AU2020289813B2

AU2020289813B2 - A louvre blade mounting assembly

Info

Publication number: AU2020289813B2
Application number: AU2020289813A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Kim Uren; Martin Uren
Original assignee: Fa Fm Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Fa Fm Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2019-12-20
Filing date: 2020-12-17
Publication date: 2026-01-08
Anticipated expiration: 2040-12-17
Also published as: AU2020289813A1

Abstract

The present invention relates to a louvre blade mounting assembly configured to support a louvre blade end, the mounting assembly including a gimbal which is connected at one of its ends to the louvre blade and interfaces at its opposed end with a mounting rail in a ball-and-socket configuration that allows angular adjustment of the louvre blade. The present invention further relates to a louvre blade including a louvre blade mounting assembly for supporting a louvre blade between two mounting assemblies disposed at opposite ends thereof. The present invention also relates to an operable louvre blade system including a plurality of such louvre blades and associated mounting assemblies.

Description

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A LOUVRE BLADE MOUNTING ASSEMBLY FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to a louvre blade mounting assembly configured to support a louvre blade end, the mounting assembly including a gimbal which is connected at one of its ends to the louvre blade and interfaces at its opposed end with a 2020289813

mounting rail in a ball-and-socket configuration that allows angular adjustment of the louvre blade. The present invention further relates to a louvre blade including a louvre blade mounting assembly for supporting a louvre blade between two mounting assemblies disposed at opposite ends thereof. The present invention also relates to an operable louvre blade system including a plurality of such louvre blades and associated mounting assemblies.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] An operable louvre roof system is a product which is typically installed in outdoor environments to provide overhead control of external weather conditions. Such systems typically comprise a plurality of parallel louvre blades wherein each blade includes a rotatable connection junction at each end of the blade that interfaces with a mounting rail. The configuration of the connection junctions vary in different louvre blade systems, but each typically includes either a pin (pressed into a correspondingly sized opening in the louvre blade end) or a cylindrical rod element (formed as part of an end cap which is then fitted to the end of the louvre blade). Each of these solutions involves one or more components of a rotatable connection junction interfacing with the blade mounting rail element.

[0003] The mounting rail is typically fixed horizontally onto the face of a vertical beam frame element, and mounting rails at opposed ends of the blades are vertically displaced by a small dimension to create a fall across the louvre blades to ensure water runoff. Such louvre systems typically include a gutter extending beneath the mounting rail to capture water runoff from ends of the louvre blades when in the closed position, and direct same towards a downpipe. The downpipe may be newly installed as part of installing the louvre system or may be pre-existing, i.e. forming part of an existing roof system. A typical installation method in existing roof systems is to locate the downpipe and then fix the mounting rails to ensure that the lowest point of the louvre blades corresponds with the

location of the downpipe. The mounting rails are usually mounted at an angle that ensures that a declining pitch of a minimum of 1 degree of fall is achieved, but this can increase to as much 3 degrees in high rainfall locations. The skilled addressee would appreciate that mounting the louvre blades in this way means that the louvre blades will be located higher at one mounting end as compared with the other, and more often than not, there will be a twist in the louvre roof whereby the pitch angle and/or pitch direction of the blades is not constant across the entire span of the roof. 2020289813

[0004] Each of the louvre blades is typically connected, and thereby made to move in unison, via one or more drive rails. A drive rail typically extends across one end (or both ends on larger roofs) of each of the louvre blades, in a direction substantially parallel with the mounting rails, and interacts with a drive means (typically a linear actuator motor) which is operable to provide a linear motion of the rod that translates to a rotational motion of the blades. Motion of the drive rail in one direction may cause the louvre blades to rotate in a direction which results in an opening of the louvre roof, and motion of the drive rail in the opposite direction may cause the louvre blades to rotate in an opposite direction resulting in a closing of the louvre roof.

[0005] Some of the “pin mounted” design solutions that exist require the use of several different sized pin components, i.e. one large central pin may be used to manage and deal with the rotational and applied load forces associated with rotation of the louvre blade, whereas smaller pins may be used at the interface junction to the drive rail for example where applied forces are much less. Therefore, in every installed louvre blade, at least two different pins are used. Sometimes a third pin is required at the non-motor end of each louvre blade, the third pin being shorter in length as compared with the central mounting pin on the opposite end.

[0006] A pin mounted louvre blade, as described above, usually involves a free end of the pin being fitted into a receiving slot or channel that starts at each end of the mounting rail and extends along a front face thereof. The channels associated with mounting rails at each end of a louvre blade allow the pins to slide along during installation of the louvre blade until the louvre blade is correctly positioned along the rail without becoming detached. When the pins are moved to their desired position along the rail, they may then be fixed off by another mounting rail element or by some other method such that they are prevented from further sliding along the rail. This type of mechanical

(usually metal on metal) connection has tolerance for only minimal, angular adjustment of the pin (and hence the associated louvre blade), and they are not specifically designed to cope with fall or twist. This will typically result in increased frictional load on the pins, and indeed on all rotating parts, which can then translate to increased load on the drive means operable to cause rotation of the blades. The skilled addressee would understand, particularly in view of the applied forces of a linear actuator motor for lifting and for rotating a panel of louvre blades (which may include up to fourty or more blades), how such motion 2020289813

over an extended period of time can result in wear and increased friction, which may ultimately lead to the failure of components. There have been attempts at designing an interface between blade and mounting rail with some allowance, but it means creating slop or tolerance between parts which can induce rattle or excessive flex.

[0007] Additional problems which have been recognized in existing louvre systems as a result (either directly or indirectly) of the above described interface between each louvre blade pin and mounting rail include, but are not limited to, excessive noise (squeaking and rattle as described above) during rotation, the inability to cope with the effects of extreme weather conditions (including expansion and contraction, and degradation due to UV sunlight) across varying climate zones, and ingress of debris due to the rail channel configuration and general arrangement of components.

[0008] The particular mounting configuration of some existing louvre blades also gives rise to installation difficulties (and hence increased installation time and cost). In the pin-mounted example described above, because the pin only allows for minimal angular adjustment of the louvre blade, there is minimal tolerance to any errors when connecting the blade at one end at one height and the opposed end at another height. In addition, such louvre systems require all the louvre blades to slide into the mounting rail frame from an end of the mounting rail, meaning repairs or replacement of blades in the middle of a louvre roof system is difficult and time consuming since outer blades at one end of the system need to be removed to enable access to central blades.

[0009] Accordingly, it is the interface between the mounting rail and the pins in existing louvre systems that typically gives rise to increased installation complexity, time and costs, and increased maintenance and/or replacement costs due to component wear. An exacerbating factor can also be extremes in weather conditions which can further compromise the operational performance of such systems, particularly since the pin-

mounted systems are designed and arranged such that they are not substantially closed systems and hence are typically exposed to the elements. Moreover, since most of the components are metal (usually aluminium) and, fastening means such as teks® screw fixings or self-tapping hex head fixings are not concealed from view and may be unsightly and “industrial looking” when viewed from beneath the roof system. Furthermore, such systems do not easily accommodate the installation of lighting and associated low voltage cabling. 2020289813

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to overcome at least some of the aforementioned problems or to provide the public with a useful alternative.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0011] In one aspect, the present invention provides a louvre blade mounting assembly for supporting the ends of louvre blades, each louvre blade including a longitudinal axis and operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis between an open and a closed position, the louvre blade mounting assembly including a substantially hollow, elongate mounting rail extrusion that includes a plurality of mounting portions spaced 2020289813

along the front of the extrusion, wherein a rear web portion of the mounting rail extrusion is configured to enable attachment of the mounting rail extrusion to a supporting structure, a gimbal extending substantially along or parallel to each louvre blade longitudinal axis, the gimbal including a first end releasably attached or integral with the first end of the louvre blade, and a second end configured to interface with a mounting portion of the mounting rail extrusion attached to the supporting structure along a substantially transverse axis relative to the louvre blade longitudinal axis, the interface including engagement between a substantially spherical head at the gimbal second end and a gimbal housing associated with the mounting portion configured to support the spherical head in a ball-and-socket configuration thereby enabling the gimbal second end to be supported whilst allowing an angle of the first end of the gimbal and hence the associated louvre blade to be adjustable relative to the gimbal second end.

