Guide rail assembly

Abstract

 Provided herein is a guide rail assembly (3) for guiding a roll down screen such as a zipscreen. The guide rail assembly (3) comprises a guide rail (5) which is positioned within a base profile (6) having a longitudinal opening (12), wherein the guide rail (5) is flanked by one or more removable side profiles (7, 8) which secure the position of the guide rail (5) within the base profile (6). The present invention further relates to methods of mounting a roll down screen.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to roll down screens such as zipscreens, more particularly to guide rails for guiding the lateral ends of a roll down screen. The present invention further relates to methods of mounting a roll down screen.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Roll down screens or awnings, roller shutters, roller blinds, and the like are used for various purposes such as for obscuring or blocking light, and for closing or protecting windows and doors. The devices typically comprise a flexible screen or hinged lamellae which can be wound on and unwound from a winding shaft provided in a screen housing. In these devices, both lateral edges of the screen are typically guided slidingly within a channel of a guide rail. The guide rails typically incorporated in a supporting profile. In order to facilitate installation of the guide rails, the supporting profile may be provided as two separate pieces which are connected via interlocking features, for example as shown in European patent application EP 1 669 537. Supporting profiles as described in EP 1 669 537 are typically attached to the surface of a wall.

[0003] However, guide rails and their corresponding base profiles are increasingly installed between a window or door frame and the outer sheet of a cavity wall, or even incorporated in the door or wall frame. In such configurations, the joint between the base profile and the wall is typically sealed, e.g. with a silicone seal. This can give raise to problems if the guide rail must be removed from the base profile, for example for maintenance or repair. In such case, the silicone seal must be cut in order to release the guide rail. This is a cumbersome task, involving a high risk of damaging the base profile. Moreover, after the repair or maintenance the joint between the base profile and the wall must be resealed. The quality and look of the new seal typically is inferior to the quality and look of the original seal, as parts of the original seal are typically still present when resealing. Accordingly, there is a need for roll down screen systems which mitigate at least one of the above problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] Described herein are guide rail assemblies for guiding the lateral ends of a roll down screen or roller shutter, comprising a guide rail which is positioned within a base profile having a longitudinal opening, wherein the guide rail is flanked by one or more removable side profiles which secure the position of the guide rail within the base profile. More particularly, the combination of the removable side profiles with the guide rail ensure that the guide rail can be removed from the base profile, e.g. for replacement of the shutter, when the base profile is in a fixed position. The side profiles can be positioned within the base profile so as to stably lock the guide rail in position, but can be manually moved to another position whereby the guide rail is released.

[0005] More particularly, provided herein is a guide rail assembly for guiding a roll down screen, comprising:

• a base profile comprising two opposing shoulders interconnected via a back wall, said shoulders forming a frontal longitudinal opening;
• a removable guide rail profile positioned between said shoulders, said guide rail profile being dimensioned such that it can pass through said frontal longitudinal opening; and
• one or more side profiles positioned between said shoulders and said guide rail profile, thereby preventing said guide rail profile from passing through said frontal longitudinal opening; said one or more side profiles being removable via said frontal longitudinal opening.

[0006] In preferred embodiments, the guide rail assembly comprises a pair of side profiles positioned between said shoulders and at opposing sides of said guide rail profile, thereby preventing said guide rail profile from passing through said frontal longitudinal opening; said side profiles being removable via said frontal longitudinal opening.

[0007] In certain embodiments of the guide rail assembly, said base profile and said one or more side profiles provide an open channel for said guide rail profile, said open channel comprising a frontal abutment and back abutment between which said guide rail profile is allowed to move. In further embodiments, said base profile is provided with a spring member which presses said guide rail profile against said back abutment. In certain embodiments, said frontal abutment is provided on one of said one or more side profiles, and said back abutment is provided on said base profile.

[0008] In particular embodiments of the rail assembly, said base profile and said one or more side profiles are provided with interlocking features for locking the position of said one or more side profiles within said base profile.

