A SCREENING ARRANGEMENT WITH IMPROVED CONNECTING MEANS FOR TRANSVERSE ELEMENTS TO A SIDE RAIL

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a screening arrangement for a window, in particular a roof window, having a supply condition and a condition of use, the screening arrangement defining, in the condition of use, a first longitudinal direction, and a second longitudinal direction, and a screening plane substantially parallel to a plane defined by the first and second directions, the screening arrangement comprising: two operating elements extending in the first direction, a screening body extending, in the condition of use, substantially in the screening plane between the two operating elements; two side rails, each extending, in the condition of use, in the second direction, each side rail having a track including a hollow interior and an access slot extending between a first flange and a second flange, a plurality of transverse elements having two opposite ends and extending, in the condition of use, in the first direction and being connected to the screening body, and a plurality of connecting devices connecting, in the condition of use, said plurality of transverse elements with a respective side rail, each connecting device including a connecting clip having at least one rigid L-shaped tab and at least one resilient tab. The invention furthermore relates to a window frame comprising a screening arrangement, and to a method of mounting a screening arrangement in a window frame.

[0002] Such screening arrangements including screening devices in the form of blinds are traditionally used for screening an aperture of a building structure, most often the light-admitting aperture of windows, but also of doors and other building openings. The blinds are either installed to extend substantially vertically in a building façade, or in an obliquely positioned roof window installed in an inclined surface, or as a horizontally extending cover for openings in a horizontal surface. When not screening the aperture, the screening body is normally rolled or folded up and gathered at a top element.

[0003] Connection between the screening body and head or side rails may be carried out in a number of manners. Examples of prior art connecting devices are shown in US4880045A, DE1911449A1, DE102006001157A1, GB2359480A, EP2286697B1 and DE202010003220U1. Further examples are shown in for instance DE 3631919 A1, GB 1554159 A and DE 4323993 A1.

[0004] In particular in roof windows installed in an inclined surface, the screening arrangement may be provided with means to prevent the screening body from hanging into the room, together with guiding means for guiding the screening arrangement during operation. Example of such means could be provided by side rails, which also serve as guidance for the end edges of the screening body itself, or of end elements connected to the screening body. In addition, the side rails provide additional darkening in the case of black-out blinds.

[0005] However, the provision of the side rails complicates the installation of the screening arrangement, in particular in such cases where the order of mounting the components is important. This applies i.a. to screening arrangements including a so-called Roman blind, in which the screening body is made from a flexible cloth including a number of pockets each with a stiffening transverse element, the ends of which are guided by the side rails via the connecting devices. Furthermore, the mere fact that two connecting devices need to be connected to the two opposing side rails renders the installation more difficult. Eventually, as the operation of the screening arrangement in the condition of use must be able to be carried out smoothly, particular requirements to the connecting device are posed as well, thus ruling out engagement with the track based on friction forces.

[0006] Another factor that complicates the installation in inclined window frames is that as opposed to the above-mentioned examples, in which connecting devices connect vertically hanging screening bodies, gravity acts to firstly counteract stable engagement with the track, and secondly moves the connecting devices downwardly in the track.

[0007] As such screening arrangements are provided in a supply condition, and the person performing the installation is most often not a craftsman, the mounting of the screening arrangement in the window frame, i.e. either a stationary frame or sash, or an openable sash, must be able to be carried out without too many difficulties and with a low risk of erroneous installation.

[0008] With this background it is an object to provide a screening arrangement, by which the installation process is facilitated, while at the same time providing ease of operation in the condition of use.

[0009] In a first aspect of the invention, this and further objects are met by a screening arrangement of the kind mentioned in the introduction, which is furthermore characterized in that each connecting clip is able to assume a first position, in which the at least one L-shaped tab is inserted into the hollow interior of said track and is in contact with the first flange while the resilient tab is outside the hollow interior, a second position, in which the at least one L-shaped tab is inserted into the hollow interior of said track and the resilient tab is in contact with the second flange and is biased, and a third position, in which the at least one L-shaped tab and the resilient tab are both inserted into the hollow interior of said track and the resilient tab is non-biased, and in that one connecting clip is connected to each end of each transverse element in the condition of use in such a manner that the connecting clips are able to move slightly in the first direction in the respective track.

[0010] In this manner, the connecting devices are easily connected to the side rails. The tabs of the connecting device need not be handled manually, as the bias entails that the resilient tab of the connecting clip resumes its non-biased condition when going from the second to the third position. Furthermore, the connecting device provides for at least temporary retention in the respective track when in the third position, until the respective transverse element is connected to the connecting clips, thereby providing stability in the first direction; however still with the possibility of allowing slight back and forth movement of the connecting clips in the tracks in the first direction, thus ensuring easy operation of the screening arrangement in the condition of use.

[0011] Preferred embodiments of the screening arrangement are stated in claims 2 to 14.

[0012] In a second aspect of the invention, a window frame comprising a screening arrangement is provided as stated in claim 15.

[0013] In a third aspect of the invention is provided a method of mounting a screening arrangement in a window frame as stated in claim 16.

[0014] The advantages of the second and third aspects of the invention and further developed embodiments also applicable to the second and third aspects of the invention have been explained in the above description, and reference is made thereto.

[0015] Further details are described, and further advantages stated, in the description of particular embodiments of the invention.

[0016] In the following the invention will be described in further detail by means of examples of embodiments with reference to the schematic drawings, in which

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a window frame with a screening arrangement in an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a front view of a window frame with details of a screening arrangement in an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view of details of a screening arrangement in an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 4 is a partial perspective view, on a larger scale, of a window and details of a screening arrangement in an embodiment corresponding to Fig. 2;

Figs 5a to 5c are views corresponding to Fig. 4 and showing the window and details of a screening arrangement in an embodiment corresponding to Fig. 2, in three different positions;

Fig. 6 is a partial perspective view, on a larger scale, of a window and details of a screening arrangement in an embodiment corresponding to Fig. 2;

Figs 7 to 9 show a window and details of a screening arrangement in an embodiment corresponding to Figs 2 and 3, in three different positions;

Fig. 10 shows a partial perspective view, on a larger scale, of details of the screening arrangement of the embodiment of Figs 7 to 9;

Figs 11 to 13 are perspective views, on a still larger scale, of the details shown in Fig. 10; and

Figs 14 and 15 show schematic side views of the details of Fig. 10 in cooperation with a side rail.

