Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
i2255~32
DRAPE~Y SUPPORT AND TRAVERSE SYSTEM
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Invention
The present invention pertains to a drapery support and
traverse system comprising an adjustable telescoping support track, a
plurality of drapery hanger slides interconnected by an elastic cord for
maintaining equal spacing between drapery pleats or individual vertical
blind segments and an improved latching mechanism for latching the slides
in a drawn or extended position of the traverse cord. In an alternate
embodiment of the system an endless cord traverse mechanism is used in
conjunction with the elastic pleat spacing cord mechanism.
Background
-2~
In the art of drapery and vertical blind support
systems numerous mechanisms have been developed for traversing ~he
draperies or other window closures to allow extension and retraction
of the drapery panels to form a closure across a window, doorway or
5 to form a partition. A disadvantage with conventional drapery
support systems pertains to the fact that the spacing between the
folds or pleats of a drapery panel or between adjacent blind segments
is not maintained equal in the extended or drawn position of the panel
or in any position between the stacked back or folded position and
10 the drawn position. This non-uniform spacing is unattractive and, in
the case of vertical blind segments or bead chains does not provide
for uniform admission of light through a window closure or good
visual effect through the partially or completely drawn drapery or
blind .
Prior art drapery support and traverse systems are
also subject to sticking or snagging of the pleat support slide
members during traverse of the slides between a stacked back and an
extended position of the traverse mechanism.
Another problem associated with prior art drapery
support systems pertains to the conventional manner of requiring the
formation of sewn pinched pleats in drapery panels to provide a
suitable manner of connecting the folds to the traverse mechanism.
These types of pleats are expensive to form on the drapery material
and add to the expense of cleaning and pressing draperies.
Another problem associated with conventional drapery
support systems pertains to the mechanism for supporting the drapery
support track structure. Prior art types of support brackets are
somewhat cumbersome and do not provide easy adjustment of the
position of the track or for easy removal and reinstallntion of the
track.
Accordingly, there has been a need for improveMents
in drapery support and traverse systems of the general type
discussed herein and in regard to the particular problems discussed
also herein.
1225582
--3--
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention pertains to a system for
supporting closures such as draperies and vertical blind or
partition panels and the like wherein an improved mechanism
is provided for supporting the panels and for moving the
panels between a stacked back or open position and an
extended or drawn position over a window to form a partition
or closure. In the following description the structure will
be referred to primarily in regard to the support of a
continuous flexible panel of fabric forming a drapery.
However, those skilled in the art will appreciate that the
invention may be used equally well with separate vertically
extending venetian blind segments or similar closure
~tructures including substantially rigid, hinged partition
panels and the like.
In accordance with an aspect of the invention
there is provided a support and traverse system for a
vertically hanging closure formed by a plurality of
elongated adjacent segments of a drapery panel or the like,
comprising an elongated track supporting a plurality of
slide members for traversing movement therealong; a
plurality of slide members disposed on said track including,
respectively, means for supporting said closure; and elastic
mean~ interconnecting said slide members and operable to be
qtretched and relaxed to maintain said slide members
substantially equally spaced apart to provide for
substantially equal spacing between said segments in
selected positions of said closure.
In accordance with one aspect of the present
invention there is provided an improved drapery support
track structure including extruded, somewhat inverted
channel shaped members which are configured to be of
cross-sectional shapes so that one member is telescopically
slidable within another member to form a drapery hanger
slide support track of a preselected length. In accordance
with another aspect of the present invention the improved
., . ~
~22~i582
-3a-
support track configuration is adapted to be supported
by a unique support bracket structure which is laterally
adjustable with respect to a support wall and which is
adapted to quickly release or receive the drapery panels
support track for mounting and demounting the track.
An important aspect of the present invention
resides in the provision of a drapery support system
comprising a plurality of drapery pleat or fold hanger
, members which are supported individually by slide members
slidable on a support track and wherein the slide members
are interconnected by an elastic cord which is anchored at
one end of the support track and wherein a master slide
member may be pulled to extend the drapery panels from a
folded or stacked back condition to an extended condition
closing or partially closing over a window opening or the
like. The drapery slide members are equally spaced apart
and conrected to the elastic cord and the equal spacing is
maintained between a folded position of the drapery panels
and an extended position.
12~5~2
--4--
In accordance with another aspect of the present
invention there is provided a unique drapery fold or pleat han~er
member which is easily attached or detached from the drapery panel
and is also easily attached or detached from the drapery slide
member. The hanger member may be provided with an integral hinge
portion for receiving the edge of a drapery panel and whereby the
panel may be conveniently adjusted as to its height by the amount of
fold or hem placed in the hinged portion of the hanger.
In accordance with another aspect of the invention
individual blind segments are supported by slides which are
interconnected by opposed elastic cords for rotating the blind
segments between open and closed positions.
