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Patent 3156106 Summary

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Claims and Abstract availability

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(12) Patent Application: (11) CA 3156106
(54) English Title: FOLDED CEILING BAFFLE
(54) French Title: DEFLECTEUR DE PLAFOND PLIE
Status: Application Compliant
Bibliographic Data
(51) International Patent Classification (IPC):
  • E04B 1/84 (2006.01)
  • E04B 9/28 (2006.01)
  • E04B 9/36 (2006.01)
(72) Inventors :
  • VERLINDE, MARIJN
  • LANGEVELD, MICHIEL
(73) Owners :
  • HUNTER DOUGLAS INDUSTRIES B.V.
(71) Applicants :
  • HUNTER DOUGLAS INDUSTRIES B.V.
(74) Agent: GOWLING WLG (CANADA) LLP
(74) Associate agent:
(45) Issued:
(86) PCT Filing Date: 2020-10-27
(87) Open to Public Inspection: 2021-05-06
Availability of licence: N/A
Dedicated to the Public: N/A
(25) Language of filing: English

Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT): Yes
(86) PCT Filing Number: PCT/EP2020/080132
(87) International Publication Number: WO 2021083864
(85) National Entry: 2022-04-26

(30) Application Priority Data:
Application No. Country/Territory Date
1915930.0 (United Kingdom) 2019-11-01

Abstracts

English Abstract

A folded ceiling baffle constructed from a sheet of felt. The baffle includes an elongate base having an elongate first edge and an elongate second edge opposite to the elongate first edge, a first elongate side folded from the elongate base and extending from the first edge to a first top edge, a second elongate side folded from the elongate base and extending from the second edge to a second top edge, the second elongate side facing the first elongate side, a first top portion folded from the first elongate side and extending from the first top edge, and a second top portion folded from the second elongate side portion extending from the second top edge towards the first top portion. A planar first end part is folded from the first elongate side at one end of the baffle and extends to a first inner edge. A planar second end part is folded from the second elongate side at the one end of the baffle, extends to a second inner edge, and aligns with the first inner edge so that the first and second end parts together form a planar end portion at the one end of the baffle. The first end part includes a coplanar protrusion extending from the first inner edge. The second end part includes a space extending inwardly from the second inner edge. The protrusion is received in the space and retains the first end part and the second end part together to form the planar end portion.


French Abstract

L'invention concerne un déflecteur de plafond plié qui est construit à partir d'une feuille de feutre. Le déflecteur comprend une base allongée ayant un premier bord allongé et un second bord allongé opposé au premier bord allongé ; un premier côté allongé plié à partir de la base allongée et s'étendant du premier bord à un premier bord supérieur ; un second côté allongé plié à partir de la base allongée et s'étendant du second bord à un second bord supérieur, le second côté allongé faisant face au premier côté allongé ; une première partie supérieure pliée depuis le premier côté allongé et s'étendant à partir du premier bord supérieur ; et une seconde partie supérieure pliée depuis la partie du second côté allongé et s'étendant du second bord supérieur vers la première partie supérieure. Une première partie d'extrémité plane est pliée depuis le premier côté allongé à une extrémité du déflecteur et s'étend jusqu'à un premier bord interne. Une seconde partie d'extrémité plane est pliée à partir du second côté allongé au niveau de l'extrémité du déflecteur, s'étend jusqu'à un second bord interne, et s'aligne avec le premier bord interne de telle sorte que les première et seconde parties d'extrémité forment ensemble une partie d'extrémité plane au niveau de l'extrémité du déflecteur. La première partie d'extrémité comprend une saillie coplanaire s'étendant à partir du premier bord interne. La seconde partie d'extrémité comprend un espace s'étendant vers l'intérieur à partir du second bord interne. La saillie est reçue dans l'espace et retient la première partie d'extrémité et la seconde partie d'extrémité ensemble pour former la partie d'extrémité plane.

Claims

Note: Claims are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


CLAIMS
1 A folded ceiling baffle constructed from a sheet of felt,
the baffle, in its
folded state, including:
an elongate base having an elongate first edge and an elongate second edge
opposite to the elongate first edge;
a first elongate side folded from the elongate base and extending from the
first
edge to a first top edge;
a second elongate side folded from the elongate base and extending from the
second edge to a second top edge, the second elongate side facing the first
elongate
side;
a first top portion folded from the first elongate side and extending from the
first top edge;
a second top portion folded from the second elongate side portion extending
from the second top edge towards the first top portion;
a planar first end part folded from the first elongate side at one end of the
baffle and extending from a first side edge of the first elongate side to a
first inner
edge;
a planar second end part folded from the second elongate side at the one end
of
the baffle, extending from a second side edge of the second elongate side to a
second
inner edge, and aligning with the first inner edge so that the first and
second end parts
are coplanar in order to together form a planar end portion at the one end of
the
baffle; wherein:
the first end part includes a protrusion extending from the first inner edge
and
coplanar with the first end part;
the second end part includes a space extending inwardly from the second inner
edge; and
the protrusion is received in the space and retains the first end part and the
second end part together to form the planar end portion.
2. A folded ceiling baffle according to claim 1 further
including:
a first inner flap folded from the first end part and extending from the
first inner edge inwardly of the ceiling baffle; and
14