[0017] Fig. 1 shows an embodiment of a screening arrangement 1 according to the invention mounted in a window frame generally designated 2 and representing a window. In the embodiment shown, window frame 2 is an openable sash adapted to be mounted in a stationary frame to be installed in an inclined roof surface. It is noted that the terms "sash" or "frame" is to be understood as incorporating any substantially rectangular structure positioned in any opening in a building, whether in a wall or the roof, and surrounding an aperture to be screened.

[0018] As shown in Fig. 2, the window frame 2 is substantially rectangular and has a top piece 21, two side pieces 22, 23 and a bottom piece 24. Fig. 2 also shows some components of the screening arrangement 1 in one stage of the installation process, i.e. between a supply condition and a condition of use. The screening arrangement defines, in the condition of use, a first longitudinal direction, and a second longitudinal direction, and a screening plane substantially parallel to a plane defined by the first and second directions. The longitudinal direction of the top and bottom pieces 21, 24 corresponding to a width direction of the window frame is parallel to the first direction, and the longitudinal direction of the side pieces 22, 23 corresponding to a height direction is parallel to the second direction. The terms "left-hand" and "right-hand" refer to the orientation shown in for instance Figs 1 and 2, and are utilized for reasons of convenience only. Similarly, the terms "front" and "back" are utilized to denote the sides of the screening arrangement 1, "front" being the side intended to face inwards into the interior of a building, and "back" the outwards facing side. The terms "upper" and "lower" refer to the orientation of the screening arrangement installed in a frame, where "upper" refers to the top piece of the frame and "lower" refers to the bottom piece of the frame.

[0019] Fig. 3 shows other components of the screening arrangement 1 in one stage of the installation process, i.e. between a supply condition and a condition of use, viz. a screening device 6 comprising a screening body 61 and a plurality of transverse elements 64, of which one is shown as being connected to the screening body 61.

[0020] In the embodiment shown, the screening arrangement 1 is a Roman blind and the screening body 61 is made from a flexible cloth including a number of pockets 62 with openings 63 (cf. Fig. 7), each for reception of one transverse element 64 of said plurality of transverse elements. In the embodiment shown, the openings 63 of the pockets 62 are positioned on the back side of the screening body 61. The screening body could be provided with other means for receiving the transverse elements, such as for example being provided with integrated pockets in the screening body or for example loops.

[0021] The screening arrangement 1 comprises two operating elements 71, 72 extending in the first direction. The operating elements 71, 72 are adapted to act as handles in the condition of use, during operation of the screening arrangement 1, i.e. when moving the operating elements 71, 72 and hence the screening body 61 between a non-screening position and a screening position, in which the screening body 61 covers the sash or frame aperture partly or fully. The operating elements 71, 72 are formed in any suitable manner, for instance as extruded profile elements of a suitable material such as aluminium.

[0022] The screening body 61 extends, in the condition of use, substantially in the screening plane between the two operating elements 71, 72. Two side rails 8, 9 are provided, each extending, in the condition of use, in the second direction, at the left-hand and the right-hand, respectively, of side piece 22, 23 of the window frame 2. The side rails 8, 9 are formed by suitable means and materials, such as extruded profiles of aluminium and are connected to respective side pieces with fastening means such as screws and/or brackets to be described in further detail below.

[0023] As a preferred embodiment of the invention, the screening arrangement comprises a cord system comprising two cords 91, 92, one cord being adapted to extend from the left-hand lower corner of the sash or frame, up through or along the operating elements 71, 72 and further up to the top piece 21 of the window frame 2. The other cord is routed in a mirror-inverted manner. At the respective operating elements 71, 72, each cord is connected with a cord tightening device which is described in further detail in Applicant's co-pending application filed on the same date as the present application. The cord tightening devices entail that the cords are held suitably tight all the time during use, thereby ensuring that the operating elements 71, 72 at all times are kept substantially in parallel with the top and bottom pieces of the window frame, and makes it possible to retain the operating elements 71, 72 in an arbitrary position measured in the second direction, i.e. along the side pieces 22, 23 of the window frame 2.

[0024] Eventually, Fig. 2 shows a transportation and mounting fitting 25 which acts as retaining means for the operating elements 71, 72 and the cord system in the supply condition, and also has a function during the mounting of the screening arrangement 1 in the window frame 2 as illustrated in Figs 4, 5a to 5c, and 6. The transportation and mounting fitting 25 is connected to a mounting bracket 15 fastened to the side pieces 22, 23 of the window frame 2 to hold the operating elements 71, 72 in the correct position temporarily. Details of the transportation and mounting fitting 25 and the mounting thereof are described in further detail in one of Applicant's co-pending applications filed on the same date as the present application.

[0025] Figs 7 to 9 show further overviews of stages of installation of the screening arrangement, and attention is brought to a plurality of connecting devices 5 connecting, in the condition of use, the transverse elements 64 with a respective side rail 8, 9. The screening body 61 is at a first end edge 65 and a second end edge 66 provided with fastening means for fastening to a respective operating element 71, 72. These fastening means are releasable in the described embodiment, for instance Velcro, but other fastening techniques are conceivable.

[0026] Although the screening arrangement of the embodiments shown comprise one screening device having two operating elements, other configurations are conceivable. For instance, there may be more than two operating elements.

[0027] Details regarding the connecting devices 5 and the cooperation with the transverse elements 64 on one hand and the side rails 8, 9 on the other will be described with reference to the detailed drawings of Figs 10 to 15.

[0028] As shown most clearly in Figs 14 and 15, each side rail 8, 9 has a track including a hollow interior 81 and an access slot 82 extending between a first flange 84 and a second flange 83. The flanges 84, 83 are located in the same plane in the embodiment shown. This plane has an extension substantially perpendicular to the screening plane.