[0012] The skilled addressee would appreciate that a louvre blade mounting assembly configured in this way ensures that, during installation of a louvre blade system incorporating the mounting assembly (for example), and particularly in circumstances where a louvre blade mounting rail is vertically displaced from the mounting assembly at the opposed end of the blades, the louvre blades can be supported in a manner that allows them to be appropriately angled to facilitate installation without compromising the structural integrity of the mounting rail / blade interface, whilst also providing maximum tolerance for errors.

[0013] In an embodiment, the mounting rail portion interfaces with the second end of the gimbal in a ball-and-socket configuration.

[0014] In an embodiment, the gimbal first end and associated louvre blade are adjustable to an angle between 0º and ±20º from a horizontal axis extending longitudinally through the interface.

[0015] In an embodiment, the gimbal first end and associated louvre blade are adjustable to an angle between 0º and ±5º from a horizontal axis extending longitudinally through the interface.

[0016] In an embodiment, the gimbal first end and associated louvre blade are adjustable to an angle between 0º and ±3.5º from a horizontal axis extending longitudinally through the interface. 2020289813

[0017] In an embodiment, the gimbal is releasably attached to the first end of the louvre blade and includes a gimbal body providing a threaded section at the gimbal first end.

[0018] In an embodiment, the spherical head is integrally formed with the gimbal body.

[0019] In an embodiment, the gimbal body and spherical head are hollow and include an abutment surface adjacent the gimbal second end inside the gimbal spherical head, wherein the threaded section at the gimbal first end is a male threaded section associated with a bolt that extends through and beyond an end of the gimbal body, and includes a head portion configured to abut with the abutment surface.

[0020] In an embodiment, the louvre blade forms part of a series of parallel louvre blades, and the louvre blade includes a pair of spaced apart walls that connect along a first and a second longitudinal edge of the louvre blade, each wall having a substantially concave surface defining a substantially hollow interior. The lower surface of the louvre blade may be configured to house an LED lighting strip such that an exposed surface of the LED lighting strip sits flush with said lower surface of the louvre blade.

[0021] In an embodiment, the louvre blade includes a plurality of cross members extending transversely between the walls.

[0022] In an embodiment, the first and second longitudinal edges extend substantially parallel with the louvre blade longitudinal axis, and the series of louvre blades includes a first and a second adjacent louvre blade, the first edge of the louvre blade configured to receive a second edge of the first adjacent louvre blade when the blades are rotated towards the closed position, and the second edge of the louvre blade configured to be received in the first edge of the second adjacent louvre blade when the blades are rotated towards the closed position.

[0023] In an embodiment, the louvre blade first end includes an aperture disposed inside the hollow interior of the louvre blade between the pair of spaced apart side walls, the aperture supported by one or more of the cross members and including a female threaded section, the female threaded section configured to engage with the male threaded section of said gimbal bolt such that when the male and female threaded sections are engaged, the bolt is caused to rotate together with the rotating louvre blade. According to a particular embodiment, the bolt is a socket head cap screw. 2020289813

[0024] In an alternate embodiment, the louvre blade aperture is not threaded, and the gimbal bolt is self-tapping. According to a particular embodiment, the bolt is a self-tapping stainless steel bolt which is pre-coated with lock tight and which an external torx drive head.

[0025] In an embodiment, rotation of the louvre blade and bolt causes rotation of the gimbal body and associated spherical head. However, there may be certain conditions that cause the bolt to rotate freely inside the aperture and there are no adverse consequences in the event such rotation occurs.

[0026] In an embodiment, the substantially hollow, elongate mounting rail extrusion defines one or more internal chambers, and each mounting portion includes an opening into at least one of the internal chambers for receiving the gimbal housing.

[0027] In an embodiment, the mounting portion extends substantially horizontally and the gimbal housing is received vertically in the opening, thereby enabling the gimbal second end to be received vertically in the gimbal housing.

[0028] In an embodiment, the gimbal housing includes an internal dimension that substantially corresponds with an outer dimension of the gimbal spherical head such that the gimbal housing partially encases the spherical head in a snug fit and thereby supports the gimbal second end in said ball-and-socket configuration that enables multi-directional movement of a free end of the louvre blade relative to the mounting portion.

[0029] In an embodiment, the gimbal housing includes a lower portion and two upright side portions which together form the internal dimension that substantially corresponds with the outer dimension of the spherical head, the upright side portions including one or more panels having fitment lugs on an outer surface thereof configured to snap fit into the mounting rail portion opening.

[0030] In an embodiment, the gimbal housing includes an open upper end having an upper perimeter defined by the upright side portions, wherein the upright side portions further define front and rear primary cutouts extending downwardly from the upper perimeter of the gimbal housing and wherein the gimbal extends out of the mounting portion through the front primary cutout.

[0031] In an embodiment, the upright side portions further define secondary side 2020289813

cutouts that extend downwardly from the upper perimeter of the gimbal housing to define the one or more panels. In embodiments where lighting, such as LED lighting, is to form part of the louvre blade system, the secondary cutouts allow for ingress and egress of low voltage cabling associated with the LED lighting.

[0032] In an embodiment, the mounting portion opening extends along an upper panel and down along a front panel of the mounting portion, wherein the top panel opening includes a substantially circular shape that terminates adjacent a front edge of the upper panel in a funnel shape, the circular shape allowing for said vertical entry of the gimbal housing and the funnel shape subsequently preventing lateral movement of the gimbal housing once the gimbal housing is accommodated inside the mounting portion opening.

[0033] In an embodiment, the gimbal housing and the top panel opening are dimensioned such that the fitment lugs on the outer surface of the one or more panels associated with each upright side portion of the housing extend transversely beyond the circular shaped opening, the gimbal housing configured to be pressed into the circular shaped opening by applying a downward force on the gimbal housing sufficient to cause the one or more panels to flex a sufficient distance inwardly, from a first non-flexed position to a second flexed position, to allow the fitment lugs to pass beyond the upper panel, before snapping out to said first position inside an internal chamber of the mounting rail extrusion.

[0034] In an embodiment, the mounting rail extrusion, when viewed in cross section, includes at least a first internal chamber disposed at a front of the mounting rail extrusion and having a substantially rectangular cross section defined by chamber web portions which, in each of the openings, may provide at least partial support to the gimbal housing, a second internal chamber that also includes a substantially rectangular cross section but disposed along a rear of the mounting rail extrusion, the second internal chamber being of a larger dimension as compared with the first internal chamber.

[0035] In an embodiment, the aforementioned low voltage cabling may be fed to LED lighting associated with a louvre blade through the second internal chamber.

[0036] In an embodiment, a lower horizontal web portion of the first internal chamber includes a substantially curved extension in the form of a lip that extends into the second internal chamber which together with the lower web portion may provide a surface upon which the gimbal housing rests once snap fit into the rail portion opening. 2020289813

[0037] In an embodiment, the gimbal housing includes a drainage hole that allows liquid to drain into the first internal chamber and subsequently into the second internal chamber.

[0038] In an embodiment, the rail portion chamber includes a third internal chamber extending along a front lowermost portion of the mounting rail extrusion such that the third internal chamber is disposed below the first internal chamber and in front of the second internal chamber, the third internal chamber having a substantially triangular cross section with an exposed chamfered web portion. The aforementioned LED lighting may be in the form of an LED lighting strip that is attached to an external surface associated with a lower web portion of the second internal chamber, for example. Alternatively, or in addition, the LED lighting may be in the form of an LED lighting strip that is fixed to an external surface associated with the exposed chamfered web portion associated with the third internal chamber.

