Architectural opening covering

Abstract

The present invention provides an architectural opening covering, the covering comprising: a frame that defines an aperture, and comprising a frame member which defines a recess on an outer surface of the frame; a cover configured to obscure the aperture, wherein the cover is connected to the frame and is movable relative to the frame to vary the extent to which the aperture is obscured; and an assembly comprising: a stiffening element configured to be positioned in the recess and to support the frame member adjacent to the recess; and a casing element configured to cover the stiffening element.

Description

[0001] ARCHITECTURAL OPENING COVERING

[0002] FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The present invention relates to an architectural opening covering and to a window comprising the architectural opening covering.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Different types of covering for architectural openings are well known. In general, many variations are known for use on windows and so, such examples will be discussed in the following, however it will be understood that such coverings are not limited to use on windows only. The window may include a window frame, glazing, and optionally a window bead, which is a rubber seal between the glazing and the window frame.

[0006] Such a window covering may include, for example, a frame (for the covering) and a cover which can be used to vary the amount of light which passes into a room. Any appropriate type of cover can be used, such as a shutter style cover, or a screen, roller-blind, honey comb / pleated blind and / or Venetian blind, for example.

[0007] In general, known window coverings can be attached / mounted on a window and / or door such that the covering may be attached to the window frame / movable part of the window / door itself for instance, using brackets that slide between the window bead and the glazing itself.

[0008] However, when such a covering is attached to the window / door, the covering may cause a problem with operation of a handle of the window / door onto which the covering is installed. In particular, thickness of the covering may interfere with rotation of the handle, especially where the handle needs to be rotated in front of the covering in order to open the window, e.g. for tilt / turn style windows. This applies in particular to “framed” blinds (or other framed coverings), where the frame of the covering may interfere with the handle of the window.

[0009] Some known coverings include a partial cut-out, for example on a side profile of the frame of the covering, corresponding to where the handle of the window is located. However, the partial cut-out may lead to weakening of the frame of the covering, particularly for frames with a hollow structure, and may result in dust and / or dirt collecting in the structure of the frame.If the frame of the covering is made smaller to avoid being in the way of the operation of the handle, this would result in a smaller aperture through which light can pass into a room, which is undesirable.

[0010] The present invention aims to provide a way of reducing or avoiding one or more of the problems with known coverings, such as the window coverings discussed above. In addition, there is a general need for a covering for an architectural opening which is relatively easy to manufacture. Additionally, there is a need for coverings which do not detract from the overall aesthetic of the covering.

[0011] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0012] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided an architectural opening covering, the covering comprising: a frame that defines an aperture, and comprising a frame member which defines a recess on an outer surface of the frame; a cover configured to obscure the aperture, wherein the cover is connected to the frame and is movable relative to the frame to vary the extent to which the aperture is obscured; and an assembly comprising: a stiffening element configured to be positioned in the recess and to support the frame member adjacent to the recess; and a casing element configured to cover the stiffening element.

[0013] According to an aspect of the invention, there is provided a window comprising the covering described here, wherein the window comprises a handle and the recess is aligned with the handle

[0014] BRIEF INTRODUCTION TO THE DRAWINGS

[0015] Embodiments of the invention will be more clearly understood from the following description, given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0016] Figure 1 A and IB are schematic illustrations of the architectural opening covering when mounted on a window, wherein figure IB shows a close-up portion of the architectural opening covering of figure 1 A;

[0017] Figures 2-5 are schematic illustrations of an exploded view of the architectural opening covering of figure 1 wherein parts of an assembly of the covering are positioned in a frame;

[0018] Figure 6 is a schematic illustration of a stiffening element;

[0019] Figures 7A and 7B are schematic illustrations of a casing element; andFigure 8 is a schematic illustration of a cross-section of part of the assembly and frame. Similar features in the figures have the same reference numerals. It will be noted that some of the figures only include some, and not all, features to more easily describe certain features. In some figures, only some reference signs have been included.