The present invention still further provides a unique
mechanism for a drapery support system comprising a slide member, a
slide carrier and a coupler member for holding the slide carrier and
the secondary slides in their extended and evenly spaced positions.
In one embodiment of the invention a mechanical, gravity responsive
coupler member holds the slide carrier in the latched condition and in
another embodiment a magnetic latch structure is associated with the
master slide carrier for holding the drapery panel in the extended
position.
The abovenoted features and advantages of the present
invention as well as additional superior aspects thereof will be further
appreciated by those skilled in the art upon reading the detailed
description which follows in conjunction with the drawing.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING
Figure 1 is an elevation of a drapery support system
in accordance with the invention for a double draw or center pull
drapery arrangement;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of a portion of the
drapery support system illustrated in Figure l;
Figure 2A is a diagram showing the position of the
slide members in the stacked back position;
Figure 2B is a diagram showing the slide members in
the extended position;
Figure 3 is a view taken generally along line 3-3 of
Figure 2;
-
_5_ 12~5~32
Figure 4 is a detail section view of one of the hanger
members;
Figure 5 is a section view taken along line 5-5 of
Eigure 2;
Figure 6 is a section view taken along line 6-6 of
Figure 2;
Figure 6A is a plan view taken from line 6A-6A of
Figure 5;
Figure 7 is a detail view of the elastic cord;
E5gure 8 is a detail view of a portion of the track
structure;
Figure 9 is a section view taken along line 9-9 of
Figure 2;
Figure 10 is a section view taken along line 10-10 of
15 Figure 9;
Figure 11 is a section view taken along line 11-11 of
Figure 9;
Eigure 12 is a section view taken along line 12-12 of
Figure 9;
Figure 13 is a detail view of a magnetic latching
mechanism for use with the slide carrier and traverse cord
arrangement;
Figure 14 is a view taken from line 14-14 of Figure 13;
Figures 15A and 15B are views of an alternate
embodiment of the hanger member;
Figure 16 is a perspective view of an alternate
embodiment;
Figure 17 is a section view taken along the line 17-17
of Figure 16;
Figure 18 is a detail perspective view of a hanging
bead panel;
Figure 19 is a detail section view taken along line
19-19 of Figure 18;
Figure 20 is a perspective view of another embodiment
of the system of the invention;
Figure 21 is a section view taken along the line 21-21
of Figure 20; and
..
12~
Figure 22 is a diagram showing various positions of the
arms and blind segments.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
In the description which follows like parts are marked
5 through the specification and drawing with the same reference
numerals, respectively. The drawing figures are not necessarily to
scale and certain features of the structure may be shown exaggerated
in scale in the interest of clarity.
Refe~rring to Figures 1 and 2 an improved drapery
10 support system in accordance with the present invention is illustrated
and generally designated by the numeral 20. The drapery support
system 20 includes an elongated drapery slide support track 21
including somewhat inverted channel shaped track sections 22 and 24.
The track sections 22 and 24 are preferably formed of aluminum or
15 plastic extrusions and are telescopically slidable one within the other
whereby the overall length of the track assembly 21 may be
selectively adjusted. The track assembly 21 is supported by at least
two spaced apart track support bracket assemblies 26 which wiU be
described in further detail herein. The bracket assemblies 26 are
20 adapted to be mounted on a vertical wall 27, Figure 1, to support the
track assembly adjacent a window opening or doorway 28.
The track assembly 21 is also adapted to support a
pair of opposed drapery panels 30 which are formed to have opposed
accordionlike segments or folds 32 whereby the drapery panel may be
25 moved between a stacked back or substantially complete folded
condition of the folds 32 or the panels 30 may be extended to the
position shown in Figure 1 whereby the folds are substantially evenly
spaced and formed substantially equal opposed angles with respect to
each other and with respect to the track assembly 21. The
30 arrangement of the drapery support system 20 illustrated in Figure 1
is for a pair of opposed drapery panels in a center draw or double
drapery arrangement. However, those skilled in the art will
recognize that the various features of the present invention maybe
used in a single draw drapery support system wherein only one
35 drapery panel 30 or a similar panel or vertical blind set is used in
conjunction with a track assembly made up of only one of the track
sections 22 or 24 or a combination of track sections 22 and 24.
.
