GB2464824A

GB2464824A - Blind with tension loop system

Info

Publication number: GB2464824A
Application number: GB0918898A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Neil Wilson
Original assignee: Turnils AB
Current assignee: Turnils AB
Priority date: 2008-10-28
Filing date: 2009-10-28
Publication date: 2010-05-05
Anticipated expiration: 2029-10-28
Also published as: GB0918898D0; GB0819728D0; GB2464824B

Abstract

A blind with a head rail, bottom rail 112 and a plurality of slats 128 located between the head and bottom rails and a tension loop system comprising at least one cord 125 mounted substantially centrally, preferably centrally to the edge of the blind slats 128 and passing through a hole located centrally in the bottom rail. Preferably the retention cord 127 passes through holes 130 located adjacent or proximate to the corner of each slat 128. The blind may be secured to the wall using two brackets 124 which have first and second co-planer fingers (168 Fig. 4) which extend orthogonally and slide between the bead and the glass pane at adjacent sides of the window frame. There may be spacer element (118 120 Fig 4) located at the bottom rail, the tension 125 and retention 127 cords preferably pass through holes in the spacer element.

Description

PRIVACY BLINDS AND COMPONENTS THEREOF

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to blinds (or shades) such as vertical blinds and, in particular, to Venetian blinds for use primarily at glazed windows. The invention also relates to components used in the manufacture of such blinds or apparatus. The blinds and apparatus of the invention are applicable primarily to apertures glazed with a transparent, translucent, coloured or colourless glass pane or panel, but may also be used with other suitable glazing materials such as transparent, translucent, coloured or colourless plastic sheets.

Unless the context requires otherwise, the terms "glass", "glass pane", "glass panel", "glazed" and "glazing" as used herein are intended to include or encompass glass and/or other suitable glazing materials. The term "glazed window" refers primarily to external windows of buildings such as houses and offices and also includes conservatories. Furthermore, unless the context requires otherwise, "glazed window" as used herein encompasses other glazed apertures such as glazed doors, glazed internal partitions (such as in offices) and other like locations.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Most blinds comprise a panel or a group of panels of shading material, the configuration of which can be changed by a user to shade or expose a window.

Thus, a roller blind comprises a web of fabric which in the shading configuration lies approximately parallel to the window and in the exposing condition is wound around a rigid roller or the like conventionally arranged near the top of the window. Vertical blinds include a plurality of panels or slats which hang vertically from a head rail conventionally mounted near the top of the window.

Mechanisms are provided, primarily in the head rail, by which the panels can be rotated about their longitudinal axes and by which the panels can be moved along the head rail laterally with respect to the window. By using these means the degree of shading of the window can be adjusted.

Venetian blinds, which are also known as slatted blinds, are also well known and conventionally comprise an upper supporting structure in the form of a head rail from which depend two or more spaced apart ladders. The ladders comprise a pair of longitudinal cords or threads aligned in use substantially parallel to the window with a plurality of lateral threads inter-connecting the longitudinal cords at regular intervals. The lateral threads support respective laths or slats which form the shading part of the blind. The slats may rest on the lateral threads without any attachment, or some or all of the slats may be directly connected to respective lateral threads.

Mechanisms are conventionally provided by which the blind can be raised and lowered so that it can adopt configurations in which the window is wholly shaded, partially shaded or unshaded. Such mechanisms will normally include at least one retention cord which may pass through holes defined in the slats of the blind or may, for example, run behind the slats. Also, mechanisms are provided by which the slats can be tilted or inclined out of a nominally horizontal alignment into alignments tending towards the vertical, thereby to vary the degree of shading provided by the blind. Tilting is conventionally effected by adjusting the configurations of the longitudinal cords of the ladders.

A problem with existing standard blinds, such as Venetian blinds, is that even on closing the panels or slats of the blinds, the blinds do not provide complete shading or privacy to a person located behind the blind. The reason for this is that apertures or slots in slats of the blinds, through which cords extend, allow a degree of light to penetrate through the blind and therefore also allow a person located in front of the blind to look through the apertures or slots and obtain at least a partial view of what is located behind the blind. In certain situations this is not acceptable.

