Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02343866 2008-06-26
A RCHITECTURAL COVEIZLYG FOP, WINDOWS
BACKGRatl1`tD OF THE INVENTION
Field of the Inventi.on.
[0002] This invention relates to improved constzuction of an, architectural
co v-cri.ng for windows, and in particulat to a vertical or hrazizontal blind
with
individual, nazzow strips of shcer material and a vane having a stzip element
disposed
Txierein.
Description of the Related Art
[0003] In many window or see-tbrough door applications, it is desirable to
control the amount of light admitted throuah the tivin.dow or see-through
door. For
instance on biight suziny days in war= climates, the sun is too strong (and
too hot) for
eQmfortable working in offices, as wcll as being damagang to interior
fusnishi_ngs that
may fade or becozxie brittle, Typically, blin.,ds arc fitted, consisting
ot'rt,tultiple slats of
opa.ctuc material that can be individually rotated, in a coordinated manner,
to block all
or part of the light. When such slats arc arrayed hozizontally, rhe assembly
is
coz27zrzortl.y called a "venetian" blind.
[0004] In large windows or doors, venetianblinds are difficult to raisc
completely, when nccdcd for unobstructed viewing or to clean the glass behind.
So,
otten a variant called "vertical blinds" is fitted, in which rotatable slats
are hung
vcrtica?ly from their ends on a iraverse mecha.ni,sm with individual,
coordinated
rotating hangers. Vertical blinds havc bcen most often used in commercial
se2tings,
whcre largc windows are more cammon. In residential use, only patio doQrs and
the
like have commonly used thcse blinds.
-1-
CA 02343866 2001-04-12
A
[0005] Known vertical blinds commonly comprise elongated strips or slats of
opaque material suspended vertically from an overhead traverse mechanism
provided
with individual, rotatable hangers. Some vertical blind products combine a
sheer
fabric with the rotatable, opaque vertical slats to provide diffusion of the
light entering
between the opaque slats, as well as adding privacy as a result of reduction
in the
clarity of view from the bright exterior into the interior of the building.
[0006] Examples of such combination vertical blinds are disclosed in U.S.
Patent No. 3,844,334 to Hyman and U.S. Patent No. 5,638,880 to Colson et al.
In
Colson et al., the slats are integrated as stiffened fabric vanes permanently
attached
onto the expanse of covering sheer fabric. Tachikawa Company of Japan offers a
vertical blind in which alternating vanes are sheer and opaque, but the
hangers for the
sheer vanes lack driven rotators, so that the sheer vanes tend to remain in
planar
alignment between adjacent opaque vanes when the latter are rotated toward
their
view-through position. This product lacks the aesthetically-preferred
appearance of a
continuous, billowed curtain, and gapping between the sheers and opaques is a
problem because the sheers are free to rotate, though not forced to do so.
[0007] Even in smaller windows, where horizontal shading is practical, there
has been a move toward light-diffusing systems. Translucent cellular shades
and
fabric venetian blinds have been devised using light-filtering materials to
give
light-diffusing properties to the window coverings. Of these, the fabric
venetian
blinds also present a sheer fabric covering that partly obscures the interior
of a room
from outside view, even when the major light-control elements are positioned
for
open view-through. This is a desirable feature for vertical blinds, too, and
has been
implemented in two ways: layering of a sheer curtain over a conventional rigid-
vane
vertical blind; and integrating the slats as stiffened fabric vanes
permanently attached
onto the expanse of the covering sheer.
[0008] The inventors of the present invention have recognized that a
disadvantage of known opaque-with-sheer vertical blinds is that they use a
large
expanse of fragile sheer fabric to cover the entire opening. This requires a
high degree
of costly precision in fabric quality, handling, and cleaning to assure the
delicate
fabric remains free of visible flaws and damage throughout. The manufacturing
-2-
CA 02343866 2001-04-12
equipment must be very large and costly (typically handling goods 90 to 150
inches in
width), adding immensely to the final product cost and limiting the variety of
colors
---- ------- - -- - ------ -
and styles-that can be produced: Waste -iri-faliricatirig finished shades
frorn--such-goods
to fit various window sizes is significant (typically over 20% of raw goods,
even with
carefully optimized fitting). Installation, and even shipping, is extremely
awkward
with such large delicate sheers, and washing is almost impossible. Should one
spot on
the product become soiled or damaged, the entire product becomes waste. Still,
consumers readily pay this price to achieve the soft, light-diffusing privacy
and light
control provided by such sheers with rotatable vanes.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0009] In one embodiment of the invention, the architectural covering
comprises a vertical or horizontal blind including an opaque strip or vane and
a
covering sheer strip, wherein the vanes are not expanded by any bowing or
resilience.
