SIDE RAIL FOR AN ARCHITECTURAL COVERING

Abstract

 A side rail (112) assembly for a side of an architectural covering (102) to be mounted to an architectural feature (100). The side rail includes a side guide (124) having an elongate profile defining an elongate open channel (126) configured to receive adjacent ends of members of a shade (106) of the architectural covering (102), a base (120) having an elongate profile configured to be engaged with a side edge of an architectural feature, and a clip (128). The elongate profile of the base and the clip are configured to engage with each other to mount the clip to the base. The elongate profile of the base includes a pivot portion (136) remote from the clip when mounted and the elongate profile of the side guide includes a rotation portion (138) configured to engage the pivot portion rotationally such that the side guide is rotatable relative to the base about the pivot portion. The elongate profile of the side guide includes an engagement portion (140) remote from the rotation portion and the engagement portion and the clip are configured, with the rotation portion engaged with the pivot portion of the base, to engage with each other to mount the side guide to the base.

Description

[0001] The following relates to a side rail for an architectural covering, in particular a side rail assembly for a side of an architectural covering to be mounted to an architectural feature.

[0002] Particularly for external architectural coverings, such as venetian blinds, it is known to provide a pair of oppositely facing side rails having side guides for the opposite edges of the slats of the coverings so as to prevent the slats being moved, for example by wind, away from the architectural feature to which they are mounted.

[0003] The side guides include elongate open channels forming guiding channels for pins on at least some of the slats of the architectural covering.

[0004] For installation, a head rail of the architectural covering is installed at the top of the architectural feature with the shade of the architectural covering fitted to the head rail, but in a retracted state. The two opposite side rails are then manipulated to pick up the ends, for example slat pins, of the slats of the shade into the guiding channels. The side rails are then fixed to the two opposite sides of the architectural feature. In practice, during the process of fitting the ends of the slats to the guiding channels of the side guides, the side guides must be angled with respect to the architectural feature. Once all of the ends of the slats have been picked up into a respective guiding channel, the respective side guide is then moved to be against the side of the architectural feature and is attached to that side of the architectural feature.

[0005] It is possible to provide the side rail in two parts. A base having an elongate profile may be mounted to the side of the architectural feature, for example with mounting screws. A separate side guide, including a respective guiding channel, may then be attached/mounted to the base, for example using screws.

[0006] Another way of mounting a side guide to a base is described in DE 7411596. The elongate profile base is mounted to the side of an architectural feature. The elongate profile of the base and the elongate profile of the corresponding side guide have corresponding forms configured to engage with each other so that the side guide can be engaged with the base. A disadvantage with this arrangement is that the side guide needs to be forced into its clamped position along its total length and, hence, an installer is required to push and manipulate the whole length of the side guide to force it to clamp completely along its length with the base.

[0007] There may be provided a side rail for a side of an architectural covering to be mounted to an architectural feature. The side rail may include a side guide, a base, and a clip. The side guide may have an elongate profile defining an elongate open channel configured to receive adjacent ends of members of a shade of the architectural covering. The base may have an elongate profile configured to be engaged with a side edge of an architectural feature. The elongate profile of the base and the clip may be configured to engage with each other to mount the clip to the base. The elongate profile of the base may include a pivot portion remote from the clip when mounted and the elongate profile of the side guide may include a rotation portion configured to engage the pivot portion rotationally such that the side guide is rotatable relative to the base about the pivot portion. The elongate profile of the side guide may include an engagement portion remote from the rotation portion and the engagement portion and the clip may be configured, with the rotation portion engaged with the pivot portion of the base, to engage with each other to mount the side guide to the base.

[0008] There may be provided a side rail or side rail assembly for a side of an architectural covering to be mounted to an architectural feature. Such a feature may include architectural structures such as openings (for example windows, doorways, arches etc) or walls or doors etc and their surrounds. The side rail includes a side guide having an elongate prolife defining an elongate open channel configured to receive adjacent ends of members of a shade of the architectural covering, a base having an architectural profile configured to be engaged with a side edge of an architectural feature, and a clip. The elongate profile of the base and the clip are configured to engage with each other to mount the clip to the base. The elongate profile of the base includes a pivot portion remote from the clip when mounted and the elongate profile of the side guide includes a rotation portion configured to engage the pivot portion rotationally/pivotably such that the side guide is rotatable/pivotable relative to the base about the pivot portion. The elongate profile of the side guide includes an engagement portion remote from the rotation portion and the engagement portion and the clip are configured, with the rotation portion engaged with the pivot portion of the base, to engage with each other to mount the side guide to the base.