[0039] In an embodiment, when the gimbal housing is snap fit and thereby secured in the mounting rail portion opening, the upper perimeter of the gimbal housing is substantially flush with an upper web portion of the mounting portion, and an edge associated with the front primary cutout of the gimbal housing is substantially flush with a front web portion of the mounting rail portion, said upper web portion preventing upward movement of the one or more fitment lugs associated with the gimbal housing.

[0040] In an embodiment, the louvre mounting assembly further includes: a mounting rail cap configured to extend over the upper panel of the mounting rail extrusion after the gimbal housing and gimbal spherical head are secured in the mounting portion opening, the mounting rail cap including a dimension along its lower surface that substantially corresponds with an outer dimension of the gimbal spherical

head, the internal dimension of the mounting rail cap thereby facilitating support of the spherical head in said ball-and-socket configuration.

[0041] In an embodiment, the mounting rail cap includes one or more indentation lines extending along an upper surface thereof, the indentation lines operable to enable the fixing of the mounting rail cap to the mounting rail, and also the mounting of a bracket associated with the drive means to the mounting rail cap. Indentation lines along this 2020289813

surface provide the guidance for the location of self-tapping fixings which penetrate through to the mounting rail cap.

[0042] In an embodiment, the upper web portion of the mounting rail includes a fall, for example a 3 degree fall, from a rear portion to a front portion of the upper web portion which, in turn, causes a corresponding fall in the mounting rail cap that is fixed to the upper web portion, the fall operable to cause liquid to run off the upper surface of the mounting rail cap.

[0043] In an embodiment, the gimbal mounting rail is attached to a separate supporting structure which may include, for example, a vertical support beam forming part of a frame structure, or an existing surface such as a vertical wall. In a further embodiment, a gutter is positioned to capture water runoff from ends of louvre blades, and may be configured to direct same to a downpipe.

[0044] In an alternate embodiment, the gimbal mounting rail is integral with the supporting structure, such that the mounting rail portion and supporting structure form part of a single extruded structural element. In a still further embodiment, the gimbal mounting rail is integral with the supporting structure and the gutter, such that the gimbal mounting rail, supporting structure and gutter form part of a single extruded structural element.

[0045] In another aspect, the present invention provides a louvre blade including a louvre blade mounting assembly as defined in one or more of the preceding statements to support each opposed end of the louvre blade.

[0046] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a louvre blade roof system that extends substantially horizontally, wherein each louvre blade of a plurality of louvre blades associated with the roof system extends in a parallel arrangement and

includes a louvre blade mounting assembly as defined in one or more of the preceding statements to support each opposed end of the louvre blade, wherein: each mounting portion associated with a first end of the plurality of louvre blades forms part of a first mounting rail extrusion extending transversely across said first end, and each mounting portion associated with a second end of the plurality of louvre blades forms part of a second mounting rail extrusion extending transversely across said 2020289813

second end.

[0047] In an embodiment, at least a portion of the first mounting rail extrusion is disposed vertically higher than a corresponding portion of the second mounting rail extrusion such that a fall exists across one or more of the plurality of louvre blades from the first down to the second mounting rail extrusions.

[0048] In an embodiment, the plurality of louvre blades are connected by a drive rail that interacts with a drive means operable to cause linear motion of the drive rail that translates to rotational motion of the blades, wherein motion of the rod in one direction causes the louvre blades to rotate in a direction resulting in an opening of the louvre blades, and motion of the drive rail in the opposite direction causes the louvre blades to rotate in an opposite direction resulting in a closing of the louvre blades.

[0049] In an embodiment, the receiving channel extending along the second longitudinal edge of each blade includes an end that is configured to engage with the drive rail.

[0050] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a louvre blade system that extends substantially vertically, wherein each louvre blade of a plurality of louvre blades associated with the louvre blade system extends in a parallel arrangement and includes a louvre blade mounting assembly as defined in one or more of the preceding paragraphs to support each opposed end of the louvre blade, wherein each mounting portion associated with a first end of the plurality of louvre blades forms part of a first mounting rail extrusion extending transversely along said first end, and each mounting portion associated with a second end of the plurality of louvre blades forms part of a second mounting rail extrusion extending transversely along said second end.

[0051] In an embodiment, the plurality of louvre blades associated with the vertical louvre blade system are mounted substantially vertically.

[0052] In an embodiment, the plurality of louvre blades associated with the vertical louvre blade system are mounted substantially horizontally.

[0053] In yet another aspect, the present invention provides a louvre blade roof system extending at an inclined angle between horizontal and vertical axes, wherein each 2020289813

louvre blade of a plurality of louvre blades associated with the inclined roof system extends in a parallel arrangement and includes a louvre blade mounting assembly as defined in one or more of the preceding statements to support each opposed end of the louvre blade, wherein: each mounting portion associated with a first end of the plurality of louvre blades forms part of a first mounting rail extrusion extending transversely across said first end, and each mounting portion associated with a second end of the plurality of louvre blades forms part of a second mounting rail extrusion extending transversely across said second end.

[0054] In an embodiment, the louvre blade roof system includes a first louvre blade roof system and a second louvre blade roof system extending at an inclined angle towards one another to form a roof apex.

[0055] In another aspect, the present invention provides a method of installing a louvre blade roof system including attaching first and second mounting rails to spaced apart supporting structures to enable installation of a plurality of louvre blades therebetween, each mounting rail including a substantially hollow extrusion that includes a plurality of mounting portions spaced along the front of the extrusion, wherein a rear web portion of the extrusion is configured to enable attachment of the mounting rail to the corresponding supporting structure, providing a first gimbal having a first end that is releasably attached or integral with the first end of each louvre blade such that the first gimbal extends substantially along or parallel to said louvre blade longitudinal axis and a second end including a substantially spherical head, providing a second gimbal having a first end that is releasably attached or integral with the second end of each louvre blade such that the second gimbal extends substantially along or parallel to said louvre blade longitudinal axis, interfacing the second end of the first gimbal of each louvre blade with

the first mounting rail by causing the spherical head to engage with a gimbal housing associated with a mounting portion of the first mounting rail which is configured to support the spherical head in a ball-and-socket configuration that enables the second end of the first gimbal to be supported at the interface whilst allowing an angle of the first end of the first gimbal and the associated louvre blade to be adjustable relative to the first gimbal second end, and interfacing a second end of the second gimbal of each louvre blade with the second mounting rail. 2020289813

[0056] In a still further aspect, the present invention provides a mounting rail extrusion for use in supporting the ends of a plurality of louvre blades, each louvre blade operable to rotate about a longitudinal axis between an open and closed position with the mounting rail extrusion extending along a substantially transverse axis relative to the longitudinal axis, the mounting rail extrusion including, a substantially hollow, elongate body that includes a rear web portion and a plurality of mounting portions spaced along the front of the extrusion, wherein, the rear web portion of the body is configured to enable attachment of the mounting rail extrusion to a supporting structure, and each front mounting portion is configured to interface with a gimbal associated with the end of each louvre blade, the interface including engagement between a substantially spherical head of the gimbal and a gimbal housing configured to support the spherical head in a ball- and-socket configuration, thereby enabling the end of each louvre blade to be supported by the mounting rail extrusion whilst allowing an angle of the louvre blade to be adjustable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0057] Features of the present disclosure are illustrated by way of example and not limited in the following figure(s), in which like numerals indicate like elements, in which:

[0058] Figure 1 illustrates an exploded, front perspective view of a louvre blade mounting assembly configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. 2020289813

[0059] Figure 2 illustrates in various views, including a cross-sectional and exploded view, a gimbal that forms part of the louvre blade mounting assembly of Figure 1.

[0060] Figure 3 illustrates an exploded, rear perspective view of the louvre blade mounting assembly of Figure 1 including a louvre blade that is mounted using the mounting assembly.

[0061] Figure 4 illustrates the same components as depicted in Figure 3 but in an exploded, front perspective view.

[0062] Figure 5 illustrates a partially exploded, rear perspective view of a plurality of the louvre blade mounting assemblies of Figure 1 together with a plurality of louvre blades and associated components for connecting the plurality of louvre blades.

