Window covering assembly and method of operating

Abstract

A window covering assembly, comprising: a flexible screen; a roller connected to a first end of the screen and configured for the screen to be rolled thereon; a pull bar connected to an opposite second end of the screen and movable away from and towards the roller for pulling the second end of the screen along a screen path that extends along a first screen path section from a first position proximal to the roller to a second position distal from the roller, and further along a second screen path section from the second position to a third position adjacent the first position; and maintaining assembly configured to maintain the screen on the screen path, at least when the second end of the screen is at the second position or the third position.

Description

[0001]P136793PC00 Title: Window covering assembly and method of operating FIELD The invention relates to window coverings, in particular window coverings for vehicles, such as recreational vehicles. In particular the invention relates to window covering assemblies comprising a roller, also known as roller blinds. BACKGROUND Window coverings for recreational vehicles are known. The window coverings are commonly positioned surrounding a window or door opening. Often, the window covering provides a dual function of providing an insect screen or a shade, such as a blackout, in addition to providing an opening to access the window. Known window covering assemblies often have a complex design or are complex to operate in order to provide differentiated functionality. SUMMARY It is an object to provide a window covering assembly that is relatively versatile yet relatively easy to manufacture, install and operate. More in general it is an object to propose an improved window covering assembly and / or method of operating a window covering assembly. The window covering assembly can be mounted to a window. It will be appreciated that the window covering assembly can alternatively be mounted to a door opening. Such covering assembly for mounting to a door opening is herein also referred to as window covering assembly. An aspect provides a window covering assembly, comprising: a flexible screen; a roller connected to a first end of the screen and configured for the screen to be rolled thereon; and a pull bar connected to an opposite second end of the screen and movable away from and towards the roller for pulling the second end of the screen along a screen path that extends along a first screen path section from a first position proximal to the roller (e.g. downwardly) to a second position distal from the roller, and further along a second screen path section from the second position (e.g. upwardly) to a third position adjacent the first position. The second screen path section is different from the first screen path section. By pulling the second end of the screen further along the second screen path section to the third position, the same screen extending from the same roller can advantageously provide essentially two window coverings, namely one along the first screen path and another along the second screen path. The two window coverings can provide different functions, for example one providing an insect screen and the other providing a shade or blackout. By positioning the pull bar along the screen path, a user can choose between applying e.g. one of the window coverings, both of the window coverings, or neither of the window coverings. By contrast, in known dual function window covering assemblies, two separate screens are provided, each with a respective roller and a respective pull bar, resulting in a relatively complex, bulky and heavy assembly. Optionally, the window covering assembly comprises a maintaining assembly configured to maintain the screen on the screen path, at least when the second end of the screen is at the second position or the third position. Optionally, the window covering assembly, in particular the maintaining assembly, comprises a transverse guide arrangeable to extend transverse to the screen path at the second position to maintain the screen on the screen path at the second position when the second end of the screen is on the second screen path section. The transverse guide can e.g. be arranged such that, with the transverse guide at the second position, the screen is guided around the transverse guide from the first screen path to the second screen path. Optionally, the window covering assembly, in particular the maintaining assembly, is configured to cause, or at least allow, the transverse guide to follow the pull bar along the first screen path section. In this way, easy operation of the assembly can be facilitated, wherein in particular the pull bar does not have to be passed behind the transverse guide. For example, the transverse guide may be caused to follow the pull bar under its own weight when descending and by pushing from the pull bar when ascending, in particular in combination with guidance of the transverse guide along the first screen path section by the longitudinal guides described elsewhere herein, e.g. by a track thereof. Alternatively or additionally, the transverse guide may be releasably connectable to the pull bar, e.g. using a releasable snap fit connection or releasable magnetic connection or releasable interlocking connection. The connecting and / or releasing thereof may be manual and / or automatic, e.g. using an optional connecting and / or releasing mechanism of the window covering assembly that may be arranged at the second position. Further alternatively or additionally, for example, the pull bar may be drivable along the first screen path section from the first position toward the second position by manually driving the transverse guide along the first screen path section from the first position toward the second position, and / or the transverse guide may be drivable along the first screen path section