[0020] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] The invention provides an architectural opening covering. The architectural opening covering can be used with any architectural opening. Any appropriate mounting device can be used to attach the architectural opening covering to an architectural opening. To assist in describing the invention, the invention will be described with reference to a window in the following description and drawings. It will be understood that the window is one example of such an architectural opening. The assembly may be used in combination with an alternative architectural opening, such as an opening without glazing and / or a door.

[0022] The covering 1 may be any appropriate covering for an architectural opening and for example, may otherwise be referred to as a shade, sun protector, shutter and / or blind.

[0023] An example of the covering is shown in figures 1 A and IB. The covering 1 is suitable for an architectural opening. The covering 1 is suitable for attaching to a window 80. In particular, a tilt and turn window is shown in these figures, as can be seen by the handle. The tilt and turn window may be operated so as to open by rotating about a single side, for example, the bottom edge or a side, opposite the handle.

[0024] The covering 1 comprises a frame 10 that defines an aperture 15. The frame 10 may otherwise be referred to as a frame of the covering, or the covering frame. The frame 10 may form a rectangular or square shape around the aperture 15. When installed on a window 80, the aperture 15 will align with the window, and particularly with an opening defined by the window 80. The opening defined by the window 80 may be filled with glazing of the window, through which light can pass.

[0025] The frame 10 comprises at least one frame member 11. The frame member 11 may be any appropriate material. The frame member 11 may be plastic, i.e. rigid plastic, preferably PVC. The frame member 11 may preferably be rigid plastic material filled with glass or other reinforcing elements such as carbon. The frame member 11 may be metal, for example aluminium, for example extruded aluminium. The frame member 11 may be formed of any appropriate material which may be used for providing a hollow profile. It is noted that whenthe frame member is made of plastic (e.g. for provision of a lower cost product), the width of the frame member may be larger than if a metal (e.g. aluminium) were to be used, since plastic is not as strong. Thus, the frame member is more likely to impact / ob struct operation of a handle of a window on which the covering is positioned when wider.

[0026] All of the frame members which form the frame 10 may be formed of the same material (although this is not a necessity, and each or some of the frame members may be different materials to each other). The frame member 11 may be manufactured in any appropriate way. For example, the frame member 11 may be manufactured by extrusion. The frame member 11 may be substantially hollow. For example, the frame member 11 may have a specific profile which is extruded which provides an outer surface defining the overall profile of the frame member 11 (and thus, the overall shape of the frame 10). The frame 10 may be formed by multiple frame members 11, for example, at least one frame member on either side of a cover 20 (which may be referred to as a stile), a top frame member and / or a bottom frame member.

[0027] The covering 1 comprises cover 20 configured to obscure the aperture 15. Thus, the cover 20 can be used to obscure the opening of the window 80. The cover 20 is connected to the frame 10. The cover 20 may be connected / attached in any appropriate way to the frame 10. The cover 20 is movable relative to the frame 10 to vary the extent to which the aperture 15 is obscured. The cover 20 may be used to reduce or prevent light from passing through the covering 1. The position of the cover 20 relative to the frame 10 may thus affect the amount of light which passes through the covering 1. In the current figures, a shutter type cover 20 is used to vary the extent to which the aperture 15 is obscured. However, alternative covers may be used to vary how much the aperture 15 is obscured e.g. by lowering or raising a roller blind or pleated blind etc.

[0028] In one embodiment, the cover 20 comprises vanes (for example as shown in the figures), wherein each vane is rotatably coupled to the frame 10. In this case, the covering 1 may be referred to as a shutter. Generally, each vane will be attached at either end to opposed sides of the frame 10, e.g. to one of the stiles of the frame 10, such that the vanes are provided horizontally across the covering 1. Each vane may include a protrusion at either end which fits into a corresponding part of the frame 10. Thus, each vane can rotate around a longitudinal axis aligned with the vane protrusion. The vanes may be moved by a rod, or other connecting member, which is connected to each of the vanes. The rod may connect thevanes so that rotation of one of the vanes leads to rotation of all of the vanes. The rod may be used to rotate all of the vanes at the same time. This is beneficial in providing simultaneous rotation of all the vanes. If preferred, the vanes could be moved individually.