[0009] In certain embodiments of the rail assembly, said interlocking features include a ridge provided on one of said shoulders and a corresponding slot or ridge provided on one of said one or more side profiles.

[0010] In particular embodiments of the guide rail assembly, at least one of said shoulders is provided with a recess which allows for one of said one or more side profiles to rotate around its longitudinal axis when being removed from said base profile via said frontal longitudinal opening. In further embodiments, said recess has an at least partially rounded inner surface.

[0011] In certain embodiments of the guide rail assembly, said one or more side profiles have a frontal longitudinal side facing said frontal longitudinal opening and a back longitudinal side facing said back wall, wherein a slit is provided between at least one of said shoulders and the frontal longitudinal side of the adjacent side profile.

[0012] In particular embodiments, the rail guide assembly further comprises a separate fixation profile, wherein said base profile and fixation profile are provided with interlocking features for interconnecting said fixation profile and said base profile.

[0013] Further provided herein is a kit for mounting a roll down screen, said kit comprising a base profile, guide rail profile, and one or more side profiles which can be connected to form a guide rail assembly as described herein. In further embodiments, the kit comprises two base profiles, two guide rail profiles, and two or more side profiles which can be connected to form two screen guide assemblies for guiding two opposing lateral sides of a screen. In yet further embodiments, the kit further comprises a screen wherein the lateral edges of said screen are provided with flexible strips configured to engage said base profiles.

[0014] Further provided herein is an apparatus for mounting a rail for guiding a lateral side of a roll down screen, comprising:

• a base profile comprising two opposing shoulders interconnected via a back wall, said shoulders forming a frontal longitudinal opening; and
• one or more removable side profiles for positioning inside said base profile adjacent to said opposing shoulders; wherein the base profile and said one or more side profiles, when said one or more side profiles are positioned within said base profile, define an open channel for accommodating a guide rail profile.

[0015] Further provided herein is a method of installing a screen system using the apparatus for mounting a guide rail profile described herein, comprising:

(a) providing a screen on a winding shaft, wherein the lateral sides of the screen are provided with flexible strips configured to engage a rail of a guide rail;

(b) mounting said screen in its intended position;

(c) installing the base profile at a lateral side of the area to be covered by the screen, with the longitudinal opening of the base profile facing the screen;

(d) positioning a guide rail profile for guiding said screen in said base profile; and

(e) locking the position of the guide rail via insertion of the one or more side profiles into the base profile.

[0016] The guide rail assembly described herein is easy to install and greatly facilitates removal of the guide rail from the base profile, for example for maintenance purposes, even if the base profile is incorporated in a door or window frame, or incorporated in a wall structure. In particular embodiments, the guide rail assembly can be removed using relatively simple tools such as a siding removal tool or zip tool. The fact that the one or more guide profiles can be inserted in and removed from the base profile via the frontal opening allows for a highly compact design. The above and other characteristics, features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description, which illustrates, by way of example, the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The following description of the figures of specific embodiments of the invention is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the present teachings, their application or uses. Throughout the drawings, corresponding reference numerals indicate like or corresponding parts and features.

Fig. 1

Schematic illustration of an exemplary configuration of a roller shutter system comprising screen housing (1) positioned above a window (2), and a pair of guide rail assemblies (3) positioned at opposing sides of the window for guiding a screen (4).

Fig. 2

Transverse cross section of a particular embodiment of a guide rail assembly (3) as described herein, comprising guide rail profile (5), a base profile (6), and two side profiles (7, 8).

Fig. 3

Perspective view of a particular embodiment of a guide rail assembly (3) as described herein, comprising guide rail profile (5), a base profile (6), and two side profiles (7, 8).

Fig. 4

Perspective view of a particular embodiment of the guide rail assembly (3) as described herein, comprising guide rail profile (5), a base profile (6), and two side profiles (7, 8), wherein one side profile (7) is being removed from the assembly via the use of a zip tool (26).

