Retaining device foran insect screen

Abstract

A retaining device (10) for an insect screen (100), comprises a profile (20) connectable to a recess of a support structure, configured to receive a perimeter portion of a net (G) of an insect screen; coupling means (30) operatively connected to said profile (20) so as to intercept the net (G) and engage with said perimeter portion of the net (G) in order to retain it in the profile (20). The retaining device (10) further comprises at least one support body (40) configured to connect said coupling means (30) to said profile (20) and defining a seat (41) adapted to receive by insertion said coupling means (30) to reduce a bending moment induced by the net (G) on said coupling means (30) in order to increase the resulting holding action of said coupling means (30).

Description

[0001] RETAINING DEVICE FOR AN INSECT SCREEN

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a retaining device for an insect screen, in particular intended to be operatively and mechanically mounted on a housing recess, for example obtained in a door and / or a window.

[0004] In more detail, the device according to the invention is included in the field of the production and marketing of devices, equipment and more generally apparatuses for insect screens, in particular intended to be mounted on doors and / or windows in order to screen off a passage surface defined by such doors and / or windows and thus block a passage of insects (e.g., mosquitoes and the like) through the aforesaid surface, without however preventing a flow of air from an external environment.

[0005] The retaining device according to the invention finds particular and specific application when applied to a recess, in particular to a door and / or a window of a house or an apartment.

[0006] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0007] The use of insect screens is known in the aforesaid technical field, which are adapted to create a barrier against insects passing through the passage section defined by a door or a window.

[0008] An example of insect screens commonly available on the market comprises a profile, in particular in aluminium, extending along a longitudinal axis and connectable to a frame. In more detail, such a profile is internally hollow in order to define an internal housing volume, at least partially closed. In particular, the internal housing volume of the profile is configured to receive a perimeter edge portion of a net of an insect screen.

[0009] The insect screens of known type further comprise at least one comb or brush body extending parallel to the longitudinal axis of the profile and operatively connected to the profile itself.

[0010] In more detail, the at least one comb body is connected to the profile, in particular it is arranged in the housing volume defined by the profile, and protrudes outwards along a coupling direction transverse to the longitudinal axis so as to intercept a perimeter edge portion of a net.

[0011] Specifically, the comb body comprises a plurality of substantially straight bristles, for example made of a plastic material, arranged substantially aligned with each other along the longitudinal axis (for example in order to form a succession) and extending between a first end arranged near the profile and a second end opposite the first end and adapted to engage with the net of the insect screen.

[0012] The comb body further comprises a base body, for example made of a polymeric material, mechanically connected to the aforesaid plurality of bristles at the first end and configured to incorporate the bristles in order to retain them together with each other, and form the aforesaid comb body. In particular, the base body is shaped in order to connect to the profile.

[0013] A further example of insect screens comprises a plurality of buttons connected at the perimeter edge portion of the net, for example at intervals of a substantially regular distance from each other, and configured to be inserted in the internal housing volume of the profile. In particular, the overall size of the aforesaid buttons is greater than an inlet mouth of the profile in order to retain the net in the same profile.

[0014] The insect screens of known type so far briefly described have proved to be in practice not without drawbacks.

[0015] The main drawback lies in the fact that the insect screens of known type have an anchorage, i.e., a hold, of the coupling means to the net that is not very resistant and therefore unreliable, or at least unsatisfactory. In fact, an insect screen of the known type is typically subjected to external mechanical stresses, for example produced by atmospheric agents, in particular wind gusts and / or flurries. These wind gusts and / or flurries can cause deformations in the net of the insect screen, severely taxing the hold and / or the mechanical resistance of the coupling means that hold the net in place. In the particular case of wind gusts and / or flurries of wind of considerable magnitude, they exert a pulling force on the net, which results in a bending moment acting on each of the bristles of the coupling means, and therefore in a deformation of the bristles themselves. This causes a release or disengagement of the net from the coupling means with consequent exit of the net itself from the profile receiving it, as well as in the most serious cases a tangible deformation (i.e., permanent and irreversible) of the coupling means and / or the net, or a breakage thereof.

