AU2017203930B2 - Side track - Google Patents

Abstract

A side track 60 for a blind or awning 10, the side track 60 including an insert runner 61. The insert runner 61 includes an elongate body 62 forming an external key shape and a track body 63 adapted to extend internally and facing a longitudinal centre-line 5 22 of a sheet 21 of the blind or awning 10. The track body 63 includes a slot 64 defining an elongate cavity 65 for receiving and capturing a pronounced side edge 23 of the sheet 21 and a narrow elongate opening 66 to the slot 64. The opening 66 is coextensive with the elongate cavity 65, adapted to receive an inner section 24 of the sheet 21 that is spaced from the pronounced side edge 23, and dimensioned to allow 0 the inner section 24 to travel in a gap defined by the opening 66. side track 60 also includes an outer channel 70i having, when viewed in section, a base wall 71 and a pair of spaced side arms 72a,b defining a recess 73. The outer channel 70i is adapted to be mounted to a side structure, which is, in turn, adapted to support the blind or awning 10. The outer channel 70i is also adapted to receive the insert runner 61 in the 5 recess 73 in any of a range of lateral positions of the insert runner 61 relative to the base wall 71. Accordingly, variations in the lateral spacing of the pronounced feature 23 relative to the side structure can be accommodated by the movability of the insert runner 61 relative to the outer channel 70i. Fig. 3B 93.52 'n ~~40 0T tZ7~ cd©

Description

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SIDE TRACK FIELD OF INVENTION

This invention relates to a side track for an awning or blind. More particularly, this invention relates to a side track for an awning or blind that accommodates lateral dimensional variations.

BACKGROUND ART

The following references to and descriptions of prior proposals or products are not intended to be, and are not to be construed as, statements or admissions of common general knowledge in the art. In particular, the following prior art discussion should not be assumed to relate to what is commonly or well known by the person skilled in the art, but to assist in understanding the inventive process undertaken by the inventor(s) and in the understanding of the invention.

Awning and blind side tracks have been described having a channel that may define an elongate cavity to trap a pronounced feature, such as a kedar, spline or bead, of a paid out flexible sheet. The pronounced feature may improve lateral tension across the paid out sheet. However, as the pronounced feature of the sheet is wound in, the accumulative effect of the greater thickness of the pronounced feature relative to the general thickness of the sheet, tends to cause distortion in the uniformity of the sheet layers, forming undesirable creases and folds.

An object of the present invention is to ameliorate the aforementioned disadvantages of the prior art or to at least provide a useful alternative thereto.

STATEMENT OF INVENTION

The invention according to one or more aspects is as defined in the independent claims. Some optional and/or preferred features of the invention are defined in the dependent claims. Accordingly, in one aspect of the invention there is provided:

A side track for a blind or awning, the side track including:

an insert runner, the insert runner including:

an elongate body forming an external key shape; and

a track body adapted to extend internally and to face a longitudinal centre-line of a sheet of the blind or awning, the track body including:

a slot defining an elongate cavity for receiving and capturing a pronounced feature extending along or near a side edge of the sheet; and a narrow elongate opening to the slot, the opening being: coextensive with the elongate cavity; adapted to receive an inner section of the sheet that is spaced from the side edge; dimensioned to allow the inner section to travel in a gap defined by the opening; and an elongate channel having, when viewed in section, a base wall and a pair of spaced side arms defining a recess, the elongate channel adapted to: be mounted directly or indirectly to a side structure adapted to support the blind or awning; and receive the insert runner in the recess in any of a range of lateral positions of the insert runner relative to the side structure, wherein variations in the lateral spacing of the side edge relative to the side structure are accommodated by the movability of the insert runner relative to the side structure.

OUTER CHANNEL The side track may further include an outer channel. The outer channel may be adapted to receive the elongate channel. The elongate channel may therefore form an intermediate channel interposed between the insert runner and the outer channel. The outer channel may be substantially co-extensive with the intermediate channel along its longitudinal axis.