[0029] At least one frame member 11 defines a recess 14. The recess 14 may otherwise be referred to as a rebate and / or cut-out. The recess 14 may be formed as a through-opening at an edge of the frame 10. In other words, the recess 14 may go all the way through the profile of the frame member 11. This is shown in figures IB and 2. Thus, the through-opening extends through the entire depth of the frame (i.e. the thickness of the frame). Thus, the through-opening extends from a front side of the frame to a rear side of the frame. As the through-opening is formed at an edge of the frame 10, the through-opening extends from the edge of the frame, i.e. from an outer side-surface of the frame. The recess is beneficial in allowing a window handle to be easily operated when the covering 1 is installed. Although the issues of the covering 1 getting in the way of the handle may be greater when the frame is wider, e.g. when the frame is formed of plastic, providing the recess 14 circumvents this issue and allows for greater design freedom in selection of the material for the frame 10 without impacting operation of the handle 70.

[0030] The recess 14 is formed on an outer surface of the frame 10, i.e. on an outer surface of one of the frame members 11. Thus, the frame 10 has an overall shape which defines a recess on an exterior of the frame 10. Preferably, the frame member 11 has a width adjacent to the recess 14, e.g. just above, below or to the side of the recess. The width of the frame member 11 adjacent to the recess 14 may be substantially constant along the rest of the frame member 11. The recess 14 may extend at least proximately half of the width of the frame member 11, and preferably at least proximately two thirds of the width of the frame member 11.

[0031] The recess 14 is formed on a side surface of the frame. Thus, the outer surface on which the recess is defined is at least part of the side surface of the frame as a whole. The through-opening forms a recess extending from the side surface of the frame, i.e. into the width of the frame member 11.

[0032] In the following description a single frame member 11 is described having a recess 14, as shown in the figures. As described, the frame member 11 defining the recess 14 may be one of the stiles, i.e. a side frame member. However, any or all of the frame members may define a recess (and comprise a corresponding assembly for that recess). For example, the recess may additionally or alternatively be defined on the other side frame member (stile) 11 Aand / or the top frame member 1 IB and / or the bottom frame member 11C. As described herein, there are various issues due to the provision of such a recess 14, most importantly including weakening of the frame member 11 in which the recess 14 is provided, accumulation of dust and / or dirt in the frame member 11 around the recess 14, a user’s clothing catching / snagging on part of the frame member 11, and / or reduced aesthetic appeal of the covering 1 as a whole.

[0033] The covering 1 comprises an assembly which may be beneficial in addressing at least one issue associated with the provision of the recess 14. The assembly comprises a stiffening element 30 and a casing element 60. The assembly may comprise at least one fixing component and further optionally, at least one bushing.

[0034] Figures 2-4 show parts of the assembly in exploded views during attachment of the assembly to the frame. In particular, an exploded view of the assembly is shown in figure 2. As shown in figure 3, the stiffening element 30 can be installed on the frame member 11. Fixing components 40 (and optionally bushings 50 which are shown in these figures) are then attached to keep the stiffening element 30 in place on the frame element 11 as shown in figure 4. The casing element 60 is provided, wherein the casing element 60 is configured to cover the stiffening element 30, i.e. to conceal the stiffening element 30. The casing element may be configured to cover the at least one fixing component 40 and / or bushing 50 if provided. The casing element 60 is shown in figure 5 on the frame element 11. Figures 6, 7A and 7B show more detailed aspects of the stiffening element 30 and casing element 60.