Fig. 5

Cross section of a configuration of a particular embodiment of the guide rail assembly (3) as described herein; installed between a window frame (27) and an outer wall (32).

[0018] In the figures, the following numbering is used:

1 - Screen housing; 2 - window; 3 - guide rail assembly; 4 - screen; 5 - guide rail profile; 6 - base profile; 7, 8 - side profile; 9, 10 - shoulder; 11 - back wall; 12 - frontal opening; 13, 14 - recess; 15, 16 - ridge; 17 , 18 - slot; 19, 20 - slit; 21 - rail; 22, 23 - frontal abutment; 24 - back abutment; 25 - spring element; 26 - zip tool; 27 - window frame; 28 - window; 30 - inner wall; 31 - cavity; 32 - outer wall; 33 - fixation profile; 34 - channel.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The present invention will be described with respect to particular embodiments but the invention is not limited thereto but only by the claims. Any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope thereof.

[0020] As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an", and "the" include both singular and plural referents unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0021] The terms "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised of" as used herein are synonymous with "including", "includes" or "containing", "contains", and are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, non-recited members, elements or method steps. The terms "comprising", "comprises" and "comprised of" when referring to recited components, elements or method steps also include embodiments which "consist of" said recited components, elements or method steps.

[0022] Furthermore, the terms "first", "second", "third" and the "like" in the description and in the claims, are used for distinguishing between similar elements and not necessarily for describing a sequential or chronological order, unless specified. It is to be understood that the terms so used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances and that the embodiments of the invention described herein are capable of operation in other sequences than described or illustrated herein.

[0023] Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an embodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner, as would be apparent to a person skilled in the art from this disclosure, in one or more embodiments. Furthermore, while some embodiments described herein include some but not other features included in other embodiments, combinations of features of different embodiments are meant to be within the scope of the invention, and form different embodiments, as would be understood by those in the art. For example, in the appended claims, any of the features of the claimed embodiments can be used in any combination.

[0024] The values as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as a parameter, an amount, a temporal duration, and the like, is meant to encompass variations of +/-10% or less, preferably +/-5% or less, more preferably +/-1% or less, and still more preferably +/-0.1% or less of and from the specified value, insofar such variations are appropriate to perform in the disclosed invention. It is to be understood that each value as used herein is itself also specifically, and preferably, disclosed.

[0025] The recitation of numerical ranges by endpoints includes all numbers and fractions subsumed within the respective ranges, as well as the recited endpoints.

[0026] All documents cited in the present specification are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

[0027] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in disclosing the invention, including technical and scientific terms, have the meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs. By means of further guidance, definitions for the terms used in the description are included to better appreciate the teaching of the present invention. The terms or definitions used herein are provided solely to aid in the understanding of the invention.

[0028] Provided herein are screen guides for roll down screens and the like, in particular for zipscreens. Fig. 1 shows a typical configuration of a roll down screen (4) provided in front of a window (2). The screen is wound and unwound from a winding shaft (not shown) in a housing (1). The lateral sides of the screen (4) are guided by a pair of opposing guide rails (3). Typically, the lateral sides of the screen (4) are slightly thicker than the rest of the screen, such that the sides stay within the guide rails, thereby rendering the screen relatively windproof. Typically, this is done by providing each of the lateral sides with a flexible strip such as one half of a zipper. Such screens are well known in the art as zipscreens.

[0029] The skilled person will understand that the screen guides provided herein are not limited to configurations as shown in Fig. 1. For example, the screen may be a projection screen which is provided in front of a wall instead of a window, be provided on a non-vertical surface, be provided in front of a door, etc. The skilled person will further understand that the guide rails described herein are not strictly limited to be used for roll down screens, but may also be used for roller shutter devices, roller blinds, roller doors, roller curtains, sun blinds, awnings, sun screens, and projection screens. Accordingly, the term "screen" as used herein may comprise shutters or screens which are provided as a sheet of a flexible material such as a fabric, or made of interconnected lamellae as known in the art.

