SCREENING ARRANGEMENT WITH SIDE RAILS OF ADJUSTABLE LENGTH AND A METHOD OF MOUNTING SUCH SCREENING ARRANGEMENT

Abstract

 A screening arrangement (1) for a window and adapted to be mounted in a frame (2) of the window, having a supply condition and a mounted condition including at least two installation positions, the screening arrangement comprising a screening body (6) and two side rails (8, 9) having a pre-defined length corresponding to a first installation position and at least one adjusted length corresponding to a respective at least one other installation position, the side rails (8, 9) comprising a break area. Furthermore the invention relates to a method of mounting such screening arrangemnt (1).

Description

[0001] The present invention relates to a screening arrangement for a window and adapted to be mounted in a frame of the window, having a supply condition and a mounted condition including at least two installation positions, the screening arrangement comprising a screening body and two side rails each defining a longitudinal direction between a lower end and an upper end, and having a pre-defined length corresponding to a first installation position and at least one adjusted length corresponding to a respective at least one other installation position, each side rail comprises a first leg adapted to be mounted on an inner side face of a side piece of a window frame and a second leg having a front side and a back side and extending in a general plane at an angle to the first leg and adapted to cover side edges of the screening body in the mounted condition, the first leg of the side rail is provided with a first flange portion extending substantially in parallel with the general plane of the second leg to form a guiding track for the side edges of the screening body. The invention furthermore relates to a method of mounting a screening arrangement in a window frame.

[0002] In such screening arrangements the side rails positioned at the side pieces of the window serve i.a. the purpose of improving the light-proofing properties of the screening arrangement, as they overlap the side edges of the screening body. Furthermore, cords and other operating or guidance devices, which might be present in the screening arrangement, are hidden behind the side rails. Eventually, depending on the type of screening body and the installation situation, the side rails may contribute to holding the screening body in position. In its simplest form, such a side rail has a cross-section shaped substantially as an L or T having two perpendicularly extending flanges, of which the first flange abuts the inner side face of the frame side piece, i.e. the face closest to the pane of the window. The second flange overlaps the side edges of the screening body etc. as described in the above, and possibly also part of the front face of the frame side piece. Furthermore, in a more complex configuration meeting higher requirements to the screening arrangement, a third flange is often provided to extend from the first flange in a plane parallel to the second flange so as to provide a track for the guiding of the screening body and for light proofing purposes, thus rendering the side rail substantially F-shaped in cross-section.

[0003] The fact that windows come in a number of different sizes entails that screening arrangements are traditionally delivered in a corresponding range of sizes. Even a window, which at first sight appears to be of identical size and model as another window, might require a particular screening arrangement different from that of the other window, just as there is a risk that the purchaser does not know exactly which type of window he or she is buying the screening arrangement for.

[0004] In the prior art, several attempts have been made in order to alleviate this problem.

[0005] One example is described in Applicant's earlier published international application No. WO 2006/039926 A1, in which adjusting means including an extension member for connection to the side rail is suggested along with further adjusting means for adapting the screening arrangement to the particular installation situation. However, although well-functioning, the presence of an extension member inevitably entails a joint, which regardless of the accuracy with which the joint is carried out is visible. This is not satisfactory in all fields of application. Even more important, the joint may impair the operation of the screening arrangement, as elements for steering the extension member relative to the actual side rail are practically indispensable.

[0006] With this background it is the object of the invention to provide a screening arrangement, which may be utilized in a number of different window sizes but which nevertheless, satisfies the need for an immaculate appearance and smooth operation in all possible installation situations.

[0007] In a first aspect this and further objects are met by a screening arrangement of the kind mentioned in the introduction, which is furthermore characterized in that each side rail includes at least one break area at a distance from the lower end, and that the break area includes a first cut through the material of the first leg, and a second cut through the material of the first flange portion along the plane corresponding to the first cut in the first leg, so as to form a slit in the material of the first leg and first flange portion, the second leg including at least one weakening groove in the back side thereof substantially along the general planes of the first and second cuts so that a break-off section and a remaining section are defined of the side rail.