[0016] OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

[0017] The object of the present invention is to provide an insect screen that makes it possible to obviate and remedy, at least in part, the drawbacks of the aforementioned prior art.

[0018] A further object of the present invention is to provide an insect screen which has an improved mechanical hold, or at least superior to insect screens of the known type, against atmospheric agents.

[0019] A further object of the present invention is to provide an insect screen which is structurally and functionally completely reliable.

[0020] A further object of the present invention is to provide an insect screen which is simple economically advantageous.

[0021] A further object of the present invention is to provide an insect screen which can be made easily, quickly and at low cost.

[0022] A further object of the present invention is to provide an insect screen which is interchangeable, i.e., easily replaceable, with insect screens of the known type which are already installed and / or in use.

[0023] A further object of the present invention is to provide an insect screen which is usable, preferably but not limitedly on doors and / or windows, easily, quickly and at low cost.

[0024] A further object of the present invention is to provide an insect screen that has an alternative and / or improved configuration, both in constructive and in functional terms, compared with the known traditional solutions.

[0025] SUMMARY In this context, the technical task underlying the present invention is to propose a retaining device for an insect screen which obviates the drawbacks in the known art as described above.

[0026] In particular, the aforesaid objects are achieved with an insect screen in accordance with the features set forth in claim 1.

[0027] The dependent claims outline particularly advantageous embodiments of the invention.

[0028] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0029] Additional features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the illustrative and thus non-limiting description of a preferred but not exclusive embodiment of a retaining device for an insect screen, as illustrated in the appended drawings, in which:

[0030] - figure 1A shows, according to a perspective view, a retaining device in an assembled configuration in an insect screen, according to an embodiment of the invention;

[0031] - figure 1 B shows, according to a perspective view, an enlarged detail of the device illustrated in figure 1 A;

[0032] - figure 2A shows, according to a partial perspective view, a retaining device according to the embodiment of the invention;

[0033] - figure 2B shows, according to a front plan view, the device illustrated in figure 2A;

[0034] - figure 3A shows, according to a partially exploded perspective view, the device illustrated in figure 2A and 2B;

[0035] - figure 3B shows, according to a perspective view, an enlarged detail of the device illustrated in figure 3A;

[0036] - figure 4A shows, according to a perspective view, a component of the retaining device illustrated in figure 2A;

[0037] - figure 4B shows, according to a transverse sectional view, the component illustrated in figure 4A. With reference to the drawings, they serve solely to illustrate embodiments of the invention with the aim of better clarifying, in combination with the description, the inventive principles at the basis of the invention.

[0038] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] With reference to the appended figures, a retaining device for an insect screen has been indicated overall with the number 10, in particular intended to be operatively and mechanically associated in a receiving recess of an insect screen, in particular a support structure, such as a door and / or a window of a house or a building, according to the present invention.

[0040] The term "recess" shall mean any cavity or seat of a support structure suitable for receiving, at least partially, an insect screen.

[0041] The term "insect screen" shall mean an apparatus intended to perform a dual function, i.e., on the one hand to prevent the passage of insects, in particular mosquitoes or the like, through an opening defined by a fixture, for example a door or a window of a house, while on the other hand to allow a flow of air from an external environment towards an internal environment delimited by the aforesaid window or door.

[0042] There are multiple types of insect screens, in the following description reference will be made to an insect screen comprising a flat-type net having perimeter guides for receiving the net itself.

[0043] In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the appended figures, the retaining device 10 for an insect screen 100, comprises a profile 20 connectable to a recess of a support structure, preferably a wall or a window or door, extending along a longitudinal axis Y-Y.

[0044] According to an aspect of the invention, the profile is substantially straight along the longitudinal axis Y-Y and preferably made of a metallic material, in particular of an aluminium alloy in order to confer at the same time strength, rigidity and a low weight to the profile 20 itself.

[0045] According to an aspect of the invention, the profile 20 internally defines a housing volume V configured to receive a perimeter portion of a net G of an insect screen (see figure 1 A-1 B). That is, the profile 20 is substantially internally hollow (see figures 2A-2B), and at least partially closed.