12~5~i8~
~7--
Referring to Figure 5, in particular, the track sections
22 and 24 have substantially the same cross-sectional configuration;
however, the track section 22 is dimensioned to be telescopically
slidable within the track sections 24. The track sections 22 and 24
are arranged to have a generally inverted channel shape with the
respective generally horizontally extending web portions 34 and 34a
and opposed depending walls 36 and 36a which each form somewhat
V-shaped inwardly extending recesses 38. The walls 36 and 36a
include generally horizontally extending intermediate portions 40 and
40a and upwardly extended terminal flange ends 42 and 42a. The
flange ends 42 and 42a are spaced apart to provide a longitudinal slot
44 extending the length of the track sections. The track sections 22
and 24 maybe be formed of extruded or rolled aluminum, steel or
plastic and may be typically formed of .020 inch thick cold rolled
steel, for example. As shown in Figures 1 and 2, the track assembly
21 is closed at its opposite ends by cap members 46 which will be
described in further detail herein. The track sections 22 and 24 are
preferably proportioned such that the inner track section 22 is
engageable with the outer track sections 24 along the respective
flanks 39 and 39a of the wall portions forming the recesses 38.
Referring now to Figures 5, 6 and 6A the support
brackets 26 are each characterized by an assembly of a wall bracket
member 50 and a sliding support assembly made up of a bracket
member 52 and a clamp 54. The bracket 52 and clamp 54 are secured
in assembly with each other and with the wall bracket 50 by a nut 56
which may be manually actuated to clamp the bracket 52 and clamp 54
together in a predetermined position on the bracket 50 with the track
21 secured thereby. The wall bracket 50 includes a wall mounting
pad portion 60 having a mounting face 62 and spaced apart openings
64 for receiving bracket mounting screws or nail type fasteners or
securing the wall bracket to a vertical wall.
The wall bracket 50 includes a generally horizontally
extending beam portion 66 which is provided with a longitudinally
extending slot 68 opening to the distal end 70 of the beam portion.
Opposed side edges of the beam 66 are provided with opposed
laterally projecting detent bosses 76, Figure 6, near the distal end of
the beam portion. As shown in Fig~re 6, the slot 68 as a
``` 12~5S~
--8--
cross-sectional profile which includes a channel portion with opposed
sloping side walls 80 for receiving a boss 82 formed on the underside
of the bracket 52 and extending longitudinally thereof. The boss 82
provides support for a depending threaded stud 84 which projects
through the slot 68 and is engaged by the nut 56. The bracket 52 is
configured to be slidably disposed on the beam 6~ with the stud 84
disposed in the slot 68.
The bracket 52 includes a web portion 88 and opposed
longitudinally extending flanges 90. The flanges 90 include generally
horizontally extending longitudinal side edges 92 which are each
provided with a vertically projecting stop portion 94, Figure 2. The
flanges 90 are provided with opposed spaced apart slots 96, Figure 6,
which are of a length sufficient to receive the respective detent
bosses 76 for locking the bracket 52 in a selected position on the wall
bracket 50. The flanges 90 and the opposed portions of the beam 66
defining the slot 68 of sufficient resilience to allow deflection of one
member or the other to permit movement of the bracket member 52
between positions wherein the bosses 76 project into a selected set of
slots 96. The bracket 52 includes a depending end 98, Figure 5,
having a curved distal edge and configured to fit in one of the
opposed recesses 38 of the track assembly 21.
The clamp member 54 includes a web portion 100,
Figure 5, which is integrally formed with a boss 102 of a
configuration to fit in the other of the longitudinally extending
recesses 38 of the track assembly 21 to secure the track assembly
between the end 98 and the boss 102. The clamp 54 includes opposed
flange portions 104, Figure 6, which are of generally U-shaped
configuration and have reentrant spaced apart fingers 106 forming a
slot between the fingers 106 and the web portion 100 and adapted to
receive the opposed distal edges 92 of the flanges 90 whereby the
clamp 54 is slidably disposed on the bracket member 52.
The clamp 54 includes a circular sector shaped boss
110 formed on the underside of the web 100 and having n beveled
surface 112 cooperable with a frusto conical shaped head portion 114
of the nut 56. The head portion 114 and a depending digital button
portion 116 of the nut 56 define a peripheral groove 118 in which is
disposed a circular wire spring 120 having opposed leaf portions 122,
-9- 12-~58~
Figure 6A, the ends of which are engageable with depending
projections 124 formed on the clamp 54. The spring leaves 122 bias
the clamp member 54 toward the recess 38 in the track assembly 21
and when the nut 56 is tightened against the boss 110 the clamp 54 is
5 securely clamped with respect to the bracket 52 and with respect to
the beam 66 of bracket 50.
