WO2012080179A1

WO2012080179A1 - Covering for an architectural opening

Info

Publication number: WO2012080179A1
Application number: PCT/EP2011/072471
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nicolaas Dekker; Mark Gerard Maarten De Haan; Mark Jetse Smid
Original assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries BV
Current assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries BV
Priority date: 2010-12-13
Filing date: 2011-12-12
Publication date: 2012-06-21
Anticipated expiration: 2013-06-13
Also published as: EP2652231A1; EP2652231B1

Abstract

A covering for an architectural opeing including a first rail (10) having opposite ends, a second rail (12) having opposite ends, the second rail (12) being parallel to the first rail (10) and movable towards and away from the first rail (10), a collapsable and extendable material (14) secured to and extending between the first rail (10) and the second rail (12), the first and second rails (10,12) defining a plane within which the material (14) extends, a metal tape (22) extending from said one end of the first rail (10) to said one end of the second rail (12), extending from said one end of the second rail (12) through and along the second rail (12) to the other end of the second rail (12) and extending away from the other end of the second rail (12) for securement to an adjacent edge of the architectural opening; and a cord (16) extending between the first rail (10) and the second rail (12) for retaining the material (14) within said plane, the cord (16) extending from a position intermediate the opposite ends of the first rail (10) in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second rails (10,12) to a position intermediate the opposite ends of the second rail (12). The cord (16) has a first end secured at the first rail (10) and a second end secured at the second rail (12), the second end being movable along the second rail (12) with movement of the metal tape (22) through and along the second rail (12) such that movement of the second rail (12) towards or away from the first rail (10) results in movement of the metal tape (22) through and along the second rail (12) together with movement of the second end of the cord (16) along the second rail (12) and, thus, decrease or increase respectively of the length of the cord (16) extending between the first rail (10) and the second rail (12).

Description

COVERING FOR AN ARCHITECTURAL OPENING

The present application relates to a covering for an architectural opening, such as a window or door opening and in particular relates to a covering which can be fitted to the architectural opening and then selectively extended across the architectural opening.

A huge variety of different coverings for architectural openings are well known in the prior art.

One arrangement of covering uses a metal strip which slides through a movable front bar when the movable front bar is moved towards or away from a fixed rear bar, the material of the covering extending between the fixed rear bar and the movable front bar. Such an arrangement is described for example in US 6,533,017 and US 7,513,291.

Although these earlier arrangements function effectively, the present application recognises that it would be desirable to provide a covering having a simpler construction which is also effective and which preferably allows simplified attachment and detachment of the covering from the architectural operiing.

According to the present invention, there is provided a covering for an

architectural opening including:

a first rail having opposite ends;

a second rail having opposite ends, the second rail being parallel to the first rail and movable towards and away from the first rail;

a collapsable and extendable material secured to and extending between the first rail and the second rail, the first and second rails defining a plane within which the material extends;

a metal tape extending from one end of the first rail to one end of the second rail, extending from said one end of the second rail through and along the second rail to the other end of the second rail and extending away from the other end of the second rail for securement to an adjacent edge of the architectural opening; and

a cord extending between the first rail and the second rail for retaining the material within said plane, the cord extending from a position intermediate the opposite ends of the first rail in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first and second rails to a position intermediate the opposite ends of the second rail; wherein

the cord has a first end secured at the first rail and a second end secured at the second rail, the second end being movable along the second rail with movement of the metal tape through and along the second rail such that movement of the second rail towards or away from the first rail results in movement of the metal tape through and along the second rail together with movement of the second end of the cord along the second rail and, thus, decrease or increase respectively of the length of the cord extending between the first rail and the second rail.

In this way, cords are provided to help maintain the material in its plane, but those cords form part of the assembly of the first rail, second rail and material. This allows that assembly to be removed from the architectural opening with relative ease, noting that the cords do not have to extend past the second rail to another fixed rail on the opposite side of the architectural opening. Also, irrespective of the extent to which the second rail has been moved across the architectural opening, the open part of the architectural opening remains free of any cord. This is more desirable for the user.

The material can include a first edge extending between one end of said opposite ends of the first rail and one end of said opposite ends of the second rail and a second edge, opposite said first edge of the material, extending between the other end of said opposite ends of the first rail and the other end of said opposite ends of the second rail, the first and second edges and the first and second rails defining said plane, and the metal tape extending along the first edge of the material.

In this way, the material has the full extent of the first and second rails

In one embodiment, the material has a pleated structure, with pleats parallel to the rails, and defines a plurality of holes in an array between the first rail and the second rail. The cord can extend through said plurality of holes.

In this way, the cord is effective in preventing the material moving in either direction out of its plane. Additionally, the cord remains neatly within the structure of the material and is less likely to be caught inadvertently by a user.

The first end of said cord can be secured to said first rail by a resilient member, such as a coil spring, for mamtaining said cord in tension.

The resilient member allows the cord to have some movement, in particular taking up any differences in tolerance in construction or assembly.

Alternatively, the first end of the cord may be secured to the first rail at a position adjustable along the length of the first rail.

Differences in tolerance may be accommodated by providing a resilient member at the other end of the cord, where it connects with the metal tape. Where a plurality of cords are provided, the same resilient member may be provided for all cords and adjustment of each respective cord may be achieved by adjusting the positions of the respective first ends.

The second rail can define an elongate passageway along its length and the metal tape can extend along the elongate passageway. The second rail can define an aperture opening into said elongate passageway with said cord passing through said aperture.

In this way, both the metal tape and the end of the cord can be held neatly within the second rail. This provides improved appearance and also prevents any external interference with the mechanism of movement.

The aperture may also be used to define the position of the cord along the length of the second rail.

The second end of the cord can have a connection to a metal tape inside the second rail. Although this connection can be a direct connection to the metal tape, alternatively, the connection can include an elongate flexible member extending from an attachment with the metal tape to the second end of the cord. This could be or could include a resilient member.