[0030] More particularly, described herein is a guide rail assembly comprising a guide rail which is positioned within a base profile having a longitudinal opening, wherein the guide rail is flanked by one or more removable side profiles which secure the position of the guide rail within the base profile. Specifically, the guide rail assembly described herein comprises:

• a base profile comprising two opposing walls or shoulders interconnected via a back wall, said walls or shoulders forming a frontal longitudinal opening;
• a removable guide rail profile positioned between said shoulders, said guide rail profile being dimensioned such that it can pass said frontal longitudinal opening; and
• one or more side profiles positioned between said shoulders and said guide rail, thereby preventing said guide rail profile from passing through said frontal longitudinal opening and preferably preventing lateral movement of said guide profile; said one or more side profiles being removable via said frontal longitudinal opening.

These characteristics will be explained in more detail below.

[0031] As such, guide rail profiles as used in the present guide rail assembly are well known in the art. The guide rail profile has a longitudinal shape, wherein the length of the rail profile determines the distance along which the screen to be guided can travel. The term "longitudinal" as used herein refers to an object having a length/width ratio of at least 5, preferably at least 10.
The guide rail is provided with an open channel, thereby providing a longitudinal frontal opening. The term "frontal" as used herein refers to the side of the guide rail profile, base profile, and side profiles which, when used for guiding a screen, faces the screen. The term "back" as used herein refers to the side of the guide rail profile, base profile, and side profiles opposite tot the frontal side. The width of the frontal longitudinal opening provided by the channel is typically less than the maximal width of the channel. In this way, the opening can allow passage of the screen but not of the zipper or the like which is contained in the channel.

[0032] In the guide rail assembly described herein, the guide rail is provided within a base profile. The base profile has a longitudinal shape as to accommodate a guide rail over its entire length and comprises two opposing walls or shoulders, which are interconnected via a back wall, said walls or shoulders forming a frontal longitudinal opening. The configuration of the opposing shoulders, back wall and frontal opening means that the base profile will essentially have a U-shaped transverse cross section. However, this does not mean that the base profile is made of a single plate of material which is bent as to provide a U-shaped transverse cross section. Indeed, the skilled person will understand that the shoulders and back wall may be provided as multi-chambered structures and/or provided with wings or other structures in order to reduce heat transfer through the base profile.
The base profile is typically provided as a single part. However, it is envisaged that in certain embodiments, the base profile may comprise two or more interconnectable separate parts.

[0033] The frontal longitudinal opening of the base rail allows for insertion of the guide rail profile into the base rail and subsequent removal of the guide rail profile. Accordingly, the length and width of the frontal longitudinal opening are typically is about the same as the length and width of the guide rail profile to be inserted. Typically, the frontal longitudinal opening extends along the entire length of the base rail.

[0034] The internal width of the base profile, more particularly the distance between the opposing shoulders beyond the frontal longitudinal opening, will typically be larger than the width of the guide profile, as to accommodate one or more side profiles which prevent the guide rail profile from moving through the frontal longitudinal opening. Indeed, the guide rail assembly described herein is provided with one or more side profiles which are positioned within the base profile, more particularly between the shoulders of the base profile and the guide rail. In preferred embodiments, the guide rail assembly is provided with a pair of side profiles which are positioned between the shoulders and at opposing sides of the guide rail, thereby preventing the guide rail profile from passing through the frontal longitudinal opening and preferably preventing lateral movement of said guide profile; wherein the side profiles are removable via the frontal longitudinal opening. The inventors have found that this provides an optimal stability to the guide rail assembly.