The track assembly 21 may be easily mounted on or
demounted from the spaced apart bracket assemblies 26 by loosening
the nuts 56 of each bracket and deflecting the clamp member 54 out
10 of the recess 38 until the bracket end 98 is clear of the side wall of
the track section. The spring leaves 122 will bias the clamp 54
toward the track section 24 to prevent the track from falling off the
bracket assemblies 26 unless forced by deflection of the spring
leaves. Moreover, when the nut 56 is loosened the assembly of the
15 bracket member 52 and the clamp 54 may be moved to place a selected
pair of opposed slots 96 in registration with the detent bosses 76 to
laterally position the track assembly 21 with respect to a wall adjacent
the brackets 26. Thanks to the arrangement of the clamp 54, the
bracket 52 and the spring 120, the track assembly 21 may be adjusted
20 longitudinally, demounted from the brackets 26 and remounted on the
brackets 26 and the brackets 26 may be easily adjusted with respect
to the wall surface.
Referring again to Figures 1, 2, 3 and 4 the drapery
support system 20 includes a plurality of spaced apart pleat or fold
25 hanger support slides 130 each of which are provided with a central
trunk portion 132, Figure 3, and opposed downwardly curved
shoulders 134. The shoulders 134 are shaped to form opposed
parallel extending slots 136 defined between the trunk portion 132 and
the shoulders 134. The trunk portion 132 is flared outwardl~r at the
30 bottom edge to form to opposed laterally extending projections 13~. A
pintle 140, Figures 3 and 4, depends from the slide trunk portion 132
and is provided with an integral hanger retaining collar 142. The
slots 136 are defined by arcuate bearing surfaces 137, 139 and 141
which are operable to bear against the distal flange ends 42 and 42a
35 of the track sections to locate and support the slides 130 within the
channels formed by the track sections 22 and 24.
-10- ~22~58~Z
The top edge of the trunk portion 132 of each slide
130 is provided with an open ended keyhole shaped groove 146 in
which an elongated elastic cord member 148 may be forcibly inserted
and retained connected to respective ones of the slides 130 which are
5 preferably selectively spaced apart equal distant one from the other
along the elastic cord member 148. The elastic cord member 148 is
characterized as a cord of homogeneous highly elastic material such as
natural or synthetic rubber having a substantially uniform
force-deflection characteristic along any portion of its length. The
10 elastic cord 148 will stretch uniformly so that the spacing between
slides 130 will remain substantially equal for each pair of adjacent
slides whereby the folds or pleats 32 of the drapery panels 30 are
maintained in a uniform angled relationship with respect to each other
regardless of the degree of the fold or unfolding of the drapery
15 panels.
Figures 2A and 2B illustrate the relationship between
adjacent slides 130 of each of the drapery panels when the panels are
in at least a partially open or stacked back position as indicated in
Figure 2A and in an extended position as indicated in Figure 2B. As
20 shown in Figure 2A, the slides 130 connected to each elastic cord
member 148 are evenly spaced apart although relatively close together
as compared with the spacing of the slide members in Figure 2B. In
Figure 2B the cords 148 have been stretched to the position wherein
the panels are closed or positioned near a closed condition; however,
25 the slides 130 of each drapery panel are still spaced equal distant one
from the other thanks to the uniform stretchability of the cord
members 148.
Referring briefly to Figure 7, the elastic cord 1~8 is
preferably formed with a cord of singular or plural strands 149 of
30 elastic material surrounded by a braided or woven sheath or jacket
150. The sheath 150 may be tightly woven over the core strands 149
or adhered to the core strands by a suitable adhesive. The sheath
150 forms a casing which limits the stretchability of the core members
149 and provides a wear resistant cover. By predetermining the
35 configuration of the braid or weave of the sheath 150 the
stretchability of the elastic member 148 can be predetermined to never
exceed a limit which, is preferably in the range of 1.5 to ~ .5 times
-11- 122~i~i8;~
the relaxed length of the cord member. The construction of the cord
member illustrated in Figure 7 may be similar to an elastic stretch
cord of a type manufactured by Bungee International Manufacturing
Corporation, Chatsworth, California. The slides 130 are each
connected to a hanger member 152, to be described in further detail
herein, pivotally supported on the hanger support pintle 14û. Each
of the slides 130 normally rests on the upward facing surfaces 43 and
43a of the flange ends of the track sections as shown in Figure 3.
The surfaces 137 and 139 bear against the side surfaces of the flange
ends 42 and 42a to locate the slides 130 generally centrally in the slot
44.
Referring of Figures 3 and 4, the pintles 140 depend
through the slots 44 and support hanger members 152 which are each
provided with opposed spaced apart jaws 156 which define a generally
oval slot 158 for receiving the retaining collar 142. The jaws 156 are
each provided with a somewhat conical sector shaped jaw surface 15~
forming a bearing engageable with the pintle 140 whereby the hanger
members 152 may be freely pivotally supported on the respective
slides 130. The hangers 152 each comprise an elongated laterally
extending beam 153, as shown by example in E5gure 3, and of
sufficient width to provide a relatively thin web portion 155 which
may be suitably secured to the upper hem 33 of the respective panel
folds 32 by suitable means such as sewing the hem to the web portion
155 with stitching 157.
