Window covering

DESCRIPTION

Technical field of the invention

This invention relates to an improved window covering.

More particularly, this invention relates to a window covering comprising a plurality of rows and an operating mechanism, the rows being adapted to be adjusted from a closed state to an open state by both narrowing and hinging the rows.

Background of the invention

Decorative window coverings are a popular item for providing privacy and blocking light, which can take different shapes. Two popular examples of window coverings are Roman window coverings and blinds.

A typical Roman window covering consists of a fabric material connected along its top to a main rail and is collected at spaced intervals to provide a series of soft folds along the surface of the fabric, giving it a draped or slightly pleated appearance. gives. Roman blinds are constructed such that when they are moved up from the bottom, they collect in substantially horizontal folds or folds until all of the blinds remain near the top of the window covering. The awnings are operated by pulling different lines which are used in conjunction with guides attached to the awning.

One shortcoming of the typical Roman blinds, however, is that there is no way to create openings in the entire plane of the window covering when someone wants to allow light into a room, as can be seen in venetian blinds by means of the tilting of the blinds , without having to raise the bottom, or without lowering the top of the entire window covering, which undesirably results in a substantial loss of privacy. Therefore, it is desirable to provide the ability to open openings in the awning to allow light to pass, while maintaining a relatively high degree of privacy by not requiring the entire awning to be raised or lowered.

2 9 2 63 move.

A conventional blind typically includes a main rail, a bottom rail, a plurality of slats, a raising mechanism comprising a number of raising cords, and a tilting or adjusting mechanism comprising a number of ladder wires. The lifting element typically includes cords symmetrically arranged on the sides of the sunblind to balance the bottom rail and slats for synchronous downward or upward movement. By pulling the upwardly moving cords, the bottom rail and slats are moved up or down from the main rail as desired.

The slats can be tilted up or down by operating the tilt mechanism that adjusts the ladder ropes. In this regard, each ladder generally includes a front and a back, and vertically extending elements or wires connected together by a number of vertically spaced transverse rungs. Worn on each transversely extending rung, between the vertically extending elements of its ladder, there is one length-extending side of a slat. The main rail generally includes this tilting or adjusting mechanism for moving the ladders such that the vertically extending elements of each ladder move in opposite vertical directions to each other to pivot each slat about its longitudinally modified axis. By tilting the above-mentioned slat to a different angle of inclination, the amount and direction of the light projected into a room through the blind can be controlled and adjusted.

Blinds, however, have the aesthetic drawback that the ladder is partially visible from the front and rear of the awning when closed. This ladder disrupts the otherwise continuous appearance of the window covering. Holes for the raising and tilting cords may also be visible when the blind is closed. This also decreases the aesthetic appearance of the window covering, as well as allows the additional light to enter a room even when the blinds of the awning are closed.

Summary of the invention

The present invention solves these shortcomings by

U 2 9 2 63 provide an improved window covering, which allows openings to be formed in the window covering, such as with blinds, but also hides the operating mechanism. The present invention further relates to a method of operating the window covering.

The window awning of the present invention includes a plurality of folding awning rows, each of these awning rows is adjustable from a closed position to an open position by an operating mechanism, and includes a rigid first transversely extending region and an opposing second transversely extending region with a stiffened edge portion. The second transversely extending region may comprise a flexible material, such as a fabric, or may comprise a rigid material, such as is found in the first transversely extending region. The transverse regions may be stiffened in a number of ways, including incorporating a stiffened member, such as a lightweight plastic slat, using a stiffened fabric, spray coated fabric, or the like.

In a preferred embodiment, the actuation mechanism includes an opening member attached to the stiffened edge portion of the second transverse region, and a mounting element attached to the first transverse region. The opening element can be a cord, a strip of material, or the like. Similarly, the fastener may be a cord, a strip of material, a panel extending along the rear of the window covering, or the like.

