U.S. patent application number 12/185326 was filed with the patent office on 2009-02-12 for splinter protection with optical and thermal functionality.
Invention is credited to Jurgen Frick, Michael Hermann, Tilmann Kuhn, Christoph Mayrhofer, Jan Wienold, Volker Wittwer.
Application Number | 20090038244 12/185326 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 38024297 |
Filed Date | 2009-02-12 |
United States Patent
Application |
20090038244 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Kuhn; Tilmann ; et
al. |
February 12, 2009 |
SPLINTER PROTECTION WITH OPTICAL AND THERMAL FUNCTIONALITY
Abstract
The present invention relates to a curtain which is suitable as
shatter protection and has optical and thermal functionality.
Curtains of this type are required in particular in order to
protect buildings for example during terrorist attacks. This
fundamentally relates to any type of building, in particular
however, office buildings with large areas of glass. The
fundamental concept of the present invention is to provide curtains
which absorb the huge amount of energy, for example of an
explosion, however also irreversible damage of the curtain being
able to be accepted. It is thereby essential that the curtain
absorbs the acting energy and inter alia prevents any possibly
occurring fragments of a glass facade being thrown into the room
and being able to injure people there. The curtain is configured
for this purpose as an internally situated or externally situated
curtain, advantageously as a slatted curtain/shutter or even as a
roller blind.
Inventors: |
Kuhn; Tilmann;
(Hinterzarten, DE) ; Mayrhofer; Christoph;
(Kandern, DE) ; Frick; Jurgen; (Freiburg, DE)
; Hermann; Michael; (Freiburg, DE) ; Wienold;
Jan; (Emmendingen, DE) ; Wittwer; Volker;
(Freiburg-Tiengen, DE) |
Correspondence
Address: |
GAUTHIER & CONNORS, LLP
225 FRANKLIN STREET, SUITE 2300
BOSTON
MA
02110
US
|
Family ID: |
38024297 |
Appl. No.: |
12/185326 |
Filed: |
August 4, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
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PCT/EP2007/001045 |
Feb 7, 2007 |
|
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12185326 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
52/203 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E06B 9/15 20130101; E06B
5/12 20130101; E06B 9/386 20130101; E04H 9/06 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
52/203 |
International
Class: |
E04H 9/06 20060101
E04H009/06 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Feb 7, 2006 |
DE |
102006005509.8 |
Claims
1. A curtain for the facade of a building, wherein the curtain is
configured in such a manner that it is stable under the effect of
large pressure forces.
2. The curtain according to claim 1, wherein a large number of bars
which are disposed parallel and adjacent and are held together by
connecting means to form a two-dimensional structure.
3. The curtain according to claim 2, wherein the bars have hollow
chambers for stabilisation on at least one part of their length or
they are configured as hollow profiles.
4. The curtain according to claim 3, wherein the hollow chambers or
hollow profiles are filled at least in regions with a material.
5. The curtain according to claim 4, wherein the hollow chambers or
hollow profiles are filled at least in regions with a liquid, a
gel, a plastic material, a foam and/or sand.
6. The curtain according to claim 3, wherein the hollow chambers or
hollow profiles are sealed to be liquid-impermeable and/or
gas-impermeable.
7. The curtain according to claim 2, wherein the bars have surface
regions which extend along the bars and protrude beyond the hollow
chambers or the hollow profiles.
8. The curtain according to claim 2, wherein the profile or the
cross-section of the bars is configured in such a manner that the
bars cannot be stacked or the curtain cannot be moved away,
gathered up and/or rolled up.
9. The curtain according to claim 2, wherein the profile or the
cross-section of the bars is configured in such a manner that the
bars can be stacked or the curtain can be moved away, gathered up,
rolled up, shifted and/or folded.
10. The curtain according to claim 2, wherein the bars have an
external contour with at least one first surface which extends in
the longitudinal direction of the bars and delimits the external
contour and a second surface which abuts against the first surface
perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the bars and
delimits the external contour, the first surface, in anti-clockwise
direction/turning to the left, enclosing an angle .beta. with the
horizontal and the second surface, in the clockwise
direction/turning to the right, enclosing an angle .gamma. with the
horizontal.
11. The curtain according to claim 1, wherein there applies for
.beta. and .gamma. 70.degree..ltoreq..beta..ltoreq.110.degree.,
advantageously .beta.=90.degree. and/or
0.degree..ltoreq..gamma..ltoreq.85.degree., advantageously
45.degree..ltoreq..beta..ltoreq.85.degree., advantageously
45.degree..ltoreq..beta..ltoreq.60.degree..
12. The curtain according to claim 1, wherein a third surface which
delimits the external contour of the bars abuts against the first
surface on the side which is orientated away from the second
surface, said surface, in anticlockwise direction (turning to the
left), enclosing an angle .alpha. with the horizontal.
13. The curtain according to claim 12, wherein there applies for
the angle .alpha.: -30.degree..ltoreq..alpha..ltoreq.90.degree.,
preferably 0.degree..ltoreq..alpha..ltoreq.45.degree., preferably
30.degree..ltoreq..alpha..ltoreq.40.degree., preferably
.alpha.=0.degree..
14. The curtain according to claim 10, wherein a fourth surface
abuts against the second surface on the side which is orientated
away from the first surface, said fourth surface, in the clockwise
direction/turning to the right, enclosing an angle .delta. with the
horizontal.
