A window blind frame assembly

Abstract

A window blind frame assembly including a first frame member, a second frame member and a connecting element, wherein the connecting element includes a pair of projecting arms which define between them an angle of substantially 90°; each of the first and second frame members includes a first side edge portion and an end portion; each end portion extends at an angle of 45° from the respective first side edge portion to an opposing side edge portion; each of the first and second frame members define a channel; each of the channels receives a respective one of the projecting arms; and wherein the end portion of the first frame member lies adjacent to the end portion of the second frame member such that the first frame member is perpendicular to the second frame member.

Description

[0001] A Window Blind Frame Assembly

[0002] The present invention relates to window blind frame assemblies and, in particular, to window blind frame assemblies which surround a window blind.

[0003] It has become quite common forwindow blinds to be located within window blind frames. W02006 / 109009 and W02020 / 099343 disclose examples of such a window blind frames. The use of a frame with a window blind provides an aesthetically pleasing arrangement and also addresses the technical problems of minimising light-strike around the sides and bottom of the blind substrate when the substrate is deployed, and protecting the side edge portions of the blind substrate in use.

[0004] Typically, the window blind frame includes a number of elongate frame members, which form the sides of the frame, and corner brackets which join adjacent ends of the frame members. The elongate frame members are cut to length and the ends are coupled to respective corner brackets via one or more fixings, such as screws.

[0005] However, such an arrangement can be time-consuming for the installer, as the screws have to be properly located and each screw tightened individually. The screws also add to the overall cost of the frame.

[0006] Additionally, the corner brackets form visible components of the window blind frame and typically need to be covered to achieve the desired aesthetic appeal. However, the cover components increase the costs of the frame assembly and also the time required to assemble the frame assembly. Moreover, the aesthetic appeal of the covers is not always pleasing.

[0007] It is desired to provide a window blind frame that includes mitred corners between the frame members.

[0008] According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a window blind frame assembly including a first frame member, a second frame member and a connecting element, wherein the connecting element includes a pair of projecting arms which define between them an angle of substantially 90°; each of the first and second frame members includes a first side edge portion and an end portion; each end portion extends at an angle of 45° from the respective first side edge portion to an opposing side edge portion; each of the first and second frame members define a channel; each of the channels receives a respective one of the projecting arms; a friction fit coupling or a snap fit coupling is formed between each of the projecting arms and the respective one of the first and second frame members; and wherein the end portion of the first frame member lies adjacent to the end portion of the second frame member such that the first frame member is perpendicular to the second frame member.

[0009] It will be appreciated that the provision of the end portions having a 45° angle results in a mitred corner between the first and second frame members, wherein the first and second frame members are secured together by the connecting element. The connecting element is suitably not visible in use.

[0010] According to the invention, each of the projecting arms forms a friction fit coupling or a snap fit coupling with the respective one of the frame members. For example, each of the projecting arms may include one or more crushable or deformable ribs, whereby a friction fit is formed between each arm and the respective frame member. Such couplings result in an arrangement in which further fixings to secure the frame members to the connecting element are not necessary. Thus, additional components such as screws, rivets or adhesive, for example, are not required. This reduces costs and makes it easier to assemble a window blind frame assembly.

[0011] It has been found that by providing the connecting element with one or more outwardly projecting deformable / crushable ribs as defined above, it is not necessary to include additional fixing elements, such as the screws disclosed in W02006 / 109009 or the outwardly projecting locking elements (snap-fit connectors) disclosed in WO2018 / 055416.

[0012] The frictional forces generated between each projecting arm of the connecting element and the respective frame member may be sufficiently high that no further fixings are required.

[0013] According to an embodiment of the invention, each deformable / crushable projecting rib projects in a direction substantially perpendicular to a surface of the projecting arm which carries the rib. Thus, the deformable / crushable projecting ribs of this embodiment may project outwardly from the respective surface of the projecting arm. In an embodiment of the invention, each projecting arm defines a pair of opposed, substantially planar surfaces. Suitably, the respective deformable projecting ribs project in a direction which is perpendicular to the plane of the respective surface.

[0014] Suitably, each of the projecting arms includes at least two crushable ribs. It will be appreciated that the more crushable ribs that are provided, the stronger the friction fit between the respective components will be. However, providing more crushable ribs increases the costs of the connecting element. Accordingly, it is submitted that between 2 and 8, for example between 2 and 6, crushable ribs per projecting arm may provide a suitable balance between the strength of the friction fit and the costs.