Standard blinds are free hanging, with the bottom part of the blind capable of swinging about. Tension blinds are also known which have a figure of eight cording system. However, there is no privacy blind system on the market which is also a tension blind. Previous blinds are normally screwed into the frame of a window. Screwing into the window frame causes permanent damage.

It is an object of at least one aspect of the present invention to obviate or mitigate at least one or more of the aforementioned problems.

It is a further object of at least one aspect of the present invention to provide a blind which provides improved privacy and/or shading.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a blind comprising: a head rail; a bottom rail; a plurality of slats located between the head rail and the bottom rail; and a tension loop system comprising at least one cord wherein at least part of the at least one cord is mounted substantially centrally.

The blind according to the present invention has the advantageous feature when the slats are tilted into the closed position of providing improved privacy and/or shading. Furthermore, the blind according to the present invention allows the blind to be balanced by mounting the tension loop system substantially on a mid-point of the slats. The lower part of the blind may therefore be balanced with respect to a tilt and/or lowering mechanism.

The improved privacy and/or shading may be obtained by locating apertures in at least one, a plurality or all of the slats substantially adjacent and/or proximate corners of the slats. A cord may run through at least one, a plurality or all of the apertures. In particular embodiments, there may be two apertures in each of the slats with each of the apertures positioned in corners of the slats located along the same longitudinal length of the slats. The apertures in each of the slats may be located substantially in line with one another.

The apertures may be of any appropriate or suitable shape such as substantially circular, oval or rectangular.

The nearest outermost surface of the apertures may be located about 1 -mm or about 1 -5 mm from the corners of the slats.

The slats may be substantially elongate members and may be rotated and/or tilted between open and closed positions using the tilt mechanism.

It has surprisingly been found that by locating the tension bar system substantially centrally provides improved balance for the operation of the blind.

In particular embodiments, the tension bar system may comprise substantially vertically mounted cords on a mid-point of the slats.

A further feature of the blind according to the present invention may be that the at least one cord forming the tension bar system may run parallel or substantially parallel to a cord running through the apertures in the slats. This has also been found to improve the operation and balance of the blind.

The blind may also comprise first and second mounting formations each including a base portion having a base surface configured to rest in use against a glass pane. The blind according to the present invention may therefore be mounted on a window without the use of screws being inserted into a frame of the window.

The blind may also comprise a post portion configured to extend in use substantially orthogonally with respect to a plane of the glass pane.

In addition, the blind may also comprise first and second mounting brackets each comprising a first portion including attachment means by which the mounting brackets and respective post portions of the first and second mounting components are attached in use and a second portion having at least one laterally extending planar finger configured to slide in use between the bead and the glass pane.

Typically, the blind may also comprise first and second connecting components configured operatively to attach a blind head assembly to the respective post formations.

In particularly preferred embodiments, the mounting brackets may be adapted to be arranged in use at respective upper corners of the frame of a glazed aperture.

Preferably, the second portion of the mounting brackets each includes first and second co-planar fingers arranged to extend orthogonally and configured to slide in use between the bead and the glass pane at adjacent sides of the frame.

The attachment means may also comprise an aperture defined in the first portion of the mounting bracket through which aperture a respective post portion may operatively pass.

In further preferred embodiments, the respective post portions, apertures of the first portions and the base portions of the mounting formations are so sized and/or configured that the base portion cannot pass through the aperture.

Preferably, for attachment of the blind head assembly to the respective post formations, the respective connecting components may be operatively slidable along the post portions. In this way, the position of the blind head assembly with respect to the frame may be adjustable.

In preferred constructions, the connecting components may each comprise a socket into which the post portion may operatively slide.

Alternatively, the respective post portions of the mounting formations may define sockets into which a protruding formation of the respective connecting component may be slidably received.

Typically, the blind may further comprise fixing means which co-operate with the respective connecting component and post portion to inhibit or prevent removal of the connecting component from the post portion. Fixing means may include a latching arrangement which resists removal of the connecting component, or permanent or semi-permanent fixing means such as a fixing screw, bolt, pin, a fixing or a fixing clip.

The blind may further comprise at least first and second spacing elements of predetermined depth configured to be located in use respectively between the mounting bracket and the connecting component.

