CN107636246B - Curtain plate - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a kind of lath for roller shutter.Lath includes the hook track at the first edge of main body and the receiving track at the second edge of main body.Illustratively, hook track has hook-shaped outline, and receiving track includes lip member and guard member, and lip member and guard member limit a space, which is suitable in the engagement rail for wherein receiving adjacent slat.Hook track and receiving track, which are designed to minimize, makes roller shutter withdraw required space around mandrel.

Description

Curtain

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Patent Application No. 13/772,154, filed February 20, 2013, and entitled "Shutter Slat (curtain plate)," which claims protection on February 20, 2012. benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/600,909 filed on , both of which are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

technical field

The present invention relates to shades and in particular to roll-type shades having improved resistance to storms and unauthorized entry. The invention also relates to curtain panels with compact retraction capabilities.

Background technique

Conventional roller blinds are designed to provide security against illegal entry or storm protection. Because such protection and security may not always be necessary or desirable, such as during the day, when a retail store is open for business or when the weather is good and the homeowner wishes to open the window or enjoy the ocean view, the roller blind is designed to retract into the Inside the case, they are stored inside the case. In some examples, a rigid curtain designed to resist hurricanes and burglars must conform to the reel in order to facilitate compact storage.

A conventional shade is manufactured to conform to the reel by providing a loose hinge between the slats. A slat is slidably engaged at an upper edge of the slat and at a lower edge of the other slat. The upper edge includes a vertical protrusion terminating in a hook-shaped profile. The lower edge includes a first portion and a second portion, the first portion cooperating with the second portion to define a vertical receptacle. The hook profile of the upper edge allows the upper edge to engage the first portion of the lower edge, also having a hook profile. Undesirable disengagement of the upper edge from the lower edge is prevented by a second portion of the lower edge, the second portion of the lower edge comprising a guard extending downwardly to slightly below the hook profile of the lower edge, defined between the first portion of the lower edge and Horizontal orifice between the second section. The depth of the vertical housing defined by the first and second portions of the lower edge is similar to the height of the vertical protrusion of the upper edge. This shade configuration flexibility is achieved due to the pivoting of the vertical portion of the upper edge within the horizontal aperture.

One consequence of this configuration is that the upper edge has a significant vertical clearance within the vertical receptacle. Shades according to this configuration are known to have voids of up to a quarter inch per slat or even greater. A shade with 48 slats and a quarter inch gap per slat has a total gap of twelve inches between the fully open and fully closed positions. To raise such shades with torsion springs as counterweights, the user must either manually or mechanically lift the bottom slats to correct for the amount of air gap before the shade must begin retracting. In such shades, the user would have to lift approximately 150 pounds twelve inches to engage the shade retraction mechanism. Shades of this configuration do not obtain the full benefit of such counterweights as provided by torsion springs or other devices.

An additional consequence of this arrangement is that loosely hinged slats are known to generate noise. The slats creak against each other during extension and retraction. Furthermore, when the roller blind is deployed, the normal force of the winding is sufficient to cause an audible creaking of the slats.

Conventional shades are generally designed to be suspended from a reel or mandrel housed in a housing. When retracting the shade, the slats are wound around the mandrel. Since the slats do not fit together compactly around the roll shaft, the resulting shade assembly forms a larger diameter roll when retracted and thus requires a larger housing for this roll. This can be unsightly, especially in shade applications used on residential buildings. Therefore, there is a need for a shade assembly that can be stored compactly.

One solution to the compact storage problem involves integrating concentric bosses and hinges between adjacent slats, as in U.S. Patent No. 6,095,225 to Miller entitled "Shutter Slat with Integrated Boss." described in No. Slats in this configuration are also slidably engaged at the upper edge of one slat and at the lower edge of the other slat. The upper edge includes a short vertical protrusion terminating in a c-shaped helical boss, and the lower edge includes a c-shaped channel having a diameter sufficient to accommodate the upper edge. This shade configuration flexibility is achieved by the cooperation of the rounded inner surface of the c-shaped channel with the rounded outer surface of the c-shaped helical boss. The diameter of the upper edge is smaller than the diameter of the c-shaped channel, but greater than the width of the aperture defined by the c-shaped channel, preventing the upper edge from simply falling out of the c-shaped channel provided by the lower edge.

One consequence of this configuration is that if the exposed portion of the lower edge's c-shaped channel yields when pressure is applied to the hinge, the slats may undesirably separate. Since the retention of the upper edge by the c-shaped channel is based on relatively small dimensional differences, damage to either edge may result in failure of the roller blind. For example, if an intruder is supposed to hit the curtain, the c-channel may be forced open. Even if the channel is only slightly curved, once a gap is formed between the upper and lower edges, it may be undesirably possible to pry the two slats apart with little effort.

There is a need for a shade panel that completely minimizes the space required for a roller shade constructed of slats to be rolled up in a fully closed configuration. There is also a need for a curtain that does not trap water that could freeze and damage the slats.

