Tension frame for an insect screen for insertion into a window opening

Abstract

Tension frame for an insect screen for insertion into a window opening, characterized by, - that at least two frame sides are either divided by at least one straight connecting element (3, 4, 10) which allows a hinge-like movement of adjacent frame segments (1, 2, 8, 9, 11, 12) to each other in an axis oriented perpendicular to the plane of the frame, or are designed to be flexible, - that at the frame corners the adjacent frame parts are connected to each other by hinge-like corner connecting elements (5), which also allow a hinge-like movement of adjacent frame parts to each other in an axis oriented perpendicular to the plane of the frame, or, provided that straight connecting elements are located near the frame corners, also by slightly flexible corner connecting elements (7), by rigid corner connecting elements or by other rigid connections, - that two opposing frame sides, which are either divided by at least one straight connecting element or are designed to be flexible, are deformable in the direction of the surface enclosed by the frame by guiding areas of these two frame sides, which are arranged at a distance from the frame corners, in this direction, whereby the frame sides are either folded at the straight connecting elements or bent inwards and the frame corners associated with them each approach each other, - that, due to the deformation of the two frame sides in the direction of the surface enclosed by the frame, if they are connected to the other two frame sides via hinge-like corner connecting elements (5), those other frame sides are pulled towards each other via the corner connecting elements, whereby, if the two frame sides are deformed to the same extent, they remain parallel to each other, but otherwise are inclined to each other, - and that, due to the deformation of the two frame sides in the direction of the surface enclosed by the frame, if further frame segments (11) are interposed between short frame segments (8) via straight connecting elements (10) on the two other frame sides, the short frame segments (8), when the tension frame is held freely in space, pivot outwards at their ends pointing towards the center of the frame sides in the plane of the frame and the frame corners assigned to them on each frame side approach each other, and in the further course of this movement the interposed frame segments (11) also approach each other.

Description

[0001] To prevent insects from entering through open windows, insect screens can be installed. In a common design, the screen is either pre-installed at the factory or installed by the user in a rectangular frame. Two different methods are used for positioning the frame.

[0002] In the first application variant, the tension frame is placed on the room side against the inside of the window frame, so that when the window is closed, the grille lies between the window sash and the stop seal attached to the inside of the frame. Closing the window sash is only possible if the tension frame is wide and high enough that its inner contour lies completely outside the outer contour of the window sash when the window is closed. However, many windows present the problem that parts of the window frame on the room side, or components connected to it, protrude so far into the window opening that they prevent the insertion of a tension frame manufactured to the required size.

[0003] In the second application variant, the tension frame is attached to the outside of the window frame. It is generally manufactured so that its outer contour is larger than the opening area of ​​the window frame and overlaps it completely on the outside. Installation from the inside is usually still possible by first pivoting the tension frame around various axes so that it can be guided through the window opening to the outside and then pivoted back into a position parallel to the window frame outside the window. This application variant is, for example, the subject of DE 198 35 390 A 1. Here, attachment to the window frame is achieved by four mounting tabs arranged in the corner areas of the tension frame, which engage vertically behind the window frame on the inside from the outside of the window.The tension frame is attached by having the two upper mounting tabs each attached to a sliding element. This sliding element can be moved against the force of a compression spring against the opposite lower mounting tab, which is fixed to the tension frame. However, a problem arises if the space outside the window is so restricted by a window grille that the described guidance of the tension frame through the window opening to the outside is prevented.

[0004] The problems described are solved by the tension frame with the features listed in claim 1. In the tension frame according to the invention, two opposing frame sides are either divided by at least one straight connecting element that allows a hinge-like movement of adjacent frame segments relative to each other in an axis oriented perpendicular to the plane of the tension frame, or are designed to be flexible so that they can be deformed in the direction of the surface enclosed by the frame; furthermore, appropriately designed corner connecting elements or straight connecting elements located near the frame corners also enable a hinge-like movement of adjacent frame parts relative to each other in the corner regions. The components of the tension frame are designed and arranged such that the frame corners approach each other during this deformation of the two frame sides.This reduces the outer contour of the tension frame. In the final position, the tension frame can be returned from this reduced state to its original rectangular shape. The tension frame is also reduced in size in the same way for removal from the window.