In further constructions, the blind may further comprise: first and second longitudinally extensive side members configured to be mounted at the sides of the glazed window thereby to cover the bead and to extend from proximate the mounting bracket to proximate the lowermost part of the glazed aperture; and first and second retaining means adapted to retain respective side members in position.

Typically, the retaining means may comprise first and second clips each including an engagement portion configured to engage the side member and a finger portion configured to slide in use between the bead and glass pane.

Conveniently, the blind may further comprise third and fourth mounting brackets each comprising a first portion having at least one laterally extending planar finger configured to slide in use between the bead and the glass pane, and a second portion configured for mounting an additional component.

In preferred constructions, the second portion of the third and fourth mounting brackets may include an attachment formation extending in use substantially orthogonally with respect to the plane of the glass pane.

In particular embodiments, the blind may further comprise a spacer mounted on the attachment formation.

Conveniently, lower end portions of the side members may, operatively, be respectively in juxtaposition with the third and fourth mounting brackets.

In further embodiments, lower end portions of the side members may engage the respective third and fourth mounting brackets, such as by one of the mounting brackets or the side member including a slot into which the other of the mounting bracket or the side member may be received. Thus, preferably the lower parts of the side members and the third and fourth mounting brackets may respectively include operatively co-operating engagement formations.

According to a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of providing a blind with improved balance, said method comprising: providing a head rail; providing a bottom rail; providing a plurality of slats located between the head rail and the bottom rail; and providing a tension loop system comprising at least one cord wherein at least part of the at least one cord is mounted substantially centrally.

Typically, the tension loop system may comprise a cord arrangement comprising at least one cord, the at least one cord supporting the plurality of slats.

It has surprisingly been found that by locating the tension loop system substantially centrally provides improved balance for the operation of the blind.

In particular embodiments, the tension loop system may comprise substantially vertically mounted cords on a mid-point of the slats.

In particular embodiments, there may be at least one aperture in the slats located substantially adjacent a corner of the slat.

In preferred embodiments, there may be two apertures in each of the slats with each of the apertures located in corners of the slats located along the same longitudinal length of the slats.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a representation of a blind without any tension cords in an open configuration according to a first embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 is a representation of the blind shown in Figure 1 in a closed configuration; Figure 3 is a representation of further components of the blind shown in Figures 1 and 2; Figure 4 is an exploded view of the blind shown in Figures 1 to 3; Figures 5 and 6 are representations of the blind shown in Figures 1 to 4 attached to a window frame; Figures 7, 8 and 9 are views of the blind shown in Figures 1 to 6 which also show tension and retention cords; Figures 10 and 11 are representations of component parts of a blind according to further embodiments of the present invention; Figures 12 and 13 are representations of component parts of a mechanism for attaching a blind according to the present invention to a window frame; and Figure 14 is a representation of further component parts of a blind according to the present invention for attaching the blind to a window frame.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to Figure 1 there is shown a representation of a blind according to the present invention, generally designated 100. As shown in Figure 1, the blind 100 comprises a bottom rail 112 which may be fixedly located in a window aperture (not shown) or may be adapted to be moved with the shading part of the blind 100. End caps 114,116 are shown which close the ends of the bottom rail 112 and provide a more aesthetically pleasing finish. Figure 1 also shows spacer elements 118,120 which are typically formed from plastics material.

At the top end of blind 100 there is a head rail (or master rail) 122. The head rail 122 typically has a decorative front face which is visible to a user.

Operating components of the blind 100 such as cords, cord guides and a tilt mechanism are accommodated within the head rail 122. At the ends of the head rail 122 there are additional end caps 124,126 provided for aesthetic appearance.

Located between the bottom rail 112 and the head rail 122 there are a series of slats 128a,128b,128c,128d,128e,128f which are shown in the open configuration in Figure 1. On each of the slats 128a,128b,128c,128d,128e,128f there are a series of apertures 130a,130b,130c,130d,130e,130f on one side of the slats 128a,128b,128c,128d,128e,128f and a series of apertures 132a,132b,132c,132d,132e,132f on the other side of the slats 1 28a, 1 28b, 1 28c, 1 28d, 1 28e, 1 28f. The apertures 1 30a, 1 30b, 1 30c, 1 30d,1 30e, 1 30f, 1 32a, 1 32b, 1 32c, 1 32d, 1 32e, 1 32f are located substantially next to the edge of corners of the slats 128a,128b,128c,128d,128e,128f and may be of any appropriate or suitable shape such as substantially circular, oval or rectangular. In contrast to slats in previous blinds, the apertures 130a,130b,130c,130d,130e,130f,132a,132b,132c,132d,132e,132f are substantially adjacent to the corners of the slats 128a,128b,128c,128d,128e,128f. The nearest outer point of the apertures 1303030130130,1 32a, 1 32b, 1 32c,1 32d, 1 32e, 1 32f are about 1 - 5mm from the corners of the slats 128a,128b,128c,128d,128e,128f.

