Fixing device for a portable blackout blind

Abstract

The present invention relates to a removable fixing device for a portable blackout blind. The fixing device has an elongate angled plate 10 with a detachable suction cup 20 at one end. The plate is be

Description

The present invention relates to improvements in and relating to a removable fixing device for a portable blackout blind. Background to the Invention Improved sleep often occurs for many people, particularly babies and children, in a dark environment. To achieve this dark environment, blackout curtains or blinds are typically fitted on bedroom windows, so that the person sleeping will not be woken by the dawn, particularly during the summer months. However, when on holiday or temporarily staying away from home, the curtains or blinds at the destination may not provide the desired darkened environment and may admit light causing people to wake at a much earlier hour than customary. To address this issue, portable devices which can be deployed to substantially prevent the passage of light through a window in order to darken a room and thus promote longer periods of sleep have been devised. However, known devices mostly include Velcro strips stuck to the window frame and to a blind to fasten the blind to the frame. Some use magnets fastened to the frame and blind. All of these known solutions involve sticking or otherwise permanently or semi permanently fastening components to the window frame and may damage the window frame on removal. Further issues with known systems involve light entering the room from around edges of the blind, impracticality of the blind and unsightly appearance of the blind when adjusted for small windows as well as the inability to roll up or partially open the blind neatly. It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide a fixing device for a blackout blind which overcomes the drawbacks of known solutions or at least provides a suitable alternative. Summary of the Invention The present invention addresses the problem of gaps around the edge of a removable blind through which light can enter a room. The present invention also addresses the problem of reducing a removable blind in size to accommodate different sized windows neatly. These problems are solved by providing fasteners for creating a temporary seal around the edge of a blind by holding the blind fabric tight in the corner at the junction of the glazing and frame or the junction of the frame and wall reveal, the fasteners being angled at one end and being removably fastened to a suction cup at the other end. The present invention relates to a removable fixing device for a portable blackout blind. The invention is set out in the claims. Accordingly, a first aspect of the present invention is a removable fixing device for a portable blackout blind, the fixing device comprising an elongate angled plate with a detachable suction cup at one end, wherein the elongate angled plate is bent with a shorter portion angled with respect to a longer portion and wherein the suction cup is at the end of the longer portion furthest from the bend. Advantageously, this fixing device allows blackout blind fabric to be held tightly in place around a window frame stopping light from entering a bedroom, in particular when multiple fixing devices according to the invention are used. However, use with a blackout blind for a bedroom window is not to be considered limiting and other uses of the fixing device according to the invention include with a sun shield for vehicles such as cars and caravans as well as with blinds in sunrooms, garages etc. The fixing device may also be used with privacy blinds for partially covering windows such as those in ground floor flats as opposed to for fully blocking out light. The bend in the fixing device between the longer and shorter portions allows for blind material to be held tight in the corner of the frame and wall and also allows for greater adaptability with differing frame depths. In use of the fixing device to hold a blackout blind in place on a window, the shorter portion of the elongate angled plate is furthest from the glazing and holds the blind material in place, for example against the edge of the window frame. Further, the fixing device may be used with any blind, sheet, towel or other material to hold that material tight against the frame of a window to block out light. Advantageously, the fixing device may additionally or alternatively be used in draught proofing windows or doors. In use, the longer portion of the elongate angled plate of the fixing device is preferably inserted through a slit in blind material until the bend abuts the material such that longer portion is on one side of the blind and the shorter, angled portion is on the other side of the blind. The suction cup is subsequently fastened to the longer portion of the elongate angled plate. Additional fixing devices may be used anywhere around the edge of the blind without insertion into the blind to hold the blind material tight, for example around obstructions like the central frame between panes of glass, on sash windows or between double doors. For such use, one or more fixing devices are preferably fastened to the window below the blind so as to grip the blind material to pull it tight on both sides of the obstruction. Use of a plurality of fixing devices permits the blind to be held tightly against window frame corners, wall reveals and at the junctions of the glazing and window frame thus preventing light entering the room through the window on which the blind is fixed. In a