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WO2012004576A1 - Écran de protection à fermeture automatique - Google Patents

Écran de protection à fermeture automatique Download PDF

Info

Publication number
WO2012004576A1
WO2012004576A1 PCT/GB2011/001042 GB2011001042W WO2012004576A1 WO 2012004576 A1 WO2012004576 A1 WO 2012004576A1 GB 2011001042 W GB2011001042 W GB 2011001042W WO 2012004576 A1 WO2012004576 A1 WO 2012004576A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
screen
housing unit
closing
counterweight
roller
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/GB2011/001042
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
Kirin Kopalan
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
ROLLATHERM DESIGNS Ltd
Original Assignee
ROLLATHERM DESIGNS Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by ROLLATHERM DESIGNS Ltd filed Critical ROLLATHERM DESIGNS Ltd
Publication of WO2012004576A1 publication Critical patent/WO2012004576A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
    • E06B9/56—Operating, guiding or securing devices or arrangements for roll-type closures; Spring drums; Tape drums; Counterweighting arrangements therefor
    • E06B9/60—Spring drums operated only by closure members
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
    • A47F3/00—Show cases or show cabinets
    • A47F3/004—Show cases or show cabinets adjustable, foldable or easily dismountable
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A47—FURNITURE; DOMESTIC ARTICLES OR APPLIANCES; COFFEE MILLS; SPICE MILLS; SUCTION CLEANERS IN GENERAL
    • A47F—SPECIAL FURNITURE, FITTINGS, OR ACCESSORIES FOR SHOPS, STOREHOUSES, BARS, RESTAURANTS OR THE LIKE; PAYING COUNTERS
    • A47F3/00—Show cases or show cabinets
    • A47F3/04—Show cases or show cabinets air-conditioned, refrigerated
    • A47F3/0439—Cases or cabinets of the open type
    • A47F3/0469—Details, e.g. night covers

