HK1128043B - A pull across roll up screen assembly - Google Patents

Description

Cross-pull roll type screen assembly

Technical Field

The present invention relates to a screen assembly that may be used in a door or window cavity, or any other area that may benefit from the assembly, comprising a resilient sheet member (e.g., insect screen) that may be pulled across the door or window cavity. The invention is particularly concerned with a screen assembly as described above in which the resilient sheet member is wound around a rod (for example) and in which the rod is positioned substantially vertically so that the screen extends and retracts in a horizontal direction.

Background

It is known to provide a roll-up (or retractable) screen assembly which can be extended across a door or window. In most cases, the flexible screen can be wrapped around a wooden, metal or plastic rod or bar that is positioned in a substantially horizontal manner so that the screen assembly can be pulled up or down in a vertical direction. holland shades are examples of such screen assemblies.

It is also known to provide a retractable screen assembly which can be moved in a horizontal direction across a door or window cavity and with such an assembly a screen (e.g. a mesh screen) can be wound around a substantially vertical rod or bar (typically located to one side of the cavity).

The present invention generally relates to a screen assembly that can be moved horizontally across the interior cavity of a door or window. However, it is part of the present invention to find applicability in "drop-in" screens or screens that otherwise extend and retract.

It is generally desirable that the flexible screen be under tension so that it remains relatively taut when pulled from the retracted position to the extended position. For vertically moving (i.e., up and down) screen assemblies, this can be accomplished quite easily by placing some type of weight on the bottom edge of the screen. However, this cannot be easily done with a horizontally moving screen assembly. Also, it is not satisfactory to rotate a vertically moving screen assembly only about its sides to make a horizontally moving screen assembly. For example, one drawback is the inability to use gravity to tension the screen material (in this case a vertically moving screen). Another drawback is that the screen material has a tendency to sag when it is pulled across, which is not easily detected and can create gaps and openings and cause damage to the mechanism.

A known solution to provide tension to a horizontally moving screen assembly is to provide some form of spring to maintain tension in the screen material. The spring may be placed within a hollow tube around which the screen material is wound. The extension (unwinding) of the screen material from the tube causes the spring to gradually "wind up" to create tension in the screen material ("pull back" force).

A drawback of this construction is that the more the screen material is unwound from the tube, the greater the tension value. This means that it becomes increasingly difficult to pull the screen material further across the door or window cavity from side to side. It should be appreciated that one use for the screen assembly is to span a relatively large door cavity, which may have a length of 3-6 meters, and typically includes a double-sliding door (multi-sliding doors). Therefore, when the tension is too high, it is difficult to pull the screen across the door inner cavity, especially for single screens that span 3 meters or more. If the tension is reduced for balancing, the screen material may sag or have a sag due to insufficient tension.

Another drawback of the above type of structure is that once the screen has been pulled across and locked or otherwise attached to the other side of the door or window cavity, if the screen is not locked, it can retract quite undesirably immediately to the other side of the door or window cavity.

Another drawback of the above type of structure is that increased tension can cause damage (e.g., overstretching) to the screen material, especially if the screen material is thin. The thinner screen material (and therefore somewhat lighter and thinner) is advantageous because it allows a longer length of material to be wound around the tube without making the diameter larger, thereby neatly concealing the side of the cavity.

Attempts to solve this problem have included some form of brake. However, any form of brake increases the number of components in the assembly, requires frequent maintenance and may be replaced, and fails in a wet environment or if debris or dust comes into contact with the brake, and therefore the concept of having some form of brake is generally undesirable.

One also seeks to balance the tension on the screen, essentially trying to reduce the increasing tension as the screen is pulled across the door or window cavity. Various counterweight solutions have been attempted to provide some type of balance to the tension. These weights may include weighted rods attached to the ends of the string members. Other solutions use various types of "counterbalancing" spring mechanisms to provide the counterbalance.

A drawback of using counterweights is the problem of inertia. In particular, if one wishes to open the screen by pulling it partially back from the other side of the door or window cavity when the screen is in an extended position, typically across the door or window cavity and locked to the other side, this can result in the counterweight accelerating or decelerating, with the result that the screen is always "heavy" for quick operation, which is highly undesirable. Thus, the use of counterweights, particularly very large and heavy counterweights, is not a universal solution to solve all types of screen problems, but the present invention can accommodate some forms of counterweights.

The disadvantage of using a "balanced" spring is that the spring can only produce a completely neutral state or tension balance in only one extended position. In other words, with a counterbalance spring, the screen can be pulled across and back more easily than without the counterbalance spring, but if the screen is released, the "counterbalanced" position would be somewhere across the door or window cavity. Despite the advantages of this solution, there is still the general drawback that there is always some resistance to the movement of the screen across the door or window cavity, except at one particular "balance" point. It is not generally possible to vary the counterbalance spring in a continuous manner to always balance the screen at any location across the door cavity.

It is also known to provide a screen which can be pulled across a door or window or other type of cavity, wherein a cord member and pulley or the like is also provided to assist in the extension and retraction of the screen. For horizontally projecting screens, it is known to typically have a vertical rod at one end of the internal cavity around which the screen material can be wound/unwound, and a pulley or similar device at the other end of the internal cavity, wherein a string member (typically a steel wire, plastic wire, etc.) connects the various components.

It is also known to provide a horizontally projecting screen in which the screen material is wound around a vertical support member and the vertical support member is hollow, with springs disposed in the vertical support member. A disadvantage of this solution is that it is difficult to access the spring for adjustment if the adjustment of the spring is required.

It would therefore be advantageous to provide a screen assembly that incorporates some form of biasing means or spring, and the spring is not located within the support member.

It would be advantageous to be able to provide a mechanism that can substantially balance the tension of the screen at any location across the interior cavity of the door or window so that if the screen is released at any location, the screen will simply stay in place without retracting or further extending, the mechanism being reliable in operation.

It would also be advantageous to provide a mechanism, generally as described above, that is relatively simple in manufacture and design. Referring again to a screen having a single "balance" point, it is sometimes advantageous to provide a screen assembly that is relatively simple to operate and has at least one balance point, typically a "cross-pull" screen assembly, which naturally returns to a retracted position or naturally moves forward to an extended position when in a position slightly away from the balance point. It would therefore be advantageous to provide a screen assembly that is balanced not at every point of extension but at some points and is "partially" balanced at other points, meaning that at these other points the screen will slowly retract or extend. An advantage of such an assembly (as compared to some prior assemblies) is that because the screen is partially balanced, there is little possibility of the screen retracting or extending quickly.