When the window covering is in the closed position, the window covering comprises no or minimal gaps between the rows so that light is substantially or completely blocked. Also, the fastening and opening elements are preferably hidden from view when viewed from the front or front face of the window covering. In the opened position, the window covering preferably has the appearance of a blind whose number of slats is set in a fully open position. In other words, when the rows are in the open state, each of the rows has a substantially flat profile and is aligned perpendicular to the length of the lap. Between the closed state and the open state, the

1Ö 2 9 2 6 3 window covering half open.

Adjustment of the window covering from the closed state to the half-opened state is made by narrowing the number of rows of the window covering. This preferably includes decreasing the distance between the first transversely extending region and the stiffened edge portion of the plurality of rows. When the opening element is attached to the bottom edge of the number of rows of the sunblind, when the opening element is raised, for example, the bottom edge of each row is also raised relative to the top edge, with which the fastening element is fixed, and pulled up behind the front of the row so that openings created in the front face of the window covering allow light to pass. Alternatively, the opening member may be attached to the top edge of each row and the mounting member may be attached to the bottom edge so that when the opening member is lowered relative to the mounting member, the rows are narrowed. In addition to being able to move the opening element relative to the fastener, it may also be possible to move the fastener while the opening element is held stationary, or to move both the fastener and opening element either simultaneously or independently. The number of rows can be narrowed by any of these methods until they are positioned in the semi-open position with the stiffened edge portion of the second transverse extending region adjacent to the rigid first transverse extending region and preferably in contact therewith located.

Adjustment of the number of rows from the half-open state to the open state is accomplished by hinging each of the number of rows of the window covering by moving the stiffened edge portion relative to the first edge of the first transversely extending region . In a preferred form, the first rigid transverse regions of the rows of the blinds are operatively associated with a weight to bias each of the rows of the blinds toward the open position.

The present invention provides a highly adaptable window covering that allows a user to narrow the rows of the window covering which has the appearance of a Roman-style awning, while

192 9 2 63 also allows the user to tilt the different rows to open the window covering completely. In some embodiments, the present invention also allows the user to select the particular rows of the window covering to be opened or closed.

Brief description of the drawings

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a window covering in a closed position according to the present invention;

Figure 2 is an upright side view of the window covering of Figure

1;

Figure 3 is an upright side view of the window covering of Figure 1 in a half-opened position;

figure 4 is an upright side view of the window covering of figure 15 1 in opened position;

Figure 5 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a preferred row of an embodiment of a window covering in a closed position;

Figure 6 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the row of Figure 5 in a half-opened state;

Figure 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the row of Figure 5 in an opened state;

Figure 8 is an enlarged side view of an alternative embodiment of a window covering according to the present invention in a closed position and with stiffened second transverse regions;

Fig. 9 is an upright side view of yet another alternative embodiment of a window covering according to the present invention in a closed position and with second transverse regions having a contour;

Fig. 10 is an enlarged front perspective view of another alternative embodiment of rows of a window covering according to the present invention and strips of material used as part of the operating mechanism;

Figure 11 is an enlarged front perspective view of another alternative embodiment of rows of a window covering according to the present invention using a panel as part of the operating mechanism;

Figure 12 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of a preferred row of another embodiment of a window covering in a closed position;

Figure 13 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the row of Figure 12 in a semi-opened state; and Figure 14 is an enlarged cross-sectional side view of the row of Figure 12 in an opened state.

Description of the preferred embodiments of the invention

The invention described in this document is amenable to practice in many different forms. Shown in the drawings and described in detail below in this document are preferred preferred embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the present description is an example of the principles of the invention and the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments.

Referring to Figures 1 and 2, one preferred embodiment of the window covering of the present invention is shown in a closed position. The window covering 100 comprises a number of foldable rows 102 of awning, each of which can be adjusted by means of an operating mechanism from a closed position to an open position, each of the rows 102 of the awning comprising a rigid first transversely extending region

104 and an opposing second transversely extending region 106 with a stiffened edge portion 108.

