AU2021102523A4

AU2021102523A4 - Vehicle window covering device

Info

Publication number: AU2021102523A4
Application number: AU2021102523A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Christopher Allan Trudgett
Original assignee: Camps Worldwide Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Camps Worldwide Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2021-05-12
Filing date: 2021-05-12
Publication date: 2021-07-08
Anticipated expiration: 2029-05-12

Abstract

A vehicle window covering device Abstract A vehicle window covering device (5) includes an outer frame (10) configured to be installed against an internal wall of a vehicle at a location surrounding a window, the outer frame (10) including a body (12) and generally perpendicular return (14), the return (14) being configured to be secured to the internal wall or window frame of the vehicle. An internal frame (30) is hingedly secured to the outer frame (10), the internal frame (30) being selectively pivotal between an open position and a closed position in which the inner frame (30) is at least partially located within the outer frame (10). 1/3 20 5 10 16 50 42 18 3514 12 Fig. 1 10 15 14 12 19 17 21 Fig. 2

Description

1/3

20

5 10

16

42 18 3514 12

Fig. 1 10

15 14

12

19

17

21 Fig. 2

AUSTRALIA

Patents Act 1990

Innovation Patent Specification

Title: Vehicle window covering device

Applicant(s): Christopher Allan Trudgett

Inventor(s): Christopher Allan Trudgett

Agent: CTOTTERS Patent & Trade Mark Attorneys

The following is a full description of the invention which sets forth the best method known to the applicant of performing it.

Vehicle window covering device

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a vehicle window covering device. In particular, the present invention relates to a window or door covering device for caravans, motor homes and boats. However, it will be appreciated that the invention may be applied to other vehicles, buildings, and structures.

Background of the Invention

[0002] In recent years, there has been a trend toward timber and aluminium louvers for window and door coverings. In addition to their stylish aesthetic, louvers are able to provide functional advantages over traditional window dressings including improved thermal properties and increased privacy and light blocking characteristics.

[0003] Louvers are normally mounted to a frame which is pivotal with hinges about a vertical axis. This installation enables three different modes of use: 1) closed and covering the window; 2) partially open such that the frame is closed and the louvers are open and partly cover the window; and 3) fully open such that the frame and louvers are away from the window.

[0004] In order for the louvers to be movable between positions 1 and 2, the louver blades need to be installed a sufficient distance away from the pane of glass. If the distance is not sufficient, the louvers cannot be rotated about a horizontal axis between the closed and partially open positions.

[0005] However, despite their desirability in contemporary applications, existing mounting systems for timber and aluminium louvers are not an optimal window or door covering for vehicles such as caravans motor homes and boats for several reasons. In particular, the depth of the louver frame and louver blades is significant, and the wall thickness of a typical caravan or motor home is minimal in order to optimise the internal usable space within the caravan or motor home. As such, the wall thickness is generally not sufficiently thick to enable a window reveal to be included that can accommodate the frame to which the louvers are mounted.

[0006] As such, existing louver installation systems are not suited for application in vehicles.

Object of the Invention

[0007] It is an object of the present invention to substantially overcome or at least ameliorate one or more of the above disadvantages, or to provide a useful alternative.

Summary of the Invention

[0008] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a vehicle window covering device comprising: an outer frame configured to be installed against an internal wall of a vehicle at a location surrounding a window, the outer frame including a body and generally perpendicular return, the return being configured to be secured to the internal wall or window frame of the vehicle, an internal frame hingedly secured to the outer frame, the internal frame being selectively pivotal between an open position and a closed position in which the inner frame is at least partially located within the outer frame.

[0009] The body of the outer frame preferably includes a rebate configured to receive at least a portion of the inner frame.

[0010] A wall of the outer frame body defining the rebate preferably includes a channel configured to receive a seal.

[0011] The return is preferably set-back from the window facing side of the outer frame to define a step at the interface between the outer frame body and the return.

[0012] A fly screen mounting unit preferably projects away from a rear side of the internal frame.

[0013] The flyscreen mounting unit is preferably defined by a protrusion that extends adjacent to the perimeter of the internal frame.

[0014] The flyscreen mounting unit is preferably fabricated in a rectangular shape from an "L" shaped angle, having a first arm secured to the internal frame, and a second arm extending away from the rear side of the internal frame.

[0015] A plurality of louver blades are preferably fitted to the internal frame.

[0016] The outer frame is preferably fabricated from a rectangular hollow section, further wherein holes are located on front and rear surfaces of the rectangular hollow section for securing the outer frame to the wall of the vehicle.

[0017] Holes are preferably located on the return of the outer frame for securing the outer frame to the wall of the vehicle.