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to a novel form of roller blind, new apparatus and methods related thereto.
  • the present invention relates to a novel roller blind and a novel roller blind system for use, for example, in connection with display cabinets, such as chiller or refrigerator cabinets, tobacco cabinets or drink cabinets and similar such cabinets wherein there is a desires to screen the produce from the consumer at a chosen time.
  • display cabinets such as chiller or refrigerator cabinets, tobacco cabinets or drink cabinets and similar such cabinets wherein there is a desires to screen the produce from the consumer at a chosen time.
  • Optimum operating temperature for a chiller cabinet is from about 2 to 4°C, less for a freezer cabinet.
  • Many different methods of screening chilled or frozen produce have been developed.
  • For refrigerated retail displays it is desirable to provide a screen that can be operated by the customer, for example, in shopping stores, supermarkets and the like, without creating an obstruction when the doors of such cabinets are opened. Thus, screens may be seen as an obstruction to the consumer.
  • Glass doors, and especially double glazed glass doors are often used, especially for chiller cabinets or freezer units that have a "vertical" display of the produce.
  • sliding doors have been developed to try to minimise the obstruction that may be created when such doors are opened.
  • all glass doors suffer from the disadvantage that a cold air barrier is created directly on the inside of the glass panel. This can lead to excessive condensation thus restricting visibility and deterring the customer from purchasing the produce.
  • Sliding doors are beneficial in that the cause less of an obstruction than conventionally hinged doors, but they are particularly susceptible to being inadvertently left open by the consumer.
  • European Patent Application No. 1 158 135 describes a horizontally sliding screen for, e.g. French doors, comprising a roll-back mechanism provided with a spring and a weight wherein the load of the weight is less than or equal than the force of the spring.
  • a roll-back mechanism provided with a spring and a weight wherein the load of the weight is less than or equal than the force of the spring.
  • Such an arrangement is not suitable for use in connection with a chiller or freezer cabinet, since, inter alia, it does not act as a self closing barrier or screen, and in fact arranged to be urged to an open position.
  • PCT/GB2010/000098 describes a lightweight and inexpensive self-closing cabinet screen for use as a screen with, for example, chiller cabinets. More specifically, PCT/GB2010/000098 describes a horizontally slidable self-closing screen assembly which comprises at least one screen material connected to a roller biasing the screen to an open position, the roller being operably connected to a counterweight and wherein the load provided by the weight is greater than the force provided by the roller biasing the screen.
  • PCT/GB2010/000098 essentially describes a horizontally slidable self-closing screen assembly in which a screen comprises a pair of slidable screening elements which are adapted to be fully opened by, for example, the consumer to allow access to the retail article(s).
  • a horizontally slidable self-closing screen assembly which comprises at least one screen material connected to a roller biasing the screen to an open position, the roller being operably connected to a counterweight and wherein the load provided by the weight is greater than the force provided by the roller biasing the screen and wherein the assembly is provided with an environment control system.
  • Biasing means for the roller may comprise conventional means used in a roller blind.
  • the biasing means may be, for example, a spring biasing means optionally inside the roller, such as a torsion spring.
  • the assembly according to the invention preferentially operates by being opened manually and upon release, the screen will close. Therefore, as hereinbefore described, the load provided by the counterweight should be greater than the load provided by the spring biasing the roller.
  • the difference between the load provided by the spring and the load provided by the counterweight may vary and may influence the speed and or strength at which the screen closes.
  • the counterweight may have a load which is from 5 to 50% greater than the spring load, or from 10 to 30 % greater than the springload, or from 20% to 30% greater than the spring load, e.g. 25% greater than the spring load.
  • the assembly may be provided with a spring which has a load of about 1.2kg.
  • the counterweight must be greater than the spring load, however, if the counterweight is too light, compared to the spring load, then the screen may close too slowly. Similarly, if the counterweight is too heavy then the screen may close too quickly and may have the potential to cause injury.
  • the counterweight should be from about 1.3kg to about 1.7kg, preferably from about 1.4kg to about 1.6kg, more preferably from about 1.45kg to about 1.55kg and most preferably about 1.5kg.
  • the ratio of the load of the spring versus the load of the counterweight may be from 1:1.08 to 1.42, preferably from about 1:1.17 to about 1.33, more preferably from about 1:1.21 to about 1:1.29 and most preferably about 1:1.36.
  • the screen which, in use, may be horizontally mounted will comprise a first end which is openable and which travels when the screen is opened and closed. This first end is distal to the torsioned spring roller assembly unit.
  • the second end of the screen is connected to the torsioned spring roller assembly unit and thus when the screen is opened this end is wrapped around the roller.
  • the counterweight is preferentially operably linked to the distal first end of the screen and therefore when a user opens the screen, the screen is urged to wrap around the roller and the counterweight will be raised.
  • the operation of gravity on the counterweight and the greater load provided by the counterweight when compared to the torsion spring of the roller counterweight, urges the screen to close. Therefore, it is desirable that the distal end of the screen is operably linked to the counterweight.
  • the distal end of the screen is operably linked to the counterweight via a cable, cord or wire, etc.
  • the cable is preferentially connected between the screen and the counterweight via a pulley.
  • the screen is provided with a pair of connections to the counterweight.
  • the first end of the screen may be operably connected to the counterweight as hereinbefore described adjacent to its upper end and adjacent its lower end.
  • This pair of connections is advantageous in that it enables the screen to open, and especially to close, more smoothly.
  • the use of a pair of screens as described herein is advantageous in that, inter alia, it provides convenient access for the consumer to the merchandise.
  • a single self-closing barrier screen a single screen necessarily increases the profile diameter of the roller when the screen is in the open position and thereby the frame housing the assembly must be larger to accommodate this.
  • the environment control system as hereinbefore described is generally adapted to control, for example, the lighting, temperature, humidity, etc. of the cabinet.
  • the environment control system is especially designed to be connected, mechanically, electronically, wirelessly, etc to the screen assembly of the cabinet, such that, in use, when a customer or a retailer operates the screen assembly (opening or closing) the environment control system may, for example, brighten or dim the environment by operation of the lighting system, warm or cool the environment or adjust the humidity of the environment by operation of one or more fans or pumps, etc.
  • the screen may comprise a thermal insulation barrier.
  • the screen may comprise a thermally insulating fabric or film.
  • An example of such a thermally insulating film may be a film comprising a polymer or co-polymer.
  • examples of such polymer may be polyvinyl acetate (PVA) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and the like.
  • PVA polyvinyl acetate
  • PVC polyvinyl chloride
  • the screen may comprise a substantially transparent material. This is especially preferred if the screen is fitted to a display cabinet, such as a freezer or chiller cabinet.
  • Polymer films as hereinbefore described, such as PVA or PVC films are suitably available as transparent films which may be used in the assembly of the present invention.