The number of rows 102 is suspended from a main rail 110 by means of an operating mechanism, for example by means of a fastening element 112 and an opening element 114. The fastening element

112 is attached to the rear or first edge 120 of the first transverse region 104 of each of the plurality of rows 102. The opening element 114 is attached to the stiffened edge portion 108 of the opposite second transverse region 106 of each of the plurality of rows 102. The specific method of attaching the fastener 112 and the

102 92 63 opening element 114 on the rows can take various forms, such as by means of adhesive, ultrasonic welding, interweaving, bonding or the like. Attachment can also be achieved by limiting the displacement of the row members relative to the attachment member and the opening member by means of stop mechanisms positioned on the attachment and adjustment members. Yet another alternative is to include an anchor in rows, such as a rod, to which the fastener and the opening element are tied. Such a bar may also be passed through holes defined by the mounting and opening elements to provide attachment thereto.

In this embodiment, the operating mechanism also includes a cord lock 116 in the main rail through which opening member 114 is guided. The actuation of the operating mechanism is accomplished by a user releasing the cord lock, raising or lowering the opening member 114 as desired, and engaging the cord lock 116. The operating mechanism may alternatively include any suitable mechanism for controllable raising and lowering of the opening element as commonly found in venetian blinds and Roman blinds. A raising cord 118 may also be included to raise all rows 102 of awning 100 in front of a window.

As shown, the window cover, when in the closed position, includes no or minimal openings so that light is substantially or completely blocked. In particular, the stiffened edge portion 108 is positioned below the first edge 120 of the first transverse region 104 of a lower adjacent row. Accordingly, the fastening element 112 and the opening elements 114 are also hidden from view when viewed from the front or the front face of the window covering.

Referring to Figure 3, the adjustment of the window covering 100 from the closed state to the half-opened state is performed by narrowing the profile of each of the plurality of rows 102 of the sunblind. Preferably, this includes decreasing the distance, or narrowing of the gap, between the first transversely extending region 104 and the stiffened edge portion 108 of the plurality of rows 102.

For example, when the opening element 114 rises

0 For each of the rows 102, the stiffened edge portion 108 is also raised relative to the first transversely extending region 104 and pulled up behind the front of the row so that openings are created in the plane of the window covering 100 allows the passage of light. As shown, the window covering 100 is in a half-opened state when the stiffened edge portion 108 of the second transverse region 106 contacts the rigid first transverse region 104. In the half-opened state, each of the rows is tilted down .

Referring to Figure 4, adjustment of the number of rows from the half-open state to the open state is accomplished by pivoting each of the number of rows 102 of the sunblind about the first edge 120 of the first transversely extending region by means of the raising the stiffened edge part 108 relative thereto. In a preferred embodiment, the first rigid transverse regions 104 of the sun blind rows 102 are operatively connected to a weight 122 to help pivot and rotate each of the sun blind rows to the open position.

A more detailed explanation of each of the rows of the window covering 100 is discussed with respect to Figure 5 and example row 101.

Row 101 is made of a fabric material having opposed transverse regions 104 and 106. Each of transverse regions 104 and 106 includes distal members 105 and 107, respectively. In this embodiment, first transverse region 104 includes a stiffening member such as a rigid vane 126 located between two fabric layers 128 and 130. The first transverse region 104 further defines a hole 132. Also positioned with the first edge 120 of the first transverse extending region 104, weight 122 is located. Attachment element 112 is attached to the first edge 120, while opening element 114 and cord 118 for upward movement pass through hole 132, and are therefore not attached to the first transversely extending region 104. Weight 122 in this embodiment is received in the first edge 120, such as by receiving a rod of heavier material therein. Alternatively, a weight can be clamped or otherwise secured around the first rim. As yet another alternative, the weight may be in the form of a rail at the bottom, which is operatively connected to each of the rows.