Contents of the invention

The present invention is a roller shutter panel for use in a roller shade, the slat having a first end, a second end and a profile comprising a body having an upper edge and a lower edge extending between the upper edge and the lower edge and an outwardly facing side of the body and an inwardly facing side extending between the upper edge and the lower edge. The slat has an engagement track connected to the body at an upper edge, the engagement track has a hook extending upwardly from the upper edge at a smoothly curved transition between the engagement track and the upper edge. The slat also includes a receiving track connected to the body at a lower edge, the receiving track including a lip member having an outer lip surface and a hinged lip surface, the outer lip surface being connected to the inwardly facing side of the body And along the same curve as the inwardly facing side of the body down to a curl extending up to the tip. The receiving track further comprises: a guard member spaced apart from the lip member; a hinge space in which a second engagement track of a second identical slat can hook the lip through an aperture between the lip member and the guard member member to form a hinge; and, the receptacle, which is located between the lip member and the guard member, is separated from the hinge space by a first shoulder on the hinged lip surface and a second shoulder portion on the hinged guard surface, wherein The lowest point of the crimp is displaced horizontally from the intersection of the second engagement track with the body of the second identical slat.

In another embodiment, a panel includes a body having a curved portion having a convex side and a concave side, a first end and a second end. A hook track is positioned at the first end, a bend is formed between the main body and the hook track, and the hook track protrudes above the convex side of the main body. A receiving rail is positioned at the second end, the receiving rail includes a guard member extending along the curvature of the body and a lip member protruding below the concave side of the body. A hinge space is defined between the lip member and the guard member, the hinge space being sized and shaped to hingeably engage the hook track. In another alternative embodiment, the panels may be incorporated into a roller shade, wherein a plurality of slats form a chain extending from the mandrel, the hook track of each successive slat engaging the preceding slat in the chain in the acceptance track.

Description of drawings

Embodiments of the invention are explained in more detail by way of illustration only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a side view of a curtain panel according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a front view of a curtain panel according to the invention;

Figure 3 is a detailed view of a hook track according to the invention;

Figure 4 is a detailed view of a receiving rail according to the invention;

Figure 5 is a front view of a window aperture comprising a roller blind according to the invention;

Figure 6 is a partial horizontal cross-sectional view of a panel according to the invention engaged in a track, taken along line A-A;

Figure 7 is a side view of two curtain panels cooperating according to the invention when the panels are in the open position;

Figure 8 is a detailed view of the cooperation between the hook and receiving tracks of the two panels of Figure 7;

Figure 9 shows a side view of the cooperation of two panels according to the invention when the panels are in the closed position.

Figure 10 is a side view of the panel of Figure 9 showing the interaction between successive windings of the panel.

Figure 11 is a side view of an alternate embodiment of a curtain panel.

Figure 12 is a side view of a roller blind comprising the panels of Figure 11 in the retracted position.

FIG. 13 is a detailed side view of the panel of FIG. 12 .

Figure 14 is a side view of another alternative embodiment of the panel.

15 is a side view of the hinge formed by the engagement of the two panels of FIG. 14 .

Figure 16 is a photograph of a roller blind installed in an apparatus for testing resistance to water intrusion.

Figure 17 is a photograph of a roller blind installed in the apparatus of Figure 16 showing water ingress during testing.

Figure 18 is a photograph of a roller blind installed in the apparatus of Figure 16, demonstrating the absence of water intrusion during the test.

Detailed ways

Figures 1 and 2 show a curtain panel 1 according to the invention. Illustratively, the curtain panel 1 is an elongated body of extruded aluminum having a main body portion 4 , a hook track 7 and a receiving track 8 . The main body portion 4 is bounded by an outwardly facing side 2 , an inwardly facing side 3 , a first edge 5 , a second edge 6 , a first end 15 and a second end 16 . In this embodiment, the slats are formed from a single layer of extruded aluminum; however, double layers of aluminum are also contemplated, as well as other metal or plastic materials.

Figure 1 is a side view of a curtain panel 1 according to the invention. The main body part 4 is a curved single wall having an outwardly facing side 2 , an inwardly facing side 3 , a first edge 5 and a second edge 6 . When taken vertically anywhere along the length of the slat 1 , the outwardly facing side 2 of the body portion 4 has a convex cross-section and the inwardly facing side 3 has a concave cross-section. The distance between the outwardly facing side 2 and the inwardly facing side 3 defines the thickness 50 of the main body part 4 .

Fig. 2 shows a front view of a low-interval curtain 1 according to the invention. The distance between the upper end 52 of the hook track 7 and the lower end 53 of the receiving track 8 defines the vertical height 54 of the slat 1 . However, each slat 1 in the roller blind 9 may not have the same vertical height 54 . Those skilled in the art will recognize that the vertical height 54 of the slat 1 is not critical so long as the slat 1 is suitable for rolling into the shade housing 12 (Fig. 5). The vertical height 54 of the slats 1 in the roller blind 9 can advantageously be varied to minimize the space required to retract the roller blind 9 to the fully closed position.

The distance between the first end 15 and the second end 16 of the body part 4 defines the overall horizontal width 55 of the slat 1 . The overall horizontal width 55 must be wide enough to cover the building aperture or other opening, the roller blind 9 made of slats 1 is designed to protect the building aperture or other opening.