[0005] The tension frame described in EP 4 382 718 A1 consists of profile elements, the opposing side profile elements of which are each divided into collapsible or foldable sub-profiles, so that the tension frame can be converted from an open to a folded state. In a preferred embodiment, the sub-profiles are connected to each other by hinge joints. This arrangement serves the purpose of making the tension frame less bulky and suitable for shipping when folded. A tension frame is also commercially available in which a similar folding mechanism is not achieved by dividing the side profile elements into sub-profiles, but rather by hinged connection of the four frame sides in the area of ​​the frame corners. This frame is folded for shipping in such a way that the four frame sides, whose length can be extended telescopically, lie parallel to each other in pairs.In these two tension frames, the folding mechanism serves to reduce the size of the tension frame for shipping and not to solve the problems described above; in both tension frames, the folding mechanism would not be structurally suitable for solving these problems.

[0006] The inventive idea formulated in claim 1 offers a wide range of possible embodiments, which are illustrated below for two exemplary embodiments. Fig. 1, Fig. 2 to Fig. 3 will be explained. They show: Fig. 1 For the first embodiment, the clamping frame according to the invention in its rectangular initial state and in its reduced state, Fig. 2 for the second embodiment, the clamping frame according to the invention in the rectangular initial state and in the reduced state, Fig. 3 for the in Fig. 2 The second embodiment shown depicts the upper left corner of the frame in perspective view with an exemplary execution of possible constructive details.

[0007] The in Fig. The first embodiment shown in Figure 1 is characterized in that two opposite sides of the tensioning frame - left and right in the drawing - are each divided into two preferably equally long frame segments 1 and 2, which are connected to each other by straight connecting elements 3 and 4.

[0008] They are designed to allow hinge-like movement of the adjacent frame parts relative to each other along an axis perpendicular to the plane of the tension frame. The hinge-like corner connecting elements 5, which connect these frame sides to the two other, undivided frame sides 6, serve the same function. The frame parts are preferably manufactured as profiles made of metal or plastic.

[0009] The straight connecting elements 3 and 4, as well as the hinge-like corner connecting elements 5, are preferably designed to be resilient, such that the clamping frame is automatically held in its rectangular initial state. Accordingly, the connecting elements can be designed as spring hinges, constructed in a technically conventional manner and made of metal. In a simple and cost-effective embodiment, the connecting elements consist of a rubber-elastic material. In this case, the desired hinge-like function is achieved by buckling the elastic body forming the connecting element. To minimize the deformability of the elastic body in other directions, it is advantageous for it to be considerably narrower in the plane of the clamping frame in the area where the buckling is to occur than in the dimension perpendicular to it.

[0010] To move the tension frame from its rectangular to its reduced size for insertion into the window opening, the user holds it freely in space with both hands – left and right in the drawing – by the frame sections located in the area of ​​connecting elements 3 and 4, and guides these towards the surface enclosed by the frame (arrows). Handling can be improved by attaching handles or loops. As frame segments 1 and 2 fold at connecting elements 3 and 4, the frame sides 6 – top and bottom in the drawing – are also moved towards each other via the hinge-like corner connecting elements 5, thus reducing the outer contour of the tension frame in the vertical direction.

[0011] To achieve a reduction of the outer contour on all sides, the frame members located in the area of ​​connecting elements 3 and 4 must be guided to different extents towards the surface enclosed by the frame, so that the frame sides 6 are inclined relative to each other. If the connecting elements are designed as spring hinges, this different guidance distance can be achieved by equipping the connecting element that is to be guided to a lesser extent either with increased spring force or with a stop that limits the extent of the hinge movement. If the two connecting elements are made of a rubber-elastic material, they can be designed with different stiffnesses for this purpose, for example, by having different widths in the areas where the bending is to occur.

[0012] An asymmetrical deformation of the two frame sides also occurs in a variant of the in Fig. In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, a further, short frame segment is inserted in the area of ​​the connecting element that is to travel a longer distance towards the surface enclosed by the frame – connecting element 3 in the drawing – and is connected to the two frame segments adjacent to the frame corners by two straight connecting elements. This design is particularly advantageous when the connecting elements are made of a rubber-elastic material, because this avoids the very strong buckling of this connecting element – ​​compared to the other connecting elements – and distributes it across two connecting elements.