15. The curtain according to claim 14, wherein there applies for
the angle .delta.--60.degree..ltoreq..delta..ltoreq.60.degree.,
advantageously 0.degree..ltoreq..delta..ltoreq.60.degree.,
advantageously 0.degree..ltoreq..delta..ltoreq.25.degree..
16. The curtain according to claim 12, wherein the first surface,
the second surface and the third surface and possibly the fourth
surface enclose a hollow space.
17. The curtain according to claim 16, wherein the first surface,
the second surface and the third surface form a hollow space with a
triangular cross-section.
18. The curtain according to the preceding claim, wherein the
fourth surface (D) protrudes beyond the hollow space formed by the
first (B), second (C) and third (A) surface.
19. The curtain according to claim 10, wherein the first, second,
third and/or fourth surface is formed by structural elements of the
bars.
20. The curtain according to claim 10, wherein the first, second
and third surface and possibly the fourth surface represent the
envelope for structural elements of the bars.
21. The curtain according to claim 20, wherein the bars
respectively have a large number of two-dimensional elements which
extend in the longitudinal direction of the bars and are disposed
adjacently perpendicular to the surface plane of the curtain the
adjacent two-dimensional elements of one bar being connected to
each other alternately at their upper edge or at their lower
edge.
22. The curtain according to claim 21, wherein the height of the
two-dimensional elements reduces in the direction of the outside of
the building.
23. The curtain according to claim 2, wherein the bars have folds,
beads, edges and/or bends which extend in the longitudinal
direction for stabilisation.
24. The curtain according to claim 2, wherein the bars are coated,
in particular glued, at least in regions.
25. The curtain according to claim 24, wherein the bars are coated
at least in regions with a woven fabric, in particular made of
composite material, in particular made of carbon fibres, aramide
fibres and/or Kevlar.
26. The curtain according to claim 24, wherein the bars are not
coated at bending points.
27. The curtain according to claim 24, wherein the bars are coated
only or in particular on the side which is orientated away from the
outside of the building in the mounted state.
28. The curtain according to claim 24, wherein the bars are coated
only or in particular on flat regions of the bars or on the concave
inside of curved regions.
29. The curtain according to claim 24, wherein the bars are coated
only or in particular at those regions which are flat before and/or
after roller-shaping of the bars and/or are subjected only to
pressure or without tension during roller-shaping of the bars.
30. The curtain according to claim 2, wherein the bars have
predetermined bending points at least in regions in their
longitudinal direction.
31. The curtain according to claim 30, wherein the bars have
surface regions which extend along the bars and protrude beyond the
main body of the bars and a predetermined bending point, in
particular in the form or a bead or omega-bead, being disposed
between the main body and the surface regions.
32. The curtain according to claim 30, wherein the surface regions
have a width perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the
bars which is greater than or at least equal to the spacing of the
main body of two bars from each other in the mounted state of the
curtain.
33. The curtain according to claim 2, wherein the bars comprise
plastic material, composite material, in particular
fibre-reinforced plastic material, and/or metal, in particular
metal sheet, in particular aluminium and/or stainless steel, or
contain these materials.
34. The curtain according to claim 2, wherein at least the surface
which is orientated away from the building in the mounted state of
the curtain is configured to be reflective, in particular
metallically reflective, highly reflective, diffusely scattering,
asymmetrically scattering, painted, in particular painted white,
coated or glued with a foil, in particular a foil with a wood
appearance, or coated or glued with a real wood veneer.
35. The curtain according to claim 2, wherein at least the surface
which is directed towards the building in the mounted state of the
curtain is configured painted, in particular painted white, coated
or glued with a foil, in particular a foil with a wood appearance
or coated or glued with a real wood veneer.
36. The curtain according to claim 2, wherein the bars have,
externally at the bottom, a sharp edge in the mounted state of the
curtain.
37. The curtain according to claim 2, wherein the surface of the
bars which is orientated towards the building interior in the
mounted state of the curtain is not situated further inwards with
its upper end than with its lower end.
38. The curtain according to claim 1, wherein the surface of the
bars which is orientated towards the building interior in the
mounted state of the curtain extends vertically.
39. The curtain according to claim 1, wherein a two-dimensional
woven fabric, knitted fabric and/or hosiery fabric, the woven
fabric, knitted fabric and/or hosiery fabric having or comprising
as fibre component glass fibres, carbon fibres, aramide fibres
and/or combinations hereof.
40. The curtain according to claim 39, wherein the fibre component
is covered with plastic material, metallised, in particular vapour
coated with aluminium, and/or painted, in particular painted
white.
41. The curtain according to claim 29, wherein the curtain can be
rolled up and/or wound up.
42. The curtain according to claim 39, wherein the curtain cannot
be rolled up and/or wound up.
43. The curtain according to claim 1, wherein the curtain is
mounted at least laterally, at the upper edge and/or lower
edge.
44. The curtain according to claim 1, wherein the curtain is
mounted elastically and/or deformably.
45. The curtain according to claim 1, wherein the curtain is
mounted laterally, at the upper edge and/or at the lower edge in
rails, in particular in rails with a C-profile, clamping strips and
or nail strips as mounting.
46. The curtain according to claim 1, wherein the curtain is
mounted all around in a rigid or stable frame as mounting.
47. The curtain according to claim 1, wherein the mounting is
elastic and/or deformable.
48. The curtain according to claim 47, wherein the curtain is
mounted all around in a rigid frame which is mounted elastically
for its part.
49. The curtain according to claim 1, wherein the curtain is braced
laterally, at the top and/or at the bottom.
