Patent Application
20070012409
This invention relates to rolling shutters.
A rolling shutter is a multi-function shutter. Rolling shutters are utilized in windows, doors, and other openings in residential homes and other buildings.
Rolling shutters typically comprise slats positioned on atop another. In an open position, the slats are raised and are rolled around an upper shaft which is typically disposed within an enclosure, which may be internal or external to the building.
Rolling shutters have several advantages over standard shutters. One advantage is that when the shutter is in a fully open position, the entire area of the opening is exposed. In addition, assembly is simple, and it may be controlled by an electric motor.
A major disadvantage in existing rolling shutters is that when the shutter is in a closed position, only a small amount of light and air can enter. In order to let in more light and air, the entire shutter must be raised. It is common to raise the shutter partway in order to allow some light and air in. It is because of this disadvantage that many people do not use a rolling shutter. Nonetheless, rolling shutters are very popular in certain areas of the world, and their use is expanding. It would therefore be useful to provide a rolling shutter which allows a larger quantity of air and light to pass when it is in the closed position.
There have been several rolling shutters which have been manufactured to allow air and light to pass through via the slats. In a typical arrangement, the slats are hooked directly one to the next. The top of each slat typically comprises a hooked portion, which is grasped by toothed portion on the bottom of the next slat.
According to the present invention, there is provided a shutter slat. The slat comprises lower and upper edges and a first and a second sidewall defining together with said edges a hollow. The upper edge has a hooked portion and is free of any openings to the hollow.
The shutter slat may additionally comprise, at the lower edge thereof, protrusions of different lengths. The lower edge may also comprise at least two apertures, each aperture adapted to receive a link.
The shutter slat may additionally comprise a gripping portion within the hollow adapted to receive therein a screw, and an end cap.
According to one embodiment, the first sidewall is convex and the second sidewall is concave. The hooked portion is open toward the first sidewall.
According to another embodiment, each of the sidewalls comprises an upper and a lower curved portion.
According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a link adapted to connect two slats of a rolling shutter assembly. The link has two hooked ends and a web therebetween. Each hooked end has a termination point, each of which is a different distances from the web.
According to a further aspect of the present invention, there is provided a shutter comprising at least two shutter slats as described above, and at least two links as described above. Each set of two adjacent slats are connected by at least two links.
In the shutter of the present invention, each slat comprises an upper projection along its length. The projection is adapted for catching therein links which are attached to the bottom portion of the slat immediately above. The projection is constructed to prevent any liquid from penetrating the upper surface of the slat and allows attaching to the slat above it.
Additionally, the shutter of the present invention comprises a slat having a double convex structure on the front thereof, and a double concave structure on the back thereof. This structure imparts an increased strength to the slat.
The shutter of the present invention comprises slats which are sealed at the upper ends, which does not allow penetration thereby of any fluids. It also comprises links which serve as to connect the slats and allow a large amount of air and light through the shutter.
In order to understand the invention and to see how it may be carried out in practice, an embodiment will now be described, by way of non-limiting example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
6B is a side view of the shutter in an open position.
A shutter of the present invention comprises slat 1 and link 2.
As seen in
As seen in
The lower hook 14 is curved so that the end of the hook points back toward the lower part of the link 2. In this way, it may be clasped within the hooked portion 5 of the slat 1 and rotate freely without disengaging therefrom.
It should be noted that the wings 16 are an optional feature. The link 2 may be constructed without them.
As seen in
As illustrated in
In the closed position, the link 2 is disposed largely within the recess 11 of the slat 1.
As illustrated in
As can be seen from
When the shutter is lowered, the shutter descends until the lowest slat reaches the ground or window sill. The slat immediately above comes to rest on it, with the link 2 entering the hollow. Once the slat is completely sitting on the one below it, the process begins with the next slat.
Those skilled in the art to which this invention pertains will readily appreciate that numerous changes, variations and modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the invention mutatis mutandis.
