AU675499B2 - Blind control bracket - Google Patents

Description

AUSTRALIA

PATENTS ACT 1990 COMPLETE SPECIFICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT (Original)

APPLICATIONNO:

LODGED:

COMPLETE SPECIFICATION LODGED:

ACCEPTED:

PUBLISHED:

V.

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RELATED ART: NAME OF APPLICANT: ACTUAL INVENTOR: GAKOin I'RO AA- MOSCtNrs iKEITH BERNARD EfA SCLEY and TIMOTHY PAUL O'CONNOR KEITH BERNARD BEASLEY ADDRESS FOR SERVICE: KELVIN LORD AND COMPANY, Patent Trade Mark Attorneys, of 4 Douro Place, West Perth, Western Australia, 6005, AUSTRALIA.

INVENTION TITLE: "BLIND CONTROL BRACKET" DETAILS OF ASSOCIATED PROVISIONAL APPLICATION NO'S: Application No.: PL 8629 Date: May 5 1993 The following Statement is a full description of this invention including the best method of performing it known to us: The present invention relates to a blind control bracket, More particularly, the bracket of the present invention is intended for use on sliding doors and windows being provided with vertical blinds.

At present, if you wish to open a window or a door with vertical blinds closed it is necessary to draw the blinds first and then open the window or door.

The present invention provides a bracket to be mounted on a sliding door or window that interacts with the blinds allowing a simultaneous sliding operation of both the window or door and the blinds.

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention there is provided a bracket comprising a first member and a second member, the first member having a base plate for attachment to a door or window firame and an attachment plate, the second member being S attachable to or integrally formed with the attachment plate of the first member and having engagement means provided thereon for engaging releasably a lead carrier means for a vertical blind whereby movement of the door or window firame produces a corresponding 15 movement in the lead carrier means.

Preferably, the engagement means comprises two fingers projecting from the second member, the two fingers able to receive the carrier means therebetween.

Still preferably, the second member is slidably attached to the first member.

Still further, if the second member is attachable to the attachment plate of the first member such attachment is achieved in a manner that allows the rotation or swivelling of the second member relative to the first member.

In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention there is provided a bracket and spacing bracket means combination, the bracket comprising a first member and a second member, the first member having a base plate and an attachment plate, the second member being attachable to or integrally formed with the attachment plate of the first member and having engagement means provided therein for engaging releasably a lead carrier means for a vertical blind, the spacing bracket means being releasably attached to or integrally formed with the base plate of the bracket and spacing the bracket from a door or window frame to which it is attached, The present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:- Figure 1 is an upper perspective view of a bracket in accordance with a first aspect of the present invention; Figure 2 is a lower perspective view of the bracket of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a lower perspective view of the bracket of Figure 1 having the attachment means depressed; Figure 4 is a side view of the bracket of Figure 1 fitted to a sliding door and an accompanying vertical blind assembly; Figure 5 is an end view of the bracket of Figure 1 fitted to a sliding door and S. accompanying vertical blind assembly; Figure 6 is a top plan view of the bracket of Figure 1 fitted to a sliding door and accompanying vertical blind assembly; Figure 7 is an upper perspective view of a spacing means for use with the bracket of Figure 1; .Figure 8 is a lower perspective view of the spacing means of Figure 7; Figure 9 is a lower perspective view of a spacing means and bracket combination in accordance with a second aspect of the present invention; Figure 10 is a lower perspective view of a bracket in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; Figure 11 is a top plan view of the bracket ofFigure Figure 12 is a lower perspective view of the first member of the bracket of Figure Figure 13 is a top plan view of the second member of the bracket of Figure Figure 14 is a side view of the bracket of Figure 10 showing the first member in cross-section; Figure 15 is a front view of the bracket of Figure 10 showing the first member in cross-section and having the second member twisted in relation thereto; 4 Figure 16 is a lower perspective view of a spacing means and bracket combination in accordance with a second aspect of the second embodiment of the present invention.

In Figures 1 and 2 there is shown a bracket 10 comprising a first member 12 and a second member 14.

The first member 12 is of a substantially L-shape and comprises a base plate 16 and an attachment plate 18. The base plate 16 has provided therein a number of apertures which may be threaded apertures 20a or unthreaded apertures 20b. The attachment plate 18 has provided therein a threaded aperture 22 to receive an attachment means 24.

The second member 14 comprises a floor plate 26 having a first end 28, a second end and longitudinal edges 32 therebetween.

A raised portion 34 is provided at the edges 32 extending from the first end 28 part way towards the second end 30. An elongate aperture 36 through the second member 14 extends longitudinally from within the first end 28 part way towards the second end The attachment means 24 passes through both the attachment plate 18 and the aperture 36 of the second member 14.