[0046] According to an aspect of the invention, the net G comprises a plurality of wires or filaments intertwined with each other, for example by a weaving process, in order to form a grid. In particular, the grid in use comprises a plurality of openings (each made by means of the aforesaid intertwining of wires or filaments) each having a preferably substantially square or rectangular shape, and in particular having an extent smaller than the overall dimensions of an insect, e.g., a mosquito or the like, in order to prevent the passing through thereof.

[0047] Preferably, the retaining device 10 may comprise a plurality of profiles 20, each having a predefined length in order to cover, at least partially, a perimeter edge of a recess of a frame.

[0048] As illustrated in figures 2A-2B, the retaining device 10 comprises coupling means 30 operatively connected to the profile 20 and arranged in the housing volume V.

[0049] In particular, the coupling means 30 extend outwards along a working axis Z-Z that is transverse to the longitudinal axis Y-Y so as to intercept the net G and engage with the perimeter portion of the net G in order to retain it in the profile 20 (i.e. , in the housing volume V).

[0050] According to an aspect of the invention, the coupling means 30 comprise a base body 31 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis Y-Y and configured to slidably couple with a seat 41 of a support body 40 (introduced and described below), and a plurality of bristles 32 connected to the base body 31 and arranged along the longitudinal axis Y-Y.

[0051] In particular, each bristle 32 extends along the working axis Z-Z so as to define a corresponding plurality of engagement points with the perimeter portion of the net G in order to retain it in the housing volume of the profile 20. In particular, the coupling means 30 are engaged at the aforesaid openings present in the net G. As illustrated in detail in figures 2A-2B, the base body 31 is preferably shaped to be slidably inserted in a seat 41 , and preferably made of a polymeric material.

[0052] Preferably, the bristles 32 are made of a polymeric material and mechanically connected to the base body 31 in a preferably fixed manner (i.e. , irreversibly). That is, the bristles 32 are embedded or incorporated (i.e. , immersed) in the base body 31 , in order to make a single piece with the base body 31 in use.

[0053] In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the appended figures, and in particular illustrated in figure 4A, the retaining device 10 further comprises at least one support body 40 configured to connect the coupling means 30 to the profile 20 and defining the seat 41 adapted to receive by insertion the coupling means 30 to reduce a bending moment induced by the net G on the coupling means 30 in order to increase the resulting holding action of the same coupling means 30.

[0054] According to an aspect of the invention, the seat 41 extends parallel to the longitudinal axis Y-Y, and the coupling means 30, in particular, the base body 31 , are slidably inserted in the seat 41 in order to define a coupling of the sliding type.

[0055] In other terms, the coupling means 30 - in a coupled configuration with the seat 41 of the support body 40 - are slidably movable along the longitudinal axis Y-Y. In still other terms, the coupling means 30 have a single degree of freedom (in a coupled configuration) with the seat 41 , in particular such a degree of freedom corresponds to the sliding movement along the longitudinal axis Y-Y of the same coupling means 30 in the seat 41 .

[0056] According to an aspect of the invention, the profile 20 has a groove 21 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis Y-Y and configured to receive the support body 40 by insertion.

[0057] As illustrated in the appended figures, the groove 21 defines a sliding slot shaped to receive the support body 40. According to an aspect of the invention, the support body 40 comprises a shaped protuberance 42 extending parallel to the longitudinal axis Y-Y and it is configured to slidably couple with the aforesaid groove 21 in order to define a sliding type coupling between the support body 40 and the profile 20.

[0058] Similarly to the above - with reference to the sliding coupling between the coupling means 30 and the seat 41 - the support body 40 is slidably movable parallel to the longitudinal axis Y-Y.

[0059] In other terms, the support body 40, in particular by means of the shaped protuberance 42 thereof, has a single degree of freedom in a coupled configuration with the groove 21 of the profile 20, in particular such a degree of freedom corresponds to the aforesaid sliding movement along the longitudinal axis Y-Y.

[0060] According to an aspect of the invention, in particular illustrated in figure 4B, the shaped protuberance 42 has a substantially "T" shape (see figure 4B). More specifically, the T-shaped protuberance 42 of the support body 40 is configured to be slidably inserted in the groove 21 of the profile, in order to make a shape coupling between the support body 40 and the profile 20 itself.