[0035] The assembly defines the through-opening in the frame member, i.e. defines the recess 14 as shown in the figures. In other words, when the assembly is installed in the frame, the through-opening is provided. Thus, the assembly defines the recess at the edge of the frame member. It would be understood that the assembly as a whole, i.e. including the casing element and stiffening element, defines the through-opening. Thus, the assembly, and particularly the casing element and stiffening element, are shaped to provide the recess.

[0036] The stiffening element 30 is configured to be positioned in the recess 14. The stiffening element 30 is configured to support the frame member 11 adjacent to the recess 14. As the recess 14 is formed across a substantial part of the frame member 11 (e.g. at least half or two thirds of the width of the frame member as described above), the stiffening element 30 may be particularly useful in such cases for providing reliable support to the frame 10 surrounding the recess 14.The stiffening element 30 may be configured to engage with the edges of the frame member 11. Thus, the stiffening element 30 may be shaped so as to fit snugly within the recess 14. In other words, the shape of the recess 14 defined in the frame member 11 may match the overall shape of the stiffening element 30 in cross-section. The stiffening element 30 may be configured to define the recess 14. In other words, the recess 14 may be substantially the same size irrespective of whether or not the stiffening element 30 is positioned in the frame 10, i.e. the stiffening element 30 does not simply fill the recess defined in the frame member 11. Thus, the stiffening element 30 is beneficial in providing the recess 14 in which the handle can be positioned and operated. In particular, the stiffening element 30 (and preferably the assembly as a whole) installed in the frame member 11, may define a through-opening in the frame member 11. This is beneficial in reducing likelihood of the stiffening element 30 restricting movement of a window handle 70, and allows for the covering 1 as a whole to be attached to a larger variety of windows without restricting movement of the window handle (e.g. compared to known rebate covers which may not provide a through-opening through the whole frame).

[0037] The stiffening element may be formed of any appropriate material. The stiffening element may be metal. The stiffening element 30 may be formed of a hard plastic. The stiffening element 30 may be formed of any substantially rigid material. The stiffening element may be made of a material with the same or greater stiffness than the material of the frame element 11.

[0038] The stiffening element 30 is shaped to provide the recess in the frame 10. The stiffening element 30 is also shaped to engage with the frame member 11 adjacent to the recess 14. In particular, the stiffening element 30 is configured to support the frame member 11 adjacent to the recess. In particular, the stiffening element 30 is shaped to support the frame member 11. Although variations of the shape of the stiffening element 30 may be possible, the stiffening element is configured to provide additional support to the part of the frame member in which the recess is defined. In other words, the stiffening element is configured to provide resistance to opposite sides of the frame member 11 (e.g. above and below the recess 14 as shown in figure 2) buckling inwards towards the recess 14.

[0039] Additionally, the stiffening element may be beneficial in reducing or preventing bending and / or “twisting” of the frame member 11 along the longitudinal axis of the frame member 11 comprising the recess 14.The stiffening element 30 may comprise an elongated flat portion 31 and a projection 34 extending from either end of the elongated flat portion, for example as shown in figure 5. Thus, the stiffening element 30 may comprise the elongated flat portion 30 and two projections 34, one at either end of the stiffening element 30. Preferably each projection 34 extends substantially perpendicular to the elongated flat portion 31. The projection 34 may be connected to the elongated flat portion 31 by a rounded comer as shown in figure 6 (although a sharper comer may also be used instead). Preferably, each projection 34 extends substantially perpendicular to the elongated flat portion 31. Preferably, each projection 34 extends from the flat portion 31 at an angle so as to sit flush with the edge of the frame member 11 forming the recess 14. Preferably, the projections 34 are configured to engage with the edges of the frame member 11 (for example, as shown in figure 3). Thus, the projections 34 may be shaped so as to fit snugly within the recess 14. In other words, the shape of the recess 14 defined in the frame member 11 may match the overall shape of the stiffening element 30 in cross-section.