  • the screen may comprise a perforated material.
  • a perforated material is advantageous in that, inter alia, the perforations may prevent condensation from forming and thus enable the screen to maintain its transparency and provide good visibility, enabling customers to view the products on display in the cabinet.
  • the assembly as hereinbefore described may be placed in a housing unit.
  • the housing unit may comprise a facia that is mountable on existing display or chiller cabinets.
  • the use of such a housing unit allows the screen assembly of the invention to be easily fitted in situ.
  • a further advantage as hereinbefore described is that the housing for use in connection with a pair of screens may be peripherally smaller than a hosing used with a conventional roller blind assembly, thus increasing merchandise visibility and accessibility.
  • the assembly may desirably be arranged so that a cover of the assembly may be easily removed. This is especially beneficial for use where a chiller cabinet houses fresh produce as it facilitates ease of access for cleaning, etc. Therefore, according to a further aspect of the invention we provide a housing unit adapted to contain or containing a slidable self-closing screen assembly which comprises at least one screen material connected to a roller biasing the screen to an open position, the roller being operably connected to a counterweight and wherein the load provided by the weight is greater than the force provided by the roller biasing the screen.
  • the housing unit may be provided with one or more channels in which the one or more pulleys may sit.
  • the one or more pulleys are provided with a smooth travelling surface.
  • each travelling pulley is provided with its own channel.
  • the unit may operate satisfactorily with a single slidable screen.
  • the unit is provided with a pair of screens each of which is slidable.
  • Each of the screens may be independently slidable or may be operably linked to each other so that when a user slides one screen both screens slide open and/or closed.
  • a cabinet such as a chiller cabinet, display cabinet, etc. fitted with a screen assembly and/or a housing unit as hereinbefore described.
  • the screen assembly or the unit may be fitted with one or more sensors, which might be beneficial as an additional safety measure, alternatively or in addition, if a sensor is e.g. a motion sensor, it may enable the opening and/or closing of the screen to be automated.
  • a sensor e.g. a motion sensor
  • Such an arrangement may be especially advantageous for marketing merchandise to certain customer or for customers that are infirm or are not able bodied.
  • automatic opening and/or closing sensor may be operate a microwave Doppler action or may comprise active or passive infrared detection which detects the motion of a person approaching the cabinet or screen.
  • Such sensors may be used to detect movement of a person approaching the screen and thus the screen may be automated and set to open when a person is in the vicinity.
  • the screen may, for example, be connected to one or more motors.
  • the assembly may use conventionally known motors which may be mechanical, pneumatic, electrical or kinetic in nature.
  • the automated assembly may use one or more actuators.
  • the one or more actuators according to this aspect of the invention may be pneumatic or electrical actuators. If more than one actuator or motor is present they may be the same or different.
  • the assembly may include a counterweight as hereinbefore described or may the assembly may rely solely on the use of the one or more motors. It will be understood by the person skilled in the art that when the assembly includes a motor, this may optionally be with or without the use of a sensor.
  • the assembly may be maintained in the open position by the use of one or more magnets, for example, electro magnets.
  • the one or more magnets according to this aspect of the invention may optionally be part of a timed relay that is adjustable so that the amount of time the assembly is held in the open position can be a manufacturers fixed setting or may be adjusted, e.g. manually, to suit user requirements.
  • this system may also incorporate a manual override capable of being operated to keep the doors open for unlimited periods to allow access for longer periods of time.
  • a manual override capable of being operated to keep the doors open for unlimited periods to allow access for longer periods of time.
  • Such a system is advantageous, inter alia, it allows the screen to be maintained in the open position to permit the stocking of shelves, maintenance, etc.
  • kits comprising, in a first part, at least one screen material; in a second part, a roller assembly including a torsion spring, a counterweight and pulley system and wherein the load provided by the weight is greater than the force provided by the roller biasing the screen; and optionally in a third part a housing unit adapted to contain a slidable screen assembly.
  • a method of screening a cabinet which comprises fitting to a cabinet at least one screen material connected to a roller biasing the screen to an open position, the roller being operably connected to a counterweight and wherein the load provided by the weight is greater than the force provided by the roller biasing the screen and wherein the assembly is provided with an environment control system.
  • the method comprises fitting to a cabinet a screen assembly in a housing unit as hereinbefore described.
  • the assembly of the present invention, unit or kit of the present invention is advantageous in that, inter alia, it proposes a frame that incorporates two vertically positioned self-retracting blinds. This will then create a self closing barrier screen that can be fitted to the front of a cabinet. When fitted the self closing barrier screen will be in the closed position. This means that the two screens (left & right) will meet in the centre, thus creating a thermal barrier, keeping the cold air in and the warm air out.
  • the fabric will be of a transparent nature with a special perforation.
  • the perforation will prevent condensation from forming and thus provide good visibility and enable the customer to view the product on the shelf.
  • the customer pushes aside the relative left or right side screen to access the product.
  • the relative left or right screen will then close automatically to centre slowly.
  • the screen assembly of the invention may be utilised as a thermal screen for any thermally insulated cabinet, such as a chilled cabinet, a refrigerator or freezer or the like or a cabinet which displays warmed, e.g. ready to eat, food.
  • the screen assembly can be used as a Secure-Self Closing Barrier Screen. This can be used in conjunction with many applications where a Self-Closing Barrier Screen is required, e.g. cabinets, doorways, shelving and windows etc, etc.
  • the assembly may be used in conjunction with a tear or slash resistant fabric or other material in a secure cabinet for the storage and/or display of restricted products, such as cigarettes or other tobacco products or high value products.
  • Figure 1 illustrates the function of a Left hand side screen
  • Figure 2 illustrates the function of a Right hand side screen.
  • the left hand side screen function is described.
  • a charged torsion spring assembly (17) is responsible for retracting the fabric (12), evenly into the roller blind unit (19).
  • This charged spring assembly (17) is responsible for retracting the fabric (12), evenly into the roller blind unit (19).
  • the pulley cable (6) is then routed through the frame and connects to the weight (3).
  • the weight (3) acts as a constant load. This load is constantly pulling the vertical beam (14), and therefore keeping it in the close position at the centre line (4), by means of a stop.
  • the right hand side screen function is described.
  • a charged torsion spring assembly (18) is responsible for retracting the fabric (21), evenly into the roller blind unit (20).
  • This charged spring assembly (18) is responsible for retracting the fabric (21), evenly into the roller blind unit (20).
  • the pulley cable (11) is then routed through the frame and connects to the weight (9).
  • the weight (9), acts as a constant load. This load is constantly pulling the vertical beam (13), and therefore keeping it in the close position at the centre line (4), by means of a stop.