The second end 30 has provided thereat two upstanding fingers 38 constituting an engagement means. The fingers 38 are located one at each edge 32 nearest the second end 30. A recess 40 is located between the fingers 38 in the floor plate 26.

The attachment means 24 has a head 42, a foot portion 44, and a rod therebetween as shown in Figure 2. Further, a flexibly resilient means or spring 45 is provided between the head 42 and the attachment plate 18. The spring 45 biases the foot portion 44 of the attachn.ment means 24 into engagement with the floor plate 26 of the second member 14.

e* In Figures 4 to 6, there is shown the bracket 10 attached to a sliding door frame 46 and engaging a lead carrier means 48 for a vertical blind 50. The carrier means 48 runs in a guide rail 52, the guide rail 52 being shown partially cut away in Figures 4 and Within the guide rail 52 there passes a rod 54 and cords 56. The rod 54 is for changing the angle of the blind 50 in known manner. The cords 56 allows the carrier means 48 to be moved within the guide rail 52 also in known manner. Both the rod 54 and cords 56 pass within the carrier means 48, A connecting means 58 depends from the carrier means 48 and is releasably attached to the blind 50. Within the carrier means 48 the connecting means 58 has provided therein a toothed cog 60 for engaging a suitable dimensioned portion of the rod 54 in known manner.

The base plate 16 is attached to the door frame 46 by way of screws 62 passing through the apertures 20 and into the door frame 46, as shown in Figure 3.

The guide rail 52 is mounted on a portion of a wall or roof 64.

In Figures 7 and 8 there is shown a spacing bracket 70. The spacing bracket 70 is used in cases where the guide rail 52 is mounted further away from the door or window than is able to be spanned by the bracket S. The spacing bracket 70 comprises a first member 72 and a second member 74, The first member 72 is of a substantially L-shape and comprises a base plate 76 and an attachment plate 78. The base plate 76 has provided therein a number of apertures 80 which may be 15 threaded apertures 80a or unthreaded apertures The attachment plate 78 has provided therein an elongate aperture 82 to receive an attachment means 84, best seen in Figure 8.

The second member 74 comprises a floor plate 86 having a first end 88, a second end and longitudinal edges 92 therebetween.

A depending portion 94 is provided at the edges 92 extending from the first end 88 to the second end 90. A plurality of apertures 96 extend through the second member 74, best seen in Figure 6. The apertures 96 are preferably threaded. The second end 90 of the floor plate 86 has provided thereat an upstanding brace plate 98. The brace plate 98 has longitudinal edges 100 having provided thereat longitudinal ridges 102. The brace plate 98 also has provided therein a longitudinal aperture 104, as best seen in Figures 7 and 8.

The attachment means 84 has a head 106 and a threaded portion 108.

In Figure 9 there is shown the bracket 10 in combination with the spacing bracket forming a bracket and spacing bracket means combination 109. A further attachment means 110 comprising a head (not shown) and threaded portion 112 locates the base plate 16 of the first member 12 between the longitudinal ridges 102 of the brace plate 98. The threaded portion 112 of the attachment means 110 passes through the elongate aperture 104 of the brace plate 98 and engages the threaded aperture 20a of the base plate 16.

In Figures 10 and 11 there is shown a bracket 200 in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention. The bracket 200 comprises a first member 202 and a second member 204.

The first member 202 is of a substantially L-shape and comprises a base plate 206 and an attachment plate 208. The base plate 206 has provided therein a number of apertures 210.

The second member 204 comprises a floor plate 212 having a first end 214, a second end 216 and longitudinal edges 218 therebetween.

A longitudinal recess 219 is provided in each edge 218.

.i In Figure 12 there is shown the first member 202 without the second member 204 attached thereto. The attachment plate 208 has a pair of substantially opposed depending 15 gripping means, for example ridges 220 provided thereon and spaced apart from the base plate 206. A pair of substantially opposed retaining means, for example snap fit clips 222 are provided depending from the attachment plate 208.

The attachment plate 208 has provided thereunder also a pair of depending walls 224.

The walls 224 have a flange 226 provided at a lowermost end thereof Each flange 226 20 has provided therein a notch 228.

A number of recesses 230 are provided in the attachment plate 208 beside the clips 222.

A row of teeth 232 is provided towards both lateral edges of an underside 234 of the attachment plate 208.

In Figure 13 there is shown the recond member 204 detached from the first member 202.

A male engagement means, for example a ball 236 is located at the first end 214 of the floor plate 212 and projects upwardly from the foot plate 212.