In this embodiment, the second transversely extending region 106 is formed of a flexible material such as fabric. Second transversely extending region 106 also includes a stiffened edge portion 108 with a strip member 134 and defining a hole 136 through which cord 118 passes upwardly. Opening element 114 is attached to this stiffened edge portion 108. The fastening element 112 passes behind the second transversely extending region 106. Although it has been described that the raising member 118 is positioned distal to the opening member, this is not required. The uplift element 118 is also shown as it passes through hole 136. This is preferred, but is not required. By passing element 118 for moving up through hole 136, a row number guide and generally more stable window covering is provided.

In this embodiment, it is desirable that the rows of the window covering, when opened, have one generally flat profile. As such, the distal portion 107 of the second transverse extending region 106 and the distal portion 105 of the first transverse extending region 104 are of substantially the same length. As will be explained in further detail below, because when the rows are opened, distai part 105 and distai part 107 are of substantially the same length, the first and second transversely extending parts 104 and 106 will be side by side and one in have a generally flat profile.

As shown in Figure 6, when the opening element 114 is moved upward, a second distal portion 107 of the second transverse extending region 106 is pulled up behind a first distal portion 105 of the first transverse extending region 104, whereby the profile of the row 101 is narrowed and an opening is created. When the stiffened edge portion 108 of the second transversely extending region 106 contacts the first transversely extending region 104, the half-opened state is reached. As shown in this embodiment, when the half-opened state is reached, the distal portions 105 and 107 of first and second transverse regions 104 and 106 are adjacent.

Referring to Figure 7, when the opening element 114

2 9263 is moved even further upward, the first transversely extending region 104 pivoted or rotated about substantially the first edge 120. As shown, distai portion 105 of the first transversely extending region 104 rotates upward, in effect similar to tilting the slats of a venetian blind, however, executed in a different way. Instead of using a ladder to tilt the slats, as can be seen with a venetian blind, which requires counter-moving suspension cords, the opening element 114 is moved upwards to provide sufficient force to support the weight of the distal section 107 and distai part 105 of row 101. The weight 122 aids in the pivotal rotation, which helps compensate for the greater weight of the distal portion 107. As shown, when tilted, the relatively flat profile of the rows allows most of the area of ​​the window covering to be opened to transmit light.

In the embodiments discussed so far, the second transverse region of the rows has been discussed as formed of a flexible material, such as fabric, so that it hangs or is draped freely. Alternatively, the second transversely extending region may be stiffened or contoured to provide other aesthetic appearances. An embodiment of the present invention in which the second transversely extending region is stiffened as shown in Figure 8 is an example of this. As in the previous embodiment, window covering 200 includes a main rail 210, an attachment element 212, an opening element 214, and a cord 218 for raising.

In this embodiment, the window covering 200 includes a second transverse extending region 206 similarly stiffened as the first transverse extending region 204. As such, instead of a draped appearance, a regularly pleated appearance is provided. Preferably, the first transverse extending region 204 is slightly wider than the second transverse extending region 206 so that when the stiffened edge portion 208 of the second transverse extending region 206 is in contact with the first transverse extending region 204, the first transversely extending region and the second transversely extending region are stacked substantially flat on each other. In a preferred embodiment, the second transversely extending region 206 and the first transversely extending region 204 are stiffened by incorporating a stiffening element, such as a plastic strip.

Yet another embodiment of a window covering 300 according to the present invention is shown in Figure 9. Again, a window covering 300 includes a main rail 310, an attachment member 312, an opening member 314, and a cord 318 for raising. In this embodiment, the second transversely extending region 306 is formed from a flexible fabric material. The second transversely extending region, while flexible, is also contoured by certain weaving patterns or treatment of the fabric to hang in a desired shape. In other words, instead of hanging or draping freely, the fabric maintains a certain shape in the closed state.

