Patent Application
20110041440
The invention relates to shutters having frames, with louvres supported in the frame and being rotatable between open and closed positions, and in particular to shutters having pull bars to control the louvres, in which the pull bar is located to one end of the louvres, alongside the shutter frame.
Shutters having a frame and louvres extending across the frame are well know. The louvres can rotate between open and closed positions. Pull bars have been used for this purpose for many years. Usually the pull bar is located midway between the two ends of the louvres.
It is considered by some to be more desirable to locate the pull bar adjacent to one end of the louvres, alongside the shutter frame. Examples of this arrangement can be seen in prior patents. U.S. Pat. No. 6,041,547 is one example of this arrangement. This arrangement was particularly suitable for use with louvres which were made of hollow thermoplastic material. The design shown in this patent used end closures for the hollow louvres, and small pivot holes were formed in the end closures. Connectors were provided for connection between the pull rod and the end closures. These connectors had slender pins, which pins were received in the pin holes in the end closures.
This arrangement worked satisfactorily, provided the consumer was careful in operating the pull rod. If the pull rod was subjected to a more violent movement than was necessary, the pins could be broken off.
It is of course desirable make such products so that they will stand up to extended use, and to some degree of misuse, as well.
With a view to providing a shutter having a frame, and louvres, and with a side pull bar connected to the ends of the louvres, which is more rugged and durable, the invention comprises, a shutter having a rectangular frame, and louvres pivotally mounted in the frame in parallel relation to one another, and being rotatable between open and closed positions, and a sleeve member at one end of each of said louvres, and a pull bar having a plurality of drive pins, each drive pin being received in a respective sleeve member, and an anti rotation formation on each said sleeve member engaging the interior of its respective louvre whereby to retain said sleeve member in its respective said louvre and to prevent rotation of said sleeve member in its respective louvre In one preferred embodiment the louvres are formed of hollow plastic, typically vinyl plastic, extruded with an aerofoil shape, and having two end closures formed with integral axle pins. The axle pins extend outwardly, into axle openings in opposed sides of said frame.
Preferably in this embodiment the end closure at one end of each louvre is incomplete and leaves a space for insertion of the sleeve member into said louvre.
In another embodiment the louvres may be made of solid wood. In this case since the louvres are solid, there are no end closures. The louvres are drilled at one end, and the sleeves are inserted in respective drillings.
The pull rod is preferably formed as a generally channel shaped extrusion, and an outer sheath slides over the extrusion.
The pull rod has a plurality of pivot arms, each having a drive pin integral therewith for reception in respective a said sleeve, and a mounting plate formed at right angles to said pivot arm and a connection plug formed on said mounting plate, the connection plug being frictionally retained in said channel shape of said pull bar.
The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with more particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention.
As shown generally in
In order to swing all the louvres simultaneously, either open or closed, and also to hold them in a desired position, an side pull bar (16) is provided. The location of the side pull bar to one side of the frame, at the ends of the louvres is considered desirable by many consumers, since it leaves the view through the louvres, when open, unobstructed.
The side pull bar (16) consists, of an inner bar member (18), covered by an outer sleeve (20). The inner bar member (18) is in the form of an extruded member with a recessed channel (22).
Referring to
At the edges (26) semi annular surfaces (30) are formed, from end to end, for extra strength.
At one end of each louvre (14) (
Closure arms (38) extend from either side of body (34), to close of the open end of the louvre.
A stub pivot (40) is formed on body (34) extending outwardly, to act as a pivot for that end of the louvre.
At the other end of each louvre there is a end member (42), which is generally similar to end closure (32).
End member (42) has a central body (44), interfitting with reinforcing walls (28) within the louvre, which may be cut away for the purpose (
End member (42) has arms (46) closing off the end of the louvre. The end of one arm (46) is shorter than the other as at (48) for reasons to be described below.
A stub pivot (50) extends out from central body (44) to act as a pivot for this end of the louvre.
In order to move and control all the louvres simultaneously, each louvre has a hinge connector assembly shown generally as (52).
The hinge connector assembly (52) consists in this embodiment, of a main body (54), of generally flat, planar shape. A capture pin (56) extends from main body (54) and is adapted to make a frictional fit in channel (22) of inner bar member (18). Pin (56) is of tapering wedge shape, so as to facilitate insertion into the channel (22). Retention shoulders (58) make a snap fit in channel (22) so that it cannot become loose.
A side flange (60) extends from main body (54), normal thereto. Flange (60) has a hinge pin (62), extending therefrom normal thereto. Pin (62) has an enlarged head (64), and has a central split (66) for reasons described below.
For each louvre (14) there is a hinge sleeve (70) formed as a cylindrical tube. Sleeve (70) has an anti rotation formation, in this case a wing plate (72) extending therefrom to one side. The semi annular surfaces (30) adjacent one end of the louvre (14) have a recess (74) formed axially therein. Hinge sleeve (70) makes a snug friction fit in recess (74).
The hinge pin (62) can be forced into hinge sleeve (70), with the head (64) being squeezed together. Once through the sleeve (70) the head will expand and capture the hinge pin (62) in the hinge sleeve (70).
In this way each hinge pin and hinge sleeve for a hinge joint, connecting the inner bar member (18) to each respective louvre (14) at spaced intervals.
It will be apparent that when the side pull bar (16) is moved, it will move all louvres (14) simultaneously, to swing them either closed or open.
The friction inherent in the hinge pins and sleeves will usually be sufficient to hold the louvres in a present position.
In some cases however a friction brake can be incorporated in one of the stub pivots of one louvre (14) (not shown). Such friction brake systems are well known and require no special description.
In some cases the louvres (80) can be formed of solid wood (
The louvre is drilled at one edge to receive it.