[0013] Another modification of the in Fig. The embodiment shown in Figure 1 is particularly suitable for the application variant where the tension frame is attached externally to the window frame. Here, the two frame sides divided by straight connecting elements – left and right in the drawing – are identical in all components. If the frame parts located in the area of ​​these connecting elements are now brought towards each other in the manner described, the frame segments adjacent to the connecting elements on both sides fold in largely symmetrically, and the two undivided frame sides – top and bottom in the drawing – move towards each other largely parallel. In this situation, the outer contour of the tension frame, when reduced in size, is only reduced in the vertical direction, but not in the horizontal direction.Even when the space in front of the window is restricted by a window grille, it is now easy to guide the tension frame diagonally outwards through the window opening after a slight pivot around a vertical axis. This simple application method also offers advantages for users with limited manual dexterity or in situations where handling is made difficult by furniture located on the room side under the window. If the attachment is to be achieved using hook-in tabs located in the corners of the tension frame, which engage vertically behind the window frame on the inside from the outside, these tabs, when the tension frame is returned from its reduced-size state to its rectangular initial state, are brought into their final position, designed for attachment between the upper and lower parts of the window frame.A sliding, spring-loaded attachment of individual mounting tabs is not structurally necessary. To reliably prevent the tension frame from detaching from the window opening, locking elements, such as sliding locking pins, can be attached to the frame sides divided by connecting elements to fix them in the straight position. A variation of this design, which involves a structural simplification, consists of the two frame sides divided by connecting elements remaining undivided instead and being made identically flexible on both sides so that, by guiding the central area towards the surface enclosed by the frame, they bend sufficiently to bring the two other frame sides closer together to the necessary extent.

[0014] In the Fig. In the second embodiment shown in Figure 2, the four frame sides are connected to each other via slightly flexible corner connecting elements 7, which allow only minimal movement of the adjacent frame segments relative to one another. A short frame segment 8 and a longer frame segment 9 adjoin each corner connecting element such that these short and longer frame segments face each other on the four frame sides. A frame segment 11 is interposed between each of the short frame segments 8 adjacent to the corner connecting elements – shown at the top and bottom of the drawing – and a frame segment 12 is interposed between each of the longer frame segments 9 adjacent to the corner connecting elements – shown at the left and right of the drawing – via straight connecting elements 10.

[0015] To move the tension frame from its rectangular initial state to its reduced size, the user grasps the midpoints of the frame segments 12, which are interposed between the longer frame segments 9, or any handles or loops attached there, with both hands and brings them towards each other (arrows). Due to the identical design of the connecting elements and frame segments on both sides, the frame segments 12 remain largely parallel. In the initial phase, this movement will cause the short frame segments 8, with their ends pointing towards the center of the frame sides, to pivot outwards in the plane of the tension frame, provided there is sufficient clearance. If this pivoting movement is mechanically prevented, a certain degree of deformation of the slightly flexible corner connecting elements 7 will occur during this phase.This is the case when, in the application variant where the tension frame is positioned against the inside of the window frame on the room side, it is to be removed from the window opening and parts of the window frame obstruct this pivoting movement of the short frame segments 8. In installation situations where this pivoting movement of the short frame segments can occur unhindered, the frame sides can be connected to each other at the frame corners using rigid corner connectors or another rigid connection.

[0016] As the frame segments 12 move closer together, the angles formed by the corner connecting elements 7, the short frame segments 8, and the longer frame segments 9 pivot further and further outwards relative to the frame segments 12 at the connecting elements 10 adjacent to them, so that eventually the frame segments 11 interposed between the short frame segments 8 are also pulled towards each other. The fact that they remain largely parallel during this movement means, compared to the Fig. In the illustrated embodiment 1, handling is somewhat facilitated, as the user always has the horizontal orientation of the clamping frame in view during positioning.

[0017] A variation of the in Fig. The second embodiment shown in Figure 2 consists in the fact that the two frame sides, each formed by the two longer frame segments 9 and the frame segment 12 interposed via connecting elements 10, remain undivided and are designed to be flexible in such a way that, by guiding the central area in the direction of the surface enclosed by the frame, they experience such a strong bending that the frame segments 11 interposed between the short frame segments 8 are also pulled towards each other in the manner described.