preferred embodiment, the shorter portion of the elongate angled plate comprises gripping means for acceptance of excess blind material. In this embodiment, the elongate angled plate comprises a longer flat portion separated from the gripping means by the bend such that the gripping means is at an angle to the flat portion. Advantageously, this allows a user to fold or roll up a blind fixed to the window by one or more fixing devices during the day such that the blind material is held by the gripping means so that light may enter the room without necessitating removal of the blind. Use of a plurality of fixing devices further allows the user to shorten the blind size vertically or horizontally to fit smaller windows. The extra material can then be folded neatly and tucked under the gripping means on one or more fixing devices to hold the excess material in place and create a neat, flat and light tight appearance without unseemly pleats found with known products which allow additional light to enter a space. For example, a user may roll the blind up vertically or over to the side horizontally, securing the blind fabric in gripping means on one or more fixing devices. This allows the user to neatly roll or fold the blind up during the day when the blind is not in use. In use of this embodiment, the longer portion of the elongate angled plate of the fixing device is preferably inserted through a slit in blind material until the gripping means abuts the fabric such that the longer portion of the elongate angled plate is on one side of the blind and the gripping means end of the elongate angled plate is on the other side of the blind. The suction cup is subsequently fastened to the elongate angled plate. Preferably the gripping means are wider than the elongate angled plate so as to act as a stopper. In a preferred embodiment, the shorter portion of the elongate angled plate is wider at the end furthest from the bend and is provided with parallel slits either side of the narrower section of the shorter portion resulting in two prongs adjacent the narrower section. Advantageously, this helps to stop blind material slipping down the elongate angled plate when taking the blind off the window or moving fixing devices around a window so the user doesn't have to keep readjusting when removing and reapplying a blind. Preferably, any slit in blind fabric is just wide enough to push the elongate angled plate of the fixing device through and the prongs hold the material tight and push the material down slightly at the edge to hold it in place. As a result, any gap around the side of the slit will be covered by the prongs and stop small amounts of light getting through. In some embodiments, the elongate angled plate comprises one or more apertures, preferably two apertures, to enable the suction cup to be fastened at one of multiple locations. In a preferred embodiment, the suction cup is removably fastened to the elongate angled plate via an aperture in the longer portion. In this embodiment, the suction cup preferably comprises a protruding male member for insertion through the aperture and a detachable female member. Alternatively, the suction cup comprises a female member and a detachable male member for insertion through the aperture. In some embodiments, the male member of the suction cup is a threaded protrusion and the female member is provided with corresponding internal screw threads. In these embodiments, the fixing device is preferably used with material that has apertures for acceptance of the male member. The apertures may each independently be eyelets, slits or the like. However, this is not considered limiting and other suction cup fastening means are contemplated in the scope of the invention, such as for example a magnetic connection, a clip or the like. In a preferred embodiment, the male member of the suction cup is a threaded protrusion and the female member is provided with corresponding internal screw threads. In this embodiment, the fixing device may be held together and separated by screwing and unscrewing the female member, respectively. In a preferred embodiment, the suction cups are about 4cm in diameter. The gripping means is preferably at an angle to longer portion of the elongate angled plate, preferably at an angle in the range of from about 60 degrees to about 170 degrees, particularly preferably from about 80 to about 140 degrees, e.g., about 130 degrees. The elongate angled plate is preferably made of metal such as for example steel, e.g., carbon steel or stainless steel. However, this is not considered limiting and the elongate angled plate may alternatively be made of resilient polymeric material, such as a plastic that has memory to retain its original shape. The longer portion of the elongate angled plate is at least the same length of the radius of the suction cup. Preferably, the longer portion of the elongate angled plate is at most 20cm long, particularly preferably from about 5cm to about 10cm long, e.g., about 7.5cm long. The shorter portion of the elongate angled plate is preferably less than half the length of the longer portion. Preferably, the shorter portion of the elongate angled plate is from about 2cm to about 5cm, e.g., about 3cm long. In some embodiments, the gripping means is a substantially U-shaped clip comprising a contoured end that is sufficiently resilient to be moved away from the elongate angled plate to fit fabric between the shorter portion of the elongate angled plate and the contoured end, the contoured end compressing against said shorter portion when the fabric is removed from