[0018] The internal frame is preferably defined by a generally horizontal bottom rail, a generally horizontal top rail and two generally vertical stiles.

[0019] The top rail and bottom rail preferably include a longitudinal channel for receiving a seal.

[0020] The top rail and bottom rail are preferably each formed by combining two partially open extrusions to define a generally rectangular rail body and longitudinally extending seal arm.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0021] A preferred embodiment of the invention will now be described by way of specific example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0022] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram depicting a vehicle window covering device according to the invention;

[0023] Fig. 2 depicts a cross-section of an outer frame of the device according to a first embodiment;

[0024] Fig. 3 depicts a cross-section of an outer frame of the device according to a second embodiment;

[0025] Fig. 4 depicts a cross-section of a bottom rail according to the invention;

[0026] Fig. 5 depicts a cross-section of a first open extrusion used to form a bottom rail according to the invention;

[0027] Fig. 6 depicts a cross-section of a second open extrusion used to form a bottom rail according to the invention;

[0028] Fig. 7 depicts the extrusions of Figs. 5 and 6 when combined;

[0029] Fig 8 depicts an aerofoil blade of the window covering device; and

[0030] Fig. 9 depicts a stile of the window covering device.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiments

[0031] A vehicle window covering device 5 includes an outer frame 10. The outer frame 10 is generally square or rectangular in external dimensions and configured to be attached to the internal wall 20 of a vehicle such as a caravan or mobile home to provide an internal window reveal around the perimeter of the window.

[0032] The outer frame 10 is fabricated from an extruded or otherwise hollow formed section of aluminium, plastic, stainless steel, or another suitable material. The outer frame is fabricated having a generally "L" shaped cross-section, having a body 12 and a return 14. The return 14 extends generally perpendicular to the body 12. As will be described herein, the return 14 provides a mounting surface to secure the outer frame 10 to the window of the vehicle. The perpendicularly extending body 12 provides an integral window reveal.

[0033] In the preferred installation, holes 15 (see Fig. 2) are drilled or otherwise formed in the return 14. The holes 15 enable the return 14 to be attached to or near the existing window of the caravan, motor home or other vehicle. This is advantageous as the existing window frame provides suitable attachment points and structural rigidity. The installation technician can place holes 15 at suitable locations on the return 14 that align with existing fastener holes in the window frame, or at least locations on or near the window frame that are suitable for additional fastener placement.

[0034] In an alternative mounting arrangement, holes 16 may be formed on the side of the outer frame 10 projecting furthest from the wall 20 of the vehicle. The holes 16 act as access points when securing the outer frame 10 to the wall 20 of the vehicle. Each hole 16 is aligned with a corresponding hole 18 located on the opposing side of the outer frame 10 which is in abutment with the wall 20 of the vehicle. A screw or other suitable fastener can be inserted through the holes 16 and into corresponding hole 18 for securement. Typically, the holes 16 are of a larger diameter, so that the screw and head and drive tool shaft can pass therethrough, whilst the holes 18 are only sufficiently large to receive the shaft of the fastener.

[0035] The holes 16 and 18 are typically provided in pairs that are in axial alignment. Alternatively, a single hole 16 may be used to access multiple holes 18, thereby minimising the number of visible holes on the front surface of the outer frame 10. The holes 16 may be covered with a cap or otherwise concealed.

[0036] Referring to the outer frame 10 of Fig. 2, the body portion 12 of the outer frame 10 includes a rebate 17 for seating an inner frame 30 which holds the louver blades 50. The rebate 17 is generally rectangular and include a channel 19 for attaching a mohair seal (or another suitable seal), and an arcuate recess 21.

[0037] An alternative embodiment of the outer frame 10 is depicted in Fig. 3, which is functionally similar. However, the return 14 is set-back slightly relative to the body portion 12. This set-back accommodates the thickness of the window frame which may extend slightly away from the internal wall of the vehicle.

[0038] The window covering device 5 includes an internal frame 30 corresponding in size and configured to fit snugly within the outer frame 10, within the rebate 17. The internal frame 30 is depicted in isolation in Fig. 9. The internal frame 30 is generally square or rectangular and is seated within the outer frame 10 with hinges 35, and free to pivot about a vertical axis. However, it will be appreciated that the opening could occur about a horizontal axis. The hinges 35 may be mounted along the vertical side or top and bottom edges of the internal frame 30.

[0039] Referring to Figs. 4 to 6, a bottom or top rail 60 is disclosed. The bottom or top rail can be provided in a single extrusion, as shown in Fig. 4. Alternatively the bottom or top rail 60 may be derived by combining the extrusions of Figs. 5 and 6, as depicted schematically in Fig. 7. As shown in Fig. 4, an additional seal may be attached to the channel 62 to achieve improved sealing between the outer frame 10 and the internal frame 30.