[0029] In the embodiment shown, each connecting device 5 includes a connecting clip 51 having at least one rigid L-shaped tab, here two L-shaped tabs 511, 512 and at least one resilient tab, here one resilient tab 513. The resilient tab 513 is substantially T-shaped in the present embodiment.

[0030] The dimensions of the L-shaped tabs 511, 512 are chosen such that the width of the tabs exceeds the size of the access slot 82.

[0031] The resilient tab 513 is formed such that one leg of the T-shape is shorter than the other.

[0032] Together, the L-shaped tabs 511, 512 and the resilient T-shaped tab 513 form a T when seen from the side (cf. Fig. 15).

[0033] When mounting the connecting clips 51, a distinct "click" is heard when the connecting clip 51 has reached its intended position and the heads of the L-shaped tabs 511, 512 and the resilient tab 513 are retained in the side rail 8, 9.

[0034] As is apparent from Fig. 11, the connecting device 5 furthermore includes an end member 52 which is connected to a respective end of the transverse element 64. The end member 52 is provided with a first engagement means 521, 522 for releasable engagement with corresponding engagement means of the connecting clip 51, said first engagement means being provided in the form of a recess 521 and a head 522 for cooperation with a receiving slot 516 of the connecting clip 51. In principle, at least one of the connecting clips 51 for connection with one transverse element 64 could be connected with the transverse element directly and/or the end member 52 could be made an integral part of the connecting clip 51.

[0035] Additionally or alternatively, the end member 52 is as shown provided with a second engagement means 520, 524 for releasable engagement with the transverse element 64. In its simplest form, the second engagement means is provided by including a hollow main body 520 of the end member 52 to match the transverse element 64. For instance, in a transverse element 64 having a circular cylindrical shape, the hollow main body has an internal diameter corresponding substantially to the outer diameter of the transverse element 64. In order to secure that the end member 52 and the transverse element 64 do not move relative to each other, a locking tongue 524 is provided, preferably as shown here provided in an aperture 523. The locking tongue 524 may provide either positive or non-positive engagement with the transverse element 64.

[0036] As shown in Figs 12 and 13, the connecting clip 51 has a main portion 510 and an upstanding wall 515 from which the L-shaped tabs 511, 512 and the resilient tab 513 protrude in a direction away from the transverse element 64 in the mounted condition.

[0037] Furthermore, in the shown embodiment incorporating two L-shaped tabs 511, 512, the resilient tab 513 is positioned between the two L-shaped tabs 511, 512, but other numbers of tabs and other configurations are conceivable.

[0038] In order to facilitate the connecting process, the resilient tab 513 has an inclined surface 513a at one side of the resilient tab 513 facing away from the L-shape of the L-shaped tab or tabs 511, 512, and to ensure proper contact with the interior side of the second flange 83, the resilient tab 513 has a hook portion 513b, located opposite the inclined surface 513a.

[0039] The receiving slot 516 of the connecting clip 51 is in the embodiment shown positioned on the other side of the upstanding wall 515 than the at least one L-shaped tab 511,512 and the resilient tab 513.

[0040] Furthermore, the connecting clip 51 is provided with an inclined surface 517a, 517b on at least one side of the receiving slot 516, which facilitates the mutual connection between the connecting clip 51 and the end member 52, as the recess 521 is safely guided into the slot 516. The opening of the slot 516 may be the same size or slightly smaller than the diameter of the recess 521 in order to ensure a reliable engagement.

[0041] The end member 52 is thus secured from moving relative to the connecting clip 51 in the first direction as the head 522 abuts the upstanding wall 515 on one side and the end face next to the slot 516 on the other, whereas rotation between the end member 52 and the transverse element 64 is possible and foreseen during operation of the screening arrangement 1.

[0042] It is essential for the proper functioning of the screening arrangement 1 that there is enough room for opposite connecting clips 51 to move in the first direction in the track formed by the hollow interior 81, the access slot 82 and first and second flanges 84, 83. Thus, each connecting clip 51 is connected to each end of each transverse element 64 in the condition of use in such a manner that the connecting clips 51 are able to move slightly in the first direction in the respective track. By "slightly", the person skilled in the art will appreciate that such dimensions are chosen and measures taken that ensure proper functioning.

[0043] In order to increase the ease of operation, the two L-shaped tabs 511, 512 and the resilient tab 513 form, as shown in Fig. 15, a neck portion including opposing restriction C sections having such dimensions that there is a clearance at the neck portion in the access slot 82, i.e. also in the plane parallel to the first and second flanges 84, 83.

[0044] In principle, the tracks in the side rails 8, 9 could have any suitable configuration and be oriented for instance facing the back side of the respective side rail. However, the access slots 82 of tracks in the respective side rails 8, 9 advantageously face each other in the mounted condition and the first and second flanges 84, 83 are substantially perpendicular to the screening plane.

[0045] As will be described in further detail with particular reference to Figs 14 and 15, each connecting clip 51 is able to assume

• a first position, in which the at least one L-shaped tab 511, 512 is inserted into the hollow interior 81 of said track and is in contact with the first flange 84 while the resilient tab 513 is outside the hollow interior 81,
• a second position, in which the at least one L-shaped tab 511, 512 is inserted into the hollow interior 81 of said track and the resilient tab 513 is in contact with the second flange 83 and is biased, and
• a third position, in which the at least one L-shaped tab 511, 512 and the resilient tab 513 are both inserted into the hollow interior 81 of said track and the resilient tab 513 is non-biased.

[0046] In the following, the installation process of the screening arrangement will be described with a focus on the connection of the connection devices to the side rails 8, 9.

[0047] The screening arrangement is provided in a supply condition, comprising two operating elements 71, 72, a screening body 61, two side rails 8, 9, each having a track including a hollow interior 81 and an access slot 82 extending between a first flange 84 and a second flange 83, a plurality of transverse elements 64 having two opposite ends, and a plurality of connecting devices 5, each connecting device 5 including a connecting clip 51 having at least one rigid L-shaped tab 511, 512 and at least one resilient tab 513.