Figure 2 is a front view of the blind 100 shown in Figure 1 wherein slats 128a,128b,128c,128d,128e are shown in the closed configuration. An important feature of the blind 100 in the closed configuration is that in a fully assembled position none of the apertures 1 30a, 1 30b, 1 30c, 1 30d, 1 30e, 1 30f, 1 32a, 1 32b, 1 32c, 1 32d, 1 32e, 1 32f in the slats 128a,128b,128c,128d,128e will be visible from the front of the blind 100. This therefore provides complete or substantially complete light blocking and therefore substantially complete privacy for any individuals located behind the blind 100.

This is not possible with previous blinds which have, for example, indents which are not fixedly retained and are therefore prone to falling out.

Figure 3 is front view of the blind 100 shown in Figures 1 and 2 with the blind 100 now attached to vertical side members 134,136.

Figure 4 shows a number of components of the blind 100 previously discussed but in addition shows connecting components 134,136, mounting brackets 138,140, mounting post formations 142,144 and spacing elements 146,148. The connecting components 134,136 serve to attach the head rail 122 to the mounting post formations 142,144 and thus to the frame of a window via mounting brackets 138,140. The connecting components 134,136 are located at or near the left and right end portions of the head rail 122, on the rear side of the head rail 122 where they are not normally visible to a user. The connecting components 134,136 may be formed integrally with the head rail 122, or, more preferably are separate components which are securable to the head rail 122.

For example, the head rail 122 and the connecting components 134,136 may have co-operating engagement formations which allow the connecting components 134,136 to "snap-fit" to the head rail 122, or such formations may allow the connecting components 134,136 to slide into engagement with the head rail 122 from the side edges thereof.

Each connecting component 134,136 includes means for attaching the connecting component 134,136 to a respective post formation 142,144. In one example as illustrated, such means comprise a socket 150,152, the internal shape and dimensions of which are sized to conform to the external shape and dimensions of the post portion 154,156. Thus the socket 150,152 operatively slides into engagement with the post portion 154,156. The socket 150,152 may include a slot or a channel which, when the connecting component 160,162 is in its position of use, aligns along the post portion 154,156. Thus, when the post portion 154,156 is received in the socket 150,152, the two may be secured together by inserting a screw, bolt, pin, fixing or fix clip or any suitable fixing means into the respective channels. It will be understood that other fastening means may be employed to secure the post portion 142,144 and the socket 150,152 together. For example, the post portion may include a captive nut which is free to slide along the length of at least part of the post portion 154,156 and which receives a corresponding bolt via a channel in the socket 150,152.

It will also be readily appreciated that the present invention is not confined to a post and socket arrangement. Thus, for example, the post portion may be formed with one or more walls which define an internal hollow void which acts as a socket, the internal shape and dimensions of which are sized to conform with the external shape and dimensions of a projecting member (plug) formed on the connecting component, so that the plug is slidably received in the socket.

Figure 4 also shows first and second mounting brackets 138,140. The mounting brackets 138,140 are preferably, but not essentially, made from metal.