This may be particularly useful where a plurality of the cords are provided extending from respective positions along the first rail to corresponding respective positions along the second rail.

Although each of the respective ends of the plurality of cords could be attached separately to the metal tape, they may also be attached together at the second rail. The respective ends may be attached together and attached to the connection which, in turn, attaches them to the metal tape.

In order to take up length of cord within the second rail, either the cord(s) or the elongate flexible member may extend from the attachment with the metal tape along the length of the second rail in one direction, turn around a turning point and then extend back along the second rail in the opposite direction. The turning point may be merely a member around which the cord(s) or elongate flexible member is wrapped or could include some pivoted member such as a pivot wheel.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a covering for an architectural operiing including:

a first rail having opposite ends; a second rail having opposite ends, the second rail being parallel to the first rail and movable towards and away from the first rail;

a collapsible and extendable material secured to and extending between the first rail and the second rail, a first edge of the material extending between one end of said opposite ends of the first rail and one end of said opposite ends of the second rail, the first and second edges defining a plane wil n which the material extends;

a metal tape extending from said one end of the first rail along the first edge of the material to the said one end of the second rail, extending from said one end of the second rail through and along the second rail to the other end of the second rail and extending away from the other end of the second rail for securement to an adjacent edge of the architectural opening; and

a guide rail extending substantially perpendicular to the first rail and the second rail between said one end of the first rail and said one end of the second rail, said second rail being movable along the guide rail; wherein:

said material has one of a concave cross section and a convex cross section along the length of the first edge facing the guide rail; and

said guide rail has the other of a concave cross section and a convex cross section facing the first edge of the material and fitting into the one of a concave cross section and a concave cross section of the first edge of the material so as to retain the material within said plane.

In this way, the material can be guided securely along the guide rail while still allowing the first rail, second rail and material to be removed easily as a single assembly. The mating/complementary cross-sections of the guide rail and the first edge of the material act to hold the material in its plane during use, in particular in its fully extended position.

The metal tape may have an arcuate cross-section matching the concave and convex cross-sections of the guide rail and the first edge.

In this way, the metal tape can fit in a small gap between the guide rail and the first edge of the material such that the mating fitment of the guide rail and the first edge of the material is still effective. Indeed, furthermore, a metal tape with an arcuate cross-section has some longitudinal rigidity resulting in the tape having a natural tendency to have a straight elongate shape. This, also, can be effective in holding the material within its plane by holding the first edge in a straight line. The mating concave and convex cross-sections of the guide rail and first edge help facilitate the use of such a tape.

The material can include a second edge, opposite said first edge of the material, extending between the other end of said opposite ends of the first rail and the other end of said opposite ends of the second rail, the first and second edges and the first and second rails defining said plane.

In this way, as discussed above, the material fills the full extent of the first and second rails.

Preferably, the concave and convex cross-sections of the first edge of the material and the guide rail conform with each other when the material is fully extended.

Viewed along the axis of the guide rail, the cross-section of the first edge of the material will have a smaller radius of curvature as the material is extended. To allow full extension of the material, it is preferable that the cross-sections match when the material is fully extended. Of course, this is also the position in which the material will require the most support from the guide rail. The guide rail can include a magnetic strip along its length for holding the metal tape extending from said one end of the first rail to said one end of the second rail.

In this way, interaction of the magnetic strip and the metal tape also acts to hold and guide the first edge of the material along the guide rail.

The guide rail can include an elongate member having a concave channel facing the first edge of the material, wherein the magnetic strip is located within the concave channel so as to face the first edge of the material and the metal tape extends between the first edge of the material and the guide rail against the magnetic strip.

This allows the gap between the first edge of the material and the guide rail to be minimised.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a covering for an architectural opening including:

a first rail having opposite ends;

a collapsible and extendable material secured to and extending between the first rail and the second rail, the first and second rails defining the plane with which the material extends; and a metal tape extending from said one end of the first rail to said one end of the second rail, extending from said one end of the second rail through and along the second rail to the other end of the second rail and extending away from the other end of the second rail for securement to an adjacent edge of the architectural opening; wherein: the metal tape has a rear end secured to the first rail and a front end for securement to said edge of the architectural opening, the covering further including:

at least one adjustment mechanism to which a respective one of the rear end and the front end is attached for securing that one of the rear end and the front end to the respective first rail and said edge of the architectural opening at an adjustable position so as to adjust the orientation of the second rail, along which the metal tape extends, to achieve said parallel orientation relative to the first rail.

In this way, the first rail, second rail and material may be provided as a single assembly with the metal tape and removal of that assembly from an architectural opening is facilitated. Because the metal tape is secured at its rear-end to the first rail, rather than to any portion of the architectural opening itself, with detachment of the front end of the metal tape, it becomes easy to remove the assembly. Also, it will be appreciated that shortening of the metal tape will result in said one end of the second rail being drawn closer to the first rail, such that the second rail becomes angled relative to the first rail. By means of the adjustment mechanism, it becomes possible to install the assembly of the first rail, second rail and material, together with the metal tape and then adjust the length of the metal tape so as to achieve the required parallel orientation of the second rail with the first rail.

The material can include a first edge extending between one end of said opposite ends of the first rail and one end of said opposite ends of the second rail and a second edge, opposite such first edge of the material, extending between the other end of said opposite ends of the first rail and the other end of said opposite ends of the second rail, the first and second edges and the first and second rails defining said plane and the metal tape extending along the first edge of the material.

As described above, this allows the material to have the full extent of the first and second rails.

The at least one adjustment mechanism may include a sliding part with an affixing screw. In this way, the sliding part may be moved longitudinally along the first rail so as to adjust the length of the metal tape extending from said one end of the first rail to the front end of the metal tape. Having made an appropriate adjustment, the length can be fixed by fixing the position of the sliding part with the affixing screw. Alternatively, a spindle mechanism may allow adjustment of the position of the secured portion of the metal tape along the length of the first rail.