[0008] By providing a break area on a part of the side rail, the complex geometry of a L, T and/or F shaped side rail is weakened so as to be able to be easily broken into two pieces for use especially in the at least one other installation position. Normally the side rails are preferably made out of a metal, such as aluminum, which may not be easily broken due to the geometry of the side rail if not weakened beforehand. The break area of the side rail of the present invention therefore provides the needed weakening of the material for the side rail to be easily broken for use in the at least one other installation position. The breaking off may take place by simply bending the side rail about an axis parallel to the break area, for instance by gripping the break-off section with one hand and the remaining section with the other, and then just snap the parts from each other. Bending may in principle take place in any direction, but bending the front sides of the break-off section and the remaining section towards each other results in the cleanest break surface.

[0009] The slit provided in the first and second flange portions may be of any suitable width for providing the necessary weakening of the complex geometry of the side rail to be broken into the remaining section and the break-off section. For example the width of the slit may be in the interval of 1 to 20 mm.

[0010] Preferably the weakening groove of the second leg is provided with a depth so that a reduced thickness of material is obtained between the front side and the back side of the second leg.

[0011] For providing the side rail with a protection against deformation, especially during the supply and/or the first installation position, in which the break area is preferably kept intact, the cut of especially the first leg may be configured so that the slit of the first leg ends at a distance from the free end edge of the first leg opposite to the extension of the second leg so that a bridging between the break-off section and the remaining section is obtained. In this way the cut of the first leg is not cut through the entire leg in the transverse direction of the longitudinal direction so that a remaining piece of the materiel of the side rail holds the break-off section and the remaining section together. The side rail may in this way not easily be twisted, pulled and/or bend thereby protecting the side rail against deformation in the supply condition, but also in the at least one installation position.

[0012] In one presently preferred embodiment, the slit comprises one set of cuts and another set of cuts at a distance from the one set of cuts forming an intermediate section between them, the intermediate section preferably being connected to the break-off section and the remaining section respectively by end points. In this way, the side rails assume an appearance in which the break areas are relatively inconspicuous, in particular if the width of the two sets of cuts is limited, which is typically the case in laser cutting, while at the same time, the intermediate section provides for dependable strength during for instance transportation and furthermore leads to a sufficiently large change of the length of the side rails.

[0013] Depending on the preferred width of the slit in the first leg and/or first flange portions of the side rail, it may be necessary to enhance the side rails strength against deformation. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the strength against deformation is further enhanced by a fixation member being releasably connected to at least the first leg of the side rail so as to span or extend over the width of the slit of the first leg and the first flange portion for forming the bridging between the break-off section and the remaining section. Concurrent with the width of the slit being bigger, the gap or aperture between the break off section and the remaining section becomes bigger which might obscure the guiding of the screening body in the side rail, why in a preferred embodiment the fixation member forms part of the guiding track.

[0014] The fixation member is preferably formed in such a way that it is possible to retain it in place, even if no adjustment of the length of the side rail is to take place. In such an embodiment, the fixation member is thus connected to the first leg through two anchors two points of the first leg at least in the first installation position, one anchor point being positioned on the break-off section and another anchor point being positioned on the remaining section on each side of the slit. In this way a moment arm strengthening the break off area against both a force of a pressure and/or pull so that it cannot be easily broken along the break area, while the fixation member is anchored thereto is obtained. As an alternative, the fixation member may be removed, once it is no longer necessary to protect the side rail for example for mounting the side rail in the at least one other installation position, where the shorter remaining section is used. The fixation member is thus removed from the side rail when the side rail is to be broken into the break-off section and the remaining section in which situation the side rail is shortened.

[0015] In a further development the first leg of the side rail is provided with a second flange portion at the free edge of the first flange portion to form a longitudinally extending entrance to the guiding track, the entrance having a smaller transverse dimension than the guiding track so that the screening body may be guided in the guiding track without the risk of falling unintended out thereof.

[0016] With the provision of the second flange portion as provided in this development, the side rail may need an even further cut for being broken into the break-off section and the remaining section, why the second flange portion of the first leg of the side rail are provided with at least a third cut through the material of the second flange portion so as to form a slit in the general plane of the first and second cuts. Preferably the fixation member is thus also formed so as to fill the slit of the third cut.

[0017] The first, second and third cut of the first leg and the first and second flange portion form an aperture at the position of the weakening groove portion of the second leg.