[0040] The stiffening element 30 and the frame member 11 may define mating features. Thus, in other words the stiffening element 30 and the frame member 11 may have corresponding features which interlock and / or engage. The stiffening element 30 may comprise a mating feature in the form of a protrusion 33 and the frame member 11 may comprise a mating feature in the form of a cavity 12 defined in the frame member 11 for receiving the protrusion 33.

[0041] The protrusion 33 of the stiffening element 30 may be a protrusion extending from the elongated flat portion 31. The protrusion 33 may extend from a first surface of the elongated flat portion 31. The projections 34 (at either end of the stiffening element 30) may extend from a second surface of the elongated flat portion 31. The first surface and the second surface may be opposing sides of the flat portion 31. In other words, the projections 34 may extend in one direction from the elongated flat portion 31 and the protrusion 33 may extend in the opposite direction from the elongated flat portion 31. The protrusion 33 may be substantially perpendicular from the flat portion 31. The protrusion 33 and flat portion 31 may be L-shaped. The protrusion 33 may be beneficial in allowing for easier placement of the stiffening element 30. The protrusion 33 may also help in preventing bending and / or “twisting” of the frame member 11, particularly when the protrusion 33 extends in substantially the same direction as the longitudinal axis of the frame member 11, for example,as shown in figure 2. The protrusion may increase the stiffness of the stiffening element 30 in a critical bending direction and / or increase the torsional rigidity.

[0042] Although the mating features are shown as a protrusion 33 extending from the stiffening element 30 into the frame member 11, this need not be the case and other forms of mating feature may be provided. The mating features may be beneficial in retaining the stiffening element 30 in the correct position relative to the frame member 11. The mating features may be particularly useful for keeping the stiffening element 30 in position in the frame member 11 during assembly of the covering 1, and particularly when the assembly is being installed in the frame 10. In an example, the mating features of the stiffening element 30 and the frame member 11 may be reversed. For example, the mating feature of the frame member 11 may be a protrusion and the mating feature of the stiffening element 30 may be a cavity defined in the stiffening element 30 for receiving the protrusion.

[0043] The assembly may comprise at least one fixing component 40 configured to attach the stiffening element 30 to the frame member 11. The fixing component 40 may be a separate entity to the stiffening element 30 (and to the casing element 60). The at least one fixing component 40 may comprise at least one screw. As shown in the figures, the at least one fixing component 40 may comprise two screws. Although it is noted that any appropriate fixing mechanism may be used. The at least one fixing component may be any mechanical fastener. In particular the at least one fixing component may be any mechanical fastener which is capable of attaching the stiffening element 30 to the frame member 11, directly or indirectly. The use of screws may be beneficial in that they are relatively easy to install, easily available, and are also removable if needed for any reason.

[0044] Preferably, the stiffening element 30 defines a through-hole 35 for receiving at least one fixing component 40. Preferably, at least one of the projections 34 extending from either end of the elongated flat portion 31 defines a through-hole 35 for receiving the at least one fixing component 40. As shown in the figures, both of the projections 34 extending from either end of the stiffening element 30 may define a through-hole 34 for receiving at least one fixing component 40. This is beneficial in that the fixing component 40 can be provided through the stiffening element 30 at either end. This is beneficial in keeping the stiffening element 30 secure in the frame member 11.

[0045] The frame member 11 may define a receiving portion 13 configured to receive at least part of at least one fixing component 40. The receiving portion 13 may be a specific part ofthe frame member 11 configured to receive the fixing component 40, for example, a channel in which the threaded part of the screw 40 may be received and retained. The receiving portion 13 may be a channel which is slightly smaller in diameter than the overall diameter of the threaded part of the screw so that the screw is retained in the receiving portion when screwed into the frame member 11.