Accordingly, as the panel folds 32 move from a
generally parallel relationship relative to each other in the stacked
back or folded condition of a drapery panel 30 to a generally
extended or drawn condition the hangers 152 will pivot freely on the
respective slide pintles 140 to allow the drapery panel folds to assume
generally equal angular positions relative to each other and to the
longitudinal axis of the track assembly 21. The hangers 152 may be
conveniently snapped into and out of position supported by the
pintles 140 by merely deflecting the jaws 156 to increase the gap
between the jaw surfaces 159. Accordingly ? the drapery panels 30
may be disconnected from the track assembly 21 and reconnected
thereto without removing the slides 130 and the interconnecting cords
1d~8 from within the track assembly 21.
-12- 12~5582
Referring to Figure 2, in the exemplary center draw
drapery arrangement shown in Figures 1 and 2 the inner end slide
130 associated with the last fold 32a of each drapery panel 30 is
connected to a slide carrier 160. The opposite end folds 32b are also
supported by a slide 130 connected to a slide carrier 160. As shown
by way of example in Figures 9, 10 and 11 the slide carrier 160
includes a pair of opposed trunnions 162 formed for retaining thereon
carrier support rollers 166. The rollers 166 are engageable with the
web 34 or 34a if the slide carrier is pushed upward to the position
shown on Figure 11 or the hub portions 169 of rollers 166 engage the
flange surfaces 43 and 43a when the carrier is traversing along the
track 21. The carrier 160 includes a depending body portion 167
having an intergally formed baton hook 168 secured thereto. The
hook 168 is operable to be connected to the upper end 170 of an
elongated drapery draw baton 172 for traversing the carriers 160
along the track assembly 21. The width of the body section 167 is
slightly less than the width of the slot 44 to facilitate free traversal
of the carrier 160 along the track sections 22 or 24.
Referring to Figure 9, the body portion 167 includes a
recess 173 and a transverse latch pin 174 extending across the
recess. Referring also to Figure 10, a backwall 176 of the body 167
includes a bifurcated projection 178 having opposed radially extending
flange portions 180 which are adapted to project through an opening
133 formed in the trunk portion 132 of each of the slide members 130,
whereby the slide member associated with either a fold 32a or 32b is
releasably secured to a slide carrier 160.
Each carrier member 160 associated with an end slide
130 of a drapery panel is adapted to be latched in the extended
condition of the drapery panel and tlle pleat spacing cord 148 by a
unique latch mechanism. The latch mechanism will be described in
detail with regard to a center latch 179, Fi~ re 2; however~ opposite
end latches 181 may also be provided as part of the end caps 46.
Referring to Figures 9 and 12, the latch mechanism 179 includes n
body 180 having opposed downwardly opening slots 182 formed therein
for supporting the body on the track flange ends 42 and/or ~2a as
shown in Figure 12. The body 180 is provided with an internally
threaded bore for receiving n screw 184 which may be adjusted to
-13- ~2~ 3Z
bear against one of the webs 34 or 34a to lock the body 180 in a
selected position along the track assembly 21. The body 180 has
mounted thereon a leaf sp~ng member 188 which projects
longitudinally in the slot 44 toward a downwardly curved end 190.
5 The leaf spring 188 also projects between a pair of spaced apart ears
192 integral with the body 180 and having downwardly opening slots
194 for receiving opposed trunnions 196 formed on a carrier coupler
member 198. The coupler member 198 is retained in the slots 194 by
the spring 188 and has a cam surface 200, Figure 9, engageable with
a transverse end wall 202 of the body 180 to limit the downward
pivotal movement of the latch member 198 with respect to the body
180 under the urging of gravity forces. The coupler member 198
includes a throat 204 formed in part by a tip 206 having a generally
downwardly inclined cam surface 208 formed on the outer side
thereof.
The coupler member 198 may be pivoted between the
position shown by the solid lines to the alternate position indicated by
the alternate position lines to clear the latch pin 174 on the carrier
160. In response to movement of the carrier 160 toward the coupler
member 198 the latch pin 174 will engage the downwardly curved end
190 of spring 188 and essentially simultaneously engage the cam
surface 208 forcing the coupler member 198 to rotate in an
anti-clockwise direction, viewing Figure 9, until the tip 206 clears the
pin 174. When the pin 174 moves into the throat 204, the coupler
member 198 returns to the position indicated by the solid lines to
engage and retain the carrier 160 in the position shown. Thanks to
the upwardly inclined surface 209, defining part of the throat 204,
and a flattened edge 175 on the latch pin 174, the carrier 160 will be
retained in a latched condition.
