A BLIND OR SCREEN USING A SELF RETRACTING ROLLING DEVICE EXTENDED LATERALLY

FIELD OF INVENTION

The invention relates to a self retracting rolling device based on a spring mechanism and a round hollow tube (known as keyway tube) for such items as screens, blinds and awnings. However, the invention should not be construed as being limited thereto and any similar arrangement whereby the invention maybe suitably adapted is meant to be encompassed including advertising signs, walls, indoor partitions and truck curtains.

BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION

Conventional spring blinds and awnings are provided with a so called round hollow (keyway) tube onto which one end of suitable blind fabric or other material is attached, the remainder of the fabric being wrapped or rolled around the periphery of the tube. A

O spring mechanism is provided within the keyway tube, which is itself supported between two fixed brackets.

The blind fabric maybe caused to unroll for any desired length (up to limit of the fabric rolled on the tube), usually by pulling on it, which causes the tube to rotate about its axis, thereby winding up the spring mechanism.

In a conventional, free hanging blind, a locking means is also provided which prevents the spring mechanism from unwinding by it-self. However upon releasing the spring mechanism, the keyway tube is able to re-roll the unfurled fabric onto itself.

Such an arrangement is particularly suitable for conventional hung blinds and awnings. In such situations however, these blind and awning arrangements are limited to the span of cover which could be conveniently achieved (considering the length of material which maybe unrolled), requiring larger spring mechanisms and keyway tubes to accommodate greater lengths of material to be extended and rewound.

This of course means more difficulty in operation, as it becomes necessary to pull against increasing tension of larger springs over greater lengths of material required to be unrolled. There is also, a limit to the width of these conventionally hung blinds and awnings due to the bowing of the keyway tube and the creasing of the material during operation. Hence there are no known solutions of covering larger expanses.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to overcome, or at least ameliorate some or all of the foregoing disadvantages by providing an improved self retracting rolling device extending laterally, relying in principle on the use of two sheets of fabric rolled about a vertical keyway tube being provided with a spring type blind or awning mechanism, each of the sheets extending (generally but not necessarily) in opposite directions, so that in the case of two sheets of fabric being pulled in opposite directions, the span of extended material is effectively doubled for each revolution of the tube, when compared with a single sheet.

In this way, the span covered by any particular size of spring mechanism may itself be effectively doubled. This follows from the fact that the spring is twisted by the rotation of the tube. For a given number of revolutions of the tube, double the coverage will be achieved.

It will of course be appreciated that compared with conventional spring blind mechanism in which the keyway tube and spring remain supported between two fixed stationary brackets, the vertical keyway tube in the present invention is free to travel laterally (from left to right) as the self retracting rolling device is unwound, the free end of one fabric portion itself being securely anchored or attached (instead of the spring and keyway tube being held in a fixed location as in the conventional blind arrangement).

It is generally found that with conventional arrangements especially in use as an awning, the sagging, that is the weight and stability of the fabric extended over a large area is a major problem, in the present invention this problem is greatly reduced due to the lateral travel of the keyway tube and the tension of the spring.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

According to the present invention there is provided a self retracting rolling device, comprising two sheets of fabric or other suitable material affixed and wound conjointly about a round hollow (keyway) tube. A spring mechanism is inserted and secured to one end of the keyway tube. In use the keyway tube and spring mechanism are positioned to operate in a vertical plane with the spring mechanism located at the top end of the keyway tube. The spring mechanism similar to the ones used for blinds and awnings, is pre-tensioned so as to cause the sheets of fabric to be rewound about the keyway tube, when one of the sheets of fabric is released from it's extended or unwound position, and wherein the vertical keyway tube and spring mechanism and are allowed to travel laterally during the unwinding and winding up of the fabric.

The spring mechanism is provided with wheels, a specially arranged combination of wheels that form the carriage that transports the spring mechanism, keyway tube and fabric during winding and unwinding of the fabric. The bottom end of the vertical keyway tube is not being held by any means during rolling and unrolling of the fabric. Unlike conventional blinds and awnings which are held at both ends (that is the spring mechanism and the opposite pin end) of the keyway tube by fixed stationary brackets. The carriage preferably consists of a wheeled unit (two wheels attached either side of a common body) and two outer wheels (or bearings) attached individually onto an "E" shaped frame. The wheeled unit to be attached to the middle arm of the "E" shaped frame and each wheel (or bearing) to be attached to an arm either side of the wheeled unit. The spring mechanism is attached to the central part of the "E" shaped frame (when the "E" shaped frame is laid down on its longest side) inline with the wheeled unit

The two outer wheels of the carriage will be of equal size and equal distance away from Ae wheeled unit. The wheels on the wheeled unit will sit vertically with the axis of rotation of these vertical wheels being in the horizontal plane. The two outer wheels will be fixed in horizontal position and the axis of rotation of these horizontal wheels is in the vertical plane. The wheeled unit will take the load or weight of the tube, spring and fabric, while the two outer wheels of the carriage will retain the spring tension.