50. The curtain according to claim 1, wherein the curtain is braced
laterally, at the top and/or at the bottom elastically and/or
deformably.
51. The curtain according to claim 1, wherein the curtain is braced
by means of looped cords.
52. The curtain according to claim 1, wherein the curtain is braced
by means of metal threads or strips, woven fabric threads or
strips, in particular Kevlar threads or strips, and/or by means of
threads or strips made of a plastic material or fibre composite
material.
53. The curtain according to claim 1, wherein the curtain is braced
by means of strips, the curtain and the strips being riveted to
each other.
Description
PRIORITY INFORMATION
[0001] The present application is a continuation of PCT Application
No. PCT/EP2007/001045 filed on Feb. 7, 2007 that claims priority to
German Application No. DE 102006005509.8, filed on Feb. 7, 2006.
Both applications are incorporated by reference herein in their
entireties.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] The present invention relates to a curtain which is suitable
as shatter protection and has optical and thermal
functionality.
[0003] Curtains of this type are required in particular in order
for example to protect buildings during terrorist attacks. They are
required in all sorts of buildings but in particular in office
buildings with large areas of glass.
[0004] Buildings with large areas of glass, in particular office
buildings, are subject to particular dangers during terrorist
attacks or also basically during explosion occurrences. The reason
is that normal sun protection systems are not stable enough, in
particular non-buckling, in order to protect the areas of glass
from the pressure of the explosion wave. In the state of the art,
there is no building curtain known, neither on the inside nor the
outside of the building, which could effectively protect the areas
of glass here.
[0005] It is therefore the object of the present invention to
produce a building curtain which combines inter alia protection
against high pressures or the consequences associated therewith, in
particular shatter protection, with optical and thermal
functionality at the same time.
[0006] This object is achieved by the curtain according to claim 1.
Advantageous developments of the curtain are indicated in the
respective dependent claims.
[0007] In contrast to the state of the art in which efforts are
made to make the glass facades so stable that they survive
explosions/terrorist attacks or similar without damage, the present
invention offers a completely different route. It has recognised
that it is in fact achievable if, instead of making the glass
facades stable, specific components absorb the enormous amount of
energy in that damage, even irreversible, is accepted for them. It
is therefore allowed here that the--often large-area--glazing is
damaged. However this is where the present invention intervenes in
that it makes available a curtain which prevents fragments, which
are possibly produced, from being able to be thrown into the room
and injuring persons there.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] According to the invention these can be internally situated
curtains, ones situated between the panes or externally situated,
said curtains enabling in addition, in the form of a blind or a
shutter, sun protection, dazzle protection, a view and daylight
provision. These curtains can thereby be able to be folded, folded
away, moved away, rolled up and the like. However it is also
possible to provide stationary curtains which always remain in the
protective position.
[0009] Thus it would then be possible either for the curtain
constantly to be "simply left down as sun protection" or also to
deploy the curtain, for example to uncouple it, shift it, unroll it
and the like, only if the security situation demands it, for
example in embassies.
[0010] If it is movable and weather-resistant, such a curtain can
also be used as an externally situated, stable, in particular
wind-stable, curtain. This makes it possible then for the first
time, even in multi-story buildings over 100 metres in height, to
deploy an externally situated sun protection, which has not been
possible to date because of the wind loading. Such an externally
situated sun protection in high office buildings would offer a
large energy saving potential in the trend of the moment for whole
glass facades. The curtain according to the invention is thus
already financially viable as a result of savings in operating
costs and a smaller air-conditioning plant. Also less ventilation
and air-conditioning technology has an effect on the profitability
of the curtain according to the invention via a smaller spatial
requirement for shafts and channels and a correspondingly greater
rentable area. In combination with energy saving regulations, for
example of the European Union, the curtain according to the
invention makes possible a small revolution in multi-storey
construction with complete glass facades.
[0011] The curtain according to the invention achieves in addition
high acceptance since at the very least it does not impair the
thermal and visual comfort of the users. For the users it also
serves for the purpose of increasing the thermal and visual comfort
in the room and is configured to be aesthetically appealing.
Furthermore, it is possible to assume functions, with the curtain
according to the invention, which are normally assumed by another
component so that investment costs in the other component are then
saved.
[0012] According to the invention, the curtain can be configured
either as a slatted curtain/shutter or as a roller blind.
[0013] If a roller blind is used, then this can be produced
advantageously from a two-dimensional woven fabric, knitted fabric
and/or hosiery fabric, the latter having as fibre components glass
fibres, carbon fibres, aramide fibres or combinations hereof. The
fibre component can thereby be metallised, covered with plastic
material, for example also vapour coated with aluminium. Such a
roller blind can be configured to be able to be rolled and/or wound
up, but this is not necessary. In certain circumstances, also
variants are advantageous in which the blind is static and remains
permanently in its position.
[0014] If the woven fabric is metallised, then in particular the
aesthetic demands of the users can be met since the optical
appearance is thus improved. In the case of a surface configuration
which has a light colour, for example white, sun protection is
improved because of the high reflectivity of the material. Such a
blind can then absorb a load three-dimensionally, for example due
to pressure, and serve also as shatter protection since it can
intercept fragments of the glass facade. In the last case, an
internally situated mounting should be implemented, i.e. on the
building side relative to the glass facade. Furthermore, fibres
which can be stretched with energy absorption can be used so that
they absorb energy very well.