[0018] In one preferred embodiment the fixation member is releasably connected to the side rail in at least the supply condition and fits into the apertures of the first leg and the first and second flange portions of the first leg. The provision of the fixation member has the effect that the apertures in the first leg and its first and second flange portions are covered, which is advantageous from a cleaning and aesthetic point of view, but also provides a resistance to pressure and/or pull and hence to bending and/or pull of the side rail in one direction when in place, as it fits in the aperture, i.e. between facing edges of the relevant parts. Thus, bending the back sides of the break-off section and remaining section towards each other is prevented. This might otherwise cause bumps or dents in the front side of the side rail.

[0019] In a further development of this embodiment the fixation member bridges the break-off section and the remaining section of the side rail also in the first installation position, and the fixation member forms part of the guiding track for the side edges of the screening body. That is, not only does the fixation member cover the aperture, its backside, i.e. side facing the interior of the guiding track, has a function.

[0020] Specifically the fixation member may comprise a first leg adapted to fit into the aperture of the first leg of the side rail, a second leg adapted to fit into the aperture of the first flange portion, and a third leg to fit into the aperture of the second flange portion. Hence the fixation member has a shape following that of the cross-section of the side rail and may thus be virtually inconspicuous.

[0021] In order to ensure proper retention of the fixation member in the supply condition and the first installation position, the fixation member is in one embodiment provided with first engagement means for engaging with the first and second flange portions of the first leg of the side rail, and second engagement means for engaging with the first leg of the side rail.

[0022] As the side rails will most often be formed as extruded profiles of a suitable material, typically metal, the end edges may be regarded as rough. This is for instance the case where the end of the side rail is not in direct abutment with the bottom piece of the window frame. When breaking off the break-off section, even though if carried out with great care, there is a risk that rugged portions or burrs occur. To that end, one embodiment is advantageous in that an end member is provided for closing the lower end of the break-off section of the side rail or the end of the remaining section. In those cases, in which breaking of the bottom element is foreseen, a brake device may be adapted to be connected to the end member.

[0023] In a second aspect, a method of mounting a screening arrangement of this kind in a window frame is provided.

[0024] The advantages of the second aspect of the invention and further developed embodiments also applicable to the second aspect of the invention have been described in the above and reference is made thereto.

[0025] Further details are described, and further advantages stated, in the description of particular embodiments of the invention.

[0026] 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 an exploded perspective views of details of a screening arrangement in an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 2 is a view corresponding to Fig. 1, but from another angle;

Fig. 3 is a view of the embodiment of Fig. 1, but with the details assembled;

Figs 4 and 5 are views corresponding to Fig. 3, but from other angles;

Figs 6 and 7 are perspective views of the side rail of an embodiment of the invention, in a first installation position;

Fig. 8 is a sectional view of the side rail of Figs 6 and 7, taken along a line corresponding to a break area, so that the break-off section is obtained;

Fig. 9 is a sectional view of the side rail of Figs 6 and 7, taken along a line corresponding to a break area, so that the remaining section for the other installation position is obtained;

Figs 10 to 12 are perspective views from different angles, on a larger scale, of a fixation member of the screening arrangement in an embodiment of the invention;

Fig. 13 is a perspective view, on a larger scale, of a detail of the screening arrangement in a further embodiment of the invention; and

Fig. 14 is a perspective view of a screening arrangement in an embodiment of the invention, mounted in a window frame.

[0027] Referring initially to Fig. 14, details of a screening arrangement 1 according to the invention mounted in a window frame generally designated 2 and representing a window will be described. In the embodiment described, 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. It is to be understood that the screening arrangement in the present invention is arranged on the inside of the window, i.e. the side intended to face the interior of a room. However, the screening arrangement 1 could be arranged in a similar manner on the outside of the window.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 14, the window frame 2 is substantially rectangular and has a top piece 21, two side pieces 22, 23 and a bottom piece 24. The screening arrangement 1 comprises two side rails 8 and 9 mounted at the side pieces 22, 23. In the following, reference will only be made to the left-hand side rail 8. 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 21 of the frame and "lower" refers to the bottom piece 24 of the frame. The term "leg" used to denote parts of the side rail, should not be interpreted as the restricted meaning of a leg as such, but could for example also define a flange or a wall and as such any element extending at a small and/or large distance from a corresponding element. Furthermore as illustrated in Fig. 14, the screening arrangement comprises a screening body 6, a top element 4 and a bottom element 7, between which the screening body 6 extends.