a second inner flap folded from the second end part and extending from
the second inner edge inwardly of the ceiling baffle; wherein
the first and second inner flaps have, respectively, first and second
planar surfaces that face each other.
3. A folded ceiling baffle according to claim 2 wherein the first and
second
planar surfaces contact and engage with each other.
4. A folded ceiling baffle according to claim 2 or 3 wherein the protrusion
of
the first end part is a cut-out from the first inner flap.
5. A folded ceiling panel according to any preceding claim wherein the
protrusion is narrower at the first inner edge than at at least one portion
distal from the
first inner edge.
6. A folded ceiling panel according to any preceding claim wherein sides of
the protrusion are angled away from one another.
7. A folded ceiling baffle according to any preceding claim wherein the
protrusion has a dovetail shape.
8. A folded ceiling baffle according to any preceding claim wherein the
protrusion and the space have complimentary dimensions.
9. A folded ceiling baffle according to any preceding claim wherein the
space is completely filled by the protrusion.
10. A folded ceiling baffle according to any preceding claim wherein the
space is defined by surrounding edges of the second end part and the
protrusion
resiliently engages with the surrounding edges and is held frictionally within
the space.
11. A folded ceiling baffle according to any preceding claim in combination
with an elongate support element having a first elongate support edge to which
the first
top

portion is connected and a second elongate support edge to which the second
top
portion is connected.
12. A folded ceiling baffle according to claim 11 wherein, between the
first
elongate support edge and the second elongate support edge, the elongate
support
element has an elongate support portion extending parallel with the first
elongate
support edge and the second elongate support edge and configured to receive
mounting
means for supportively suspending the folded ceiling baffle.
13. A folded ceiling baffle according to claim 12 wherein the elongate
support portion has a lipped channel cross-section.
14. A sheet of felt formed with respective portions of shape and size to
form
the parts of the ceiling baffle of any one of claims 1 to 13.
15. A sheet according to claim 14 including recesses in the thickness of
the
sheet defining fold lines between respective parts of the ceiling baffle.
16

Description

Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.


