Standardized, modular strip / slat curtain made of flexible plastic for the protective covering of small to medium-sized and / or narrow openings

Abstract

Strip curtain (10) for covering small to medium-sized and / or narrow openings (13), comprising at least two flexible slat sections (1), wherein each lamella section (1) is cut (3) along its longitudinal axis at one or more points without being completely cut through, and wherein the lamella sections (1) are arranged next to each other essentially without overlap in the assembled state, resulting in a modularly adjustable overall width (9).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a modular strip curtain (10) made of a flexible thermoplastic or elastomeric material, preferably soft PVC, for covering small to medium-sized and / or narrow openings (13), in particular in doors, passageways, wall openings, housing openings and similar areas.

[0002] Typical areas of application include: - Animal housing (doghouses, stables, aviaries, enclosure openings), - Outbuildings (workshops, sheds, garden houses), - commercial and industrial applications, especially in mechanical engineering (splash protection, dust protection, occupational and environmental protection, demarcation of zones with different environmental influences).

[0003] The curtain (10) primarily serves as protection against cold, drafts, rain, particles / insects and other environmental influences, as well as providing protection for people and the surrounding area. Its modular design allows for flexible adjustment of its width (9) and height (12) and enables it to be extended as needed. Note on terminology:

[0004] The terms strip curtain and vertical blind are used synonymously below. Likewise, the terms slat and strip are synonymous and each refers to a slat section (1). State of the art

[0005] Industrial PVC strip curtains with overlapping slats have been known for decades (e.g., for hall and cold storage room closures). They often use standardized slat widths (7) of approximately 200 mm, 300 mm, or 400 mm (with tolerances) and thicknesses of approximately 2 mm, 3 mm, or 4 mm, which are attached to multi-part metal or plastic support profiles.

[0006] However, for small, narrow, or medium-sized openings (13), these known systems are neither economically nor functionally optimized. The overlapping of individual louvers leads to increased material requirements, more complex mounting systems, additional assembly effort, more difficult storage, and a lack of modularity for small formats. Alternatively, louvers (1) were butted together, but not in a standardized and modular manner; rather, this was project-specific and therefore expensive and time-consuming. Object of the invention

[0007] The object of the present invention is to provide a technically and economically optimized strip curtain (10) that is particularly suitable for small to medium-sized and / or narrow openings (13). The aim is to ensure effective protection against external influences such as drafts, insects, splashing water, or welding light, while simultaneously reducing material usage and simplifying the design. The curtain (10) should be easy to install, suitable for both custom-made and mass-produced products, and, thanks to its modular design, adjustable in width (9) and expandable as needed. Furthermore, the invention should enable the efficient use of materials from industrial manufacturing processes, in particular new offcuts from PVC strip production.This enables a resource-saving, cost-effective and at the same time functional solution for diverse applications in private, commercial and industrial sectors. Solution to the task

[0008] To solve the problem at hand, a strip curtain (10) is proposed, consisting of several flexible lamella sections (1). Each lamella section (1) has one or more incisions (3) along its longitudinal axis, which do not extend to the entire length (2) but leave an uncut area (6). This uncut area (6) serves as the attachment zone. The incisions (3) are preferably made at regular intervals (4) – for example, 100 mm – although irregular intervals are also possible. The depth (5) of the incisions (3) is preferably between 60% and 95% of the total length (2) of the lamella section (1).

[0009] The slat sections (1) are mounted essentially butt-jointed, i.e., without any significant overlap or gap. In this way, the overall width (9) of the curtain (10) can be adjusted modularly by combining any number of slat sections (1). A minimal overlap and / or gap of up to a maximum of 5% of the respective slat width (7) is optional and depends on the specific requirements. Various systems are suitable for attaching the slat sections (1) to a support structure (14). The use of clamping strips (20, 20a, 20b) with corresponding perforations (8) is particularly preferred, allowing for mounting with screws (21), for example. Alternatively, depending on the application, the slat sections can also be attached using adhesive strips, magnetic strips, plug-in systems, rivets, or similar mechanical fasteners.

[0010] The curtain (10) has a modular design, allowing the use of standardized widths (7) of, for example, 200 mm, 300 mm, or 400 mm, and standard heights (2) from 300 mm to 600 mm. These dimensions enable economical mass production and flexible adaptation to different opening sizes (13). The individual slat sections (1) can be prefabricated and stored or cut to size on site.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the lamella sections (1) consist of as-new offcuts or blanks from industrial PVC lamella production. This reuse significantly reduces material waste and enables economical, sustainable production without compromising the technical properties.