Preferably, the rear end of the metal tape is attached to the at least one adjustment mechanism and the at least one adjustment mechanism secures the rear end of the metal tape to the first rail at an adjustable position along the length first rail.

The front end may include a clip for securing the front end relative to the edge of the architectural opening. In this respect, the clip may take the form of an appropriate hole and affixing screw.

Alternatively, the front end of the metal tape may be attached to the at least one adjustment mechanism. The at least one adjustment mechanism can then secure the front end of the metal tape at an adjustable position relative to the edge of the architectural opening.

This provides an alternative way of adjusting the angle of inclination of the second rail so as to adapt to deviations in the window/door frame in an adjustable way.

A mounting rail may be provided opposite the guide rail. The mounting rail is preferably for attachment to the edge of the architectural opening to which the front end of the metal tape is to be secured. The mounting rail is preferably substantially

perpendicular to the first rail and the second rail and the other end of the second rail may be movable along the mounting rail.

In one embodiment, the mounting rail may have a downwardly facing channel section within which the other end of the first rail, the other end of the second rail and the second edge of the material extend.

Where a mounting rail is provided for attachment to the edge of the architectural opening, the metal tape may be secured to the edge of the architectural opening by being attached to the mounting rail.

Preferably, the mounting rail includes a magnetic strip extending along its length for holding the metal tape extending between the front end of the metal tape and the other end of the second rail.

This can be particularly effective in maintaining the metal strip along the mounting rail. Also, because the metal strip is attracted to the magnetic strip of the mounting rail, it is effective in holding the other end of the second rail close to the mounting rail.

According to the present invention, there is also provided a covering as explained above where the metal tape comprises a first part and a second part joined end to end. Where the metal tape extends from the first rail to the second rail, the first part is used. Where the metal tape extends from the second rail away from the second rail for securement relative to the architectural opening, the second part is used.

This allows the metal tape to be arranged with different properties at different parts of its length.

It will be appreciated that a tape, such as the metal tape, has a front face opposite a rear face. The front and rear faces join opposite edges runriing along the length of the tape. Each of the first part and the second part has a respective front face.

Preferably, each of the first part and the second part is pretensioned so as to facilitate bending towards its respective front face. The front face of the first part is then preferably orientated so as to face towards the material and the front face of the second part is preferably orientated so as to face away from the material.

In this way, flexing of the first part around the material where the first part bends from a path running along the edge of the material to a path rurining into the second rail, is facilitated. Similarly, flexing of the second part, where it runs between the second rail and its path along the architectural opening, is also facilitated. This is particularly significant in reducing problems resulting from fatigue as the covering is successively opened and closed and the metal tape is successively flexed.

A coupling component may be provided for joining respective ends of the first part and the second part.

The coupling component may be used for securing the second end of each cord for movement with the metal tape. In this respect, in some embodiments, cords may be attached directly to the coupling component and, in other embodiments, cords may be attached to the coupling component by means of an elongate flexible member and/or a resilient member.

The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figures 1(a), (b) and (c) illustrate schematically a covering in three successive stages of opening; Figure 2 illustrates schematically the exploded parts of the covering;

Figure 3 illustrates those parts of Figure 2 without the vertical first and second rails;

Figure 4 illustrates schematically an assembly of the first rail, second rail and material, together with a metal strip;

Figure 5 illustrates a covering with a metal strip formed from two parts;

Figures 6(a) to (c) illustrate two parts of a metal tape and a coupling component; Figure 7 illustrates attachment of the front end of the metal tape to the mounting rail;

Figure 8 illustrates the front end of the metal tape detached from the mounting rail so as to allow removal of the covering;

Figures 9(a), (b), (c), (d) and (e) illustrate an adjustment mechanism for attaching the rear end of the metal tape to the first rail;

Figure 10(a) illustrates an alternative means of adjustably attaching the rear end of the metal tape to the first rail;

Figure 10(b) illustrates an alternative means of adjustably attaching the front end of the metal tape to the mounting rail;

Figures 11(a), (b) and (c) illustrate corresponding guide rails and material edges; Figures 12(a), (b) and (c) illustrate corresponding guide rails and material edges; and

Figures 13(a), (b) and (c) illustrate schematically the cords within a covering for three successive stages of opening;

Figures 14(a) and (b) illustrate an alternative arrangement of cords; and

Figures 15(a) and (b) illustrate adjustable attachment of cord ends to the first rail. The present invention relates to a covering for an architectural opening, such as a window or door. The covering includes a portion which is extendable over or retractable from the opening. The covering may take the form of a screen, for instance having a mesh or fabric and is preferably easily removable from the architectural opening. The screen fabric itself may be similar or the same as that described in EP 0 753 642.

Figures 1(a), (b) and (c) illustrate schematically an example of a covering which may embody the present invention in, respectively, a fully retracted state, partially extended state and a fully extended state. The covering as illustrated is installed such that the screen is opened and closed in a horizontal direction. However, it will be appreciated that the covering can be installed in any desirable or appropriate orientation.

As illustrated, the covering 2 includes a first rail 10 orientated vertically and for installation at the side of an architectural opening, for instance by means of any known or appropriate fastening, including magnetic clips. The first rail 10 has one end 10a at its bottom and another end 10b at its top.

A second rail 12 is provided substantially parallel with the first rail 10 having one end 12a at its bottom and another end 12b at its top. The second rail 12 is movable relative to the first rail 10 whilst remaining substantially parallel.