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FOLDED CEILING BAFFLE
The present application relates to a folded ceiling baffle, in particular
constructed from a sheet of felt having respective portions of shape and size
that may
5 be folded to form the ceiling baffle.
It is known to suspend from a ceiling structure a plurality of baffles. These
are
elongate panels which are generally larger in height than in width. It is also
known to
construct such ceiling baffles from a felt material, for example as described
in US
2018/0127975.
10 It would be desirable to provide an improved ceiling baffle which
can be folded
from a sheet of felt and which, once folded, effectively holds its structure.
According to the present invention, there is provided a folded ceiling baffle
constructed from a sheet of felt. The baffle in its folded state may include
an elongate
base having an elongate first edge and a elongate second edge opposite to the
first
15 elongate first edge. The baffle may also include a first elongate side
folded from the
elongate base and extending from the first edge to a first top edge, and a
second
elongate side folded from the elongate base and extending from the second edge
to a
second top edge, the second elongate side facing the first elongate side.
Folded from
the first elongate side, a first top portion may extend from the first top
edge, and,
20 folded from the second elongate side, a second top portion may extend
from the second
top edge towards the first top portion. At one end of the baffle, folded from
the first
elongate side, a planar first end part may extend from a first side edge of
the first
elongate side to a first inner edge, and, also at the one end of the baffle,
folded from
the second elongate side, a planar second end part may extend from a second
side edge
25 of the second elongate side to a second inner edge. The planar second
end part, in
particular the second inner edge, aligns with the first inner edge so that the
first and
second end parts are coplanar and the first and second end parts together form
a planar
end portion at the one end of the baffle. In this respect, the second inner
edge may
meet with and/or contact the first inner edge. The first end part includes a
protrusion
30 extending from the first inner edge and coplanar with the first end part
and the second
end part defines therein a space extending inwardly from the second inner edge
of the
second end part. The protrusion is received in the space and retains the first
end part
and the second end part together to form the planar end portion.
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In this way, when the first and second end parts are folded respectively from
first and second side edges of the first and second elongate sides to together
form the
planar end portion, the protrusion received in the space resists the first and
second end
parts unfolding about the first and second side edges respectively. In
particular, if
5 either or both of the first and second end parts unfold about their
respective first and
second side edges, then they unfold outwardly from the ceiling baffle and the
form of
the one end of the baffle is no longer planar. Use of the protrusion and space
is
effective in resisting the unfolding of the first and second end parts so that
the first and
second end parts are retained together forming the planar end portion.
10 It will be appreciated that the opposite end of the baffle may
similarly be
provided with end parts folded from the elongate sides and meeting together to
form a
planar opposite end portion. These end parts may similarly be provided with a
protrusion and space respectively for retaining the end parts together as the
planar
opposite end portion.
15 The folded ceiling baffle may further include a first inner flap
extending from
the first inner edge inwardly of the ceiling baffle, for instance into the
interior space of
the baffle, and a second inner flap extending from the second edge inwardly of
the
ceiling baffle. The first inner flap includes a first planar surface and the
second inner
flap includes a second planar surface. The first planar surface extends from
the first
20 inner edge and extends on the same side of the sheet as the outer
surface of the first
end part and the second planar surface extends from the second inner edge and
extends
on the same side of the sheet as the outer surface of the second end part. In
the folded
state of the folded ceiling baffle, the first and second inner flaps may face
each other
such that, similarly, the first and second planar surfaces face each other.
25 By virtue of the nature of the felt from which the ceiling baffle
is constructed
and its resilience, the first and second inner flaps may flex/fold outwardly
towards a
coplanar state with the respective first and second inner flaps. Hence, the
first and
second planar surfaces may be brought into contact with each other. By
engaging with
each other, the first and second planar surfaces resist movement relative to
one
30 another. In conjunction with the protrusion received in the space, the
relative states of
the first and second end parts are move effectively maintained such that the
planar
state of the end portion is more effectively maintained.
It is proposed to use felt having a thickness of between about 3 mm and 10 mm,
preferably between about 4.5 mm and 7.5 mm, and more preferably between about
5
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mm and 6.5 mm. For example, a thickness of 5 mm or 6.5 mm might be chosen with
a
tolerance of about 10%.
The protrusion of the first end part may be a cut-out from the first inner
flap.
During construction of the sheet from which the ceiling baffle is folded, cuts
may be
5 made through the thickness of the sheet in the area of the first inner
flap. In
particular, these cuts may extend from the first inner edge. In this way when
the first
inner flap is folded from the first end part, the protrusion, remaining
coplanar with the
first end part, lifts out of the first inner flap as a cut-out from the first
inner flap.
Thus, there is provided an effective construction for the protrusion.
10 The protrusion may be narrower at the first inner edge than at at
least one
portion distal from the first inner edge.
In this way, the protrusion cannot be withdrawn from the space by relative
movement of the first end part away from the second end part in the plane of
the
planar end portion. The relative positions of the first end part and the