[0035] Together, the one or more side profiles and the base profile define an open channel for accommodating the guide rail profile. More particularly, the channel has a width which matches the width of the guide rail profile, whereas the opening of the channel has a width which allows for a screen to pass, but not for the for the guide rail profile to pass. When the one or more side profiles are removed from the base profile, the guide rail profile can be inserted in and removed from the base profile via the frontal longitudinal opening of the base profile. Accordingly, the guide rail assembly described herein can allow for a stable fixation of the guide rail profile within the base profile, while still allowing for an easy removal of the guide rail profile.
The one or more side profiles may be provided along the entire length of the guide rail profile, or only along a part of the length. Accordingly, the side profile(s) may or may not have the same length as the guide rail profiles. Indeed, a sufficient stability of the assembly may be obtained by using shorter side profiles. For example, the guide rail assembly may be provided with a plurality of (short) side profiles, such that a plurality of side profiles can be provided along the length of the guide rail. However, it is envisaged that in certain embodiments, only one or two side profiles are provided, preferably one for each lateral side of the guide rail profile.

[0036] The insertion and removal of the one or more side profiles is done via the longitudinal frontal opening of the base profile. More particularly, the one or more side profiles and base profile are dimensioned such that the side profiles can be inserted into the base profile already provided with the guide rail profile, via the longitudinal frontal opening of the base profile. Subsequent removal of the side profiles can also be done via the longitudinal frontal opening of the base profile.
In particular embodiments, the base profile is designed such that at least one side profile can be slightly tilted along its longitudinal axis during insertion in or removal from the base profile. This can facilitate such insertion or removal. More particularly, one or both shoulders of the base profile may be provided with a recess which can accommodate the back longitudinal side of the adjacent side profile, thereby allowing for said side profile to rotate around its longitudinal axis when being removed from said base profile via said frontal longitudinal opening. Preferably, the recess(es) allow for a rotation of at least 5°, more preferably at least 10°. In further embodiments, the recess may have an inner surface which is at least partially rounded. The rounded surface may be a convex or concave surface. Such surface can be used for gently guiding the side profile to its correct position during insertion.

[0037] As described above, the one or more side profiles and the base profile define an open channel for accommodating the guide rail profile. Typically, the width of the channel, more particularly the distance between opposing side profiles or a side profile and the opposing shoulder, will be such that the guide rail profile cannot move in the direction of the one or more side profiles. Such tight fixation of the guide rail profile between the side profiles can prevent the guide rail profile from making clanging noises when the screen moves due to the wind.
However, in preferred embodiments, the open channel may allow some movement of the guide rail profile within the channel, towards the frontal longitudinal opening of the base profile. This can help reducing strain and resulting screen damage caused by the wind. More particularly, the channel may provide a frontal abutment and back abutment for the guide rail profile, which limit the movement of the guide rail profile in the direction of the frontal longitudinal opening. As used herein the terms "frontal abutment" and "back abutment" refer to an abutment closer to the frontal longitudinal opening and further away from the frontal longitudinal opening, respectfully. In preferred embodiments, the distance between the frontal and back abutment is such that some movement of the guide rail profile towards and from the frontal longitudinal opening of the base profile is allowed. In particular embodiments, a movement over a distance between 3 mm and 20 mm is allowed. In further embodiments, a movement over a distance between 5 mm and 15 mm is allowed.
In particular embodiments, the back abutment is provided on the base profile, whereas the frontal abutment is provided by at least one side profile. This allows for an easy insertion and removal of the side profiles. In embodiments wherein the guide rail assembly is provided with two side profiles, the frontal abutment is preferably provided by both side profiles. The frontal and back abutments may be provided in different shapes or forms, e.g. as a supporting surface, or as a plurality of supporting ridges. The abutment(s) which are provided on the base profile may be provided on the back wall and/or on one or both shoulders.
In preferred embodiments, the guide rail assembly is provided with a spring member which presses the guide rail profile towards the back abutment. This can help to keep the screen surface flat, while still preventing excessive strain due to the exertion of forces on the screen by the wind or other sources. The spring member can have various shapes or forms and can for example comprise a torsion spring, compression spring, a custom wire form spring (i.e. a bent wire), and the like. In particular embodiments the spring member is or comprises a wire form spring having a v- or w-shape. In certain embodiments, the one or more side profiles are provided with one or more channels providing a longitudinal opening for positioning a spring member. More particularly, the guide rail may be provided with one or more wings or ridges, wherein the longitudinal opening of the one or more channels face said one or more wings or ridges. In this way, spring members can be positioned in the channels and contact the guide rail via the wings.