It would also be advantageous if it were possible to provide a screen assembly which could also have some form of adjustment to compensate for irregularities in the shape of the door's interior cavity.

Many known types of sliding (horizontally extending) or over and under (vertically extending) screen assemblies have some mechanism to balance the screen. It is known to use tapered spools or frusto-conical pulleys to "coordinate" the spool with the width of the roll of web material on the rod. U.S. Pat. No. 262398[1882] describes such a mechanism.

To provide smooth operation of the screen, spools/pulleys are placed on each end of a horizontal bar (for a top and bottom screen assembly) or on the top and bottom ends of a vertical bar (for a cross-pull screen assembly). US2005/0051283, EP911476, FR2594173, JP9303068, FR2558518, DE3936913 and CA2027827 describe such a double reel/pulley arrangement.

A drawback of these dual spool structures is that they are generally not suitable for use with vertical rods in a cross-pull screen because the lower spool must be recessed into the floor/ground, which is undesirable because the spool is vulnerable, presents a trip risk, is unsightly, and can collect dust and debris that may interfere with the normal operation of the spool.

FR2563860 describes a pull-across screen which comprises only an upper reel, but which ensures smooth operation, wherein an electric motor is used to operate the screen.

It would therefore be advantageous to provide a cross-pull screen that does not require a lower spool, can be extended or retracted in a balanced manner, and has a specific cord and spring arrangement that ensures that the above-described effect is achieved. The screen may be manually operated and the motor is not essential (although, if desired, a motor may be used).

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in australia or any other country.

Disclosure of Invention

It is an object of the present invention to provide a screen assembly that includes a screen that is horizontally movable (i.e., the screen can move across an area), and wherein the screen can be balanced in multiple positions, or in all or substantially all positions.

A further alternative object of the present invention includes a screen assembly substantially as described above, wherein the screen may be substantially balanced in at least one location and the screen "partially" balanced in other locations.

The object of the invention is achieved by specially designing some components of the screen assembly to achieve "continuous" balancing or at least balancing at multiple locations of the screen.

In one aspect, the invention comprises a screen assembly movable across an internal cavity or opening or the like, the screen assembly comprising a screen made of a flexible material; a support member about which the screen can be wound/unwound, typically arranged in a substantially vertical manner, and typically positioned adjacent one end of the lumen/opening or the like; means for creating tension (typically a spring) in the screen; a reel or wire operating member; a wire member windable on and payable off said spool or operable by said operating member, said wire member being operatively associated with the screen such that when the screen is extended the wire member is wound on the spool or drawn onto the operating member and when the screen is retracted the wire member is unwound from the spool or removed from the operating member, said screen having a diameter when wound around the support member which increases as the screen material wound around the support member increases and decreases as the screen material is unwound from the support member, and wherein at the location where the wire member is wound on or payable off the spool or operating member the diameter of the spool or operating member is substantially the same as the diameter of the support member containing the screen.

In another aspect, the invention provides a screen assembly comprising a flexible screen (10, 2) having a leading edge region (13, 8);

a support member (11, 6) around which the screen can be wound/unwound, said support member being substantially vertical and having an upper end and a lower end;

biasing means (14, 3, 3a, 3b) for creating tension in the screen;

a reel/pulley (1, 12) associated with at least one end of the support member;

a wire member (5, 16) windable on and payable off the reel/pulley, said wire member being operatively associated with the screen such that when the screen is extended the wire member is wound on the reel/pulley and when the screen is retracted the wire member is unwound from the reel/pulley, said screen having a diameter when wound around the support member, said diameter increasing when the screen material is wound around the support member and decreasing when the screen material is unwound from the support member,

at the position where the wire members are wound on or unwound from the reel/pulley, the diameter of the reel/pulley is substantially equal to the diameter of the support member containing the screen,

the cord members are operatively attached to a leading edge region of the screen.

The term "operating member" may include a reel (but need not be) and may also include cogs, gear members, sprockets, etc., particularly members in which the cogs, gear members, sprockets, etc., have a spiral or helical shape and varying diameters. In this aspect of the invention, the wire member does not have to be wound around or unwound from the operating member. Alternatively, the operating member may simply extend or retract the cord member over the operating member or a portion thereof and into a collection box or container or the like. Such an arrangement is particularly suitable if the line member comprises a chain or the like.

The invention is characterized by having the reel diameter "adjusted" to be approximately the same as the diameter of the screen surrounding the support member. Therefore, when the gauze is unwound and the diameter is reduced, the diameter of the spool is reduced to substantially the same diameter as when the cord member is wound on the spool. Conversely, when the screen is wound back onto the support member and the diameter increases, the spool diameter likewise increases with the cord member unwound from the spool.

Similar means may be used if an operating member is used. For example, the operating member may comprise a helical cog or similar structure and the "diameter" of the operating member may be "adjusted" to be substantially the same as the diameter of the screen/support member at the location where the cord member extends around or onto the cog.

This particular feature enables the screen to be "balanced" at almost every point of extension and retraction, i.e. one does not feel an impediment from screen tension at any point during operation of the unit. It also enables the screen material to have substantial tension to minimize sagging.

By "tuning" the reel diameter to the diameter of the screen/support member, the forces are to a very balanced degree, i.e. the screen can be pulled across the cavity relatively easily without feeling an increase in the pull back force from the spring, and if the screen is let go it will remain stationary or may only move fairly slowly.

One way in which "adjustment" may be achieved is to provide a spool having a conical shape or a part of a conical shape, such that the diameter at the point where the line member contacts the spool will change when the line member is wound on or unwound from the spool, and by designing the conical shape in dependence on the diameter of the retracted screen it is possible to have two diameters which are always substantially the same.

Another advantage of the present invention is that by changing the shape of the spool, the operation of the screen can be changed. Thus, the assembly need not be completely redesigned for each application, but can be changed to accomplish this.

