JP3171835U - Screen tension mechanism and system - Google Patents

Abstract

A screen tensioning mechanism and system for a retractable blind that can maintain the required degree of horizontal tension in the screen and assists in proper pleat folding and stretching operations of the blind. The screen tension mechanism includes a projecting member having a head portion and an elastically deformable tail portion, a housing member, a first opening configured to receive an end portion of a support rod, and the tail. And a housing member comprising a second opening having a tapered inner shape configured to forcibly receive the tail portion by deflecting the portion inward. [Selection] Figure 1A

Description

  The present invention relates generally to screen tension systems, and more particularly to a screen tension mechanism for retractable blinds. The invention is particularly useful with respect to roman blinds composed mostly of fabric. However, it should be understood that it is intended for wider use and use.

  The functional and decorative use of blinds (especially roman blinds) goes back 2,000 years, a time when glass windows are not available for buildings. In modern times, the use of blinds and windows covering residential and commercial environments is commonplace.

  Roman blinds are mostly composed of soft fabric material, and when the blinds are raised, they are gathered into pleats. The cord is generally connected to a dowel rod or slat (thin sheet). Dowel rods or slats are attached to or within the fabric material to help fold the fabric pleats when the blinds are raised and to extend the fabric when the blinds are lowered It is done. Current Roman blind structures, especially those containing soft fabric materials, may use dowel rods or slats that are oriented horizontally through the fabric to form the desired regular pleats when the blind is raised. It has become common. However, the use of support members such as dowel rods and slats is often useless in forming the desired degree of fabric tension and irregular pleats or creases in the fabric result. Such undesirable results become more pronounced after repeated blind operations.

  In view of these limitations, there is a need for a screen tensioning mechanism and system for retractable blinds that can maintain the required degree of horizontal tension in the screen and assists in proper pleat folding and stretching operations of the blinds.

  In the specification in which a document, act or item of knowledge is referenced or explained, this reference or explanation is that the document, act or item of knowledge or a combination thereof is publicly known as of the priority date, We do not confess that it has become part of the general knowledge, or that it has been known in connection with attempts to solve any of the problems to which this document pertains.

Corresponding to an embodiment of the present invention, a screen tension mechanism for use in a retractable blind is provided.
This screen tension mechanism
(A) a protruding member having a head portion and an elastically deformable tail portion;
(B) a housing member,
(I) a first opening configured to receive the end of the support rod; and (ii) a tapered internal shape configured to forcibly receive the tail by deflecting the tail inward. A housing member comprising: a second opening having:
The elastically deformable tail portion urges the protruding member axially outward from the support rod when in use.

  The head part and the tail part may be integrally formed. Alternatively, the tail portion may be detachably attached to the head portion. Further, the tail portion includes a predetermined length of elastically deformable material such as strip steel.

  Preferably, the tail portion includes at least two legs extending from the head portion, and the legs extend from the head portion so as to deviate (separate) from each other. In one embodiment of the present invention, two legs extend from the head and each includes a gentle curve that follows the first straight line when the leg branches. The leg bifurcation formed by the bend improves the biasing of the protruding member by allowing faster engagement of the leg to the tapered internal shape of the second opening.

  The head portion and the leg portion can be integrally formed. It is advantageous if at least the protruding member can be formed as a single piece through the use of conventional manufacturing techniques such as plastic injection molding.

  The tapered internal shape comprises a first pair of opposing inner surfaces that engage the leg in use and deflect the leg inward. The first pair of opposing inner surfaces may be focused (close) with respect to each other and may have a predetermined angular separation. The first pair of opposed inner surfaces has a predetermined angular separation in the range of 5 degrees to 25 degrees. In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the predetermined angular separation is about 10 degrees or about 14 degrees. By increasing the predetermined angular separation of the opposing inner surfaces, it is possible to increase the biasing force applied to the protruding member. Increasing the biasing force applied to the protruding member depending on the size of the blinds and / or the weight of the screen material used is useful and, as a result, increases the tensioning force applicable to the screen.