[0015] Each of the deformable projecting ribs may include a tapered leading edge portion. In such embodiments, the deformation of the projecting ribs increases as the projecting arm is inserted into the channel defined by the respective frame member. Optionally, the entire projecting rib may be tapered. Thus, the or each crushable rib may taper from its trailing edge to its leading edge. In other words, the height of the rib from the projecting arm surface may increase from the leading edge.

[0016] The projecting ribs may deform plastically (i.e. the rib does not recover from the deformation) or the projecting ribs may be resiliently deformable (i.e. they are able to recover at least partially following deformation).

[0017] In a further embodiment of the invention, the distal end of each projecting arm carries a hook. The hook may be used to secure one or more operating cords of a window blind to the connecting element. This in turn permits the window blind frame assembly of the invention to be used with a variety of different types of window blinds. In the context of the subject invention, the term “hook” is intended to mean a curved element which is capable of retaining one end of an operating cord.

[0018] Optionally, the assembly further includes a cover element, wherein the cover element is detachably coupled to the connecting element. For example, the cover element may overly the end portions of the first and second frame members. It will be appreciated that a perfect mitre joint requires both end portions to have a perfect 45° angle. Measuring and machining tolerances may not provide the perfect mitre joint. Accordingly, any smally gaps between the adjacent end portions of the first and second frame members may be covered by the cover element to give the visual impression of a perfect mitre joint.

[0019] In a further embodiment of the invention, the assembly includes a top frame member, a bottom frame member, a pair of side frame members, and four connecting elements, wherein each end of the frame members defines a 45° mitre; wherein the frame members are arranged in a rectangular configuration and adjacent ends of the frame members are coupled together via a respective one of the connecting elements. Each of the four corners of the rectangular fra me include a pair of adjacent frame members which are coupled together by a connecting element as discussed hereinabove.

[0020] According to a second aspect of the invention, there is provided a combination of a window blind frame assembly according to the first aspect of the invention as discussed anywhere hereinabove and a window blind secured to the window blind frame assembly.

[0021] The window blind of the second aspect of the invention may be a roller blind, a vertical blind, a Venetian blind, a Roman blind, a cellular blind or a pleated blind.

[0022] In an embodiment of the second aspect of the invention, the window blind frame assembly includes a top frame member and the window blind is secured to the top frame member of the window blind frame assembly.

[0023] The skilled person will appreciate that the features described and defined in connection with the aspect of the invention and the embodiments thereof may be combined in any combination, regardless of whether the specific combination is expressly mentioned herein. Thus, all such combinations are considered to be made available to the skilled person.

[0024] An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0025] Figures 1a to 1d show views of a mitre joint formed between adjacent frame members and a connecting element according to a first embodiment of the first aspect of the invention; Figures 2a to 2c show the connecting element that forms part of the mitre joint shown in Figures 1a to 1d;

[0026] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the mitre joint shown in Figures 1a to 1d;

[0027] Figures 4a to 4d show views of a mitre joint formed between adjacent frame members and a connecting element according to a second embodiment of the first aspect of the invention;

[0028] Figures 5a to 5c show the connecting element that forms part of the mitre joint shown in Figures 4a to 4d;

[0029] Figures 6a to 6c show the cover element that forms part of the mitre joint shown in figures 4a to 4d; and

[0030] Figure 7 shows an exploded view of the mitre joint shown in Figures 4a to 4d.

[0031] For the avoidance of doubt, the skilled person will appreciate that in this specification, the terms “up”, “down”, “front”, “rear”, “upper”, “lower”, “width”, etc. refer to the orientation of the components as found in the example when installed for normal use as shown in the Figures.

[0032] Figures 1a to 1d show a first embodiment of a mitred corner 2 of a window blind frame assembly which is defined between a first frame member 4 and a second frame member 6. The first and second frame members 4, 6 are coupled together in the mitred configuration by a connecting element 8 (shown in more detail in Figures 2a to 2c).

[0033] It will be appreciated that the figures only show two of the frame members (there are typically four frame members in a frame assembly) and one connecting element (there are usuallyfour connecting elements in a complete frame assembly). Thus, only one corner of the frame assembly is shown in the Figures. The remaining corners of the frame assembly have the same configuration as shown in the Figures.

[0034] The frame members 4, 6 have end portions 10 which are cut to a 45° angle relative to an outside edge portion 4a, 6a of the respective frame member 4, 6 to define a 45° mitre.

[0035] Each of the frame members 4, 6 includes a first channel forming portion 12 and a second channel forming portion 14. The channel forming portions 12, 14 define between them a channel 16. Figures 2a to 2c show in more detail the connecting element 8, which is formed from a polymeric material. The connecting element 8 defines a first arm 18 and a second, perpendicular arm 20.