from the second position toward the first position by manually driving the pull bar along the first screen path section from the second position toward the first position. The second position may be at a lower level than the first position, in particular in case the roller is arranged at an upper end of the window. The second position may be at a higher level than the first position, in particular in case the roller is arranged at a lower end of the window. In some variations, the roller may be arranged at a lateral side of the window, in particular so that the main axis of the roller extends mainly vertically. The second position may then be distinct from the first position along a sideways direction, e.g. without having different levels. Such an arrangement may be preferable e.g. in case the window covering assembly is mounted to a door opening. Optionally, the window covering assembly, in particular the maintaining assembly, is configured to retain the transverse guide at the second position when the pull bar is on the second screen path section, for example using one or more retaining recesses in which the transverse guide can be received. Optionally, the window covering assembly, in particular the maintaining assembly, is configured to be mounted to a window such that the first screen path section is between the window and the second screen path section. The second screen path section can be offset relative to the first screen path section, such as in a direction orthogonal to the window. Optionally, the first screen path section and the second screen path section are mutually substantially parallel. Optionally, the window covering assembly, in particular the maintaining assembly, is configured to be mounted to a window such that the first screen path section and the second screen path section are substantially parallel to the window. Optionally, the window covering assembly, in particular the maintaining assembly, comprises a set of longitudinal guides extending along the screen path, wherein the pull bar is engageable with the set of longitudinal guides to maintain the second end of the screen on the screen path. The longitudinal guides can extend along (at least part of) the first screen path section, (at least part of) the second screen path section, or (at least part of) both the first and second screen path sections. Optionally, the set of longitudinal guides forms a track for the pull bar. Optionally, the track comprises a first track section that corresponds to the first screen path section. Optionally, the track comprises a second track section that corresponds to the second screen path section. Optionally, the second track section is different from the first track section. Optionally, the first track section and the second track section are mutually substantially parallel. Optionally, the first track section and the second track section are offset relative to each other. Optionally, the window covering assembly is configured to be mounted to a window such that the first track section and the second track section are substantially parallel to the window. Optionally, the first track section and the second track section are offset relative to each other in a direction orthogonal to the window. Optionally, the set of longitudinal guides, for example the first track section, forms a track for the transverse guide. Optionally, the set of longitudinal guides forms a track for the flexible screen. Optionally, the screen comprises a first screen part made of a first screen material and a second screen part made of a second screen material different from the first screen material. Optionally, the screen comprises a third screen part. The optional third screen part may be made of the first screen material, the second screen material or a third screen material different from the first and second screen materials. Optionally, the first screen part extends between the first end of the screen and the second screen part. Optionally, the second screen part extends between the first screen part and the second end of the screen, or between the first screen part and the optional third screen part. Optionally, the third screen part extends between the second screen part and the second end of the screen. Optionally, a length of the second screen part corresponds to a length of the second screen path section. Alternatively, a length of the second screen part may be smaller or greater than a length of the second screen path section. The screen may comprise still further screen parts, for example made of the first, second, third or further screen materials. In this respect, the window covering assembly advantageously provides a high degree of design freedom, wherein nevertheless the manufacturing, installation and operation of the assembly can be relatively easy. Optionally, a transverse border between the first screen part and the second screen part is arranged to be at the second position when the second end of the screen is at the third position. Optionally, the transverse border is arranged to be at the first position when the second end of the screen is at the second position. Optionally, the first and / or third screen material is more or less opaque than the second screen material. Optionally, the first, second and / or third screen material is substantially transparent and / or translucent. Optionally, the second screen material is more or less air transmissive than the first and / or third screen material. Optionally, the first, second and / or third screen material is an insect screen material. Optionally, the first, second and / or third screen material is a blackout screen material or other shading screen material. Optionally, the window covering assembly is configured to prevent insects from passing through the window when the second end of the screen is at or beyond the second position. Optionally, the window covering assembly is configured to prevent rays of