the clip; and wherein a first section of the contoured end is a handle for moving the contoured end away from the elongate angled plate to fit fabric within the clip. In some embodiments, the contoured end is preferably substantially Z-shaped or substantially S-shaped with the top of the Z- or S-shape forming the handle. In some embodiments, the gripping means comprises first and second legs which are connected to each other by a connecting portion such that the legs define an intermediate space between them for receiving blind fabric, with the free end of the first leg resiliently forming a pressing location on the inner side of the second leg. In some embodiments, the gripping means comprises two parallel slits to form prongs either side of the shorter portion of the elongate angled plate. In another aspect, the invention provides a blackout blind comprising a plurality of fixing devices as described herein and a flexible sheet of substantially light-proof material with a first plurality of apertures, e.g., two or more slits, wherein each aperture independently has a width substantially corresponding to the width of the longer portion of the elongate angled plate of a fixing device. In some embodiments where the fixing device suction cup has a male member, the blind material further comprises a second plurality of apertures, e.g., two or more eyelets, wherein each eyelet independently has a diameter substantially corresponding to diameter of the male member. However, this is not considered to be limiting and the second plurality of apertures may comprise slits instead of or in addition to eyelets. Advantageously, the size of the blind is easily adjustable without allowing additional light to enter the space. The blind can also reduce draught in old style homes or air leaking windows. When shortening the blind and fastening excess material, this folded over material will further block out any light via imperfections in the blackout blind material. The skilled person will understand that where the same feature has been referenced in different aspects of the invention, this feature comprises the same parts and operates in the same way unless otherwise stated. Brief Description of the drawings Certain preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a preferred fixing device according to the invention; Figure 2 is an exploded view of the fixing device of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a side view of the fixing device of Figure 1; Figure 4 is an end view of the fixing device of Figure 1; Figure 5 is a plan view of the fixing device of Figure 1; Figure 6 is a view of the fixing device of Figure 1 in place on a window; and Figure 7 is a view of a preferred blackout blind according to another aspect of the invention and incorporating the fixing device of Figure 1 in place on a window. Detailed Description In overview, a fixing device for a portable blackout blind is provided to hold the blind tight to the corner of a window frame or window glazing, the fixing device comprising an elongate arm fastened to a suction cup at one end and having a clamping clip at the other end. Various embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings, where like reference numerals represent like parts and assemblies throughout the several views. It will be appreciated that the invention should not be construed to be limited to the examples, which are now described; rather, the invention is construed to include any and all applications provided herein and all equivalent variations within the skill of the ordinary artisan. Referring to the drawings, there is shown a fixing device according to the invention, generally referred to herein by reference numeral 100 and comprising elongate arm 10, clamping clip 11, suction cup 20 and cap 30. As shown in Figure 2, suction cup 20 is provided with threaded protrusion 21 and elongate arm 10 is provided with apertures 12,13 for acceptance of protrusion 21 to enable the suction cup 20 to be fastened at either location so as to alter the length of fixing device 100. As also shown in Figure 2, arm 10 has a longer flat portion 17 at an angle to a shorter portion 16 to which clip 11 is attached such that clip 11 is at an angle to flat portion 17. As shown in Figure 3, when viewed from the side, clip 11 is substantially U-shaped and is provided with first and second legs 111, 112 which are connected to each other by a connecting portion 113. Legs 111, 112 define an intermediate space between them for receiving blind fabric with the free end of leg 111 resiliently forming a pressing location P on the inner side of leg 112. Leg 112 is provided with two parallel slits (not shown) to form prongs 115 either side of portion 16 of arm 10. Leg 111 is sufficiently resilient to be moved away from arm 10 to fit fabric (not shown in Figures 1-6) in the intermediate space between leg 112 and leg 111, with leg 111 compressing against leg 112 when fabric is removed from clip 11. Handle 114 ofclip 11 is for moving leg 111 away from leg 112. Cap 30 is provided with internal screw thread (not shown) that matches the external screw thread of protrusion 21 so that fixing device 100 may be held together and separated by screwing and unscrewing cap 30, respectively. Fixing device 100 is preferably for use with a blackout blind for a bedroom window. However, and other uses of the fixing device are contemplated within the scope of the invention such as use of device 100 with a sun shield for vehicles such as cars and caravans as well as with blinds in sunrooms, garages, home cinemas etc. Fixing device 100 