INTERMEDIATE CHANNEL

The intermediate channel may be substantially co-extensive with the insert runner along its longitudinal axis. The intermediate channel may include an internal recess adapted to capture the elongate body (the rectangular sectioned body of the insert runner). The intermediate channel may be adapted to expose the track body and the slot to receive the pronounced feature. The internal recess may be shaped, in section, to trap the elongate body against lateral, forward or rearward movement relative to the intermediate channel. The elongate body may be substantially rectangular in section and the intermediate channel may be correspondingly shaped for a reasonably close fit. However, the elongate body should be dimensioned and sufficiently adapted to slide relative to the internal recess along, or parallel, to a longitudinal axis of the side track. Accordingly, the elongate body may be entered in an upper or lower opening of the internal recess and trapped therein against lateral movement.

The intermediate channel is preferably adapted to be received in the outer channel, whereby the intermediate channel is able to be laterally adjustably positioned. By this means, preferably during installation, the pronounced feature may be variously laterally positioned relative to the side structure. This may accommodate variations in sideways positioning of the side structure. This may also facilitate easier installation, such that fine tolerances are not required with respect to the spacing of opposed side structures and the attachment of the outer channel thereto.

Moreover, because sheet materials may have a tendency to shrink over time, thereby creating a risk of a tear or uneven stretching of the fabric, the laterally adjustable positioning of the side track may be adapted to accommodate such lateral positioning variations over time. However post-installation, the outer channel and the intermediate channel are preferably fixedly fastened together and would need to be unfastened and refastened together to ensure suitable lateral outward tension is applied to a fully or partially paid out blind sheet.

PRONOUNCEDFEATURE

The pronounced feature may be of consistent cross-section along its length. The pronounced feature may comprise a plurality of discrete pronounced knobs aligned in series. The pronounced feature may be uniformly spaced from the inner section.

Preferably, the side edge is substantially uniformly spaced from the inner section. However, advantageously the inner section may occupy a significant width along or adjacent the side edge of the sheet. Preferably, the inner section is formed by welding, sewing or otherwise attaching a ribbon of material bearing the pronounced feature to the peripheral edge of the sheet. The pronounced feature is preferably in the form of one part of a two-part zip mechanism, the one part comprising a series of zip teeth fixed to a ribbon of material from which the inner section may be formed.

The pronounced feature may comprise a welded narrow strip of plastic flange or bead. The flange or bead should be sufficiently dimensioned to be trapped in the elongate cavity. The flange or bead is preferably thicker in the dimensions that are traverse relative to the general plane in which a paid out sheet lies. Preferably, the pronounced feature is in the form of one half of a zip mechanism. The ribbon strip to which the zip portion is attached may be made from a weldable plastic material. The ribbon material is preferably compatible, in terms of welding or sewing, to the side edge of the sheet material and may be superimposed on the inner section.

SHEET

The sheet may be semi-translucent, non-woven, mesh, such as polyvinylchloride (PVC) or polyethylene (PE), non-wove, mesh. Standard sheet mesh materials of the type traditionally used for blinds and awnings are contemplated as being suitable for this invention. Solid "block-out", translucent or semi-transparent materials, such as those that may be made using PVC, may be used to form the sheet material.

The sheet material may be mounted to a blind roller by attachment of a top edge bead that may be fed into a longitudinal slot extending along one side of the roller. The roller may be motorised or manually driven by a crank. The roller may be spring biased to wind the sheet onto the roller.

LOWER BEAD AND RAIL

The lower end of the sheet may be secured to a lower beam or rail. Accordingly, a bead may be formed that extends along a lower edge of the sheet material. The bead may be formed from a cord or other length of material. The lower bead may be trapped in a groove formed in the lower rail. The lower bead may be slid into the groove with the sheet material extending upwardly through a narrow slot formed in the lower rail.

The lower rail may define an elongate lower cavity into which may be inserted a heavy material or weight. The heavy material or weight may include one or more pieces of heavy material, such as one or more heavy rods. Advantageously, the heavy weights are uniformly spaced, or positioned end on end relative to each other, to provide a uniform tension to the blind sheet. The lower rail weight can be useful to provide tension on the sheet in a downward direction. This may facilitate a better presentation of the sheet with fewer creases and folds.