[0063] Figure 6 illustrates in various views a gimbal housing that also forms part of the louvre blade mounting assembly of Figure 1.

[0064] Figure 7 illustrates an enlarged, rear perspective view of the louvre blade mounting assembly of Figure 1, in particular, showing the mounting rail portion, gimbal housing and gimbal in an assembled state.

[0065] Figure 8 illustrates a front perspective view of the louvre blade mounting assembly of Figure 1 in a fully assembled state.

[0066] Figure 9 illustrates an end view and a cross-sectional view of the fully assembled louvre blade mounting assembly of Figure 8 together with a louvre blade mounted at a particular angle relative to horizontal using the particular louvre blade mounting assembly.

[0067] Figure 10 illustrates a perspective view of a horizontal louvre blade roof system incorporating a plurality of louvre blades extending parallel to one another and each being supported at opposed ends by the louvre blade mounting assembly of Figure 1, the louvre blades being shown in an open position.

[0068] Figure 11 illustrates the same horizontal louvre blade roof system as depicted in Figure 10 but with the plurality of louvre blades shown in a closed position. 2020289813

[0069] Figure 12 illustrates a perspective view of a pair of louvre blade roof systems inclined at an angle toward one another to form a roof apex and each including a plurality of louvre blades extending parallel to one another and each being supported at opposed ends by the louvre blade mounting assembly of Figure 1.

[0070] Figure 13 illustrates a perspective view of a vertical louvre blade system incorporating a plurality of horizontally mounted louvre blades extending parallel to one another and each being supported at opposed ends by the louvre blade mounting assembly of Figure 1.

[0071] Figure 14 illustrates a perspective view of a vertical louvre blade system incorporating a plurality of vertically mounted louvre blades extending parallel to one another and each being supported at opposed ends by the louvre blade mounting assembly of Figure 1.

[0072] Figure 15 illustrates a front perspective, partial cross-sectional view of a horizontal louvre blade roof system incorporating a plurality of louvre blades extending parallel to one another and each being supported by an integrated louvre blade mounting assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENT(S) OF THE INVENTION

[0073] For simplicity and illustrative purposes, the present disclosure is described by referring mainly to examples thereof. In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present disclosure. It will be readily apparent however, that the present disclosure may be practiced without limitation to these specific details. In other instances, some methods 2020289813

and structures have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure the present disclosure. As used herein, the terms “a” and “an” are intended to denote at least one of a particular element, the term “includes” means includes but not limited to, the term “including” means including but not limited to, and the term “based on” means based at least in part on.

[0074] The present invention relates to a louvre blade mounting assembly 10 for supporting an end of a louvre blade 12 (the louvre blade 12 shown for the first time in Figure 3), the louvre blade 12 including a longitudinal axis 14 and configured to rotate about the longitudinal axis 14 between the open and closed configurations shown in Figures 10 and 11 respectively. According to an embodiment, the louvre blade mounting assembly 10 may include a gimbal 16 that extends substantially along or parallel to the louvre blade longitudinal axis 14, the gimbal 16 including a first end 18 releasably attached or integral with one end of the louvre blade 12, and a second end 20 configured to interface with a mounting rail portion 22 that forms part of an elongated mounting rail 24 (as shown in Figure 5) designed to accommodate multiple louvre blade mounting assemblies.

[0075] The mounting rail 24 may extend along an axis that is substantially transverse to the longitudinal axis 14 and interface with the second end 20 of the gimbal 16 in a configuration that enables the second end of the gimbal to be supported at the interface, whilst allowing an angle of the gimbal first end 18 and the associated louvre blade 12 to be adjustable relative to the gimbal second end 20. It will become apparent that the mounting rail 24 will provide an interface for a plurality louvre blade ends. Further, as shown in Figure 10, the mounting rail 24 will typically extend above a gutter 25 that is positioned to capture water runoff from ends of the louvre blades and direct same towards a downpipe (not shown).

[0076] In an embodiment, the gimbal 16 includes a gimbal body 26 having a spherical head 28 at the gimbal second end 20 and a threaded section 30 at the gimbal first end 18, wherein the spherical head 28 may be integrally formed with the gimbal body 26.

[0077] As shown clearly in Figure 2, the gimbal body 26 and spherical head 28 may be hollow and include an internal dimension that defines a transverse abutment surface 32 adjacent the gimbal second end 20 and located inside the spherical head 28. The 2020289813

threaded section 30 at the gimbal first end 18 may be a male threaded section associated with a bolt 34 that extends through and beyond an end of the gimbal body, thereby forming the gimbal first end 18, and wherein the bolt includes a head portion 36 configured to abut with the abutment surface 32.

[0078] Accordingly, the gimbal 16 according to this embodiment has several design features, including a spherical head 28 at one end which transitions into the gimbal body 26 which may be in the form of a cylindrical shaft, and internally, the gimbal 16 is hollow and designed to allow the bolt 34 of a predetermined length to be inserted through the open end of the spherical head 28 such that it slides into the length of the gimbal body 26 and fits snuggly (without binding or threading into the internal surface of the gimbal body 26). The bolt length can spin freely in the gimbal body 26 with the threaded section 30 extending beyond the end of the length of the gimbal body 26. It will become apparent that the threaded section 30 of the bolt 34 is substantially taken up in the louvre blade 12, and at the other end the bolt 34 is held securely in the gimbal 16.

[0079] The louvre blade 12 may be configured in any appropriate manner to engage with the threaded section 30 of the gimbal 16. Figures 3 and 4 illustrate a louvre blade embodiment including a pair of spaced apart walls 38 that define an upper 40 and a lower 42 surface of the louvre blade. The spaced apart walls connect along a first 44 and second 46 longitudinal edge of the louvre blade 12 and include opposed, substantially concave surfaces which together define a substantially hollow interior 48. The louvre blade 12 configured in accordance with this embodiment further includes a plurality of cross members 50 extending between the spaced apart walls 38 and additional cross members that meet at a central location in the hollow interior 48 to define an aperture 52 for accepting the threaded section 30 of bolt 34. Whilst not shown, the aperture 52 may include a female threaded section that corresponds with the threaded section 30 of bolt 34 and thereby enables the bolt to be fixed to the louvre by rotation of the bolt (e.g.

manually or through use of an appropriate tool). In another embodiment, the louvre blade aperture 52 is not threaded, and the gimbal bolt is self-tapping.

[0080] The louvre blade 12 may be configured such that the first longitudinal edge 44 is to be received by the second edge of an adjacent identical louvre blade when the blades are rotated towards the closed position, and simultaneously, the second longitudinal edge 46 of the louvre blade 12 is received in the first edge of the adjacent louvre blade. 2020289813

However, the particular embodiment shown in the Figures involves an upwardly extending lip 54 associated with the first longitudinal edge 44 and a corresponding receiving channel 56 that also extends upwardly from the second longitudinal edge 46 configured to receive the lip 54 of an adjacent blade (not shown) when the system is moving to a closed state.

[0081] The receiving channel 56 may include a flexible sealing member 58 that extends inwardly towards the centre of the blade, as shown most clearly in Figure 3, and a skilled addressee would realise that when the lip 54 is received inside the receiving channel 56, as the louvre blades are closing, that the lip 54 will abut with the flexible sealing member 58 and press upwardly against the member 58 to create a watertight seal. This ensures that any liquid that collects on the upper surface 40 of the blades, when the blades are closed, is not allowed to leak through the intersection of adjacent blades. Also associated with the second longitudinal edge 46 is an aperture 60 configured to receive a bolt 62 for engaging with a drive rail 63 that is operable to move the blades between open and closed positions.

[0082] Whilst a louvre blade 12 according to a particular embodiment has been described above, it is to be understood that alternately configured blades may equally well be used and supported by the louvre blade mounting assembly 10 embodying the present invention.