  In each embodiment of the invention, the tapered internal shape further comprises a second pair of opposing inner surfaces having a predetermined angular separation that is different from the first pair of opposing inner surfaces. Advantageously, the tail of the protruding member can be forcibly received by the second opening in either a weak tension orientation or a strong tension orientation. A weak or strong tension orientation corresponds to the engagement of the legs to either the first pair or the second pair of opposing faces. Since the predetermined angular separation of the first pair of opposing faces and the second pair of opposing faces is different, one of these pairs provides a weaker biasing force on the protruding member and provides a weaker tension on the screen. .

  The second opening further includes guide means for restricting the rotational movement of the protruding member during use. The guide means may comprise one or more U-shaped grooves that slidably receive at least one of the legs. In one embodiment of the present invention, the guide means comprises two pairs of opposing U-shaped grooves (i.e. on both sides of the second opening), which are either in a weak tension or in a strong tension orientation, the tail of the protruding member To facilitate the insertion. Arrangement of U-shaped grooves around one or more legs advantageously prevents the protrusion member from rotating so that the legs engage either the first pair of opposing faces or the second pair of opposing faces. Ensuring maintenance (or at least in a slidable orientation).

  At least one of the legs includes a protrusion on an outer surface engageable with the housing member to prevent the tail portion from being pushed out of the housing member.

  In another embodiment, the guide means comprises at least one longitudinal slot that slidably receives a protrusion on the outer surface of the protruding member. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, the guide means comprises a pair of opposing longitudinal slots (eg, on the opposite side of the second opening) and slides a corresponding pair of protrusions on the opposing (on both sides) of the protruding member. Receive in the ceremony. Each of the protrusions engages each of the slots and prevents the protruding member from being pushed out of the housing member. Arrangement of the protrusions in the slots advantageously prevents rotation of the protruding members so that the legs are engaged (or at least at least one of the first pair of opposing faces or the second pair of opposing faces). Ensure that it remains slidably oriented (aligned).

  Furthermore, the second opening can be provided with an inner lip engageable with the protruding member, and the tail portion can be prevented from being pushed out of the housing member. Advantageously, the frictional engagement between the protrusion on the outer surface of the leg and the inward lip of the second opening prevents the tail from being pushed out or simply freely falling off the housing member. Enough.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a screen tension system for use in a retractable blind is provided. This screen tension system
(A) a support rod for insertion into the pocket of the retractable screen;
(B) a pair of screen tension mechanisms according to claim 1, comprising a pair of screen tension mechanisms disposed at both ends of the support rod;
In use, the head portion of each of the pair of screen tension mechanisms transmits a tension facing the pocket of the retractable screen.

  Preferably, the head portion of each of the pair of screen tension mechanisms transmits opposing tension to the inner wall of the pocket. A screen tensioning system is provided in the pocket of the screen having at least two side walls to secure the support rod and tensioning mechanism pair. The size (dimension) and length of the support rod is preferably selected according to the weight and width of the screen. In use, the pair of head portions of the tension mechanism are urged axially outward from the support rod in opposite (both sides) directions. Advantageously, the placement of the support rod between a pair of tensioning mechanisms generates a predetermined degree of horizontal tension within the screen to aid in proper pleat folding of the screen. The screen is preferably constructed from a fabric and more preferably from a flexible fabric material that has a tendency to form soft pleats when the screen is raised.

According to a further embodiment of the present invention, a screen tension system for use in a retractable blind is provided. Screen tension system
(A) a protruding member having a head portion and an elastically deformable tail portion;
(B) A support rod including a housing member, the housing member having an opening having a tapered inner shape configured to forcibly receive the tail portion by deflecting the tail portion inward. A support rod; and
In use, the elastically deformable tail portion biases the protruding member axially outward from the support rod.

  The housing member may be a separate unit having an end configured to be received within the opening of the support rod. Alternatively, the support rod and the housing member may be integrally formed. In embodiments of the present invention, it is desirable for the tapered internal shape of the housing member to be formed during manufacture of the support rod.