A collapsable and extendable material 14 extends between the first rail 10 and the second rail 12. In particular, a first side of the material 14 is secured to the first rail 10 and a second side of the material 14 is secured to the second rail 12. The material 14 has a first edge 14a extending between the ends 10a and 12a of the first and second rails 10 and 12. It also has a second edge 14b extending between the ends 10b and 12b of the first and second rails 10 and 12. The first and second edges 14a, 14b and the first and second rails 10, 12 generally define a plane within which the material 14 is located. The material 14 is preferably pleated with vertical pleats in the illustrated embodiment allowing extension and contraction in a horizontal direction. The material itself may be flexible. However, with flexing pleats, it is also possible to use a relatively stiff material. The material 14 may include a single skin or, alternatively, may have a cellular structure, for instance forming vertical channels which open and close during extension and

contraction. The material 14 can be any fabric suitable for a door or window covering or can be a screen, such as an insect screen or sun screen.

As illustrated in Figure 1(c), high-tensile-strength cords 16 may be provided extending between the first rail 10 and the second rail 12.

The cords 16 extend horizontally as shown in the illustrated embodiment and are provided to prevent the material 14 from being moved, for instance by air pressure/wind from its plane. The material 14 may define a plurality of holes 14c arranged in horizontal arrays and through which a corresponding cords 16 extend between the first rail 10 and second rail 12. As illustrated, a plurality of horizontal arrays of holes 14c are provided at various intermediate positions between the first edge 14a and second edge 14b in correspondence with the plurality of respective cords 16.

Figures 1(a) to (c) also illustrate a guide rail 18 and a mounting rail 20 extending generally horizontally and perpendicular to the first rail 10 and second rail 12.

The end 10a of the first rail 10 is secured relative to one end of the guide rail 18 and the end 10b of the first rail is secured relative to the corresponding end of the mounting rail 20. On the other hand, the end 12a of the second rail 12 is movable along the guide rail 18 and, similarly, the end 12b of the second rail 12 is movable along the mounting rail 20. In this way, the first edge 14a of the material 14 extends and contracts along the guide rail 18 and the second edge 14b of the material 14 extends and contracts along the mounting rail 20.

The guide rail 18 and the mounting rail 20 may co-operate with the first edge 14a and second edge 14b respectively so as to hold them in place and maintain the material 14 in its plane. Alternatively or additionally, one of the cords 16 can be located close to a respective one of the guide rail 18 and mounting rail 20 so as to maintain that respective edge 14a, 14b of the material 14 in its plane.

As illustrated, the second rail 12 may be formed with a portion 12c defining a handle by which a user may move the second rail 12 towards or away from the first rail 10.

Figure 2 illustrates a partially exploded view of the arrangement of Figure 1, in particular to illustrate use of a metal tape 22 for guiding and maintaining the orientation of the second rail 12. Figure 3 illustrates more schematically the metal tape 22 in

conjunction only with the material 14, the guide rail 18 and the mounting rail 20. As will be discussed in greater detail below, the metal tape may be formed as two or more parts connected at respective ends.

Use of a flexible metal tape in a covering is known, for instance from

US 7,513,291 and further details of a suitable metal tape and its operation may be understood from the prior art. In particular, the metal tape 22 preferably has an arcuate cross-section, giving the tape some longitudinal rigidity. The described embodiment differs from the prior art in the mounting and positioning of the metal tape 22 allowing easy removal of the covering 2 from the architectural opening. As illustrated in Figure 3, the metal tape 22 extends from a first end 22a at the end 10a of the first rail 10 along the first edge 14a of the material 14 to the end 12a of the second rail 12. The second rail 12 in the illustrated embodiment defines an elongate passage 12d which extends along its length, vertically as illustrated. The metal tape 22 extends from the end 12a of the first rail 12 vertically up (as illustrated) through and along the elongate passage 12d of the second rail 12 to the end 12b of the second rail 12.

As illustrated schematically in Figure 4, the metal tape then extends away from the end 12b of the second rail 12 to a second end 22b of the metal tape 22 in a relatively free manner. The second end 22b of the metal tape 22 is for securement to the edge of the architectural opening (in the top right corner as illustrated). In the illustrated

embodiment, this is achieved by securing the second end 22b of the metal tape 22 to a corresponding end of the mounting rail 20.

Thus, as illustrated particularly in Figure 3, the metal tape 22 forms an S or Z shape extending from one end of the guide rail 18, up the second rail 12 and to an another end of the mounting rail 20. As the second rail 12 is moved from its retracted position illustrated in Figure 1(a) to its extended position illustrated in Figure 1(c), the metal tape positioned along the mounting rail 20 feeds progressively down and along the second rail 12 and the metal tape 22 along the second rail 12 feeds progressively down and along the guide rail 18.

In order to maintain the metal tape 22 in position, magnets or magnetic strips may be provided as part of the covering 2.

Figures 2 and 3 illustrate a magnetic strip 24 which is secured along the length of the mounting rail 20.

The metal tape 22, having ferrous properties, is attracted to and held in place by the magnetic strip 24. As the second rail 12 is moved away from the first rail 10, such that the metal tape 22 feeds along the length of the second rail 12, the metal tape 22 is peeled away successively from the magnetic strip 24.

Although not illustrated, the second rail 12 may also include one or more magnets or a magnetic strip along its length such that the second rail 12 is held agamst the metal strip 22. Although the magnets or magnetic strip of the second rail 12 will be held against the metal strip 22, it is still easy for the metal strip 22 to slide longitudinally with respect to length of the second rail 12 as the second rail 12 is moved relative to the first rail 10. As illustrated in Figure 2, the second rail 12 includes a strip 12e for covering the elongate passageway 12d. The strip 12e may itself comprise a magnetic strip.

Alternatively, the magnets or magnetic strip may be provided within the elongate passageway 12d opposite the strip 12e.