Landscapes

  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Structural Engineering (AREA)
  • Architecture (AREA)
  • Civil Engineering (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Operating, Guiding And Securing Of Roll- Type Closing Members (AREA)

Abstract

La présente invention concerne un ensemble écran coulissant horizontalement et se fermant automatiquement. Il est constitué d'au moins un matériau écran relié à un cylindre agissant sur l'écran de façon à l'amener en position ouverte. Ce cylindre est fonctionnellement relié à un contrepoids, la charge produite par le poids étant supérieure à la force transmise par le cylindre agissant sur l'écran. L'ensemble est en outre pourvu d'un système de contrôle de l'environnement. L'invention concerne également un carter contenant l'ensemble écran coulissant, lequel ensemble est pourvu d'un système de contrôle d'environnement et d'une armoire équipée d'un tel carter.
PCT/GB2011/001042 2010-07-08 2011-07-08 Écran de protection à fermeture automatique Ceased WO2012004576A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
GB1011533.5 2010-07-08
GBGB1011533.5A GB201011533D0 (en) 2010-07-08 2010-07-08 Self-closing barrier screen

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO2012004576A1 true WO2012004576A1 (fr) 2012-01-12

Family

ID=42712112

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/GB2011/001042 Ceased WO2012004576A1 (fr) 2010-07-08 2011-07-08 Écran de protection à fermeture automatique

Country Status (2)

Country Link
GB (1) GB201011533D0 (fr)
WO (1) WO2012004576A1 (fr)

Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4344310A1 (de) * 1992-12-23 1994-06-30 Linde Ag Verkaufskühltruhe
EP1158135A1 (fr) 2000-05-15 2001-11-28 Gianus S.p.A. Moustiquaire à rouleau à déroulement horizontal assisté par ressort pour passages
DE202007015832U1 (de) * 2007-11-13 2008-03-13 Carrier Corp., Farmington Kühlverkaufsmöbel mit elektrisch angetriebenem Rollo
WO2010084321A1 (fr) * 2009-01-23 2010-07-29 Therma Screens Limited Écran barrière à fermeture automatique

Patent Citations (4)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE4344310A1 (de) * 1992-12-23 1994-06-30 Linde Ag Verkaufskühltruhe
EP1158135A1 (fr) 2000-05-15 2001-11-28 Gianus S.p.A. Moustiquaire à rouleau à déroulement horizontal assisté par ressort pour passages
DE202007015832U1 (de) * 2007-11-13 2008-03-13 Carrier Corp., Farmington Kühlverkaufsmöbel mit elektrisch angetriebenem Rollo
WO2010084321A1 (fr) * 2009-01-23 2010-07-29 Therma Screens Limited Écran barrière à fermeture automatique

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
GB201011533D0 (en) 2010-08-25

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