For example, the mounting brackets 138,140 can be made from suitably strong plastics which are also suitable for moulding to form the bracket 138,140. In use, the mounting brackets 138,140 are located at the upper left and right of a window frame. The mounting brackets 138,140 each comprise a first portion 162,164 which defines attachment means (see below) and a second portion 164,166 which includes at least one laterally projecting finger and preferably two laterally projecting fingers 1 68a, 1 68b, 1 70a, 1 70b. Where the mounting brackets 138,140 include only a single finger, the finger may, for example, be a generally L'-shaped web, with each arm of the L' being connected along its length to the first portion 162,164. The mounting bracket 138,140 includes two fingers 168a,168b,170a,170b. The fingers 168a,168b,170a,170b are in the form of planar webs which extend from the first portion 162,164. The fingers 168a,168b,170a,170b of a given mounting bracket 138,140 are substantially co-planar and rest in their position of use against (or at least closely proximate) the surface of a glass pane. The finger or fingers 168a,168b,170a,170b of the mounting bracket 138,140 is/are arranged to slide between the glass pane and a bead, to retain the bracket in position. The finger or fingers 168a,168b,170a,170b just need to fit under the bead to provide the necessary restraint and orthogonal load bearing.

In the illustrated example, the fingers 168a,168b,170a,170b of bracket 138,140 are directed at substantially right angles (i.e. substantially perpendicularly or orthogonally) so that when the bracket 138,140 is arranged in its corner one of the fingers 168a,168b,170a,170b slides between the bead and glass pane into an upper frame member and the other of the fingers 168a,168b,170a,170b slides between the bead and the glass pane into a side member. The brackets 138,140 are mirror images of one another. Such an arrangement eliminates the need for a screw-type mechanism and eliminates any damage caused by screws. This also provides a neat enclosed appearance.

Figures 5 and 6 are views of the blind 100 attached to a window frame 172. Figures 5 and 6 show the blind 100 in a closed configuration and also clearly show that there are no gaps in the slats 128 therefore providing substantially complete privacy and/or shading.

Figure 7 is a further view of the blind 100 showing slats 128a,128b,128c,128d,128e in an open configuration. Tension cords 125 are used to ensure a constant tension is obtained throughout the blind 100. The tension cords 125 are of about 1.00 mm in diameter and are made of any suitable filament material. Cord 127 is used to retain the slats 1 28a,1 28b,1 28c,1 28d,1 28e in position.

Figures 8 and 9 clearly show the position of the tension cords 125 in the blind 100. Figures 8 and 9 also clearly show that the tension cord 1 25 enters the connecting component 134 through aperture 184. Figure 9 shows the cord 127 feeding through the apertures 130a,130b,130c in the slats 128a,128b,128c.

Figures 8 and 9 also show an important feature of the invention in that the tension cord 125 and retention cord 127 are parallel to one another (or at least substantially parallel) and remain so during use. The tension cord 125 is mounted substantially centrally on the slats 128 which provides improved balance to the whole blind 100 and minimizes any inadvertent swaying of the blind 100. As shown in Figure 9 the tension cord 125 exits through aperture 184 and centrally enters the bottom rail 112 through hole 131. The tension cord 125 then travels through an aperture 183 on spacer element 120. A similar arrangement occurs on the other side in spacer element 118. The retention cord 127 extends through aperture 186 in the connecting component 134 and then is inserted through apertures 130 in the corners of the slats 128 and then finally travels through aperture 181 on the spacer element 120. A similar arrangement occurs on the other side in spacer element 118. It is an important aspect of the invention in that the set of spaced holes 181,183 on the spacer element 120 work in conjunction with the socket 150,152 and respective holes therein to maintain the parallel tension in both cords 125,127 whilst also maintaining their parallel or substantially parallel relationship and at the same time also allowing the headrail 122 to be moved and/or adjusted to provide an optimal and neatest fit on a window frame and substantially minimising any gaps and maintaining full operational capability of the slats 130.

Figure 10 is a front view of part of the connecting component 134 and Figure 11 is rear view of part of the connecting component 1 36. Figure 10 shows that there are internal locking teeth 180 and a safety lock 182. Apertures 184,186 are also designed to allow cords to enter therethrough.

Figures 12 and 13 are expanded views of the post portion 142 which show a protrusion 188 forming a safety lock and locking teeth 190.

Figure 14 shows the fitment between mounting bracket 140 and the head rail 122. The two laterally projecting fingers 170a,170b of mounting bracket are also shown.

It should also be noted that the blind system as presently described can be mounted on a standard bead fit using, for example, anchor posts mounted between a rubber seal and glass as described above, In addition, the blind according to the present invention may also be mounted on post portions 154,156 and portions 162,164 that may be screwed to a window frame.