An aperture 238 is provided through the floor plate 212. A pair of ridges 240 are located spaced apart from the aperture 238 at the edges 218.

The second end 216 has provided thereat two upstanding fingers 242 constituting an engagement means. The fingers 242 are located one at each edge 218 nearest the second end 216. A recess 244 is located between the fingers 242 in the floor plate 212.

The first end 214 of the floor plate 212 fUrther comprises two horns 246 projecting therefrom to partially enclose the ball 236. The horns 246 have an outermost portion 248 which is bevelled, as can be best seen in Figures 14 and In Figures 14 and 15 there is shown the ball 236 engaged between the walls 224 and retained therebetween by flanges 226. Figure 14 shows the in use position wherein the second member 204 projects directly out from the attachment plate 208 of the first member 202. In this position, the ridges 220 engage the recess 219 in a snap fit manner.

In Figure 15 the second member 204 has been moved from the in use position to a non 0 :'use or storage position whereby the ridges 220 and recesses 219 are disengaged and the S"second member 204 lowered by pivoting about the ball 236. The second member 204 can then be rotated about the ball 236 through ninety degrees whilst in the pivoted 15 lowered position and raised so that the clips 222 engage the aperture 238 in the second member 204. The bevelled portion 248 facilitates the lowering or pivoting of the second member 204 in this process.

In Figure 16 there is shown the bracket 200 in combination with a spacing bracket 250 forming a bracket and spacing bracket means combination 252.

The spacing bracket 250 is substantially the same as the spacing bracket 70 and like numerals denote like parts.

A further attachment means 254 comprising a head 256 and threaded portion (not shown) locates the base plate 206 of the first member 202 substantially between the longitudinal ridges 102 of the brace plate 98.

A description of the bracket 10 in use will now follow.

The first member 12 is first secured to the door frame 46, as shown in Figure 3 by way of screws 62. Preferably, this securing is in a position so as to be level with the lead carrier means 48, that is the first carrier means 48 supporting the first vertical blind The second member 14 is then moved into a position in which the fingers 38 are on either side of the carrier means 48, the carrier means 48 and/or the connecting means 58 projecting into the recess 40, as shown in Figures 4 to 6.

The second member 14 is then securely attached to the attachment plate 18 in a desired position by depressing the ichment means 24 passing through the aperture 36 against the bias of the spring 45, as shown in Figure 3. The foot portion 44 is disengaged from the floor plate 26 allowing the second member 14 to be moved into the desired position.

Once in the desired position, the attachment means 24 is released and the bias of the spring 45 brings the foot portion 44 back into secure engagement with the floor plate 26.

As such, the second member 14 is fastened to the attachment plate 18. The raised portions 34 enclose the attachment plate 18 as can be best seen in Figure 1.

As such, the position of the second member 14 on the attachment plate 18 is adjustable to provide for blinds 50 mounted via the guard rail 52 at differing distances from the door frame 46.

15 As the door frame 46 is moved the lead carrier means 48, and any other carrier means attached in known manner thereto, is moved also through the action of the bracket 10 and specifically the engagement means comprised of the fingers 38 engaging the carrier means 48.

If it is not desired to have the bracket 10 engaging the carier means 48 the second member 14 can be moved to a position in which it does not contact the carrier means 48.

This is possible by depressing the attachment means 24, best seen in Figure 3, sliding the second member 14 towards the base plate 16 or swivelling it through 900 relative thereto and releasing the attachment means 24. This enables the cords 56 to control extension and retraction of the blinds 50 and their associated carrier means 48 as in normal usage without engaging or entangling carrier means 48 or blinds If the guide rail 52 is mounted further away from the door frame 46 than is able to be covered by the bracket 10, then the bracket 10 may be attached to the brace plate 98 of the spacing bracket 70 by way of attachment means 110, as showa in Figure 8. The base plate 16 is received between the ridges 102 at a suitable position, the attachment means 24 being fastened accordingly.

The position of the bracket 10 is further adjustable by altering the position of the floor plate 86 on the attachment plate 78. This may be achieved by releasing the attachment means 84, moving the second member 74 to a suitable position and retightening the attachment means 84.

The following is a description of the bracket 200 in use. The first member 202 is at first secured to a door or window frame. This securing is preferably in a position so as to be level with a lead carrier means. The second member 204 is then fitted to the attachment plate 208 of the first member 202. This attachment is achieved by snap fitting of the ball 236 between the walls 224 and notch 228.