light from passing through the window when the second end of the screen is at the third position. Optionally, the roller is spring loaded for tensioning the screen and / or for rolling the screen onto the roller by spring force. Optionally, the window covering assembly comprises braking means for maintaining the pull bar in a selected position along the screen path, in particular frictionally. Optionally, the braking means comprises at least one cord, such as two cords, extending along the screen path and frictionally engaged with the pull bar, for example extending through the pull bar to cross between lateral sides of the screen path. In that case, the transverse guide may be movably coupled to the one or more cords, e.g. at one or more ends of the transverse guide, in particular to secure the transverse guide against accidental release from the maintaining assembly while being moved along the first screen path section. Optionally, for example as alternative or addition to the braking means, the window covering assembly comprises retaining means for retaining the pull bar in a selected position along the screen path. Optionally, the retaining means comprises one or more hooks connected to the pull bar and / or the longitudinal guides for retaining the pull bar in a position with respect to the longitudinal guides. Optionally, the retaining means comprises one or more hooks connected to one of the pull bar and the longitudinal guides and one or more eyes connected to another of the pull bar and the longitudinal guides, the hooks and eyes being configured for mutual retaining engagement. Optionally the hooks, or eyes, connected to the longitudinal guides are distributed along the screen path to define a distributed series of selectable retaining positions along the screen path. Optionally, the window covering assembly comprises a transverse sealing element arrangeable to extend transverse to the screen path at the second position to provide a seal between the screen and a frame of a window to which the assembly is mounted when the second end of the screen is on the second screen path section. Advantageously, such a transverse sealing element can contribute to preventing insects and / or light rays from passing through the window. Optionally, the transverse sealing element is or comprises a brush. Optionally, the window covering assembly is configured to cause the transverse sealing element to follow the pull bar along the first screen path section. Optionally, the window covering assembly is configured to maintain the transverse sealing element at or adjacent the second position when the pull bar is on the second screen path section. Optionally, the window covering assembly is mounted to a window, in particular a vehicle window, to provide a window covering for the window. Optionally, the screen path extends along the window so that the window is covered by the screen when the second end of the screen is at or beyond the second position. A further aspect provides a method of operating a window covering, comprising: providing a window covering assembly as described herein, in particular when mounted to the window as described herein; moving the pull bar away from the roller, thereby pulling the second end of the screen along the first screen path section to the second position; and subsequently moving the pull bar towards the roller, thereby pulling the second end of the screen along the second screen path section towards the third position. Optionally, the screen is maintained on the screen path by the window covering assembly, in particular by the transverse guide and / or other maintaining assembly, at least when the second end of the screen is at the second position or the third position. It will be appreciated that any of the aspects, features and options described herein can be combined. It will particularly be appreciated that any of the aspects, features and options described in view of the window covering assembly apply equally to the method, and vice versa. DETAILED DESCRIPTION Examples of embodiments will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The drawings are schematic and merely show examples. In the drawings: Fig.1 shows a front view of a window covering assembly, wherein the second end of the screen is on the first screen path section, about halfway between the first position and the second position; Fig.2 shows a front view of the window covering assembly, wherein the second end of the screen is on the second screen path section, about halfway between the second position and the third position; Fig.3 shows a cross sectional side view of the window covering assembly, wherein the second end of the screen is on the first screen path section; Fig.4 shows a cross sectional side view of the window covering assembly, wherein the second end of the screen is at the second position; Fig.5 shows a cross sectional side view of the window covering assembly, wherein the second end of the screen is on the second screen path section; Fig.6 shows a cross sectional side view of the window covering assembly, wherein the second end of the screen is at the third position; Fig.7 shows a cross sectional side view of the window covering assembly, wherein the second end of the screen is on the first screen path section, wherein cords are shown as braking means; Fig.8 shows a cross sectional front view of the window covering assembly of Fig.7, wherein for clarity of the drawing some elements have been omitted; Fig.9A shows a partly opened front view of a variation of the window covering assembly of Figs.7 and 8, wherein the transverse guide has its own handle and is movably coupled with the cords; and Fig.9B shows a detail B of Fig.9A. The figures illustrate an example of a window covering assembly 1, comprising: a flexible screen 2; a roller 3 connected to a first end 4 of the screen 2 and configured for the screen 2 to be rolled thereon; and a pull bar 5 connected to