[0040] The vertical stiles 65 shown in Fig. 9 extend vertically between the bottom and top rails 60, to define the internal frame 30. The louver blades 50 are mounted to apertures which are formed in the vertical stiles 65.

[0041] In one embodiment, a fly screen mounting unit 40 projects away from the rear surface of the internal frame 30. The fly screen mounting unit 40 is provided in the form of a protrusion that extends adjacent to the perimeter of the internal frame 30.

[0042] In practice the fly screen mounting unit 40 is the same shape as the internal frame , but slightly smaller in outer dimensions, so that it does not contact with the outer frame when the internal frame 30 is transitioning between opened and closed positions.

[0043] In one embodiment, the fly screen mounting unit 40 is provided by an "L" shaped angle, such that a first arm can be secured to the internal frame 30, and a second perpendicular other arm extends away from the rear of the internal frame 30.

[0044] A flyscreen 42 is secured to the fly screen mounting unit 40. The flyscreen 42 is mounted to the rear surface of the outer frame 10. The flyscreen 42 may be attached to the outer frame 10 with a double side adhesive, magnetic strips, or alternatively it may be attached with fasteners, or fitted in a rebated channel or otherwise attached. The flyscreen 42 may be replaced if it becomes damaged.

[0045] The fly screen mounting unit 40 acts to distance the flyscreen 42 from the louver blades 50. The separation between the flyscreen 42 and the internal frame 30 enables the louvers 50 to be pivoted between open and closed positions without contacting with the flyscreen. As such, flyscreen protection is available in both closed and partially open louver configurations.

[0046] The louver blades 50 are each connected to each other blade with a tie bar. This enables the blades 50 to be moved simultaneously. By moving the tie bar or a single blade in the group all of the blades 50 move in unison.

[0047] Advantageously the assembly of the outer frame 10 and the internal frame 30 can be provided as a complete unit that can be retrofitted over existing windows regardless of the size of the window. As long as the window of the vehicle or boat fits within the outer frame 10 then the device 5 can be installed. In practice this allows the device 5 to be retrofitted without requiring customisation to precise site-specific dimensions. This enables the device 5 to be provide in a number of predefined sizes that can enable window covering to be achieved in the majority of possible applications.

[0048] Although the invention has been described with reference to specific examples, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the invention may be embodied in many other forms.

Claims

The claims defining the invention are as follows:

1. A vehicle window covering device comprising: an outer frame configured to be installed against an internal wall of a vehicle at a location surrounding a window, the outer frame including a body and generally perpendicular return, the return being configured to be secured to the internal wall or window frame of the vehicle, an internal frame hingedly secured to the outer frame, the internal frame being selectively pivotal between an open position and a closed position in which the inner frame is at least partially located within the outer frame.

2. The vehicle window covering device of claim 1, wherein the body of the outer frame includes a rebate configured to receive at least a portion of the inner frame.

3. The vehicle window covering device of claim 1 or 2, wherein a wall of the outer frame body defining the rebate includes a channel configured to receive a seal.

4. The vehicle window covering device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the return is set-back from a window facing side of the outer frame to define a step at the interface between the outer frame body and the return.

5. The vehicle window covering device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a fly screen mounting unit projects away from a rear side of the internal frame.

6. The vehicle window covering device of claim 5, wherein the flyscreen mounting unit is defined by a protrusion that extends adjacent to the perimeter of the internal frame.

7. The vehicle window covering device of claim 1 or 2, wherein the flyscreen mounting unit is fabricated in a rectangular shape from an "L" shaped angle, having a first arm secured to the internal frame, and a second arm extending away from the rear side of the internal frame.

8. The vehicle window covering device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein a plurality of louver blades are fitted to the internal frame.

9. The vehicle window covering system of claim 8, wherein the internal frame is defined by a generally horizontal bottom rail, a generally horizontal top rail and two generally vertical stiles.

10. The vehicle window covering system of claim 9, wherein the top rail and bottom rail include a longitudinal channel for receiving a seal.

11. The vehicle window covering system of claim 9 or 10, wherein the top rail and bottom rail each formed by combining two partially open extrusions to define a generally rectangular rail body and longitudinally extending seal arm.

12. The vehicle window covering device of any one of the preceding claims, wherein the outer frame is fabricated from a rectangular hollow section, further wherein holes are located on front and rear surfaces of the rectangular hollow section for securing the outer frame to the wall of the vehicle.

13. The vehicle window covering device of any one claims 1 to 8, wherein holes are located on the return of the outer frame for securing the outer frame to the wall of the vehicle.

Christopher Allan Trudgett By Patent Attorneys for the Applicant