The guide rail 18 also includes a magnetic strip against which the metal tape 22 is held. As the second rail 12 is moved away from the first rail 10, the metal strip is successively laid down in contact with the guide rail 18 and held in place by the magnetic attraction of the corresponding magnetic strip. At same time, the metal tape 22 is peeled away from the magnetic strip 24 of the mounting rail 20. Similarly, when the second rail 12 is moved towards the first rail 10, the metal tape 22 is peeled away from the guide rail 18 whilst being supplied to the magnetic strip 24. The nature of the metal tape 22 having the slight arcuate cross-section results in the metal tape being relatively longitudinally rigid whilst transversely flexible such that it curves between the vertical orientation along the second rail 12 and the horizontal orientation along the mounting and guide rails 20, 18, but remains relatively straight in each of those orientations.

Figure 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment in which the metal tape 22

comprises a first part 122a and a second part 122b. The first part 122a extends from the first rail 110 to the second rail 112. The second part 122b then extends away from the second rail 112 for fixture relative to the architectural opening or, as illustrated, to the upper mounting rail 120.

Figure 6(a) and (b) illustrate the two parts 122a and 122b in conjunction with a connecting component 100 which is illustrated in greater detail in Figure 6(c).

The connecting component 100 receives and connects two opposing ends of the first and second parts 122a and 122b.

In the illustrated embodiment, the opposing ends of the two parts 122a, 122b of the metal tape include respective holes for receiving fasteners, such as screws 102 for attaching them to the connecting component 100. However, the ends of the parts 122a and 122b may be connected to the connecting component in any appropriate manner. Indeed, in some embodiments, the ends may be connected directly to one another.

In the illustrated embodiment, the connecting component 100 is configured to fit with the second rail 112 so as to slide along the second rail 112 with the two parts, 122a, 122b of the metal tape, preferably providing some support and guidance for the metal tape.

It is possible to use a metal tape having asymmetric bending properties. The tape (in each of its two parts) has a front face F opposite a rear face R, the front and rear faces being parallel with each other and extending between the two longitudinal side edges of the tape. It is possible to provide the tape with a property such that it is able more easily to bend towards the front face F than towards the rear face R.

By configuring the metal tape as two parts 122a and 122b which are connected together end-to-end, it is possible, as illustrated, to arrange the first part 122a with its front face facing inwardly of the bend between the second rail 112 and the first edge 14a of the material 14. The second part 122b faces in the opposite direction with its front face F facing away from the material 14 such that its front face F faces inwardly of the bend from the second rail 112 to its extent for attaching relative to the architectural opening or the mounting rail 120.

In this way, as the metal tape feeds around the top and bottom of the second rail

112, flexing between a straight and a bent state, the metal tape is always flexing or bending towards its front face F. By using a material for the metal tape having natural bias or pretensioning towards bending towards the front face F (rather than the rear face R), successive flexing of the metal tape is easier and movement of the second rail 112 is easier. Also, any durability or fatigue problems resulting from repeated bending of the tape are reduced.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first part 122a of the metal tape additionally bends up from around the edge 14a of the material 14 along the first rail 110. Although the bend at this portion of the first part 122a of the metal tape will not be repeatedly bent and unbent, the material nevertheless has its front face F facing inwardly of the bend and, hence, flexes easily as required.

DE 10 2006 012 728 A discloses an appropriate pretensioning of a tape material.

Figures 7 and 8 illustrate the end 22b of the metal tape 22 secured to the mounting rail 20. Any appropriate clip could be used, but the illustrated embodiment illustrates the use of a screwthread fastener attaching the end 22b to the end of the magnetic strip 24 and the mounting rail 20. Although Figure 7 illustrates the end 22b attached by means of a screw thread fastener, other embodiments may be provided where the end 22b is mounted in an adjustable way, for example clamping the end 22b with respect to the mounting rail 20 at an adjustable position along the mounting rail 20. This is illustrated in Figure 10(b) and will be discussed below in further detail. In this way, it becomes possible to allow the angle of inclination of the second rail 12 to be adjusted according to deviations in the window/door frame.

By releasing the end 22b of the metal tape 22 from the mounting rail 20, it becomes possible to peel the metal tape 22 away from the metal strip 24 and the mounting rail 20. It thus becomes very easy to detach the assembly of the first rail 10, second rail 12 and material 14 from the mounting rail 20. In the illustrated embodiment, the mounting rail 20 is formed as a downwardly facing channel section into which the end 10b of the first rail 10, the second edge 14b of the material 14 and the end 12b of the second rail 12 are inserted. With the end 22b of the metal tape 22 detached from the mounting rail 20, the assembly may be withdrawn from the channel section of the mounting rail 20 and, hence, removed from the architectural opening.

Rather than secure the rear end 22a of the metal tape 22 to the guide rail 18, in the illustrated embodiment, the rear end 22a of the metal tape 22 is secured to the first rail 10. This facilitates removal of the assembly inadvertently the first rail 10, material 14 and second rail 12 from the guide rail 18 (as well as the mountmg rail 20) and the resulting assembly is illustrated in Figure 4.

Figures 9(a), (b) and (c) illustrate an adjustment mechanism 30 for securing the rear end 22a of the metal tape 22 to the first rail 10.

As illustrated, the metal tape 22 extends from its horizontal orientation along the first edge 14a of the material 14 and then bends around so as to follow the longitudinal direction of the first rail 10. In the illustrated embodiment, the first rail 10 includes an elongate passageway within which the adjustment mechanism 30 and rear end 22a of the metal tape 22 are positioned.

The rear end 22a of the metal tape 22 may be secured to the adjustment mechanism 30 in any appropriate manner. However, as illustrated, the rear end 22a of the metal tape 22 defines a hole through which a protrusion 32 of the adjustment

mechanism 30 extends. Figure 9(d) illustrates schematically a cross-section through an example of an appropriate adjustment mechanism 30.