an opposite second end 6 of the screen 2 and movable away from and towards the roller 3 for pulling the second end 6 of the screen 2 along a screen path SP that extends along a first screen path section SP1 from a first position P1 proximal to the roller 3 to a second position P2 distal from the roller 3, and further along a second screen path section SP2 from the second position P2 to a third position P3 adjacent the first position P1. As can be seen in e.g. figures 3-7, here the first screen path section SP1 does not coincide with the second screen path section SP2. It will be appreciated that, in this example, when the screen 2 is maintained on the screen path SP, the screen 2 does not circumvent an intermediate section of the screen path SP. Here, the window covering assembly is mounted to a window 9, in particular a vehicle window 9, to provide a window covering for the window 9. Here, the screen path SP extends along the window 9 so that the window 9 is covered by the screen 2 when the second end 6 of the screen 2 is at or beyond the second position P2. Here, the window covering assembly 1 is configured to be mounted to a window 9 such that the first screen path section SP1 is between the window 9 and the second screen path section SP2. The window covering assembly 1 may for example be mounted to a frame 16 of the window 9 and / or to a wall 17 or roof in which the window 9 may be arranged. Here, the first screen path section SP1 and the second screen path section SP2 are mutually substantially parallel. Here, the first screen path section SP1 and the second screen path section SP2 are offset relative to each other. Here, the window covering assembly 1 is configured to be mounted to a window 9 such that the first screen path section SP1 and the second screen path section SP2 are substantially parallel to the window 9. Here, the first screen path section SP1 and the second screen path section SP2 are offset relative to each other in a direction orthogonal to the window. Figs.1, 3 and 7 show the second end 6 of the screen 2 on the first screen path section SP1, having been pulled from the first position P1; Fig.4 shows the second end 6 of the screen 2 having been pulled further to be at the second position P2, on the border between the screen path sections SP1 and SP2; Figs.2, 5 and 6 show the second end 6 of the screen 2 having been pulled still further to be on the second screen path section SP2; Fig.6 shows the second end 6 of the screen 2 at the third position P3. In this way, the second end 6 of the screen 2 can be pulled along the screen path SP and thereby unrolled from the roller 3 to operate the window covering assembly 1. In Figs.3 to 6, arrows at the pull bar 5 indicate a corresponding direction of pulling. As described herein elsewhere, the pull bar 5 can be maintained in a desired position by friction, wherein the friction force is e.g. larger than the rolling force of the roller 3. It is also possible that the roller 3 is provided with a tug-to-roll-up mechanism as is known in the art. To allow the screen 2 to be rolled back onto the roller 3, the operation can essentially be reversed, wherein the second end 6 of the screen 2 can be moved from the third position P3 to the second position P2 and further to the first position P1, for example using the pull bar 5 to adjust the position of the second end 6 of the screen 2 in a reverse direction compared to the above described pulling, and / or using traction at the roller 3 e.g. by a spring loading of the roller 3 as indicated elsewhere herein. In this way, a user can operate the window covering assembly 1 to cause the screen 2 to extend more or less along the screen path SP. When the second end 6 of the screen 2 is at the first position P1, a window 9 to which the window covering assembly 1 may be mounted may be accessible. The window 9 is then, at least predominantly, not covered by the screen 2. When the second end 6 of the screen 2 is at the second position P2, the screen 2 may cover the window 9 in a singular manner, meaning that the screen 2 provides at single window cover for the window 9. When the second end 6 of the screen 2 is at the third position P3, the screen 2 may cover the window in a double manner, meaning that the screen 2 provides a double window cover for the window 9. Thus, when desired, the same window 9 may be covered twice by the same screen 2 thanks to a fold or curvature of the screen 2 at the second position P2 as determined by the screen path SP. The figures thus also illustrate a method of operating a window covering, comprising: providing the window covering assembly 1, in particular when mounted to the window 9; moving the pull bar 5 away from the roller 3, thereby pulling the second end 6 of the screen 2 along the first screen path section SP1 to the second position P2; and subsequently moving the pull bar 5 towards the roller 3, thereby pulling the second end 6 of the screen 2 along the second screen path section SP2 towards the third position P3. Here, the screen 2 is maintained on the screen path SP by the window covering assembly 1, at least when the second end 6 of the screen 2 is at the second position P2 or the third position P3. Here, the window covering assembly 1 comprises a maintaining assembly 7 configured to maintain the screen 2 on the screen path SP, at least when the second end 6 of the screen 2 is at the second position P2 or the third position P3. Here, the window covering assembly 1, in particular the maintaining assembly 7, comprises a transverse guide 8 arrangeable to extend transverse to the screen path SP at the second position P2 to maintain the screen 2 on the screen path SP at the second position P2 when the second end 6 of the screen 2 is on the second screen path section SP2. Here, as best seen in Figs.1 and 3, the window covering assembly 1, in particular the maintaining assembly 7, is configured to cause, or at least allow, the transverse guide 