The lower rail may include spring biased to enable the lower rail to be located at incremental positions along the length of the side track. This forms a position locking mechanism, allowing partial retraction or paying out of the sheet along the length of the side track. The mechanism is particularly useful where the roller is biased to wind back in by a spring mechanism, as found in previously described awning and blind installations.

SIDE SUPPORT

The outer channel may be attached to the side support. The side support may include a building post, door or window jam, or the like. Fasteners, such as rivets, screws, or nut and bolt combinations, may be used, as is standard in the art, to fix the base wall in a substantially vertical orientation. Therefore, the side arms may extend parallel and inwardly towards a centreline between the side tracks.

The intermediate channel may be correspondingly shaped and dimensioned to fit within the outer channel. The intermediate channel may be adapted to "float" in terms of lateral movement within the outer channel, so that the laterally free movement of the intermediate channel may be used to accommodate variations in the lateral positioning of the side support.

RECEIVER

To facilitate entry of the pronounced feature into the slot of the insert runner, an adaptor in the form of an upper receiver may be provided. The receiver preferably includes a wide mouth with a curved and converging pathway to provide guided entry of the pronounced feature into the elongate cavity. Accordingly, the receiver may perform as a feeder of the side edge of the sheet into the insert runner as the sheet is paid out from the roller.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention may be better understood from the following non-limiting description of preferred embodiments, in which: Figures 1A-D show, respectively, top plan, front, side and upper isometric views of an awning made according to a first embodiment of the invention.

Figure 2 is an exploded view of the components of the awning shown in Figures 1A-D; Figure 3A is a top plan sectional view of a side track and part of a sheet according to the first embodiment;

Figure 3B is an upper isometric view of a side track and part of a sheet according to the first embodiment;

Figures 4A-C are, respectively, front, inner side and front sectional views of a side track according to the first embodiment;

Figure 4D is an exploded isometric view of the side track shown in Figures 4A C; Figures 5A-B are, respectively, top plan and upper isometric views of an insert runner according to the first embodiment;

Figures 6A-D are, respectively, top plan, front, side and upper isometric views of the receiver made according to the first embodiment;

Figure 7A is a top plan view of an intermediate channel according to the first embodiment;

Figure 7B shows a view of an intermediate channel similar to that shown in Figure 7A and indicates the position, in ghosted outline, of an elongate body of an insert runner made according to the first embodiment;

Figure 7C is an upper isometric view of the intermediate channel shown in

Figure 7A;

Figures 8A-B are top and bottom elevations of the outer channel made according to the first embodiment;

Figure 8C is an upper isometric view of the outer channel shown in Figure 8;

Figures 9A-B are, respectively, side sectional and upper isometric views of a lower rail made according to the first embodiment; and

Figures 10A - E are, respectively, end, side, internal, left isometric and right isometric views of an end lower rail cap made according to the first embodiment;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Preferred features of the present invention will now be described with particular reference to the accompanying drawings. However, it is to be understood that the features illustrated in and described with reference to the drawings are not to be construed as limiting on the scope of the invention.

The drawings show a side track 60 for a blind or awning 10, the side track 60 including an insert runner 61. The insert runner 61 includes an elongate body 62 forming an external key shape and a track body 63 adapted to extend internally and facing a longitudinal centre-line 22 of a sheet 21 of the blind or awning 10. The track body 63 includes a slot 64 defining an elongate cavity 65 for receiving and capturing a pronounced side edge 23 of the sheet 21 and a narrow elongate opening 66 to the slot 64. The opening 66 is coextensive with the elongate cavity 65, adapted to receive an inner section 24 of the sheet 21 that is spaced from the pronounced side edge 23, and dimensioned to allow the inner section 24 to travel in a gap defined by the opening 66. The side track 60 also includes an outer channel 70i having, when viewed in section, a base wall 71 and a pair of spaced side arms 72a,b defining a recess 73. The outer channel 70i is adapted to be mounted to a side structure, which is, in turn, adapted to support the blind or awning 10.