[0012] Furthermore, the louver sections (1) can be equipped with functional properties tailored to the specific application. For example, they can be transparent, translucent, or colored, as well as UV-resistant, antistatic, oil- or petrol-resistant, flame-retardant, or welding light-filtering according to EN ISO 25980. This allows for various protective effects, such as protection against drafts, dust, liquids, light, or mechanical impacts. Advantages of the invention

[0013] The present invention offers several technical and practical advantages. By eliminating the overlapping of the slat sections (1), material consumption is significantly reduced. At the same time, a uniform protective effect is achieved with improved visibility and fewer areas susceptible to dirt or insect accumulation, as is typical with overlapping slats. The modular design with standardized widths (7) and heights (2) enables mass production, warehousing, and rapid assembly of the slats into different curtain widths (9).

[0014] A key advantage lies in the simple and flexible installation. Depending on the structural situation and customer requirements, the slats can be attached using clamping strips (20, 20a, 20b) with standardized holes (8) or via alternative methods such as adhesive strips, magnetic strips, or plug-in systems. This allows for quick installation, even by users with limited technical experience.

[0015] Another advantage is sustainability. Using new production sections from industrial PVC lamella manufacturing reduces waste, saves costs, and allows for the production of more affordable products while maintaining the same functionality.

[0016] Last but not least, the range of applications for the curtain system (10) is wide. It ranges from simple applications such as weather protection in animal enclosures or workshops, through household solutions, to demanding industrial applications such as machine and occupational safety, for example as splash or welding protection. Examples of implementation (detailed, unabridged)

[0017] To illustrate the invention, exemplary embodiments are described below, which, however, do not limit the scope of protection.

[0018] In a first example, the curtain (10) serves to cover a small opening (13), such as in a doghouse. The opening has a width (11) of 400 mm and a height (12) of 300 mm. Two slat sections (1), each with a width (7) of 200 mm and a length (2) of 400 mm, are butted together, resulting in a total width (9) of 400 mm. The slats are notched (3) along their longitudinal axis at intervals (4) of 100 mm, leaving an uncut area (6) of approximately 80 mm for fastening. Fastening is achieved via a clamping strip (20) with holes (8), which is mounted to a support structure (14) using screws (21) (see Figure 1). Fig. 3.1 to 3.5).

[0019] In a second example, a wider opening (13) in a workshop is closed off with a curtain (10). For this purpose, three slat sections (1) with widths (7.1) 200 mm, 200 mm and (7.2) 300 mm are combined to achieve a total width (9) of 700 mm. The outer slat sections (1) extend beyond the opening and overlap the adjacent wall surface (14). The curtain can be attached using a continuous clamping strip (20a), or alternatively using several individual strips (20b) or other fastening devices such as adhesive strips or magnetic profiles (see [reference]). Fig. 4.1 and 4.2).

[0020] A third example shows a variant without clamping strips (20) and perforations (8). Here, the slat sections (1) are mechanically attached to the structure (14) using adhesive strips, magnetic strips, plug-in or snap-in systems. In this case, the uncut area (6) serves purely as a clamping or adhesive surface, without requiring any penetration.

[0021] Another example illustrates the application in mechanical engineering, particularly for protection against welding light or sparks. Here, lamellar sections (1) with a width (7) of 300 mm and a length (2) of 600 mm are used. The material is welding light filtering according to EN ISO 25980 and is also flame retardant. The cutouts (3) run at regular intervals (4), for example, every 100 mm. They are fastened using clamping strips (20) with screws (21), thus ensuring a secure hold on the support structure (14).

[0022] In a particularly flexible design, the cut intervals (4) within a slat section (1) are variable, for example in the sequence 80 mm / 120 mm / 90 mm. This creates different bending zones that specifically influence airflow or the opening and closing behavior of the curtain (10). This allows for finely tuned adaptation to various functional requirements. Drawings Fig. Figure 1 shows a lamella section (1) with a length (2), incisions (3) whose spacing (4) is preferably 100 mm, and incision lengths (5) that are shorter than the length (2), leaving an uncut area (6). The uncut area (6) has a hole (8) for fastening. Example dimensions: width (7) 200 mm, length (2) 500 mm, incision length (5) 420 mm, uncut area (6) 80 mm. Fig. Figure 2 shows a wider slat section (1) with a width (7) of 300 mm, analogous to Fig. 1, with several cuts (3). Dimensions and relations (2, 4, 5, 6, 8) can be chosen analogously. Fig. Figure 3.1 shows an opening (13) with opening width (11) and opening height (12). Fig. Figure 3.2 shows two slat sections (1, 1) of equal width (7) arranged bluntly next to each other, forming a curtain (10) with a total width (9). The length (2) is greater than the height (12) of the opening (13). Fig. Figure 3.3 shows the covered opening (13) with a curtain (10) which is mounted in the structure (14) via a clamping strip (20) using fasteners (21). The overall width (9) can be equal to or greater than the opening width (11) (lateral overlap). Fig. Figure 3.4 shows a sectional view of the attachment of the lamella section (1) to the structure (14) via clamping strip (20), holes (8) and fasteners (21). Fig. Figure 3.5 shows the exploded view according to Fig. 3.4 with illustration of the assembly sequence: (i) Position lamella section (1), (ii) Place clamping strip (20), (iii) Align holes (8), (iv) Set fasteners (21). Fig. Figure 4.1 shows a modular arrangement of several slat sections (1) of different widths (7.1, 7.2) to form a curtain (10). Total width (9) = 7.1 + 7.1 + 7.2. Each slat section (1) is attached via its own clamping strip (20a, 20b). Fig. 4.2 shows an alternative fastening option in which a continuous clamping strip (20a) clamps two or more slat sections (1) together. Reference symbol list 1 lamella section 2 Length of slat section 3. Cut 4 Distance Cut 5 7.1, Length of cut (cut depth) 6 uncut area (fastening zone) 7 slat width 7.2 Different slat widths 8-hole 9 Total width (two or more slat sections) 10 Curtain (made of several slat sections) 11 Width of the opening 12 Height of the opening 13 Opening 14 Construction / Wall surface / Support 20, 20a, 20b Terminal block 21 Screw / Fastener