second end part
15 in that plane are therefore securely maintained. Similarly, the relative
positions of the
first end part with the second inner edge of the second end part are securely
maintained and cannot be separated. This arrangement is particularly effective
in
conjunction with first and second planar surfaces which contact and engage
with each
other. The interaction of the protrusion and the space prevent separation of
the first
20 and second planar surfaces from one another so that the state of the
first and second
end parts together forming the planar end portion is maintained effectively.
The protrusion may have sides which are angled away from each other.
The protrusion may have a dovetail shape.
This is one example which is effective in holding the first and second end
parts
25 together effectively.
The protrusion and the space may have complimentary dimensions.
In this way, the protrusion and the space may fit together in a manner to
resist
relative movement.
The space may be completely filled/occupied by the protrusion.
30 This arrangement may be used to securely maintain engagement
between the
protrusion and the space. In addition, the resulting formed planar end portion
has no
gaps or holes.
The space may be considered as being defined by the edges around it. In
particular, these edges may be described as surrounding edges. The protrusion
may
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resiliently engage with the surrounding edges and be held frictionally within
the space.
Such an arrangement may resist the protrusion leaving the through-hole in a
direction
away from the plane of the second end part.
The space may extend through the entire thickness of the second end part and,
5 hence, take the form of a through-hole. Alternatively, the surrounding
edges may
extend only partly through the thickness of the second part so that the space
takes the
form of a recess in the outer surface of the second end part. The space may be
formed
in any appropriate manner such as molding, a pressed indentation or cutting.
According to U5 2018/0127975 mentioned above, various elements are proposed
10 for supporting the felt ceiling baffle by connecting directly to the
felt ceiling baffle.
It is proposed in the present application that the folded ceiling baffle can
be
provided in combination with an elongate support element. The first top
portion of the
folded ceiling baffle is connected to a first elongate support edge of the
elongate
support element, and the second top portion of the folded ceiling baffle is
connected to
15 a second elongate support edge.
In this way, the combination of the folded ceiling baffle and the elongate
support element can be used as a single baffle assembly to be supported by
means
connecting with the elongate support element.
When the sheet of felt is folded to form the folded ceiling baffle, the parts
of
20 the ceiling baffle, for example in particular the first and second top
portions, may be
folded onto or into the elongate support element so as to connect with it. In
this way it
is relatively simple to construct the folded ceiling baffle together with the
elongate
support element.
Between the first elongate support edge and the second elongate support edge
25 of the folded ceiling baffle, the elongate support element may include,
additionally, an
elongate support portion. The elongate support portion may extend in parallel
with the
first elongate support edge and the second elongate support edge. Furthermore,
the
elongate support portion may be configured to receive mounting means for
supportively
suspending the folded ceiling baffle.
30 In this way, the elongate support element, whilst connected with
and supporting
the folded ceiling baffle, itself provides the elongate support portion
between the first
and second top portions of the folded ceiling baffle by which the assembly may
be
suspended.
The elongate support portion may have a lipped channel cross-section.
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In this way, supporting elements may be slidably received within the lipped
channel and support the assembly by means of the lips of the channel.
According to the present invention, there is also provided a sheet or blank of
felt
formed with respective portions having respective shapes and sizes which are
suitable
5 to form the various parts of the ceiling baffle. In particular, the sheet
of felt may be
folded so that those respective portions together form the folded ceiling
baffle.
It will be appreciated that the sheet of felt will have a thickness. Elongate
recesses may be formed within that thickness. The recesses in the thickness
may define
fold lines between the respective parts of the ceiling baffle.
10 The invention will be more clearly understood from the following
description,
given by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in
which:
Fig. 1 illustrates a suspended array of baffles which could embody the present
invention;
Fig. 2 illustrates an end of a baffle in an open state;
15 Fig. 3 illustrates the end of the baffle in the open state;
Fig. 4 illustrates the end of the baffle in an initial state of closing;
Fig. 5 illustrates the end of the baffle in a partially closed state;
Fig. 6 illustrates the end of the baffle in an almost closed state;
Fig. 7 illustrates the end of the baffle in the closed state;
20 Fig. 8 illustrates an example of a recess for a fold; and
Fig. 9 illustrates a flat sheet of felt from which the baffle may be folded.
Suspended from a ceiling, there may be provided a plurality of elongate
baffles
such as the plurality of baffles 10 shown in Fig. 1.
As illustrated, each of the baffles 10 is elongate in a length direction X,
and has
25 a width in a width direction Y less than its height in a height
direction Z. However, this
is not essential and, for example, the width in the width direction Y may be
equal to or
more than the height in the height direction Z. Usually, and as illustrated in
Fig. 1, an
array of baffles 10 are arranged in parallel with adjacent baffles 10 arranged
in the
length direction Y. To span greater lengths, baffles can also be arranged end
to end in
30 the length direction. Although the plurality of baffles 10 would usually
be arranged
parallel with one another, it is possible for the array to be in a direction
other than
perpendicular to the elongate extent of the individual baffles 10.
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Figs. 2 to 6 illustrate one end of a baffle 10 in a partially