8 to follow the pull bar 5 along the first screen path section SP1. Such following may or may not require a user to handle the transverse guide 8 directly, e.g. together with the pull bar 5. Here, as best seen in Figs.2 and 4 to 6, the window covering assembly 1, in particular the maintaining assembly 7, is configured to retain the transverse guide 8 at the second position P2 when the pull bar 5 is on the second screen path section SP2. Thereto, as best seen in Fig.3, retainers, such as retaining recesses 18, may be provided at the second position P2, e.g. at lower ends of the longitudinal guides 10a, 10b, for releasably holding the transverse guide 8 therein. It will be appreciated that a transverse length of the transverse guide 8 may be larger than a transverse length of the pull bar 5. This may aid in retaining the transverse guide 8 at the second position P2 while the pull bar 5 may pass the second position. The transverse guide 8 may thus, e.g. longitudinally extend beyond the longitudinal ends of the pull bar 5, such that longitudinal ends of the transverse guide are engaged by the retainers, while the longitudinal ends of the pull bar can pass the retainers. Alternatively, or additionally, a width of the transverse guide 8 may be larger than a width of the pull bar 5. For instance the longitudinal ends of the transverse guide 8 may be wider than the longitudinal ends of the pull bar 5, such that longitudinal ends of the transverse guide are engaged by the retainers, while the longitudinal ends of the pull bar can pass the retainers. Here, the window covering assembly 1, in particular the maintaining assembly 7, comprises a set of longitudinal guides 10a, 10b extending along the screen path SP, wherein the pull bar 5 is engageable with the set of longitudinal guides 10a, 10b to maintain the second end 6 of the screen 2 on the screen path SP. Here, the set of longitudinal guides 10a, 10b forms a track 11 for the pull bar 5. Here, the track 11 comprises a first track section 11-1 that corresponds to the first screen path section SP1. Here, the track 11 comprises a second track section 11-2 that corresponds to the second screen path section SP2. Here, the second track section 11-2 is different from the first track section 11-1. Here, the first track section 11-1 and the second track section 11-2 are mutually substantially parallel. Here, the first track section 11-1 and the second track section 11-2 are offset relative to each other. Here, the window covering assembly 1 is configured to be mounted to the window 9 such that the first track section 11-1 and the second track section 11-02 are substantially parallel to the window 9. Here, the first track section 11-1 and the second track section 11-2 are offset relative to each other in a direction orthogonal to the window. Here, the screen 2 comprises a first screen part 2-1 made of a first screen material and a second screen part 2-2 made of a second screen material different from the first screen material. The first screen part 2-1 extends between the first end 4 of the screen 2 and the second screen part 2- 2, and the second screen part 2-2 extends between the first screen part 2-1 and the second end 6 of the screen 2. The first screen material can e.g. be, or comprise, a woven, a non-woven, a mesh, a film, a foil, or the like. The second screen material can e.g. be, or comprise, a woven, a non-woven, a mesh, a film, a foil, or the like. The first screen material can differ from the second screen material in e.g. a translucency, transparency, reflectivity, air transmissivity, water tightness, color, texture, thickness, and / or base material. Here, the first screen material is more opaque than the second screen material. Here, the first screen material is substantially transparent and / or translucent. Here, the second screen material is more air transmissive than the first screen material. Here, the second screen material is an insect screen material. Here, the first screen material is a blackout screen material or other shading screen material. Here, as best seen in Fig.6, a transverse border 12 between the first screen part 2-1 and the second screen part 2-2 is arranged to be at the second position P2 when the second end 6 of the screen 2 is at the third position P3. Here, the transverse border 12 is arranged to be at the first position P1 when the second end 6 of the screen 2 is at the second position P2. In Fig.1, it can be seen that only the second screen part 2-2 is visible, as would be the case also in the situations of Figs.3 and 4. In Fig.2, it can be seen that also the first screen part 2-1 is visible, as would be the case also in the situation of Fig.5. In the situation of Fig.6, when viewed as in the direction of the views of Fig.1 and 2, the first screen part 2-1 is substantially covered by the second screen part 2-2. Such covering does not necessarily result in the first screen part 2-1 being obscured, because the second screen part 2-2 may be substantially transparent, as alluded to elsewhere herein, for example when the respective material is an insect screen material. Here, the window covering assembly 1 is configured to prevent insects from passing through the window 9 when the second end 6 of the screen 2 is at or beyond the second position P2, in particular using the insect screen material. Here, the window covering assembly 1 is configured to prevent rays of light from passing through the window 9 when the second end 6 of the screen 2 is at the third position P3, in particular using the blackout screen material or other shading material. Side edges of the screen 2 may be guided in the track 11, such as in the first track section 11-1 and / or the second track section 11-2 to aid in preventing insects and / or light passing through the window. Here, the window covering assembly 1 comprises a transverse sealing element 15 arrangeable to extend transverse to the screen path SP at the second position