Trim and trim assembly

Abstract

A trim 100 is suitable for connecting to a frame 10 positioned within a window recess. The trim includes a base portion 105 configured to be secured to the frame. The trim also includes an arm 110 connected to the base portion such that the arm extends beyond a lateral edge 105a of the base portion. The arm has a main body 110a connected to the base portion and a flexible tip 110b extending from the main body. The trim may be suitable for use with a blackout screen or blind, and may function to cover a gap G between a wall W and the frame 10.

Description

FIELD The present invention relates to a trim and a trim assembly, and in particular but not exclusively to a trim and a trim assembly for a blackout blind or screen. BACKGROUND Blackout blinds, blackout screens, and the like, may typically be connected within a frame, where the frame carrying the blackout blind or screen is then disposed near to or at a window frame within a window recess. In this way, the blackout blind or screen is configured to extend across the window to prevent as much light as possible from passing through. At present, there are typically two options for affixing the frame of the blinds or screen into position within a window recess. Affixing the frame of the blinds or screen is either achieved by inserting a fastener (such as a screw) through the frame itself directly into the wall, ceiling or windowsill defining the window recess, or by affixing clips or the like directly to wall(s) and / or ceiling and then connecting the frame to the clips. When inserting screws directly through the frame of the blind or screen, this can cause damage to the frame or the material of the screen or blind. In addition, permanent holes will be created in the frame. Furthermore, imperfections in the surface of the wall(s), ceiling and / or windowsill that are not aligned at 90° along the entire length, can create gaps between the frame and the adjacent surface, which can allow light to seep through. When affixing clips or the like to the adjacent walls or ceiling, the thickness of the clips provides a gap between the frame and the adjacent surface, which can allow light to seep through. At present, a silicon sealant is typically used to fill such gaps between the frame and the window recess. Problems with using a silicone sealant or the like include colour matching, degradation over time, shrinking over time allowing gaps to return, and a typically imperfect finish as the sealant is applied by hand. The frames of blackout blinds and screens are typically made to measure such that they can be provided for any size window frame. Imperfections in the surface of the walls or ceiling, manufacturing tolerances, measurements errors, and imperfectly aligned walls and ceilings can all cause frames of the blinds or screen to have an imperfect fit within a window recess. When connecting the frame to the adjacent surfaces, the imperfect measurements can cause sections of the frame to be partially disconnected from adjacent sections. The partial disconnections can also provide gaps which allow light to pass through. The present invention has been devised with the foregoing in mind. SUMMARY According to a first aspect there is provided a trim for connecting to a frame positioned within a window recess. The trim may comprise a base portion configured to be secured to the frame. The trim may also comprise an arm connected to the base portion such that the arm extends beyond a lateral edge of the base portion. The arm may comprise a main body connected to the base portion and a flexible tip extending from the main body. Window recesses are often not perfectly square and the walls, ceilings and window sill defining the window recess often have imperfect surfaces (for example, cracks, chips, warping etc.). When the base portion of the trim is secured to a frame positioned within a window recess, the arm may form a cover substantially preventing light from passing through any gaps between the frame and the window recess. The main body of the arm extending beyond the lateral edge of the base portion may act to cover a substantial proportion of any gaps between the frame and the window recess. The flexible tip may flex to accommodate variations in gap size between the frame and the window recess, for example to accommodate surface imperfections, and may substantially maintain contact between the arm and the window recess along a length of the trim to prevent light from passing through any such gaps. The trim of the present invention may simply and conveniently improve a blackout effect of a blackout blind or screen in a frame affixed within a window recess (whether using external clips or directly to the window recess), irrespective of window recess shape or quality. The trim may also enhance thermal insulation by covering any gaps between the frame and the window recess. The trim may be simple and convenient to install (by merely securing the base portion to the frame) and may avoid the use of often hazardous sealants (such as silicone) to seal any gaps. That trim may also provide a more consistent visual look compared to manually applied sealant and may act to visually level out uneven window recesses, enhancing aesthetic appeal. The trim may also allow the frame to disconnected from a window recess without leaving sealant adhered to the frame or the surfaces of the window