Referring to Figures 1A-2, there is shown a blind arrangement 10 comprising a blind sheet 20 including a lower rail 30, the blind sheet 20 adapted to be paid out by a roller 40 powered by drive device 50. The blind sheet 20 side edges are guided during pay out and retraction by a pair of spaced side tracks 60.

The drive device 50 may be a motorised mechanism, optionally controlled by a remote control radio device, or may have a spring-loaded bottom rail 34A manual crank handle 51. A hooked pike may be used to rotate the crank handle 51 that depends from a universal hinge having two pivotable axes. The hinge includes a shaft connected to gears housed in a cartridge 53. The gears convert the rotation of the crank handle 51 about a substantially vertical axis 54 into rotational motion about an axis 41 that is substantially normal to the axis 54. The roller mechanism 40 is mounted to side supports (not shown) via L-shaped brackets 42 that are adapted to be mounted to a panel lying in the general plane of a wall substantially parallel to the intended plane of an installed and paid out blind sheet 21. The brackets 42 also fix the gear box or housing 53 against rotation. At a drive end 55a of the roller mechanism 40, the gear housing 53 corporates with a roller shaft 56 that is rotatably fixed to a roller tube 43. The drive end 55a of the roller tube 43 is sealed with a drive end cap 44a. An idler end 55b of the roller tube 43 is capped with an idler end cap 44b and the series of components 53, 44a, 43, 44b are trapped against axial movement along the axis 41 by an idler pin 45. The roller tube 43 comprises a narrow slotted groove 46 along which an upper spline of the blind sheet 21 can be fed to trap the upper edge of the blind sheet 21 therein.

The side track 60 advantageously comprises additional components in the form of an intermediate or elongate channel 70 having an outer base wall 71i and a pair of side walls 72ai and 72bi. The outer channel 70i is adapted to receive the elongate channel 70 in floating relationship during installation.

The intermediate channel 70 is also adapted to receive the insert runner 61 in the recess 73. Because the intermediate channel 70 is adapted to move, pre-installation, relative to the outer channel 70i, any one of a range of lateral positions of the insert runner 61 can be achieved relative to the base wall 71i of the outer channel 70i. Accordingly, in effect, variations in the lateral spacing of the pronounced feature 23 z5 relative to the side structure can be accommodated by the movability of the insert runner 61 housed in the intermediate channel 70 relative to the outer channel 70i.

The intermediate channel 70 is adapted to move laterally relative to the outer channel 70i to enable an installer to achieve a satisfactory blind sheet 21 drop with minimal creasing of the blind sheet 21. The outer channel 70i is initially fixable to side support structures. Once the blind 20 is adjusted to fall in a satisfactory manner, the outer channel 70i and intermediate channel 70 may be fastened to each other. This may be achieved by inserting one or more, and preferably a series of, rivets. The rivets may be applied through the side walls 72ai and 72a in the region of an empty space 74 defined by the base wall 71a, a rear wall 75 of a key-shaped channel 76 that is shaped to receive and trap the elongate body 62 of the insert runner 61. The fastening arrangement permits the track body 63 to project through a front gap 77 in the key shaped channel 76. By inserting the one or more rivets through the side wall 72ai and the side wall 72a, (whilst avoiding the key-shaped channel 76 and the insert runner 61), the intermediate channel 70 and outer channel 70i can be fixed without interfering with the insert runner 61.

There are two versions of a lower rail 30a and 30b. In each case, the lower rail 30a,b is sealed with end caps 31, whereby axially (relative to the longitudinal axis of the lower rail 30) extending tongues or blades 32 locate the lower end caps 31 in lower rail tubes 33a,b. In each case, the lower rail tubes 33a, b are extruded and have a constant cross-section. A lower cavity 34 provides a space for the insertion of a weight 35 which assists in applying the tension and a smooth appearance to the blind sheet 21. Advantageously, the weight 35 may comprise at least one metal rod. The one or more metal rods 35 may be a solid iron or steel. The one or more rods 35 may be suited to slot in the cavity 34. The weight 35 may comprise small pieces of metal inserted end on end in the cavity 34. The weight may comprise a pair of rods 35 inserted at either end of the cavity and optionally spaced from each other. Preferably, the weight is a single rod located centrally or extending substantially the full length of the cavity 34.