[0083] The louvre blade mounting assembly 10 further includes a gimbal housing 64 that includes an internal dimension that substantially corresponds with an outer dimension of the gimbal spherical head 28 such that the gimbal housing 64 partially encases the spherical head 28 in a snug fit, thereby supporting the gimbal housing 64 in a ball-and-socket configuration. The gimbal housing 64 can be viewed across multiple different views in Figure 6.

[0084] It can be appreciated in Figure 6 that the lower portion 66 of the gimbal housing is substantially spherical in shape and together with first and second upright side portions 68 and 70 form the internal dimension that substantially corresponds with the outer dimension of the gimbal spherical head 28. The upright side portions 68 and 70 may include one or more panels 72. In the embodiment shown, there are effectively three panels associated with each side portion 68 and 70 of the gimbal housing 64. Each side portion 68 and 70 is defined by front and rear primary cutouts 74 and 76 respectively, and 2020289813

each panel 72 is defined by the secondary cutouts 78 which each extend downwardly from an upper perimeter 80 of the gimbal housing 64. The reader will appreciate from viewing the assembled views of Figures 7 and 8 that the gimbal body 26 extends out from the mounting rail portion 22 through the front primary cutout 74.

[0085] Each central panel of the three panels 72 associated with the first and second upright portions 68 and 70 have fitment lugs 84 protruding outwardly (i.e. transversely) from an outer surface of each of the central panels, the fitment lugs 84 configured to enable the gimbal housing 64 to be snap fit into a correspondingly shaped opening 82 that is formed in the mounting rail portion 22. The mounting rail portion is now described in more detail.

[0086] It can be appreciated in the Figures that the mounting rail 24 includes a substantially hollow, elongate extrusion that defines a first 88, second 90 and third 92 internal chamber. The first internal chamber 88 disposed at the front of the mounting rail 24 and having a substantially rectangular cross section provides a support for the gimbal housing 64, as shown clearly in Figure 9 for example. The lower web portion 94 of the first internal chamber 88 includes an extension in the form of a substantially curved lip that extends rearwardly into the second internal chamber 90.

[0087] The second internal chamber 90 is also substantially rectangular in shape but is disposed along the rear of the mounting rail 24, and the second internal chamber 90 is of a larger dimension as compared with the first internal chamber 88. The extension 96 that extends into the second internal chamber 90, together with the lower web portion 94 associated with the first internal chamber 88, may provide surfaces upon which the gimbal housing 64 rests once snap fit into the rail portion opening 82.

[0088] It is also clear in at least Figure 9 that the lower portion 66 of the gimbal housing 64 includes a drainage hole 98 to allow for any water ingress to flow from inside the gimbal

housing 64 into the first internal chamber 88. Water in chamber 88 will likely evaporate or run off towards the end(s) of the mounting rail 24. If by chance the water level rises sufficiently in the first internal chamber 88, it may be caused to overflow over the extension 96 and drip into the second internal chamber 90 where again any water may either evaporate or run off towards the end(s) of the mounting rail 24. The third internal chamber 92 is substantially triangular in cross section as shown in Figure 9 and disposed below the first chamber 88 and in front of the second chamber 90. This area of the 2020289813

mounting rail extrusion is configured like so to increase the overall strength of the mounting rail 24 and may further accommodate a strip of lighting along the exterior angled surface of the mounting rail (shown in this embodiment as approximately 45 degrees).

[0089] The skilled addressee would appreciate that in circumstances where a gutteris located beneath the mounting rail, such as gutter 25 in Figure 10, an LED strip (not shown) mounted like so would be hidden from view (when viewed from a position below the gutter), but the reflection of light bouncing off the gutter would create an indirect lighting effect. In addition, or alternatively, an LED strip (not shown) may be fixed to the exposed surface beneath the lower web portion of the second internal chamber 90.

[0090] The second internal chamber 90 may further include a first indentation line 100 extending internally along a rear web portion 102 of the mounting rail 24 and is substantially co-axially aligned with the front and rear primary cut outs 74 and 76. The indentation line 100 provides a location in which to drive a fastening means, such as a teks® screw (not shown), to attach the mounting rail 24 to a supporting structural beam or frame. Those skilled in the art would understand that using a teks® screw in this manner creates a self-tapping compression fixing. The second internal chamber 90 allows sufficient space between the gimbal spherical head 28 (once inserted as described below) and the rear web portion 102 to accommodate the teks® screw head (not shown).

[0091] The second internal chamber 90 may further include a rebate (not shown) extending along the rear web portion 102 of the mounting rail 24 such that the rear web portion 102 includes a stepped configuration to accommodate an upright mounting portion of the gutter 25. The skilled addressee will appreciate that the rebate, which provides a gap between the rear web portion 102 and a vertical surface forming part of a supporting structure, will enable an installer to easily slip the gutter 25 in under the mounting rail 24.

[0092] Fixing of prior art mounting rails to supporting beams or frames is typically achieved by driving a fastening means through a surface of the rail, and the spacing or regularity of these fixings can vary and is usually proportional to external forces or wind loads. In other words, the larger the wind loads, the closer the spacing of the fixings need to be. An advantage of having an indentation line 100 extending internally along the rear web portion 102 of the mounting rail 24 in the mounting assembly 10 of the present invention is that it allows an installer to fix the mounting rail 24 to a structural member 2020289813

such as a beam or frame as close together or as far apart as required in the particular environment in which the system is being installed. In other words, fastening means such as teks® screws may be used to fix the mounting rail 24 to the structural member as close together as each of the mounting rail portion openings 82 are spaced apart (e.g. at 150 millimetre intervals), or further apart, for example, at every second, third or fourth mounting rail portion opening 82. The spaced apart openings 82 along the mounting rail 24 are most clearly depicted in Figure 5.

[0093] It will become apparent from a reading of this specification that once the louvre blade mounting assembly 10 of the present invention is fully assembled, the fastening means (not shown) will be concealed from view inside the mounting rail extrusion, which is aesthetically pleasing.

[0094] Each mounting rail portion opening 82 extends along an upper web portion 108 and down along the front web portion 110 of the mounting rail portion 52, wherein the upper web portion opening includes a substantially circular shape that terminates adjacent a front edge of the upper web portion 108 in a funnel shape. The circular shape portion allows for entry of the gimbal housing 64 so that it can be snap fit into position such that it rests above the cut away portion of the central web portion 106, as well as the lower web portion 94 and extension 96 as described earlier. The funnel shape along the upper web portion 108 prevents lateral (forward) movement of the gimbal housing 64 once the gimbal housing 64 is accommodated inside the opening 82.

[0095] The gimbal housing 64 and the upper web portion opening may be dimensioned such that the fitment lugs 84 extend transversely beyond the circular shaped opening and the gimbal housing 64 is thereby configured to be pressed into the circular shaped opening by applying a downward force on the gimbal housing 64 sufficient to cause at least the central panel of the panels 72 (or whichever panels include the fitment

lugs 84) to deform a sufficient distance inwardly from a first position, which represents the natural position of the panels 72 in a non-deformed state, to a second deformed position that allows the fitment lugs 84 to pass beyond the upper web portion 108, before snapping out to the first position inside the mounting rail extrusion. The skilled addressee will appreciate that the central web portion 106 of the mounting rail 24, that separates the first and second internal chambers 88 and 90 respectively, will extend between the two fitment lugs 84 associated with each central panel 72 when the gimbal housing 64 is 2020289813

accommodated inside the opening 82.

[0096] Figure 7 illustrates the gimbal housing 64 in an engaged position inside the mounting rail portion opening 82 after the gimbal housing 64 has been snap fit into the opening 82, and it can be appreciated in Figure 7 that once the gimbal housing is snap fit and thereby secured in the opening 82, the upper perimeter 80 of the gimbal housing 64 is substantially flush with the upper web portion 108 of the mounting rail 24. As shown more clearly in Figure 8, an edge 112 of the front primary cut out 74 of the gimbal housing 64 is also substantially flush with the front web portion 110 of the mounting rail 24.