[0015] As an alternative, the curtain can also advantageously be
configured in the form of a slatted curtain/shutter, i.e. have a
large number of bars which are disposed in parallel and adjacent
and are connected to each other for example via strips or cables
such that the individual bars hang horizontally in front or behind
the facade. There is generally intended here and subsequently by
bars any structure which has an elongated extension, as for example
shutter slats have. Perpendicular to this longitudinal direction, a
bar of this type can have a two-dimensional or even a
three-dimensional structure/profile.
[0016] The bars can thereby be configured as static structures or
also rotatable structures similarly to a shutter.
[0017] If the shutter-like systems need not be able to be gathered
up, it is not necessary that the slats are stackable. As a result,
greater freedom exists in the shaping of the profiles of the
individual bars. Also for roller blind-like, fabric-like systems,
greater freedom exists in the formation of the fabric (for example
resistance to wear or thickness of the fabric) if these do not
require to be able to be rolled up or wound up.
[0018] For the shutter-like or slat-like curtains, there are now
various advantageous development options in order to make these
insensitive to high pressures or to ensure shatter protection.
[0019] On the one hand, the slats can be made more stable by means
of additional folds, edges, bends and/or hollow chambers or similar
structures. The starting point here is profiles, such as for
example the C-slat, the Z-slat, the Genius slat and the
Ganzmetallstore or even the slat systems marketed under the trade
name s_enn.
[0020] There are suitable here as metals, metals such as aluminium
sheet or stainless steel sheet from which the slats can be produced
by roller-shaping. In this case, care should be taken that the
corresponding structures are disposed and configured such that the
roller-shaping of the slats is not consequently prevented. However
other materials, such as plastic materials, composite materials and
the like, are also possible.
[0021] A further possibility for improving the shatter protection
or pressure resistance resides in reinforcing the profiles at
corresponding places or completely. This can be effected for
example by gluing with a foil, the gluing being intended to take
place preferably at those places which can be glued before the
roller-shaping process or also thereafter. This means that places
which are flat before the roller-shaping and after the
roller-shaping or are subjected to pressure merely during
roller-shaping, such as for example the inside of curved surfaces
or ones to be curved, can advantageously be glued.
[0022] In addition to gluing with foil for reinforcing the
profiles, it is also possible to glue these profiles before or
after the roller-shaping entirely or partially with a fabric, such
as for example Kevlar, in order that fragments if necessary cannot
pierce the slats. In order to enable both sun protection and
explosion protection, the foil or the fabric is applied only on the
inner side of the slats, i.e. on the building-side surface of the
slats, and a reflective or highly-reflective surface is
advantageously provided externally in addition. There are suitable
as such for example a diffuse white-painted or even a metallic
high-reflective coated surface or even a retrostructure. Also
asymmetrically scattering surfaces can be used advantageously.
[0023] A few advantageous developments provide producing the slats
from stainless steel sheets by roller-shaping and gluing these
partially before the roller-shaping with Kevlar strips. The bent
points must thereby be recessed and only the surfaces which are
still flat after the roller-shaping are glued. This is possible for
example for the profile known under the name s_enn, as described
also in DE 101 39 583 A1.
[0024] It is also possible to glue the slats for example of a
Ganzmetallstore, after roller-shaping, with a fabric such as
Kevlar, not only in order to prevent fragments piercing the metal
but also to increase the bending stability. Such a variant is
suitable for use as externally situated or internally situated
protective curtain which optionally can be activated.
[0025] A further possibility for stabilising the slats or bars
resides in configuring these as a hollow profile which is filled at
least on one part of its length or at least in regions. It is
possible as a result to distribute a high initial impulse to a
large surface via the viscosity of the filling. There are suitable
for this purpose in particular fillings with liquids or with a
gel.
[0026] However it is also possible according to the invention to
fill the high profiles with sand or the like in order to increase
the inertia and bending stability of the bars.
[0027] The profiles can also be foamed, for example using a lance.
There is also suitable as material for bars of this type a metal,
for example aluminium, steel or stainless steel, or also plastic
material. These can then be combined to form a curtain comprising a
plurality of stacked units, the respectively individual stability
of which is increased by this measure.
[0028] A further possibility for increasing the stability, the
pressure insensitivity or shatter protection of the bars resides in
providing specific regions of the bars with predetermined bending
points. When a pressure occurrence takes place, for example an
explosion, the predetermined bending points are activated and the
curtain is closed completely or partially. By folding down a part
of the bars at the predetermined bending point, a part of the
energy from the pressure wave is absorbed in addition. The
predetermined bending point can thereby have an elastic
configuration, but advantageously also a non-elastic one so that
the curtain is subsequently closed irreversibly.
[0029] As a result of bending the bars or the curtain, energy is
consequently absorbed in total by the deformation and the openings
present in the curtain are reduced in size so that the region
situated behind is better protected.
[0030] The mounting of the curtain according to the invention can
also be developed according to the invention. The reason is that
normally curtains of this type are not guided such that the entire
curtain offers sufficient resistance to bending of the curtain.
However, the individual elements of the curtain are fixed, such as
for example in the case of the Ganzmetallstore of the company
Huppebaumann. The development of the present invention begins here,
in which the movability is completely dispensed with and the
curtain is braced at the top and bottom in addition to being fixed
in a lateral guide. This has the great advantage that deformation
of the individual elements (bars, slats, fabric) of the curtain can
be allowed without there being a risk that the curtain bends away
in its entirety. With a fixing mechanism of this type, the energy
is absorbed by deformation of the entire curtain and thus the force
which the pressure wave exerts on the curtain as a whole and the
mounting is reduced. This means that the curtain is no longer torn
in its entirety from its anchor.
