Louver for an architectural light or ventilation device

Abstract

 A louver for an architectural light or ventilation control device. The louver includes an elongate, generally rectangular, panel (3) having opposite first and second longitudinal edge portions (9,11). An elongate support bar (13) extends longitudinally of the panel. At least two holding brackets (17,19), longitudinally spaced apart, and extending transversely of the support bar (13), hold the panel (3) to the support bar. Each of the holding brackets (17,19) comprises a respective first bracket member (47), engaging the first longitudinal edge portion (9) of the panel, and a respective second bracket member (49), engaging the second longitudinal edge portion (11) of the panel. The first and second bracket members (47,49) are separately mountable and each co-operate with the support bar (13) and the other of the first and second bracket members to hold the panel by its longitudinal edge portions to the support bar.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a louver for an architectural light or ventilation device.

[0002] Such devices having an elongate generally rectangular panel with opposite first and second longitudinal edge portions are known from US 1403054. In this known louver arrangement the louver is supported on an elongate support bar extending longitudinally of the panel, by two holding brackets transversely of the support bar, each holding one of two opposite longitudinal ends of the panel.

[0003] Although the known form of louver device has been successfully used in many applications it also has been inflicted with limits to the size of the panel that can be supported between its opposite longitudinal ends. It has thus been necessary to span larger areas by a succession of louvers using an intermediate frame member, as shown by said US 1403054. There has thus been a long felt need to support longer, and generally larger, panels on an elongate support bar with similarly simple to attach holding brackets.

[0004] Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to overcome or ameliorate at least one of the disadvantages of the prior art. It is also an object of the present invention to provide alternative structures which are less cumbersome in assembly and operation and which moreover can be made relatively inexpensively. Alternatively it is an object of the invention to at least provide the public with a useful choice.

[0005] To this end the present invention provides a louver for an architectural light or ventilation control device, the louver including:

an elongate, generally rectangular, panel having opposite first and second longitudinal edge portions;

an elongate support bar extending longitudinally of the panel; and

at least two holding brackets longitudinally spaced along, and extending transversely of the support bar, holding the panel to the support bar, wherein each of the holding brackets comprises a first bracket member, engaging a first longitudinal edge portion of the panel, and a second bracket member, engaging a second longitudinal edge portion of the panel, and wherein the first and second bracket members are separately mountable and each cooperate with the support bar and the other of the first and second bracket members to hold the panel by its longitudinal edge portions to the support bar.

[0006] This arrangement provides for simplified assembling of the louver, because it is no longer necessary to slide the brackets onto the support bar from one end, or to slide the panel longitudinally onto the brackets. The brackets now also can be positioned individually and the positioning of a further bracket, does not affect the positioning of the brackets already in place. Furthermore it has now become possible to fix the panel under tension or to clamp it by the brackets, which reduces the need for fasteners.

[0007] Embodiments of the invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a louver in accordance with the invention as viewed from below;

FIG. 2 is a fragmentary exploded perspective view of the louver of Figure 1;

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing the louver components in their relative position during assembly;

FIG. 4 is a side elevation view of the louver of Figures 1-3 after assembly;

FIG. 5 is a side view detail illustrating the fixation of the bracket members with a screw;

FIG. 6 is a side view detail similar to Figure 5, but showing an alternative embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a side view showing the assembly of yet another alternative embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a side view detail showing the assembled position of the embodiment of Figure 7;

FIG. 9 is a side view similar to Figure 8, showing a further alternative embodiment;

FIG. 10 is an end view showing an asymmetric version of the embodiment of Figures 1 to 5;

FIG. 11 is a perspective schematic view from above of a still further embodiment of louver using a flat panel and a different form of attachment; and

FIG. 12 is a partial end view of the embodiment of Figure 11.

[0008] The perspective view of Figure 1 shows the general arrangement of a louver 1 according to the invention. The louver 1 includes a panel 3, that can have a main surface 5 that is either plain or can be perforated as shown in the portion 7. The panel 3 also is preferably formed from sheet metal, such as aluminium, and has inturned longitudinal rims 9 and 11, respectively. Such a panel can be obtained through roll forming of metal strip. The louver 1 further includes a central support bar 13 and a plurality of holding brackets 15 for holding the panel 3 to the support bar 13. Each holding bracket 15 comprises a first bracket member 17 and a second bracket member 19. Both ends of the support bar 13 can be provided with a pivot journal 21 for pivotally supporting the louver 1 between uprights (not shown, but conventional as disclosed, amongst others, in US 1403054).