[0097] Turning now to the upper web portion 108 of the mounting rail 24, various of the Figures show that there exists a first locating lug 114 extending across a top surface of the upper web portion 108 adjacent a rear edge of the mounting rail 24. Figure 9 illustrates the purpose of the first locating lug 114, as well as a second locating lug 116 associated with a mounting rail cap 118, which is to enable an installer to easily position the mounting rail cap 118 (which also forms part of the louvre blade assembly 10) above the upper web portion 108. This is achieved by ensuring the second locating lug 116 sits behind the first locating lug 114.

[0098] The mounting rail cap 118 is configured to extend over the upper web portion 108 of the mounting rail 24 after each gimbal housing 64 and associated gimbal spherical head 28 are secured in each mounting rail portion opening 82, and the first 114 and second 116 locating lugs enable an installer to quickly and easily locate the mounting rail cap 118 above the upper web portion 108 prior to fixing the mounting rail cap 118 to the mounting rail 24. The second locating lug 116 associated with the mounting rail cap 118 forms part of a lower surface of the mounting rail cap 118, and Figure 9 also shows that the lower surface includes a locating lip 120 at the front of the mounting rail cap configured to extend over the front edge of the upper web portion 108. Between the second locating

lug 116 and the lip 120 is a spherical locating portion 122 which is dimensioned such that it substantially corresponds with the outer dimension of the gimbal spherical head 28.

[0099] Therefore, when the mounting rail cap 118 is fixed over the mounting rail 24, the spherical locating portion 122 contributes, together with the internal dimension of the gimbal housing 64 described earlier, to enabling the spherical head 28 of the gimbal 16 to be supported in the ball-and-socket configuration. The ball-and-socket style of 2020289813

connection provides the rotating louvre blade 12 with effectively unlimited angular adjustment within minimum and maximum design limits. In an embodiment, the louvre blade is adjustable to an angle of at least ± 3.5º relative to a horizontal axis 123, as shown in the cross-sectional view of Figure 9 (the angle indicated by the letter x). The skilled addressee would appreciate that the various components may be designed to achieve alternate angle range variations.

[0100] There is very little “play” or “slop” associated with the interface between the gimbal 16 and the mounting rail 24 in this type of connection, and as a result the mounting assembly 10 does not rattle or suffer from the deficiencies associated with prior art louvre mounts. Further, the assembly 10 provides sufficient mechanical strength to resist a range of externally applied weather-related forces in a variety of installation locations.

[0101] Since this type of connection also allows for the gimbal housing 64 and the gimbal spherical head 28 to be constructed of the same plastic material (for example, nylon or ultra-high-molecular-weight-polyethylene (UHMWPE)), the assembly 10 can be operated in a manner in which there are no instances of metal touching on metal. In an embodiment, the mounting rail 24 and the louvre blades 12 may be constructed of aluminium, but even then, one can ensure that the “working parts” (the components that are likely to move against other components) are plastic components. The use of such materials, and the fact that louvre blade mounting assembly 10 provides an almost fully enclosed housing that encases the two primary, interacting component parts (the louvre blade 12 and the mounting rail 24), will also reduce instances of wear including for example galvanic corrosion that is known to occur in prior art louvre mounting solutions.

[0102] A top surface of the mounting rail cap 118 also includes, in the embodiment shown, three additional indentation lines starting with second indentation line 124 adjacent a rear portion of the mounting rail cap 118, third indentation line 126 located towards a front portion of the mounting rail cap 118, and fourth indentation line 128 which

is located still further towards the front of the mounting rail cap 118. One or more of these indentation lines 124, 126 and 128 may be used to locate fastening means (not shown), such as teks®screws, to enable an installer when fixing the mounting rail cap 118 onto the mounting rail 24. The skilled addressee will appreciate that the indentation lines 124, 126 and 128 are located in particular locations where driving a teks® screw through will not cause the teks® screw to encounter any of the rear, central or front web portions inside the mounting rail extrusion. One or more of the indentation lines 124, 126 or 128 2020289813

may also be used to mount a bracket (not shown) associated with a motor operable to move the louvre blades between open and closed positions. It can also be appreciated that any teks® screws that are driven through the mounting rail cap 118 will also be concealed when viewing the assembly from below, and hence will not detract from the overall aesthetic appearance of the mounting assembly 10.

[0103] The upper web portion 108 of the mounting rail 24 includes a minor fall from the back edge mounted against the structural member in a forward direction towards the front web portion 110 of the mounting rail 24. After fixing the mounting rail cap 118 to the upper web portion 108, the mounting rail cap 118 will achieve a corresponding fall to allow water to run off. For example, the upper web portion 108 may be shaped with 3 degrees of fall.

[0104] Any moisture ingress into the gimbal mounting rail 24 is not seen to have any detrimental impact to the operation of the assemblies 10 and will drain away to the lowest open end of the mounting rails 24 into the gutters 25 disposed beneath.

[0105] Whilst the mounting assembly 10 creates a unique, flexible and strong interface between the louvre blades 12 and the mounting rail 24, the use where possible of non-proprietary components has also been considered. For example, bolt 34 may well be an off-the-shelf M8 bolt. Since this is a key structural element carrying the most significant loads from the individual louvre blades 12 through the mounting rail 24, the ability to use a readily available item such as an M8 bolt has the capacity to reduce the time and cost associated with sourcing and replacing such an item.

[0106] Figures 10 and 11 illustrate a fully assembled horizontal louvre roof system 130 incorporating a plurality of louvre blades 12 supported at each end by a louvre blade mounting assembly 10 configured in accordance with the present invention. A square shaped support frame 132 is shown, and installation of the louvre roof system 130

components may be achieved, according to an embodiment, by carrying out the following steps:

Step 1: Mounting of the gimbal mounting rail 24 to the support frame 132, which requires two lengths of the gimbal mounting rail 24 to be fitted to opposed structural elements of the support frame 132 such that the gimbal mounting rails 24 extend substantially transversely (perpendicularly) to the direction of 2020289813

the louvre blades 12. This may include making allowance for a reqiored minimum degree of fall (e.g. 1 degree). Fastening means such as self-tapping teks® screws may be used to fix the rear web portion 102 of each mounting rail to the corresponding structural element, and through use of the first indentation line 100. Screws may be spaced at predetermined intervals corresponding with the openings 82 disposed along the length of each rail 24 (as previously described).

Step 2: Fitting the gimbal housings 64 into the openings 82 in the mounting rails 24. As described earlier, this is achieved by snap-fit engagement process for each opening. Quantities of openings 82 and the gimbal housings 64 may be determined by the number of louvre blades 12 to be fitted.

Step 3: Measure the distance between the opposed gimbal mounting rails 24 and check that the distance corresponds with the louvre blade lengths, which may be pre-fitted with gimbals 16 at the louvre blade ends.

Step 4: Adjust any louvre blade lengths as required before dropping each louvre blade into position, namely, dropping the gimbal spherical heads 28 into corresponding gimbal housings 64 at both ends of the louvre blade 12. Length adjustment can be achieved by reducing the length of the louvre blade by cutting it down (for major length adjustments) or adjusting the bolt length inside the gimbal body to make the length longer or shorter (for minor length adjustments).

Step 5: Fit a mounting rail cap 118 above each of the gimbal mounting rails 24. Fastening means such as teks® screws may be used to drill down into the cap 119 using one or more of the indentation lines 124, 126 or 128.

Step 6: Fit drive rails 63 (as shown in Figure 5) at both ends of the louvre blades 12. This requires aligning and fitting the pre-fitted bolts 62 into the recessed seats 134 cut out along the length of each drive rail 63, and then tightening the bolts 62 once in place. The number of “fixing off” occurrences will depend on the number of louvre blades 12. At this point, an installer may manually test roll the roof between the open and closed positions, in both directions, to check for unforeseen loose connections, unnecessary friction or other impediments. 2020289813

Step 7: Mount a drive means such as a linear actuator motor 136 onto one of the mounting rail caps 118 in a pre-determined motor location. This may include fitting a motor mounting bracket (not shown) to the mounting rail cap 118, then bolting the motor 136 to the mounting bracket using one or more of the indentation lines 124, 126 or 128.