[0048] In the presently presented embodiment, the operating elements 71, 72 and the cord systems represented by cords 91, 92 are held together by means of transportation and mounting fitting 25. Thus, the step of connecting the operating elements 71, 72 to the side pieces 22, 23 of the window frame is here carried out by threading the transportation and mounting fitting 25 over the mounting bracket 15 at both sides, i.e. at the upper end of the respective side piece 22, 23.

[0049] Subsequently, the side rails 8, 9 are connected with the operating elements 71, 72 and to the side pieces 22, 23 of the window frame.

[0050] In the present embodiment, this is carried out as shown in Figs 5a to 5c, by inserting the side rail 9 over the transportation and mounting fitting 25 and sliding the side rail upwards until the upper end thereof it reaches, or is at least positioned next to, the top piece 21 of the window frame 2. The lower end of the side rail 9 is brought into engagement with a bracket 93. The cord systems are fastened as well. The fastening of the side rails 8, 9 to the respective side piece 22, 23 may be supplemented by additional fastening means such as screws.

[0051] The screening device 6 is prepared by connecting the transverse elements 64 to the screening body 61 by introducing each transverse element 64 into a pocket 62 through the opening 63 which may be provided in one or both sides of the pocket.

[0052] Before starting the step of connecting the connecting devices 5 to the side rails 8, 9 it is advantageous that the operating elements 71, 72 are kept at a distance from each other to make room for the connecting devices 5. Typically, the distance is 20-25 cm but may depend on the number of connecting devices 5, which may typically be 5 to 10 in each side.

[0053] The connecting devices 5 are connected with the side rails 8, 9 such that one half of the connecting devices are connected to one side rail 8, and the other half to the other side rail 9, between the operating elements 71, 72 in either side. The connection is made feasible by the features presented in the above, and the procedure is hence the following:

• bringing each connecting clip 51 at an angle to the side rail 8, 9 and inserting the at least one L-shaped tab 511, 512 through the access slot 82 into the hollow interior 81 of said track and into contact with the interior side of the first flange 84 while the resilient tab 513 is outside the hollow interior 81 to attain a first position,
• bringing the resilient tab 513 into contact with the exterior side of the second flange 83 and biasing the resilient tab 513 to attain a second position, and
• inserting the resilient tab 513 through the access slot 82 and allowing the resilient tab 513 to return to its non-biased condition to attain a third position.

[0054] It is noted that the first position is shown substantially in Fig. 14. The angle will typically lie in the interval 30 to 45° with a line parallel to the first direction. To attain the second position, the connecting clip 51, in this embodiment with the end member 52 already engaged, is rotated slightly in the clock-wise direction about a point of rotation located approximately at the edge of the first flange 84. Once the third position has been reached, i.e. the position shown in Fig. 15, and at least temporary retention of the connecting clip 51 in the track has been achieved.

[0055] Following the connection of all connecting devices 5 with the side rails 8, 9 between the lower and the upper operating elements 72 and 71, the transverse elements 64 are connected with the connecting devices 5.

[0056] Finally, the screening body 61 is connected with the operating elements 71, 72, here by fastening the first and second end edges 65, 66 to the respective operating element 71, 72.

[0057] A handle (not shown) may be connected to one of or both operating elements 71, 72 before the screening body 61 is connected to the operating elements 71, 72. Such a handle may for instance be an angular bracket which is snapped on to the operating element.

[0058] The invention should not be regarded as being limited to the described embodiments. Several modifications and combinations of the different embodiments will be apparent to the person skilled in the art as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. A screening arrangement (1) for a window, in particular a roof window, having a supply condition and a condition of use, the screening arrangement defining, in the condition of use, a first longitudinal direction, and a second longitudinal direction, and a screening plane substantially parallel to a plane defined by the first and second directions, the screening arrangement comprising:

two operating elements (71, 72) extending in the first direction,

a screening body (61) extending, in the condition of use, substantially in the screening plane between the two operating elements (71, 72);

two side rails (8, 9), each extending, in the condition of use, in the second direction, each side rail (8, 9) having a track including a hollow interior (81) and an access slot (82) extending between a first flange (84) and a second flange (83),

a plurality of transverse elements (64) having two opposite ends and extending, in the condition of use, in the first direction and being connected to the screening body (61), and

a plurality of connecting devices (5) connecting, in the condition of use, said plurality of transverse elements (64) with a respective side rail (8, 9), each connecting device (5) including a connecting clip (51) having at least one rigid L-shaped tab (511, 512) and at least one resilient tab (513),

characterized in that each connecting clip (51) is able to assume

- a first position, in which the at least one L-shaped tab (511, 512) is inserted into the hollow interior (81) of said track and is in contact with the first flange (84) while the resilient tab (513) is outside the hollow interior (81),

- a second position, in which the at least one L-shaped tab (511, 512) is inserted into the hollow interior (81) of said track and the resilient tab (513) is in contact with the second flange (83) and is biased, and

- a third position, in which the at least one L-shaped tab (511, 512) and the resilient tab (513) are both inserted into the hollow interior (81) of said track and the resilient tab (513) is non-biased,

and in that one connecting clip (51) is connected to each end of each transverse element (64) in the condition of use in such a manner that the connecting clips (51) are able to move slightly in the first direction in the respective track.

2. A screening arrangement according to claim 1, wherein said connecting device (5) furthermore includes an end member (52) which is connected to a respective end of the transverse element (64).

3. A screening arrangement according to claim 2, wherein the end member (52) is provided with a first engagement means (521, 522) for releasable engagement with corresponding engagement means of the connecting clip (51), said first engagement means being preferably in the form of a recess (521) and a head (522) for cooperation with a receiving slot (516) of the connecting clip (51).

4. A screening arrangement according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the end member (52) is provided with a second engagement means (520, 524) for releasable engagement with the transverse element (64), said second engagement means preferably including a hollow main body (520) of the end member (52) and a locking tongue (524), preferably provided in an aperture (523).