In accordance with yet another embodiment of the present invention, a screen tension mechanism for use in a retractable blind is provided. This screen tension mechanism
(A) a protruding member having a head portion and an elastically deformable tail portion;
(B) a housing member,
(I) an end configured to be inserted into the opening of the support rod;
(Ii) an opening having a tapered inner shape configured to forcibly receive the tail portion by deflecting the tail portion inward, and a housing member comprising:
With
In use, the elastically deformable tail portion biases the protruding member axially outward from the support rod.

  In use, the end of the housing member may be configured to be inserted into the opening of the support rod such that the housing member is substantially contained within the support rod.

  According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a support rod for a screen tension mechanism comprising a housing member, the housing member comprising an opening having a tapered inner shape, the opening being pivoted from the support rod. A support rod is provided that is configured to forcibly receive the elastically deformable tail portion of the projecting member so as to bias the projecting member outward in the direction.

According to yet another embodiment of the present invention, a protruding member for a screen tension mechanism,
(A) a head part;
(B) an elastically deformable tail portion;
With
A projecting member, wherein the projecting member is configured to be inserted into an opening of a housing member of the support rod so as to bias the projecting member axially outward from the support rod. Provided.

1 is a front perspective view of a screen tension mechanism according to a representative embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1B is a rear perspective view of the screen tension mechanism of FIG. 1A. FIG. 1B is a front perspective view of the screen tension mechanism of FIG. 1A with the protruding member in a weak tension orientation. FIG. 1B is a front perspective view of the screen tension mechanism of FIG. 1A with the protruding member in a strong tension orientation. 1B is a side cross-sectional view of the screen tension mechanism of FIG. 1A with the protruding member in a weak tension orientation. 1B is a side cross-sectional view of the screen tension mechanism of FIG. 1A with the protruding member in strong tension orientation. 1B is a side cross-sectional view of the screen tension mechanism of FIG. 1A with the protruding member in the operating position. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a screen tension mechanism according to a further embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4B is a side sectional view of the screen tension mechanism of FIG. 4A. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a screen tension mechanism according to a further embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5B is a side sectional view of the screen tension mechanism of FIG. 5A. FIG. 6 is a perspective view of a screen tension mechanism according to a further embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6B is a rear perspective view of the screen tension mechanism of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6B is a front perspective view of the screen tension mechanism of FIG. 6A with the protruding member in a first tension orientation. FIG. 6B is a rear perspective view of the screen tension mechanism of FIG. 6B with the protruding member in a first tension orientation. FIG. 6B is a side sectional view of the screen tension mechanism of FIG. 6A. FIG. 6B is a side cross-sectional view of the screen tension mechanism of FIG. 6A with the protruding member in the operating position.

  An embodiment of a screen tension mechanism and system will be described with reference to the drawings. The present invention is particularly useful with respect to roman blinds composed primarily of fabric. Thus, it would be convenient to describe the invention in this environment. However, it should be understood that the present invention is intended for wider application and use.

  1A and 1B show a screen tension mechanism 100 that is a representative embodiment of the present invention. The screen tension mechanism 100 includes a protruding member 102 having a head portion 104 and an elastically deformable tail portion 106. The head portion 104 has a rounded end and assists in the effective operation of the mechanism 100 within the fabric pocket of the roman blind. Since mechanism 100 or head 104 is configured to transmit tension to the screen of the blind, the rounded end of the head gives the blind a beautiful appearance when in use. Furthermore, the rounded end of the head portion 104 minimizes the possibility that the fabric pocket will tear as a result of tension.

  The tail portion 106 includes two elastically deformable leg portions 108 that extend from the head portion 104. In the first extension from the head portion 104, the legs 108 are maintained substantially linear and parallel. The distance between the legs 108 is substantially planar, but the legs 108 are curved outward from each other. In a particularly preferred embodiment of the present invention, the legs 108 are joined at the point where the curve begins (as shown). Advantageously, this coupling between the legs 108 provides additional structural support and limitations to the extent of deformation of the legs 108.

  The head 104 and tail 106 are integrally formed and are preferably manufactured from a plastic material using a molding technique. Although alternative materials having similar physical properties can be used in the construction of the protruding member 102, the flexibility of the plastic material allows the leg 108 to elastically deform.