Step 8: Connect the linear motor actuator (not shown) to the drive rail 63 on the motor side of the louvre blades, using a bolted connection for example.

Step 9: Connect the motor to a low voltage power source and commence commissioning the roof system 130 for operation, including switching sources, sensors lights or any other fitted ancillaries.

[0107] Figures 12-14 illustrate additional embodiments, including a pair of inclined roof louvre systems 140 forming a roof apex in Figure 12, a vertical louvre system 142 incorporating horizontally mounted louvre blades in Figure 13, and a vertical louvre system 144 incorporating vertically mounted louvre blades in Figure 14. In each of these embodiments, the louvre blades may be installed and mounted using any one of the previously described mounting assemblies and installation methods.

[0108] In the case of vertical louvre systems, the mounting rails 24 will extend vertically and the openings and gimbal housings will be arranged such that rather than dropping each gimbal spherical head 28 into each gimbal housing 64 from above, the spherical head 28 may be inserted into the housing 64 from the side. The mounting rail cap 118, once fixed to the mounting rail 24 as described earlier, is sufficient to secure each gimbal spherical head 28 inside the corresponding gimbal housing 64 and ensures that the spherical heads 28 will not fall out of the corresponding housings 64. However, additional support components can be utilised if necessary. Alternatively, vertically

mounted rails and their openings could be constructed in a manner that allows each gimbal spherical head to be dropped into a corresponding housing from above, i.e. in a similar manner to how they are dropped into the horizontally mounted rails 24.

[0109] A vertical louvre system such as system 142 and 144 does not need to twist to allow for drainage to a low point like it does in the previously described horizontal application. Furthermore, the vertical design solution may be reduced in size as compared 2020289813

with the horizontal solution to create a more minimalist look.

[0110] Some of the previously described embodiments include a gimbal mounting rail 24 fixed to a support frame (such as support frame 132 shown in Figures 10 and 11), and where each of the gimbal mounting rail, support frame, and gutter are individual components. However, there may be instances where an integrated solution is beneficial, for example where the solution is provided as a do-it-yourself kit solution.

[0111] Accordingly, the gimbal mounting rail and the supporting beam, and even the gutter, may be integrally formed. In this way, the gimbal mounting rail would form part of the support beam and the beam section would also have an integrated gutter. An example of an integrated assembly 146 is shown by way of example in Figure 15 where it can be appreciated that the assembly 146 is effectively a single extruded structure (except for the gimbal rail mounting cap) that incorporates a gimbal mounting rail profile 148, a support beam profile 150 and a gutter profile 152. The support beam profile 150 may be fixed to a supporting structure, including for example vertical support posts similar to those that are shown supporting the horizontal structural elements of support frame 132 in Figures 10 and 11. The function of the gutter that extends below louvre assemblies is well known, i.e. to collect and direct droplets of water that fall from ends of the louvre blades.

[0112] The reader will note that the shape of the front face of the gimbal mounting rail profile 148 is different to that which has been previously described in that the previously chamfered corner is now square. However, the function of the rail including the way in which it supports a plurality of gimbal housings at openings along the length of the rail remains the same and hence will not be described again in detail.

[0113] Throughout this specification and claims which follow, unless the context requires otherwise, the word “comprise”, and variations such as “comprises” and

“comprising”, will be understood to mean the inclusion of a stated feature or step, or group of features or steps, but not the exclusion of any other feature or step, or group of features or steps.

[0114] The reference to any prior art in this specification is not, and should not be taken as, an acknowledgement or any suggestion that the prior art forms part of the common general knowledge.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A louvre blade mounting assembly for supporting the ends of louvre blades, each louvre blade including a longitudinal axis and operable to rotate about the longitudinal axis between an open and a closed position, the louvre blade mounting assembly including: a substantially hollow, elongate mounting rail extrusion that includes a plurality 2020289813

of mounting portions spaced along the front of the extrusion, wherein a rear web portion of the mounting rail extrusion is configured to enable attachment of the mounting rail extrusion to a supporting structure; a gimbal extending substantially along or parallel to each louvre blade longitudinal axis, the gimbal including: a first end releasably attached or integral with the first end of the louvre blade; and a second end configured to interface with a mounting portion of the mounting rail extrusion attached to the supporting structure along a substantially transverse axis relative to the louvre blade longitudinal axis, the interface including engagement between a substantially spherical head at the gimbal second end and a gimbal housing associated with the mounting portion configured to support the spherical head in a ball-and-socket configuration thereby enabling the gimbal second end to be supported whilst allowing an angle of the first end of the gimbal and hence the associated louvre blade to be adjustable relative to the gimbal second end.

2. A louvre blade mounting assembly according to claim 1, wherein: the substantially hollow, elongate mounting rail extrusion defines one or more internal chambers, and each mounting portion includes an opening into at least one of the internal chambers for receiving the gimbal housing, wherein the mounting portion extends substantially horizontally and the gimbal housing is received vertically in the opening, thereby enabling the gimbal second end to be received vertically in the gimbal housing.

3. A louvre blade mounting assembly according to claim 2, wherein the gimbal housing includes an internal dimension that substantially corresponds with an outer dimension of the gimbal spherical head such that the gimbal housing partially encases the spherical head in a snug fit and thereby supports the gimbal second end in said ball-

and-socket configuration that enables multi-directional movement of a free end of the louvre blade relative to the mounting portion.

4. A louvre blade mounting assembly according to claim 3, wherein the gimbal housing includes: a lower portion and two upright side portions which together form the internal dimension that substantially corresponds with the outer dimension of the spherical head, 2020289813

the upright side portions including one or more panels having fitment lugs on an outer surface thereof configured to snap fit into the mounting rail portion opening, and an open upper end having an upper perimeter defined by the upright side portions, wherein the upright side portions further define front and rear primary cutouts extending downwardly from the upper perimeter of the gimbal housing and wherein the gimbal extends out of the mounting rail portion through the front primary cutout.

5. A louvre blade mounting assembly according to claim 4, wherein: the mounting portion opening extends along an upper panel and down along a front panel of the mounting portion, wherein the top panel opening includes a substantially circular shape that terminates adjacent a front edge of the upper panel in a funnel shape, the circular shape allowing for said vertical entry of the gimbal housing and the funnel shape subsequently preventing lateral movement of the gimbal housing once the gimbal housing is accommodated inside the mounting portion opening.

6. A louvre blade mounting assembly according to claim 5, wherein: the gimbal housing and the top panel opening are dimensioned such that the fitment lugs on the outer surface of the one or more panels associated with each upright side portion of the housing extend transversely beyond the circular shaped opening, the gimbal housing configured to be pressed into the circular shaped opening by applying a downward force on the gimbal housing sufficient to cause the one or more panels to flex a sufficient distance inwardly, from a first non-flexed position to a second flexed position, to allow the fitment lugs to pass beyond the upper panel, before snapping out to said first position inside an internal chamber of the mounting rail extrusion, and when the gimbal housing is snap fit and thereby secured in the mounting portion opening, the upper perimeter of the gimbal housing is substantially flush with an upper web portion of the mounting portion, and an edge associated with the front primary cutout of the gimbal housing is substantially flush with a front web portion of the mounting

portion, said upper web portion preventing upward movement of the one or more fitment lugs associated with the gimbal housing.

7. A louvre blade mounting assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein the gimbal is releasably attached to the first end of the louvre blade and includes a gimbal body providing a threaded section at the gimbal first end, wherein the spherical head is integrally formed with the gimbal body. 2020289813

8. A louvre blade mounting assembly according to claim 7, wherein the gimbal body and spherical head are hollow and include an abutment surface adjacent the gimbal second end inside the gimbal spherical head, wherein the threaded section at the gimbal first end is a male threaded section associated with a bolt that extends through and beyond an end of the gimbal body, and includes a head portion configured to abut with the abutment surface.