[0031] The bracings in particular can be elastic or deformable in
order that energy is also absorbed by the bracing if an explosion
occurrence or a pressure wave occurs.
[0032] Thus a part of the energy of the pressure wave is absorbed
both by the deformation of the individual elements of the curtain
and also of the bracing.
[0033] A further possibility resides in bracing the curtain in a
relatively rigid frame or in a rigid frame which is configured to
be so stable that it does not deform. As a result, it is possible
to prevent the occurrence of slits in the deformed state at the
sides. In this case, the rigid frame can itself be mounted again
elastically or deformably.
[0034] Insofar as the bracing changes in the length thereof under
the effect of pressure, such deflection of the curtain must be
compensated for by a higher curtain. The lateral fixing of the
curtain can be effected in the case of non-movable curtains with a
clamping strip or a nail strip.
[0035] For reasons of dazzle protection, care should be taken
advantageously with all embodiments of the curtain according to the
invention that respectively a sharp or cut, preferably sharp-edged
cut edge is present externally at the bottom and no round or bent
structure (with a significant radius).
[0036] However also variants without these properties are
conceivable but which then have poorer properties with respect to
dazzle protection.
[0037] As a further technical measure for increasing the stability
of the slats in the case of a shutter slat, such as e.g. the
C-slat, the Z-slat, slats which are known under the name Huppelux
Genius, Retroflex, Retrolux-O, Retrolux-U or Ganzmetallstore (of
the company Huppebaumann), these are glued entirely or partially
with Kevlar or similar and are not guided with guide cords but with
looped cords. These distort less easily. Looped cords of this type
should be stable (e.g. metal threads, Kevlar, a fibre composite and
the like). The lower rail here should then also be fixed in order
that the curtain is securely tensioned.
[0038] In order to meet the aesthetic demands of the users, the
foils used for gluing can be applied externally, i.e. not in a
hollow chamber. A surface with a wood appearance is suitable here
in a particularly advantageous manner. The foil can advantageously
be provided as outermost layer with a real wood veneer.
[0039] For suitability of the curtain according to the invention
and user-friendliness, it is basically preferred if, in the case of
the innermost surface of the bars, the upper end is not situated
further inwards than the lower end in order that the inside cannot
be impinged upon by reflected light which is reflected upwards from
the element situated thereunder (slat or bar). It is particularly
preferred if the inner surface is vertical.
[0040] This requirement is particularly important if the bars have
two surfaces, for example a first and second surface, which are
connected to each other at their upper end. The profile of the bar
in this case is an inverted V-shape. This is likewise important if
for example a triangular profile is produced with a further third
surface which abuts against the lower end of the first surface. If
a further surface is provided which abuts against the lower end of
the second profile, then square surfaces are possible and, when
using further abutting surfaces, pentagonal and other profiles. The
fourth surface can however protrude beyond a triangle formed by the
first to third surface. In this case, the third surface can abut
with its free end on the lower end of the second surface or else on
the lower end of the fourth surface or anywhere between the upper
end of the second surface and the lower end of the fourth
surface.
[0041] In the case of such an arrangement, requirements arise, as
are described in detail in claims 10 to 22, for the arrangement of
the individual surfaces in the assembled state of the curtain.
[0042] This applies also when these surfaces are merely imaginary
surfaces which surround the bar structures as an envelope.
[0043] A few examples of curtains according to the invention are
now given subsequently. There are thereby shown
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
[0044] FIGS. 1-14 various forms of curtains and bar profiles for
curtains of this type and also
[0045] FIG. 15 a mounting according to the invention for the
curtains according to the invention.
[0046] In Figures A to E, FIG. 1 shows profiles for bars for
static, internally situated applications, the profiles or the
curtains not being able to be moved away. In FIG. 1A, a curtain
which has a large number of bars 2A, 2B, 2C is shown. Above and
below the bars 2A or 2C, further bars of this type can be situated.
The bars are connected to each other via for example laser-welded
metal strips 4 or also riveted. In the plane of the metal strips 4,
the bars have a spacing 5.
[0047] As represented in FIG. 1, the corresponding profile,
represented in cross-section as in FIG. 1B, has in total three
surfaces. A first surface 11 is orientated vertically, against
which, starting from the upper end thereof, a second surface 12
and, immediately extending this, a fourth surface 14 abuts. A third
surface 13 extends from the lower end of the first surface 11
diagonally upwards in the direction of the second surface 12 or of
the fourth surface 14. At the point where the surface 13 abuts on
the surfaces 12 and 14, is the point which notionally separates the
two surfaces 12 and 14 from each other. The three surfaces 11, 12,
13 now enclose a hollow space 16 and together form with surface 14
the slat 2. FIG. 1B shows here, as in the following, respectively
the cross-sections or profiles of the individual slats.
[0048] The surface 14 terminates externally on the right at the
bottom in a sharp edge 17 so that no reflection occurs there which
could dazzle the user inside the room (on the left of the slat 2 in
FIG. 1B).
[0049] The spacing of the slat bars depends upon the position of
use and purpose of use. For example, in areas near the equator the
sun is higher than in temperate latitudes so that the slat bars
there can have a larger spacing. Alternatively, the surface 14 can
also be shorter or longer.
[0050] A surface of this type is shown for example in FIG. 1C.