5. A screening arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the connecting clip (51) has a main portion (510) and an upstanding wall (515) from which the at least L-shaped tab (511, 512) and the resilient tab (513) protrude in a direction away from the transverse element (64) in the mounted condition.

6. A screening arrangement according to claim 5, wherein two L-shaped tabs (511, 512) are provided and the resilient tab (513) is positioned between the two L-shaped tabs (511, 512).

7. A screening arrangement according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the resilient tab (513) has an inclined surface (513a) at one side of the resilient tab (513) facing away from the L-shape of the L-shaped tab or tabs (511, 512), preferably also a hook portion (513b).

8. A screening arrangement according to any one of claims 3 to 4 and 5 to 7, wherein the receiving slot (516) of the connecting clip (51) is positioned on the other side of the upstanding wall (515) than the at least one L-shaped tab (511, 512) and the resilient tab (513).

9. A screening arrangement according to any one of claims 3 to 4 and 5 to 8, wherein the connecting clip (51) is provided with an inclined surface (517a, 517b) on at least one side of the receiving slot (516).

10. A screening arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the at least L-shaped tab (511, 512) and the resilient tab (513), in the third position of the at least L-shaped tab (511, 512) and the resilient tab (513) of the connecting clip (51), form a neck portion including opposing restriction C sections having such dimensions that there is a clearance at the neck portion in the access slot (82).

11. A screening arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the resilient tab (513) is substantially T-shaped.

12. A screening arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the access slots (82) of tracks in the respective side rails (8, 9) face each other in the mounted condition and the first and second flanges (84, 83) are substantially perpendicular to the screening plane,

13. A screening arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the screening arrangement is a Roman blind and the screening body (61) is made from a flexible cloth including a number of pockets (62) with openings (63), each for reception of one transverse element (64) of said plurality of transverse elements.

14. A screening arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the screening body (61) at a first end edge (65) and a second end edge (66) is provided with fastening means for fastening to a respective operating element (71, 72), the fastening means being preferably releasable.

15. A window frame comprising a screening arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the window frame (2) includes a top piece (21), two side pieces (22, 23) and a bottom piece (24), and the longitudinal direction of the top and bottom pieces (21, 24) corresponding to a width direction of the window frame is parallel to the first direction, and the longitudinal direction of the side pieces (22, 23) corresponding to a height direction is parallel to the second direction.

16. A method of mounting a screening arrangement in a window frame including a top piece (21), two side pieces (22, 23) and a bottom piece (24), comprising the steps of:

providing the screening arrangement in a supply condition, comprising two operating elements (71, 72), a screening body (61), two side rails (8, 9), each having a track including a hollow interior (81) and an access slot (82) extending between a first flange (84) and a second flange (83), a plurality of transverse elements (64) having two opposite ends, and a plurality of connecting devices (5), each connecting device (5) including a connecting clip (51) having at least one rigid L-shaped tab (511, 512) and at least one resilient tab (513),

connecting the operating elements (71, 72) to the side pieces (22, 23) of the window frame,

connecting the side rails (8, 9) with the operating elements (71, 72) and to the side pieces (22, 23) of the window frame,

connecting the transverse elements (64) to the screening body (61),

connecting the connecting devices (5) with the side rails (8, 9) such that one half of the connecting devices are connected to one side rail (8), and the other half to the other side rail (9), between the operating elements (71, 72) in either side,

connecting the transverse elements (64) with the connecting devices (5), and

connecting the screening body (61) with the operating elements (71, 72),

whereby the step of connecting the connecting devices (5) with the side rails (8, 9) is carried out by

- bringing each connecting clip (51) at an angle to the side rail (8, 9) and inserting the at least one L-shaped tab (511, 512) through the access slot (82) into the hollow interior (81) of said track and into contact with the interior side of the first flange (84) while the resilient tab (513) is outside the hollow interior (81) to attain a first position,

- bringing the resilient tab (513) into contact with the exterior side of the second flange (83) and biasing the resilient tab (513) to attain a second position, and

inserting the resilient tab (513) through the access slot (82) and allowing the resilient tab (513) to return to its non-biased condition to attain a third position.

Ansprüche

1. Abschirmungsanordnung (1) für ein Fenster, insbesondere ein Dachfenster, wobei die Abschirmungsanordnung einen Bereitstellungszustand und einen Verwendungszustand aufweist, wobei die Abschirmungsanordnung im Verwendungszustand eine erste Längsrichtung und eine zweite Längsrichtung und eine Abschirmungsfläche definiert, wobei die Abschirmungsfläche im Wesentlichen parallel zu einer Fläche, die durch die ersten und zweiten Richtungen definiert ist, verläuft, wobei die Abschirmungsanordnung aufweist:

zwei Bedienelemente (71, 72), die sich in der ersten Richtung erstrecken,

einen Abschirmkörper (61), der sich im Verwendungszustand im Wesentlichen in der Abschirmungsfläche zwischen den beiden Bedienelementen (71, 72) erstreckt;

zwei Seitenschienen (8, 9), die sich im Verwendungszustand jeweils in die zweite Richtung erstrecken, wobei jede der Seitenschienen (8, 9) eine Bahn mit einem hohlen Inneren (81) und einem Zugangsschlitz (82), der sich zwischen einem ersten Flansch (84) und einem zweiten Flansch (83) erstreckt, aufweist,

eine Vielzahl von Querelementen (64) mit zwei gegenüberliegenden Enden, die sich im Verwendungszustand in die erste Richtung erstrecken und mit dem Abschirmkörper (61) verbunden sind, und

eine Vielzahl von Verbindungsvorrichtungen (5), die im Verwendungszustand die Vielzahl von Querelementen (64) mit einer entsprechenden Seitenschiene (8, 9) verbinden, wobei jede Verbindungsvorrichtung (5) eine Verbindungsklammer (51) mit wenigstens einer festen L-förmigen Lasche (511, 512) und wenigstens einer elastischen Lasche (513) aufweist,

dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass jede Verbindungsklammer (51) in der Lage ist, folgende Positionen einzunehmen,