[0046] As noted above, the assembly comprises the casing element 60 configured to cover the stiffening element 30 (and preferably, the at least one fixing component 40 if provided). In other words, the casing element 60 is configured to conceal the stiffening element when installed on the frame member 11. The casing element 60 may be a separate entity to the stiffening element 30. The casing element 60 may be formed of the same, or a different material to the stiffening element 30. Preferably, the casing element 60 (and preferably the assembly as a whole) installed in the frame member, defines a through-opening in the frame member, i.e. defines the recess 14 as shown in the figures. This is beneficial in reducing likelihood of the stiffening element restricting movement of a window handle 70, and allows for the covering 1 as a whole to be attached to a larger variety of windows without restricting movement of the window handle 70. The casing element 60 may be configured to provide an outer surface of the covering 1 over the part of the frame member 11 which defines the recess 14.

[0047] The casing element 60 may form an outer shell which covers an edge of the recess 14 and the stiffening element 30 (and preferably, the at least one fixing component 40 if provided). In other words, the outer shell may be shaped so as to fit within the recess 14 when the stiffening element 30 and the fixing component(s) are already in place.

[0048] The outer shell may comprise an elongated body portion 61 and at least one projection portion 62 extending from either end of the elongated body portion 61. At least part of the outer shell may be similar in shape to the main body of the stiffening element 30.

[0049] The casing element 60 may comprise an edge flange 65 which extends around an edge of the casing element 60. The edge flange 65 may be substantially perpendicular to the elongated body portion 61. The edge flange may be substantially perpendicular to the projection portion 62. The edge flange 65 may be beneficial in covering an edge of the recess 14, an edge of the frame member 11 (e.g. which forms the recess 14) and the edge of the stiffening element 30. This reduces and / or prevents ingress of dirt and / or dust. Additionally, this improves the overall aesthetic. In addition to this, the casing element 60 may bebeneficial in reducing likelihood of a user’s clothing catching on part of the frame member 11, stiffening element 30, fixing component 40 and / or bushing 50.

[0050] The assembly may be removably attached to the frame member 11. More particularly, the stiffening element 30 may be attached to the frame member 11 by means of at least one removable fixing component 40. Thus, the stiffening element 30 may be attached and detached by means which can be removed without damaging the stiffening element 30 and / or frame member 11. The at least one fixing component 40 may thus also be removably attachable to the frame member 11.

[0051] The assembly may comprise a bushing 50 at least partially positioned adjacent to the at least one fixing component 40. For example, as shown in figure 8, the bushing 50 may be positioned surrounding the head of the screw 40. A bushing 50 may be provided for each fixing component 40.

[0052] The bushing 50 may be positioned between the at least one fixing component and the stiffening element 30. In this case, the bushing 50 may be positioned at least partially within the through-hole 35 of the stiffening element 30. The through-hole 35 may be useful in aligning the bushing 50 with respect to the frame member 11. Alternatively, the bushing 50 may be integral to the fixing component 40. In this case, the bushing 50 may be between the at least one fixing component 40 and the projection 34 of the stiffening element 30 as described above. Alternatively, the bushing 50 may be integral to the stiffening element 30. In this case, the bushing 50 may be between the at least one fixing component 40 and the projection 34 of the stiffening element 30 as described above.

