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Resources & Glossary of Terms |
Countrywide Glossary
In this glossary you will find easy-to-understand explanations of the most common technical terms for our products. From arm geometry to two-point suspension – with the help of our glossary you will quickly become an expert on what it all means!
47 + 8
This numeric abbreviation indicates the large choice of colours available from Countrywide. You can choose from any one of 47 frame colours at no extra cost or one of 8 trendy conservatory colours for a small additional charge. Your Countrywide product can match the colours of your house, patio and garden.
Adjusting Pitch Angle
With a Countrywide awning you can adjust the awning's pitch angle to steeper or flatter using the tilting arm member adjustment. That makes it possible to set the angle to suit your particular needs and, for example, to increase the pass line height. With a steeper setting you are better protected from a low sun.
Arm Geometry
The arm geometry dictates the relative positions of the folding arms to each other and their locations while opening and retracting. The Countrywidearm geometry ensures stability, freedom from chafing while opening and retracting, and they prevent the fabric from lying on the folding arms.
Arm Stopper
The arm stopper is a kind of shock absorber that prevents the folding arms from hitting the carrier bar and causing damage when the awning is retracted.
Back Wall Section
On cassette awnings the back wall section is an aluminium plate that closes the back of the cassette by the wall.
Brackets for Patio Awnings
Brackets are used for attaching the awning to the wall, ceiling or rafter (wall bracket, ceiling bracket or rafter bracket).
Canopy
The Countrywidecanopy or top section is of high-grade coated aluminium and protects the retracted awning (fabric and mechanism) from wet and damp from above, e.g. from rain, hail and snow.
Caps
Side blinds, faceplates, end caps or crescent shaped caps close off the sides of Countrywideawnings. Besides protection from the elements, they are a constituent part of the colour design on a variety of models.
Carriages
Countrywide uses carriages for opening and retracting conservatory awning fabric. The fabric is fixed to the carriages which run on precision rollers inside the side channels. The side channels are located to the left and right of the fabric.
Carrier Bar
The carrier bar is connected to the wall, ceiling or rafters by the awning brackets. The individual elements of the awning mechanism (e.g. the arm brackets) are attached to the carrier bar.
Cassette Awning
The all-round protection for the closed awning. The front rail (to which the awning fabric is attached) and the cassette together provide complete protection from the elements as, when retracted, the awning is completely enclosed. Countrywidecassette awnings are built for a long life.
Ceiling Mounting
When mounted from a ceiling, the extruded aluminium awning brackets are attached firmly to the ceiling. The awning is hung on these brackets and screwed on.
Centre Joint
The centre joint connects the two sections of the folding arm (upper and lower arm) – its function is the same as the human elbow. Since the forces are particularly high here, Countrywideuses drop-forged arms together with a sturdy stainless steel chain.
Conservatory Awning
Conservatory awnings like the CW 2030 are fitted to conservatories to protect them from the sun's rays. As they are fitted outside, the sun's rays remain "outdoors". If no protection is fitted, such as an awning, the "greenhouse effect" can heat a conservatory up to as much as 70 °C.
Coupling
So as to enable an awning to be wider than the normal maximum awning width, two awnings can be coupled. In practice this means that two awnings are fitted side-by-side. Consequently there is a gap which the sun can shine through. To prevent this, a narrow strip of fabric (the jockey cover) is fed underneath the gap.
Crank Drive
The crank drive transfers the power for rolling up or unrolling the fabric on the fabric roller. The end stop prevents operating errors when rolling up the fabric, and so prevents creases in the fabric, for example.
Crank Operation
The awning is opened and retracted manually with a crank handle. However, all Countrywide awnings come with a motor as standard so you can operate the awning comfortably at the press of a button. In place of the motor you can choose optional crank operation.
Curved Units
Flat units are conservatory awnings like the CW 2030 which are fitted "flat" on the top of the conservatory. They are typified by the continuously straight side channels (which located to the left and right of the fabric). Curved units like the CW 2020 provide shade on the top of the conservatory and also to the side or vertically. Curved side channels are also used for this purpose. The fabric provides shade at the top of the conservatory and is then fed through the bend into the vertical and provides shade here, too.
Enforced Closure
Not our favourite expression but it accurately describes our sophisticated mechanism. The enforced closure makes sure that the awning's front rail (to which the awning fabric is attached) closes precisely and tight against the cassette, even in the strongest winds.