The reel (or operating member) may have a simple conical profile, or a more complex profile, which may have discrete or converging conical portions, cylindrical portions, other shapes, combinations, and the like. This may allow the screen to have a position where it is "balanced" and a position where the screen may be slowly opened or closed; the screen may have locations to increase or decrease tension as it moves, etc.

As an example, the spool may comprise a plurality of cylinders of different diameters to provide a "stepped" profile, or alternatively a tapered cone at either end and a short parallel section at or adjacent the centre, an "inverted bucket" shape, or a substantially cylindrical shape. It should be appreciated that these are merely examples of a reel and the invention should not be construed as being limited to these examples.

Typically, the reel is attached to or associated with one end of the support member, preferably the reel is attached to or associated with the upper end of the support member. It is also preferred that the reel progressively enlarges outwardly from a smaller diameter nearest the support member to a larger diameter, but this could be reversed if desired.

There is also a desire to have the reel positioned elsewhere than directly attached to one end of the support member. For example, the reel may be located adjacent to the support member or operatively attached to the support member by some form of connection means. The connecting means may comprise gears, belts, chains, links, etc.

The screen may include a screen, a reflective material, an insulating material, a transparent material, a dark material, combinations thereof, and the like. The screen may be made of any suitable material, including woven or non-woven, plastic, flexible metal (e.g., aluminum foil), laminates, adhesive materials, reinforcing materials, and the like. The screen may be made of a single material or a combination of materials, may be made of a single sheet of material or multiple sheets of material joined together, but the selection of the type of screen should not be construed as imposing any particular limitation upon the present invention. There are also cases where the screen comprises a plurality of elongate members that are somewhat rigid and that are foldably or hingedly attached together so that the screen can still be wound.

The screen typically projects across a door or window opening and is therefore of suitable size. It should also be appreciated that the screen may be used in any area that benefits from such an assembly and is not necessarily limited to a door or window opening. The gauze typically has a height of 1-3 meters, and for single units or twin units, a length of 1-8 meters and 1-5 meters.

The gauze element can function as insect screen, shade, awning, etc.

The support member about which the screen may be wound/unwound may comprise a suitable member such as a rod, tube or the like. The length of the support member is typically dependent on the height of the lumen or opening in which the assembly is fitted, suitably 1-3 metres in length being desirable. The support member may be made of any suitable material, for example, plastic, wood, metal, composite materials, and the like. The diameter of the support member may vary, but desirably is 1-20 cm in diameter. Although it is recognized that the support member is generally cylindrical, in some cases, the support member may have a polygonal cross-section, such as rectangular, octagonal, and the like. It is recognized that the support member is made from a single length of material, but the support member may be made from multiple lengths of material connected together, if desired. It should also be appreciated that the support member may be extendable (e.g., telescopic) if desired. It should also be appreciated that the term "support member" should include any object that can support other flexible screen materials.

Means for providing tension in the screen material may be provided. The device may comprise a spring. The spring may include a tension spring, a torsion spring, or the like. If desired, a plurality of biasing means may be provided, connected together or not connected to each other. The biasing means may comprise an elastomeric member. The biasing means may be provided adjacent the "free edge" of the screen (the free edge being the edge that is pulled across, opposite the edge attached to the support member). However, it should be appreciated that the biasing device may be disposed at any other location that is convenient for installation, service, use, manufacturing, etc.

As a non-limiting example, the biasing means may comprise a pair of springs positioned in a suitable window stile at the free end of the screen. Alternatively, a single spring may be provided. In a further alternative, the biasing means may be provided adjacent the "cavity" edge in which the assembly is used and therefore need not be located in a suitable stile at the free end of the screen. In another non-limiting example, the tension may be achieved by using a weight (instead of or in addition to a spring).

A spool may be provided around which the wire member can be wound/unwound. The reel may comprise a "winding" pulley, and unless otherwise specified, the term "reel" includes any device or component about which the wire members can be wound and unwound. The spool may be made of any suitable material, for example, plastic, metal, wood, and composite materials. The roller may be solid, hollow or contain voids, etc. Preferably, the reel is located adjacent to the support member, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, the reel is attached to the support member. It is also preferred that the reel is located adjacent the upper end of the support member. However, it should be appreciated that the spool may be provided in any other location that is convenient for installation, servicing, use, manufacturing, etc. In particular, the size of the spool may vary depending on the length of the linear material supported by the spool and the size (e.g., diameter) of the linear material. It should be appreciated, however, that the spool typically has a length of 1-30 centimeters, and a maximum diameter of 3-20 centimeters.

The outer surface of the spool is contoured to facilitate placement of the cord member about the spool. Thus, the outer surface of the spool may comprise grooves, recesses, guides or the like to facilitate winding and unwinding of the wire members.

It will be appreciated that in order to "coordinate" the diameter of the spool (in which the cord is wound onto and unwound from the spool) with the diameter of the support member + screen material, the diameter of the spool along its length may be varied. Therefore, it is preferred that the spool has a conical configuration and comprises a conical shape. The taper is dependent upon a number of parameters including the thickness of the screen material, the thickness of the cord members, and the like. This will be described in more detail below. It will be appreciated that the spool is tapered uniformly along its length, however, this may vary, the spool may have a portion that is tapered (cone-shaped), and another portion that is not tapered. It should also be appreciated that the spool may have more than one tapered portion.

Preferably, the screen assembly includes a single spool positioned within an upper portion of the screen assembly, which is possible in the present invention, thereby eliminating the need for upper and lower spools and the like.

The present invention provides a wire member that can be wound on and unwound from a spool. The string members may comprise any suitable material, such as steel, plastic, composite materials, and the like. It should be appreciated that the cross-section of the cord members is substantially circular, but it should also be appreciated that the cord members may also have a substantially flat (e.g., ribbon or strip), oval cross-section, and the like. The string members may include a wire, "rope," laminate, chain, cable, or the like. One end of the wire member is fixed to the spool. Alternatively, the cord member may be engaged with the spool or operating member and subsequently into the interior of the container/cartridge/cavity or the like. This alternative is particularly suitable in the case of chain and cog constructions. The string member may also comprise a "ball chain", which is a string to which the balls are attached at certain intervals.

To enable the screen assembly to generate tension in the screen material and to use a relatively simple spring, a reaction force may be applied using a string member, a pulley device, or the like.