[0009] By providing a separate clip, it is not necessary for the side guide to engage directly with the base. Whereas the side guide and the base may preferably be formed from a relatively rigid material, such as aluminium, the clip may be formed from a more compliant or resilient material, such as a plastics material. In this way, without compromising the material properties required for the base and the side guide, it becomes possible to provide more appropriate material properties in the clip for engaging the side guide to the base. Furthermore, the clip need not extend along the entire length of the base and the side guide. Indeed, it is proposed that the clip has a very much smaller elongate extent than the base and side guide. For example, the clip may be between 10 mm and 100 mm long for use with a base and side guide 300 mm or longer. In particular, the clip may be at least one of 10mm, 15mm, 20mm, 25mm, 30mm, 35mm and 40mm long. The clip may be no more than one of 100mm, 95mm, 85mm, 80mm, 75mm, 70mm, 65mm and 60mm long.

[0010] It will be appreciated that for reasons of cost and manufacture, the side guide and base preferably have a constant cross section along their entire elongate extent, for example allowing manufacture by extrusion. The clip, or a plurality of such clips, may be located at selected positions along the elongate extent of the base and side guide. During fitting, this allows an installer to engage the side guide to the base by pushing the side guide onto the base where the clip or clips are located along the base. In particular, an installer may work along the length of the side guide/base pressing them together in turn where each clip is located.

[0011] The pivot portion and the rotation portion may engage with each other in any known or convenient manner. However, in one arrangement, the pivot portion and the rotation portion are configured, with the side guide in an insertion position orientated at a first angle relative to the base, to accept lateral engagement of the rotation portion with the pivot portion. This configuration, with the rotation portion engaged with the pivot portion permits rotation of the side guide from the insertion position to a mounted position orientated substantially parallel with the base. Also, with this configuration, with the side guide in the mounted position, the configuration prevents lateral disengagement of the rotation portion from the pivot portion.

[0012] Thus, during installation, the installer is able to laterally engage the rotation portion of the side guide with the pivot portion of the base before rotating/pivoting the side guide relative to the base and into a mounted position.

[0013] The lateral direction is perpendicular to the elongate extent of the base and the side guide. It could be any direction from generally perpendicular to the plane of the base to parallel with the plane of the base. However, preferably, it is generally parallel with the plane of the base.

[0014] The pivot portion could include a flange facing outwardly from the base for engagement by a lip of the side guide facing inwardly. However, in one arrangement, the pivot portion includes, along the elongate profile of the base, a pivot flange facing inwardly towards the clip when mounted and the rotation portion includes, along the elongate profile of the side guide, a rotation lip facing away from the engagement portion and configured to fit under the pivot flange to engage the rotation portion with the pivot portion.

[0015] With this orientation of the pivot portion and rotation portion, once the rotation portion is laterally engaged with the pivot portion, even before the side guide has reached its mounted position, interaction of the pivot portion and the rotation portion prevents lateral detachment of the side guide from the base.

[0016] In one arrangement, the pivot portion includes, extending parallel with the elongate profile of the base, a curved passageway extending under the pivot flange and configured to guide the rotation lip of the rotation portion and rotation of the side guide relative to the base.

[0017] In this way, during installation, rotation of the side guide from the insertion position to the mounted position is facilitated.

[0018] Preferably, the rotation lip has a curved profile matching the curve of the curved passageway.

[0019] In a preferred arrangement, in the mounted position, the pivot portion and the rotation portion interact with each other so as to engage the side guide with the base so as to prevent the side guide moving away from the base and also to prevent lateral movement in both opposite directions substantially parallel with the base.

[0020] The pivot portion of the base may be located at an outer edge of the elongate profile of the base. With the side guide mounted to the base, the pivot portion is proximate the elongate open channel.

[0021] In this way, the engagement of the pivot portion and the rotation portion occurs at the most outward edge of the assembly, thereby facilitating engagement for the installer.

[0022] The elongate open channel may be provided at an outer edge of the elongate profile of the side guide on an outer side of the side guide to face the shade. The rotation portion may be provided at the outer edge of the elongate profile of the side guide on an inner side of the side guide opposite the outer side to face the base.

[0023] Thus, both the elongate open channel and the engagement of the rotation portion with the pivot portion occur at an outermost part of the assembly, thereby facilitating installation.

[0024] Although the clip itself may be formed in any convenient manner to interact with the engagement portion of the side guide, the clip may include a clip portion configured to receive and engage with the engagement portion.

[0025] The clip portion of the clip and the engagement portion of the side guide may define respectively at least a protrusion facing towards or away from the rotation portion and pivot portion, and an oppositely facing recess for resiliently engaging with the protrusion.