[0029] As can be seen from the Figures the side rail 8 defines a longitudinal direction between a lower end 818 and an upper end 819, and has a pre-defined length corresponding to a first installation position and at least one adjusted length corresponding to a respective at least one other installation position. In the embodiment shown, the upper end 819 is mitred to fit with a correspondingly mitred end (not shown in detail) of the top element 4. The side rails 8, 9 and a corresponding top rail of the top element 4 are connected with each other by means of an angular bracket at either end, which is received in one of the tracks at the back side 815 of the side rails. However, the present invention relates equally to screening arrangements in which no separate top element is provided and in which the upper end of the respective side rails is not mitred.

[0030] In the most simple embodiment, partly illustrated in Fig. 13 and with reference to Fig. 14, the screening arrangement 1 is adapted to be mounted in a frame 2 of a window, having a supply condition and a mounted condition including at least two installation positions, the screening arrangement comprising a screening body 6 and two side rails 8, 9, of which only the one side rail 8 will be described in detail.

[0031] Throughout Figures 1 to 14, elements having the same or analogous function carry the same reference numerals.

[0032] Referring now to the specific embodiment of Fig. 13, each side rail 8 defines a longitudinal direction between a lower end 818 and an upper end 819, and has a pre-defined length corresponding to a first installation position and at least one adjusted length corresponding to a respective at least one other installation position. Each side rail 8 comprises a first leg 823 adapted to be mounted on an inner side face of a side piece of a window frame and a second leg 824 having a front side 814 (cf. for instance correspondingly in Fig. 1) and a back side 815 and extending in a general plane at an angle to the first leg 823 and adapted to cover side edges of the screening body 6 in the mounted condition.

[0033] The first leg 823 of the side rail is provided with a first flange portion 823a extending substantially in parallel with the general plane of the second leg 824 to form a guiding track 821 for the side edges of the screening body 6.

[0034] As is shown in detail in Fig. 13, each side rail 8 includes at least one break area at a distance from the lower end 818. In the embodiment shown, the break area includes a first cut 252 through the material of the first leg 823, and a second cut 253 through the material of the first flange portion 823a along the plane corresponding to the first cut in the first leg 823, so as to form a slit in the material of the first leg 823 and first flange portion 823a. Furthermore, the second leg 824 includes at least one weakening groove 810 in the back side 815 thereof substantially along the general planes of the first and second cuts 252, 253 so that a break-off section 8a and a remaining section 8b are defined of the side rail 8. The interpretation of the term "substantially along the general planes of the first and second cuts" regarding the position of the weakening portion 810 in the longitudinal direction of the side rail 8 is to be interpreted as encompassing positions coinciding with one plane or the other, or at any position between these planes.

[0035] As illustrated in Fig. 13 the slit of this embodiment is provided by the first cut 252 of the first leg 823 and ends at a distance from the free end edge of the first leg 823 opposite to the extension of the second leg 824 so that a bridging 256 between the break-off section 8a and the remaining section 8b is obtained for protecting the side rail 8 against deformation in at least the supply condition. In the embodiment shown, the bridging 256 thus has end points 255a, 255b which in the supply condition are integral with the break-off section 8a and the remaining section 8b, respectively.

[0036] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 13, the slit comprises one set of cuts 252, 253, 254 as described in the above and another set of cuts 252', 253' and 254'. As indicated, the one set of cuts 252, 253, 254 is provided at a distance from the other set of cuts 252', 253', 254' to form an intermediate section 250 between them. The end points 255a and 255b mentioned in the above are hence formed at the respective end of cuts 252 and 252'.

[0037] Alternatively, the slit could be formed by a single cut of appropriate dimensions, for instance formed by another cutting tool. In the alternative, not shown embodiment, there is hence no intermediate section.

[0038] In the embodiment shown in Fig. 13, the intermediate section 250 is intended to be removed in one of the installation positions. However, it is conceivable also to retain the connection between the intermediate section 250 and the remaining section 8b of the side rail, and only break off the break-off section 8a along the slit formed by cuts 252, 253, 254.