P2 to provide a seal between the screen 2 and a frame 16 of a window 9 to which the assembly 1 is mounted when the second end 6 of the screen 2 is on the second screen path section SP2. Here, the transverse sealing element 15 is or comprises a brush. Here, the window covering assembly 1 is configured to cause the transverse sealing element 16 to follow the pull bar 5 along the first screen path section SP1. The transverse sealing element 15 can e.g. be mounted to one or more of the longitudinal ends of the transverse guide 8. Here, the window covering assembly 1 is configured to maintain the transverse sealing element 15 at or adjacent the second position P2 when the pull bar 5 is on the second screen path section SP2. Here, the roller 3 is spring loaded for tensioning the screen 2 and / or for rolling the screen 2 onto the roller 3 by spring force. Here, as best seen in Figs.7 and 8, the window covering assembly 1 comprises braking means 13 for maintaining the pull bar 5 in a selected position along the screen path SP. Here, the braking means 13 comprises two cords 14a, 14b each extending along the screen path SP and frictionally engaged with the pull bar 5, in particular extending through the pull bar 5 to cross between lateral sides of the screen path SP, which lateral sides here correspond to the longitudinal guides 10a, 10b. The first cord 14a, in this example, extends from near the first position at the second longitudinal guide 10b, to near the third position at the first longitudinal guide 10a. The second cord 14b, in this example, extends from near the first position at the first longitudinal guide 10a, to near the third position at the second longitudinal guide 10b. The first cord 14a extends around a first guiding surface near the second position at the first longitudinal guide 10a when the pull bar 5 is in the first screen path section SP1, and around a second guiding surface near the second position at the second longitudinal guide 10b when the pull bar 5 is in the second screen path section SP2. The second cord 14b extends around the first guiding surface near the second position at the first longitudinal guide 10a when the pull bar 5 is in the second screen path section SP2, and around the second guiding surface near the second position at the second longitudinal guide 10b when the pull bar 5 is in the first screen path section SP1. It shall be appreciated that in Figs.7 and 8, the pull bar 5 is in the first screen path section SP1. Figs.9A and 9B show a variation of the assembly of Figs.7 and 8. Here, transverse guide 8 is movably coupled with the cords 14a, 14b at its ends, in particular using eyes 20 fixed to the ends of the transverse guide 8. In this way, the cords 14a, 14b can secure the transverse guide 8 against accidental release from the maintaining assembly 7 while being moved along the first screen path section SP1. Meanwhile, as in the other figures, the first track section 11-1 forms a track for the transverse guide 8 as well as for the pull bar 5. In Fig.9A, the transverse guide 8 has its own handle 19-8, whereas the pull bar 5 also has its own handle 19-5. In this way, a user can drive the transverse guide 8 along the first screen path section SP1 from the first position towards the second position P2 using the handle 19-8 of the transverse guide 8, thereby also driving the pull bar 5 towards the second position P2. After the transverse guide 8 has been positioned to be retained at the second position P2, the user can subsequently drive the pull bar 5 further towards the third position P3, essentially as illustrated in Figs.2 and 4-6, e.g. using the handle 19-5 of the pull bar 5. As an alternative to using one or more respective handles, the user could handle the transverse guide 8 and / or the pull bar 5 directly, for example with tips of one or more fingers to push the transverse guide 8 and / or the pull bar 5, and / or using a manual pinching engagement to pull the transverse guide 8 and / or the pull bar 5. Although beneficial, the provision of handles 19-5 and / or 19-8 is thus optional. Herein, the invention is described with reference to specific examples of embodiments of the invention. It will, however, be evident that various modifications and changes may be made therein, without departing from the essence of the invention. For the purpose of clarity and a concise description features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, alternative embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described in these separate embodiments are also envisaged. However, other modifications, variations, and alternatives are also possible. The specifications, drawings and examples are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative sense rather than in a restrictive sense. In the claims, any reference signs placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word ‘comprising’ does not exclude the presence of other features or steps than those listed in a claim. Furthermore, the words ‘a’ and ‘an’ shall not be construed as limited to ‘only one’, but instead are used to mean ‘at least one’, and do not exclude a plurality. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to an advantage. LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS 1. Window covering assembly 2. Screen 2-1. First screen part 2-2. Second screen part 3. Roller 4. First end of screen 5. Pull bar 6. Second end of screen 7. Maintaining assembly 8. Transverse guide 9. Window 10a, 10b. Longitudinal guides 11. Track 11-1. First track section 11-2. Second tack section 12. Transverse border between screen parts 13. Braking means 14a, 14b. Cords 15. Transverse sealing element 16. Frame of window 17. Wall 18. Retaining recess 19-5. Handle of pull bar 19-8. Handle of transverse guide 20. Eye of transverse guide P1. First position P2. Second position P3. Third position SP. Screen path SP1. First screen path section SP2. Second screen path section