[0026] Thus, in the mounted position, once the engagement portion of the side guide has engaged with the clip portion of the clip, the side guide is prevented from moving (rotating) away from the clip and the base. Depending upon which way the protrusion and recess face respectively, the side guide is also prevented from moving in one lateral direction (generally parallel with the base). In some arrangements, the engagement between the pivot portion and the rotation portion may be arranged to prevent relative movement in a lateral direction opposite to that prevented by the engagement portion and clip portion, thereby locating securely the side rail relative to the base.

[0027] However, it is also possible for other features of the clip and/or base to interact with corresponding features of the side guide to prevent lateral movement in an opposite direction, namely a direction opposite to the direction held by interaction between the rotation portion and the pivot portion and held by interaction also between the clip portion and the engagement portion.

[0028] In a preferred arrangement, the clip portion of the clip when mounted includes a ridge facing away from the pivot portion, the engagement portion of the side guide includes a clamping lip facing towards the rotation portion, and the ridge and the clamping lip are configured for the clamping lip to resiliently engage under the ridge towards the base to mount the side guide to the base.

[0029] Preferably, with this arrangement, either the pivot portion and the rotation portion engage with each other to prevent lateral movement of the side guide towards the clip, and/or the side guide additionally includes features mating with the clip and/or base to prevent the side guide moving in a direction to release engagement between the clip portion and the engagement portion.

[0030] The elongate profile of the side guide may include an elongate clamp flange having an inner elongate edge, and the clamping lip may be provided at the elongate edge.

[0031] In this way, the clamp flange may provide enhanced resilience to the engagement between the clamping lip and the clip.

[0032] The clamping flange may extend from an inner surface of an outer wall of the side guide to the elongate edge. Hence, the flange may have an appropriate extent to provide the required resilience.

[0033] The clip may include a guide surface extending from the ridge at an angle away from the base in the direction of the pivot portion, the clamp flange may extend from the inner surface of the outer wall of the side guide at a corresponding angle, and the guide surface may be configured to guide the clamp flange as the side guide and the clamping lip are moved for engagement with the ridge.

[0034] In this way, during installation, as the size guide is rotated from the insertion position to the mounted position, the angled surfaces of the clamp flange and the guide surface assist in guiding the side rail relative to the base and moving the clamping lip into its resiliently engaged state with the ridge of the clip.

[0035] In one arrangement, the elongate open channel extends inwardly from the outer wall of the side guide, the outer wall covers the clip when mounted and extends between the elongate open channel and an inner edge, and the base includes an outer wall configured to meet and engage with the inner edge of the outer wall of the side guide.

[0036] This provides not only a more aesthetically pleasing assembled unit, but also provides additional structural support between the side guide and the base. Engagement between the outer wall of the side guide and the outer wall of the base may prevent the side guide moving laterally in the direction required for disengagement of the engagement portion with the clip and, thereby, improve engagement of the side guide with the base.

[0037] In one arrangement, the side guide includes inner and outer side walls configured to extend outwardly from the base. Inner surfaces of the inner and outer side walls define sides of the elongate open channel, an outer surface of the outer side wall forms a side wall of the side rail, and the outer surface of the inner side wall and the clip are configured to engage with each other to provide additional support with the base and the side guide when mounted.

[0038] Similarly to above, engagement of the outer surface of the inner side wall with the clip will prevent relative movement of that inner side wall towards the clip. The clip may be securely engaged between that inner side wall and the engagement portion of the side guide.

[0039] The clip may be engaged with the base in any known or convenient manner. The clip may be screwed to the base, for example using the same screws as used for attachment of the base to the side of the architectural feature. Alternatively, the elongate profile of the base may have an elongate feature with which the clip can engage.

[0040] In one arrangement, the elongate profile of the base includes a first channel having an open side facing away from the pivot portion and a second channel having an open side facing towards the open side of the first channel. The clip includes corresponding mutually outward facing first and second protrusions configured to be received within the first and second channels respectively and to mount the clip to the base.

[0041] It is possible for the clip to be engaged with the base by sliding it from one end of the base into and along the first and second channels. However, in one arrangement, the first protrusion and the first channel are configured for the first protrusion to be inserted into the first channel in a direction transverse to the longitudinal extent of the channel. The second protrusion and the second channel are configured, with the first protrusion inserted into the channel and the clip rotated about the first protrusion in the first channel, to clip resiliently the second protrusion into the second channel.

[0042] In one arrangement, the first protrusion may include at least one resilient leg configured to extend into the first channel and to press on an inner side of the first channel.

[0043] In this way, the first protrusion and the first channel provide some frictional engagement between the clip and the base. During installation, a user may position one or more clips at required intervals along the base. Resilient engagement with the at least one resilient leg will retain those clips where placed. Furthermore, during assembly, with the at least one resilient leg of the first protrusion inserted into the first channel, the resilience of the at least one leg allows easy manipulation of the clip until the second protrusion is engaged in the second channel.