[0053] The casing element 60 may be removably attached to the rest of the assembly. For example, the casing element 60 may comprise at least one mating mechanism. For example, the casing element 60 may comprise a ridge 64 configured to mate with another part of the assembly to retain the position of the casing element 60. In particular, the casing element may comprise a ridge configured to mate with the bushing 50. The ridge 64 may be formed on an inner surface of the casing element 60 (i.e. on a surface of the casing element 60 not visible when installed on the frame 10). The ridge 64 may be any appropriate shape. The ridge 64 may be arc shaped, for example as shown in figure 7B. The arc-shaped ridge 64 may be particularly beneficial for interacting with the bushing 50, i.e. in a gap defined between the bushing 50 and the top of one of the fixing components 40, for example as shown in figure 8. In other words, the ridge may be shapes so as to fit within a space defined on a top surface ofthe bushing 50 between the bushing 50 and the fixing component 40. Additionally or alternatively, the casing element 60 may be at least partially retained on the frame member 11 due to an interference fit (i.e. a friction fit) between the casing element 60 and the frame member 11. The interference fit may be formed due to the dimension of the casing element 60 so that the distance between the edge flange 65 is essentially the same and / or slightly less than the thickness of the frame member 11 on which the casing element 60 is positioned when installed, for example as shown in figure 5. Additionally or alternatively, the casing element 60 may be at least partially retained on the frame member 11 due to an adhesive bond, e.g. due to adhesive being applied between the casing element 60 and the frame member 11 which would be advantageous in forming a permanent connection.

[0054] The casing element 60 may comprise at least one inner flange 63, for example as shown in figures 7A and 7B. The inner flange 63 may be configured to engage the bushing 50 between the bushing 50 and the stiffening element 30. Preferably, the casing element 60 comprises two inner flanges 63 at either side of the casing element 60. The inner flanges 63 may extend from opposing sides of the casing element so as to extend inwards from the edge flange 65.

[0055] The combination of the inner flanges 63 and the ridge may be particularly beneficial in attaching the casing element 60 to the rest of the assembly. In particular, the combination of the inner flange 63 and the ridge 64 may effectively form a snap fit so that the casing element can be snapped onto the rest of the assembly when the inner flange and the ridge engage with the bushing 50. This may provide a robust attachment of the casing element 60 while still allowing for removal of the casing element 60 by the user if needed. The snap fit connection can be detachable or non-detachable, depending on the design.

[0056] As will be understood from the above, the present invention may comprise a window 80 comprising the covering 1. The window 80 comprising a handle 70 wherein the recess 14 of the covering 1 is aligned with the handle 70. The assembly described with the above embodiments and variations is especially suitable for tilt and turn windows, which can either be opened fully by turning (like opening a door) or by tilting, so that the window is open at a slight angle for ventilation, in keeping with the windows shown in the figures. However, the assembly could be used with other types of window, or indeed, other types of architectural opening.In the above variations and embodiments, the assembly is described comprising at least one fixing component 40. The fixing component 40 described above is a separate entity from the stiffening element 30 and the casing element 60. However, this is not a necessity. The fixing component 40 could be part of, e.g. integral with, the stiffening element 30 or the casing element 60. Variations are available in which the casing element 60 is configured to attach to the frame member 11, e.g. via at least one protrusion, e.g. which extends into the frame member 11 via the through-holes 34 of the stiffening element 30 as described above. Alternatively, the stiffening element 30 may be held in place due to the casing element 60 being positioned over the stiffening element 30 and having a friction fit on the frame element 11. Thus, the stiffening element 30 may not be provided with through-holes 35, which may simplify manufacture of the assembly.

[0057] In the above variations and embodiments, the assembly and / or covering is described for use with a window, and thus reference to a window and “window covering” is described. However, it will be understood that the assembly and / or covering may be used for any architectural opening, e.g. an opening without glazing and / or a door. Thus, the covering described above may be a cover for any architectural opening.

[0058] The present disclosure is set forth in various levels of detail in this application and no limitation as to the scope of the claimed subject matter is intended by either the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, or the like in the summary. In certain instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the disclosure or that render other details difficult to perceive may have been omitted. It should be understood that the claimed subject matter is not necessarily limited to the particular embodiments or arrangements illustrated herein.

[0059] The accompanying drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only, and the dimensions, positions, order, and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary. The detailed description will be better understood in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, with reference made in detail to embodiments of the present subject matter, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the present subject matter, not limitation of the present subject matter. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present disclosure without departing from the scope or spirit of the present subject matter. Thus, it is intended that the present subject matter covers suchmodifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0060] In the foregoing description, it will be appreciated that the phrases “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and / or”, as used herein, are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. The term “a” or “an” entity, as used herein, refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein.