Whilst specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it will be appreciated that departures from the described embodiments may still fall within the scope of the present invention. For example, any suitable type of slots located in the corners of the slats may be used to provide improved privacy and/or shading. The present invention therefore provides an improved method for eliminating gaps in a mounted blind on a window frame.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A blind comprising: a head rail; a bottom rail; a plurality of slats located between the head rail and the bottom rail; and a tension loop system comprising at least one cord wherein at least part of the at least one cord is mounted substantially centrally.
2. A blind according to claim 1, wherein at least part of the at least one cord of the tension loop system traverses substantially centrally though the bottom rail.
3. A blind according to any preceding claim, wherein when the plurality of slats are in a closed configuration the blind provides improved privacy and/or shading.
4. A blind according to any preceding claim, wherein the slats comprise apertures which are located substantially adjacent and/or proximate corners of the slats.
5. A blind according to any preceding claim, wherein there are two apertures in each of the slats with each of the apertures located in opposite corners of the slats along the same longitudinal length of the slats.
6. A blind according to claim 4, wherein a retention cord runs through the apertures in the slats.
7. A blind according to claim 4, wherein the retention cord running through the apertures in the slats is substantially parallel to vertically mounted tension cords in the tension loop system.
8. A blind according to any preceding claim, wherein there is a head rail which is adjustable to eliminate any gap around the head tail and window fascia and wherein retention and tension cords remain substantially parallel throughout any distance traveled and during use.
9. A blind according to claim 8, wherein the retention and tension cords extend through a set of apertures in a spacer element located in a lower region of the blind.
10. A blind according to claim 9, wherein the retention and tension cords extend through a set of holes in side members located in an upper region of the blind.
11. A blind according to claims 9 and 10, wherein by the retention and tension cords extending through a set of apertures in the spacer element and the retention and tension cords extending through a set of holes in side members, allows tension to be maintained in both the retention and tension cords whilst also maintaining their parallel or substantially parallel relationship and at the same time also allowing the headrail to be moved and/or adjusted to provide an optimal and neatest fit on a window frame.
12. A blind according to any preceding claim, wherein the apertures in the slats are of any appropriate or suitable shape such as substantially circular, oval or rectangular.
13. A blind according to any preceding claim, wherein the nearest outermost surface of apertures in the slats are located about 1 -10 mm or about 1 -5 mm from the corners of the slats.
14. A blind according to any preceding claim, wherein the slats are substantially elongate members and are rotatable and/or tiltable between open and closed positions.
15. A blind according to any preceding claim, wherein the blind also comprises first and second mounting formations each including a base portion having a base surface configured to rest in use against a glass pane.
16. A blind according to any preceding claim, wherein the blind also comprises a post portion configured to extend in use substantially orthogonally with respect to a plane of the glass pane.
17. A blind according to any preceding claim, wherein the blind also comprises first and second mounting brackets each comprising a first portion including attachment means by which mounting brackets and respective post portions of first and second mounting components are attached in use and a second portion having at least one laterally extending planar finger configured to slide in use between a bead and a glass pane.
18. A blind according to any preceding claim, wherein the blind also comprises first and second connecting components configured operatively to attach a blind head assembly to respective post formations.
19. A blind according to claim 17, wherein a second portion of the mounting brackets each includes first and second co-planar fingers arranged to extend orthogonally and configured to slide in use between the bead and the glass pane at adjacent sides of a frame.
20. A blind according to any preceding claim, wherein connecting components of the blind each comprise a socket into which a post portion is operatively slidable.
21. A blind according to any preceding claim, wherein the blind further comprises fixing means which co-operate with respective connecting components and post portions to inhibit or prevent removal of the connecting component from the post portion.
22. A blind according to any preceding claim, wherein the blind further comprises at least first and second spacing elements of predetermined depth configured to be located in use respectively between a mounting bracket and a connecting component.
23. A method of providing substantially complete shading and/or privacy in a glass pane using a blind, said method comprising: providing a head rail; providing a bottom rail; providing a plurality of slats located between the head rail and the bottom rail; and providing a tension loop system comprising at least one cord wherein at least part of the at least one cord is mounted substantially centrally.
24. A blind as hereinbefore described and/or as shown in the drawings.