[0044] There may also be provided a side rail including a plurality of the clips to be positioned at intervals along the base.

[0045] There may also be provided an architectural covering for an architectural feature including two of the side rails. The architectural covering may be provided with a shade having members with opposite ends to be received in respective side rails. Not all of the slats of the shade need be provided with such members and it may be sufficient to have such members at appropriate intervals. The architectural covering may be provided with other parts, such as a head rail for receiving the shade.

[0046] There may also be provided a method of mounting an architectural covering to an architectural feature using the side rail. The method includes mounting the clip to the base. The method further includes, with the side guide in an insertion position, laterally engaging the rotation portion of the side guide with the pivot portion of the base, rotating the side guide relative to the base about the pivot portion and engaging the engagement portion with the clip so as to mount the side guide to the base.

[0047] Details of the side rail, architectural covering and method will be more clearly understood from the following description, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 illustrates an architectural covering mounted to an architectural feature;

Fig. 2 illustrates features of the architectural covering;

Fig. 3 illustrates a cross section of the architectural covering being mounted;

Fig. 4 illustrates part of a side rail;

Fig. 5 illustrates an example of a base for a side rail;

Fig. 6 illustrates an example of a clip for the side rail;

Fig. 7 illustrates a clip with a base of a side rail;

Fig. 8 illustrates an alternative example of the base for the side rail;

Fig. 9 illustrates a cross section through the base;

Fig. 10 illustrates a clip for use with the side rail;

Fig. 11 illustrates a side view of the clip;

Fig. 12 illustrates another view of the clip;

Fig. 13 illustrates the clip in conjunction with a cross section of the base;

Fig. 14 illustrates a side guide in conjunction with a base;

Fig. 15 illustrates a cross section of the side guide being mounted to the base;

Fig. 16 illustrates the side guide mounted to the base;

Fig. 17 illustrates the side guide being mounted to the base;

Fig. 18 illustrates the side guide mounted to the base.

[0048] Fig. 1 illustrates schematically an architectural feature 100 having an architectural covering 102 mounted to it. In particular, the architectural covering 102 as illustrated includes a shade 106, having a plurality of slats 108, which extends from a head rail 110. The head rail 110 is mounted to a top of the architectural feature 100 and the slats 108 of the shade 106 may be extended from the head rail 110 to cover, for example, an opening in the architectural feature 100.

[0049] Where fitted externally, it is useful to provide side rails 112 respectively for supporting the edges of the shade 106, for example to prevent the shade 106 from being blown away from the architectural feature 100 by wind. Individual ones of the slats 108 may include end pins 116 to be held captive within elongate open channels in the respective side rails 112.

[0050] Fig. 2 illustrates in further detail a plurality of slats 108 extending from a head rail 110 and supported by cords 114. Alternate slats 108 form members with end pins 116 to be guided in the elongate open channel of a respective side rail 112.

[0051] Fig. 3 illustrates the corresponding cross section of the arrangement with the slats 108 of the shade 106 in a retracted state.

[0052] In the arrangement to be described below, the side rail 112 includes a base and a side guide. The base and the side guide fit together and have respective profiles which are elongate in their length direction. In other words, in use with the architectural covering 102, the shade 106 extends or retracts along the lengths of the side guides and bases.

[0053] During installation, the head rail 110 of the architectural covering 102 may be mounted to the top of the architectural feature 100 as illustrated in Fig. 3. As illustrated, a bracket 118 may be used.

[0054] The bases 120 of each respective side rail 112 are attached to the sides of the architectural feature 100 (before or after the bracket 118). The side guides 124, having elongate open channels 126 for guiding the end pins 116, are then manipulated and guided towards the head rail 110 (at a slight angle to the architectural feature 100) so as to receive each of the end pins 116 of a respective side of the shade 106 into the respective elongate open channel 126. Each side guide 124 may then be attached to its respective base 120.

[0055] It will be appreciated that each base and side guide preferably has a substantially constant cross section along its elongate profile. In this way, each base and side guide may be produced, for example, as an extrusion and, for example, from a material such as aluminium.

[0056] Fig. 4 illustrates a cross section through an example of a side rail 112 including a respective example of an elongate side guide 124 and an example of a base 120.

[0057] The base 120 has a width extending from an inner side 120a to an outer side 120b. The base 120 may be considered to have a generally planar form, at least at a surface 120c for mounting to a side of an architectural feature 100.

[0058] The cross section shown in Fig. 4 happens to pass over or through a through hole 122 defined by the base 120 for receiving a fastener, such as a screw, for mounting the base 120 to a side of the architectural feature 100.