Accordingly, the screen assembly may include a spool positioned adjacent one end of the internal cavity and adjacent the support member supporting the screen, a first return pulley adjacent an upper end of the other end of the internal cavity, a second pulley adjacent a leading edge of the screen, a biasing device adjacent the leading edge of the screen, the cord member extending from the spool, around the first return pulley, around the second pulley and attached to or associated with the biasing device, and a second cord member connected to the first cord member between the spool and the first return pulley, the second cord member extending around the first return pulley, a third return pulley adjacent a lower end of the other end of the internal cavity, and a fourth pulley adjacent the leading edge of the screen, the second cord member extending around the third return pulley and the fourth pulley and attached to the biasing device.

However, the present invention should not be construed as being limited to the pulley apparatuses respectively described above. The figures show further non-limiting variations.

Preferably, the screen leading edge comprises some form of elongate housing (typically vertical) in which the second cord member in the fourth pulley is concealed, and the housing also houses the biasing means. The housing may also house latching means or the like for latching against the other end of the cavity.

Drawings

Specific embodiments will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

fig. 1 shows the upper portion of the screen assembly, particularly showing the spool and fully extended screen.

Fig. 2 shows the view of fig. 1 with the screen partially extended.

Fig. 3 shows the lower portion of the front edge of the screen, particularly showing the third pulley, the fourth pulley and the lower end of the biasing means (with the housing removed from the front edge of the screen for clarity).

Fig. 4 shows the upper portion of the leading edge of the screen, particularly showing the upper portions of the first return pulley, the second pulley and the biasing means adjacent the leading edge of the screen.

Fig. 5 shows the screen in a retracted position.

Fig. 6 shows the screen in approximately half the extended position.

Fig. 7 schematically shows a screen assembly including a cord member, pulley, spring, etc.

Fig. 8 schematically illustrates a dual screen assembly.

Figure 9 schematically shows an embodiment using a counterweight.

Fig. 10 schematically illustrates an embodiment of the invention showing a different spring arrangement.

Figure 11 schematically shows an embodiment using a single spring.

Fig. 12 schematically illustrates an embodiment similar to that shown in fig. 11, but showing a different pulley arrangement adjacent the single spring.

Fig. 13 schematically shows an embodiment similar to that shown in fig. 7, but showing a different positioning of the cord members.

Fig. 14 schematically shows an embodiment similar to that shown in fig. 7, but showing the spring in a different position.

Fig. 15 schematically shows a double unit according to another embodiment.

Fig. 16 schematically shows a twin unit according to another embodiment of the invention and shows the use of a pair of spools located on each unit.

Fig. 17 schematically shows an assembly similar to that shown in fig. 7, but showing an up-and-down reel arrangement.

FIG. 18 schematically illustrates an assembly similar to that shown in FIG. 7, but showing the "offset" upper spool.

Fig. 19 schematically shows an assembly similar to that shown in fig. 7, but showing the use of an "operating member" to operate the cord member, wherein the cord member is not wound around the operating member.

Fig. 20 shows schematically a motorised unit and shows different positions where an electric motor may be mounted.

Figure 21 schematically shows a preferred reel.

Figure 22 shows schematically a cylindrical reel.

Figure 23 shows schematically a reel with a "stepped" cylindrical profile.

Figure 24 shows schematically a spool with conical ends and a cylindrical middle portion.

Fig. 25 schematically shows a reel having an inverted barrel shape.

Fig. 26-30 particularly show the side adjustment of the assembly.

Figure 31 shows the use of springs inside the fabric support rods.

Fig. 32 shows a modification of fig. 31.

Fig. 33 shows another embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 34 shows the operation of the mechanism.

Fig. 35 shows the operation of the mechanism.

Detailed Description

In various embodiments, if the same reference number represents different components in different embodiments, the reference number represents only the components in the particular embodiment.

Referring to fig. 1-6, a screen assembly according to certain embodiments substantially includes the following components: a screen 10, which in certain embodiments comprises insect repellent netting; a support member 11 around which the screen is wound and unwound; a reel 12 positioned on the upper part of the assembly and on top of the support member 11; a leading edge 13 of a screen 10 made of elongate aluminium segments; a biasing means 14 (lower visible in fig. 3, upper visible in fig. 4) attached to the leading edge 13; a wire rope member divided into a first rope member 15 and a second rope member 16 (which will be described in detail later); a first return pulley 17 (fig. 4); a second pulley 18 (fig. 4); a third return pulley 19 (fig. 3) and a fourth pulley 20 (fig. 3).

This arrangement has a number of advantages. One advantage is that the screen can be "balanced" (in fact, the screen can be balanced substantially continuously) in multiple positions as the screen is extended and retracted. Another advantage in certain embodiments is that the biasing means, in this case a spring, is not positioned in the support member, but may be positioned inside the leading edge 13 or next thereto.

The screen 10 (in certain embodiments) may extend 2-5 meters and thus have at least this length. One end of the screen 10 is attached to a support member 11. The support member 11 is mounted for rotation about its longitudinal axis so that the screen 10 can be wound around or unwound from the support member. Importantly, as the screen 10 is wound around or unwound from the support member, the diameter (which is equivalent to the diameter of the support member + any additional screen material) will change, decreasing as the screen is unwound and increasing as the screen is wound.

The reel 12 is attached to the top of the support member 11. In certain embodiments, spool 12 has a tapered surface and is therefore substantially conical. The cone varies from a smaller diameter adjacent the top of the support member 11 to a larger diameter. It is contemplated that the spool may be otherwise positioned. The length of the reel is about 3 cm. The widest portion of the spool (in a particular embodiment) has a diameter substantially the same as the largest diameter of the support member 11+ screen 10 (i.e. when the screen is fully wound on the spool and fully retracted), and the narrowest portion of the spool (in a particular embodiment) has a diameter substantially the same as the diameter of the support member + any remaining screen 10 when the screen is fully extended and unwound from the spool.

One end of a first rope member 15, which in a particular embodiment comprises plastic coated steel wire with a diameter of 1-3 mm, is attached to the reel. Thus, rotation of the spool will cause the cord member 15 to be wound on or unwound from the spool, as the case may be. In a particular embodiment, the cord members will be arranged next to each other on the reel because of the conical shape of the reel. Thus, when the cord member is wound on or unwound from the spool, the spool diameter will vary due to the tapered shape of the spool.