Both the outwardly facing side 2 and the inwardly facing side 3 are formed with a certain radius of curvature 51 . However, those skilled in the art will realize that the radius of curvature 51 is not critical so long as the strip 1 is suitable for winding around the mandrel 19 (Fig. 9). The overall vertical height 54 of the main body portion 4 and the radius of curvature 51 cooperate to allow the roller blind 9 formed by the slats 1 to be rolled up when retracted about the mandrel 19 . The radius of curvature 51 , overall vertical height 54 and thickness 50 of the main body portion 4 are selected to facilitate retraction and winding of the roller blind 9 formed by the slats 1 around the mandrel 19 and provide strength to the roller blind 9 .

Figure 3 is a detailed view of the hook-type track 7, which is connected to the body part 4 at the first edge 5, which is a smooth concave transition. The hook track 7 includes a hook 30 having an outer surface 31 , an inner surface 32 and a top end 33 . The hook rail 7 is integrally formed with the main body portion 4 . However, it should be appreciated that the hook track 7 could be formed and secured to the main body portion 4 separately. It should also be understood that the hook track 7 could alternatively be located at the second edge 6 .

The contour dimensions of the hook 30 of the hook-type rail 7 are substantially similar to the contour of the articulation space 20 of the receiving rail 8 . The hook 30 may have a single radius, or the radius may vary along the profile of the hook 30 . In the illustrated embodiment, the radius of the hook 30 decreases as the tip 33 is approached.

The radius of curvature of the outer surface 31 combined with the radius of curvature of the inner surface 32 causes the hook track 7 to have a substantially uniform thickness 56 from the top end 33 to the first end 5 of the main body portion 4 . In this embodiment, the thickness 56 of the hook track 7 is substantially similar to the thickness 50 of the main body portion 4 . The hook track 7 also has a vertical height 57 extending from the first edge 5 to the upper end 52 .

FIG. 4 is a detailed view of the receiving rail 8 connected to the body part 4 at the second edge 6 . The receiving rail 8 includes a lip member 10 , a guard member 11 and a hinge space 20 . The receiving rail 8 may also include a receptacle 23 . The receiving rail 8 is integrally formed with the main body part 4 . However, it should be appreciated that the receiving rail 8 could be formed and secured to the main body portion 4 separately.

The receiving rail 8 has a vertical height 58 extending from the second edge 6 to a lower end 53 . However, those skilled in the art will realize that the vertical height 58 of the receiving rail 8 is not critical so long as the receiving rail 8 is sized to engage the hook-type rail 7 .

Lip member 10 has an outer lip surface 15 , an articulating lip surface 16 and a tip 25 . The outer lip surface 15 also includes an outer lip wall 40 and an outer lip curl 41 . The outer lip wall 40 of the outer lip surface 15 is connected to the inwardly facing side 3 of the main body portion 4 such that the curvature 51 of the inwardly facing side 3 and the outer lip wall 40 are the same, and between the inwardly facing side 3 and the outer lip wall 40 are the same. There is no discontinuity between the outer lip walls 40 . This common curvature 51 minimizes the space occupied by the slats 1 when the roller blind 9 constituted by the slats 1 is retracted into the fully closed position.

The guard member 11 has an outer guard surface 17 and a hinged guard surface 18 . As shown, articulation surfaces 16 and 18 may be fully or partially recessed. Such concave articulation surfaces allow for improved articulation between adjacent slats without providing additional vertical clearance.

The hinge space 20 is a space in which the hook-type rail 7 of an adjacent slat 1 is received in the receiving rail 8 to form a roller blind 9 . The top end 25 of the lip member 10 and the hinged protective surface 18 of the protective member 11 define an aperture 22 which communicates with the hinged space 20 . The hook 30 of the hook-type track 7 of an adjacent slat 1 is dimensioned to enter the hinge space 20 through the aperture 22 . The contour dimensions of the articulation space 20 substantially match the contour of the hook 30 of the hook-type rail 7 . The top ends 33 of the hooks 30 of adjacent slats 1 rest on the hinged lip surface 16 of the lip member 10 forming a hinge between the hook member 7 and the receptacle member 8 of the adjacent slat 1 . The outer surface 31 of the hook 30 of the adjacent slat 1 contacts the hinged protective surface 18 of the guard member 11 , thereby preventing the hook member 7 of the adjacent slat 1 from being disengaged from the receptacle member 8 .

In prior art designs, the receiving rail has a thin guard member that is substantially vertical when the slats are in the vertical position. The lowest point of this prior art guard member extends below the lowest point of the communicating lip member. The guard member 11 is significantly shorter than prior art slat guard members and the lowest point of the guard member 11 ends above the lowest point of the lip member 10 when the slat 1 is in the vertical position. Because the guard member 11 is shorter relative to the lip member, it is thickened and strengthened at the point where it engages the hook track 7 of the adjacent slat 1 without significantly increasing the amount of extruded aluminum required to form the receiving track 8 , which further increases the security of the hinge formed by the two slats without additional material consumption. The increased thickness of the guard member 11 also protects the slat 1 from over-hinging, which might disengage the hinge formed by the hook track of another slat 1 .