As described previously, the ball 236 is retained between the walls 224 by way of flanges S"226 provided on the walls 224. Further, the ridges 220 provided on the attachment plate 208 engage the longitudinal ridges 219 of the second member 204. The second member 15 204 can be moved away from the first member 208 while engaged thereto. Such movement may be required to provide for blinds mounted at different distances from a t .door or window frame. This adjustment is possible as the ball 236 is able to slide between the walls 224 whilst being retained by the flanges 226. In addition, the ridges 220 are able to slide longitudinally along the recesses 219. The ridges 240 and teeth 232 inte. 'ct to 20 stabilize the second member 204 in relation to the attachment plate 208 once a suitable position therefor has been found by a user.

The operation of the bracket 200 in relation to the interaction with and movement of a lead carrier means is substantially as hereinbefore described in relation to the bracket If it is not desired to have the bracket 200 engaging a carrier means, the second member 204 can be moved to a position in which it does not contact the carrier means. Such movement has been described previously with reference to Figures 14 and Still further, the bracket 200 is designed such that if the blinds being moved thereby are in some manner restricted in their movement, the second member 204 will disengag3 the attachment plate 208 of the first member 202. This disengagement is caused by lateral or sideways pressure exerted on the second member 204 causing the ridges 220 to disengage the longitudinal recesses 219. Such disengagement causes the lowering or pivong of the second member 204. However, the second member 204 is still attached to the attachment )late 208 by way of the ball 236. The bevelled portion 248 of the first end 214 of the floor plate 212 facilitates such lowering or pivoting of the second member 204.

It is envisaged that the attachment means 24, 84 and 254 may consist of a bolt or screw.

The heads thereof may be provided with a structure located therein to facilitate tightening and release thereof.

It is further envisaged that the screws 62 may be replaced with alternative forms of attachment means as described above.

SIt is still fUrther envisaged that two or more of the components of the bracket 10 or 200 Sor bracket and spacing means combination 109 or 252 may be formed integrally.

15 The brackets 10, 70, 200 and 250 may be formed of aluminium or similar materials.

Modifications and variations such as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed within the scope of the present invention.

o .e:

Claims (9)

1. A bracket comprising a first member and a second member, the fir:4t member having a base plate for attachment to a door or window frame and an attachment plate, the second member being attachable by a male engagement means provided integrally with either member, being received in the other member, such engagement allowing pivoting and rotation of the second member relative to the first, and having engagement means provided thereon for engaging releasably a lead carrier means for a vertical blind whereby movement of the door or window frame produces a corresponding movement in the lead carrier means. S 10

2. A bracket according to claim 1, in which the male engagement means projects •oupwardly from a first end of a floor plate of the second member to be received within two walls depending from the first member, having retaining flanges provided thereon, whereby the male engagement means is able to move towards and away from the attachment plate of the first member and to rotate relative thereto. 15

3. A bracket according to claim 1, in which the attachment of the first and second S member is achieved by way of snap fitfittings provided thereon.

4. A bracket according to any one of the preceding claims, in which the second S. member comprises a floor plate and the engagement means, the engagement means comprising a pair of fingers having a recess located therebetwcen, the lead carrier means engagable between the fingers and at least partially in the recess.

A bracket and spacing bracket means combination comprising the bracket of any I-~ 12 one of the preceding claims 1 to 4 and a spacing bracket meanrt, the spacing bracket means being releasably attached to or integrally formed with the base plate of the bracket and spacing the bracket from a door or window frame to which it is attached.

6. A bracket and spacing bracket means combination according to claim 5, in which the spacing bracket means comprises a first member and a second member adjustably joined by an attachment means, the first member being attachable to a sliding door or window and the second member capable of having the base plate of the bracket adjusting attached thereto.

7. A bracket and spacing bracket means combination according to claim 6, in which the second member has an upstanding portion thereof having an elongate aperture therein allowing an attachment means to project therethrough and attach thereto the base plate of the bracket.

8. A bracket substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figures 10 to

9. A bracket and spacing bracket means combination substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 16. DATED THIS 15TH DAY OF NOVEMBER 1996 ADRIAN ROBdERT MOSCHENI TIMOTHY PAUL O'CONNOR By their Patent Attorneys LORD COMPANY PERTH, WESTERN AUSTRALIA. ABSTRACT 1. A bracket (10) comprising a first member (12) and a second member the first member (12) having a base plate (16) for attachment to a door or window frame (46) and an attachment plate the second member (14) being attachable to or integrally formed with the attachment plate (18) of the first member (12) and having engagement means (38) provided thereon for engaging releasably a lead carrier means (48) for a vertical blind whereby movement of the door or window frame (46) produces a corresponding movement in the lead carrier means (48). e 0*