The self retracting rolling device requires a straight and rigid "C" shaped horizontal top track (similar to the tracks used for sliding doors) to operate from. The ^M C" shaped track will be fixed in a horizontal plane to a ceiling or level overhead beam, fixed between two upright posts. The wheels of the self retracting rolling device will be placed inside the top track, the end of one sheet of fabric to be fixed to a wall or post The self retracting rolling device will sit vertically inline with the wall. To extend the self retracting rolling device, pull on the non-fixed sheet laterally and the device will extend laterally, from left to right (or right to left if adapted) unrolling the fabric.

The device does not require a bottom track or for the bottom end of the keyway tube to be held or supported by any means during the rolling of the keyway tube. A space or clearance is provided between the bottom end of the keyway tube and the ground to allow for free rolling of the tube and to compensate for any unevenness in the ground surface.

The spring mechanism is pre-tensioned and a locking means holds the tension. AU the wheels of the carriage will be placed inside the "C" shaped top track to prevent the spring from losing its tension as the device is extended and the locking means is released, the spring tension or force is then applied to the two outer wheels of the carriage which are forced onto either side of the internal walls of the track, which in turn centralizes and takes any force or stress off the wheeled unit allowing it to roll freely back and forth along the track, carrying the tube, spring mechanism and fabric.

Although the wheeled unit and the outer wheels are attached onto an "E" shaped frame, the outer wheels operate individually, also the wheeled unit is still allowed some movement to be able to swivel and centralize itself in the track, when the force of the spring is applied to the outer wheels. The wheeled unit preferably has two wheels attached on either side of a common body, but one or more wheels could be adapted.

After fully extending the self retracting rolling device, secure it in position, to give stability to the device it is necessary to anchor the bottom end (the end that is not being held by any means) of the vertical keyway tube to the ground or wall using a temporary anchor (like a bolt). The temporary anchor will be removed before retracting the device.

Operating the self retracting rolling device from a top track allows for any differences of distance between the track and the ground and does away with the problems associated with any system that relies on the use of two parallel tracks.

The benefit of not having the bottom end of the vertical keyway tube attached or encapsulated is that it removes the need for a permanent hazardous bottom track being fixed to the ground.

Another benefit, when used as a window covering, is that the bottom end of the tube is provided with a wheel fitted horizontally, the axis of rotation being in the vertical plane (in some cases the wheel to be larger in diameter than the tube) so when the device is extended would conform to the surface over which the wheel is being rolled.

In some cases (e.g. windy areas) a temporary channel placed on the ground can be used for the bottom of the device to run in. The channel could be partial (about half the length of the device when it is extended) or the total length. The channel could be laid down before extending and removed after retracting.

In areas to be screened, such as patio's, balconies, sliding doors and windows, such a carriage, spring mechanism and track system will assist in the rolling of the tube, especially by keeping the fabric of the screen tight and under tension. This arrangement provides great stability for the keyway tube and a solid support for the fabric, thereby reducing the sagging of the fabric.

The type of wheels, the number of wheels and the arrangement of wheels that make up the carriage will depend on the particular use to which the device is to be put. It will also be understood that the position* of any such wheels and the shape of the track will depend on several factors in the design of the specific unit to be employed. Similarly any suitable roller type arrangements maybe substituted for wheels as such.

It has been found in utilizing the invention, that the creasing of the fabric is greatly reduced where two fabric panels are wound up together, as compared with rolling a single panel as in a conventional arrangement.

In another embodiment of the invention, where the area to be screened is curved, a "C" shaped, curved horizontal top track (similar to the ones used around hospital beds) can be used, combined with a number of devices when extended, would conform to the shape of that track.