Fabric Collection
The Countrywide fabric collection is called Emozione. You can choose a pattern from 120 different high quality fabrics. The Countrywide awning fabrics are made of particularly weather and colour resistant acrylic material. These fabrics range from the classically elegant to extremely modern. In addition, we offer high quality fabric collections from other manufacturers – e.g. SOLTIS from Ferrari.
Fabric Fixing
The fabric fixing is used for attaching the awning fabric to the front rail (the cross member at the front of the awning). It serves to ensure that the fabric remains taut, even if there are fluctuations of temperature.
Fabric Roller
The awning fabric is rolled round the fabric roller. When the awning is opened or retracted the fabric is wound off or onto the roller.
Flat Units
Flat units are conservatory awnings like the CW 2030 which are fitted "flat" on the top of the conservatory. They are typified by the continuously straight side channels (which located to the left and right of the fabric). Curved units like the CW 2020 provide shade on the top of the conservatory and also to the side or vertically. Curved side channels are also used for this purpose. The fabric provides shade at the top of the conservatory and is then fed through the bend into the vertical and provides shade here, too.
Folding Arm
The awning's key component. Folding arms work like human arms. Raise your arms in front of your chest with your thumbs pointing upwards – now stretch them out, and the awning is open. Countrywide fits steel springs and a steel chain into the joint to ensure stability and long life.
Front Rail
The front rail is the outermost part of the awning. Both the fabric and the folding arms are attached to it. When retracted, the front rail of a Countrywide cassette awning closes tight against the cassette providing maximum protection from the elements. The bottom rail on the Aruba family and the outer rail on the Paravento fulfil the same function.
Front Rail End Cap
End caps are fitted on the side ends of Countrywide front rails (to which the awning fabric is attached). On some models – e.g. the Countrywide Cap or Countrywide Cassita – it is possible to choose a different colour from the awning frame.
Front Rail Support Bracket
The front rail support bracket connects the folding arms to the front rail (to which the awning fabric is attached). On Countrywide awnings this connection is flexible. This means that the awning can be loaded on one side with up to 100 Kg, e.g. if somebody were to hang from it (although we strongly advise you not to do this!)
Gap Cover Brush
The gap cover brush is fitted in the top of the awning. During retraction it brushes any water or dirt from the fabric to protect the fabric and interior mechanism.
Glass House
A Glass House is made by using our Glass Veranda Roof System and adding our wide range of side and lower sections (vertical window surfaces, doors, folding, lifting or sliding walls) mean that it is very versatile, and can fulfil a range of purposes for a Glass House Conservatory. We call this systme 'Vivienda.
Glass Rooms
A Glass Room is made by using our Glass Veranda Roof System and adding our sectional glass sliding panels and doors
Guide Rail Brackets
Conservatory awnings are fitted to conservatories with guide rail brackets and fixings. Countrywidehas a wide variety of models to cover almost any type of building.
Heating System
The heating system Tempura provides effective warmth at the touch of a button, even in the evening when it is getting cold or if you want to use your patio out of season. The system can be retrofitted very easily.
Light Bar
Using the light bars Lux and Lux Design, awnings can be retrofitted with halogen lamps – thereby creating a comfortable atmosphere after dark. The width and colour match the awning concerned.
MiniMax
The expression MiniMax represents a Countrywide innovation. A clever arrangement of the arms means it is now possible to make awnings whose projection or depth is greater than the awning's width. To achieve this the folding arms have to cross partially when opening and retracting. This is particularly useful for deep and narrow patios/balconies.
Modular System
Countrywidedeveloped the modular system back in 1978. The advantage: Different awnings use the same or similar modules. That means that whatever awning you choose, from an entry model to a cassette awning, you benefit from the sophisticated high quality awning technology.
Motor Drive (Electric - Automatic)
All Countrywideawnings are fitted with an electric motor as standard. That increases the functionality considerably because you no longer have to open and retract the awning with a manual crank. The motor drive can also be combined with an optional sun and wind monitor and remote control.
Open Awning
Open awnings do not have their own protection from the elements such as a top section or a cassette. They are a sensible option when the building offers adequate protection from the elements where they are mounted (e.g. under balconies or overhanging roofs), and so they do not need additional protection.
Projection
The projection of an awning is the distance the fabric can be unrolled, and thus how far it projects over a patio – it would also be possible to use the word "depth".
Rafter Mounting
When mounted from rafters, extruded aluminium awning brackets – so-called rafter brackets – are attached firmly to the overhanging rafters. The awning is hung from the wall brackets which are attached to the rafter brackets and screwed on.