Similar to other embodiments described, the distal portion 305 of the first transverse extending region 304 is of substantially the same length as the distal portion 307 of the second transverse extending region 306, so that when the stiffened edge portion 306 of the second transverse extending region 306 is in contact with the first transversely extending region 304, reaching the half-opened state, the distal ends 305 and 307 are adjacent and form a substantially flat profile. Further displacement to the open state is accomplished in the same manner as discussed above.

Two additional embodiments of window coverings according to the present invention are shown in Figures 10 and 11. In Figure 10, the window covering is similar to that shown in Figure 1. However, one difference is that for each of the rows, such as row 401, fastener element 412 and opening element 414 are formed from narrow strips of material. As shown, opening element 414 passes through a hole 432 formed in the first transverse region 404 and securing element 412 is attached to the first transverse region 404. Opening element 414 is then attached to the stiffened edge portion 408 of the second transverse area 406. As in previous embodiments, a weight element 422 is also included.

In Figure 11, the window covering comprises a number of rows, such as row 501, and a panel 512 is used which extends along the back of the window covering 500 as the fastening element. The panel 512 may be

102 9 2 63 formed from any desired fabric, such as a translucent fabric that will allow light to penetrate through it while still maintaining privacy even when the number of rows 502 is opened. Opening member 514 includes a cord that passes through a hole 532 formed in the first transverse extending region 504 and is attached to the stiffened edge portion 508 of the second transverse extending region 506.

Another embodiment of a window covering according to the present invention is explained with reference to Figures 12 to

14.

In the embodiments discussed so far, narrowing and tilting of the different rows is accomplished by raising a stiffened edge portion of a row relative to opening member relative to a rigid first transverse region. As shown in Figures 12 to 14, the narrowing and tilting of the various rows of the window covering, such as row 601, is achieved by lowering the rigid first transverse region 604 relative to the stiffened edge portion 608 of the queue. Each of the transversely extending regions 604 and 606 includes a distal portion 605 and 607, respectively. The first transverse extending region 604 further defines a hole 632, and includes a stiffening element 626 interposed between two portions of fabric 628 and 630. Positioned on the first edge 620 of the first transverse extending region 604 is weight 622. Opening member 614 is attached to first edge 620 while mounting element 612 and raising cord 618 pass through hole 632, and thereby are not attached to the first transversely extending region 604. The second transversely extending region 606 includes a stiffened edge portion 608 and defines a hole 636 through which cord 618 moves upward. Fixing element 612 is attached to this stiffened edge part 608. The opening element 614 passes behind the second transversely extending region 606. Preferably, the mounting element 612 and cord 618 for upward movement are connected to a rail at the bottom, as shown in Figure 1.

As shown in Fig. 13, the opening element 614 is lowered, with the second distal portion 607 of the second transverse region 606 moving behind the first distal portion 605 of the first transverse

102 Extending area 604, narrowing the profile of the row 601 and creating an opening between adjacent rows. The semi-open state, as in previous embodiments, is achieved when the stiffened edge portion 608 of the second transverse region 606 is in contact with the first transverse region 604.

Referring to Figure 14, when the opening element 614 is lowered even further, the first transversely extending region 604 is hinged or rotated about the stiffened edge portion 608. Weight 622 also aids in hinged rotation by offsetting the heavy weight of the distal portions 605 and 607.

Another optional feature of the window covering is the inclusion of mounting modules in each of the rows, which allow a user to select certain rows operatively associated with the operating mechanism. See, for example, co-pending patent application entitled "Window Cover Fastening Module and Method of Opening Selected Rows of the Window Cover", and inventors named Messrs Fu-Lai Yu, Chin-Tien Huang and Shun-Chi Yu who hereby refer to is included in this document. As such, only selected rows are moved from the closed state to the open state by actuation of the operating mechanism.

The foregoing descriptions are to be considered illustrative, but not limiting. Still other variants within the spirit and scope of the present invention will readily present to those skilled in the art.

10292 S3