[0018] The in Fig. 3 for the upper left frame corner of the in Fig. The possible design details shown in the second embodiment (2) relate to the application variant in which the tension frame is positioned on the room side against the inside of the window frame. Here, frame segments 8 and 9 consist of hollow profiles made of a plastic with the required strength properties. They should be dimensioned sufficiently slim so that they fit into the space remaining next to the window sash frame for at least a significant portion of window models available on the market. Regardless of the window dimensions, they can be manufactured at the factory to their final length. In contrast, the long profiles 11 and 12, which are not shown in this drawing ( Fig. 2) Supplied in a length sufficient for standard window sizes and cut to the appropriate dimensions by the user. The interior 13 of the profiles is partially open on the side facing the window reveal when the tension frame is installed. On the side of the frame that faces the inside of the window frame when the tension frame is installed, there is an undercut groove 14. The insect screen is fixed in this groove by means of an elastic, for example, tube- or cord-shaped, keder. The narrow slot 15, which tapers to a point at its base, serves to guide the knife when precisely cutting off the excess portions of the insect screen.

[0019] The slightly flexible corner connector 7 and the straight connector 10 are made of a rubber-elastic material whose modulus of elasticity is selected to provide the deformability required for the application. To ensure continuous attachment of the insect screen, they also feature the groove 14 into which the keder is inserted. The connection to the profiles is made by extensions 16 that are inserted into the interior 13 of the profiles. The extensions of the straight connector 10 have a slot 17 on one side, into which a conical screw 18 can be inserted from the side opening of the profile via a bore in the end face. By screwing in the conical screw, the areas of the extension 16 arranged on both sides of the slot 17 are pressed against the profile, thus firmly fixing the connector to the profile.The surface of the extension can be textured for added stability (not shown in the drawing). Alternatively, the lateral opening of the frame profile can be omitted, and the extension can be attached inside the profile 13 by gluing or simply by press fit. Gluing is particularly recommended for the corner connectors 7, which can be pre-attached to the two adjacent frame segments 8 and 9 at the factory. The tension frame can be attached to the window frame in the usual way using a snap-fit ​​connection or by means of spot-applied hook-and-loop fasteners. Reference symbol list Fig. 1 (first embodiment): 1 frame segment on the divided frame side, which is to be bent further 2 frame segments on the divided frame side that should be bent less far 3 straight connecting elements on the divided frame side, which is to be bent further 4 straight connecting element on the divided frame side, which should be bent less far 5 hinge-like corner connecting element 6 undivided frame page Fig. 2 and Fig. 3 (second embodiment): 7 low-flexibility corner connector 8 short frame segment adjacent to a corner connecting element 9 longer frame segment adjacent to a corner connecting element 10 straight connecting element 11 Intermediate frame segment between the short frame segments (8) 12 Intermediate frame segment between the longer frame segments (9) 13 Interior of the frame profile 14 Gutter for Keder 15 slots for guiding the knife when cutting the insect screen 16 Extension of the connecting element 17 Slot in the extension of the connecting element 18 conical screw QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 198 35 390 A

[0003] EP 4 382 718 A1

[0005]