Rain Gutter
Awnings should be closed when it rains, so the fabric is protected from the wet. Water flows from the fabric or the roof to the front rail (to which the awning fabric is attached) where it runs into the rain gutter. The gutter leads the water away on both sides in a controlled manner.
RAL Colours
RAL is a standard for colours. It defines the colours exactly by number. Countrywideoffers you 47 frame colours at no extra cost or one of 8 trendy conservatory colours for a small additional charge. Alternatively you can choose one of a further 150 RAL colours.
Sealing Lip
A sealing lip is a seal going across the entire width of the awning. The sealing lip closes the cassette between the top section (the top aluminium section of the cassette) and the front rail (to which the awning fabric is attached) when it is fully retracted.
Semi-Cassette Awning
An example of a semi-cassette awning is the Semina. When closed, the front rail (to which the awning fabric is attached) and the half-round top protect the fabric and mechanism from the elements. There is a gap at the bottom.
Side Channels
Side channels are part of a conservatory awning. They are located on the left and right of the unrolled fabric. The carriages are fitted with rollers and move inside the side channels to which the fabric is attached during opening and retracting. The guide rail brackets are fitted underneath the side channels and serve to attach the awning to the conservatory roof.
Sliding Section
The sliding section protects the fabric from chafing and wear when rolling up and unrolling – it runs parallel to the fabric roller.
Sliding Support
A sliding support makes it possible to connect awnings together so that the fabric looks continuous – the pattern is not interrupted. The sliding film in the sliding support prevents the fabric from chafing. Both are fitted as standard on awnings over 3.5 metres wide.
Stop Cam
The stop cam helps the awning's front rail (to which the fabric is attached) to close precisely and consequently snugly against the body of the cassette.
The Lock Safety Device
The patented and extremely sturdy Countrywidewind lock safety device holds the folding arms securely in place and prevents the awning from lifting when wind gets underneath the fabric, thereby protecting the awning from possible damage.
Thrust Support
The thrust support is the connection between the folding arm and the awning frame on Countrywide patio awnings such as the Topas. The folding arm is attached flexibly at the thrust support with a stainless steel bolt. The rigid connection between the awning frame and the thrust support is created using a clamping screw. Two adjusting screws on the thrust support are used for adjusting the pitch angle (steeper or flatter).
Tilting Arm Member
When retracted, these folding arms developed by Countrywideare located in particularly space-saving positions. The arms tilt upwards during retracting and so they fit snugly into the cassette – when opening they tilt back to the set tilt angle, click into place, and then move at a constant distance from the fabric. This prevents the fabric from lying on the arm.
Trendy Conservatory Colours
The trendy conservatory colours provide finely structured, highly scratch resistant and durable powder coating with metallic or iron look finishes. They are particularly suitable for conservatories, patio roofs and conservatory awnings.
Two Point Mounting
Some awnings – e.g. the Countrywide Cassita – are attached securely and firmly to the wall, the ceiling or to two rafters using just two brackets. The design and looks are matched to the awning model concerned so the design remains consistent.
Valance
The valance is a strip of fabric fitted to the bottom of the front rail (to which the awning fabric is attached). Visually, it rounds the awning off in a classically attractive way while also providing additional protection when the sun is low. When open it also hides and protects the awning's arms.
Valance Plus
The Valance Plus is a piece of fabric built into the front rail (to which the awning fabric is attached) and provides additional protection when the sun is particularly low. It can be raised and lowered infinitely. It works in a similar way to the sun visor in a car. The Valance Plus is an optional extra available with certain Countrywide awnings.
Wall Joint Section
If the awning is mounted on the wall with wall brackets the awning will stand slightly away from the wall – there is a gap. The optional wall joint section which is available for some models of awning (Laplana and Opal family) will cover up this gap. It has a sealing lip so no water can run under the wall joint section.
Wall Mounting
When mounted on a wall, the extruded aluminium awning brackets are attached firmly to the wall. The awning is hung on these brackets and screwed on.
Remote Control
The Countrywide remote control is very versatile. With the hand-held remote control, you can open and retract your awning comfortably, you can turn the Light bar Lux on and off or dim it, you can turn the heating system Tempura on or off, or you can programme the automatic sun monitor. Depending on what they have to do, four different hand-held remote control units are available (Countrywide Remote 1, 1M, 5 and 5M).
Window Awning
Window awnings, such as the Countrywide Aruba, are fitted outside in front of the window so as to provide shade in the rooms. Their effect is two-fold: the suns rays do not dazzle – for example when working at computer screens – and the rooms remain pleasantly cool in summer. |
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