9. A louvre blade mounting assembly according to claim 8, wherein the louvre blade forms part of a series of parallel louvre blades, and the louvre blade includes: a pair of spaced apart walls that connect along a first and a second longitudinal edge of the louvre blade, each wall having a substantially concave surface defining a substantially hollow interior; and a plurality of cross members extending transversely between the walls; wherein the first and second longitudinal edges extend substantially parallel with the louvre blade longitudinal axis, and the series of louvre blades includes a first and a second adjacent louvre blade, the first edge of the louvre blade configured to receive a second edge of the first adjacent louvre blade when the blades are rotated towards the closed position, and the second edge of the louvre blade configured to be received in the first edge of the second adjacent louvre blade when the blades are rotated towards the closed position.

10. A louvre blade mounting assembly according to claim 9, wherein: the louvre blade first end includes an aperture disposed inside the hollow interior of the louvre blade between the pair of spaced apart side walls, the aperture supported by one or more of the cross members and configured to receive the gimbal bolt, and

the aperture is not threaded and the bolt is self-tapping, or the bolt includes a female threaded section configured to engage with the male threaded section of a bolt that is not self-tapping.

11. A louvre blade mounting assembly according to any one of claims 4 to 10, further including: a mounting rail cap configured to extend over the upper panel of the mounting 2020289813

rail extrusion after the gimbal housing and gimbal spherical head are secured in the mounting portion opening, wherein the mounting rail cap includes a dimension along its lower surface that substantially corresponds with an outer dimension of the gimbal spherical head, the internal dimension of the mounting rail cap thereby facilitating support of the spherical head in said ball-and-socket configuration, and wherein the mounting rail cap includes one or more indentation lines extending along an upper surface thereof, the indentation lines operable to enable the fixing of the mounting rail cap to the mounting rail extrusion.

12. A louvre blade mounting assembly according to claim 11, wherein the upper web portion of the mounting rail includes a fall from a rear portion to a front portion of the upper web portion which, in turn, causes a corresponding fall in the mounting rail cap that is fixed to the upper web portion, the fall operable to cause liquid to run off the upper surface of the mounting rail cap.

13. A louvre blade mounting assembly according to either claim 11 or claim 12, wherein: the supporting structure includes a gutter positioned to capture water runoff from ends of the louvre blades.

14. A louvre blade mounting assembly according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the mounting rail extrusion, when viewed in cross section, includes: at least a first internal chamber disposed at a front of the mounting rail extrusion and having a substantially rectangular cross section defined by chamber web portions which, in each of the openings, provides at least partial support to the gimbal housing;

a second internal chamber that also includes a substantially rectangular cross section but disposed along a rear of the mounting rail extrusion, the second internal chamber being of a larger dimension as compared with the first internal chamber; and a third internal chamber extending along a front lowermost portion of the mounting rail extrusion such that the third internal chamber is disposed below the first internal chamber and in front of the second internal chamber, the third internal chamber having a substantially triangular cross section with an exposed chamfered web portion; 2020289813

wherein a lower horizontal web portion the first internal chamber includes a substantially curved extension in the form of a lip that extends into the second internal chamber which together with the lower web portion provides a surface upon which the gimbal housing rests once snap fit into the rail portion opening; and wherein the gimbal housing includes a drainage hole that allows liquid to drain into the first internal chamber and subsequently into the second internal chamber.

15. A louvre blade including a louvre blade mounting assembly as defined in any one of the preceding claims to support one or both opposed ends of the louvre blade.

16. A louvre blade roof system that extends substantially horizontally, wherein each louvre blade of a plurality of louvre blades associated with the roof system extends in a parallel arrangement and includes a louvre blade mounting assembly as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14 to support each opposed end of the louvre blade, wherein: each mounting portion associated with a first end of the plurality of louvre blades forms part of a first mounting rail extrusion extending transversely across said first end, each mounting portion associated with a second end of the plurality of louvre blades forms part of a second mounting rail extrusion extending transversely across said second end, and

at least a portion of the first mounting rail extrusion is disposed vertically higher than a corresponding portion of the second mounting rail extrusion such that a fall exists across one or more of the plurality of louvre blades from the first down to the second mounting rail extrusions.

17. A louvre blade roof system according to claim 16, wherein the plurality of louvre blades are connected by a drive rail that interacts with a drive means operable to cause linear motion of the drive rail that translates to rotational motion of the blades, wherein

motion of the rod in one direction causes the louvre blades to rotate in a direction resulting in an opening of the louvre blades, and motion of the drive rail in the opposite direction causes the louvre blades to rotate in an opposite direction resulting in a closing of the louvre blades, wherein the second longitudinal edge of each blade includes an end that is configured to engage with the drive rail.

18. A louvre blade system that extends substantially vertically, wherein each 2020289813

louvre blade of a plurality of louvre blades associated with the louvre blade system extends in a parallel arrangement and includes a louvre blade mounting assembly as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14 to support each opposed end of the louvre blade, wherein: each mounting portion associated with a first end of the plurality of louvre blades forms part of a first mounting rail extrusion extending transversely along said first end, each mounting portion associated with a second end of the plurality of louvre blades forms part of a second mounting rail extrusion extending transversely along said second end, and the plurality of louvre blades associated with the vertical louvre blade system are mounted substantially vertically or substantially horizontally.

19. A louvre blade roof system extending at an inclined angle between horizontal and vertical axes, wherein each louvre blade of a plurality of louvre blades associated with the inclined roof system extends in a parallel arrangement and includes a louvre blade mounting assembly as defined in any one of claims 1 to 14 to support each opposed end of the louvre blade, wherein: each mounting portion associated with a first end of the plurality of louvre blades forms part of a first mounting rail extrusion extending transversely across said first end, each mounting portion associated with a second end of the plurality of louvre blades forms part of a second mounting rail extrusion extending transversely across said second end, and

the louvre blade roof system includes a first louvre blade roof system and a second louvre blade roof system extending at an inclined angle towards one another to form a roof apex.

20. A method of installing a louvre blade roof system including: attaching first and second mounting rails to spaced apart supporting structures to enable installation of a plurality of louvre blades therebetween, each mounting rail including a substantially hollow extrusion that includes a plurality of mounting portions spaced along the front of the extrusion, wherein a rear web portion of the extrusion is configured to enable attachment of the mounting rail to the corresponding supporting structure; 2020289813

providing a first gimbal having a first end that is releasably attached or integral with the first end of each louvre blade such that the first gimbal extends substantially along or parallel to said louvre blade longitudinal axis and a second end including a substantially spherical head; providing a second gimbal having a first end that is releasably attached or integral with the second end of each louvre blade such that the second gimbal extends substantially along or parallel to said louvre blade longitudinal axis; interfacing the second end of the first gimbal of each louvre blade with the first mounting rail by causing the spherical head to engage with a gimbal housing associated with a mounting portion of the first mounting rail which is configured to support the spherical head in a ball-and-socket configuration that enables the second end of the first gimbal to be supported at the interface whilst allowing an angle of the first end of the first gimbal and the associated louvre blade to be adjusted relative to the first gimbal second end; and interfacing a second end of the second gimbal of each louvre blade with the second mounting rail.

21. A mounting rail extrusion for use in supporting the ends of a plurality of louvre blades, each louvre blade operable to rotate about a longitudinal axis between an open and closed position with the mounting rail extrusion extending along a substantially transverse axis relative to the longitudinal axis, the mounting rail extrusion including: a substantially hollow, elongate body that includes a rear web portion and a plurality of mounting portions spaced along the front of the extrusion, wherein: the rear web portion of the body is configured to enable attachment of the mounting rail extrusion to a supporting structure; and each front mounting portion is configured to interface with a gimbal associated with the end of each louvre blade, the interface including

engagement between a substantially spherical head of the gimbal and a gimbal housing configured to support the spherical head in a ball-and-socket configuration, thereby enabling the end of each louvre blade to be supported by the mounting rail extrusion whilst allowing an angle of the louvre blade to be adjustable.