[0038] The base profile and the one or more side profiles are preferably provided with corresponding engaging features such as interengageing profiles and/or interlocking features for locking the position of the side profiles within the base profile, more particularly to prevent the side profiles from sliding out of the base profile via the frontal longitudinal opening thereof. Such interlocking features may have various forms or shapes. In particular embodiments, the interlocking features may include a ridge provided on one of said lateral walls and a corresponding slot or ridge provided on one of said one or more side profiles.
In such embodiments, the interlocking features of the base profile and a side profile may be disengaged by slightly bending the side profile. In order to facilitate such bending, the base profile and at least one of the side profiles may be designed such that a slit is provided between the frontal sides of the side profile and the adjacent shoulder of the base. More particularly, the slit may have a width which allows for tools such as a screwdriver or zip tool to be inserted into the slit, thereby facilitating the disengagement of the engaging features of the base profile and the side profile. Typically, the slit will have a width between 1 and 5 mm. Preferably, the slit has a depth of between 2 and 10 mm.

[0039] In particular embodiments, the base profile is provided with a slot for guiding a cable, for example a cable for the power supply of an electromotor which is positioned inside the roller shutter housing for driving the winding shaft.
In particular embodiments, the base profile is provided with attachment features which allow for attaching the base profile to structures such as walls, window frames, etc. In particular embodiments, the attachment features include one or more screw holes. Additionally or alternatively, the guide rail assembly described herein may be provided with a separate fixation profile which can be connected to the base profile, for example via interengageable profiles and/or corresponding interlocking features provided on the fixation profile and the base profile. The fixation profile is typically provided with fixation features such as screw holes. The provision of a separate fixation profile can facilitate the installation of the base profile and may also help to reduce heat transfer through the connection.
In certain embodiments, the base profile may be joined to an element of a window or door frame. More particularly, the base profile may be an integral part of the window or door frame.

[0040] The base profile, guide rail profile, and one or more side profiles of the guide rail assembly described herein are typically made of materials which can provide sufficient rigidity and strength to the guide rail assembly to effectively guide a screen. Suitable materials of which the profiles can be made include, but are not limited to metals or metal alloys such as aluminium or steel, and polymers such as polyvinylchloride. The base profile, guide rail profile, and one or more side profiles may be made of the same or different materials.

[0041] Further provided herein is a kit for mounting a roll down screen, comprising a base profile, guide rail, and one or more side profiles which can be connected to form a guide rail assembly as described herein. In particular embodiments, the kit may comprise two base profiles, two guide rails, and two or more side profiles which can be connected to form two screen guide assemblies for guiding two opposing lateral sides of a screen. In preferred embodiments, the kit comprises one pair of side profiles per base profile. In certain embodiments, the kit may further comprise a screen of which the lateral sides are provided with flexible strips configured to engage said guide rail profiles. Preferably, the screen is provided on a winding shaft, which is provided in a housing.

[0042] Further provided herein is an apparatus for mounting a guide rail profile for guiding a lateral side of a zip-like screen, comprising a base profile and one or more removable side profiles as described above. More particularly, the apparatus comprises a base profile and one or more side profiles which, when positioned within the base profile, provide an open channel for accommodating a guide rail profile.