[0039] In case the width of the slit is large, for instance larger than a predefined minimum width of for instance 5 or 10 mm, the strength of the side rail 8 against deformation may be enhanced. One way of preventing unwarranted deformation of the side rail is illustrated in the alternative embodiment of Figs 1 to 5, in which a fixation member 150 is releasably connected to at least the first leg 823 of the side rail 8 so as to extend the width of the slit of the first leg 823 and the first flange portion 823a for forming the bridging between the break-off section 8a and the remaining section 8b. As can be seen from the Figures the fixation member 150 forms part of the guiding track 821 in one installation position.

[0040] In more detail and as shown in Figures 1 to 5, the side rail 8 comprising the fixation member 150 is illustrated in an exploded and assembled view, respectively. In these Figures it is seen how the fixation member 150 is configured to be placed in a number of apertures 811, 812, 813, which may be formed in any suitable manner, for instance formed by the slit provided by cuts 252, 253, 254 and 252', 253', 254' in the first leg 823 of the embodiment shown in Fig. 13.

[0041] It is generally noted that the slit has dimensions which are chosen in accordance with the performance of suitable tools and of the range for which the length adaptation is desirable. Typically, the width of the slit lies in the interval 1 to 20 mm.

[0042] As an alternative to forming the slit by cutting two sets of cuts as described in the above embodiment, it is conceivable to form a wider slit by a single set of cuts by another tool, for instance a cutting tool having a width of cut corresponding to the desired dimensions.

[0043] Regardless of whether the slit is formed by one or more sets of cuts in the relevant parts of the side rail, the arising apertures in the break area may as described be closed off by an intermediate section or a fixation member, covered by a suitable protection means such as tape, or be uncovered.

[0044] Furthermore it is seen how the side rail 8 also comprises a brake device 65 which is intended to connect with an end of the side rail and an end member 75 for closing off the end of the side rail 8.

[0045] In the embodiment shown in Figs 1 to 5, the fixation member 150 is connected to the first leg 823 through two anchor points 830, 831 of the first leg 823 at least in the first installation position, one anchor point 831 being positioned on the break-off section 8a and another anchor point 830 being positioned on the remaining section 8b on each side of the slit. The fixation member thus connects the break-off section 8a and the remaining section 8b substantially through the anchor points 830, 831 of the break-off section and the remaining section, details of which will be explained in the following.

[0046] The first leg 823 of the side rail 8 is furthermore provided with a second flange portion 823b at the free edge of the first flange portion 823a to form a longitudinally extending entrance 822 to the guiding track 821, where the entrance 822 has a smaller transverse dimension than the guiding track 821. Thus the screening body is able to be guided in the side rail 8 without easily getting out of position and fall out of side rails.

[0047] Furthermore the first leg 823 preferably ends at a distance from the lower end 818 of the side rail and has a shorter length than the second leg 824 thus forming a recess 818a.

[0048] In a preferred development the second flange portion 823b of the first leg 823 of the side rail 8 is provided with at least one third cut 254 through the material of the second flange portion 823b so as to form a slit in the general plane of the first and second cuts 252, 253.

[0049] For the break area to be able to accommodate the fixation member 150 in order to enhance the strength of the side rail 8 against deformation, the slit in the first leg 823 and the first and second flange portions 823a, 823b of the first leg 823 of the side rail 8 forms apertures 811, 812, 813 at the position of the weakening groove 810 of the second leg 824. Thus a clean break is obtained when the break area is broken to obtain the break-off section 8a and the remaining section 8b. The particular configuration of the side rail 8 in this embodiment is shown in more detail in Figs 6 to 9. The other side rail 9 is formed accordingly, however mirror-inverted.

[0050] As illustrated especially in Figs 1 to 5, the fixation member 150 is releasably connected to the side rail 8 in at least the supply condition and fits into the apertures 811, 812, 813 of the first leg 823 and the first and second flange portions 823a, 823b of the first leg 823.

[0051] The position of the fixation member 150 is thus such that it bridges the break-off section 8a and the remaining section 8b of the side rail 8 also in the first installation position, and the fixation member 150 forms part of the guiding track 821 for the side edges of the screening body.