The receptacle 23 is adapted to receive a holding or aligning device 29 (Fig. 6). This retention or alignment means may be a screw, bolt or other means capable of being retained by the receptacle and capable of aligning the slats with each other and holding the slats to the guide. The articulation lip surface 16 has a shoulder 27 separating the articulation space 20 from the receptacle 23 and the articulation guard surface 18 has a shoulder 28 separating the articulation space 20 from the receptacle 23 . When the slat 1 is in the vertical position, as shown in FIG. 1 , the receptacle 23 is located above the shoulders 27 and 28 . As shown in FIG. 4 , the receptacle 23 is advantageously positioned between the main body portion 4 and the aperture 22 . It will be appreciated that if the receiving rail 8 is located at the first edge 5 of the slat 1 , the receptacle 23 will still be located between the body part 4 and the aperture 22 .

Although receptacle 23 is a space distinct from hinge space 20 and separated by shoulders 27 and 28 as shown, receptacle 23 has a portion that opens into and communicates with hinge space 20 . The hook track 7 of an adjacent slat 1 cannot enter the gap between the first shoulder 27 and the second shoulder 28 and cannot remain in the receptacle 23 . Although the receptacle 23 is in open communication with the hinge space 20, the receptacle 23 is protected from dust and dirt accumulation by the lip member 10 and the guard member 11 and the hook track 7 of the adjacent slat 1 . It should be understood that the receptacle 23 can be completely separated from the hinge space 20 if desired. In this embodiment the articulation surfaces 16 and 18 will join at shoulders 27 and 28 to provide a single continuous articulation surface for the hook track 7 of the second slat 1 .

Figure 5 shows a front view of a plurality of shutter panels 1 hinged into a roller blind 9 according to the invention, which can be mounted on a building opening such as a window or a door. Details of the building openings are not shown for clarity. The building aperture is also provided with a roller shutter casing 12 and a pair of guides 13 and 14 on opposite side edges of the building aperture. The roller shade 9 can be rolled up for storage within the roller shade housing 12 . The first end 15 and the second end 16 of the slat 1 as shown in FIG. 2 are adjacent to the guides 13 and 14 . Retaining screws 29 provide secure alignment of ends 15 and 16 with guides 13 and 14 .

FIG. 6 shows a partial cross-sectional view taken along line A-A of FIG. 5 . The curtain 1 is shown in combination with guides 13 and retaining screws 29 . A retaining screw 29 is preferably inserted in a receptacle 23 of the curtain panel 1 for the guide 13 . The head 44 of the holding screw 29 protrudes from the receptacle 23 and slides inside the vertical guide 13 provided at the end of the roller blind 9 . In this illustrated embodiment, the retaining screw 29 does not limit the rotation or pivoting of the hook track 7 within the receiving track 8 . As shown, the diameter of the head 44 of the retaining screw 29 is not larger than the outer contour of the receiving rail 8 in order to minimize the roller blind. Because of the space between the head 44 of the screw 29 and the first end 15 of the slat 1 , the receiving track 8 of one slat 1 can slide horizontally relative to the hook track 7 of the other slat 1 . The amount of horizontal sliding can be partially limited by the space between the head 44 of the screw 29 and the first end 15 of the slat 1 or by the configuration of the guides 13 and 14 . An extension screw (not shown) having an extension member may be used instead of the screw 29 . The extension member of the extension screw is longer than the head 44 of the screw 29 and is better adapted to retain the roller blind 9 within the guides 13 and 14 during attempted illegal entry or under extreme wind conditions. Examples of extension screws are disclosed in US Patent No. 7,784,522.

Figure 7 is a side view showing the cooperation of two slats 1a and 1b according to the invention, and Figure 8 is a detail view of the cooperation of the receiving track 8 of the slat 1a with the hook track 7 of the slat 1b. Figures 7 and 8 both show the slats 1a and 1b engaged when the curtain is in the open position. As shown in Figure 7, the bottom slat 1b is in a vertical position, ie the vertical axis 59 of the slat 1b is substantially or completely aligned with the vertical axis 60 of the slat 1b, as in the position in the open curtain. A small void space is provided between the slats. Also, the bottom slats 1b can be hinged in a clockwise direction.

As shown in Figure 8, the hook track 7 of the slat 1b is slidably engaged with the receiving track 8 of the slat 1a to form a hinge between the slats 1a and 1b. The outer surface 31 of the hook 30 of the slat 1b is convex and rests on the hinged lip surface 16 of the lip member 10 and the hinged guard surface 18 of the guard member 11 of the slat 1a. The top end 33 of the hook 30 of the slat 1b also rests on the hinged lip surface 16 of the lip member 10 of the slat 1a. The lip member 10 of the slat 1 a holds the hook 30 of the slat 1 b in the hinge space 20 . The top end 25 of the lip member 10 of the slat 1a protrudes into the space defined by the hook 30 of the slat 1b. The top end 25 of the lip member 10 of the slat 1a is also crimped into the hinge space 20, providing additional security to the hinge formed by the hook track 7 of the slat 1b and the receiving track 8 of the slat 1a.