[0059] A plurality of such through holes 122 may be provided along the length of the base 120 at predefined intervals. Alternatively, they may be created by the installer as required.

[0060] As illustrated, the corresponding side guide 124 is engaged with the base 120.

[0061] The side guide 124 defines an elongate open channel 126 configured to receive ends of members of a shade, such as the end pins 116 discussed above.

[0062] For the sake of illustration, the cross section of Fig. 4 also shows a clip 128 as used for engaging the side guide 124 with the base 120.

[0063] As illustrated in Fig. 5, a number of such clips 128 may be provided along the length of the base 120 not necessarily in the same cross section as the through holes 122.

[0064] As illustrated in Fig. 6, each clip 128 has a limited elongate extent in comparison with the lengths of the base 120 and side guide 124. For example, whereas the base 120 and side guide 124 are likely to be 300 mm or longer, the clip 128 may be between 10 mm and 100 mm in length.

[0065] In the arrangements of Figs. 4, 5 and 6, the clip 128 engages with the base 120 on an inner surface 120d of the base 120 via a protrusion 130 running along the length of the profile of the base 120. The clip 128 defines an undercut channel section 132 matching the profle of the protrusion 130. The clip 128 may be slid onto the protrusion 130 from one end of the base 120 and held against the base 120 by the protrusion 130 inside the channel 132. Alternatively, it is possible for the corresponding shapes and sizes of the protrusion 130 and the channel 132 and the material properties of the clip 128 to allow the clip 128 to be resiliently clipped in place onto the protrusion 130 at any position along the length of the base 120.

[0066] In another arrangement, such as illustrated in Fig. 7, the clip 128 could be engaged with the base 120 by means of a separate fastener, such as a screw. In the arrangement illustrated in Fig. 7, the clip 128 is provided with a through hole 134 and a screw fastener could be used for simultaneously attaching both the clip 128 to the base 120 as well as the base 120 to the side of an architectural feature 100.

[0067] Returning to Fig. 4, it will be seen that a pivot portion 136 forming a pivot point is provided extending along the edge of the base 120 at the outer side 120b. In the illustrated arrangement, the pivot portion 136 includes a flange facing outwardly away from the clip 128 and defining an undercut region. Other equivalent configurations are within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0068] At an outer side 124b of the side guide 124, there is provided a rotation portion 138 having a rotation lip which faces inwardly towards the clip 128. The pivot portion 136 and rotation portion 138 have respective dimensions and shapes to interact with each other so as to engage the side guide 124 with the base 120.

[0069] Towards an opposite edge of the side rail, towards an inner side 124a of the side guide 124, the side guide 124 is provided with an engagement portion 140 extending along the length of the elongate profile of the side guide 124. As illustrated, the engagement portion 140 takes the form of a recessed channel. The clip 128 is provided with a ridge forming a clip portion 142. The recessed channel of the engagement portion 140 and the ridge of the clip portion 142 have appropriate shapes and dimensions for the engagement portion 140 to engage with the clip portion 142 and engage the side guide 124 with the clip 128.

[0070] It should be appreciated that the use of protrusions and recesses and the directions in which they face can be reversed. Alternative arrangements will be described below.

[0071] During installation, the following steps may be taken.

[0072] With the ends of members of a shade received in the elongate open channel 126 of the side guide 124, the side guide 124 is manipulated so as to bring the rotation portion 138 into lateral engagement with the pivot portion 136. In this state, the side guide 124 will be at a slight angle relative to the base 120. The pivot portion 136 and rotation portion 138 are configured to allow relative rotation between the side guide 124 and base 120. Next, the installer rotates the side guide 124 about the pivot portion 136 from the insertion position towards a mounted position. The side guide 124 is pushed towards the base 120 causing resilient engagement between the side guide 124 and the clip 128, such as by engagement of the engagement portion 140 of the side guide 124, with the clip portion 142 of the clip 128. By providing a series of individual clip portions 128 along the length of the base 120, the installer is able to work along the length of the side rail, clipping the side guide 124 to each respective clip 128 in turn. The natural elasticity/resilience of the side guide 124 will allow some twisting and bending until the side guide 124 is clipped to all of the clips 128.

[0073] If circumstances require removal of the side guide from the base, it is similarly possible for the user to unclip the side guide 124 from each clip 128 in turn. In one arrangement, a tool may be used to create leverage to unclip the side guide 124 from the clips 128; unclipping may be more difficult than clipping. The force that is required to be applied by the user to unclip each clip 128 in turn is much less than if the side guide 124 as a whole was required to be unclipped from the base 120 along its entire length at once. However, in one arrangement, it may still be greater than for clipping the side guide 124 onto the base 120.