[0009] The exploded perspective view of Figure 2 shows a fragment of the louver 1 of Figure 1. As shown in Figure 2 it can be seen how the first and second bracket members 17 and 19 cooperate with each other and the support bar 13 to form a holding bracket for the panel 3. Visible on the top surface of the support bar 13 are a first key way formation 23 and a second key way formation 25. The first bracket member 17 is provided with a hook formation 27 for engagement in the first key formation 23 on the support bar 13. The second bracket member 19 has a similar hook formation for engaging the second key way formation 25 on the support bar 13, but this is hidden from view in Figure 2. Adjacent the relevant hook formation, the first bracket member 17 has a first contoured portion 31 and the second bracket member 19 has a second contoured portion 33, each adapted to snuggly engage the outer circumference of the support bar 13. The first bracket member 17 has a first panel supporting arm 39 with a first raised portion 41 for supporting an inner surface of the panel 3. The second bracket member 19 has a similar second panel support arm 43, provided with a second raised portion 45 for supporting the panel 3. The free end 47 of the first panel supporting arm 39 is shaped to engage snuggly behind the inturned panel rim 9. The second panel supporting arm 43 has a similarly shaped free end 49 for engaging behind the inturned rim 11. When mounted a lower free end 35 of the first contoured portion 31 overlaps the free end 37 of the second contoured portion 33. This allows a common single fastener to affix the first and second bracket members 17, 19 to the support bar 13. This overlapping arrangement of the free ends 35, 37 of the first and second contoured portions 31, 33 also provides a convenient feature in assembling the louver, as will be explained with reference to Figure 3.

[0010] The perspective view of Figure 3 shows the louver components in their relative position during assembly. It also shows the louver components in an upside-down position. Assembly most conveniently starts with laying the panel 3 upside-down on a flat surface, such as on a workbench or the like. As shown in Figure 3 the process is best started by putting a first pair of first and second bracket members 17A, 19A in position, between a respective inturned panel rim 9, 11 and the support bar 13. Now lifting an opposite end of the support bar 13, further pairs of bracket members 17B, 19B and 17C, 19C can be loosely positioned between a respective inturned rim 9, 11 and the support bar 13. In the position shown in Figure 3, both further pairs of bracket members 17B. 19B, 17C and 19C have their respective overlapping ends 35B, 37B, 35C and 37C resting against opposite side surfaces 40, 41 of the support bar 13. Lowering the support bar 13 from the position in Figure 3 to its final position, closely adjacent to the inner panel surface 5, will guide all the first and second bracket member pairs towards their assembled positions. This feature has been made possible by the additional length of the overlapping end portions 35 (A,B,C) and 37 (A,B,C), and greatly enhances the handling of the separate bracket members.

[0011] The side elevation of Figure 4 shows the louver of Figures 1-3 after assembly and in its intended upright position. Similar reference numerals indicate the elements discussed in detail while referring to the preceding Figures. It will be appreciated from Figure 4 that the curvature of the arrangement allows the first and second bracket members 17, 19 to be held in place in a resilient manner. In particular, the method of assembly illustrated in Figure 3 includes an over-centre action between the bracket members 17, 19 and the panel 3 such that, once in the state illustrated in Figure 4, the bracket members 17, 19, panel 3 and support bar 13 are all held securely in place.

[0012] Reference will now be made to the detail side view of Figure 5, which illustrates the fixation of the bracket members with a screw fastener 51. Screw fastener 51 is preferably of the self-tapping variety and engages in a hole drilled through the first overlapping end portion 35, the second overlapping end portion 37 and the support bar 13 (only schematically indicated in Figure 5). This will affix the bracket members 17 and 19 both radially and axially with respect to the elongate support bar 13. At the same time the panel 3 will be retained between its inturned rims 9 and 12 by the free ends 47 and 49 of the bracket members as shown in Figure 4.

[0013] The side view detail of Figure 6, similar to Figure 5, shows an alternative embodiment in which groove formations are not necessary in the support bar (not shown). In this embodiment a first bracket member 117 engages a second bracket member 119 by means of a conforming hook portion 127 on the first member 117 and a conforming groove portion 129 on the second member 119. This embodiment is again affixed by a screw fastener 151 engaging through overlapping end portions 135 and 137. In all essential other respects the holding bracket arrangement 115 of Figure 6 is identical to that described in reference to the preceding Figures.

[0014] The side view of Figure 7 shows the assembly of another alternative embodiment for use with a panel 203 and including hook formations 227 and 229. In this embodiment, the end portion 235 of first bracket member 217 and the end portion 237 of second bracket member 219 do not overlap one another. The fixation, after moving sufficiently in the direction of arrow 253, is accomplished as shown in the side view detail of Figure 8. As seen in Figure 8, a bracket or clip 255 of resilient material engages the end portions 235 and 237. Preferably the clip 255 applies some tension to the assembly to resist movement of the mounted bracket members in respect of the support bar 213.

[0015] The side view of Figure 9, similar to Figure 8, shows a further alternative embodiment in which the contoured portions 331 and 333 of bracket members 317, 319 have been kept significantly shorter than in the previously described embodiments. As a result the end portions 335 and 337 are spaced farther away, so that a larger clip 355 may be employed that has improved flexibility. As illustrated, hook formations 327 and 329 are again provided.

[0016] In Figure 10 an end view is shown of an asymmetric version of the louver of Figures 1 to 5 as described above. It is sometimes desirable to have an asymmetric louver, which has the support bar 413 off-center. To enable the use of a similar set of first and second bracket members 417, 419 it is proposed to use a modified panel 403, which extends beyond the longitudinal rim 411 with one of its longitudinal edges 412. Accordingly the term "longitudinal rim" or "longitudinal edge portion" (as used herein) are in reference to the portion of the panel cooperating with the free ends 447, 449 of the first and second holding bracket members, rather than the physical outer longitudinal edges of the panel. As illustrated, the panel does not extend beyond the longitudinal rim 409.