Each vane comprises an integrated composite of a relatively opaque portion and
a
laterally adjacent and relatively translucent portion having an upper end that
is remote
from its associated relatively opaque portion. The upper end is adapted to be
secured
to at least one of either the next adjacent hanger (typically carrying the
next adjacent
vane) or the free end of the relatively opaque portion of the next adjacent
vane when
such vane is installed in a window opening. This embodiment of the invention
is
especially useful for smaller windows and very flaccid sheers if the opaque
strips are
relatively heavy and stiff.
[0010] In another embodiment of the invention, an improved blind is disclosed
for use primarily over vertically-glazed windows and doorways comprising a
plurality
of separate composite strips, wherein each composite strip is manufactured as
a flat,
rollable overlay assembly of strips. At least one of the strips could be
transversely
elastically bowed and attached along its free edge to another strip, forming a
substantially rigid closed-perimeter element with an expanded cross-section
for
torsional and flexural strength.
[0011] The expanding of the section may be accomplished in a variety of
ways. One way is by providing one strip having a transverse width greater than
that of
-3-
CA 02343866 2001-04-12
the one to which it joins, and by making the former strip resilient to bowing
so as to
create tension in the latter strip when the two are joined edge-to-edge after
removal
--- -= -
from a rolled to a s-tra-ighf conditiori. Anotfier way the bowing may be
accompliizi is --
by inserting a separate resilient folded strip into the closed-perimeter
element formed
by edge-joining of strips in the basic composite, whereby the resilient strip
is fitted
into and through a substantial part of the length of the composite, after the
composite
is removed from a roll into a straight condition. Yet another way the bowing
may be
accomplished is by providing a resilient insert having a "V", "C" or "S
section form
(or the like) that may be inserted into the closed-perimeter composite before
rolling,
whereby the resilient insert can assume a flat transverse form, but return
elastically to
the V, C, or S (or the like) when removed from the roll.
[0012] In one embodiment, each composite strip comprises at least a sheer or
translucent portion and a relatively opaque portion; the two portions
overlying in part,
and joined or bonded at least substantially on a line along the length of the
strip and
substantially along one edge of one strip (typically the opaque). In another
embodiment, each composite strip does not include the sheer translucent
portion. As
manufactured, strip portions are flat and overlaid, enabling rolling up of the
composite. At final fabrication into a shade, cut lengths corresponding to the
height
(or width) of the window are assembled by bowing at least one strip (typically
the
opaque) and, if of the unequal transverse width type, adhering the previously
unattached edge of that strip to the other strip, forming the bowed closed-
perimeter
section; and if of the insert type, either inserting the resilient strip or
merely allowing
the previously inserted element to re-assume its natural transverse form. The
bowed
strips are thereby made both torsionally-stiff and rigid against bending,
although the
resilient nature of the stiffening will allow bending past the limit of their
elastic
resistance, without permanent damage.
[0013] If used in a vertical orientation, the expanded composite strips are
then
hung by their top ends from an overhead rail with individual hangers (as
conunonly
used for prior art vertical strip blinds), with attachment made to either the
sheer, if
present, or the opaque portions of the strips. In the preferred embodiment of
the
invention, the sheer portion is folded back across the opaque portion and then
attached
-4-
CA 02343866 2001-04-12
.
to the adjacent hanger, causing the sheer to span between adjacent opaque
portions
and giving the illusion of a continuous sheer curtain combined with light-
controlling
vanes.
[0014] If used in a horizontal application, the expanded composite strips may
be assembled into conventional venetian blind ladder cord and actuator
structures,
with the sheer portions, if present, joined along the free edge, in either
continuous or
periodic points, to the adjacent strip; or they may be joined one to another
with the
sheers in tension between them, to provide alternate means of support and
actuation
(vane rotation).