Claims

1. CLAIMS1. An architectural opening covering, the covering comprising:a frame that defines an aperture, and comprising a frame member which defines a recess on an outer surface of the frame, wherein the recess is formed as a through-opening at an edge of the frame;a cover configured to obscure the aperture, wherein the cover is connected to the frame and is movable relative to the frame to vary the extent to which the aperture is obscured; andan assembly comprising:a stiffening element configured to be positioned in the recess and to support the frame member adjacent to the recess; anda casing element configured to cover the stiffening element.

2. The covering of claim 1, wherein the stiffening element is metal.

3. The covering of either one of claims 1 or 2, wherein the stiffening element and the frame member define mating features, preferably wherein (i) the mating feature of the stiffening element is a protrusion and the mating feature of the frame member is a cavity defined in the frame member for receiving the protrusion, or (ii) the mating feature of the frame member is a protrusion and the mating feature of the stiffening element is a cavity defined in the stiffening element for receiving the protrusion.

4. The covering of claim 3, wherein the stiffening element comprises an elongated flat portion and a projection extending from either end of the elongated flat portion, preferably wherein each projection extends substantially perpendicular to the elongated flat portion, wherein the protrusion extends from a first surface of the elongated flat portion and the projections extend from a second surface of the elongated flat portion, wherein the first surface and the second surface are opposing sides of the flat portion.

5. The covering of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the stiffening element comprises an elongated flat portion and a projection extending from either end of the elongated flat portion, preferably wherein each projection extends substantially perpendicular to the elongated flat portion.

6. The covering of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the casing element forms an outer shell which covers an edge of the recess and the stiffening element, preferably wherein the outer shell comprises an elongated body portion and a projection portion extending from either end of the elongated body portion.

7. The covering of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the casing element comprises an edge flange which extends around an edge of the casing element.

8. The covering of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the casing element is removably attached to the rest of the assembly.

9. The covering of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the casing element comprises a ridge configured to mate with another part of the assembly to retain the position of the casing element, preferably wherein the ridge is arc shaped.

10. The covering of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the casing element is at least partially retained on the frame member due to an interference fit between the casing element and the frame member.

11. The covering of any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one fixing component configured to attach the stiffening element to the frame member.

12. The covering of claim 11, wherein the at least one fixing component comprises at least two screws, preferably wherein the stiffening element defines a through-hole for receiving each screw.

13. The covering of claim 12, wherein the frame member defines a receiving portion configured to receive each screw.

14. The covering of any one of the claims 11 to 13, further comprising a bushing at least partially positioned adjacent to the at least one fixing component.

15. The covering of claim 14, wherein the casing element is at least partially retained on the frame member due to mating with the bushing, preferably wherein the casing element comprises a ridge configured to mate with the bushing, preferably wherein the ridge is arc shaped.

16. The covering of either one of claims 14 or 15, wherein the bushing is (i) integral to the fixing component or (ii) positioned between the at least one fixing component and the stiffening element.

17. The covering of any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the casing element comprises at least one inner flange, the inner flange being configured to engage the bushing between the bushing and the stiffening element, preferably wherein the casing element comprises two inner flanges at either end of the casing element.

18. The covering of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame member has a width adjacent to the recess, wherein the recess extends at least approximately half of the width of the frame member, preferably at least approximately two thirds of the width of the frame member.

19. The covering of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the assembly defines the through-opening at the edge of the frame member.

20. The covering of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame member is plastic, preferably PVC.

21. The covering of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame member is substantially hollow.

22. The covering of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the frame member defining the recess is a stile on one side of the cover, and / or a top frame member, and / or a bottom frame member.

23. A window comprising the covering of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the window comprises a handle and the recess is aligned with the handle.

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