[0051] In FIG. 1D, the bar 2 of FIG. 1A or 1B is modified in that a
fifth surface 15 is provided, which surface extends along the
surface 12 to the upper end thereof starting from the outer end of
the third surface 13. As a result, this stabilises the entire
structure and the hollow space 16.
[0052] FIG. 1E is a corresponding structure, however the fourth
surface 14, in comparison with FIG. 1D, is shorter.
[0053] The bars represented in FIG. 1 can be produced for example
simply by roller-shaping.
[0054] Here as in the following, the same or similar reference
numbers are used for the same or similar elements by all the Figure
descriptions and in all the Figures.
[0055] FIG. 2 now shows cross-sections or profiles through bars 2
which are similar to those in FIG. 1B or 1E.
[0056] In FIG. 2A, a profile as in FIG. 1B is represented, however,
the hollow space 16 here being filled by means of a gel 18. In
addition, a predetermined bending point 19 is provided between the
second surfaces 12 and the fourth surface 14 so that, with the
effect of pressure from the exterior, the fourth surface 14 bends
and reduces or closes the intermediate space to the slat situated
next thereunder.
[0057] In FIG. 2B, the hollow space 16 is likewise closed with a
gel or a liquid 18, the other profile being configured as in FIG.
1E.
[0058] In FIG. 2C, the profile form of FIG. 2D is further modified
in that a predetermined bending point is configured as bead 19
between the second and the fourth surface. Furthermore, the fourth
surface 14 is glued by means of a foil 20 in the inside of the
space.
[0059] The profiles represented in FIG. 2 are suitable for
non-movable static internally situated applications.
[0060] FIG. 3 likewise shows profiles for non-movable static
internally situated applications.
[0061] In FIG. 3A the fourth surface 14 is thereby sub-divided into
two surface portions 14a and 14b, a bending point being situated
between the two surface portions 14a and 14b so that these enclose
an angle <180.degree..
[0062] In FIG. 3B, this profile shape is developed in that the
hollow space 16 is filled with a gel, a liquid, sand, plastic
material or a foam and in addition the surfaces of the surface
regions 14a and 14b which are orientated towards the inside of the
space are reinforced with a foil.
[0063] FIG. 4 shows further profiles which are non-movable for
static internally situated applications. In this case, the profiles
are configured similarly to FIG. 3A or 3B, beads 19 being provided
as predetermined bending points between the surfaces 12 and 14. The
surface 14 is furthermore configured divided in two parts as
surface region 14a and 14b, these being glued by foils on their
surface which is orientated towards the inside of the space. These
foils described with 20a and 20b may be applied separated from each
other for the respective surface regions 14a and 14b (see FIG. 4B
or also be continuous as represented in FIG. 4C). FIG. 4A again
shows the profile from FIG. 4B in the context of a curtain, again
the profiles 2a, 2b and 2c being connected to each other and
suspended via metal strips 4.
[0064] The reinforcing foil in FIG. 4A and FIG. 4B can be applied
before the roller-shaping process because the foil is applied only
on surfaces which are flat both before and after the roller-shaping
process. In FIG. 4C, a profile is represented in which the
continuous foil 20a, 20b can be applied merely after the shaping
process.
[0065] In both cases, during the mechanical effect, the curtain
closes because of bending of the predetermined bending point 19. As
can be detected in FIG. 4A, the fourth surfaces 14 are configured
such that they close completely the intermediate space between
individual slats 2a and 2b with a given fold.
[0066] FIG. 5 likewise shows non-movable profiles for static
internally situated applications. Again a profile is thereby chosen
with a triangular basic structure, constructed from a first
surface, a second surface 11, a second surface 12 and a third
surface 13 against which a fourth surface 14 abuts externally. In
FIG. 5B, a predetermined bending point 19 is disposed between the
second surface 12 and the fourth surface 14 and the fourth surface
14 is glued and reinforced with a foil 20d. At the external end of
the surface 14, the latter is bent over (reference number 21) and
has a sharp edge 17 at the end thereof.
[0067] In the case of the two profiles represented in FIG. 5A and
FIG. 5B, the surfaces 11, 12 and 13 are glued and reinforced on the
inside in the hollow space by means of foils 20a, 20b and 20c.
[0068] FIG. 6 shows the profile from FIG. 5B again enlarged, but
the hollow space 16 being however filled with a filling 18
comprising liquid, gel, sand, plastic material or foam.
[0069] FIG. 7 shows further profiles for non-movable statically
internally situated applications, the cavity or hollow space 16
having no mechanical connection. The profiles in FIG. 7B correspond
to that in FIG. 6, a further surface 15 however abutting against
the free edge in FIG. 6 of the third surface 13 and extending
parallel to the second surface 12. In FIG. 7A, the surfaces of the
first surface 11, the third surface 13 and the fifth surface 15,
which are orientated towards the hollow space 16, are reinforced by
gluing with foils, whilst the hollow space in FIG. 7B is filled
with liquid, gel, sand, plastic material or foam.
[0070] FIG. 8 also shows profiles for non-movable statically
internally situated applications. Relative to the profile in FIG.
1B, the third surface 13 here extends horizontally and abuts with
the free end thereof on the fourth surface 14. In FIG. 8A, starting
from this free end, a fifth surface 15 is provided which again
extends parallel to the fourth surface 14 in the direction of the
first surface 11 and terminates in the hollow space 16.