[0061] Advantageously, the coupling just described allows to obtain the sliding movement of the support body 40 in the seat 21 , and prevents any other movement, i.e. , any other degree of freedom.

[0062] According to an aspect of the invention, the coupling between the aforesaid support body 40 and the groove 21 of the profile 20 is preferably of the snap- fit type. In other terms, the coupling between the support body 40 and the groove 21 can occur by snap-fit insertion, i.e., by an elastic deformation of the shaped protuberance 42, instead of an insertion of the sliding type as described above.

[0063] In accordance with the embodiment illustrated in the appended figures, the profile 20 comprises two grooves 21 opposite and facing each other, each extending parallel to the longitudinal axis Y-Y and each configured to receive a respective support body 40 by insertion.

[0064] Preferably, the two grooves 21 are substantially equal to each other and preferably made integrally, i.e. , in a single piece, with the profile 20.

[0065] According to an aspect of the invention, in particular illustrated in figure 4B, the support body 40 comprises a stiffening portion 43 extending outwards from the seat 41 along the working axis Z-Z.

[0066] In particular, the seat 41 comprises an abutment tooth 44 shaped so as to retain the coupling means 30 in the seat 41 itself.

[0067] Advantageously, the abutment tooth 44 defines an end-of-stroke surface for the coupling means 30, adapted to prevent a movement thereof along the working axis Z-Z, and to retain the aforesaid coupling means 30 in the seat 41.

[0068] Preferably, the shaped protuberance 42 and the stiffening portion 43 are made in a single piece with the support body 40. In other terms, as illustrated in figure 4A, the support body 40 is made of a single body, i.e., it is monolithic.

[0069] Preferably, the support body 40 is preferably made of a polymeric material, and preferably by means of an extrusion manufacturing process.

[0070] According to an aspect of the invention, and as anticipated above, the stiffening portion 43 is configured to be activated on the coupling means 40 in order to reduce the bending moment induced by the net G on the coupling means 30 (see figure 1 B).

[0071] In fact, each bristle 32 extends between a first end 32a and a second end 32b, and the stiffening portion 43 is configured to be activated on each bristle 32 at an activation zone 45 comprised between the first and second end 32a, 32b.

[0072] According to an aspect of the invention, the activation zone 45 preferably extends for a value substantially equal to a portion of the extent of each bristle 32. In other terms, the activation zone 45 substantially covers only a part of the length of each bristle 32, in particular the greater the covered portion of each bristle 32, the greater the resulting hold of the net G.

[0073] As illustrated in figures 2A-2B, the stiffening portion 43 is interposed between the coupling means 30 and an opening M of the housing volume V configured to receive the perimeter portion of the net G by insertion.

[0074] In other terms, the stiffening portion 43 defines a preferably substantially planar resting zone 46 (see figure 4B) and having an extent substantially corresponding, i.e. , similar, to the aforesaid activation zone 45, on which the bristles 32 are activated.

[0075] Advantageously, with the support body 40 constrained in the seat 41 , the stiffening portion 43 reduces the extent (i.e., the length) of each bristle 32 along the working axis Z-Z, with consequent reduction of the deformation of the bristles 32 themselves.

[0076] In fact, each bristle 32 can be substantially assimilated to a structural element, for example a beam, constrained by means of interlocking at the second end 32b. Operationally, the resting zone 46 of the stiffening portion 43 performs the function of reducing the gap, i.e., the outreach, i.e., the length of each bristle 32 with a consequent reduction in the displacement each bristle 32 undergoes due to a pulling action exerted on the net G by wind gusts and / or flurries.

[0077] In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention not illustrated in the appended figures, the support body 40 can preferably be made integrally, i.e., in a single body, with the groove 21 of the profile 20, for example during an extrusion process.