[0036] Figure 2a shows one side of the connecting element 8. This side of the connecting element 8 carries a pair of crushable or deformable ribs 22 at the distal of the first arm 18 and a second pair of crushable or deformable ribs 24 at the distal end of the second arm 20. Each of the ribs 22, 24 has a leading edge defined by the end of the rib closest to the distal end of the respective arm 18, 20. The leading edge of the ribs 22, 24 are tapered.

[0037] The ribs 22, 24 undergo plastic deformation when urged against a contact surface and form a friction fit with that surface.

[0038] Figure 2b shows the opposite side of the connecting element 8. This side of the connecting element 8 defines a pair of shaped contact portions 26, 28 which have a shape that corresponds to one side of the channel 16. The shaped contact portions 26, 28 engage a rear surface of the respective frame member 4, 6 and urges the ribs 22, 24 on the opposite side of the connecting element 8 into engagement with the corresponding channel forming portions 12, 14, whereby a friction fit is defined between the deformed ribs 22, 24 and the respective channel forming portions 12, 14; and between the shaped contact portions 26, 28 and the rear surface of the respective frame member 4, 6.

[0039] Figure 2c shows a perspective view of the connecting element 8. In this figure, it can be seen that the connecting element 8 further includes a pair of guide elements 30, 32 which guide the first and second arms 18, 20 into the correct configuration relative to respective reinforcing struts 34 of the frame members 4, 6.

[0040] As shown in each of Figures 2a to 2c, each of the first and second arms 18, 20 carries a hook 36 at its distal end. The hooks are capable of engaging respective operating cords of certain types of window blinds. This permits a more universal application of the window blind frame assembly, as the frame assembly may be used with different types of window blinds.

[0041] Figure 3 shows an exploded view of the mitred corner 2. To assemble the mitred corner 2, the first arm 18 is urged into the channel 16 defined by the first and second channel forming portions 12, 14 and a rear surface of the second frame member 6. The shaped contact portion 26 bears against the rear surface of the second frame member 6 and urges the ribs 22 into contact with the respective channel forming portions 12, 14. As the arm 18 is urged into the channel 16, the ribs 22 are crushed / deformed and a friction fit between the connecting element 8 and the second frame member 6 is formed as discussed hereinabove.

[0042] A similar process is followed to couple the second arm 20 of the connecting element 8 with the first frame member 4. Thus, the second arm 20 is urged into the channel 16 defined by the first and second channel forming portions 12, 14 of the first frame member 4 and a rear surface of the first frame member 4. The shaped contact portion 28 bears against the rear surface of the first frame member 4 and urges the ribs 24 into contact with the respective channel forming portions 12, 14. As the second arm 20 is urged into the channel 16, the ribs 24 are crushed / deformed and a friction fit between the connecting element 8 and the first frame member 4 is formed as discussed hereinabove.

[0043] Figures 4a to 4d show a second embodiment of a mitred corner 102 of a window blind assembly. In this embodiment, the frame members 4, 6 are the same as described hereinabove in connection with the first embodiment. However, the connecting element 108 is different and the window blind frame assembly further includes a cover element 150 which is detachably coupled to the connecting element 108.

[0044] Figures 5a to 5c show in more detail the connecting element 108 of the second embodiment, which is also formed from a polymeric material. The connecting element 108 defines a first arm 118 and a second, perpendicular arm 120.

[0045] Figure 5a shows one side of the connecting element 108. This side of the connecting element 108 carries a pair of crushable or deformable ribs 122 at the distal of the first arm 118 and a second pair of crushable or deformable ribs 124 at the distal end of the second arm 120.

[0046] Each of the ribs 122, 124 has a leading edge defined by the end of the rib closest to the distal end of the respective arm 118, 120. The leading edge of the ribs 122, 124 are tapered. The ribs 122, 124 undergo plastic deformation when urged against a contact surface and form a friction fit with that surface.

[0047] The connecting element 108 of the second embodiment defines a cover element receiver 152 which defines therein a receiving slot 158.

[0048] The connecting element 108 further defines three pairs of guide elements: a first pair of guide elements 130, 132; a second pair of guide elements 154, 156; and a third pair of guide elements 160, 162.

[0049] The first pair of guide elements 130, 132 defines respective first connector channels between them and a side edge portion of the respective first and second arm 118, 120. The second pair of guide elements 154, 156 are carried by the cover element receiver 152 and define a second pair of connector channels between them and an opposite side edge portion of the respective first and second arm 118, 120. Finally, the third pair of guide elements 160, 162 define a third pair of connector channels between them and a respective one of the first pair of guide elements 130, 132.