  The mechanism 100 further includes a housing member 110 having a first opening 114 and a second opening 112. The first opening 114 is configured to receive an end of a support rod (not shown). In this particular embodiment of the present invention, the first opening 114 is configured to receive a circular support rod. However, it should be understood that other shapes of the support rod can be used for proper adaptation of the first opening 114. Embodiments of the present invention define housing members 110 of various dimensions, particularly the first opening 114, to accommodate support rods having diameters of 6 mm and 8 mm. However, it should be understood that other dimensions are also suitable. Preferably, the support rod is formed from light metal, plastic or wood, and can provide high horizontal rigidity to the screen when using a tension mechanism. As with the protruding member 102, the housing member 110 is preferably manufactured from a plastic material using injection molding techniques.

  In another embodiment of the present invention, the housing member 110 may have an end (not shown) configured to be inserted into the support rod opening. This allows the majority, if not all, of the housing member 110 to be contained within the support rod during use. In an embodiment of the present invention, the support rod may be a hollow cylinder formed from a light metal or a plastic material. It is envisioned that the housing member 100 can be inserted into the end of the hollow support rod and held in part by frictional engagement or mechanical engagement with the support rod, such as a housing member-like lip.

  In yet another embodiment, the housing member 110 may be integrally formed with the support rod. In this case, the tapered internal shape of the housing member 110 is preferably formed at one or more ends of the support rod during manufacture of the support rod.

  The second opening 112 of the housing member 110 tapers configured to forcibly receive (or press) the elastically deformable leg 108 of the tail 106 and deflect inward (displace or deform) inwardly. Having an internal shape. Insertion of the tail 106 into the second opening 112 of the housing member 110 requires the application of force by the user, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B. When the tail 106 or leg 108 is slidably inserted into the second opening 112, the leg 108 engages the tapered internal shape of the housing member 110. This tapered internal shape is composed of a first pair of opposed inner surfaces 116 and a second pair of opposed inner surfaces 118. Each of the first pair of opposed inner surfaces 116 and the second pair of opposed inner surfaces 118 converge (approach) with respect to each other and have different predetermined angular separations. When the user applies a force to the protruding member 102, the engagement of the elastically deformable leg 108 with the first pair of opposed inner surfaces 116 or the second pair of opposed inner surfaces 118 bends the legs 108 and deflects inward. Thus, the tail portion 106 is further inserted into the housing member 110.

  When the leg 108 is moved inward by either the first pair of opposed inner surfaces 116 or the second pair of opposed inner surfaces 118, the elasticity of the legs 108 causes the protruding member 102 to be attached axially outward from the support rod. Rush. This bias allows the head portion 104 to transmit tension to the screen fabric pocket.

  The first pair of opposing inner surfaces 116 has about 10 degrees as a predetermined angular separation, and the second pair of opposing inner surfaces 118 has about 14 degrees as a predetermined angular separation. The greater the angular separation of the opposing inner surfaces, the greater the force required to insert and bend leg 108 within housing member 110. Thus, of course, if a greater force is required to insert the tail portion 106, a greater biasing force is subsequently transmitted to the head portion 104 of the protruding member 102. Thus, the housing member 110 allows two different orientations of the protruding member 102. As shown in FIGS. 2A and 3A, the legs 108 are engaged with the first pair of opposing inner surfaces 116 when the protruding member is inserted with a weak tension orientation. In contrast, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 3B, when the protruding member 102 is inserted in a strong tension orientation, the legs 108 engage a second pair of opposing inner surfaces 118. The orientation of the protruding member 102 can be selected by the user depending on the particular application needs (eg, screen size and weight).

  The second opening 112 further includes two pairs of opposing U-shaped grooves 120 to facilitate placement of the protruding member 102 in either a weak tension orientation or a strong tension orientation. Each of these pairs of grooves 120 is aligned with one of the first pair of opposed inner surfaces 116 or the second pair of opposed inner surfaces 118. The groove 120 slidably receives the leg 108 of the protruding member 102, which is inserted into the housing member 110 and substantially prevents the protruding member 102 from rotating during use. By ensuring that the protruding member 102 maintains either a weak tension orientation or a strong tension orientation, a steady bias or tension is maintained by preventing the protrusion member 102 from rotating.