recess. The arm may be arranged such that in use the arm extends beyond an outer edge of the frame. The arm may be arranged such that in use the arm extends beyond an outer edge of the frame to contact a surface defining the window recess. The base portion and the arm may form a unitary structure. The base portion and the arm may be integrally connected with one another. The base portion and the main body of the arm may be made from a polymeric or plastic material, or a metal or metal alloy material (for example, a sheet metal material). The base portion and the arm may be angled relative to one another. The base portion and the arm may be arranged at an angle of between substantially 1° and substantially 89°, or between substantially 2° and substantially 88°, or between substantially 5° and substantially 85°. The main body of the arm may be configured to flex to allow movement of the arm relative to the base portion. That may allow the arm to accommodate both relatively smaller or more local variations in gap size using the flexible tip and relatively larger or more general variations in gap size by allowing the main body of the arm to flex. The main body of the arm may be biased to move towards the base portion if the arm is flexed away from the base portion. The main body of the arm may be biased to reduce an angle between the arm and the base portion. That may improve contact between the flexible tip and the window recess by urging the flexible tip against the window recess, which may further act to prevent light from passing through any gaps. The flexible tip may be relatively more flexible than the main body of the arm. The flexible tip may be or comprise an elastomeric material. The flexible tip may be or comprise a rubber or a silicone material. That may allow the flexible tip to easily accommodate variations in gap size and maintain contact with the window recess whilst avoiding damage to the window recess. The flexible tip may extend from an end of the main body of the arm. The flexible tip may be integrally connected to or unitary with the main body of the arm. The flexible tip may comprise a different material to the main body of the arm. The flexible tip may be detachable from the main body of the arm. The flexible tip may be connected to the main body of the arm by any suitable means such as, an adhesive, chemical bonding, or thermal bonding, for example. The flexible tip may be connected to the main body of the arm by any suitable any suitable mechanical means such as a slot and groove, one or more pins, or a clamping means, for example. The arm may be substantially flat or straight. The arm may be substantially curved. A cross-sectional shape of the main body of the arm may be substantially flat or straight. Alternatively, a cross-sectional shape of the main body of the arm may comprise a substantially curved shape. The arm may have a length of substantially 5 mm or greater. The arm may have a length of between substantially 5 mm and substantially 50 mm. The arm may extend beyond a lateral edge of the base portion by a length of substantially 5 mm or greater. The arm may be connected to the base portion via a connecting portion. The connecting portion may be configured to offset the arm from the base portion. The connecting portion may be configured to provide a space between the arm and the base portion. The connecting portion may be configured to raise the arm away from the base portion. That may improve an available range of movement for the arm relative to the base portion, which may allow an arm of a given length to cover gaps of a greater size. The connecting portion may extend away from a surface of the base portion. The connecting portion may extend substantially perpendicularly away from a surface of the base portion. The trim may further comprise a second arm. The second arm may be arranged such that the second arm extends beyond an opposing lateral edge of the base portion. The opposing lateral edge may be an opposing lateral edge to that which the arm extends beyond. That may ensure any gaps on an internal edge of the frame (for example, between the frame and the blackout blind or screen) are covered to prevent light passing through. The second arm may also cover any gaps between the frame and the base portion arising from securing the base portion to the frame (for example, via adhesive) and may therefore improve aesthetic appeal of the frame once affixed within the window recess. The second arm may be arranged such that in use the second arm extends beyond an inner edge of the frame. The second arm may be arranged such that it contacts a surface of the frame upon which the base portion is secured. The second arm may be a flexible protrusion or comprise a flexible tip. The second arm may be connected to or extend from the arm. The second arm may be connected to the base portion. The second arm may be connected to the connecting portion. The base portion may comprise an adhesive to secure the base portion to the frame. The adhesive may or comprise an adhesive tape or an adhesive pad. According to a second aspect there is provided a trim assembly for connecting to a frame positioned within a window recess. The trim assembly may comprise a trim according to the first aspect. The trim assembly may also comprise a connector configured to connect to two or more trims to secure the trims at an angle relative to one another, for example