Claims

[1] Tension frame for an insect screen for insertion into a window opening, characterized by , - that at least two frame sides are either divided by at least one straight connecting element (3, 4, 10) which allows a hinge-like movement of adjacent frame segments (1, 2, 8, 9, 11, 12) to each other in an axis oriented perpendicular to the plane of the frame, or are designed to be flexible, - that at the frame corners the adjacent frame parts are connected to each other by hinge-like corner connecting elements (5), which also allow a hinge-like movement of adjacent frame parts to each other in an axis oriented perpendicular to the plane of the frame, or, provided that straight connecting elements are located near the frame corners, also by slightly flexible corner connecting elements (7), by rigid corner connecting elements or by other rigid connections, - that two opposing frame sides, which are either divided by at least one straight connecting element or are designed to be flexible, are deformable in the direction of the surface enclosed by the frame by guiding areas of these two frame sides, which are arranged at a distance from the frame corners, in this direction, whereby the frame sides are either folded at the straight connecting elements or bent inwards and the frame corners associated with them each approach each other, - that, due to the deformation of the two frame sides in the direction of the surface enclosed by the frame, if they are connected to the other two frame sides via hinge-like corner connecting elements (5), those other frame sides are pulled towards each other via the corner connecting elements, whereby, if the two frame sides are deformed to the same extent, they remain parallel to each other, but otherwise are inclined to each other, - and that, due to the deformation of the two frame sides in the direction of the surface enclosed by the frame, if further frame segments (11) are interposed between short frame segments (8) via straight connecting elements (10) on the two other frame sides, the short frame segments (8), when the tension frame is held freely in space, pivot outwards at their ends pointing towards the center of the frame sides in the plane of the frame and the frame corners assigned to them on each frame side approach each other, and in the further course of this movement the interposed frame segments (11) also approach each other. [2] Tensioning frame according to claim 1, characterized by, that of the straight connecting elements (3, 4, 10) and the hinge-like corner connecting elements (5) at least so many are designed as spring hinges or at least partially made of a rubber-elastic material that the tension frame is automatically held in the rectangular initial state. [3] Tensioning frame according to claim 2, characterized by , - that the frame segments (1, 2, 8, 9, 11, 12) and the undivided frame sides (6) are formed from hollow profiles, - that the straight connecting elements (3, 4, 10) and the hinge-like corner connecting elements (5) are made of a rubber-elastic material and are considerably narrower in the plane of the frame in the area where the bending is to take place than in the dimension perpendicular to it, - and that these connecting elements have two extensions (16) that engage into the interior (13) of the hollow profiles. [4] Tensioning frame according to claim 3, characterized by , - that the interior (13) of the hollow profiles is partially open on the side facing the window reveal when the tension frame is in place, - that the extensions (16) of the connecting elements have a slot (17) into which a conical screw (18) can be inserted via an end-face bore from the lateral opening of the profile, and that by screwing in this conical screw the areas of the extension (16) arranged on both sides of the slot (17) are pressed against the profile. [5] Tensioning frame according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , that two opposite frame sides are divided by straight connecting elements (3, 4), namely on one side by one and on the other side by one or two, and that these two frame sides are connected to the two other, undivided frame sides (6) via hinge-like corner connecting elements (5). [6] Tensioning frame according to claim 5, characterized by , that the division of the two opposing frame sides is effected either by a spring hinge, each equipped with different spring forces or provided with a stop on one side, or by a rubber-elastic connecting element, each designed with different stiffness, or on one side by two connecting elements, so that when the tension frame is held freely in space and areas of these two frame sides, which are arranged at a distance from the frame corners, are guided in the direction of the surface enclosed by the frame, they travel different distances and the two other, undivided frame sides are tilted towards each other, thereby causing an all-round reduction of the outer contour of the tension frame. [7] Tensioning frame according to claim 5, characterized by , - that the left and right frame sides are each divided by a straight connecting element or are designed to be flexible, and that these two frame sides are each identical in such a way that, when the tension frame is held freely in space and areas of these two frame sides, which are arranged at a distance from the frame corners, are moved towards the surface enclosed by the frame, this movement is largely symmetrical and the two undivided, top and bottom frame sides are moved towards each other largely parallel, thereby reducing the outer contour of the tension frame at the top and bottom to below the inner dimension of the window opening. - that the tension frame, after being guided from the interior through the window opening to the outside, is attached on the outside in front of the frame and, in this installed state, overlaps the window frame on all sides on the outside, - and that in the corner areas of the tension frame, mounting tabs are arranged which, when the tension frame is returned to its rectangular initial state, are brought to their final distance intended for fastening between the upper and lower part of the frame, in which they vertically engage behind the frame on the inside from the outside of the window. [8] Tensioning frame according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by , - that the corner connecting elements only allow a small amount of movement between the adjacent frame segments or are rigidly designed, - that on two opposite sides of the frame, short frame segments (8) adjoin the corner connecting elements, between which a frame segment (11) is inserted via straight connecting elements (10), - that longer frame segments (9) adjoin the corner connecting elements on the two other frame sides, between which a frame segment (12) is inserted via straight connecting elements (10), or that these two frame sides are designed to be flexible, - so that when the tension frame is held freely in space and the frame segments 12 are guided towards the surface enclosed by the frame or the two flexible frame sides are bent towards the surface enclosed by the frame, the short frame segments (8) pivot outwards at their ends pointing towards the center of the frame sides in the plane of the frame and the frame corners assigned to them on each frame side approach each other, and in the further course of this movement the intermediate frame segments (11) also approach each other, thereby causing an all-round reduction of the outer contour of the tension frame.

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