As the carrier 160 engage~ the spring 188, the
stiffness of the spring is sufficient to lift the carrier 160 upward
until the rollers 166 engage the web 34 or 34a and are clear of the
flange end surfaces 43 by a predetermined amount. Accordingly, in
the latched position of the carrier 160 there is a predetermined
clearance which will permit the carrier to be pulled downwardly
against the bias of the spring 188 engaged with latch pin 174. If the
carrier 160 is pulled downwardly and tilted slightly anticlockwise,
122~5~2
--14--
viewing Figure 9, the coupler member 198 will not rotate clockwise
past the position illustrated thanks to the cam surface 200. However,
by pulling downwardly and tilting the carrier 160 it may be released
from the coupler member 198 and will automatically be urged to
retr~ct away from the coupler under a biasing force acting on the
carrier 160 and the respective slides 130 due to the elastic cord
member 148.
The latch assembly 179 formed by the body 180 and
opposed coupler members 198 is arranged to comprise a back-to-back
arrangement to form a center latching mechanism for opposed carriers
160 for a double-draw drapery arrangement as illustrated in Figure 2.
A carrier 160 is secured to the slide 30 at the opposite end of a
drapery panel 130 and connected to a latch mechanism comprising a
body 181 supporting a coupler member 198 in the same manner and
connected to or placed adjacent to the caps 46. Alternatively, the
caps 46 could be provided with projections similar to the projections
178 for securing an end slide member 130 directly to the cap members
46.
Accordingly, the drapery panels 30 may be easily
moved from a retracted and folded or stacked back condition to an
extended condition and latched with the panels closed over the
window 28, as shown in Figure 1, by grasping the batons 72 and
pulling the carriers 160 associated with panel folds 32a toward the
center position latch assembly 179, whereby the elastic cords 148 will
be stretched uniformly to maintain equal spacing between the
respective slides 130 and associated pleats or folds 32. When a
drapery panel 30 is unlatched from its extended or closed position,
the elastic cord 148 will automatically retract the drapery panel to a
collapsed or more folded condition. The lightweight slides 130 and
the roller supported carriers 160 traverse the track sections 22 and
24 relatively easily and with minimal friction. Moreover, thanks to
the configuration of the track sections as illustrated in Figure 8 and
the configuration of the slides 130, the slides will not catch or hang
up in the tracks when passing from a track section 22 to a track
section 24.
~s illustrated in Figure 8, by example, each end 23 of
track section 22 is formed such that the flange ends 42 are curved
-15- ~255~32
downwardly at 27 toward the transverse flange portions 40. In like
manner, the end 25 of the track section 24 is curved downwardly at
29 toward the flange portions 40a so that at the point that the track
sections overlap the slides 130 will move smoothly from being
supported solely by the surfaces 43 or 43a to the other of the
surfaces without catching on the transverse edges of the track
sections .
Referring now to Figures 13 and 14, there is
illustrated an alternate embodiment of a latching mechanism for the
drapery support system of the present invention, including a latch
body 240 formed integral with a modified track end cap 246. The
latch body 240 is made of a non-magnetic material, such as nylon~
and is configured to support a permanent magnet 245 which is
operable to generate a magnetic field. An end slide 130 is secured to
a modified slide carrier member 250 by a bifurcated projection 252
similar to the projections 178 on the carrier member 160. The carrier
250 also includes opposed trunnions 254 for supporting a pair of
spaced apart rollers 166. The carrier 250 supports a member 260 of
magnetic material, such as steel, which is operable to be attracted by
the magnet 245 for holding the carrier 250 in engagement with the
latch body 240. The latch body 240 and the slide carrier 250 are
provided with cooperating inclined opposed cam surfaces 241 and 251.
The carrier 250 includes a depending hook portion 253 for connection
to a baton 172 whereby the c&rrier 250 may be tilted to engage the
cam surfaces 241 and 251 to thereby forcibly separate the carrier 250
from the latch body 240 in response to a pulling action, generally in
the direction of the arrow 263 in Figure 13.
Referring now to FYgures 15A and 15B, there is
illustrated an alternate embodiment of a hanger 270 for a fold or pleat
271 of a drapery panel 272. The hanger 270 comprises an elongated
beam 273 having center positioned opposecl claw portions 274 similar to
the claws 156 of the hanger 152. The beam 273 includes a thickened
flange 275 and a relatively thin corrugated web portion 276 which is
integral with a hinge portion 277 connected to a second web portion
278. The distal end of the web portion 278 complises a rounded cam
280 which is adapted to be snap fitted into a recess 281 formed nlong
the beam flange 275. Accordingly. the web portion 278 may be Moved
-16- ~;~2~i8;2
relative to the corrugated web portion 276 about the hinge 277
between opened and closed positions wherein an edge 279 of a
drapery panel may be inserted between the web portions 276 and 278
and the hanger closed by inserting the cam portion 280 into the
recess 281 to secure the edge of the panel to the hanger. Clearly,
the amount of material inserted between the beam web portions 276
and 278 will determine the overall hanging length of the panel which
may be selectively adjusted. The corrugated web portion 276 assists
in pinching the material between the web portions 276 and 278 and
the drapery panel material is also pinched between the cam 280 and
the surface defining the recess 281.