constructed/folded
state. In particular, the illustrated one end of the baffle 10 has its one end
in an
unfolded state.
The illustrated baffle 10 includes a base 20 which is elongate in the elongate
5 length direction X of the baffle 10 and extends in the width direction of
the baffle 10
between a first edge 22 and a second edge 24. It has an inner base surface
that extends
between the first and second edges 22, 24 and which faces inwardly of the
baffle 10
towards an inner space defined by the baffle 10 on the inside of the baffle
10. The first
and second edges 22, 24 as illustrated are elongate in the elongate direction
of the base
10 20 and baffle 10 and the second edge 24 is opposite the first edge 22.
As illustrated, for
the baffle 10 having a constant cross-section, the first and second edges 22,
24 are
parallel. Other arrangements are possible in which the baffle 10 does not have
a
constant cross-section along its length. For example opposite surfaces and
edges taper
towards or away from each other.
15 As illustrated, a second elongate side 34 extends upwardly in the
height
direction Z from the second edge 24. Similarly, a first elongate side 32
extends
upwardly in the height direction Z from the first edge 22.
As illustrated, the second elongate side 32 faces the first elongate side 34.
With the illustrated baffle 10, the upper and lower portions of the baffle 10
have
20 the same width in the direction Y. Hence, with this illustrated baffle
10, the first
elongate side 32 is parallel with the second elongate side 34. As noted above,
other,
non-parallel arrangements are also possible.
The first elongate side 32 extends between the first edge 22 and a first top
edge
42. Similarly, the second elongate side 34 extends between the second edge 24
and a
25 second top edge 44.
The first elongate side 32 has an inner first side surface that extends
between
the first edge 22 and the first top edge 42 and the second elongate side 34
has an inner
second side surface that extends between the second edge 24 and the second top
edge
44. The inner first and second side surfaces face each other and both
respectively face
30 inwardly of the baffle 10 towards the inner space.
As illustrated, the baffle 10 includes a first top portion 52 extending
inwardly
from the first top edge 42 of the first elongate side 32 to a first top inner
edge 53.
Similarly, the baffle 10 includes a second top portion 54 extending inwardly
from the
second top edge 44 of the second elongate side 34 to a second top inner edge
55. The
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first top portion 52 is folded from the first top edge 42 of the first
elongate side 32 and
the second top portion 54 is folded from the second top edge 44 of the second
elongate
side 34. As illustrated, the first top portion 52 extends towards the second
top portion
54. In the illustrated arrangement, the first top portion 52 and the second
top portion
5 54 connect with an elongate support element 100 (to be described below)
so as to form
a baffle assembly. In this folded state, an inner first top surface that
extends between
the first top edge 42 and the first top inner edge 53 faces inwardly of the
baffle 10
towards the inner space, and, similarly, an inner second top surface that
extends
between the second top edge 44 and the second top inner edge 55 faces inwardly
of the
10 baffle 10 towards the inner space.
As illustrated, the first elongate side of the baffle 10 includes a first side
edge
61 at the one end of the baffle 10 and the second elongate side 34 of the
baffle 10
includes a second edge 63 at the one end of the baffle 10. At the one end of
the baffle
10, from the first elongate side 32 of the baffle 10, a planar first end part
62 extends
15 from the first side edge 61 to a first inner edge 72. Similarly, at the
one end of the
baffle 10, a planar second end part 64 extends from the second elongate side
34 from
the second side edge 63 to a second inner edge 74.
As will be discussed in greater detail below, the planar first end part 62 and
the
planar second end part 64 may be folded inwardly towards the rest of the
baffle 10 and
20 towards each other so that the planar first end part 62 is aligned with
the planar second
end part 64, in particular along the first inner edge 72 and the second inner
edge 74.
In this respect, the second inner edge 74 may meet with and/or contact the
first inner
edge 72. As illustrated in Fig. 6, the planar first end part 62 and the planar
second end
part 64 are thus folded to be coplanar and, hence, together form a planar end
portion
25 66 at the one end of the baffle 10.
Figs. 2 to 6 also illustrate a first inner flap 82 and a second inner flap 84
as used
on this particular example. These features will be discussed in greater detail
below.
As illustrated most clearly in Fig. 5, the first end part 62 includes a
protrusion 92
extending from the first inner edge 72. The protrusion 92 is coplanar with the
first end
30 part 62. In other words, it extends in the same plane as the first end
part 62, but
extends beyond the first inner edge 72.
As illustrated most clearly in Fig. 5, the second end part 64 includes, as an
example of a space, a through-hole 94. The second end part 64 can be
considered to
define the through-hole 94 by way of surrounding edges 96. As illustrated, the
through-
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hole 94 is through the thickness of the second end part 64 and extends
inwardly from
the second inner edge 74. It is also possible to provide a similar space which
extends
only partly through the thickness of the second end part 64.
As illustrated most clearly in Figs. 5 and 7, the protrusion 92 and the
through-
5 hole 94 are arranged/configured with respect to one another such that
when the first
end part 62 and second end part 64 are folded to the closed position (in which
the first
end part 62 and the second end part 64 are coplanar) illustrated in Fig. 7
forming the
planar end portion 66, the protrusion 92 of the first end part 62 is received
within the
through-hole 94 of the second end part 64. In this way, the protrusion 92 and
through-
10 hole 94 contribute to resisting unfolding of the first end part 62 and
second end part 64
away from the closed state illustrated in Fig. 7 and assist in maintaining the
planar form
of the planar end portion 66 illustrated in Fig. 7.
It will be appreciated that the protrusion 92 and corresponding through-hole