[0017] Figures 11 and 12 show a still further embodiment of louver using a support bar 513, a flat panel 503 and a different form of attachment. Here the longitudinal edge portions 509 and 511 are formed as the outer edges of apertures 508, 510 into which the free ends 547, 549 of the first and second bracket members 517, 519 engage. In this particular arrangement the location of the holding brackets is predefined by the position of the apertures 508, 510. This will additionally help in keeping the bracket members in position during assembly of the louver. This form of attachment will in particular suit the use of glass or resinous plates as louver panels.

[0018] In the above described alternative embodiments like elements have been identified by similar reference numbers, differing from the first described embodiment only by the addition of 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 respectively.

[0019] It is thus believed that the operation and construction of the present invention will be apparent from the foregoing description. The term comprising when used in this description or the appended claims should not be construed in an exclusive or exhaustive sense but rather in an inclusive sense. Expressions such as: "means for ...". should be read as: "component configured for ..." or "member constructed to ..." and should be construed to include equivalents for the structures disclosed. The use of expressions like: "critical", "preferred", "especially preferred" etc., is not intended to limit the invention. Features which are not specifically or explicitly described or claimed may be additionally included in the structure according to the present invention without deviating from its scope.
The invention is further not limited to any embodiment herein described and, within the purview of the skilled person, modifications are possible which should be considered within the scope of the appended claims. Equally all kinematic inversions are to be considered within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A louver for an architectural light or ventilation control device, the louver including:

an elongate, generally rectangular, panel (3, 403, 503) having opposite first and second longitudinal edge portions (9, 11, 409, 411, 509, 511);

an elongate support bar (13) extending longitudinally of the panel; and

at least two holding brackets (17, 19, 417, 419, 517, 519) longitudinally spaced along, and extending transversely of the support bar (13), holding the panel (3, 403, 503) to the support bar (13), wherein each of the holding brackets (17, 19, 517, 519) comprises a respective first bracket member (47, 447, 547), engaging the first longitudinal edge portion (9, 409, 509) of the panel, and a respective second bracket member (49, 449, 549), engaging the second longitudinal edge portion (11, 411, 511) of the panel, and wherein the first and second bracket members are separately mountable and each cooperate with the support bar (13) and the other of the first and second bracket members to hold the panel (3, 403, 503) by its longitudinal edge portions (9, 11, 409, 411, 509, 511) to the support bar (13).

2. The louver of claim 1, wherein at least the first bracket member (17, 417, 517) has first means (27) for engaging the support bar (13).

3. The louver of claim 2, wherein the support bar (13) includes a first formation (23) adjacent the panel (3, 403, 503) and the first means (27) is arranged to engage with the first formation (23).

4. The louver of claim 3, wherein the first formation is a key protruding from the elongate support bar.

5. The louver of claim 3, wherein the first formation is a keyway (23) recessed in the elongate support bar (13).

6. The louver of any preceding claim, wherein at least the second bracket member (49, 449, 549) has second means (29) for engaging the support bar (13).

7. The louver of claim 6, wherein the support bar (13) includes a second formation (25) adjacent the panel (3, 403, 503) and the second means (29) is arranged to engage with the second formation (25).

8. The louver of claim 7, wherein the second formation is a key protruding from the elongate support bar.

9. The louver of claim 7, wherein the second formation is a keyway recessed in the elongate support bar.

10. The louver of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second bracket member (119) engages the first bracket member (117).

11. The louver of claim 1, wherein the second bracket member (119) engages the first bracket member (117) in an overlapping arrangement.

12. The louver of claim 10 or 11, wherein one of the first and second bracket members (117, 119) includes a conforming groove portion (129) and the other of the first and second bracket members (117, 119) includes a conforming hook portion (127) for engaging with the conforming groove portion (129).

13. The louver of any preceding claim, wherein the first bracket member includes a first contoured portion (31) and the second bracket member includes a second contoured portion (33), the first and second contoured portions being adapted to engage the outer surface of the support bar.

14. The louver of claim 13, wherein an end (35) of the first contoured portion (31) is arranged to overlap an end (37) of the second contoured portion (33).

15. The louver of claim 14 further including a fastener (51) for engaging in a hole through the first contoured portion (31), the second contoured portion (33) and the support bar (13).

16. The louver of claim 13 further including a clip (255, 355) for engaging an end (235, 335) of the first contoured portion (331) and an end (237, 337) of the second contoured portion (333).

17. The louver of any preceding claim, wherein the panel (3, 403) has inturned opposite longitudinal edge portions (9, 11, 409, 411) engaging opposite ends of the holding brackets (17, 19, 417, 419).

18. The louver of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein opposite ends of the holding brackets (517, 519) engage over the opposite longitudinal edge portions (509, 511) of the panel (503).

19. The louver of claim 18, wherein the longitudinal edge portions (509, 511) are formed from the outer edges of apertures (508, 510) in the panel (503).

Drawing