[0052] In more detail illustrated in Figs 10 to 12, the fixation member 150 comprises, in the embodiment shown, a first leg 151 adapted to fit into the aperture 811 of the first leg 823 of the side rail 8, a second leg 152 adapted to fit into the aperture 812 of the first flange portion 823a, and a third leg 153 adapted to fit into the aperture 813 of the second flange portion 823b.

[0053] The fixation member 150 is provided with first engagement means 154, 561, 562 for engaging with the first and second flange portions 823a, 823b of the first leg 823 of the side rail 8, and second engagement means 514, 517, 518, 530, 531 for engaging with the first leg 823 of the side rail 8.

[0054] The first engagement means comprises a stepped bar 154 protruding from either side of fixation member 150 at the transition 525 between the second leg 152 and the third leg 153 for introduction into the side rail 8 adjacent the transition between the apertures 812, 813 in the first and second flange portions 823a, 823b.

[0055] Furthermore the first engagement means comprises wing portions 561, 562 for interaction with the aperture 812 of the first flange portion 823a of the first leg 823 of the side rail 8, where said wing portions 561, 562 are connected through a main portion 156 of the second leg 152. In the mounted condition, the wing portions 561, 562 extends over the edges of the apertures 811, 812, 813, so that the wing portions extends a distance to cover a small part of the first flange 823a. In this way the wing portions 561, 562 has the effect of reinforcing the bridging of the fixation member 150 between the break-off section 8a and the remaining section 8b. Thus the wing portions 561, 562 also contribute to preventing unintended bending of the side rail 8 in the supply and/or mounted position.

[0056] For the fixation member 150 to be able to be fixated on the side rail and having the necessary strength to prevent bending and/or pull, the second engagement means comprise shoulder portions 517, 518 for interaction with the first leg 823.

[0057] The shoulder portions 517, 518 are substantially resilient relative to a main portion 514 of the first leg 151 by the provision of an intermediate space 530, 531. Thus, as illustrated in the positions of the fixation member 150 in Figs 3 to 5, the provision of the shoulder portions 517, 518 provides the fixation member with the ability to snap lock into the anchor points 830, 831 of the first leg 823.

[0058] With regard to the weakening groove 810 this is illustrated more clearly in Figs 1 to 8, where it is seen how the weakening groove 810 extends in a transverse direction along the width of the side rail 8 substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal direction. Furthermore it is seen how the weakening groove 810 is positioned at a distance from the lower end 818 and at a distance from the upper end 819 so that the distance from the upper end 819 to the weakening portion 810 is greater than the distance to the lower end 818.

[0059] The weakening groove 810 extends in depth into the back side 815 of the second leg 824 of the side rail 8 so that a simple break along the line of the groove may break the side rail 8 into the break-off section 8a and the remaining section 8b as illustrated in Figs 8 and 9. These Figures show in more detail a cross-section of the side rail 8 taken along the line of the weakening groove 810. It is here seen that the side rail 8 has been broken along the weakening groove 810 so that two pieces, the break-off section 8a and a remaining section 8b, are obtained. This provides the rail 8 to be adapted into use in different installation positions.

[0060] The dimension of the weakening groove is so that the groove 810 has a width in the range of 0.01 to 4 mm, preferably 0.03 to 2 mm.

[0061] In a preferred embodiment the depth of the groove 810 of the weakening groove lies in the range 0.4 to 1.0 mm, preferably 0.5 to 0.7 mm, the material thickness of the side rail being in the range 0.8 to 1.5 mm.

[0062] In another suggested dimension the width of the groove 810 lies in the range 0.01 to 0.1 mm and the groove is provided by laser cutting, preferably cut to match the front side of the side rail. The groove could be provided by other mans such as to be cut out in the side rail 8.

[0063] For closing off the end 818, 818' of the rail 8 of the screening arrangement an end member 75 is provided for closing the lower end 818 of the break-off section 8a of the side rail 8 or the end 818' of the remaining section 8b.

[0064] Furthermore in order to fasten the end member to the lower end 818, 818' of the side rail 8 a brake device 65 is adapted to be connected to the end member 75. In this way the end member closes off the end of the rail 8, whether being fastened to the end 818 of the break off section 8a or to the end of the 818' of the remaining section 8b.