[0078] In accordance with a further embodiment of the invention not illustrated in the appended figures, the support body 40 can preferably be made integrally, i.e., in a single body, with the coupling means 30. In other terms, the plurality of bristles 32 can preferably be deposited and subsequently incorporated in the support body 40, which performs the function of the base body 31. A further object of the present invention is an insect screen 100 for a recess, of which the same numerical references indicated above will be maintained for the sake of descriptive simplicity.

[0079] More specifically, the insect screen 100 comprises at least one retaining device 10 according to one or more of the features previously reported, and a net G having a perimeter edge portion engageable with the retaining device 10, in order to screen off a passage section of the window or door and define a barrier against the passing through of insects, allowing a flow of air through the insect screen 100.

Claims

C L A I M S1 . A retaining device (10) for an insect screen (100), comprising:- a profile (20) connectable to a recess of a support structure, extending along a longitudinal axis (Y-Y) and internally defining a housing volume (V) configured to receive a perimeter portion of a net (G) of an insect screen,- coupling means (30) operatively connected to said profile (20) and arranged in said housing volume, extending outwards along a working axis (Z-Z) that is transverse to said longitudinal axis (Y-Y) so as to intercept the net (G) and engage with said perimeter portion of the net (G) in order to retain it in the profile (20);- at least one support body (40) configured to connect said coupling means (30) to said profile (20) and defining a seat (41 ) adapted to receive by insertion said coupling means (30) to reduce a bending moment induced by the net (G) on said coupling means (30) in order to increase the resulting holding action of said coupling means (30); characterised in that said support body (40) comprises a stiffening portion (43) extending outwards from said seat (41 ) along said working axis (Z-Z) comprising an abutment tooth (44) shaped so as to retain said coupling means (30) in said seat (41 ); said stiffening portion (43) being configured to be activated on said coupling means (40) in order to reduce the bending moment induced by the net (G) on said coupling means (30).

2. The retaining device (10) according to claim 1 , wherein said seat (41 ) extends parallel to said longitudinal axis (Y-Y), and wherein said coupling means (30) are slidably inserted into said seat (41 ) so as to define a coupling of the sliding type.

3. The retaining device (10) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein said profile (20) has a groove (21 ) extending parallel to said longitudinal axis (Y-Y) and configured to receive by insertion said support body (40), andwherein said support body (40) comprises a shaped protuberance (42) extending parallel to said longitudinal axis (Y-Y) and configured to be slidably coupled with said groove (21 ) so as to define a coupling of the sliding type between said support body (40) and said profile (20).

4. The retaining device (10) according to claim 3, wherein said profile (20) comprises two grooves (21 ) opposite and facing each other, each extending parallel to said longitudinal axis (Y-Y) and each configured to receive by insertion a respective support body (40).

5. The retaining device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said stiffening portion (43) is interposed between said coupling means (30) and an opening (M) of said housing volume (V) configured to receive by insertion the perimeter portion of the net (G).

6. The retaining device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said coupling means (30) comprise:- a base body (31 ) extending parallel to said longitudinal axis (Y- Y) and configured to be slidably coupled with said seat (41 ) of said support body (40); and- a plurality of bristles (32) connected to said base body (31 ) and arranged along said longitudinal axis (Y-Y), each extending along said working axis (Z-Z) so as to define a corresponding plurality of points of engagement with the perimeter portion of the net (G) in order to retain it in said housing volume of said profile (20).

7. The retaining device (10) according to claim 6, when it depends on claim 5 or 6, wherein each bristle (32) extends between a first end (32a) and a second end (32b); wherein said stiffening portion (43) is configured to be activated on each bristle (32) in an activation zone (45) comprised between said first and second ends (32a, 32b); wherein said activation zone (45) preferably extends for a portion of the extent of each bristle (32).

8. The retaining device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, comprising a plurality of support bodies (40), each having a predefined extent along said longitudinal axis (Y-Y), slidably inserted into said groove (21 ) and arranged aligned with each other when in use.

9. An insect screen (100) for a window or door, comprising:- at least one retaining device (10) in accordance with one or more of claims 1 to 8; and- a net (G) having a perimeter edge portion engageable with said retaining device (10), in order to screen off a passage section of the window or door and define a barrier against the passing through of insects, while enabling a flow of air through said insect screen (100).

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