- eine erste Position, in der die wenigstens eine L-förmige Lasche (511, 512) in das hohle Innere (81) der Bahn eingeführt ist und in Kontakt mit dem ersten Flansch (84) steht, während die elastische Lasche (513) außerhalb des hohlen Inneren (81) liegt,

- eine zweite Position, in der die wenigstens eine L-förmige Lasche (511, 512) in das hohle Innere (81) der Bahn eingeführt ist und die elastische Lasche (513) in Kontakt mit dem zweiten Flansch (83) steht und vorgespannt ist, und

- eine dritte Position, in der die wenigstens eine L-förmige Lasche (511, 512) und die elastische Lasche (513) beide in das hohle Innere (81) der Bahn eingeführt sind und die elastische Lasche (513) nicht vorgespannt ist,

und dass eine Verbindungsklammer (51) mit jedem Ende von jedem der Querelemente (64) im Verwendungszustand derart verbunden ist, dass die Verbindungsklammern (51) in der Lage sind, sich in der entsprechenden Bahn leicht in der ersten Richtung zu bewegen.

2. Abschirmungsanordnung nach Anspruch 1, wobei die Verbindungsvorrichtung (5) weiter ein Endteil (52) beinhaltet, das mit einem entsprechenden Ende des Querelements (64) verbunden ist.

3. Abschirmungsanordnung nach Anspruch 2, wobei das Endteil (52) mit einem ersten Eingriffsmittel (521, 522) zum lösbaren Eingriff mit entsprechenden Eingriffsmitteln der Verbindungsklammer (51) versehen ist, wobei das erste Eingriffsmittel vorzugsweise in Form einer Vertiefung (521) und eines Kopfes (522) zum Zusammenwirken mit einem Aufnahmeschlitz (516) der Verbindungsklammer (51) vorliegt.

4. Abschirmungsanordnung nach Anspruch 2 oder 3, wobei das Endteil (52) mit einem zweiten Eingriffsmittel (520, 524) zum lösbaren Eingriff mit dem Querelement (64) versehen ist, wobei das zweite Eingriffsmittel vorzugsweise einen hohlen Hauptkörper (520) des Endteils (52) und eine Verschlusszunge (524) umfasst, wobei die Verschlusszunge vorzugsweise in einer Öffnung (523) bereitgestellt wird.

5. Abschirmungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Verbindungsklammer (51) einen Hauptabschnitt (510) und eine aufrecht stehende Wand (515) aufweist, von der die wenigstens L-förmige Lasche (511, 512) und die elastische Lasche (513) in einer Richtung weg von dem Querelement (64) im montierten Zustand vorstehen.

6. Abschirmungsanordnung nach Anspruch 5, wobei zwei L-förmige Laschen (511, 512) vorgesehen sind und die elastische Lasche (513) zwischen den zwei L-förmigen Laschen (511, 512) positioniert ist.

7. Abschirmungsanordnung nach Anspruch 5 oder 6, wobei die elastische Lasche (513) eine geneigte Fläche (513a) an einer Seite der elastischen Lasche (513), die von der L-Form der L-förmigen Lasche oder Laschen (511, 512) abgewandt ist, aufweist, vorzugsweise auch einen Hakenabschnitt (513b).

8. Abschirmungsanordnung nach einem der Ansprüche 3 bis 4 und 5 bis 7, wobei der Aufnahmeschlitz (516) der Verbindungsklammer (51) auf der anderen Seite der aufrecht stehenden Wand (515) positioniert ist als die wenigstens eine L-förmige Lasche (511, 512) und die elastische Lasche (513).

9. Abschirmungsanordnung nach einem der Ansprüche 3 bis 4 und 5 bis 8, wobei die Verbindungsklammer (51) eine geneigte Fläche (517a, 517b) auf wenigstens einer Seite des Verbindungschlitzes (516) aufweist.

10. Abschirmungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die wenigstens L-förmige Lasche (511, 512) und die elastische Lasche (513) in der dritten Position der wenigstens L-förmigen Lasche (511, 512) und der elastischen Lasche (513) der Verbindungsklammer (51) einen Halsabschnitt mit gegenüberliegenden begrenzenden C-Abschnitten bilden, die solche Abmessungen haben, dass ein Freiraum am Halsabschnitt in dem Zugangsschlitz (82) vorliegt.

11. Abschirmungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die elastische Lasche (513) im Wesentlichen T-förmig ausgebildet ist.

12. Abschirmungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Zugangsschlitze (82) von Bahnen in den entsprechenden Seitenschienen (8, 9) im verbauten Zustand einander zugewandt sind und die ersten und zweiten Flansche (84, 83) im Wesentlichen senkrecht zu der Abschirmungsfläche liegen.

13. Abschirmungsanordnung nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Abschirmungsanordnung ein Raffrollo ist und der Abschirmkörper (61) aus einem flexiblen Gewebe mit einer Anzahl an Taschen (62) mit Öffnungen (63) hergestellt ist, die jeweils zur Aufnahme von einem Querelement (64) der Vielzahl von Querelementen (64) vorgesehen sind.

14. Abschirmungsanordnung nach Anspruch 13, wobei der Abschirmkörper (61) an einer ersten Endkante (65) und einer zweiten Endkante (66) mit Befestigungsmitteln zum Befestigen eines entsprechenden Bedienelements (71, 72) versehen ist, wobei die Befestigungsmittel vorzugsweise lösbar sind.

15. Fensterrahmen, aufweisend eine Abschirmungsanordnung nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 14, wobei der Fensterrahmen (2) ein oberes Teil (21), zwei Seitenteile (22, 23) und ein unteren Teil (24) aufweist, wobei die Längsrichtung der oberen und unteren Teile (21, 24) einer Breitenrichtung des Fensterrahmens entspricht und parallel zu der ersten Richtung liegt, wobei die Längsrichtung der Seitenteile (22, 23) einer Höhenrichtung entspricht und parallel zu der zweiten Richtung liegt.