[0065] In the following, one example of a method for bringing a screening arrangement 1 for a window from a supply condition and to a mounted condition including at least two installation positions and adapted to be mounted in a frame 2 of the window including two side pieces 22, 23, will be described. In the example, the method comprises the steps of
providing the screening arrangement in a supply condition,
selecting an installation situation,
releasing the connection between the fixation member 150 and the side rail 8,
breaking off the break-off section 8a from the remaining section 8b of each side rail 8 at the weakening portion 810 thereby providing a free end 818' of the remaining section 8b of the side rail 8, and
connecting the remaining section of the respective side rails 8 with the side pieces 22, 23 of the window frame.

[0066] In case an end member 75 is provided, the method includes the additional step of providing an end member 75 and connecting the end member 75 with the free end 818' of the remaining section 8b of the side rail 8, and optionally connecting a brake device 65 with the end member 65 and optionally connecting a brake device 65 with the end member 75. The end member is as shown in the Figures provided in the track 821 of the side rail 8.

[0067] In the case where the side rail should not be shortened the end member 75 optionally may be connected to the end portion 818 of the side rail 8.

[0068] 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.

Claims

1. A screening arrangement (1) for a window and adapted to be mounted in a frame (2) of the window, having a supply condition and a mounted condition including at least two installation positions,
the screening arrangement comprising a screening body (6) and two side rails (8, 9) each defining a longitudinal direction between a lower end (818) and an upper end (819), and having a pre-defined length corresponding to a first installation position and at least one adjusted length corresponding to a respective at least one other installation position,
each side rail (8, 9) comprises a first leg (823) adapted to be mounted on an inner side face of a side piece of a window frame and a second leg (824) having a front side (814) and a back side (815) and extending in a general plane at an angle to the first leg (823) and adapted to cover side edges of the screening body (6) in the mounted condition,
the first leg (823) of each side rail (8, 9) is provided with a first flange portion (823a) extending substantially in parallel with the general plane of the second leg (824) to form a guiding track (821) for the side edges of the screening body (6),
characterized in that each side rail (8) includes at least one break area at a distance from the lower end (818),
and that the break area includes a first cut (252; 252') through the material of the first leg (823), and a second cut (253; 253') through the material of the first flange portion (823a) along the plane corresponding to the first cut (252) in the first leg (823), so as to form a slit in the material of the first leg (823) and first flange portion (823a), the second leg (824) including at least one weakening groove (810) in the back side (815) thereof substantially along the general planes of the first and second cuts (252, 253; 252', 253') so that a break-off section (8a) and a remaining section (8b) are defined of the side rail (8, 9).

2. A screening arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the slit (252; 252') of the first leg (823) ends at a distance from the free end edge of the first leg (823) opposite to the extension of the second leg (824) so that a bridging (256) between the break-off section (8a) and the remaining section (8b) is obtained for protecting the side rail (8) against deformation in at least the supply condition.

3. A screening arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the slit comprises one set of cuts (252, 253, 254) and another set of cuts (252', 253', 254') at a distance from the one set of cuts (252, 253, 254) forming an intermediate section (250) between them, the intermediate section (250) preferably being connected to the break-off section (8a) and the remaining section (8b) respectively by end points (255a, 255b).

4. A screening arrangement according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a fixation member (150) is releasably connected to at least the first leg (823) of the side rail (8) so as to span the width of the slit of the first leg (823) and the first flange portion (823a) for forming a bridging between the break-off section (8a) and the remaining section (8b), the fixation member (150) preferably forming part of the guiding track (821).

5. A screening arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the fixation member (150) is connected to the first leg (823) through two anchor points (830, 831) of the first leg (823) at least in the first installation position, one anchor point (830) being positioned on the break-off section (8a) and another anchor point (831) being positioned on the remaining section (8b) on each side of the slit.

6. A screening arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the first leg (823) of the side rail is provided with a second flange portion (823b) at the free edge of the first flange portion (823a) to form a longitudinally extending entrance (822) to the guiding track (821), the entrance (822) having a smaller transverse dimension than the guiding track (821).

7. A screening arrangement according to claim 6, wherein the second flange portion (823b) of the first leg (823) of the side rail (8) is provided with at least one third cut (254; 254') through the material of the second flange portion (823b) so as to form a slit in the general plane of the first and second cuts (252, 253; 252', 253').

