is rolled onto the roller, the screen may be arranged in the housing.

When the screen is rolled and unrolled from the roller in a first direction. it is preferred that the at least one resilient element is configured to put tension on the first part of the screen by applying a force to the screen m a second direction, substantially perpendicular to the first direction. This arrangement avoids the tension on the screen further rolling or unrolling the screen from the roller.

In a preferred embodiment, the screen is a zip-screen. Such screens are robust and interact with guiding frame elements specifically when unrolled, making it relatively simple to tension only the parts of the screen that are unrolled.

Next, exemplifying embodiments will be described with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:

Figures 1 and 2 show an embodiment of a screen arrangement according to the invention, installed in front of a window.

Figure 3 shows a further embodiment of the screen arrangement according to the invention.

Figure 4 shows a part of a further embodiment of the screen arrangement according to the invention.

Figure 5 shows a part of a further embodiment of the scree arrangement according to the invention.

Figures 1 and 2 show a screen arrangement 1 installed in front of a window in a building 100.

The screen arrangement according to the invention may also be installed in front of a door, an arch, or any other construction opening.

Screen arrangement | comprises a screen 2, two frame elements 3A, 3B, and a crossbeam 4.

In figure 1, screen 2 is partially unrolled and in figure 2, screen 2 is fully unrolled. In both figures, screen 2 is unrolled by moving it, and preferably also cross-beam 4. in direction rl. Similarly, screen 2 is rolled up by moving it, and preferably also cross-beam 4, in a direction opposite to rl.

In this embodiment, part of the unrolled screen 2 is tensioned by applying a force to it in directions r2 and r3. In some embodiments, part of screen 2 is tensioned by applying force thereto in only one direction, such as either 12 or r3.

Figure 3 shows a screen arrangement | again comprising screen 2, frame elements 3A, 3B and cross-beam 4. This figure also shows that screen arrangement 1 comprises a roller 8 onto which screen 2 can be rolled and the preferred housing 9 encompassing said roller. Corresponding to the directions shown in figure 2, screen 2 can be unrolled in direction rl and part of the screen that is unrolled, is tensioned.

Figure 4 shows a part of a screen arrangement according to the invention, again comprising a screen 2, frame element 3, and cross-beam 4. In this embodiment, the screen arrangement further comprises an extrusion profile 6 that is provided with two elongated rubber elements 7A, 7B. The extrusion profile 6 is configured to guide a thickened side 5 of screen 2 and, as frame element 3 may be considered stationary, the rubber elements 7A, 7B may push extrusion profile 6 away from a ledge 30 that is part of frame element 3. The rubber elements apply a force on extrusion profile 6 and tension screen 2. Alternatively phrased, it may be said that screen 2 pulls on extrusion profile 6 and that resilient elements 7A, 7B resist this pull and provide a force in an opposite direction. Apart from rubber, the elements 7A, 7B may also be made of other resilient material.

Crossbeam preferably 1s sufficient in weight to also apply some tension to the screen in the unrolling direction rl as well. This assists in rolling down screen 2, especially when screen 2 is rolled off the roller, starting from screen 2 being completely rolled up. This may be particularly relevant for a screen arrangement according to the invention as the presence of the rubber elements 7A, 7B may increase the friction experienced by the screen when being unrolled. In some embodiments, the

I5 cross-beam is heavy enough just from the material that it is already made of. In some embodiments. crossbeam 4 is provided with additional weights.

When screen 2 is rolled up, its thickened side 5 is not guided by the extrusion profile (not shown). This limits the amount of tension that the screen 1s on and thus extends its lifespan. When screen 2 is unrolled, its thickened side is guided through extrusion profile 6. Such a screen is sometimes also referred to as a zipscreen. In such an embodiment the resilient elements may be moveable with respect to both screen 2 and frame elements 3A, 3B. Embodiments are also conceivably in which the resilient elements are attached to the screen instead and move with part of the screen through the frame element 3.

When screen 2 is undamaged, the amount that it will stretch and. directly related thereto, the distance that profile 6 can be pushed outward by resilient elements 7A and 7B is limited.

The screen arrangement of figure 4 furthermore shows a pressure sensor 10 arranged in the path that extrusion profile 6 will be pushed in, were screen 2 to be damaged. Pressure sensor 10 may be arranged in direction 12 or 13 with respect to extrusion profile 6. depending on which of the frame elements 3, 3A, 3B it is arranged in.

If screen 2 is cut open by a person looking to pass through the screen arrangement and the construction opening it is arranged in front of, the rubber elements 7A, 7B push the extrusion profile 6 outward and against pressure sensor 10. The pressure sensor 10 then detects the loss of tension and may conclude that screen 2 is damaged. For example, if screen 2 is cut along direction rl, the tension on screen 2 will make parts of screen 2 on either side of this cut move away — i.e. in directions 12 and r3 as shown in figure 3, respectively. Figure 5 shows a part of a different embodiment of a screen arrangement according to the invention. Similar reference numbers refer to similar elements.