substantially perpendicularly to one another. The connector may enable trims to be easily located on the frame relative to one another. The connector may also provide a releasable connection between the trims, whilst providing holding the trims in place relative to one another to improve structural stability. The connector may also cover any gaps between adjacent trims on the frame, and may also cover any gaps in the frame itself (for example, if a shape of the frame is distorted by an uneven or out-of-square window recess). The connector may be configured to be secured to the frame at or adjacent a comer of the frame. The connector may comprise an edge or perimeter of which at least a part comprises a shape or configuration conforming to a shape of a corner of the frame. The connector may comprise a recess configured to engage or receive a part of a respective trim. That may ensure the connector overlaps with the trims to cover any gaps between the trims. Each recess may comprise a groove or slot configured to slidingly engage or receive a part of the trim. A sliding connection may provide a particularly convenient approach for accommodating variations in gap size between trims. A cross-sectional shape of the recess may be substantially similar or complementary to at least a part of a cross-sectional shape of the respective trim. Each recess may be formed in an underside of the connector. The underside of the connector may be configured to be positioned adjacent the frame in use. According to a third aspect there is provided a kit of parts. The kit of parts may comprise a trim according to the first aspect, or a trim and a connector of a trim assembly according to the second aspect. The kit of parts may comprise a plurality of trims and a plurality of connectors, for example 4 trims and 4 connectors. According to a fourth aspect there is provided a method of affixing a blackout blind or screen over a window. The method may comprise affixing a frame within a window recess. The method may further comprise securing one or more trims according to the first aspect to the frame. The method may further comprise securing a plurality of trims to the frame at an angle to one another using a connector. The method may comprise securing the connector to the frame. Features which are described in the context of separate aspects and embodiments of the invention may be used together and / or be interchangeable wherever possible. Similarly, where features are described in the context of a single embodiment for brevity, those features may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Embodiments of the invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the following drawings in which: FIG. 1 shows a frame, supporting a blackout blind, to be positioned within a window recess; FIG. 2 shows a cross-sectional view of an embodiment of a trim according to the present invention secured to the frame shown in FIG. 1 when positioned within a window recess: FIGs. 3A and 3B shows alternative embodiments of trims according to the present invention; FIGs. 3C and 3D show the trims shown in FIGs. 3A and 3B secured to the frame shown in FIG. 1 when positioned within a window recess; and FIG. 4 shows a connector configured to secure a plurality of trims according to the present invention at an angle relative to one another. Like reference numerals in different Figures may represent like elements. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Figure 1 shows a frame 10 supporting a blackout blind 15. The blackout blind 15 is slidably mounted in the frame 10 such that the blind 15 can be slid across the frame 10 (parallel or anti-parallel to the arrow A) to open or close the blind 15. The blind 15 comprises a handle 15a to enable a user to manually slide the blind 15 within the frame 10. The frame 10 is configured to be positioned within a window recess to enable the blackout blind 10 to selectively cover the window and prevent light from passing through the window. Figure 2 shows an embodiment of a trim 100 according to the present invention, for connecting to the frame 10 when positioned and secured within a window recess (for clarity, the blind 15 itself is not shown). The trim 100 acts to cover any gaps present between the frame 10 and the surrounding walls, ceiling and window sill defining the window recess. Figure 2 shows a cross-sectional view from above, with a gap G present between the wall W and the frame 10 when the frame 10 is positioned and secured within the window recess. The trim 100 comprises a base portion 105 configured to be secured to the frame 100. In the embodiment shown, the base portion 105 is secured to a front surface of the frame 10, i.e., a surface of the frame 10 that would be visible to a person looking at the blind 15 positioned in the window recess. The base portion 105 is secured to the frame 10 using an adhesive A (for example, an adhesive tape or adhesive pads). The adhesive may be provided on the base portion 105 itself, or may be applied separately during fitting of the trim 100 to the frame. It will also be appreciated the base portion 105 may be secured to the frame in any suitable manner, for example via complementary' features located on the base portion 105 and the frame 10 respectively that mechanically engage (such as snap-fit structures). In the embodiment shown, the base portion 105 comprises a substantially flat planar