Referring now to Figures 16 and 17, there is
illustrated a drapery support system 300 adapted for supporting and
traversing various types of window closures, and including relatively
heavy drapery panels 301. The drapery support system 300 is
provided with an improved endless traverse cord arrangement in
combination with the elastic traverse cord for maintaining even
spacing between a plurality of support slides 131. The slides 131 are
similar to the slides 130 but include depending jaw portions 303 for
securing the slides to modified drapery pleat hangers 305 for
supporting each pleat or fold 307 of panels 301. The support system
300 utilizes the telescoped track sections 22 and 24 with modified end
caps 302 and 304. The slides 131 are interconnected by elastic cords
148. The end cap 302 includes a support beam 310 for supporting a
rotatable traverse cord pulley 312. The beam 310 is also provided
with a downwardly opening recess or notch 314 for receiving the top
edge of an end slide 131 for retaining the slide latched to the end
cap 302. The end cap 304 is provided with a beam portion 320, also
projecting within the channel space formed by the track 24 for
supporting a pair of spaced apart traverse cord pulleys 322 rotatable
in a plane perpendicular to the plane of rotation of the pulley 312.
An endless traverse cord 324 is trained around the pulleys 322 and
312 and around a conventional tension pulley 326 connected to a
suitable tensioning mechanism 328 of a conventional type known in the
art of drapery traverse cord systems.
The endless traverse cord 324 is preferably formed
with ball and socket connecting links 330 and 332 secured to opposite
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ends of the cord and comprising a so called bead chain-type
connection between the ends of the cord 324 and a section of elastic
cord 334 which may be used for tensioning the traverse cord 324 in
place of or in addition to the use of the tens~oning pulley mechanism
5 328.
The drapery support system 300 includes a pair of
opposed slide carrier members 340 which are of identical configuration
and are each provided with a flange 344 defining a recess for
receiving a slide 131 in latched relationship. The slide carrier 340
10 includes interlocking coupler tongues 346 projecting from the ends of
the carriers opposite the flanges 344. The coupler tongues are
configured to be elastically deflected laterally to releasably interlock
with each other when engaged in abutting relationship as shown in
Figure 16.
As shown in Figure 17, by way of example , each of
the slide carriers 340 includes a traverse cord clamping jaw including
a fixed jaw 348 and a movable jaw member 350 which is adapted ts~ be
biased toward the jaw member 348 by a screw 352 to clamp the carrier
340 to the cord 324. The jaw member 350 is suitably hinged at 356 to
the carrier 340 to undergo pivotal movement into forcible engagement
with the cord 324 under the urging of the screw 352. By connecting
the carriers 340 and 342 to opposed runs 325 and 327 of the traverse
cord 324 the carriers are operable to extend the drapery panels 301
to a closed position wherein the coupler tongues 346 are interlocked
to hold the panels in position against the tension of the cords 148.
Accordingly, the concept of the elastic traverse cord in combination
with the slides 131 may also be used in applications involving the use
of an endless traverse cord and slide carrier arrangement for remote
control of opening and closing such closures as relatively heavy
drapery panels or other panel configurations.
Referring to E~gures 18 and 19, the support system 20
may be used in conjunction with a unique hanging bead-type closure
assembly generally designated by the numeral 400 and comprising a
plurality of somewhat slotted tubular-shaped hanger members 402,
each having opposed jaws 404 for engagement with the pintles 140 of
the slides 130, respectively. The tubular hang~ers 402 are each
operable to receive an array of side-by-side verticnlly hanging beacl
~;22558~
--18--
chains 406 and 408 which are made up of a predetermined pattern of
decorative beads or trinkets interconnected by a suitable link
members 411. The hangers 402 are intercormected with each othel~ by
snap in-type end caps formed by an end cap assembly 412 having
opposed end caps 414 and 416 intercomlected by an integral molded
hinge portion 418. The end caps 414 and 416 are provided with
suitable flange portions for interference within the bores of the
tubular hangers 402 whereby the hangers may be suitably hingedly
interconnected by the end cap assemblies. The bea~ chains 406 and
408 may be cut to a predetermined length and may be inserted in the
bores 403 of the hangers and removed therefrom by the removal of
one or more of the end caps 414 or 416. An end bead 413 of each of
the bead chains 406 or 408 is retained in the bore 403 and its
connecting link 411 depends through a longitudinal bottom slot 405
formed along the underside of each of the hangers 402.