The adjustment mechanism 30 includes a locking mechanism or clamp 34 taking the form of a resilient member such as a bent spring wire. The clamp 34 is symmetrical and includes a longitudinally extending base portion parallel to the extent of the first rail 10 and inwardly bent converging legs 34a,- 34b extending from the longitudinal ends of the base portion. The free ends of the legs 34a, 34b are chamfered to form sharp edges 34c, 34d which are in sliding abutting relationship to the confronting lateral surface within the elongate passage of the first rail 10. The adjustment mechanism 30 also includes a slider 36, which is slidable along the elongate passageway of the first rail 10. The slider 36 is preferably formed as a moulding of a plastic material adapted to slide along the elongate passageway of the first rail 10. In this regard, the first rail 10 is preferably extruded to have a constant cross-sectional shape along which the slider 36 may slide.

An inner part of the slider 36 includes converging ramp surfaces 36b, 36c on the facing longitudinal edges of a pair of longitudinally spaced upwardly extending flanges. Each ramp surface 36b, 36c abuts and can engage the legs 34a, 34b of the clamp 34.

The protrusion 32 protrudes from a separately slidable attachment member 38, which engages with the clamp 34. As illustrated, attachment member 38 defines an aperture 38a through which the leg 34a of the clamp 34 passes.

In operation, as illustrated in Figure 9(d), the sharp edges 34c, 34d, and in particular sharp edge 34d, engages with and bites into the confronting surface of the first rail 10 and holds the slider 36 and metal tape 22 in place. When the slider 36 is moved to the right as illustrated in Figure 9(e), for instance by means of handle 36d, the clamp 34 moves leftwards relative to the slider 36 such that ramp surface 36c engages with leg 34b. Leg 34b slides up the ramp surface 36c such that the sharp edge 34d at its end disengages with the internal surface of the elongate passageway of the first rail 10. The slider 36 is thus free to slide along the elongate passageway. The sharp edge 34c of the other leg 34a faces away from the direction of movement and hence slides over the confronting surface area if it is not entirely disengaged.

When the slider 36 is released, the clamp 34 moves relative to the slider 36 such that the leg 34b slides down the ramp surface 36c and its sharp edge 34d engages with the inner surface of the elongate passageway of the rail 10, thereby holding the slider 36 and the end 22a of the metal tape 22 in position.

It will be appreciated that an adjustment mechanism can alternatively or additionally be arranged in the front portion of the top mounting rail 20 so as to hold the front end 22b of the metal tape 22.

Figures 9(a), (b) and (c) illustrate a magnetic strip 40 inset into a concave channel facing in the guide rail 18. This is used to attract the metal tape 22 in the manner described above. It also acts to hold the material 14 within the plane of the architectural opening . In particular, the metal tape 22, especially with its arcuate cross-section, will be attracted to and held by the magnetic strip 40 so as to hold the first edge 14a of the material 14 along the guide rail 18. This may be sufficient to hold the material 14 in place against normal air movement. However, with the covering in its retracted state as illustrated in Figure 1(a), particularly noting that there will be little metal tape 22 against the magnetic strip 40, it will be easy for the assembly of the first rail 10, material 14 and second rail 12 to be moved away from the guide rail 18.

Figure 10(a) illustrates an alternative embodiment to the adjustment mechanism 30 described above. This alternative adjustment mechanism 131 is also visible in the illustration of Figure 5.

The adjustment mechanism 131 includes a clamp member 132 slidable along a channel in the first rail 110. In the illustrated embodiment, the channel 134 includes two oppositely facing elongate grooves 134a which extend along the channel 134 in the longitudinal direction of the first rail 110 facing each other. Corresponding tongue sections 136 are provided on the clamp member 132 fitting into the grooves 134a. An end of the metal tape 22 (such as the first part 122a of the metal tape illustrated in Figure 5) is fixed to the clamp member 132, for example with a fastener such as a screw as illustrated. The clamp member 132 includes means for clamping the clamp member 132 within the channel 134 so as to secure its position along the channel 134. In the illustrated embodiment, a screw fastener 132a, such as a set screw, extends through the clamp member 132 so as to clamp against a rear surface 134b of the channel 134.

In this way, it becomes easy to adjust the position of the end of the metal tape 22 or 122a, 122b relative to the first rail 10, 110. A similar adjustment mechanism 231 may be used for mounting the other end 22b of the metal tape 22 (such as the second part 122b of the metal tape illustrated in Figure 5) to the mounting rail 20 in and adjustable way. Figure 10(b) illustrates this by way of a cross-sectional view through the longitudinal extent of the adjustment mechanism 231. In this embodiment, the adjustment mechanism 231 includes a block 232 which is slidably mounted in the mounting rail 20. An end of the metal tape 22 is fixed to the block 232, for example with a fastener such as a screw (not shown). The block 232 includes means for clamping it against the mounting rail 20, e.g. a set screw 232a, extending through the block 232 so as to secure its position along the mounting rail 20. As illustrated, the block 232 includes a hooked protrusion 233 extending through a hole in the end 22b of the tape 22. Also, the block 232 may incorporate a magnet 234 helping to secure the tape 22 in place.

In this way it becomes easy to adjust the angle of inclination of the second rail 12 by adjusting the position of the end 22b of the metal tape.

Figures 11(a), (b) and (c), together with Figures 12(a), (b) and (c), illustrate the examples of the first edge 14a of a material 14 against a guide rail 18.

As illustrated in Figures 11(b) and 12(b), the top face of the guide rail 18 is convex and faces the first edge 14a of the material 14 which has a complementary concave shape such that the first edge 14a of the material 14 fits closely against the convex shape of the guide rail 18.

The arcuate shape of the convex guide rail 18 and concave first edge 14a

preferably matches the arcuate shape of the metal tape 22.

With the guide rail 18 and first edge 14a so shaped, the first edge 14a of the material 14 can be more securely held along the guide rail 18 so as to maintain the material 14 in its plane.