[0074] Another arrangement for the side rail, for example for use with the architectural covering described with reference to Fig. 1, 2 and 3, is described in the following. Like reference characters are used for like parts.

[0075] Fig. 8 illustrates a small elongate part of the base 120 and Fig. 9 illustrates a cross section through the base 120. Compared with the base described above, the base is constructed with a hollow cross section, thereby saving material and weight. In addition, the base comprises an inner end section 141 for additional structural rigidity and includes an outer wall 143.

[0076] In this arrangement, the elongate profile of the base 120 defines a first channel 144 having an open side facing towards the pivot portion 136 and a second channel 146 having an open side facing towards the open side of the first channel 144 and facing away from the pivot portion 136. The first and second channels 144, 146, which are configured generally to face each other, are configured to receive and engage the clip 128 illustrated in Fig. 10 and, in cross section, in Fig. 11.

[0077] The clip 128 includes at least one first protrusion 148 configured to be received within the first channel 144. The clip additionally includes at least one second protrusion 150 configured to be received within the second channel 146. As illustrated, the first and second protrusions 148, 150 extend outwardly away from each other. With the first protrusion 148 of the clip 128 received in the first channel 144 of the base 120 and the second protrusion 150 of the clip 128 received in the second channel 146 of the base 120, the clip 128 is engaged and held with the base 120. The clip 128 is able to slide along the elongate extent of the base 120, but is held securely in all transverse directions.

[0078] In order to help maintain the clip 128 in any particular position along the length of the base 120, in the illustrated arrangement, the first protrusion 148 comprises two resilient legs which extend on either side of a central support. Each resilient leg 148 extends substantially parallel with, but slightly offset from, the central support.

[0079] Referring to Fig. 12 it will be seen that each first protrusion 148 of the clip 128 is provided at the end of a flexible arm 152. Advantageously, so as to provide reliable resilient properties, each flexible arm is as long as possible. In this respect, in the illustrated arrangement, each flexible arm 152 joins the main body of the clip 128 at a portion remote from the active end of the first protrusion.

[0080] The clip 128 is fitted to the base 120 as illustrated in the cross section of Fig. 13.

[0081] As illustrated in Fig. 14 (without the clip 128) and the cross section in Fig. 15, a side guide 124 can be engaged with the base 120 via its rotation portion 138.

[0082] As illustrated, in this arrangement, the pivot portion 136 of the base 120 takes the form of a pivot flange facing inwardly towards the clip 128 and the rotation portion takes the form of a rotation lip facing away from the clip 128 and configured to fit under the pivot flange. Under the pivot flange, the pivot portion includes a curved passageway 154 for guiding the rotation lip of the rotation portion and, hence, guiding rotationally, the side guide 124 relative to the base 120. In this respect, the rotation lip may have a corresponding curved profile matching the curve of the curved passageway 154.

[0083] During installation, the side guide 124 can be engaged laterally with the base 120 as illustrated in Fig. 15. The side guide 124 may then be rotated from the insertion position to a mounted position as illustrated in Fig 16. During this rotation, the rotation lip of the rotation portion 138 travels inwardly into the curved passageway 154 of the pivot portion 136. Compared with the arrangement discussed above, this arrangement is advantageous in that, in the mounted position, engagement between the rotation portion 138 and the pivot portion 136 is increased as compared with the initial insertion position. Furthermore, as a result of the curved passageway 154, engagement between the rotation portion 138 and pivot portion 136 can restrict movement in all lateral directions, thereby improving the engagement between the side guide 124 and base 120.

[0084] Referring back to Fig. 15, it will be seen that a flange 156 extends from an inner surface of an outer wall 158 of the side guide 124. The engagement portion 140 is provided by a clamping lip 160 at the inner elongate edge of the flange 156. As illustrated particularly in Fig. 11, the clip portion 142 of the clip 128 is formed as a ridge 162 which, as illustrated in Fig. 15, faces away from the pivot portion 136.

[0085] When the side guide 124 is rotated from the insertion position of Fig. 15 to the mounted position of Fig. 16, the flange 156 is caused to flex by virtue of its resilient properties and the clamping lip 160 travels across the ridge 162 to become located beyond the ridge 162 and to engage the side guide 124 in its mounted position as illustrated in Fig. 16.

[0086] Advantageously, as illustrated in Figs. 11, 15 and 16, the clip 128 includes a guide surface 164 which extends from the ridge 162 at an angle away from the base 120 in a direction generally towards the pivot portion 136. Similarly as illustrated, the flange 156 extends from the inner surface of the outer wall 158 at a similar corresponding angle. As a result, the guide surface 164 acts so as to guide the inner elongate edge, and hence the clamping lip 160, of the flange 156 down towards and over the ridge 162 of the clip 128. In alternative arrangements, the clip body can be much lower, in other words extend less far from the first and second protrusions 148, 150 and the base 120 to which it is fitted.