[0050] Figure 5b shows the opposite side of the connecting element 108 and Figure 5c shows a perspective view of the connecting element 108.

[0051] As shown in Figure 5b, the connecting element 108 further includes a cover element connecting aperture 164.

[0052] Figures 6a to 6c show in more detail the cover element 150. The cover element includes a curved main body portion 170, a locating element 172 and a connecting element comprising a resiliently deformable leg 174 and a connecting lug 176.

[0053] Figure 7 shows an exploded view of the mitred corner 102.

[0054] It will be appreciated that when the first arm 118 is urged into the channel 16 defined by the first and second channel forming portions 12, 14 and a rear surface of the second frame member 6, the first channel forming portion 12 is located within the respective first connector channel, the second channel forming portion 14 is located within the respective second connector channel, and the reinforcing strut 34 is located within the respective third connector channel. As the arm 118 is urged into the channel 16, the ribs 122 are crushed / deformed and a friction fit between the connecting element 108 and the second frame member 6 is formed as discussed hereinabove.

[0055] A similar process is followed to couple the second arm 120 of the connecting element 108 with the first frame member 4. Thus, the second arm 120 is urged into the channel 16 defined by the first and second channel forming portions 12, 14 of the first frame member 4 and a rear surface of the first frame member 4. The various portions of the first frame member are located within the respective connector channels defined by the second arm 120 as discussed above and the ribs 124 are urged into contact with the respective channel forming portions 12, 14. As the second arm 120 is urged into the channel 16, the ribs 124 are crushed / deformed and a friction fit between the connecting element 108 and the first frame member 4 is formed as discussed hereinabove.

[0056] After the first frame member 4 and the second frame member 6 are connected together via the connecting element 108, the cover element 150 is coupled to the connecting element 108. The locating element 172 of the cover element is located within the receiving slot 158 of the cover element receiver 152. This prevents the rearward displacement of the cover element 150 relative to the connecting element 108. The connecting element of the cover element 150 is then urged into the cover element connecting aperture 164. The sloped leading edge of the locating lug 176 causes the leg 174 to deform until the locating lug is properly engaged within the aperture 164, at which point the leg 174 is permitted to spring back to its rest configuration and the locating lug 176 engages a stop wall (not shown). This arrangement prevents the forward and lateral displacement of the cover element 150 relative to the connecting element 108.

[0057] The curved main body portion 170 of the cover element 150 overlies the end portions 10 of the first and second frame members 4, 6. Such an arrangement covers any minor gaps between the end portions 10 as a result of manufacturing tolerances.

Claims

Claims1 . A window blind frame assembly including a first frame member, a second frame member and a connecting element, wherein the connecting element includes a pair of projecting arms which define between them an angle of substantially 90°; each of the first and second frame members includes a first side edge portion and an end portion; each end portion extends at an angle of 45° from the respective first side edge portion to an opposing side edge portion; each of the first and second frame members define a channel; each of the channels receives a respective one of the projecting arms; a friction fit coupling or a snap fit coupling is formed between each of the projecting arms and the respective one of the first and second frame members; and wherein the end portion of the first frame member lies adjacent to the end portion of the second frame member such that the first frame member is perpendicular to the second frame member.

2. A window blind frame assembly according to Claim 1 , wherein each of the projecting arms includes a crushable rib and a friction fit is formed between each arm and the respective frame member.

3. A window blind frame assembly according to Claim 2, wherein each of the projecting arms includes at least two crushable ribs.

4. A window blind frame assembly according to Claim 2 or Claim 3, wherein the or each crushable rib tapers from its trailing edge to its leading edge.

5. A window blind frame assembly according to any of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the distal end of each projecting arm carries a hook.

6. A window blind frame assembly according to any of Claims 1 to 5, wherein the assembly further includes a cover element, wherein the cover element is detachably coupled to the connecting element.

7. A window blind frame assembly according to Claim 6, wherein the cover element overlies the end portions of the first and second frame members.

8. A window blind frame assembly according to any of Claims 1 to 7, wherein the assembly includes a top frame member, a bottom frame member, a pair of side frame members, and four connecting elements, wherein the frame members are arranged in a rectangular configuration and adjacent ends of the frame members are coupled together via a respective one of the connecting elements.

9. A combination of a window blind frame assembly according to any of Claims 1 to 8 and a window blind secured to the window blind frame assembly.

10. A combination according to Claim 9, wherein the window blind is a roller blind, a vertical blind, a Venetian blind, a Roman blind, a cellular blind or a pleated blind.11 . A combination according to Claim 9 or Claim 10, wherein the window blind frame assembly includes a top frame member and the window blind is secured to the top frame member of the window blind frame assembly.

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