When the devices are extended to go round a corner, a curved corner top track section is incorporated, it is also necessary to attach a curved corner section of track or channel to the ground to assist the bottom of the devices in getting around that corner. Wheels fitted horizontally to the bottom of the devices would also assist in rolling around that bottom section of track or channel. The axis of rotation of these horizontal wheels is in the vertical plane.

The keyway tube in this case may conveniently act as the junction of two panels forming a corner, being it-self rigid to further provide stability to such a structure.

In this embodiment where the "C" shaped top track has a curved section, the wheels of the carriage will be placed so that the two outer horizontal wheels (having an axis of rotation in the vertical plane) will roll on the outside of the track and the wheels on the wheeled unit (which have an axis of rotation in the horizontal plane) will sit and roll inside the track, this is useful when the track is curved or has a curved corner section, it makes it easier for the carriage to roll around.

When the spring tension is applied to the carriage, the two outer wheels are forced against the outside walls of the track, this removes any spring force away from the wheeled unit which sits central inside the track, carrying the weight of the spring, tube and fabric.

In a particular embodiment suitable for outdoor screening between two posts and those posts being connected by a wire (or tube) and that wire to be used for the suitably configured carriage to run on.

To assist in this arrangement a square or similar shaped frame is provided where the wire will pass through the frame, a top wheel attached to the frame will sit vertically on the wire with its axis of rotation in the horizontal plane and on either side of the top wheel but attached to the frame are two outer wheels with the axis of rotation in the vertical plane.

The two outer wheels will retain the tension of the spring by being forced onto either side of the wire; this centralizes the top wheel to allow for smooth and free rolling. The carriage frame will encapsulate the wire so that carriage frame does not come off the wire during the rolling and unrolling of the fabric.

It will be generally appreciated that in any such arrangement described herein, one end of one sheet of fabric will itself be secured in a suitable position for its intended use, whilst the free end of the other fabric sheet will be extended to allow the spring and tube to travel laterally.

However, whilst these are the preferred arrangements, especially for use as screens, blinds, room dividers, awnings, partitions, and privacy screens no such limitation is actually meant in relation to the use of the invention as a whole.

It will also be appreciated in situations where the self retracting rolling device is utilized, say a patio area that may have steps on one side, is that there are considerable advantages in having two sheets of fabric unroll from a common tube since one piece of fabric maybe conveniently shaped to conform to the area taken up by the steps.

With advantage, two or more self retracting rolling devices according to the invention maybe coupled together to extend the area which maybe covered. In this way, one end of one fabric panel will be connected by suitable means to the end of another fabric panel extending in the same direction from the next adjacent rolling device

This arrangement can also be achieved by having one very long piece of fabric divided into sections and then locating a number of spring and keyway tube and carriage arrangements at suitable points to allow for rolling and unrolling of the fabric as one unit.

Another advantage of linking two or more devices together to cover an area where the ground is sloping is that each device could be slightly shorter than the previous device to fit the area to be covered.

Although the spring mechanism in the majority of cases would be used it may not be the only way to roll and unroll the material, it maybe possible to introduce an electric motor (as used in awnings and blinds) to replace the spring mechanism but still having the keyway tube traveling as it rolls and unrolls the material.

This may suit more rigid type material such as aluminum, similar to the ones used for security or roller shutters.

Another arrangement of the carriage is to have the wheeled unit (that is two vertical wheels attached to a common body, the axis of rotation of the vertical wheels being in the horizontal plane) attached to one arm of a "U" shaped frame and a horizontal wheel with the axis of rotation being in the vertical plane on the other arm of the "U" shaped frame. The spring mechanism to be attached inline with the wheeled unit, the wheeled unit will take the weight of the spring, tube and fabric, while the horizontal wheel will help retain the force of the spring. The horizontal wheel will be slightly smaller than the inside of the "C" shaped track, this will allow only minimal movement of the wheeled unit, when the spring tension is applied to the horizontal wheel.

This arrangement of the carriage is more suited to smaller devices, which require a lesser amount of tension on the spring mechanism.

A variation of using two sheets of fabric is to use one sheet of fabric and a flat strap (or cord) rolled up together around the keyway tube, to extend the device pull on the strap laterally and the keyway tube will travel laterally unrolling the fabric.

Embodiments of the invention may also find practical use as room dividers, advertising screens, balcony screens, over sliding doors, privacy screens, industrial screens and outdoor location such as pergolas, verandah's, caravans and as truck curtains.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

Preferred embodiments of the invention are illustrated in the accompanying drawings of which;

Fig. 1 is a side view of the self retracting rolling device sitting vertically, especially suitable for use as a balcony and patio screen, according to the present invention, in the rolled up or contracted state against a wall.