structure, although that is not essential. The trim 100 also comprises an arm 110 connected to the base portion 105. The arm 110 extends beyond a lateral edge 105a of the base portion 105, such that in use the arm 110 extends beyond an outer edge of the frame 10 to contact a surface of the wall W defining the window recess, preventing light from passing through the gap G. The arm 110 may comprise any suitable length to cover a gap G, although typically the arm 110 will have a length of up to substantially 50mm and extend beyond a lateral edge 105a of the base portion 105 by a length of up to substantially 40mm. In the embodiment shown, the base portion 105 and the arm 110 form a unitary structure, although that is not essential. The base portion 105 and the arm 110 are formed from or comprise a polymeric or plastic material, although it will be appreciated the base portion 105 and the arm 110 may alternatively be formed from or comprise a metal or metal alloy material such as a sheet metal material. In the embodiment shown the arm 110 has a substantially flat structure, although that is not essential and the arm 110 may comprise a substantially curved shape (for example, as shown in Figure 3A). The arm 110 comprises a main body 110a and a flexible tip 110b extending from the main body 110a. The flexible tip 110b contacts the wall W. The flexible tip 110b comprises an elastomeric material, for example a rubber or a silicone material, such that the flexible tip 110b substantially conforms to a surface of the wall W to prevent light from passing through the gap G. In the embodiment shown the flexible tip 110b is integrally connected to the main body 110a, although that is not essential and the flexible tip 110b may alternatively be removably attached to the main body 110a. The flexible tip 110b is relatively more flexible than the main body 110a of the arm 110. The arm 110 is arranged at an angle relative to the base portion 105. In the embodiment shown, the arm 110 is arranged at an angle of substantially 30°, although it will be appreciated the arm 110 may be arranged at any suitable angle relative to the base portion 105, for example between substantially 1° and substantially 89°. The main body 110a of the arm 110 is configured to flex to allow movement of the arm 110 relative to the base portion 105. The angle of the arm 110 relative to the base portion 105 may define a rest or neutral position of the arm 110. If the main body 110a of the arm 110 is flexed away from its rest position such that the main body 110a of the arm 110 is flexed away from the base portion 105, the elastic energy stored in the arm 110 acts to bias the main body 110a of the arm 110 towards the base portion 105. That may enable improved contact between the arm 110 and the wall W by urging the arm 110 (in particular the flexible tip) against the wall W. However, it will be appreciated the main body 110a may be substantially rigid and substantially rigidly connected to the base portion 105 such that elastic deformation of the arm 110 to accommodate variations in a size of the gap G is substantially confined to the flexible tip 110b. The arm 110 is connected to the base portion 105 via a connecting portion 115. The connecting portion 115 offsets the arm 110 from the base portion 105 to provide a space between the arm 110 and the base portion 105. In the embodiment shown, the connecting portion 115 comprises a first end and a second end, the first end connected to a surface of the base portion 105 and the second end connected to the main body 110a of the arm 110. The connecting portion 115 extends away from the surface of the base portion, in a direction that is generally away from the frame 10. However, that is not essential and the arm 110 may alternatively be connected directly to the base portion 105. The trim 100 further comprises a second arm 120. In the embodiment shown, the second arm 120 comprises a flexible protrusion similar to the flexible tip 110b of the arm 110. Alternatively, the second arm 120 may comprise a substantially rigid portion with a flexible tip, rather than comprising a flexible material along substantially its full length. The second arm 120 extends beyond an opposing lateral edge 105b of the base portion 105 to cover and contact an internal or inner edge of the frame 10 (between the frame 10 and the blackout blind 15). Alternatively, the second arm 120 may extend beyond the opposing lateral edge 105b of the base portion 105 to contact the front face of the frame 10 on which the base portion 105 is secured. In the embodiment shown, the second arm 120 extends from a point where the arm 110 and the connecting portion 115 meet, although that second arm 120 may be connected to and / or extend from any of the base portion 105, the connecting portion 115 (if present) and the arm 110. However, it will be appreciated the trim 100 may not comprise a second arm (for example, as shown in Figures 3A and 3B), and the base portion 105 and / or the arm 110 may substantially cover the front face of the frame 10, or a separate moulding may be applied to the frame 10 to cover any remaining area of the front face of the frame 10 left exposed. The trim 100 is manufactured by extruding a length of material having the desired cross-sectional shape, for example shown in Figure 2. It will be appreciated the trim 100 may alternatively be formed using any suitable technique, for