[0087] As illustrated in Fig. 12, each flexible arm 152 joins the main body of the clip 128 towards the distal end of the guide surface 164 and, in the mounted state, proximate the outer surface of the inner wall 168 of the side guide 124.

[0088] As illustrated, the elongate open channel 126 in this arrangement is defined by an outer side wall 166 and an inner side wall 168 which extend outwardly from the base 120. The inner surfaces of the outer side wall 166 and the inner side wall 168 define the elongate open channel 126, whereas the outer surface of the outer side wall 166 defines at least a substantial part of the outer surface of the side rail itself. The outer surface of the inner side wall 168 faces towards the angled clamp flange 156, and the clip 128 extends from the base 120 between the outer surface of the inner side wall 168 and the clamp flange 156. Advantageously, as illustrated in Fig. 16, the outer surface of the inner side wall 168 and the clip 128 may be configured to engage with each other. This engagement provides additional support between the side guide 124 and the base 120 with the clip 128. Apart from the engagement achieved between the pivot portion 136 and rotation portion 138, the side guide 124 is secured laterally by the clamping lip 160 and the resilient action of the clamping flange 156 squeezing the clip 128 against the outer surface of the inner side wall 168.

[0089] As illustrated in Fig. 16, the outer wall 142 formed by the base 120 is configured to meet and engage with the outer wall 158 formed by the side guide 124. In the illustrated embodiment, the outer wall 158 of the side guide 124 extends between the elongate open channel 126 and an inner edge. Also, in the illustrated arrangement, the outer wall 142 of the base includes a recessed flange 172 along its length for receiving the inner edge 170 of the outer wall of the side guide 124. This engagement provides additional structural support between the side guide 124 and the base 120. Particularly, with the inner edge 170 of the outer wall 158 of the side guide 124 abutting an end of the outer wall 142 of the base 120, the side guide 124 is further prevented from moving (under the influence of the clamp flange 156 and clamp lip 160) away from the pivot portion 136.

[0090] Finally, Fig. 17 and Fig. 18 illustrate respectively how a side guide 124 may be engaged with a base 120 while supporting the ends of members within the elongate open channel 126. These illustrations may be considered schematic in that clips 128 may be omitted at the end of the base 120 to which the slats 108 and ends 116 are retracted. In particular, at the top end of the side guide 124 in the region of the stacked slats 108 of a raised shade 106, the space between the slats 108 and the side guide 124 is relatively limited so it may be more difficult for the user to push the side guide 124 onto the clips 128 of the base 120.

[0091] These and other features and advantages of the present disclosure will be readily apparent from the following detailed description, the scope of the invention being set out in the appended claims.

[0092] This summary of the disclosure is given to aid understanding, and one of skill in the art will understand that each of the various aspects and features of the disclosure may advantageously be used separately in some instances, or in combination with other aspects and features of the disclosure in other instances. Accordingly, while the disclosure is presented in terms of embodiments, it should be appreciated that individual aspects of any embodiment can be claimed separately or in combination with aspects and features of that embodiment or any other embodiment.

[0093] The present disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail in this application and no limitation as to the scope of the claimed subject matter is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, or the like in this the summary. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood that the claimed subject matter is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments or arrangements illustrated herein.

[0094] The accompanying drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only, and the dimensions, positions, order, and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary. The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, w Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the present subject matter, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the present subject matter, not limitation of the present subject matter. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the an that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the present subject matter. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present subject matter covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0095] In the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that the phrases "at least one", "one or more", and "and/or", as used herein, are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. The term "a" or "an" entity, as used herein, refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more" and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein. Directional references is the specification are used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and / or serve to distinguish regions of the associated elements from one another.

Claims

1. A side rail assembly for a side of an architectural covering to be mounted to an architectural feature, the side rail including:

a side guide having an elongate profile defining an elongate open channel configured to receive adjacent ends of members of a shade of the architectural covering;

a base having an elongate profile configured to be engaged with a side edge of an architectural feature; and

a clip; wherein:

the elongate profile of the base and the clip are configured to engage with each other to mount the clip to the base;

the elongate profile of the base includes a pivot portion remote from the clip when mounted and the elongate profile of the side guide includes a rotation portion configured to engage the pivot portion rotationally such that the side guide is rotatable relative to the base about the pivot portion; and

the elongate profile of the side guide includes an engagement portion remote from the rotation portion and the engagement portion and the clip are configured, with the rotation portion engaged with the pivot portion of the base, to engage with each other to mount the side guide to the base.