Claims

Claims 1. A window covering assembly, comprising: - a flexible screen; - a roller connected to a first end of the screen and configured for the screen to be rolled thereon; - a pull bar connected to an opposite second end of the screen and movable away from and towards the roller for pulling the second end of the screen along a screen path that extends along a first screen path section from a first position proximal to the roller to a second position distal from the roller, and further along a second screen path section from the second position to a third position adjacent the first position; and - a maintaining assembly configured to maintain the screen on the screen path, at least when the second end of the screen is at the second position or the third position.

2. The window covering assembly of claim 1, wherein the maintaining assembly comprises a transverse guide arrangeable to extend transverse to the screen path at the second position to maintain the screen on the screen path at the second position when the second end of the screen is on the second screen path section.

3. A window covering assembly for a window, comprising: - a flexible screen; - a roller connected to a first end of the screen and configured for the screen to be rolled thereon; - a pull bar connected to an opposite second end of the screen and movable away from and towards the roller for pulling the second end of the screen along a screen path that extends along a first screen path section from a first position proximal to the roller to a second position distal fromthe roller, and further along a second screen path section from the second position to a third position adjacent the first position; and - a transverse guide arrangeable to extend transverse to the screen path at the second position to maintain the screen on the screen path at the second position when the second end of the screen is at the third position.

4. The window covering assembly of claim 2 or 3, configured to cause the transverse guide to follow the pull bar along the first screen path section.

5. The window covering assembly of claim 2, 3 or 4, configured to retain the transverse guide at the second position when the pull bar is on the second screen path section.

6. The window covering assembly of any of the preceding claims, configured to be mounted to a window such that the first screen path section is between the window and the second screen path section.

7. The window covering assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the first screen path section and the second screen path section are mutually substantially parallel.

8. The window covering assembly of any of the preceding claims, comprising a set of longitudinal guides extending along the screen path, wherein the pull bar is engageable with the set of longitudinal guides to maintain the second end of the screen on the screen path.