Apart from rubber elements 7A, 7B, other resilient elements may be used as well such as PVC elements or springs. Resilient elements may be arranged to push profile 6 away from screen 2, thereby tensioning screen 2, however embodiments are also conceivable in which resilient elements are arranged to pull on screen 2 and thereby tensioning it. The embodiment shown in figure 4 5 comprises an elongated extrusion profile 6 and elongated rubber elements, however multiple separate extrusion profiles, each having one or more separate resilient elements arranged as described above may be used as well. Some embodiments comprise resilient elements in just one frame element and some in both.

Apart from pressure sensor 10, other detection units may also be used that can detect a change mm the tension. Pressure sensor 10 requires physical contact but an IR sensor may measure the distance between it and extrusion profile 6 to determine whether extrusion profile 6 has moved and, accordingly, determine whether the applied tension has changed. Such a distance sensor may also be capable of measuring when extrusion profile 6 1s pulled farther inward, towards screen 2 then normal, for example when someone tries to push through screen 2.

In the context of the application, detecting movement of the resilient element may be interpreted as meaning detecting movement of at least part of the resilient element directly, but may also mean detecting movement of an element attached to at least part of the resilient element — for example as is the case in the embodiments shown in figures 4 and 5, wherein the movement of the resilient element is detected indirectly by detecting the movement of profile 6. Detecting movement of the resilient element may also be interpreted as meaning detecting movement that is directly caused by movement of at least part of the resilient element.

Depending on the environment and application of the screen arrangement, it may also be provided with or at least be connected to a light or speaker to activate in case a change in the tension on the screen or, more specifically, loss of tension on the screen is detected. Other tvpes of alarm systems may be included as well, such as a connection to an alarm service such as an app. For example the owner may be informed of a possible break and entry via such an app. Alternatively, a professional alarm service may be contacted by the screen arrangement system. Such a service could send someone to check on the screen arrangement or themselves inform the owner or another designated part.

In a further embodiment, the detection unit may detect whether the screen is at least partially unrolled and monitor the position of the extruded profile 6 and/or resilient element 7A. 7B to detect change in tension or more specifically loss in tension only when it is indeed detected that the screen 1s at least partially unrolled.

In the above, the present disclosure has been explained using detailed embodiments thereof.

However, it should be appreciated that the disclosure is not limited to these embodiments and that various modifications are possible without deviating from the scope of the present disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Claims (13)

CONCLUSIONS 1. Screen device, comprising: a screen; a roller adapted to have the screen rolled up thereon; one or more elastic elements adapted to tension the first part of the screen when a first part of the screen has been rolled down; a detection unit adapted to detect a change in the tension. 2. Screen device according to claim 1, wherein the screen is a sun screen or an insect screen. 3. The screen device of claim 1 or 2, wherein, to detect the change in tension, the detection unit is further configured to: detect movement of at least one of the one or more elastic elements; determining whether tension on the first portion of the screen has changed based on the detected movement. 4. A display device according to claim 1, 2 or 3, wherein the detection unit is further adapted to detect a loss of voltage. 5. A screen device according to any preceding claim, further comprising: two elongated frame members adapted to guide an unrolled portion of the screen. 6. A screen device as claimed in claim 5, wherein the one or more elastic elements are arranged in one or both of the two elongate frame elements and are further adapted to tension the first portion of the screen between the two elongate frame elements. 7. Screen device according to claim 5 or 6, wherein at least one of the two elongated frame elements is co-extruded and/or made of aluminium or plastic. 8. A screen device according to any preceding claim, wherein the one or more elastic elements comprise at least one of a rubber element or a spring. 9. Screen device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the screen is made of at least one of a plastic, a polyester or a woven material such as woven fibreglass. 10. A display device according to any preceding claim, further comprising: an alarm unit, operatively coupled to the detection unit and comprising, as an alarm, at least one of a light, a speaker or a connection to an alarm service such as an app, the alarm unit being adapted to activate the alarm as soon as the detection unit detects a change in voltage. 11. A display device according to any preceding claim, wherein the detection unit comprises at least one of a proximity sensor and a push button. i2. A screen device according to any preceding claim, further comprising a housing arranged around the roller, and wherein, when the screen is rolled onto the roller, the screen is arranged in the housing. 13. A screen device according to any preceding claim, wherein the screen is rolled up and unrolled from the roller in a first direction and wherein the elastic element is adapted to apply tension to the first part of the screen by exerting a force on the screen in a second direction substantially perpendicular to the first direction. l4. Screen device according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the screen is a zipper screen.