The guard member 11 protects the junction of the hook track 7 of the slat 1b and the lip member 10 of the slat 1a, preventing the hook track 7 of the slat 1b from detaching from the receiving track 8 of the slat 1a. The guard member 11 also protects the hook track 7 of the slat 1b and the lip member 10 of the slat 1a from exposure to forces applied to the outwardly facing sides 2 of the slats 1a and 1b. In the open position, the load-bearing part of the receiving rail 8 is the lip member 10 . Since the hook track 7 of the slat 1b is not directly loaded on the guard member 11 of the slat 1a, the outer facing side 2 of the slat 1a is less sensitive compared to prior art shades in which the exposed portion of the lower track bears the load. Damage to the guard member 11 of the slat 1a is less likely to disengage the hinge between the slats 1a and 2b.

One design advantage of the lip member 10 and guard member 11 is that the slats 1a and 1b do not trap water in the hinge formed by the hook track 7 of the slat 1b and the receiving track 8 of the slat 1a. The lip member 10 of the slat 1a is displaced horizontally at its lowest point from the intersection of the body portion 4 and the hook track 7 of the slat 1b. The intersection of the body part 4 with the hook track 7 of the slat 1b is a smooth transition. This design allows water to flow cleanly from the lip member 10 of the slats 1a without draining into the hinge formed by the intersection of the slats 1a and 1b.

The slats 1 do not need to protrude to prevent over-hinging. With the slats 1 , the guard member 11 is thickened compared to prior art slats. The thickness of the guard member 11 and the shape of the lip member 10 prevent over-hinging of the slat 1 and no protrusion on the hook member 7 is required. With no protrusions, there are no channels for the water to drip from the lip member 10 . If water remains, the water may freeze and damage the hinge.

Figure 9 is a side view showing the cooperation of two slats 1c and 1d engaged when the slats are in the closed position. As shown, the top end 25 of the lip member 10 of the slat 1c rests flush against the inner surface 32 of the hook 30 of the slat 1d, and when the slat is in the fully closed position, the body of the slat 1c and 1d Section 4 forms a substantially circular arc. This arc allows the initial subassembly of the slat 1 of the roller blind 9 to rest substantially flush on the mandrel 19 when the slats are in the fully closed position and subsequently allows the slat 1 subassembly to form around the initial subassembly and around the other Similar arcs for subcomponents. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that it may be advantageous to vary the slat curvature as the distance between the slat and the mandrel increases so as to minimize the overall space required when the roller shade 9 is in its fully closed position.

The shape of the guard member 11 also minimizes the total radius of the roller blind of the slats 1 when the blind is in the closed position. As stated above, the guard member 11 is shorter and thicker than the prior art slats and the lowest point of the guard member 11 is higher than the lowest point of the lip member 10 when the slat 1 is in the vertical position. As shown in Figure 9, when the slats 1c and 1d are in the closed position, the distance from the center 65 of the centrifugal axis 19 of the protective member 11 of the slat 1c at the farthest point from the center 65 of the centrifugal axis 19 is the same as the hook track of the slat 1d 7 are approximately the same distance from the center 65 of the center 65 of the center 65 of the center 65 of the center 7 of the axis 19 of the center of the center 65 of the center 65 of the center 65 of the center 65 of the center 7 of the axis 19 of the axis 19 of the center of the center of the center 65 of the center of the center 65 of the center of the center 65 of the axis 19 of the center of the axis 19 of the centrifugal axis 7 are approximately the same. This configuration minimizes the overall radius of the roller blind 9 of the slats 1 by minimizing the overall radius occupied by each subassembly of the slats around the mandrel 19 when the shade is in the closed position. Furthermore, the outer surface of the guard 11 is formed substantially parallel to the curvature of the main body, thereby reducing the overall radius of the rolled-up shade.

In a preferred embodiment the slat is provided with a bend or recess between the hook track and the body of the slat. As best shown in FIG. 3 , the slat 1 has a bend at the first edge 5 between the main body 4 and the hook track 7 . The bends allow the hinge to form a smooth transition between adjacent slats. For example, Figures 7 and 8 show the hinge between the slats 1a and 1b in a vertical position. The bend allows a smooth transition between the outer surface 31 of the hook 30 and the outer protective surface 17 of the protective member 11 when the hook-shaped track 7 of the slat 1b is engaged in the receiving track 8 of the slat 1a. It is believed that this smooth transition allows water to flow cleanly through the hinge without collecting and draining into the hinge. It has also been found that the sharper the angle of the bend, the better at reducing water penetration into the hinge.

In some slat configurations, the presence of a bend between the main body and the hook track may interfere with the ability to minimize the space required to retract the roller shade to the fully closed position. For example, FIG. 10 shows a slat 1 with a hook track 7 and a receiving track 8 which protrude above the convex curvature of the body 4 of the slat, ie from the outwardly facing side 2. protrude. The engagement of the hook track 7 with the receiving track 8 forms a hinge 62 which protrudes above the common convex curvature of the slats 1 and forms a gap 64 between the bodies 4 of adjacent slats in successive windings. These gaps interfere with the tight fit when the shade is rolled to the retracted or fully closed position.