Claims

[1] Strip curtain (10) for covering small to medium-sized and / or narrow openings (13), comprising at least two flexible slat sections (1), wherein each lamella section (1) is cut (3) along its longitudinal axis at one or more points without being completely cut through, and wherein the lamella sections (1) are arranged next to each other essentially without overlap in the assembled state, resulting in a modularly adjustable overall width (9). [2] Kit for the manufacture of a strip curtain (10) according to claim 1, comprising a plurality of slat sections (1) with predetermined widths (7) and lengths (2) and at least one fastening device suitable for detachably or permanently attaching one or more slat sections (1) to a structure (14). [3] Slat section (1) for a strip curtain (10) according to claim 1 or a kit according to claim 2, with at least one incision (3) along the longitudinal axis, which extends over a large part of the length (2) but leaves an uncut area (6). [4] Strip curtain according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the lamella sections (1) consist of a flexible thermoplastic or elastomeric material, preferably PVC. [5] Strip curtain according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the lamella sections (1) have standardized widths (7), in particular about 200 mm, 300 mm or 400 mm, each with manufacturing-typical tolerances. [6] Strip curtain according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the thickness of the lamella sections (1) is approximately 2 mm, 3 mm or 4 mm. [7] Strip curtain according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the lengths (2) of the slat sections (1) comprise standard heights, in particular 300 mm, 400 mm, 500 mm or 600 mm, and / or are individually customizable. [8] Strip curtain according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the incisions (3) are arranged regularly or irregularly at intervals (4), in particular regularly at intervals of about 100 mm. [9] Strip curtain according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the depth (5) of the incisions (3) extends over 60% to 95% of the length (2). [10] Strip curtain according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the lamella sections (1) are arranged essentially bluntly next to each other, with a minimal overlap of up to 5% of the lamella width (7) being permitted. [11] Strip curtain according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the total width (9) is greater than the opening width (11), so that lateral lamella sections (1) overlap onto adjacent surfaces (14). [12] Strip curtain according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that clamping strips (20, 20a, 20b), adhesive strips, magnetic strips, plug-in systems, rivets or screws (21) are used as fastening devices. [13] Strip curtain according to claim 12, characterized by , that the fastening is done via clamping strips (20, 20a, 20b) with corresponding holes (8). [14] Strip curtain according to one of claims 12 or 13, characterized by , that each lamella section (1) is fastened by means of its own clamping strip (20). [15] Strip curtain according to claim 13, characterized by , that several lamella sections (1) are jointly fixed by a continuous clamping strip (20a, 20b). [16] Strip curtain according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that the lamella sections (1) consist of new production sections from industrial PVC lamella manufacturing. [17] Strip curtain according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the lamella sections (1) have antistatic, UV-resistant, oil / petrol-resistant, welding light filtering (EN ISO 25980) or flame-retardant properties. [18] Strip curtain according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the cutting line of the incisions (3) runs parallel to the longitudinal axis. [19] Strip curtain according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the cutting direction of the incisions (3) deviates from the longitudinal axis, in particular is oblique, curved, toothed or segmented. [20] Kit according to claim 2, characterized by , that the widths (7) and lengths (2) of the louver sections (1) are chosen such that any opening widths (11) can be covered by combining the elements. [21] Use of the strip curtain (10) according to any of the preceding claims as protection against drafts, cold, rain or similar climatic influences. [22] Use of the strip curtain (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 21 as a barrier against the ingress of insects. [23] Use of the strip curtain (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 21 for personal, work or environmental protection in mechanical engineering, in particular against splashing water, oil mist, air currents or welding light. [24] Strip curtain according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the curtain (10) is individually adjustable and modularly expandable.

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