94
may take many different shapes and sizes appropriate for assisting in holding
the first
15 end part 62 and second end part 64 together in the closed state.
Furthermore, two or
more such protrusions and corresponding through-holes may be provided.
As illustrated, where the protrusion 92 meets the first inner edge 72, the
protrusion 92 has a width along the first inner edge 72. As illustrated, this
is in the
height direction Z of the baffle 10. This width is narrower than other
portions of the
20 protrusion 92. The protrusion 92 may have a stepped or curved shape and
may be of
simple or complex geometric form. As illustrated, the sides of the protrusion
92 are
sloped/angled in a direction away from the first inner edge 72 and away from
each
other in a wedge shape. The shape may commonly be known as "dovetail" shape.
Other shaped protrusions are possible including those where one portion along
25 the extended length of the protrusion is narrower than at least one
other portion more
distal from the first inner edge 72.
With these arrangements, it is only possible for the protrusion 92 to be
removed
from the through-hole 94 by relative movement substantially perpendicular to
the
planes of the first end part 62 and second end part 64. In other words, the
interacting
30 shape of the protrusion 92 and through-hole 94 prevents the protrusion
92 being
withdrawn from the through-hole 94 by relative movement within the common
plane of
the first end part 62 and second end part 64.
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The protrusion 92 and through-hole 94 may have complimentary dimensions so
that the protrusion 92 fits into the through-hole 94 so as to secure the
protrusion 92
appropriately.
In the illustrated embodiment, the protrusion 92 fills completely the through-
5 hole 94. In this way, no gaps are left between the protrusion 92 and the
through-hole
94 such that, as illustrated in Fig. 7, with the first end part 62 and the
second end part
64 coplanar, a continuous planar end portion 66 is formed.
As noted above, the through-hole 94 is defined by surrounding edges 96 in the
second end part 64. In the illustrated arrangement, the protrusion 92, for
example its
10 outer edges, resiliently engages with the surrounding edges 96 forming
the through-hole
94. In this way, the engagement between engaging surfaces may frictionally
assist in
holding the protrusion 92 within the through-hole 94. In particular, this
engagement
resists the protrusion 92 leaving the through-hole 94 even in a relative
direction
perpendicular to the first end part 62 and second end part 64.
15 In order to help a user fold and form the baffle 10, elongate
recesses may be
formed in the thickness of the sheet along the lines intended for folding.
These
recesses may have a V-shape, for instance formed from two planes angled
substantially
perpendicular to one another and such that they form a valley/inner fold line,
thereby,
appropriate for folding the adjacent portions of the sheet by ninety degrees.
Fig. 8
20 illustrates an example of an appropriate recess.
As mentioned above, in the illustrated arrangement, the baffle 10 also
includes a
first inner flap 82 folded from the first end part 62 and extending from the
first inner
edge 72. Similarly, the baffle 10 includes a second inner flap 84 folded from
the second
end part 64 and extending from the second inner edge 74. As best illustrated
in Figs. 5
25 and 6, the first inner flap 82 and the second inner flap 84 are folded
inwardly of the
baffle 10. In particular, when the first end part 62 and the second end part
64 are
folded together to form the planar end portion 66 of the baffle 10, the first
inner flap
82 and second inner flap 84 are tucked inside the baffle 10 extending inwardly
from the
first inner edge 72 and second inner edge 74 respectively. The first inner
flap 82
30 includes a first planar surface 86 continuous with the outer surface of
the first end part
62. Similarly, the second inner flap 84 has a second planar surface 88
continuous with
the outer surface of the second end part 64. Thus, as will be clear from Figs.
5, 6 and
7, when the first end part 62 and second end part 64 are folded together to
form the
9
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planar end portion 66, the first planar surface 86 faces the second planar
surface 88
inside the baffle 10.
In the illustrated arrangement, the end surface 20a of the base 20, the end
surfaces 32a, 34a of the first and second elongate sides 32, 34, and the end
surfaces
5 52a, 54a of the first and second top portions 52, 54 are all angled to
mate with
corresponding angled edges 62a, 62b, 62c; 64a, 64b, 64c of the first and
second end
parts 62, 64. Similarly, a V-shaped recess 82c is formed between the first end
part 62
and the first inner flap 82 and a V-shaped recess 84c is formed between the
second end
part 64 and the second inner flap 84 so that the opposite inner surfaces of
the V-shaped
10 recesses 82c, 84c mate with each other when the first inner flap 82 is
folded
perpendicular to the first end part 62 and when the second inner flap 84 is
folded
perpendicular to the second end part 64. The two respective ends 82a, 82b;
84a, 84b of
each of the first and second inner flaps 82, 84 extend substantially
perpendicular to the
inner and outer surfaces of the first and second inner flaps 82, 84. The
overall length of
15 the first and second inner flaps 82, 84 in the height direction Z of the
baffle 10
corresponds to the height of the inner space defined within the baffle 10, in
particular
between the base 20 and the first and second top portions 52, 54. In this way,
the first
and second inner flaps 82, 84 fit within the inner space of the baffle 10
between the
base 20 and the first and second top portions 52, 54. Of course, in this
respect, the
20 length of the first and second inner flaps 82, 84 may be slightly less
than the height of
the inner space.
It will be appreciated that the angled edges 62a, 62c of the first end part 62
and
the angled edges Ma, 64c of the second end part 64 extend from the first and
second
planar surfaces 86, 88 having lengths corresponding to the overall height of
the baffle
25 10 in the Z direction and extend to inner surfaces matching the height
of the inner
space of the baffle 10 between the base 20 and the first and second top
portions 52, 54.
Thus, the overall length of the first inner flap 82 matches the length of the
inner