AU wheels of the carriage are placed inside a straight and rigid "C" shaped top track. The bottom of the vertical keyway tube is not being held by any means.

Fig. 2 is a side view of the self retracting rolling device according to fig. 1 but in an unrolled or extended state, the device in this case has been extended laterally from left to right.

Fig.3 is a perspective view of the carriage, showing the two outer wheels and the wheeled unit in the middle attached onto an "E" shaped frame lying on its longest side.

Fig. 4 shows the top view of the carriage that is the two outer wheels and the wheeled unit in the middle.

Fig. 4 A shows the side view of the carriage, with the axis rotation of the vertical wheel of the wheeled unit in the horizontal plane. Also seen are the two outer horizontal wheels with an axis of rotation in the vertical plane.

Fig. 5 shows the cross section view of the "C" shaped top track with the two outer wheels of the carriage in position to roll on the outside of the track and the wheeled unit inside the track. This arrangement is more suited to a curved or corner track as it allows the carriage to roll around a curve or corner track section easier.

Fig. 6 shows the side view of spring mechanism which slides into a slotted area inside the carriage frame linking the two together, (slotted area in frame not visible).

BEST MODE OF CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Referring generally to the drawings and in particular Fig.l and Fig. 2 there is depicted a self retracting rolling device, generally referenced 11, comprising a vertical keyway tube 12, two sheets of fabric 17 are wound about a vertical keyway tube 12. The inner edges of the each sheet of fabric 17 are fitted within the keyway slots 13 (not visible) which run along the length of the tube 12 in known fashion. A spring mechanism 14, inserted into the top end of the vertical keyway tube 12 is fitted with a carriage IS, which supports the vertical keyway tube 12, spring mechanism 14 and fabric 17 and allows the lateral travel of Ae self retracting rolling device 11 in a straight and rigid "C" shaped, horizontal top track 22.

The two sheets of fabric 17 are each provided with a bar member 18 at their free ends to assist in pulling the sheets and generally supporting the free ends thereof. Wheels 20 are fitted to the end of bar member 18 and are placed in track 22. A saddle 19 or similar pull facility is also provided in the vicinity of the free end 17 to facilitate grasping and pulling. A strap 40 attached to 19 is illustrated, in this case a central one at the free end of fabric 17. Bar member 18, being fixed and secured close to wall 16 by suitable means (not illustrated).

Bar member 18, on the free end is pulled along by strap 40, this free end is pulled in order to assist in it's travel across the track 22, especially where that area is relatively expansive, as this will provide support and ease of use.

In order to extend the self retracting rolling device 11, it is only necessary to grasp and pull laterally on the free end of one sheet of fabric 17, whilst the other end of the other sheet of fabric is prevented by any suitable means. As the first sheet is pulled, it causes the keyway tube 12, to roll and unwind the fabric, allowing the keyway tube 12 to move laterally in the direction in which the first sheet is being pulled. The self retracting rolling device 11 is assisted in its travel by rolling on the wheels provided.

Due to the geometry of the arrangement, the keyway and spring will travel one half of the distance spanned by the two sheets of fabric, which is the effective distance that the end of the first sheet itself will have traveled.

In order to roll fabric up 17 release the grasp on bar member 18 and the force of the spring will roll the vertical keyway tube 12 retracting the device 11 laterally back to the wall 16.

Fig. 2 for use as a screen, blind or temporary wall panel, there is shown a folly extended self retracting rolling device 11, comprising a vertical keyway tube 12. The spring mechanism 14 is attached to a carriage IS, the wheels of the carriage are placed and roll inside a top track 22. One free end is attached to a wall 16, by suitable mean as the other free end with bar member 18 is extended laterally (from left to right) to enclose a large balcony or doorway for example.

The wheels of the carriage 15, travel in a top track 22, the self retracting rolling device 11 is sitting vertically and is allowed to travel back and forth laterally.

The keyway tube 12 in this case shows two sheets of fabric 17 using two separate slots 13 (not visible) being used as preferred arrangement but one slot linking two sheets of fabric could also be used.

The foregoing describes only some embodiments of the present invention, and modifications to those skilled in the art can be made thereto without departing from the scope of the present invention.