may also be used with privacy blinds for partially covering windows such as those in ground floor flats as opposed to for fully blocking out light. Further, fixing device 100 may be used with any blind, sheet, towel or other material to hold that material tight against the frame of a window to block out light. Advantageously, fixing device 100 may additionally or alternatively be used in draught proofing windows or doors. Figure 6 shows a portion of a window with glazing G and frame F adjacent wall W with fixing device 100 in place. As shown in Figure 6, in use of fixing device 100, suction cup 20 is stuck to window glazing G and clip 11 abuts the adjacent wall W with arm 10 extending across window frame F. Figure 7 shows a portion of a preferred blackout blind 200 comprising fixing device 100 and flexible material 210 in place on the window shown in Figure 6. Material 210 is held tight to the corner of the window so that no light can escape. Material 210 is provided with a first plurality of slits (not shown) and a second plurality of slits (not shown), wherein each slit of said first plurality independently has a width substantially corresponding to the width of arm 10 of fixing device 100 and each slit of said second plurality independently has a diameter substantially corresponding to the diameter of protrusion 21. In the preferred embodiment shown, the first plurality slits are each independently 4cm from the edge of blind 200 and the second plurality slits are each independently 8cm from the first plurality slits, i.e., 12cm from the edge of blind 200. In use, aperture end 15 of arm 10 is inserted through a slit until clip 11 abuts the fabric such that flat portion 17 is on one side of the blind and clip 11 is on the other side of the blind. Suction cup 20 and cap 30 are subsequently fastened to arm 10 with the blind material between the male and female members. Prongs 115 either side of portion 16 of arm 10 hold the blind material 210 tight around the slit so that no light can escape. Fixing device 100 holds material 210 tight to the window frame or window glazing. Advantageously, fixing device 100 allows blind fabric 210 to be held tightly in place around window frame F stopping light from entering the room in which the window is located and further allows a user to fold or roll material 210 up during the day so that light may enter the room without necessitating removal of blind 200. Advantageously, the size of blind 200 is easily adjustable without allowing additional light to enter the space by folding excess material 210 and inserting it in the intermediate space between legs 111 and 112 of clip 11. When shortening the blind and fastening excess material, this folded over material will further block out any light via imperfections in the blackout blind material. In the preferred embodiment shown, material 210 is substantially light-proof material. Blind 200 can also reduce draughts in old style homes or air leaking windows. In a particularly preferred embodiment, blind 200 is used with twelve fixing devices 100. In this embodiment, there are preferably three slits at each corner of blind 200 to allow for positioning of device 100 vertically, horizontally or diagonally. There are preferably two further slits on each of the four sides of blind 200 between the three at each comer, these twenty slits forming the first plurality of slits and there are preferably 12 second plurality slits such that each fixing device is threaded through one of the first plurality slits with the suction cup of that device being attached via a second plurality slit. Additional fixing devices 100 may be used anywhere around the edge of blind 200 without insertion into material 210 to hold material 210 tight around any obstructions such as, for example, the central frame of the window. For such use, fixing devices 100 are fastened to window W each side of the frame or other obstruction below blind 200 so as to grip material 210 by inserting material 210 in clip 11 to secure the material and to pull material 210 tight on both sides of the obstruction to ensure there are no gaps where light can get through. Here, suction cup 20 is fastened to arm 10 without material between protrusion 21 and cap 30 and fixed to glazing before securing material 210 of blind 200 tight around the window frame. Use of a plurality of fixing devices 100 permits blind 200 to be held tightly against window frame corners, wall reveals and at the junctions of the glazing and window frame thus preventing light entering the room through the window on which blind 200 is fixed. Use of a plurality of fixing devices 100 further allows a user to shorten blind 200 vertically or horizontally to fit smaller windows. Extra material 210 can then be folded neatly and tucked under clip 11 on one or more fixing devices 100 to hold the excess material in place and create a neat, flat and light tight appearance without unseemly pleats found with known products which allow additional light to enter a space. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the specific details described herein which are given by way of example only and that various modifications and additions are possible without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A removable fixing device for a portable blackout blind, the fixing device comprising an elongate angled plate with a detachable suction cup at one end, wherein the elongate angled plate is bent with a shorter portion angled with respect to a longer portion and wherein the suction cup is at the end of the longer portion furthest from the bend.