surface of the first end part 62, but is less than the length of the first
planar surface 86.
Similarly, the length of the second inner flap 84 matches the length of the
inner surface
30 of the second end part 64, but is less than the length of the second
planar surface 88.
In the folded state of the baffle 10, in the illustrated arrangement, the
first
planar surface 86 may contact and engage with the second planar surface 88.
Use of the protrusion 92 in the through-hole 94 in conjunction with the first
inner flap 82 interacting with the second inner flap 84 by means of contact
between the
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first planar surface 86 and the second planar surface 88 is particularly
effective in
retaining the first end part 62 together with the second end part 64 as the
planar end
portion 66 as illustrated in Fig. 7.
The illustrated arrangement includes a convenient and advantageous
5 arrangement for providing the protrusion 92. In particular, the
protrusion 92 is formed
as a cut-out from the first inner flap 82. In particular, in the original
sheet before
folding, a division through the thickness of the first inner flap 82 (for
example by
cutting) is formed with the shape of the protrusion 92 extending from the
first inner
edge 72. When the first inner flap 82 is folded inwardly away from the plane
of the first
10 end part 62, the first inner flap 82 pivots about the first inner edge
72 away from the
protrusion 92 which remains coplanar with the first end part 62 with the
effect that the
protrusion 92 pivots out of the cut-out formed in the first inner flap 82
whilst remaining
coplanar with the first end part 62.
The baffle 10 may be provided in an unfolded state, for example as a flat
sheet
15 or blank of appropriately shaped felt. One end of such a sheet is
illustrated
schematically in Fig. 9.
As noted above, the baffle 10 may be provided together with an elongate
support element 100.
In the illustrated arrangement, the elongate support element 100 includes a
first
20 elongate support edge 102 and a second elongate support edge 104. The
elongate
support element 100 and its first elongate support edge 102 and second
elongate
support edge 104 are arranged to extend in the elongate direction X of the
baffle 10.
The elongate support element 100 may be used to facilitate attachment of
support
members to a baffle 10 so that the baffles may be supported, for example, as
25 illustrated in Fig. 1.
The first top portion 52 may be coupled to the first elongate support edge 102
and the second top portion 54 may be coupled to the second elongate support
edge 104.
In the illustrated arrangement, the elongate support element 100 has, along
its
elongate extent, a cross section in which the first elongate support edge 102
includes an
30 outwardly facing elongate channel for receiving the first top portion 52
of the baffle
and, similarly, the second elongate support edge 104 includes an outwardly
opposite
facing channel for receiving the second top portion 54.
In the illustrated arrangement, the two outwardly facing channels face
outwardly away from each other so as to receive respectively the first and
second top
11
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portions 52, 54 extending inwardly towards each other away from the respective
first
and second top edges 42, 44. The channels have depths which are at least a
substantial
part of the length of the respective first and second top portions 52, 54. In
particular,
the depths of the channels are sufficient to securely support the first and
second top
5 portions 52, 54 and, in particular, resist pivoting of the first and
second top portions 52,
54 about their respective top edges 42, 44 with respect to the elongate
support element
100. As a consequence, the baffle is securely held in place relative to the
elongate
support element 100 and may be securely mounted/supported by means of the
elongate
support element 100.
10 With the arrangement as described, a sheet such as that
illustrated in Fig. 9 may
be folded around/onto the elongate support element 100. Once the first end
part 62
and the second end part 64 are folded together to form the planar end portion
66 as
illustrated in Fig. 7 with the protrusion 92 engaged in the corresponding
through-hole
94, the first and second elongate sides 32, 34 are prevented from pivoting
about the
15 first and second edges 22, 24 such that the first and second top
portions 52, 54 are
retained within the respective channels of the first and second elongate
support edges
102, 104 of the elongate support element 100, and, accordingly, the baffle 10
is held
securely to the elongate support element 100.
The elongate support element 100 may be formed in any appropriate manner
20 and from any appropriate material. For example, the elongate support
element could
be formed as an extrusion and could be formed from a plastics material or
aluminium.
As illustrated, between the first elongate support edge 102 and the second
elongate support edge 104, the elongate support element 100 has an elongate
support
portion 106 extending in parallel with the first elongate support edge 102 and
the
25 second elongate support edge 104. This elongate support portion 106 may
have any
appropriate form, for example using known arrangements, for supporting the
assembly
suspended from a ceiling, for example as illustrated in Fig. 1.
In the illustrated arrangement, the elongate support portion 106 is formed as
a
channel extending in the elongate direction X parallel with first and second
elongate
30 support edges 102, 104. The channel is arranged to face upwardly in the
Z direction
and is formed with a pair of inwardly facing lips 108. The lips 108 extend in
the
elongate direction X along the length of the elongate support portion 106 and
also
extend towards each other in the direction Y across the width of the baffle
assembly.
In particular, the lips 108 extend towards each other so as to define a gap
12
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therebetween smaller than the width of the channel of the elongate support
portion
106.
With the resulting lipped channel, it is possible to insert mounting means
within
the lipped channel which are supported by the inwardly extending lips, but
extend
upwardly away from the baffle assembly allowing it to be supported therefrom_
This
arrangement allows such mounting means to be moved slidably along the lipped
channel
to positions appropriate for mounting.
13
CA 03156106 2022-4-26