[0071] In FIG. 8B, the third surface 13 terminates at the bending
point between the second surface 12 and the fourth surface 14, a
fifth surface 15 abutting against the free end of the surface 13
and extending parallel to the fourth surface 14, but terminating in
front of the fourth surface 14.
[0072] FIG. 8C shows a profile shape as in FIG. 8A, however a
further surface 15b and a surface 15c abutting against the fifth
surface, designated here with 15a. The third surface 13, the fifth
surface 15a and the surfaces 15b and 15c again enclose a triangular
hollow space 16b.
[0073] FIG. 9 shows further profiles, a vertically downward
extending fifth surface 15a abutting here against the fourth
surface 14. The first surface 11, the second surface 12, the fourth
surface 14, the fifth surface 15a and the third surface 13 thereby
form a pentagon, the first surface 11 extending vertically and the
third surface 13 extending extensively horizontally with a slight
upwards movement. The second surface 12 extends from the upper end
of the first surface 11 downwards and then bends in the direction
of the horizontal towards the fourth surface 14. This then merges
into the vertical fifth surface 15a.
[0074] In the interior of the hollow space 16a, a further surface
15b extends upwards, starting from the free end of the third
surface 13 until it almost abuts against the fourth surface 14.
There it bends downwards towards the connection point to the first
surface 11 and the third surface 13. The third surface 13, the
surfaces 15b and 15c thus form a hollow space 16b.
[0075] In FIG. 9B, this profile is varied in that the surface 15c
extends slightly upwards, extending parallel to the fourth surface
14 up to the first stretch 11, and then is angled vertically
downwards into the further surface 15d. The hollow space 16b
enclosed by the third surface 13 and the surfaces 15b, 15c and 15d
is square here.
[0076] This shape is further modified in FIG. 9C in that the
surface 15d continues again bending into a surface 15e which
extends from the connecting corner between the surface 11 and the
third surface 13 up to the connecting corner between the third
surface 13 and the surface 15b parallel to the surface 13.
[0077] In all these embodiments in FIG. 9, a mechanical connection
at the points between the individual profile elements or surfaces,
characterised by the dotted circle, is possible.
[0078] These profiles are built upon the profile known with the
description s_enn and can be rolled up for internally and
externally situated applications. Basically, the cavities produced
with these profiles do not require a mechanical connection. It is
however conceivable that the profiles are connected to each other
with mechanical connections, such as gluing, soldering or
welding.
[0079] FIG. 10 now shows a profile, as represented in FIG. 9A, the
surface 15C however being omitted. In this profile, a foil is
applied, in FIG. 10A, on the surfaces 11, 12, 13, 14 and 15b
respectively on the hollow space side. These foils are glued on
before the roller-shaping in order to reinforce the corresponding
surfaces. In FIG. 10B, the hollow space is filled with gel, sand,
plastic material or foam, as a result of which the rigidity,
bending stability and inertia of this profile is substantially
increased. This curtain is very readily suitable as externally
situated sun protection.
[0080] FIG. 11 shows further profiles which can be rolled up for
internally and externally situated application, the profile
surfaces not necessarily requiring to be mechanically connected in
it but being able if necessary also to be connected, for example by
gluing, soldering or welding.
[0081] FIG. 11A thereby shows a square profile which is formed by
the surfaces 11, 12, 13 and 14. The surfaces 11, 13, 14 are thereby
extensively orthogonal relative to each other, the surface 14 being
however shorter than the surface 11. Between the upper end of the
surface 11 and the upper end of the surface 14, the surface 12 now
extends diagonally. Furthermore, a further surface 15a extends
upwards from the free end of the surface 13 parallel to the surface
14. The surface 14 protrudes slightly beyond the free end of the
surface 13 and forms a sharp edge there.
[0082] In FIG. 11A, the thus formed square hollow space 16 is
filled with a gel, a liquid, a plastic material, sand or even a
foam.
[0083] In FIG. 11B, a surface 15b extends in addition from the
upper end of the surface 15a to the connecting point between the
surfaces 11 and 13 so that the surfaces 13, 15a and 15b enclose a
hollow space 16b.
[0084] In FIG. 11C, the cross-section (profile) of a bar (slat) is
represented, which is constructed from similar surfaces as in FIG.
11A. However from the upper end of the surface 15a up to
approximately the centre of the surface 11, a further surface 15b
extends which continues from there downwards in a surface 15c up to
the connecting point between the surfaces 11 and 13. The surfaces
13, 15a, 15b and 15c hence enclose a square hollow space 16b.
[0085] In FIG. 11D, the profile from FIG. 11B is developed in that
now from the free end of the surface 15b a further surface 15c
extends parallel to the surface 13 up to the connecting point
between the surface 13 and the surface 15a. The surfaces 15a, 15b
and 15c consequently enclose a triangular hollow space 16b.
[0086] These profiles which are shown in FIG. 11 can likewise be
rolled up and are therefore suitable for movable curtains.
[0087] FIG. 12 now shows a profile which was developed from those
of FIG. 1B. Between the surfaces 12 and 14 there is now situated an
omega-bead so that, when pressure is applied from the outside (from
the right), the surface 14 can bend slightly and thus close the
curtain. Furthermore, the hollow space 16 is filled by means of a
gel, a liquid, sand, plastic material or a foam.
[0088] In FIG. 12B, the profile from FIG. 1B is developed in that
the surface 14 extends upwards, whilst the surface 12 extends
downwards. Consequently, a rounded transition region 19 is provided
at the connecting region between the surfaces 12 and 14.