  The user pushes the tail portion 106 into the housing member 110 until the end of the leg 108 engages the inner wall 140 of the housing member 110 or until the head portion 104 engages and is adjacent to the housing member 110. Is possible. When the insertion force is retracted by the user, the biasing force applied to the protruding member 102 causes the protruding member 102 to retract from the housing member 110 as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 3C. The movement or push-out (discharge) of the protruding member 102 from the housing member 110 continues until the leg 108 is no longer deflected by the opposing inner surface.

  In order to prevent the protruding member 102 from being pushed out of the housing member 110, the mechanism 100 includes a protrusion 130 on each outer surface of the leg 108 and an inner lip 132 corresponding to the second opening 112 of the housing member 110. Is provided. The flexibility of the plastic material from which the protruding member 102 is manufactured allows the protruding member 102 to be pressed through this inward lip 132 when it is inserted into the housing member 110. The frictional engagement of the protrusion 130 and the inward lip 132 prevents the protruding member 102 from detaching from the housing member 110 and assists the user in the installation process. In another embodiment of the invention, the retention of the protruding member 102 within the housing member 110 prevents the separation of the protruding member 102 from the housing member 110 (through the use of different materials to manufacture the element). Secured by structure.

  The present invention is also embodied in a screen tension system that includes a suitable indicator rod and a pair of screen tension mechanisms as described with respect to FIGS. 1A-3B. In such a screen tension system, the screen tension mechanism 100 is disposed at either end of the support rod by inserting each end of the support rod into the second opening 112 of each of the mechanisms 100. . The specific length of the support rod is determined by the width of the blind. However, this length should be less than the width of the screen to accommodate the positioning of the mechanism 100 at one or both ends of the support rod.

  A screen tensioning system including a support rod and screen tensioning mechanism 100 can be inserted into the horizontal fabric pocket of the screen by applying a force to one or more of the protruding members 102 so as to reduce the overall length of the system. In the proper position, once the system is inserted into the fabric pocket, it is possible to retract the force applied to the protruding member 102 by the user. When this force is retracted, the biasing force applied to the protruding member 102 of the mechanism 100 lengthens the assembly. Preferably, the system continues to extend until the head portion 104 of the mechanism 100 engages the sidewalls of the fabric pocket. The system is then transmitting horizontal tension across the pocket, i.e. the screen. By maintaining this horizontal tension, the correct pleat folding and stretching operations of the retractable roman blind can be ensured when the screen is raised and lowered respectively. More specifically, the stiffness created by this tension substantially prevents irregular pleats or creases in the flexible fabric material.

  4A and 4B show a screen tension mechanism 200 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Screen tension mechanism 200 includes a structure similar to that described with respect to FIGS. 1A-3B. More specifically, the mechanism 200 includes a protruding member 202 having a head portion 204 and a tail portion 206. The tail portion 206 includes two elastically deformable legs 208 that extend from the head portion 204 and are substantially parallel to each other. The mechanism 200 further includes a housing member 210 that includes a first opening 214 and a second opening 212. The first opening 214 is configured to receive the end of a support rod (not shown). The second opening 212 has a tapered internal shape configured to forcibly receive (or press) the leg 208 of the protruding member 202 and deflect inward.

  The tapered internal shape of the housing member 210 includes a helical structure. The leg 208 engages the internal helical surface 216 of the housing member 210 when the protruding member 202 is slidably inserted into the housing member 210. As more force is applied to the protruding member 202 by the user, the elastically deformable legs 208 are deflected inward and twisted so that they engage the helical surface 216. The protruding member 202 further includes a pair of ridges 230 along the longitudinal section of the tail portion 206. These ridges 230 engage with corresponding grooves (not shown) on the inner surface of the housing member 210 to substantially prevent the protrusion member 202 from rotating.

  When the force applied to the protruding member 202 by the user is retracted, the elasticity of the leg 208 applies a biasing force to the protruding member 202, allowing the head portion 204 to transmit the tension to the fabric pocket of the screen.