As illustrated in Figures 11(c) and 12(c), a similar effect can be achieved using a concave face on the top of the guide rail 18, together with a convex shape to the first edge 14a of the material 14. With this arrangement, the metal tape 22 is preferably reversed in orientation so as to match the first edge 14a and guide rail 18.

It will be appreciated that, as the pleats of a pleated material open or close, the resulting arcuate shape will change as viewed along the first edge 14a. In particular, the arc will have a smaller radius of curvature with the pleats extended. Preferably, the arcuate shape of the first edge 14a most closely matches the arcuate shape of the guide rail 18 when in the extended state illustrated in Figure 1(c) so that the material is most securely held in place.

The concave and convex shapes need not be regular or symmetric shapes and could take the form of any appropriate concave/convex profile that enhances engagement between the guide rail and the first edge of the material. Irregularities may be formed in the overall general shape, for example, taking the form of a key superimposed thereon. Such irregularities may extend in a longitudinal direction such that, for example, a key could engage in a complementary groove in the edge of the material.

As mentioned above, the guide rail 18 may itself form the magnetic strip.

However, alternatively, as illustrated in Figures 9(a), (b) and (c), the guide rail 18 may include a concave channel facing the first edge 14a of the material 14 with a magnetic strip 40 inset therein.

As discussed above with reference to Figure 1(c), one or more cords 16 may be provided between the first rail 10 and second rail 12 in order to assist in holding the material 14 in place. This is illustrated schematically in greater detail in Figures 10(a), (b) and (c) illustrating the blind in its retracted position and two successive extended positions. As illustrated, the cords 16 extend through openings or holes in the collapsible and extendable material 14.

As illustrated, the metal tape 22 extends along and through the second rail 12.

Also, a plurality of cords 16 are provided extending between the first rail 10 and the second rail 12. The second rail 12 includes at least one opening into the elongate passage 12d through which the cords 16 may pass. In the preferred embodiment, individual respective openings or holes are provided in the second rail 12 for each respective cord 16, thereby locating the respective cords at positions along the length of the second rail 12.

As illustrated, each cord 16 has a first end 16a attached to the first rail 10 and a second end 16b secured to the metal tape 22 within the elongate passage 12d of the second rail 12. Although respective ends 16b of the cords 16 could have their own attachments to the metal tape 22, in the illustrated embodiment, the ends 16b of the cords 16 are joined together and a single connection 50 is provided for connecting the ends 16b of the cords 16 to the metal tape 22. As illustrated in the successive positions of Figures 13(a), (b) and (c), as the second rail 12 moves towards and away from the first rail 10 and the metal tape 22 moves through and along the second rail 12, the ends 16b of the cord 16 are also moved along and through the second rail 12 together with the metal tape 22. Thus, as the second rail 12 is moved away from the first rail 10, additional lengths of cord 16 are fed from within the second rail 12 to extend between the first rail 10 and second rail 12, such that the lengths of cord extending between the first rail 10 and second rail 12 are increased appropriately. Similarly, when the second rail 12 is moved towards the first rail 10 and the metal tape 22 moves along and through the second rail 12, the ends 16b of the cords 16 are pulled along with the metal tape 22 so as to draw lengths of cord into the second rail 12 and reduce the lengths of cords extending between the first rail 10 and second rail 12 appropriately.

The cords 16 are effective in retaining the material 14 within its plane, for instance against forces of wind or air pressure.

In the illustrated embodiment, so that the cords 16 may be maintained within the elongate passage 12d of the second rail 12, the cords 16, having entered the elongate passage 12d, extend along the second rail 12 in one elongate direction, pass around a tolling point 52 and then extend back along the opposite elongate direction along the second rail 12 for connection with the metal tape 22.

Within the first rail 10, the ends 16a of the cords 16 are secured to resilient members 54 preferably formed from tension coil springs. These allow some movement and flexibility to the overall system, in particular taking up any variations in dimensions according to tolerances of construction. Although individual resilient members or springs 54 can be provided for each cord 16, in the illustrated embodiment, pairs of cords 16 are able to share a coil spring 54 by being attached to opposite respective ends of the coil spring 54.

It is possible for the cords 16 to pass along one face of the material 14 or to be attached to the material 14 in any appropriate manner. However, in the illustrated embodiment using a pleated material 14, an array of a plurality of holes 14c are provided in the material 14 for each cord 16. In particular, as illustrated, each array of holes 14c is aligned between and perpendicular to the first rail 10 and second rail 12. In this way, the cords conveniently maintain the material 14 in its plane. Each cord 16 extends into or through the first rail 10, 110 through respective apertures 110a. As best seen in Figures 14(a), 15(a) and 15(b), diverters 140 may be provided for each aperture 110a. Each diverter 140 includes a passageway for guiding a cord 16 through the aperture 110a and around to an orientation along the rail 110. In other words, they guide and support the cord 16 around a substantially 90° bend from the orientation of the cords 16 perpendicular to the first and second rails to an orientation parallel with the first and second rails.

As an alternative to the arrangement discussed above, it is possible for the ends 16a of the cord 16 each to be fixed to the first rail 110. This is illustrated in Figures 14(a), 15(a) and 15(b) and also forms part of the embodiment discussed above in relation to Figure 5. In this embodiment, the end 16a of each respective cord 16 is secured to an adjuster 142. The adjuster 142 can be secured at an adjustable position with respect to the length of the first rail 110. In this way, by moving the adjuster 142 away from the aperture 110a in the first rail 110, the length of the cord 16 between the first rail and the second rail may be shortened. Similarly, by moving the adjuster 142 towards the aperture 110a, the length of the cord 16 between the firs rail and second rail can be extended.

In the illustrated embodiment, the first rail 110 is provided with an elongate slot 110b which extends along the length of the first rail 110. A fastener 142a, such as a screw fastener as illustrated, extends through the slot 110b so as to attach to the adjuster 142. By tightening the fastener 142a, it is possible to clamp the adjuster 142 against the first rail 110 and secure its position, thereby fixing the extended length of the respective cord 16.