The first rope member 15 extends from the reel 12 and around a first return pulley 17 and then around a second pulley 18, eventually attached to the upper part of the biasing means 14, which in a particular embodiment comprises a spring. Thus, there is a tension in the first rope member 15. A second rope member 16 made of the same material as the first rope member is also provided, one end of the second rope member 16 being located between the reel 12 and the first return pulley 17, said end being connected to the first rope member (and thus diverging therefrom). The second rope member 16 then also extends around the first return pulley 17, but then extends substantially vertically around the third pulley 19, the fourth pulley 20, and is attached to the lower end of the biasing means 14. Thus, there is tension in the second rope member 16.

The biasing means 14, the second pulley 18 and the third pulley 19 are all attached to or fixed relative to the screen leading edge 13 and thus move with the screen.

In use, when the screen is extended, the first cord member will be wound around the spool 12 and onto it. In certain embodiments, as the cord is wound onto the spool, the cord is gradually wound from the larger diameter of the spool to the smaller diameter of the spool, thereby causing the diameter to decrease at the location where the cord is wound onto the spool. This can be seen with reference to fig. 1 and 2. At the same time, the support member 11, comprising the rolled-up screen material, decreases in diameter as the screen material unwinds, being so structured and arranged that the reel diameter is substantially equal to the diameter of the support member + any remaining screen material at any position. The same is true when the screen is retracted, since this will cause the diameter of the support member + screen material to increase, while the cord member is unwound from the reel at a progressively increasing diameter.

This has been found to help balance the tension applied at any one time. The reel enables a fixed length of screen to be always on the roller (support member), greatly eliminating the need to change length in the system. The use of springs may reduce system inertia compared to counterweights.

Embodiments of the present invention will be further described below, and existing embodiments of the present invention will be further explained:

FIG. 7

Preferred embodiments of the single unit

The wire member is attached to a biasing member (e.g., a tension spring) housed in either end of the movable vertical window stile, in this embodiment wire member 5a is attached to biasing member (3a) and wire member (5b) is attached to biasing member (3 b). The pretensioning force applied by each tension biasing member (force a from the top member and force B from the bottom member) is transferred to the respective wire members (5a and 5B) which are wound around a pulley (7) at one end of the window where the screen is to be provided. The two cord members are attached to a connecting block (4) and a third cord member (5) (or alternatively 5a or 5b may extend through the connecting block 4) is attached to the other side of the connecting block. The force C in the wire member 5 equals the resultant forces a and B, the other end of the wire member 5 being attached to a reel or drum member fixed to the top end of a rod (6) on which the flexible film (2) is wound.

When the window stile (3) is moved away from the rod (6), the flexible film is unwound from the rod (6) and at the same time the string member (5) is wound on the reel (1). The tension (force C) on the wire member (5) acts on the reel (1) to produce a resultant torque. In a very well balanced system, if the effective diameter of the reel (1) is equal to the outer diameter of the flexible membrane (2) web on the rod (6), the torque exerted by the string members is fully balanced by the torque exerted by the distributed net force in the flexible membrane (2), the system does not have a tendency to move in any direction unless by using an external force applied somewhere in the system (by a human hand or foot, or by electrical means). In this case, the resultant force C in the string member (5) is equal to the force (tension) in the flexible fabric (2). Without any external force applied to the system, the friction will overcome the low inertia of the system and the window stile member (8) will stop moving smoothly after release.

If the diameter of the spool on which the wire members are wound, or the diameter of the flexible film web, does not match, then the resultant torque is applied to the rod member (6), the system will be biased to move in one direction by releasing the potential energy stored in the biasing means (3), and the unit will tend to move in one direction-either wound on the rod (6) or further unwound across the window towards the pulley (7) around which the wire members 5a and 5b are wound. The direction of movement is determined by the associated diameter. If the effective diameter of the spool is small, the wire members (5) will tend to wind up on the spool, but if the diameter of the coil on the rod (6) is small, the flexible fabric will tend to wind up on the rod.

FIG. 8

Preferred embodiment of the double cell

This is simply a combination of the elements and their mirror images as shown in fig. 7. Such a dual cell may be used to cover an opening (or window, space) twice as wide as that covered by a single cell. The opposing vertical stile members (8) may intersect at any location where they can be latched together by any means, for example using magnetic tape or mechanical latching means.

FIG. 9

The preferred biasing means (tension spring) shown in fig. 7 for applying tension in the system is replaced by a suspended weight. This system will work effectively but will be limited because in most practical cases the maximum used width of the flexible membrane (2) is equal to or less than the total height of the unit. A greater operating width is obtained only when the counterweight falls below the bottom of the window. Another drawback is that the suspended weight must be accelerated when driving or stopping the vertical window stile member (8). The forces can still be balanced in the balancing system.

FIG. 10 shows a schematic view of a

One of the springs in the preferred embodiment moves from the movable vertical stile member to a different (rest) position.

FIG. 11

Instead of two, one spring is used, as shown in the preferred embodiment. The system will work effectively, but the ability to apply unequal tension at the top and bottom of the movable vertical stile member (8) is lost and the entire system is tensioned simultaneously. Another variation on the device is that the centre point of the biasing member (3) is fixed to the vertical stile (4), which will effectively allow the two ends to act independently of each other.

FIG. 12

Basically similar to fig. 11, except that a pulley (9) is attached to either end of the biasing member (3) inside the vertical stile member (8). This has the effect of halving the travel of the biasing member (3) to compensate for any system instability, but requires additional components and space to accommodate it within the vertical stile member (8).

FIG. 13

Similar to the unit shown in fig. 7, except that the line member 5b is returned upwards by the vertical member (8). This configuration is advantageous in situations where the inner cords cannot be hidden from the bezel.

FIG. 14

Similar to the unit shown in fig. 7, except that the biasing means is moved to the opposite jamb instead of being received within the movable vertical stile member (8). The biasing means (3) is in this case shown as a single device with pulleys at either end, as shown in figure 12.

FIG. 15 shows a schematic view of a

Similar to the preferred embodiment of the double unit (see fig. 8), the wire member (5a) is returned around a pulley (9) mounted on top of the reel (1) instead of the pulley (7) positioned adjacent to the reel. This embodiment has the advantage of keeping the string members (5a) as high as possible to avoid problems that may arise due to crossing with other cables, but has the disadvantage of adding extra height to the unit above the flexible membrane topline.