Another component of the side track 60 is a receiver 80. The receiver 80 comprises a pair of front legs 85 that straddle the upper sides of the track body 63.

Referring particularly to Figures 3A-6D, the receiver 80 is a unitary moulded piece having a pair of downwardly depending tongues or blades 81 adapted to locate the receiver in the key-shaped channel 76. The receiver 80 includes a mouth 82 with a widened entry relative to the slot 66 that the receiver 80 feeds the pronounced feature 23 into as depicted in Figure 3b. The mouth 82 comprises converging walls 83, including at least one inclined wall 83i that facilitates entry of the pronounced feature 23 and provides a smooth transition to the slot 64. Whereupon the pronounced feature 23 may reciprocate along the linear pathway of the slot 64. Retraction of the blind sheet 21 to its fullest extent onto the roller 41 is limited by the presence of the lower rail 30 at its upper extent of travel. Accordingly, the receiver 80 is useful during installation, but during ongoing operation becomes a permanent fixture that continues to facilitate feeding of the pronounced feature 23 into the slot 64 during payout of the blind sheet 21. The blind sheet includes, at its lower end, a spline 25 that may be trapped in the upper groove formed in the lower rail 30 (see Figures 9a-b).

The blind sheet 21 includes side edges 26 that are welded or stitched to a ribbon of material 27 that terminates at its outer edge with the pronounced feature 23. The pronounced feature 23 is preferably one half component of a zip. The half zip component 23 has a low profile and substantially the same depth as the dimensions of the combination of the weld of the ribbon 27 on the side edge 26. The weld of ribbon

27 to the side edge 26 extends a substantial width of between 10 mm - 25 mm, such that the superimposed sections of weld material 27 may be rolled onto each other when the roller 43 retracts blind 21. The winding in of the blind sheet 21 onto the roller 43, and the rolling of sections of the pronounced feature 23 onto one another on the roller 43, result in a substantially smooth and even roll of material that tends not to bunch or undesirably crease across the side edge 26 and the body of material of the blind sheet 21. The depth of the ribbon material 27 is sufficiently narrow to travel linearly in the slot 64, whilst the greater depth of the pronounced feature 23 ensures that the pronounced feature 23 is trapped in the track body 63.

The lower rail 33 comprises an extrusion best shown in Figures 9A-B and is sealed with end caps 31 that initially locate in the respective ends 38 of the lower rail 33 by means of a plurality of blades 32 that corporate with axially aligned cavities 39a, b. The lower rail 33 receives a pair of axially extending lateral pins 37i that extend through apertures 37ii. By this means, the pins 37i releasably and selectively engage with corresponding apertures (not shown) formed in the side track 60. The pins 37i are spring loaded and may be operated by a rotatable handle 90 that actuates a pair of rods (not shown) extending from the handle 90 to the pins 37i. Apertures 31a may be used to secure the end cap 31 to the side walls of the lower rail 30.

DEFINITIONS

Throughout the specification and claims the word "comprise" and its derivatives are intended to have an inclusive rather than exclusive meaning unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise. That is, the word "comprise" and its derivatives will be taken to indicate the inclusion of not only the listed components, steps or features that it directly references, but also other components, steps or features not specifically listed, unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise. Reference to a "blind" or to an "awning" is considered equivalent and, in the context of this specification, are interchangeable terms.

In the present specification, terms such as "apparatus", "means", "device" and "member" may refer to singular or plural items and are terms intended to refer to a set of properties, functions or characteristics performed by one or more items or components having one or more parts. It is envisaged that where an "apparatus", "means", "device" or'"member" or similar term is described as being a unitary object, then a functionally equivalent object having multiple components is considered to fall within the scope of the term, and similarly, where an "apparatus", "assembly", "means", "device" or "member" is described as having multiple components, a functionally equivalent but unitary object is also considered to fall within the scope of the term, unless the contrary is expressly stated or the context requires otherwise.