The other ends 16b of the cords 16 may all connect with the metal tape 22, 122a, 122b by means of a single spring 154.

The arrangement of the cords is illustrated schematically in Figure 14(b). All of the ends 1 b of the cord 16 may be joined together. They may be joined together for connection to a flexible member which in turn connects to the resilient member 154 (such as coil spring) or may be connected together where they connect with an end of the resilient member 154.

For embodiments where the metal tape is configured as two parts joined end-to- end, it may be advantageous to have the ends 16b of the cord 16 connect with the metal tape (for instance by means of the resilient member 154) at the point at which the two ends of the parts 122a and 122b are connected. In this respect, where a connecting member, such as the connecting member 100 illustrated in Figure 6(a) is used, the end 16b or the resilient member 154 may attach to the connecting member 100. In this respect, the embodiment of Figure 6(c) illustrates a screw as an example of a fastener 104 for fastening the ends 16b of the cord 16 with respect to the metal tape (for instance by means of the resilient member 154).

Attachment of an end 16a of a cord 16 to the first rail is illustrated in Figures 15(a) and (b). The embodiment of Figure 5 discussed above also makes use of this attachment.

Claims

1. A covering for an architectural opening including:

a first rail having opposite ends;

2. A covering according to claim 1 wherein:

the material includes a first edge extending between one end of said opposite ends of the first rail and one end of said opposite ends of the second rail and a second edge, opposite said first edge of the material, extending between the other end of said opposite ends of the first rail and the other end of said opposite ends of the second rail, the first and second edges and the first and second rails defining said plane, and the metal tape extending along the first edge of the material.

3. A covering according to claim 1 or 2 wherein:

said material has a pleated structure, with pleats parallel to the rails, and defines a plurality of holes in an array between the first rail and the second rail; and

said cord extends through said plurality of holes.

4. A covering according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein:

said first end of said cord is secured to said first rail by a resilient member, such as a coil spring, for maintaining said cord in tension.

5. A covering according to claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein:

said first end of said cord is secured to said first rail at a position adjustable along the length of said first rail.

6. A covering according to any preceding claim wherein:

said second rail defines an elongate passageway along its length and said metal tape extends along the elongate passageway; and

said second rail defines an aperture opening into said elongate passageway and said cord passes through said aperture.

7. A covering according to any preceding claim wherein:

the second end of said cord has a connection to the metal tape inside the second rail.

8. A covering according to claim 7 wherein:

the connection includes the cord or another elongate flexible member extending from an attachment with the metal tape along the length of the second rail in one direction, around a turning point and back along the second rail in the opposite direction.

9. A covering according to any preceding claim mcluding:

a plurality of said cords extending from respective positions along the first rail to corresponding respective positions along the second rail.

10. A covering according to claim 9 wherein: the respective second ends of the plurality of said cords are attached together at said second rail.

11. A covering according to any preceding claim including:

12. A covering according to claim 11 wherein the metal tape has an arcuate cross section matching the concave and convex cross sections of the guide rail and the first edge.

13. A covering according to claim 11 or 12 wherein the concave and convex cross sections of the first edge of the material and the guide rail conform with each other when the material is fully extended.

14. A covering according to claim 11, 12 or 13 wherein the guide rail includes a magnetic strip along its length for holding the metal tape extending from said one end of the first rail to said one end of the second rail.

15. A covering according to claim 14 wherein the guide rail includes an elongate member having a concave channel facing the first edge of the material, wherein the magnetic strip is located within the concave channel so as to face the first edge of the material and the metal tape extends between the first edge of the material and the guide rail against the magnetic strip.

16. A covering according to any preceding claim wherein: the metal tape has a rear end secured to the first rail and a front end for securement to said edge of the architectural opening, the covering further including:

17. A covering according to claim 16 wherein the adjustment mechanism includes one of a sliding part with an affixing screw and a spindle mechanism.

18. A covering according to claim 16 or 17 wherein the rear end of the metal tape is attached to the at least one adjustment mechanism and the at least one adjustment mechanism secures the rear end of the metal tape to the first rail at an adjustable position along the length of the first rail.

19. A covering according to claim 18 wherein the front end includes a clip for securing the front end relative to the edge of the architectural opening.

20. A covering according to claim 16, 17 or 18 wherein the front end of the metal tape is attached to the at least one adjustment mechanism and the at least one adjustment mechanism secures the front end of the metal tape at an adjustable position relative to the edge of the architectural opening.

21. A covering according to any one of claims 16 to 20 further including a mounting rail for attachment to said edge of the architectural opening, the mounting rail being substantially perpendicular to the first rail and the second rail, and said other end of the second rail being movable along the mounting rail.

22. A covering according to claim 21 wherein the front end of the metal tape is secured to the edge of the architectural opening by being attached to the mounting rail.

23. A covering according to claim 21 or 22 wherein the mounting rail includes a magnetic strip along its length for holding the metal tape extending between said front end of the metal tape and said other end of the second rail.

24. A covering according to any preceding claim wherein the metal tape comprises a first part and a second part joined end to end, said first part extending from said one end of the first rail to said second rail and the second part extending from said second rail away from the other end of said second rail.

25. A covering according to claim 24 wherein:

each of said first part and said second part has a respective front face opposite a respective rear face, the front and rear faces joining respective edges running along the length of the first and second parts;

the front face of the first part faces towards the material and the front face of the second part faces away from the material; and

said first part and said second part are pretensioned to facilitate bending towards the respective front face.

26. A covering according to claim 24 or 25 further comprising a coupling component for joining respective ends of the first part and the second part.

27. A covering according to claim 26 wherein the second end of the or each cord is secured for movement with the metal tape by means of the coupling component.