FIG. 16

Similar to the preferred embodiment of the double unit (see fig. 8), except that the connecting block (4a) is attached at the top end of the opposite vertical stile member (8 b). The effect of this arrangement is to force the two vertical stile members (8a and 8b) to work together so that moving the stile 4a to the right causes the stile 4b to move an equal distance to the left and vice versa.

FIG. 17

Similar to the preferred embodiment of the single unit (fig. 7), but with reels at the top and bottom of the bar member (6) on which the flexible film is wound. A top wire member (5a) is wound on the top spool and a bottom wire member (5b) is wound on the bottom spool. An advantage of this embodiment is that it is not necessary to connect the cables together, nor to pass the cables up through the opposite ends of the window. A disadvantage of this approach is that the spool must be located at or below the bottom of the flexible membrane, which is often a dirty area and an area that is extremely void of additional space (especially if the overall height is increased). The arrangement of fig. 17 does not generally form part of the present invention.

FIG. 18

Similar to the preferred embodiment of the single unit (fig. 7) except that the reel member is moved from a preferred position on top of the vertical bar member (6) to another position. The reel unit (1) is mechanically connected to the rod member (6) by means of gears, chains, belts or other drive means which cause the reel to rotate whenever the rod member is rotated due to the movement of the vertical window stile member (8). The reel mechanism may also be driven by a wire member having a similar configuration. Enabling the line member to be stored in a position other than the immediate vicinity of the rod member 6 allows for better space utilization.

FIG. 19

Similar to the preferred embodiment (fig. 7), except that instead of the line member (5) being wound on a reel (which is somewhat bulky), the line member may be passed through a mechanism located on top of (or otherwise connected to) a rod member 6 which controls the rate of feed of the line member. The use of a wire member made of a ball chain (balls attached to the rope) provides a simple means for controlling this feed-the ball chain can be passed through a sprocket arrangement which ensures positive feed in either direction. The wire member is pulled in one side of the sprocket, but need not be after leaving the sprocket (as shown) and can be stored elsewhere by any means-even if simply dropped into a tubular chamber inside the rod (6) or into another chamber. It is further possible that the sprocket diameter can be varied when the rod (6) is rotated by driving one side of the sprocket into the threaded block (14) relative to the other side using a screw mechanism (13), which can control the relative feed rate to create a constant balance system or some other effect.

FIG. 20

An automatic or motorized screen assembly is shown, particularly showing various locations where the motor M may be located.

Fig. 21-25 show various spool configurations.

Winding the line member on the spool or cone in a controlled manner may give predictable results in system operation. If the winding is not controlled, the wire member may get stuck in other windings, resulting in that the wire member is blocked and moves slowly when unwinding.

FIG. 21

This is the most preferred embodiment. The wire members are nylon coated stainless steel cables having a small diameter (greater than 1 mm) wound on conical spool members. The spool member does not have a smooth surface but rather has a helical thread detail cut into it such that the wire member has a continuous groove for insertion. This groove has two functions:

1) the tendency of the wire members to slide towards the smaller diameter of the tapered cone is eliminated;

2) the position of the line member on the cone is precisely controlled so that it is guided into the groove by the inclined sides of the groove itself, thereby eliminating the need to use feed means (e.g. in some fishing reels and other reels) to control the distribution of the cable over the surface of the reel. This is possible because there is only one layer of cable on the reel.

When the vertical stile is away from the rod on which the film is wound (so that more film spans the window), a length of cable (5) is wound on the reel. With each turn of the cord member wound on the cone, the effective diameter of the spool in which the grooves are formed recessed decreases by the same amount as the diameter of the flexible film web decreases. If this relationship is largely constant, the system can be balanced without causing elongation or contraction of the biasing means (3) as the vertical stile member moves from one position to another, and without the stile member having a tendency to move away from any position where it rests.

FIG. 22

The reel is in the shape of a simple cylinder. The wire members are simple ropes or wires and are wound side by side on the reel (the multiple layers of wire members do not cause an increase in the effective diameter of the reel). The effective diameter of the flexible film web is equal to the effective diameter of the cord member wound on the spool only at one position of the vertical window stile member travel and the system is "balanced" only at that one position. When the vertical stile member is away from the equilibrium position, the biasing means (3) is extended (which requires energy input), and therefore the system tends to move towards the equilibrium point-lowest energy state at all times.

FIG. 23 shows a schematic view of a display panel

The reel shape is a plurality of cylindrical shapes (e.g., stepped) having different diameters. The wire member is stepped from one effective diameter to the next as it is wound along the spool. The result of the synthesis is that it is possible to have multiple positions where the system is balanced. This configuration presents difficulties in controlling the passage of the cord members through the transition from one diameter to the next.

FIG. 24

The spool shape has a conical shape at either end, possibly with a short parallel section at or about the center thereof. Another similar shape is barrel. The effect of this spool shape is to have a single point or area near the middle of the stroke where the system will reach equilibrium, outside of which the system will be biased toward full deployment or full closure. This is the ideal situation where the screen is automatically closed in the normal operating range, with a balance area where the screen can temporarily stay without needing to keep it in a partially open position, but where the screen automatically retracts when the unit starts to close for storage.

FIG. 25

The reel is in the shape of an inverted bucket. The result is that the vertical window stile member (4) has a strong tendency to move towards an intermediate position near the middle of the window.

Side adjustment

A door frame (or similar frame for other purposes) is usually made in the factory from four substantially rectilinear members cut to a given length and fixed together at four corners. It is often possible to manufacture the frame as a fairly accurate rectangle. However, when the doorframe is brought to a building site and installed in place, it is the case that the substantially vertical jamb member is only substantially vertical. In fact, vertical members are typically 5 mm or more from vertical, and it will be appreciated that for large door frames, it is difficult to achieve better results without much time and patience.

FIG. 26

The installed door frame is a parallelogram with jambs at a distance "d" from the vertical, wherein the corners are not substantially at right angles. It is desirable to provide a simple device that moves the position of the bar element (6) from a position (6a) where it is substantially parallel to the frame edge by a compensation distance "d" to a position (6b) where it is completely vertical at least in the same plane.