Referring now to Figures 20, 21 and 22, there is
illustrated an improved support system for supporting vertical blind
closures or the like, said support system being generally designated
by the numeral 500. The support system 500 preferably utilizes a
track 521 comprising at least one each of track sections 22 and 24 for
supporting a plurality of vertical blind segments or slats 502. The
blind segments 502 are adapted to be traversed from a stacked back
condition directly adjacent each other to a traversed or extended
condition and also rotated from a position wherein the plane of the
blind segments extends perpendicular to the direction of traverse to a
position wherein the segments 502 extend generally parallel to the
direction of traverse to form a closure. Each of the segments 502 is
adapted to be suspended from a slide member 504 including a portion
forming opposed radially extending arms 506. THe arms 506 have
distal end portions 508 extending at an angle with respect to the main
portion of the arms as shown in Figure 22. The slide members 504
each include a downwardly depending shank portion 510 having an
integral hook 512 for receiving a hanger rod 514 for each segment
502. The slides 504 each include an upwardly projecting central
trunnion 516 which is adapted to be received in a recess 518 formed
in a latch member 520 which may be formed as a separate member
secured to the inside surface of the top web of one of the track
-19- ~22~58~
sections 22 or 24 at a preselected point thereon. Alternatively, the
latch members 520 may be integrally formed with and projecting from
an end cap 522 similar to the end caps 46.
The distal ends 508 of the arms s~f the slide members
504 are each adapted to receive respective swivel members 524. The
swivel members 524 each comprise a shank or trunnion portion 526,
Figure 21, adapted to be pivotally supported in a cooperating bearing
bore formed in each of the arm portions 508. The swivel members 5~4
include a body portion 528 having a bore therein for receiving an
elastic cord 530 similar to the elastic cord 148. The swivel members
524 may be formed of a suitable material adapted to undergo plastic
deflection whereby the bodies 528 may be crimped to grip the cord
530 at predetermined points therealong for positioning the slide
members 504 according to a predetermined initial spacing when the
cords 530 is in a relaxed condition.
The latch members 520 may be provided at opposite
ends of the track 521 in the configuration shown as part of the end
caps 522. One or the other of the end slide members 504 is
preferably permanently latched to a latch member 520 by insertion of
the trunnion 516 into the recess 518. The end slide members 504 are
preferably biased in the latched position by axially projecting resilient
fingers 532 which &re engageable with the bottom side of the arms 506
for biasing the end slide members 504 upwardly as the trunnion 516
engages the distal end of the latch member. The fingers 532 may
also be formed integral with the respective end caps 522. The
fingers 532 each also have sloping cam surfaces 534 which allow the
end slide member 504 to ride up slightly on the fingers and clear of
the track bearing support edges 43 and 43a so that adequate vertical
clearance is provided for de~lecting the fîngers 532 downward to
unlatch a slide member 5n4 from a latch member 520.
The drapery support system 500 is also provided with
a baton 540 adapted for use in traversing the blind segments 502
along the track 521 as well as rotating the blind segments between an
open and closed position or any selected position therebetween. The
baton 540 includes a hook portion 5421 Figure 21, cooperable with the
shank portion 510 such as to provide a non-rotatable interlocking fit
between the baton 540 and slide member 504. ~ baton 540 may, of
122558Z
-20 -
course, be clipped to either or both of the end members 504. By
pulling downwardly on the baton 540 the fingers 532 may be
depressed sufficiently to allow the trunnion 516 to be removed from
the recess 518 whereby the segments 502 may be traversed from a
5 closed to an open position stacked closely adjacent to each other.
By rotating the baton 540, the slide member 504
connected to the baton is rotated to also effect rotation of all of the
slide members 504 through the interconnecting elastic cords 530.
Since the cords 530 have a uniform elasticity or force-deflection
10 characteristic each of the blind segments 502 will be rotated to the
same degree upon rotation of the slide 504 connected to the baton
540. As shown by the diagram plan view of Eigure 22 the slide
members 504 may be rotated almost 90 in opposite directions from the
open position of the blind segments 502 to the point where the cords
530 are adjacent to each other and whereby the segments 502 are
substantially closed but remain parallel to each other. In the view of
Figure 22 the segments 502 and slides 504 are shown in an alternate
position rotated in a clockwise direction. The segments 502 may, of
course, be rotated counterclockwise from the maximum open position
to the same extent. Accordingly, with the support and traverse
system 500 the blind segments 502 may be maintained uniformly spaced
in a stacked back or extended position as well as in folded or rotat*e
positions relative to their support track.
Although preferred embodiments of drapery and similar
type closure support systems have been described herein, those
skilled in the art will recognize that various subsfftutions and
modifications may be made to the specific embodiments disclosed
without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as
recited in the appended claims.