2. The removable fixing device as claimed in claim 1, wherein the shorter portion of the fixing device further comprises gripping means for acceptance of excess blind material.

3. The removable fixing device as claimed in claim 2, wherein the gripping means are wider than the elongate angled plate of the fixing device.

4. The removable fixing device as claimed in claim 2 or claim 3, wherein the gripping means are at an angle to the longer portion of the elongate angled plate in the range of from about 60 degrees to about 170 degrees.

5. The removable fixing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shorter portion of the elongate angled plate is wider at the end furthest from the bend and is provided with parallel slits either side of the narrower section of the shorter portion resulting in two prongs adjacent the narrower section.

6. The removable fixing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate angled plate is made of metal or resilient polymeric material.

7. The removable fixing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the elongate angled plate comprises at least one aperture and wherein the suction cup comprises a protruding male member for insertion through the aperture and a detachable female member.

8. The removable fixing device as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the elongate angled plate comprises at least one aperture and wherein the suction cup comprises a female member for insertion through the aperture and a detachable male member.

9. The removable fixing device as claimed in claim 7 or claim 8, wherein the male member of the suction cup is a threaded protrusion and the female member is provided with corresponding internal screw threads.

10. The removable fixing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the longer portion of the elongate angled plate is at least the same length of the radius of the suction cup.

11. The removable fixing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the shorter portion of the elongate angled plate is preferably less than half the length of the longer portion.

12. The removable fixing device as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein gripping means is a substantially U-shaped clip comprising a contoured end that is sufficiently resilient to be moved away from the arm to fit fabric between the arm and the contoured end, the contoured end compressing against said arm when the fabric is removed from the clip; and wherein a first section of the contoured end is a handle for moving the contoured end away from the arm to fit fabric within the clip.

13. The removable fixing device as claimed in claim 12, wherein the contoured end is preferably substantially Z-shaped or substantially S-shaped with the top of the Z- or S-shape forming the handle.

14. A blackout blind comprising one or more fixing devices as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 13 and a flexible sheet of substantially light-proof material with two or more apertures, wherein each aperture independently has a width substantially corresponding to the width of the longer portion of the elongate angled plate of a fixing device.

15. The blackout blind as claimed in claim 14, wherein the fixing device suction cup has a male member and wherein the flexible sheet of substantially light-proof material further comprises a second plurality of apertures, wherein each aperture of said second plurality of apertures independently has a diameter substantially corresponding to diameter of the male member.

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