Representative Drawing
A single figure which represents the drawing illustrating the invention.
Administrative Status

2024-08-01:As part of the Next Generation Patents (NGP) transition, the Canadian Patents Database (CPD) now contains a more detailed Event History, which replicates the Event Log of our new back-office solution.

Please note that "Inactive:" events refers to events no longer in use in our new back-office solution.

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Event History

Description Date
Maintenance Request Received 2024-09-30
Maintenance Fee Payment Determined Compliant 2024-09-30
Inactive: Cover page published 2022-07-19
Compliance Requirements Determined Met 2022-06-06
Inactive: First IPC assigned 2022-04-28
Inactive: IPC assigned 2022-04-28
Request for Priority Received 2022-04-26
Letter sent 2022-04-26
Priority Claim Requirements Determined Compliant 2022-04-26
Inactive: IPC assigned 2022-04-26
Inactive: IPC assigned 2022-04-26
National Entry Requirements Determined Compliant 2022-04-26
Application Received - PCT 2022-04-26
Application Published (Open to Public Inspection) 2021-05-06

Abandonment History

There is no abandonment history.

Maintenance Fee

The last payment was received on 2024-09-30

Note : If the full payment has not been received on or before the date indicated, a further fee may be required which may be one of the following

  • the reinstatement fee;
  • the late payment fee; or
  • additional fee to reverse deemed expiry.

Please refer to the CIPO Patent Fees web page to see all current fee amounts.

Fee History

Fee Type Anniversary Year Due Date Paid Date
MF (application, 2nd anniv.) - standard 02 2022-10-27 2022-04-26
Basic national fee - standard 2022-04-26
MF (application, 3rd anniv.) - standard 03 2023-10-27 2023-09-06
MF (application, 4th anniv.) - standard 04 2024-10-28 2024-09-30
Owners on Record

Note: Records showing the ownership history in alphabetical order.

Current Owners on Record
HUNTER DOUGLAS INDUSTRIES B.V.
Past Owners on Record
MARIJN VERLINDE
MICHIEL LANGEVELD
Past Owners that do not appear in the "Owners on Record" listing will appear in other documentation within the application.
Documents

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Document
Description 
Date
(yyyy-mm-dd) 
Number of pages   Size of Image (KB) 
Description 2022-04-26 13 581
Representative drawing 2022-04-26 1 21
Claims 2022-04-26 3 82
Drawings 2022-04-26 8 157
Abstract 2022-04-26 1 27
Cover Page 2022-07-19 1 51
Drawings 2022-06-07 8 157
Claims 2022-06-07 3 82
Description 2022-06-07 13 581
Abstract 2022-06-07 1 27
Representative drawing 2022-06-07 1 21
Confirmation of electronic submission 2024-09-30 2 68
Priority request - PCT 2022-04-26 30 1,068
National entry request 2022-04-26 1 26
Declaration of entitlement 2022-04-26 1 15
International search report 2022-04-26 2 56
Patent cooperation treaty (PCT) 2022-04-26 1 66
Courtesy - Letter Acknowledging PCT National Phase Entry 2022-04-26 2 43
National entry request 2022-04-26 9 207
Patent cooperation treaty (PCT) 2022-04-26 1 54
Patent cooperation treaty (PCT) 2022-04-26 1 34