FIG. 27

The figure shows a screw adjustment mechanism in which the assembled unit of the spool (1) and lever member (6) is attached to the block member (21) by a pin or bearing member (to enable rotation of the spool and lever assembly) having a threaded hole or recess at one location that internally engages a bolt or screw member (20) that engages in an auxiliary block assembly (22) that is in turn fixed to the door frame (23). The bolt (20) may be attached to the block (22) in such a way that it has only one degree of freedom relative to the block (22) -it can rotate. Rotation of the bolt (20) causes it to engage a threaded portion in the block (21) which guides the block (21) for linear movement along the bolt axis-as indicated by the double-headed arrow. A screwdriver (24) or similar device (allen key or the like) may be used as a simple means of adjusting the assembly to a substantially vertical position.

FIG. 28

A cam mechanism may be used to drive the relative positions of the blocks (21) and (22) instead of a threaded screw or bolt. A cam having two substantially circular surfaces with an axis offset of d/2 makes a relative movement of distance "d" by rotating 180 degrees.

FIG. 29

The block (21) is fixed to the block (22) using screws (25) -wherein one or both of these blocks have slotted holes on them which allow movement along the desired axis of adjustment travel when the screws (25) are unscrewed. Some of the engagement means in the two blocks (for example serrated teeth or grooves) will ensure correct position when the set screw (25) is tightened, but this is not absolutely necessary-the friction between the two cooperating blocks is sufficient.

FIG. 30

The restraining means (26) serves to maintain engagement between the "teeth" on the block (21) and the cooperating "teeth" on the block 22. To disengage, the bendable portion of the block (21) is bent away from the block (22) by means of a lever device (24) so that the teeth are disengaged and relative movement is enabled.

Referring now to fig. 31, a screen assembly is shown, with particular emphasis on the screen assembly being located on the stalk member 6 in this figure. In fig. 31, the torsion spring 3 is shown. One end 29 of the spring is attached to the tubular rod member 6. The other end 28 of the spring is attached to the lever member and to the reel 1 so that the reel 1 can rotate relative to the lever member 6 about a common axis. This relative rotation imparts a torque to the spring.

The system may be pre-tensioned with linear springs in other embodiments, wherein the difference between different lengths of wound fabric 2 and the line member 5 is absorbed by the relative rotation of the reel 1 and the rod member 6 as the vertical stile member 8 moves.

Fig. 32 shows a similar system, with a cable and only one reel at the top or bottom of the bar element 6.

Figure 33 shows more clearly that when the reel 1 is secured to the rod 6, the reel and the rod rotate together. Thus, when the flexible film 2 leaves one side of the film roll, the string members 5 are wound on the opposite side of the reel 1. This may be the case in the above described embodiments.

It will be appreciated that there are other means for controlling the relative positioning of the ends of the rod or tube on which the fabric is wound relative to the frame. It should also be appreciated that such adjustment may be made at the top or bottom (indeed, both) of the rod or tube assembly.

Other parts of the invention that provide the invention with the desired features are as follows:

1. spring in window stile (not tube)

a. Separate spring adjustment for top and bottom of screen

b. Facilitating initial adjustment during installation and readjustment when required

c. To facilitate the installer to observe the function of each part and how it works-one can see if the element is moving in the way it should have, etc

2. The cable is aligned with the fabric to eliminate torque on the stile

3. The ropes are offset and at different heights so that they do not collide on the double-gauze unit

4. Lateral screw adjustment for non-perpendicular bezels

5. Frame system integrated with door and screen

6. Spring tension (biasing means) combined with counter-balance force to provide a safe (backlash-free, virtually inertia-free) cushioning system against human impact

7. Lateral adjustment

Throughout the specification and claims (if any), unless otherwise indicated, it is to be understood that the term "comprise" or variations such as "comprises" or "comprising" includes the integer or group of integers but does not exclude any other integer or group of integers.

Throughout the specification and claims (if any), unless otherwise indicated, it is to be understood that the term "substantially" or "about" is not to be limited to the numerical values for which the term defines a range.

It should be appreciated that various other changes and modifications may be made to any embodiment described without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (36)

1. A screen assembly comprising a flexible screen having a leading edge region,

a support member around which a screen can be wound/unwound, the support member being substantially vertical and having an upper end and a lower end,

a biasing means for creating tension in the screen,

a reel/pulley associated with at least one end of the support member, and only one reel/pulley is provided,

a wire member windable on and payable off the reel/pulley, the wire member being operatively associated with the screen such that when the screen is extended the wire member is wound on the reel/pulley and when the screen is retracted the wire member is unwound from the reel/pulley, the screen having a diameter when wound about the support member, the diameter increasing when the screen material is wound about the support member and decreasing when the screen material is unwound from the support member,

at the position where the wire members are wound on or unwound from the reel/pulley, the diameter of the reel/pulley is substantially equal to the diameter of the support member containing the screen,

the line members are operatively attached to the front edge region of the screen,

the line member includes a first portion wound on or unwound from a spool/pulley, a second portion attached to the first portion and operatively connected to the upper leading edge region of the screen, and a third portion attached to the first portion and operatively connected to the lower leading edge region of the screen.

2. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the second and third portions are attached to the first portion at the same location.

3. The assembly of claim 1 or 2, wherein the strand members are operatively attached to upper and lower leading edge regions of the screen.

4. The assembly of claim 1, wherein a biasing device creating tension in the screen is operatively attached to a leading edge region of the screen, and the string member is operatively attached to the biasing device.

5. The assembly of claim 1, comprising a window stile attached to a leading edge area of the screen.

6. The assembly of claim 5, wherein a biasing device that creates tension in the screen is attached to the window stile.

7. The assembly of claim 6, wherein the biasing device comprises a spring having one end attached to the window stile and the other end attached to the cord member.

8. The assembly of claim 7, wherein the assembly includes a first spring attached to a cord member located in an upper portion of the window stile and a lower spring attached to a cord member located in a lower portion of the window stile.

9. The assembly of claim 1, wherein the biasing device that creates tension in the screen comprises a weight attached to the string member.

10. The assembly of any one of claims 4 to 9, wherein the biasing means is attached to a cord member operatively attached to an upper edge region of the screen and to a cord member attached to a lower edge region of the screen.