[0043] Further provided herein is a method of installing a screen system using the apparatus for mounting a guide rail profile described herein, comprising:

(a) providing a screen on a winding shaft, wherein the lateral sides of the screen are provided with flexible strips configured to engage a rail of a guide rail;

(b) mounting said screen in its intended position;

(c) installing the base profile at a lateral side of the area to be covered by the screen, with the longitudinal opening of the base profile facing the screen;

(d) positioning a guide rail profile for guiding said screen in said base profile; and

(e) locking the position of the guide rail via insertion of the one or more side profiles into the base profile.

Preferably, the present method involves the use of a pair of apparatuses as described above, wherein steps (c), (d), and (e) are repeated for each apparatus.

[0044] The following examples are provided for the purpose of illustrating the present invention and by no means are meant and in no way should be interpreted to limit the scope of the present invention.

EXAMPLES

[0045] Fig. 2 shows the transverse cross section of a particular embodiment of a guide rail assembly (3) as described herein. Fig. 3 shows a perspective view of the same guide rail assembly (3), wherein the guide rail profile (5) is raised partially above the base profile (6) and side profiles (7, 8) for the purpose of illustration. The guide rail assembly (3) comprises guide rail profile (5), a base profile (6), and two side profiles (7, 8).

[0046] The base profile (6) comprises two opposing shoulders (9, 10) which are connected via a back wall (11). The opposing shoulders (9, 10) further define a frontal longitudinal opening (12).
The guide rail profile (5) is provided with an open channel (21) for guiding a lateral side of a screen, and is positioned within the base profile (6), with opening of the channel (21) facing the frontal longitudinal opening (12) of the base profile (6). The width of the frontal longitudinal opening (12) and of the guide rail profile (5) is such that the guide rail profile (5) can pass through the opening (12).
In order to lock the guide profile (5) within the base profile (6), the assembly (3) further comprises a pair of side profiles (7, 8) which are provided within the base profile (6) and at opposing sides of the guide rail profile (5). The position of the side profiles (7, 8) within the assembly (3) is locked via interlocking features, more particularly ridges (15, 16) which are provided on the shoulders (9, 10) and corresponding slots (17, 18) provided on the side profiles (7, 8).
The side profiles (7, 8) provide frontal abutments (22, 23) and the base profile (6) provides a back abutment (24) which limit the movement of the guide rail profile (5) in the direction towards and from the frontal longitudinal opening (12). However, the abutments (22, 23, 24) allow some movement in this direction. The guide rail assembly (3) is provided with a spring element (25) (Only shown in Fig. 3), more particularly a v-shaped wire, which presses the guide rail profile (5) towards the back abutment (24). The spring element may be positioned in a channel (34) provided on a side profile, such that the spring element (25) contacts the side profile and the guide rail profile. Preferably, each of the side profiles (7, 8) is provided with a channel (34) and a spring element (25). The side profiles (7, 8) can be removed from the assembly (3) by moving the side profiles (7, 8) in the direction of the frontal opening (12). In order to do so, the interlocking features (15, 16, 17, 18) must first be disengaged. This can be done by using a tool such as a zip tool (26) which is positioned in a slit (19, 20) provided between each side profile (7, 8) and the adjacent shoulder (9, 10). The removal of a side profile (7) from the guide rail assembly (3) via the use of a screwdriver or a dedicated zip tool (26) is shown in Fig. 4. In order to further facilitate insertion and removal of the side profiles (7, 8), the shoulders of the base profile are each provided with a recess (13, 14) which allows for the side profiles (7, 8) to rotate along the longitudinal axis during insertion and removal. The recesses (13, 14) are provided with a rounded inner surface for guiding the side profiles (7, 8) towards the correct position.

[0047] The guide rail assembly (3) may be fully incorporated in a wall structure as shown in Fig. 5. More particularly, the assembly (3) may be installed between a window frame (27) and an outer wall (32) of a cavity wall comprising an inner wall (30), a cavity (31) and an outer wall (32). The base profile (6) is connected to the window frame (27) via a separate fixation profile (33) which is connectable to the base profile (6). Even when the assembly is incorporated in the structure as shown in Fig. 5, the guide rail profile (5) can still be easily removed from the assembly (3) by first removing of the side profiles (7, 8).