16. Verfahren des Befestigens einer Abschirmungsanordnung in einem Fensterrahmen mit einem oberen Teil (21), zwei Seitenteilen (22, 23) und einem unteren Teil (24), aufweisend die folgenden Schritte:

Bereitstellen der Abschirmungsanordnung in einem Bereitstellungszustand, mit zwei Bedienelementen (71, 72), einem Abschirmkörper (61), zwei Seitenschienen (8, 9), die jeweils eine Bahn mit einem hohlen Inneren (81) und einem Zugangsschlitz (82), der sich zwischen einem ersten Flansch (84) und einem zweiten Flansch (83) erstreckt, aufweisen, einer Vielzahl von Querelementen (64) mit zwei gegenüberliegenden Enden, und einer Vielzahl von Verbindungsvorrichtungen (5), wobei jede Verbindungsvorrichtung (5) eine Verbindungsklammer (51) mit wenigstens einer festen L-förmigen Lasche (511, 512) und wenigstens einer elastischen Lasche (513) aufweist,

Verbinden der Bedienelemente (71, 72) mit den Seitenteilen (22, 23) des Fensterrahmens,

Verbinden der Seitenschienen (8, 9) mit den Bedienelementen (71, 72) und mit den Seitenteilen (22, 23) des Fensterrahmens, Verbinden der Querelemente (64) mit dem Abschirmkörper (61),

Verbinden der Verbindungsvorrichtungen (5) mit den Seitenschienen (8, 9), so dass eine Hälfte der Verbindungsvorrichtungen mit einer Seitenschiene (8) und die andere Hälfte mit der anderen Seitenschiene (9) verbunden ist, zwischen den Bedienelementen (71, 72) auf beiden Seiten,

Verbinden der Querelemente (64) mit dem Verbindungsvorrichtungen (5), und

Verbinden des Abschirmkörpers (61) mit den Bedienelementen (71, 72),

wobei der Schritt des Verbindens der Verbindungsvorrichtungen (5) mit den Seitenschienen (8, 9) ausgeführt wird, indem

- jede Verbindungsklammer (51) in einen Winkel zu der Seitenschiene (8, 9) gebracht wird und die wenigstens eine L-förmige Lasche (511, 512) durch den Zugangsschlitz (82) in das hohle Innere (81) der Bahn eingeführt und in Kontakt mit der inneren Seite des ersten Flansches (84) gebracht wird, während sich die elastische Lasche (513) außerhalb des hohlen Inneren (81) befindet und eine erste Stellung einnimmt,

- die elastische Lasche (513) in Kontakt mit der äußeren Seite des zweiten Flansches (83) gebracht wird und die elastische Lasche (513) in eine zweite Position vorgespannt wird, und

Einführen der elastischen Lasche (513) durch den Zugangsschlitz (82) und der elastischen Lasche (513) erlauben, in den nicht-vorgespannten Zustand zurückzukehren, um eine dritte Position einzunehmen.

Revendications

1. Dispositif de criblage (1) pour une fenêtre, en particulier une fenêtre de toit, ayant un état de livraison et un état d'utilisation, le dispositif de criblage définissant, dans l'état d'utilisation, une première direction longitudinale, et une deuxième direction longitudinale, et un plan de criblage sensiblement parallèle à un plan défini par les première et deuxième directions, le dispositif de criblage comprenant :

deux éléments de fonctionnement (71, 72) s'étendant dans la première direction,

un corps de criblage (61) s'étendant, dans l'état d'utilisation, sensiblement dans le plan de criblage entre les deux éléments de fonctionnement (71, 72) ;

deux rails latéraux (8, 9), s'étendant chacun, dans l'état d'utilisation, dans la deuxième direction, chaque rail latéral (8, 9) ayant une gorge comportant un intérieur creux (81) et une fente d'accès (82) s'étendant entre une première bride (84) et une deuxième bride (83),

une pluralité d'éléments transversaux (64) ayant deux extrémités opposées et s'étendant, dans l'état d'utilisation, dans la première direction et étant raccordés au corps de criblage (61), et

une pluralité de dispositifs de raccordement (5) raccordant, dans l'état d'utilisation, ladite pluralité d'éléments transversaux (64) à un rail latéral (8, 9) respectif, chaque dispositif de raccordement (5) comportant une pince de raccordement (51) ayant au moins une patte rigide en forme de L (511, 512) et au moins une patte élastique (513),

caractérisé en ce que chaque pince de raccordement (51) est capable d'adopter

- une première position, dans laquelle l'au moins une patte en forme de L (511, 512) est insérée dans l'intérieur creux (81) de ladite gorge et est en contact avec la première bride (84) tandis que la patte élastique (513) est à l'extérieur de l'intérieur creux (81),

- une deuxième position, dans laquelle l'au moins une patte en forme de L (511, 512) est insérée dans l'intérieur creux (81) de ladite gorge et la patte élastique (513) est en contact avec la deuxième bride (83) et est sollicitée, et

- une troisième position, dans laquelle l'au moins une patte en forme de L (511, 512) et la patte élastique (513) sont toutes deux insérées dans l'intérieur creux (81) de ladite gorge et la patte élastique (513) est non sollicitée,

et en ce qu'une pince de raccordement (51) est raccordée à chaque extrémité de chaque élément transversal (64) dans l'état d'utilisation de manière à ce que les pinces de raccordement (51) soient capables de se déplacer légèrement dans la première direction dans la gorge respective.

2. Dispositif de criblage selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ledit dispositif de raccordement (5) comporte en outre un organe d'extrémité (52) qui est raccordé à une extrémité respective de l'élément transversal (64).

3. Dispositif de criblage selon la revendication 2, dans lequel l'organe d'extrémité (52) est doté d'un premier moyen d'enclenchement (521, 522) pour un enclenchement détachable avec un moyen d'enclenchement correspondant de la pince de raccordement (51), ledit premier moyen d'enclenchement étant de préférence sous la forme d'un évidement (521) et d'une tête (522) pour une coopération avec une fente de réception (516) de la pince de raccordement (51).