9. The window covering assembly of claim 8, wherein the set of longitudinal guides forms a track for the pull bar.

10. The window covering assembly of claim 9, wherein the track comprises a first track section that corresponds to the first screen path section.

11. The window covering assembly of claim 9 or 10, wherein the track comprises a second track section that corresponds to the second screen path section.

12. The window covering assembly of claims 10 and 11, wherein the second track section is different from the first track section.

13. The window covering assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the screen comprises a first screen part made of a first screen material and a second screen part made of a second screen material different from the first screen material, the first screen part extending between the first end of the screen and the second screen part, and the second screen part extending between the first screen part and the second end of the screen.

14. The window covering assembly of claim 13, wherein a transverse border between the first screen part and the second screen part is arranged to be at the second position when the second end of the screen is at the third position.

15. A window covering assembly, comprising: - a flexible screen; - a roller connected to a first end of the screen and configured for the screen to be rolled thereon; and - a pull bar connected to an opposite second end of the screen and movable away from and towards the roller for pulling the second end of thescreen along a screen path that extends along a first screen path section from a first position proximal to the roller to a second position distal from the roller, and further along a second screen path section from the second position to a third position adjacent the first position, wherein the screen comprises a first screen part made of a first screen material and a second screen part made of a second screen material different from the first screen material, the first screen part extending between the first end of the screen and the second screen part, and the second screen part extending between the first screen part and the second end of the screen, wherein a transverse border between the first screen part and the second screen part is arranged to be at the second position when the second end of the screen is at the third position.

16. The window covering assembly of any of claims 13 – 15, wherein the first screen material is more opaque than the second screen material.

17. The window covering assembly of any of claims 13 – 16, wherein the second screen material is more air transmissive than the first screen material.

18. The window covering assembly of any of claims 13 – 17, wherein the second screen material is an insect screen material.

19. The window covering assembly of any of claims 13 – 18, wherein the first screen material is a blackout screen material or other shading screen material.

20. The window covering assembly of any of claims 14 – 19 as dependent from claim 14 or 15, wherein the transverse border is arranged tobe at the first position when the second end of the screen is at the second position.

21. The window covering assembly of any of the preceding claims, wherein the roller is spring loaded for tensioning the screen and / or for rolling the screen onto the roller by spring force.

22. The window covering assembly of any of the preceding claims, comprising braking means for maintaining the pull bar in a selected position along the screen path.

23. The window covering assembly of claim 22, wherein the braking means comprises at least one cord extending along the screen path and frictionally engaged with the pull bar, for example extending through the pull bar to cross between lateral sides of the screen path.

24. The window covering assembly of any of the preceding claims, configured to prevent insects from passing through the window when the second end of the screen is at or beyond the second position.

25. The window covering assembly of any of the preceding claims, configured to prevent rays of light from passing through the window when the second end of the screen is at the third position.

26. The window covering assembly of any of the preceding claims, comprising a transverse sealing element arrangeable to extend transverse to the screen path at the second position to provide a seal between the screen and a frame of a window to which the assembly is mounted when the second end of the screen is on the second screen path section.

27. The window covering assembly of claim 26, wherein the transverse sealing element is or comprises a brush.

28. The window covering assembly of claim 26 or 27, configured to cause the transverse sealing element to follow the pull bar along the first screen path section.

29. The window covering assembly of any of claims 26 – 28, configured to maintain the transverse sealing element at or adjacent the second position when the pull bar is on the second screen path section.

30. The window covering assembly of any of the preceding claims, mounted to a window, in particular a vehicle window, to provide a window covering for the window.

31. The window covering assembly of claim 30, wherein the screen path extends along the window so that the window is covered by the screen when the second end of the screen is at or beyond the second position.

32. Method of operating a window covering, comprising: - providing the window covering assembly of claim 30 or 31; - moving the pull bar away from the roller, thereby pulling the second end of the screen along the first screen path section to the second position; and - subsequently moving the pull bar towards the roller, thereby pulling the second end of the screen along the second screen path section towards the third position, wherein the screen is maintained on the screen path by the window covering assembly, at least when the second end of the screen is at the second position or the third position.

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