example a moulding process. Figures 3A and 3B show additional embodiments of a trim 100’, 100” according to the present invention. The trims 100’, 100” are substantially similar to the trim 100 described with respect to Figure 2, with like reference numerals indicating like elements. The angle of the connecting portion 115’ is perpendicular on both the trims 100’, 100” and neither of the trims 100’, 100” comprises a second arm 120. Figures 3C and 3D respectively show the trims 100’, 100” secured to a frame 10 positioned within a window recess. Figure 4 shows a plurality of trims 100 each secured at an angle relative to one another by a connector 200. In the embodiment shown, the connector 200 secures the trims 100 substantially perpendicularly to one another, although it will be appreciated the connector 200 may secure the trims 100 at any suitable angle relative to one another. The connector 200 is configured to be located at or adjacent a corner of the frame 10, and is configured to secure the trims 100 at an angle that is substantially the same as the angle of the corner of the frame 10 (for example, 90° for a square or rectangular frame 10, or a different angle for comers of a frame 10 having a different polygonal shape such as triangular, pentagonal, hexagonal etc.). At least a part of an edge or perimeter of the connector 200 comprises a shape substantially conforming to a shape of a comer of the frame 10. The connector 200 is configured to engage at least a part of each trim 100. In the embodiment shown, an underside or rear surface of the connector 200 (that is a surface of the connector 200 configured to face toward the frame 10 in use such that it is not visible in use) comprises a plurality of recesses, in the form of a groove or slot, each configured to slidingly receive a part of a trim 200 (for example, an end or end part of the trim 100). A cross-sectional shape of the recess is substantially similar or complementary to at least a part of a cross-sectional shape of the part of the trim 100 received within the recess to ensure a secure connection, although that is not essential. The trim 100 is engaged with the connector 200 such that at least the flexible tip 110b of the ami 110 of the trim 100 extends outward of the connector 200, to ensure the flexible tip 110b is able to contact a surface defining the window recess as described above. An end or end part of the trim 100 that engages the recess of the connector 200 may be provided or used without adhesive, to reduce a thickness and maintain a slim profile of the trim assembly at the connector 200 and also to enable easy sliding motion between the trim 100 and the connector 200. The connector 200 is configured to be secured to the frame 10 (for example, using an adhesive as described above). An area of the connector 200 which does not receive or engage with the trims 100, indicated by the dotted section shown in Figure 4 (which does not depict a visual appearance of the connector 200, only demarcating an area), may provide a contact surface that can be secured to the frame 10. However, that is not essential, and the connector 200 may not be secured to the frame 10 and may act only to secure the trims 100 at an angle relative to one another. The connector 200 comprises an external surface profile that is similar or substantially identical to a profile of the arm 110 of the trim 100, for example angling or curving away from the frame 10, to provide visual consistency between the trim 100 and the connector 200. From reading the present disclosure, other variations and modifications will be apparent to the skilled person. Such variations and modifications may involve equivalent and other features which are already known in the art of window frame assemblies, in particular blind assemblies for window frames, and which may be used instead of, or in addition to, features already described herein. Although the appended claims are directed to particular combinations of features, it should be understood that the scope of the disclosure of the present invention also includes any novel feature or any novel combination of features disclosed herein either explicitly or implicitly or any generalisation thereof, whether or not it relates to the same invention as presently claimed in any claim and whether or not it mitigates any or all of the same technical problems as does the present invention. Features which are described in the context of separate embodiments may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination. The applicant hereby gives notice that new claims may be formulated to such features and / or combinations of such features during the prosecution of the present application or of any further application derived therefrom. For the sake of completeness, it is also stated that the term “comprising’’ does not exclude other elements or steps, the term “a” or “an” does not exclude a plurality, and any reference signs in the claims shall not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A trim for connecting to a frame positioned within a window recess, the trim comprising:a base portion configured to be secured to the frame adjacent an edge of the frame; andan arm connected to the base portion such that the arm extends beyond a lateral edge of the base portion;wherein the arm comprises a main body connected to the base portion and a flexible tip extending from the main body.