  5A and 5B show a screen tension mechanism 300 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Screen tensioning mechanism 300 includes a structure similar to that described with respect to FIGS. 1A-3B. More specifically, the mechanism 300 includes a protruding member 302 having a head portion 304 and a tail portion 306. The tail portion 306 includes two elastically deformable legs 308 extending from the head portion 304. The legs 308 are positioned offset from each other to assist in unimpeded movement of the leg 308 during use (due to a force shift). The mechanism 300 further includes a housing member 310 that includes a first opening 314 and a second opening 312. The first opening 314 is configured to receive the end of a support rod (not shown). The second opening 312 has a tapered internal shape configured to forcibly receive (or press) the leg 308 of the protruding member 302 and deflect inward.

  The tapered internal shape of the housing member 310 includes two inclined (angled) inner surfaces 316 that are arranged in opposing structures. Each of the legs 308 engages one of the inclined inner surfaces 316 of the housing member 310 when the protruding member 302 is slidably inserted into the housing member 310. As greater force is applied to the protruding member 302 by the user, the elastically deformable legs 308 are deflected inward such that they slidably engage the inclined inner surface 316. These offset positionings avoid contact between the legs, but the configuration of the inclined inner surface 316 causes the legs 308 to deflect inward toward each other. The protruding member 302 further includes a pair of ridges (not shown) along the cross section of the tail portion 306. These ridges engage corresponding grooves (not shown) on the inner surface of the housing member 310 to substantially prevent the protrusion member 302 from rotating. When the force applied to the protruding member 302 by the user is retracted, the elasticity of the leg 308 applies a bias to the protruding member 302, allowing the head 304 to transmit tension to the fabric pocket of the screen.

  6A and 6B show a screen tension mechanism 400 according to another embodiment of the present invention. Screen tensioning mechanism 400 includes a structure similar to that described with respect to FIGS. 1A-3B. More specifically, the mechanism 400 includes a protruding member 402 having a head portion 404 and an elastically deformable tail portion 406. The head portion 404 has a rounded end to aid in efficient operation of the mechanism 400 within the fabric pocket of the roman blind. A cross-sectional view of the mechanism 400 of FIGS. 6A and 6B is shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Since mechanism 400 or head portion 404 is configured to transmit tension to the screen of the blind, the rounded end of head portion 404 provides a beautiful appearance to the blind in use. In addition, the rounded end of the head portion 404 minimizes the likelihood that the fabric pocket will tear as a result of tension.

  The tail portion 406 is formed of an elastically deformable material having a predetermined length, such as strip steel (rolled steel plate), and includes two elastically deformable legs 408. The tail portion 406 is detachably attached to the head portion 404 by an attachment (attachment) portion 420. The attachment part 420 is configured to wind around the support member 422 at the base part of the head part 404. To attach the tail 406 to the head 404, the legs 408 of the tail 406 are simultaneously pulled (by the application of force by the user) to allow the attachment 420 to be placed on the support member 422. . A part of the leg 408 adjacent to the attachment unit 420 passes through the opening 424 on the side surface of the head unit 404. When the attachment 420 is in place on the support member 422, the force applied to the leg 408 can be retracted so that the elasticity of the material separates the leg 408. The tail portion 406 is held at a predetermined position of the head portion 404 by the base of the leg 408 with respect to holding of the protruding portion 426 on the opening 424, and prevents the attachment portion 420 from sliding off the support member 422. Detachment of the tail portion 406 from the head portion 404 can be achieved by performing the reverse of these steps.

  The mechanism 400 further includes a housing member 400 that includes a first opening 414 and a second opening 412. The first opening 414 is configured to receive the end of a support rod (not shown). In this particular embodiment of the present invention, the first opening 414 is configured to receive a circular support rod. However, it should be understood that other shapes of the support rod can be used for proper adaptation of the first opening 414. Embodiments of the present invention envisage housing members 410, in particular first openings 414, of various dimensions to accommodate support rods having diameters of 6 mm and 8 mm. However, it should be understood that other dimensions are also suitable. Preferably, the support rod is formed from light metal, plastic or wood, and can provide high horizontal rigidity to the screen when using a tension mechanism. Similar to the protruding member 402, the housing member 410 is preferably manufactured from a plastic material using injection molding techniques.