It was found that by forming the slats to have receiving rails protruding below the concave curvature of the slat body (i.e. protruding from the inwardly facing side), the space required for the roller blind in the retracted position can be minimized without damaging the gap between the body and the Bend between hook tracks. Referring to Figures 11 and 12, an alternate embodiment of a slat is shown having a receiving track with a lip member projecting below the concave curvature of the inwardly facing side of the body. The guard member receiving the track extends along the curvature of the body.

As shown in Figure 11, the slat 100 has a main body 104 with a first edge 105 and a second edge 106 opposite the first edge. The body 104 includes a curvature 151 having a radius of curvature, a convex outwardly facing side 102 and a concave inwardly facing side 103 . A hook track 107 is connected to the body 104 at a first edge 105 and a receiving track 108 is connected to the body at a second edge 106 .

The receiving rail 108 includes a lip member 110 , a guard member 111 and a hinge space 120 . The lip member 110 includes a base 168 adjacent the end 106 of the body 104 and an outer lip wall 140 . The lip member 110 protrudes below the concave inwardly facing side 103 of the body 104 by a height 166 . The guard member 111 extends along the curvature of the main body 104 . The hinge space 120 communicates with an aperture 122 defined between the lip member 110 and the guard member 111 . The hinge space 120 is sized and shaped to hingeably engage the hook track 107 . Receiving track 108 may also include a receptacle 123 defined between lip member 110 and guard member 111 , receptacle 123 sized and shaped to receive a retention or alignment device (not shown), as previously described.

The hook track 107 includes a hook 130 having an outer surface 131 , an inner surface 132 , a base 170 adjacent the end 105 of the body 104 , and a top end 133 . The size and shape of the hook 130 is substantially similar to the size and shape of the hinge space 120 that receives the track 108 . A bend 172 having an inner corner 174 is formed between the hook track 107 and the main body 104 . The bend 172 causes the hook track 107 to protrude above the convex outwardly facing side 102 of the main body 104 by a height 176 .

12 and 13 show a roller blind in a retracted position comprising a plurality of slats 100 forming a chain extending from a mandrel 119 . The hook track 107 of each successive slat 100 is hingedly engaged in a receiving track 108 in the preceding slat 100 in the chain. In the retracted position, the chain of slats will be wound around the mandrel 119 in a series of windings further and further away from the axis.

An example of a single winding is shown by slats 100a, 100b, 100c, 100d and 100e, i.e. where slat 100a is the initial slat in the winding located closest to the mandrel and slat 100e is the furthest located from the axis. The last slat in the winding, and slats 100b, 100c and 100d are intermediate slats positioned between the initial slat 100a and the last slat 100e. As shown in Figure 13, the hook track 107a of the initial slat 100a is positioned adjacent to the receiving track 108e of the final slat 100e. Furthermore, the main body 104e of the last slat 100e overlaps above the hook track 107a of the initial slat 100a. Conversely, the main body 104a of the first slat 100a overlaps below the receiving track 108e of the last slat 100e

. Likewise, intermediate slats 100b, 100c, and 100d have hook-type rails 107 positioned adjacent receiving rails 108 and overlapping above with the bodies 104 of the slats in successive windings, and with plates below in successive windings. The strip receiving rails 108 overlap the main body 104 .

In order to minimize the space required in the retracted position, the slat 100 may be configured with a receiving track 108 having a lip member 110 protruding below the concave side 103 of the main body 104 at a height 166 (inner ), the height 166 is approximately the same as the height 176 that the hook track 107 protrudes above (outside) the convex side 102 of the main body 104. Guard member 111 receiving rail 108 has a curvature extending along the curvature of body 104 , and outer wall 140 of lip member 110 receiving rail 108 may also have a curvature that is the same or approximately the same as the curvature of body 104 . Additionally, the size and shape of the base 168 of the receiving track 108 adjacent the end 106 of the body 104 may be complementary to the size and shape of the base 170 of the hook track 107 adjacent the end 105 of the body 104 .

As discussed above, the curvature and vertical height of the body 104 can be varied to minimize the space required by the roller shade in the retracted position. As is evident in Figure 12, the radius and circumference of each successive winding increases the farther away from the axis. Thus, the radius of curvature 151 of the staves 100 may increase as the centrifugal axis 119 is further away, ie the radius of curvature of the body 104 of the staves closer to the mandrel may be shorter than that of the staves further away from the mandrel. Also, the height of the slat 100 may increase as it is farther from the centrifugal axis 119, ie the height between the ends 105 and 106 of the slat body 104 closer to the mandrel may be shorter than the height of the slat further away from the mandrel.