2. A side rail assembly according to claim 1 wherein the pivot portion and the rotation portion are configured: with the side guide in an insertion position orientated at a first angle relative to the base, to accept lateral engagement of the rotation portion with the pivot portion; with the rotation portion engaged with the pivot portion, to permit rotation of the side guide from the insertion position to a mounted position orientated substantially parallel with the base; and, with the side guide in the mounted position, to prevent lateral disengagement of the rotation portion from the pivot portion.

3. A side rail assembly according to claim 2 wherein the pivot portion includes, along the elongate profile of the base, a pivot flange facing inwardly towards the clip when mounted and the rotation portion includes, along the elongate profile of the side guide, a rotation lip facing away from the engagement portion and configured to fit under the pivot flange to engage the rotation portion with the pivot portion.

4. A side rail assembly according to claim 3 wherein the pivot portion includes, extending parallel with the elongate profile of the base, a curved passageway extending at least partly under the pivot flange and configured to guide the rotation lip of the rotation portion and rotation of the side guide relative to the base, wherein the rotation lip may have a curved profile matching the curve of the curved passageway.

5. A side rail assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the pivot portion of the base is located at an outer edge of the elongate profile of the base proximate the elongate open channel.

6. A side rail assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the elongate open channel is provided at an outer edge of the elongate profile of the side guide on an outer side of the side guide to face the shade and the rotation portion is provided at the outer edge of the elongate profile of the side guide on an inner side of the side guide opposite the outer side to face the base.

7. A side rail assembly according to any preceding claim wherein the clip includes a clip portion configured to receive and engage with the engagement portion, wherein the clip portion of the clip and the engagement portion of the side guide may define respectively at least a protrusion facing towards or away from the rotation portion and pivot portion and an oppositely facing recess for resiliently engaging with the protrusion.

8. A side rail assembly according to claim 7 wherein: the clip portion of the clip when mounted includes a ridge facing away from the pivot portion; the engagement portion of the side guide includes a clamping lip facing towards the rotation portion; and the ridge and the clamping lip are configured for the clamping lip to resiliently engage under the ridge towards the base to mount the side guide to the base, wherein the elongate profile of the side guide may include an elongate clamp flange having an elongate edge with the clamping lip is provided at the elongate edge, and wherein the clamping flange may extend from an inner surface of an outer wall of the side guide to the inner edge.

9. A side rail assembly according to claim 8 wherein: the clip includes a guide surface extending from the ridge at an angle away from the base in the direction of the pivot portion; the clamp flange extends from the inner surface of the outer wall of the side guide at a corresponding angle; and the guide surface is configured to guide the clamp flange as the side guide and clamping lip are moved for engagement with the ridge.

10. A side rail assembly according to claim 8 wherein the elongate open channel extends inwardly from the outer wall of the side guide, wherein the outer wall covers the clip when mounted and extends between the elongate open channel and an inner edge and wherein the base includes an outer wall configured to meet and engage with the inner edge of the outer wall of the side guide.

11. A side rail assembly according to any preceding claim wherein: the side guide includes inner and outer side walls configured to extend outwardly from the base; inner surfaces of the inner and outer side walls define sides of the elongate open channel; an outer surface of the outer side wall forms a side wall of the side rail; and the outer surface of the inner side wall and the clip are configured to engage with each other to provide additional support between the base and the side guide when mounted.

12. A side rail assembly according to any preceding claim wherein: the elongate profile of the base includes a first channel having an open side facing away from the pivot portion and a second channel having an open side facing towards the open side of the first channel; and the clip includes corresponding mutually outward facing first and second protrusions configured to be received within the first and second channels respectively and to mount the clip to the base, and optionally wherein: the first protrusion and the first channel are configured for the first protrusion to be inserted into the first channel; and the second protrusion and the second channel are configured with the first protrusion inserted into the first channel and the clip rotated about the first protrusion in the first channel, to clip resiliently the second protrusion into the second channel.

13. A side rail assembly according to claim 12 wherein: the first protrusion includes at least one resilient leg configured to extend into the first channel and to press on an inner side of the first channel.

14. An architectural covering for an architectural feature including two side rail assemblies according to any preceding claim and a shade having members with opposite ends to be received in respective side rails.

15. A method of mounting an architectural covering to an architectural feature using a side rail assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 13, the method including:

mounting the clip to the base;

with the side guide in an insertion position, laterally engaging the rotation portion of the side guide with the pivot portion of the base, rotating the side guide relative to the base about the pivot portion and engaging the engagement portion with the clip so as to mount the side guide to the base.

Drawing