Orientational terms used in the specification and claims such as vertical, horizontal, top, bottom, upper and lower are to be interpreted as relational and are based on the premise that the component, item, article, apparatus, device or instrument will usually be considered in a particular orientation, typically with the roller tube 43 uppermost. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that many modifications and variations may be made to the methods of the invention described herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

Claims (15)

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A side track for a blind or awning, the side track including:

(1) an insert runner, the insert runner including:

(a) an elongate body forming an external key shape; and

(b) a track body adapted to extend internally and to face a longitudinal centre line of a sheet of the blind or awning, the track body including:

(i) a slot defining an elongate cavity for receiving and capturing a pronounced side edge of the sheet; and

(ii) a narrow elongate opening to the slot, the opening being:

(x) coextensive with the elongate cavity;

(y) adapted to receive an inner section of the sheet that is spaced from the pronounced side edge; and

(z) dimensioned to allow the inner section to travel in a gap defined by the opening; and

(2) an intermediate channel having, when viewed in section, a base wall and a pair of spaced side arms defining a recess, the intermediate channel adapted to:

(a) be mounted to a side structure adapted to support the blind or awning;

(b) receive the insert runner in the recess in any of a range of lateral positions of the insert runner relative to the base wall; and

(c) be substantially co-extensive with the insert runner along its longitudinal axis,

wherein:

variations in the lateral spacing of the pronounced side edge relative to the side structure are accommodated by the insert runner being movable relative to the side structure;

the side track further includes an outer channel, the intermediate channel adapted to be interposed between the outer channel and the insert runner such that it is in floating relationship with the outer channel.

2. A side track as defined in Claim 1, wherein the floating relationship of the intermediate channel permits lateral movement within the outer channel pre installation, and is fixed relative to the outer channel post-installation.

3. A side track as defined in Claim 1 or 2, wherein, before installation of the side track, the intermediate channel is adapted to move relative to the outer channel to assume any one of a range of lateral positions of the insert runner relative to a base wall of the outer channel, whereby variations in the lateral spacing of the pronounced feature relative to the side structure can be accommodated by the movability of the insert runner housed in the intermediate channel relative to the outer channel.

4. A side track as defined in any one of Claims I to 3, wherein the intermediate channel is adapted to move laterally relative to the outer channel to enable an installer to achieve a satisfactory drop of the sheet with minimal creasing of the sheet.

5. A side track as defined in Claim 4, wherein the outer channel is adapted to be initially fixable to the side support structures and once the blind is adjusted to fall in a satisfactory manner, the outer channel and intermediate channel fastenable to each other.

6. A side track as defined in Claim 4 or 5, wherein the intermediate channel includes an internal recess adapted to capture the elongate body of the insert runner.

7. A side track as defined in any one of Claims 4 to 6, wherein the intermediate channel is adapted to expose the track body that has a slot to receive the pronounced feature.

8. A side track as defined in Claim 6 or 7, wherein the internal recess is shaped, in section, to trap the elongate body against lateral, forward or rearward movement relative to the intermediate channel.

9. A side track as defined in any one of Claims 4 to 8, wherein the intermediate channel is adapted to be received in the outer channel and the intermediate channel is able to be laterally adjustably positioned during installation of the awning or blind.

10. A side track as defined in any one of Claims I to 9, wherein the pronounced feature is consistent in cross-section along its length.

11. A side track as defined in any one of Claims 1 to 10, wherein the pronounced feature comprises a plurality of discrete pronounced knobs aligned in series.

12. A side track as defined in any one of Claims I to 10, wherein the pronounced feature is in the form of one part of a two-part zip mechanism.

13. A side track as defined in any one of Claims I to 12, wherein the lower end of the sheet is secured to a lower rail defining an elongate lower cavity for receiving a heavy material or weight.

14. A side track as defined in any one of Claims I to 13, further including a receiver to facilitate entry of the pronounced feature into the slot of the insert runner,

15. A side track as defined in Claim 14, wherein the receiver includes a wide mouth with a curved and converging pathway to provide guided entry of the pronounced feature into the elongate cavity.

EDITORIAL NOTE

2017203930 2017203930

- There are 6 pages of Drawings only