11. A screen assembly comprising a flexible screen having a leading edge region,

a support member around which a screen can be wound/unwound, the support member being substantially vertical and having an upper end and a lower end,

a biasing means for creating tension in the screen,

a single reel/pulley associated with the upper end of the support member,

a wire member windable on and payable off the reel/pulley, the wire member being operatively associated with the screen such that when the screen is extended the wire member is wound on the reel/pulley and when the screen is retracted the wire member is unwound from the reel/pulley, the screen having a diameter when wound about the support member, the diameter increasing when the screen material is wound about the support member and decreasing when the screen material is unwound from the support member,

at the position where the wire members are wound on or unwound from the reel/pulley, the diameter of the reel/pulley is substantially equal to the diameter of the support member containing the screen,

the cord members are operatively attached to a leading edge region of the screen.

12. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the strand members are attached to upper and lower leading edge regions of the screen.

13. The assembly of claim 11 or 12, wherein a biasing means for creating tension in the screen is operatively attached to a leading edge region of the screen, and the line member is operatively attached to the biasing means.

14. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the assembly includes a window stile attached to a leading edge area of the screen.

15. The assembly of claim 14, wherein a biasing device that creates tension in the screen is attached to the window stile.

16. The assembly of claim 15, wherein the biasing device comprises a spring having one end attached to the window stile and the other end attached to the cord member.

17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the assembly includes a first spring attached to a cord member located in an upper portion of the window stile and a lower spring attached to a cord member located in a lower portion of the window stile.

18. The assembly of claim 11, wherein the biasing device that creates tension in the screen comprises a weight attached to the string member.

19. The assembly of claim 13, wherein the biasing device is attached to a cord member operatively attached to an upper edge region of the screen and to a cord member attached to a lower edge region of the screen.

20. The assembly as claimed in claim 11, wherein the line member includes a first portion wound on and unwound from a spool/pulley, a second portion attached to the first portion and operatively connected to an upper leading edge region of the screen, and a third portion attached to the first portion and operatively connected to a lower leading edge region of the screen.

21. The assembly of claim 20, wherein the second portion and the third portion are attached to the first portion at the same location.

22. A screen assembly comprising a flexible screen having a leading edge region,

a support member around which a screen can be wound/unwound, the support member being substantially vertical and having an upper end and a lower end,

a biasing means for creating tension in the screen,

a reel/pulley associated with at least one end of the support member,

a wire member windable on and payable off the reel/pulley, the wire member being operatively associated with the screen such that when the screen is extended the wire member is wound on the reel/pulley and when the screen is retracted the wire member is unwound from the reel/pulley, the screen having a diameter when wound about the support member, the diameter increasing when the screen material is wound about the support member and decreasing when the screen material is unwound from the support member,

at the position where the wire members are wound on or unwound from the reel/pulley, the diameter of the reel/pulley is substantially equal to the diameter of the support member containing the screen,

the cord member being operatively attached to a leading edge region of the screen, an

An adjustment assembly to adjust the angle of the support member, wherein the adjustment assembly is one of a screw adjustable mechanism, a cam mechanism and a limiting device for maintaining engagement between a "tooth" on the mass component and a mating "tooth" on the auxiliary mass component.

23. The assembly of claim 22, wherein the adjustment assembly is a screw adjustable mechanism, wherein the assembled unit of the spool and support member is attached to the block component via a pin or bearing component such that the spool and support member are rotatable and has a slotted hole in one location in which a threaded component engages, a portion of the threaded component engaging into an auxiliary block component, which is in turn fixed to the door frame, rotation of the threaded component causing the threaded portion to cause linear movement of the block component along the bolt axis such that the support member can be adjusted to a substantially vertical position.

24. The assembly of claim 22, wherein the adjustment assembly is a cam mechanism, wherein the assembled unit of the reel and the support member is attached to the block component via a pin or bearing component such that the reel and the support member are rotatable and has a hole in one location in which a cam component engages, a portion of the cam component engaging into an auxiliary block component, which is in turn fixed to the door frame, rotation of the cam component causing linear movement of the block component along the bolt axis such that the support member can be adjusted to a substantially vertical position; wherein a cam having two substantially circular surfaces with an axis offset of d/2 performs a relative movement by a distance "d" by rotating 180 degrees.

25. The assembly of claim 22, wherein the adjustment assembly is a restraining device for maintaining engagement between "teeth" on the block component and mating "teeth" on an auxiliary block component, wherein the assembled unit of the reel and support member is attached to the block component via a pin or bearing component such that the reel and support member can rotate, the auxiliary block component in turn being fixed to the door frame; wherein, for disengagement, the bendable portion of the block member is bent away from the auxiliary block member by means of a lever device, so that the teeth are disengaged and a relative movement is enabled.

26. The assembly of any one of claims 22-25, wherein the string components are operatively attached to upper and lower leading edge regions of the screen.

27. The assembly of any one of claims 22-25, wherein a biasing device for creating tension in the screen is operatively attached to a leading edge region of the screen, and the string member is operatively attached to the biasing device.

28. The assembly of claim 27, wherein the assembly includes a window stile attached to a leading edge area of the screen.

29. The assembly of claim 28, wherein a biasing device that creates tension in the screen is attached to the window stile.

30. The assembly of claim 29, wherein the biasing device comprises a spring having one end attached to the window stile and the other end attached to the cord member.

31. The assembly of claim 30, wherein the assembly includes a first spring attached to a cord member located in an upper portion of the window stile and a lower spring attached to a cord member located in a lower portion of the window stile.

32. The assembly of any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the biasing means for creating tension in the screen comprises a weight attached to the cord member.

33. The assembly of any one of claims 22 to 25, wherein the biasing means is attached to a line member operatively attached to an upper edge region of the screen and to a line member attached to a lower edge region of the screen.

34. The assembly as claimed in any one of claims 22-25, wherein the line member comprises a first portion wound on and unwound from a spool/pulley, a second portion attached to the first portion and operatively connected to an upper leading edge region of the screen, and a third portion attached to the first portion and operatively connected to a lower leading edge region of the screen.

35. The assembly of claim 34, wherein the second and third portions are attached to the first portion at the same location.

36. An assembly according to any of claims 22-25, wherein only one reel/pulley is provided.