Claims

1. A guide rail assembly (3) for guiding a roll down screen, comprising:

- a base profile (6) comprising two opposing shoulders (9,10) interconnected via a back wall (11), said shoulders forming a frontal longitudinal opening (12);

- a removable guide rail profile (5) positioned between said shoulders, said guide rail profile being dimensioned such that it can pass through said frontal longitudinal opening (12); and

- one or more side profiles (7,8) positioned between said shoulders (9,10) and said guide rail profile (5), thereby preventing said guide rail profile (5) from passing through said frontal longitudinal opening; said one or more side profiles (7,8) being removable via said frontal longitudinal opening (12).

2. The guide rail assembly according to claim 1, comprising a pair of side profiles (7,8) positioned between said shoulders (9,10) and at opposing sides of said guide rail profile (5), thereby preventing said guide rail profile from passing through said frontal longitudinal opening; said side profiles being removable via said frontal longitudinal opening.

3. The guide rail assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said base profile and said one or more side profiles provide an open channel for said guide rail profile, said open channel comprising a frontal abutment (22,23) and back abutment (24) between which said guide rail profile is allowed to move.

4. The guide rail assembly according to claim 3, further provided with a spring member (25) which presses said guide rail profile against said back abutment.

5. The guide rail assembly according to claim 3 or 4, wherein said frontal abutment is provided on one of said one or more side profiles, and said back abutment is provided on said base profile.

6. The guide rail assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein said base profile and said one or more side profiles are provided with interlocking features for locking the position of said one or more side profiles within said base profile.

7. The guide rail assembly according to claim 6, wherein said interlocking features include a ridge provided on one of said shoulders and a corresponding slot or ridge provided on one of said one or more side profiles.

8. The guide rail assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein at least one of said shoulders is provided with a recess which allows for one of said one or more side profiles to rotate around its longitudinal axis when being removed from said base profile via said frontal longitudinal opening.

9. The guide rail assembly according to claim 8, wherein said recess has an at least partially rounded inner surface.

10. The guide rail assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein said one or more side profiles have a frontal longitudinal side facing said frontal longitudinal opening and a back longitudinal side facing said back wall, wherein a slit is provided between at least one of said shoulders and the frontal longitudinal side of the adjacent side profile.

11. The guide rail assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising a separate fixation profile, wherein said base profile and fixation profile are provided with interlocking features for interconnecting said fixation profile and said base profile.

12. A kit for mounting a roll down screen, said kit comprising a base profile, guide rail profile, and one or more side profiles which can be connected to form a guide rail assembly according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. The kit according to claim 12, comprising two base profiles, two guide rail profiles, and two or more side profiles which can be connected to form two screen guide assemblies for guiding two opposing lateral sides of a screen.

14. An apparatus for mounting a rail for guiding a lateral side of a roll down screen, comprising:

- a base profile comprising two opposing shoulders interconnected via a back wall, said shoulders forming a frontal longitudinal opening; and

- one or more removable side profiles for positioning inside said base profile adjacent to said opposing shoulders;

wherein the base profile and said one or more side profiles, when said one or more side profiles are positioned within said base profile, define an open channel for accommodating a guide rail profile.

15. A method of installing a screen system using the apparatus according to claim 14, comprising:

(a) providing a screen on a winding shaft, wherein the lateral sides of the screen are provided with flexible strips configured to engage a rail of a guide rail;

(b) mounting said screen in its intended position;

(c) installing the base profile at a lateral side of the area to be covered by the screen, with the longitudinal opening of the base profile facing the screen;

(d) positioning a guide rail profile for guiding said screen in said base profile; and

(e) locking the position of the guide rail via insertion of the one or more side profiles into the base profile.

Drawing