  The second opening 412 of the housing member 410 has a tapered internal shape configured to forcibly receive (or press) the leg 408 of the protruding member 402 and deflect inward. Insertion of the tail 406 into the second opening 412 of the housing member 410 requires the application of force by the user, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B. When the tail 406 or leg 408 is slidably inserted into the second opening 412, the leg 408 engages the tapered internal shape of the housing member 410. This tapered internal shape consists of opposing inner surfaces 416 that converge with respect to each other and have a predetermined angular separation. As the user continues to apply force to the projecting member 402, engagement of the elastically deformable legs 408 with the opposing inner surfaces 416 causes the legs 408 to bend and deflect inward, causing the tail 406 to move into the housing. It is further inserted into the member 410.

  When the leg 408 is deflected inwardly by the pair of opposing inner surfaces 416, the elasticity of the leg 408 biases the protruding member 402 axially outward from the support rod. This bias allows the head portion 404 to transmit tension to the screen's fabric pocket.

  The pair of opposing inner surfaces 416 has about 17 degrees as a predetermined angular separation. However, it should be understood that other angular separations are possible and appropriate. The greater the separation angle of the opposing inner surface 416, the greater the force required to insert and deflect the leg 408 into the housing member 410. Thus, of course, if a greater force is required to insert the tail portion 406, a greater biasing force is substantially transmitted to the head portion 404 of the protruding member 402.

  Unlike the screen tension mechanism 100 described above, in the mechanism 400 described in this alternative embodiment of the present invention, the housing member 410 has only one pair of opposed inner surfaces 416, so that only one protruding member 402 is oriented. enable. In order to achieve two or more different tensions using a pair of opposing inner surfaces 416, the strength of the elastically deformable material used for the tail 406 can be varied. For example, the tail 406 can be manufactured from strip steel having a thickness of 0.4 mm to 0.5 mm (or any similar thickness) to achieve two or more different tensions. In any case, as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, when the tail 406 is inserted into the housing member 410, the legs 408 engage the opposing inner surface 416 pairs.

  Engagement of the leg 408 with the opposing inner surface 416 to help position the protruding member 402 in the desired tension orientation (ie, to prevent rotation of the protruding member 402 within the housing member 410). To maintain, the second opening 412 further includes a pair of opposing longitudinal slots 430. At least one of the slots 430 (preferably both slots 430) is configured to slidably receive a protrusion 428 located on the outer surface of the protruding member 402. Preferably, a protrusion 428 is received in each of the longitudinal slots 430.

  When the tail 406 or leg 408 is inserted into the second opening 412, at least one of the slots 430 receives the protrusion 428 slidably and substantially prevents rotation of the protruding member 402 in use. By ensuring that the protruding member 402 is maintained in the desired tension orientation, it is possible to maintain a constant bias or tension by preventing the protruding member 402 from rotating.

  The user pushes the tail 406 into the housing member 410 until the end of the leg 408 engages the inner wall 440 of the housing member 410 or until the head portion 404 engages and is adjacent to the housing member 410. Is possible. When the insertion force is retracted by the user, the biasing force applied to the protruding member 402 causes the protruding member 402 to retract from the housing member 410, as indicated by the arrow in FIG. 8B. The movement or extrusion of the protruding member 402 from the housing member 410 continues until the leg 408 is no longer deflected by the opposing inner surface 416.

  As shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B, in order to prevent the protruding member 402 from being pushed out of the housing member 410, the mechanism 400 includes an abutment surface 432 on the protrusion 428 that engages at least one of the slots 430. The flexibility of the plastic material from which the protruding member 402 is manufactured allows the protruding member 402 and at least one protrusion 428 to be pressed through the second opening 412 when it is inserted into the housing member 410. . Engagement of the abutment surface 432 of the protrusion 428 with the at least one slot 430 prevents the protruding member 402 from detaching from the housing member 410 and assists the user in the installation process.