8. A screening arrangement according to claim 6 or 7, wherein the slit of the first leg (823) and the first and second flange portions (823a, 823b) of the first leg (823) of the side rail (8) forms a number of apertures (811, 812, 813) at the position of the weakening groove (810) of the second leg (824).

9. A screening arrangement according to claim 8, wherein the fixation member (150) is releasably connected to the side rail (8) in at least the supply condition and fits into the apertures (811, 812, 813) of the first leg (823) and the first and second flange portions (823a, 823b) of the first leg (823).

10. A screening arrangement according to claim 9, wherein the fixation member (150) bridges the break-off section (8a) and the remaining section (8b) of the side rail also in the first installation position, and wherein the fixation member (150) forms part of the guiding track (821) for the side edges of the screening body.

11. A screening arrangement according to any one of claims 9 and 10, wherein the fixation member (150) comprises a first leg (151) adapted to fit into the aperture (811) of the first leg (823) of the side rail (8), a second leg (152) adapted to fit into the aperture (812) of the first flange portion (823a), and a third leg (153) to fit into the aperture (813) of the second flange portion (823b).

12. A screening arrangement according to claim 11, wherein the fixation member (150) is provided with first engagement means (154, 561, 562) for engaging with the first and second flange portions (823a, 823b) of the first leg (823) of the side rail, and second engagement means (514, 517, 518, 530, 531) for engaging with the first leg (823) of the side rail (8).

13. A screening arrangement according to claim 13, wherein the first engagement means comprises a stepped bar (154) protruding from either side of fixation member (150) at the transition (525) between the second leg (152) and the third leg (153) for introduction into the side rail (8) adjacent the transition between the apertures (812, 813) in the first and second flange portions (823a, 823b).

14. A screening arrangement according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the first engagement means comprises wing portions (561, 562) for interaction with the aperture (812) of the first flange portion (823a) of the first leg (823) of the side rail (8), where said wing portions are connected through a main portion (156) of the second leg (152).

15. A screening arrangement according to any one of claims 12 to 14, wherein the second engagement means comprise shoulder portions (517, 518) for interaction with the first leg (823).

16. A screening arrangement according to claim 15, wherein the shoulder portions (517, 518) are substantially resilient relative to a main portion (514) of the first leg (151) by the provision of an intermediate space (530, 531).

17. A screening arrangement according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein an end member (75) is provided for closing the lower end (818) of the break-off section (8a) of the side rail (8) or the end (818') of the remaining section (8b).

18. A screening arrangement according to claim 17, wherein a brake device (65) is adapted to be connected to the end member (75).

19. A screening arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 18, wherein the first leg (823) ends at a distance from the lower end (818) of the side rail and has a shorter length than the second leg (824) thus forming a recess (818a).

20. A screening arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the weakening groove (810) of the second leg (824) has a width in the range of 0.01 to 4 mm, preferably 0,03 to 2 mm.

21. A screening arrangement according to claim 1 or 20, wherein the depth of the groove of the weakening groove (810) lies in the range 0.4 to 1.0 mm, preferably 0.5 to 0.7 mm, the material thickness of the side rail being in the range 0.8 to 1.5 mm.

22. A screening arrangement according to any one of claims 1 to 22, wherein the width of the weakening groove lies in the range 0.01 to 0.1 mm and the groove is provided by laser cutting, preferably cut to match the front side of the side rail.

23. A method of mounting a screening arrangement (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 22 in a window frame (2) including two side pieces (22, 23), comprising the steps of:

providing the screening arrangement in a supply condition,

selecting an installation situation,

breaking off the break-off section (8a) from the remaining section (8b) of each side rail (8) at the break area thereby providing a free end (818') of the remaining section (8b) of the side rail (8), and

connecting the remaining section (8b) of the respective side rails (8) with the side pieces (22, 23) of the window frame.

24. The method of claim 23, in which the step of providing the screening arrangement in a supply condition includes the step of connecting a fixation member (150) with each side rail (8), comprising the further step of releasing the connection between the fixation member (150) and the side rail (8) before breaking off the break-off section (8a) from the remaining section (8b) of each side rail (8).

25. The method of claim 23 or 24, comprising the steps of providing an end member (75) and connecting the end member with the free end (818') of the remaining section (8b) of the side rail (8), and optionally connecting a brake device (65) with the end member (75).

Drawing