4. Dispositif de criblage selon la revendication 2 ou 3, dans lequel l'organe d'extrémité (52) est doté d'un second moyen d'enclenchement (520, 524) pour un enclenchement détachable avec l'élément transversal (64), ledit second moyen d'enclenchement comportant de préférence un corps principal creux (520) de l'organe d'extrémité (52) et une languette de verrouillage (524), de préférence prévue dans un orifice (523).

5. Dispositif de criblage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la pince de raccordement (51) a une partie principale (510) et une paroi verticale (515) à partir de laquelle l'au moins une patte en forme de L (511, 512) et la patte élastique (513) font saillie dans une direction éloignée de l'élément transversal (64) dans l'état monté.

6. Dispositif de criblage selon la revendication 5, dans lequel deux pattes en forme de L (511, 512) sont prévues et la patte élastique (513) est positionnée entre les deux pattes en forme de L (511, 512).

7. Dispositif de criblage selon la revendication 5 ou 6, dans lequel la patte élastique (513) a une surface inclinée (513a) d'un côté de la patte élastique (513) orientée à l'opposé de la forme de L de la patte ou des pattes en forme de L (511, 512), de préférence également une partie de crochet (513b).

8. Dispositif de criblage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 3 à 4 et 5 à 7, dans lequel la fente de réception (516) de la pince de raccordement (51) est positionnée sur l'autre côté de la paroi verticale (515) par rapport à l'au moins une patte en forme de L (511, 512) et à la patte élastique (513).

9. Dispositif de criblage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 3 à 4 et 5 à 8, dans lequel la pince de raccordement (51) est dotée d'une surface inclinée (517a, 517b) sur au moins un côté de la fente de réception (516).

10. Dispositif de criblage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel l'au moins une patte en forme de L (511, 512) et la patte élastique (513), dans la troisième position de l'au moins une patte en forme de L (511, 512) et de la patte élastique (513) de la pince de raccordement (51), forment une partie de collet comportant des sections en C de restrictions opposées ayant des dimensions de nature à présenter un débattement au niveau de la partie de collet dans la fente d'accès (82).

11. Dispositif de criblage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la patte élastique (513) est sensiblement en forme de T.

12. Dispositif de criblage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel les fentes d'accès (82) de gorges dans les rails latéraux (8, 9) respectifs se font face l'une l'autre dans l'état monté et les première et deuxième brides (84, 83) sont sensiblement perpendiculaires au plan de criblage.

13. Dispositif de criblage selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le dispositif de criblage est un store bateau et le corps de criblage (61) est réalisé en une étoffe flexible comportant un certain nombre de poches (62) avec des ouvertures (63), chacune pour recevoir un élément transversal (64) de ladite pluralité d'éléments transversaux.

14. Dispositif de criblage selon la revendication 13, dans lequel le corps de criblage (61) au niveau d'un premier bord d'extrémité (65) et d'un second bord d'extrémité (66) est doté de moyens de fixation pour une fixation à un élément de fonctionnement (71, 72) respectif, les moyens de fixation étant de préférence détachables.

15. Cadre de fenêtre comprenant un dispositif de criblage selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 14, dans lequel le cadre de fenêtre (2) comporte une pièce haute (21), deux pièces latérales (22, 23) et une pièce basse (24), et la direction longitudinale des pièces haute et basse (21, 24) correspondant à une direction de la largeur du cadre de fenêtre est parallèle à la première direction, et la direction longitudinale des pièces latérales (22, 23) correspondant à une direction de hauteur est parallèle à la deuxième direction.

16. Procédé de montage d'un dispositif de criblage dans un cadre de fenêtre comportant une pièce haute (21), deux pièces latérales (22, 23) et une pièce basse (24), comprenant les étapes de :

fourniture du dispositif de criblage dans un état de livraison comprenant deux éléments de fonctionnement (71, 72), un corps de criblage (61), deux rails latéraux (8, 9), ayant chacun une gorge comportant un intérieur creux (81) et une fente d'accès (82) s'étendant entre une première bride (84) et une deuxième bride (83), une pluralité d'éléments transversaux (64) ayant deux extrémités opposées, et une pluralité de dispositifs de raccordement (5), chaque dispositif de raccordement (5) comportant une pince de raccordement (51) ayant au moins une patte en forme de L (511, 512) et au moins une patte élastique (513),

raccordement des éléments de fonctionnement (71, 72) aux pièces latérales (22, 23) du cadre de fenêtre,

raccordement des rails latéraux (8, 9) aux éléments de fonctionnement (71, 72) et aux pièces latérales (22, 23) du cadre de fenêtre,

raccordement des éléments transversaux (64) au corps de criblage (61),

raccordement des dispositifs de raccordement (5) aux rails latéraux (8, 9) de sorte qu'une moitié des dispositifs de raccordement soit accordée à un rail latéral (8), et l'autre moitié à l'autre rail latéral (9), entre les éléments de fonctionnement (71, 72) de chaque côté,

raccordement des éléments transversaux (64) aux dispositifs de raccordement (5), et

raccordement du corps de criblage (61) aux éléments de fonctionnement (71, 72),

moyennant quoi l'étape de raccordement des dispositifs de raccordement (5) aux rails latéraux (8, 9) est réalisée

- en amenant chaque pince de raccordement (51) à un angle par rapport au rail latéral (8, 9) et en insérant l'au moins une patte en forme de L (511, 512) à travers la fente d'accès (82) dans l'intérieur creux (81) de ladite gorge et en contact avec le côté intérieur de la première bride (84) tandis que la patte élastique (513) est à l'extérieur de l'intérieur creux (81) pour atteindre une première position,

- en amenant la patte élastique (513) en contact avec le côté extérieur de la deuxième bride (83) et en sollicitant la patte élastique (513) pour atteindre une deuxième position, et

insertion de la patte élastique (513) à travers la fente d'accès (82) et fait de laisser la patte élastique (513) revenir à son état non sollicité pour atteindre une troisième position.

Drawing