  The terms “comprising” and “including” are used in the specification to identify a feature, integer, step, component, but the presence or addition of another feature, integer, step, component, or group thereof. It does not prevent.

Although the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the essential features of the present invention,
The described embodiments are not to be construed as limiting the invention, but rather are to be interpreted more broadly. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications, improvements, and equivalent arrangements are included in the technical scope of the present invention.

Claims (20)

A screen tension mechanism for use in a retractable blind,
(A) a protruding member having a head portion and an elastically deformable tail portion;
(B) a housing member,
(I) a first opening configured to receive the end of the support rod; and (ii) a tapered interior configured to forcibly receive the tail by deflecting the tail inward. A housing member comprising a second opening having a shape;
With
In use, the elastically deformable tail portion biases the projecting member axially outward from the support rod.   The screen tension mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the head portion and the tail portion are integrally formed.   The screen tension mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the tail portion is detachably attached to the head portion.   The screen tension mechanism according to claim 3, wherein the tail portion includes an elastically deformable material having a predetermined length.   The screen tension mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the tail portion includes at least two legs extending from the head portion.   The screen tension mechanism according to claim 5, wherein the legs extend from the head portion so as to deviate from each other.   6. The screen tension mechanism of claim 5, wherein the tapered internal shape comprises a first pair of opposed inner surfaces that converge with each other and engage the leg in use and deflect the leg inward.   8. The screen tensioning mechanism of claim 7, wherein the first pair of opposed inner surfaces has a predetermined angular separation substantially in the range of 5 to 25 degrees.   8. The screen tension mechanism of claim 7, wherein the tapered internal shape further comprises a second pair of opposed inner surfaces having a predetermined angular separation different from the first pair of opposed inner surfaces.   2. The screen tension mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the second opening further includes guide means for restricting the rotational movement of the protruding member during use.   11. The screen tension mechanism according to claim 10, wherein the guide means includes at least one longitudinal slot, and the slot is configured to slidably receive a protrusion on the outer surface of the protruding member.   12. The screen tension mechanism according to claim 11, wherein the protrusion is engageable with the slot so as to prevent the protruding member from being pushed out of the housing member.   The screen tension mechanism according to claim 1, wherein the second opening further includes an inward lip engageable with the projecting member so as to prevent the tail portion from being pushed out of the housing member. . A screen tension system for use in a retractable blind,
(A) a support rod for insertion into the pocket of the retractable screen;
(B) a pair of screen tension mechanisms according to claim 1, comprising a pair of screen tension mechanisms disposed at both ends of the support rod;
In use, the head portion of each of the pair of screen tension mechanisms transmits a tension facing the pocket of the retractable screen.   15. The screen tension system according to claim 14, wherein the head portion of each of the pair of screen tension mechanisms transmits opposing tension to the inner wall of the pocket. A screen tension system for use in a retractable blind,
(A) a protruding member having a head portion and an elastically deformable tail portion;
(B) A support rod including a housing member, the housing member having an opening having a tapered inner shape configured to forcibly receive the tail portion by deflecting the tail portion inward. A support rod; and
In use, the elastically deformable tail portion biases the protruding member axially outward from the support rod.   The screen tension system according to claim 16, wherein the support rod and the housing member are integrally formed. A screen tension mechanism for use in a retractable blind,
(A) a protruding member having a head portion and an elastically deformable tail portion;
(B) a housing member,
(I) an end configured to be inserted into the opening of the support rod;
(Ii) an opening having a tapered inner shape configured to forcibly receive the tail portion by deflecting the tail portion inward, and a housing member comprising:
With
In use, the elastically deformable tail portion biases the projecting member axially outward from the support rod. A support rod for a screen tension mechanism comprising a housing member,
The housing member includes an opening having a tapered internal shape;
The support rod is configured to forcibly receive an elastically deformable tail portion of the projecting member so as to urge the projecting member axially outward from the support rod. . A protruding member for the screen tension mechanism,
(A) a head part;
(B) an elastically deformable tail portion,
The projecting member, wherein the tail portion is configured to be inserted into an opening of a housing member of the support rod so as to urge the projecting member axially outward from the support rod.