[0089] If the surface 14 also extends downwards and if it is
connected to the surface 13 or the free end thereof instead of to
the surface 12, then a transition region 19 can be produced here
which is rounded in the other direction.
[0090] Upwardly open recesses 19, as in FIGS. 12A and B, are
suitable mainly for internally situated applications since they
become dirty more easily. Downwardly open rounded regions 19, as in
FIG. 12C, are suitable not only for internally situated but also
for externally situated applications.
[0091] FIG. 13 shows two further profiles, the shape of which
differs fundamentally from the previously shown profiles.
[0092] In this case, the profiles comprise a Z-shaped or
accordion-shaped successive arrangement of a large number of
individual surfaces 22a to 22g (FIG. 13A) or 22a to k (FIG.
13B).
[0093] The surface 22a situated in the room interior is vertical,
whilst surfaces which are inclined alternately slightly to the
right or to the left abut against it. The adjacent surfaces are
thereby connected to each other alternately at their upper or lower
end so that in total an accordion-like absorber structure is
produced.
[0094] In FIG. 13A, an eye 6 is illustrated with a viewing
direction 8 and also a light incidence direction 7.
[0095] Whilst, in FIG. 13A, the height of the surfaces increases
from the internally situated surfaces 22a to the externally
situated surfaces 22g and thus good energy absorption is achieved
whilst accepting poorer dazzle protection properties since the
shiny tips of the surfaces can be seen from inside, the heights of
the surfaces 22a to 22k, in FIG. 13B, decrease from the inside
(surface 22a) to the outside (surface 22k). In this way, the
externally situated connecting points or tips cannot be seen from
the inside. The envelope 9 which delimits the surfaces 22a, 22k at
the upper end thereof, is illustrated for this purpose in FIG. 13B.
This envelope 9 extends at an angle .alpha. in clockwise direction
(turning to the right) relative to the horizontal. This angle
.alpha. preferably is between 0 and 80.degree., particularly
preferred between 30 and 75.degree..
[0096] Furthermore, the envelope 9b and the envelope 9c are
illustrated in FIG. 13B. The envelope 9b thereby corresponds to the
first surface 11 which occurs in the other profiles, the envelope
9a to the second surface 12 which occurs in the other profiles and
the envelope 9b corresponds to the third surface 13 which occurs in
the other profiles illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 12. The same
advantageous selection criteria with respect to the orientation
thereof apply now for the envelope 9a, 9b and 9c as for the first
surface 11, the second surface 12 and third surface 13, as are
described in claims 5 to 17.
[0097] FIG. 14 now shows four developments of the slat structure
illustrated in FIG. 13B. FIG. 14A shows this structure from FIG.
13B once again, whilst a surface 14 abuts, in FIG. 14B, on the
smallest outermost situated surface 22i and extends slightly
upwards. The upper end of the surface 22a and the outer end of the
surface 14 now represent two points on the line 9a. The line 9a
designates that viewing direction, at which no dazzling occurs
through the surfaces 22b to 22i and 14. Dazzling can occur in
viewing directions which are further up.
[0098] In FIG. 14C the surface 14 extends as in FIG. 14B, but
slightly downwards, a sharp edge 17 being formed here at the end
thereof in order to avoid dazzling.
[0099] Whilst in FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C both the upper ends of the
successive surfaces 22a to 22i are situated on a downwardly
extending envelope and also the lower ends of the surfaces 22a to
22i are situated on an upwardly extending envelope, the surfaces
22a to 22i in FIG. 14D are disposed such that the upper ends are
situated on an envelope which extends from the inside at the top to
the outside at the top. However, the lower ends of the surfaces 22a
to 22i are disposed horizontally relative to each other.
[0100] FIGS. 13 and 14 thus show energy-absorbing structures which
also offer dazzle protection, mainly for internally situated
application because of becoming dirty. They can advantageously
comprise painted aluminium, stainless steel, plastic material or
composite materials. It is advantageous if, as in FIGS. 14B to 14D,
a light-deflecting surface 14 is also incorporated, which improves
the daylight provision.
[0101] The material of these energy-absorbing structures must be so
ductile with elastic deformation that it does not break or it must
be elastic. In particular painted aluminium, stainless steel, other
metals, plastic materials or also composite materials are suitable
for this purpose. All these profiles can be produced preferably by
roller-shaping.
[0102] FIG. 15 now shows examples of particularly stable bracings
according to the invention. In FIG. 15A, the individual horizontal
elements (slats, bars) 33 of the curtain are connected via strips
34a to 34d which extend perpendicular to the horizontal elements.
These strips can be metal, fabric (e.g. Kevlar) or plastic material
strips, each of the strips being fixed individually. As a result,
the bending risk is reduced. The horizontal elements are mounted in
addition laterally in vertical rails 32, for example configured as
in FIG. 15B, in rails 32a or 32b in C-profile, the horizontal
elements in 32b being fixed in addition by nails. Such a mounting
30 makes it possible for the curtain to be retained in a
particularly stable manner.
[0103] In FIG. 15C, the curtain is connected to its horizontal
elements 33a to 33h likewise via the above-described strips 34a to
34d in the vertical. However both the strips 34a to 34d are mounted
on their upper and on their lower end here and the horizontal
elements 33a to 33h on their left or right end via vertical rails
32 and horizontal rails 35a, 35b of a stable frame. This frame can
be mounted elastically, for its part, in order to ensure the energy
absorption and flexibility of the entire curtain.
* * * * *