2. The trim of claim 1, wherein the arm is arranged such that in use the arm extends beyond an outer edge of the frame.

3. The trim of claim 1 or of claim 2, wherein the base portion and the arm form a unitary structure.

4. The trim of any preceding claim, wherein the base portion and the arm are angled relative to one another.

5. The trim of any preceding claim, wherein the main body of the arm is configured to flex to allow movement of the arm relative to the base portion.

6. The trim of claim 5, wherein the main body of the arm is biased to move towards the base portion if the arm is flexed away from the base portion.

7. The trim of claim 6 dependent from claim 4, wherein the main body of the arm is biased to reduce an angle between the arm and the base portion.

8. The trim of any of claims 5 to 7, wherein the flexible tip is relatively more flexible than the main body of the arm.

9. The trim of any preceding claim, wherein the flexible tip comprises an elastomeric material, and optionally comprises rubber or silicone.

10. The trim of any preceding claim, wherein the flexible tip extends from an end of the main body of the arm.

11. The trim of any preceding claim, wherein:i) a cross-sectional shape of the main body of the arm is substantially flat; orii) a cross-sectional shape of the main body of the arm comprises a substantially curved shape.

12. The trim of any preceding claim, wherein the arm is connected to the base portion via a connecting portion.

13. The trim of claim 12, wherein the connecting portion is configured to offset the arm from the base portion.

14. The trim of any preceding claim, further comprising a second arm arranged such that in use the second arm extends beyond an opposing lateral edge of the base portion.

15. The trim of claim 14, wherein the second arm is arranged such that in use the second arm extends beyond an inner edge of the frame.

16. The trim of claim 14 or of claim 15, wherein the second arm is a flexible protrusion or comprises a flexible tip.

17. The trim of any of claims 14 to 16, wherein:i) the second arm is connected to or extends from the arm;ii) the second arm is connected to the base portion.

18. The trim of any of claims 14 to 16 dependent from claim 12, wherein the second arm is connected to the connecting portion.

19. A trim assembly for connecting to a frame positioned within a window recess, the trim assembly comprising:at least one trim according to any of claims 1 to 18; anda connector configured to connect to two or more trims to secure the trims at an angle relative to one another.

20. The trim assembly of claim 19, wherein the connector is configured to be secured to the frame at or adjacent a comer of the frame.5 21. The trim assembly of claim 19 or of claim 20, wherein the connector comprisesa recess configured to engage or receive a part of a respective trim.

22. The trim assembly of claim 21, wherein each recess comprises a groove or slot configured to slidingly engage or receive a part of the trim.1023. The trim assembly of claim 21 or of claim 22, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the recess is substantially similar or complementary to the cross-sectional shape of the respective trim.15 24. The trim assembly of any of claims 21 to 23, wherein each recess is formed inan underside of the connector configured to be positioned adjacent the frame in use.

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