In another embodiment, the inner angle 174 of the bend 172 may vary between the slats in the roller shade. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that as the radius of curvature 151 of the body 104 is increased, the inner angle 174 of the bend 172 may also be increased to accommodate the flatter curvature of the body and minimize gaps between the bodies of adjacent slats in successive windings. any gaps. Accordingly, the interior angle 174 of the bend 172 of the stave 100 closer to the mandrel 119 may be smaller than the interior angle of the stave further away from the mandrel.

In another embodiment, each winding of the roller shade in the retracted position has the same number of slats. In the embodiment of Figure 12, each winding comprises 5 slats, wherein each of the hinges 162 rests on the previous hinge to form a compact roll.

In addition to minimizing the space required in the retracted position, these embodiments are believed to provide additional advantages. As discussed above, the receiving rail 108 may have a guard member 111 having the same or similar curvature as the main body 104 and a lip member 110 protruding from the concave inwardly facing side 103 of the main body. below. This configuration minimizes the profile of the hinge 162 on the convex inwardly facing side and smoothes the transition between the joined shade panels 100, which allows water to flow more cleanly off the outer surface of the roller shade and reduces any protruding surfaces. , at the protruding surface, water can collect and drain into the hinge. The minimal profile of the hinge 162 also reduces the exposure of the receiving track 108 and the hook track 107 on the outwardly facing side 102 of the roller shade, which exposure might otherwise provide a weak point for forcing the joined panels apart. The engagement of the engagement track 108 with the hook track 107 moves to the inner side 103 of the roller blind, allowing the guard member 111 to more effectively protect the hook track from forces exerted on the outwardly facing side 102 of the shade panel.

In yet another embodiment, the slats may be configured to further minimize the hinge 262 profile. 14 and 15 show the slat 200 having a body 204 , a hook track 207 and a receiving track 208 . Body 204 has a convex outwardly facing surface 202 having a curvature of radius 251 . The receiving rail 208 has a guard member 211 having an outer guard surface 217 extending generally along the curvature of the outwardly facing surface 202 of the main body 204 . Thus, outer guard surface 217 and outwardly facing surface 202 form a surface with a generally continuous curvature, which further minimizes the profile of the outwardly facing surface of hinge 262 .

In a preferred embodiment, hook track 207 is also sized and shaped to minimize the profile of the outwardly facing surface of hinge 262 . As best shown in FIG. 15 , the outer surface 231 of the hook track 207 does not generally protrude beyond a tangent (plane) 264 of the outer protective surface 217 of the receiving track 208 when the adjacent slats are in the vertical position. . More preferably, the outer surface 231 and the outer guard surface 217 form a hinge surface extending along the curvature of the outwardly facing surface 202 when the hook track 207 is engaged in the receiving track 208 . Thus, the hinge surface and outwardly facing surface 202 form a surface with a substantially continuous curvature. Thus, the junction between two slats is substantially the intersection between the curvatures 251 of the outwardly facing sides 202 of the two panels when adjacent slats are in the vertical position. This configuration is also shown by the adjacent vertical slats in FIG. 12 .

The following examples are included to demonstrate preferred embodiments of the invention. It should be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the techniques disclosed in the examples which follow represent techniques discovered by the inventors to function well in the practice of the invention, and thus can be considered to constitute preferred modes for its practice. However, those of skill in the art should, in light of the present disclosure, appreciate that many changes can be made in the specific embodiments which are disclosed and still obtain a like or similar result without departing from the scope of the invention.

The resistance to water intrusion was tested on panels with different designs. Curtain A has a conventional slat design and receiving rails protrude from the convex outwardly facing side of the slat. Panel B has a slat design similar to that of Figures 11 and 14, as discussed above.

Tests were performed by mounting the shade in a vertical frame or stand as shown in Figure 16 . The hinges between adjacent slats of the shade are compressed by the weight of the shade. A spray rack is positioned on the outside of the shade with a plurality of nozzles directed towards the convex outwardly facing side of the slat. The nozzle is centered on the hinge with a spray angle of 0°, +45° or -45° relative to horizontal. Water was sprayed onto the curtain for a period of 10 minutes at a flow rate of 3, 4, or 5 gpm (gallons per minute). Card slots are positioned on the inside of the shade, at the bottom of the shade to measure the amount of water (ml) that penetrates through the hinge from the outside.

Table 1: Water intrusion results

The results of the water intrusion tests are shown in Table 1. A substantial amount of water was found to penetrate conventional shade design slat A at 5 gpm at a 0° spray angle. As shown in Figure 17, immediate steady state dripping from multiple hinges was observed. A slow trickle from a single hinge producing a non-measurable (NM) amount of water was also observed at 4 gpm at a 0° spray angle and 5 gpm at a +45° spray angle. In contrast, water was not found to penetrate Curtain Design Slats B under any conditions, as shown in FIG. 18 .

Modifications, other than those described above, may be made to the structures and techniques disclosed herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, while specific embodiments have been described, these are examples only and do not limit the scope of the inventions.

Claims (20)

1. a kind of lath for roller shutter, comprising:

Main body, the main body are single walls comprising curvature, first end and second end with convex side and concave side；

Hook track, the hook track are located at the first end；

Turn of bilge, the turn of bilge are formed between the main body and the hook track, institute of the hook track in the main body It is prominent to state convex upper side；

Track is received, the receiving track is located at the second end, and the receiving track includes guard member and lip member, The guard member extends along the curvature of the main body, and the lip member is prominent below the concave side of the main body； And

Hinged space, the hinged space are defined between the lip member and guard member, the size in the hinged space It is suitable for hingedly engaging the hook track with shape.

2. lath according to claim 1, which is characterized in that the lip member protrudes from the main body with the first height The concave side below, and the hook track is to protrude from the master with approximately uniform second height of first height The convex upper side of body.

3. lath according to claim 1, which is characterized in that the hook track includes the first base of the neighbouring main body Seat, and the lip member has the second pedestal of the neighbouring main body, and wherein first pedestal and the second pedestal Size and shape be complementary.

4. lath according to claim 1, which is characterized in that the convex side of the main body has first surface curvature First surface, and the guard member has the second surface extended along the first surface curvature.

5. lath according to claim 1, which is characterized in that the lip member has approximate with the curvature of the main body Identical third curvature.

6. a kind of roller shutter, comprising:

Mandrel；

Multiple laths, each lath include:

Main body, the main body are single walls, and the main body includes the curvature with convex side and concave side, first end and second end；

Hook track, the hook track are located at the first end；

Turn of bilge, the turn of bilge are formed between the main body and the hook track；

Track is received, the receiving track is located at the second end, and the receiving track includes guard member and lip member, The guard member extends along the curvature of the main body, and the lip member protrudes from below the concave side of the main body； And

Hinged space, the hinged space are defined between the lip member and guard member, the size in the hinged space It is suitable for hingedly engaging the hook track with shape；

Wherein the multiple lath forms the chain extended from the mandrel, and the hook track of each lath in succession is engaged in In the receiving track of the previous lath described in the chain.

7. roller shutter according to claim 6, which is characterized in that the lath have the main body the first end with Height between second end, and wherein the roller shutter has retrieving position, and in the retrieving position, the multiple lath is around institute Mandrel winding is stated, in described at least one lath of mandrel nearside and in one, mandrel distal side lath, and nearside lath Height is more shorter than the height of distal side lath.

8. roller shutter according to claim 7, which is characterized in that the height of the multiple lath is with farther from the mandrel And increase.

9. roller shutter according to claim 7, which is characterized in that the curvature of the main body has radius, and the nearside The radius of lath is less than the radius of the distal side lath.

10. roller shutter according to claim 9, which is characterized in that the radius of the multiple lath is with from the heart Axis is farther and increases.

11. roller shutter according to claim 7, which is characterized in that the turn of bilge between the main body and the hook track With certain angle, and the angle of the nearside lath is less than the angle of the distal side lath.

12. roller shutter according to claim 11, which is characterized in that the angle of the multiple lath is with more from the mandrel Far increase.

13. roller shutter according to claim 7, which is characterized in that the multiple lath around the mandrel with it is multiple in succession around Group winding.

14. roller shutter according to claim 13, which is characterized in that the multiple winding has the first winding and second in succession Winding, and the hook track of the wherein lath in first winding is Chong Die with the main body and neighbouring described the The receiving track of lath in two successive windings.

15. roller shutter according to claim 13, which is characterized in that at least one winding includes series of panels, and described one Serial lath has the initial lath positioned near the mandrel and the last lath farthest positioned from the mandrel, and its Described in initial lath the hook track is Chong Die with the main body and the receiving track adjacent to the last lath.

16. roller shutter according to claim 15, which is characterized in that it is described series lath include be located at the initial lath with Intermediate lath between last lath, and the hook track of the wherein intermediate plate item is Chong Die and adjacent with the main body The receiving track of lath in nearly winding in succession.

17. roller shutter according to claim 13, which is characterized in that each of described winding includes the plate of identical quantity Item.

18. roller shutter according to claim 13, which is characterized in that each in the winding includes 5 laths.

19. a kind of roller shutter, comprising:

First lath and the second lath, each lath include:

Main body, the main body are single walls, and the main body includes the curvature with convex side and concave side, first end and second end；Institute State the first surface that convex side has first surface curvature；

Hook track, for the hook tracks positioned at the first end, the hook track has second surface；

Turn of bilge, the turn of bilge are formed between the main body and the hook track；

Track is received, for the receiving tracks positioned at the second end, the receiving track includes guard member and antelabium structure Part, the guard member extend along the curvature of the main body, and the lip member protrudes from the described recessed of the main body Side-lower, the guard member have third surface；And

Hinged space, the hinged space are defined between the lip member and guard member, the size in the hinged space It is suitable for hingedly engaging the hook track with shape；

Wherein in the receiving track that the hook track of first lath is engaged in second lath and institute When stating the first lath and the second lath in a vertical position, the second surface of first lath does not protrude past described The tangent line on the third surface of the second lath.

20. roller shutter according to claim 19, which is characterized in that further include: by the hook rail of first lath The hinge that engagement of the road in the receiving track of second lath is formed, and the wherein second surface and third table Face forms the hinge surface extended along the first surface curvature.