[0015] It should be noted that the expanded element portion of the composite
may also be made without an attached sheer, providing a lightweight,
insulating, and
optionally, light-diffusing replacement for conventional rigid-vane opaque
vertical
blinds or venetian blinds. It should also be noted that the opaque portion of
each vane
could be constructed of a single piece of material folded on itself, rather
than from
separate strips with two bond lines.
[0016] As described above, the present invention employs a novel strip
construction that can provide the appearance and functions of the continuous
sheer
with rotatable vanes, but in a manner which requires far smaller and simpler
manufacturing equipment; packages and installs much more easily; and is
readily
handled for cleaning or repair at minimal cost. The embodiments without sheer
elements provide direct replacement for conventional solid vanes in horizontal
venetians or vertical blinds, but with much lower mass and stowed bulk. The
separate
insert embodiments, both with and without sheers, further provide for
convenient and
inexpensive options in light blocking features, as the inserts can be, for
instance, clear,
milky, smoky, reflective, polarized, or opaque, without substantially altering
the
surface coloration or textures of the product, unlike conventional vertical or
venetian
blinds.
-5-
CA 02343866 2001-04-12
=
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Figure 1 is a cutaway perspective view of an architectural covering,
such as a blind, for a window in accordance with the invention in which an
upper end
of the blind is suspended from a conventional hanger and a lower end is
secured by
means of a conventional plastic tack.
[0018] Figure 2 illustrates a top plan view of a conventional traverse type
head
rail provided with rotatable hangers with an opaque strip or slat suspended
from each
hanger.
[0019] Figures 3 and 4 show alternative means for securing the free or distal
end of the sheer portion of a composite vane to the hanger of the adjacent
composite
vane.
[0020] Figure 5 is a cross sectional view taken along the line 5-5 of Figure
1.
[0021] Figure 6 shows a rollable laminate with an adhesive strip for a blind
with an expanded vane according to a first embodiment of the invention.
[0022] Figure 7 shows the assembled expanded vane of Figure 6.
[0023] Figure 8 shows a rollable laminate with a receiving pocket for the
blind
with the expanded vane according to an alternate embodiment of the invention.
[0024] Figure 9 shows the assembled expanded vane of Figure 8.
[0025] Figures 10-12 show another embodiment of a laminated opaque
portion for use in the composite vane of the present invention.
[0026] Figures 13-15 show an alternate embodiment to the laminated opaque
portion for use in the composite vane of the present invention.
[0027] Figure 16 shows the rollable laminate of Figure 10, but including a
resilient strip or insert formed into a "V" cross-sectional shape.
[0028] Figure 17 shows the rollable laminate of Figure 11, but including a
resilient strip or insert formed into a "C" cross-sectional shape.
[0029] Figure 18 shows the rollable laminate of Figure 12, but including a
resilient strip or insert formed into an "S" cross-sectional shape.
[0030] Figure 19 shows a cutaway perspective view of the assembled vertical
blind of Figure 18 with the sheer attached to the distal edge of the vane.
-6-
CA 02343866 2001-04-12
.
[0031] Figure 20 shows a cutaway perspective view of the vertical blind of
Figure 18 with the sheer attached to the proximal edge of the vane.
[0032] Figure 21 shows a cutaway perspective view of a ladder-supported
sheer-faced horizontal blind including a vane with the resilient strip formed
in an "S"
cross-sectional shape.
[0033] Figure 22 shows a cutaway perspective view of a ladder-supported
horizontal blind of Fig. 7a, but without the sheer.
[0034] Figure 23 shows a sheer-supported horizontal blind including a vane
with the resilient strip formed in an "S" cross-sectional shape.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0035] Referring now to Figures 1 and 2, the architectural device 10 of the
invention will now be described. For purposes of the invention, the
architectural
device will normally be referred to as a window blind 10. However, it will be
appreciated that the architectural device 10 could be used for other purposes,
such as
on doors or to otherwise furnish the interior of dwellings.
[0036] The window blind 10 includes one or more vanes 12, each vane 12
comprising an integrated composite of a relatively opaque portion or strip 14
(shown
thicker) forming a light-controlling element, and a laterally adjacent and
relatively
translucent sheer portion or strip 16 (shown thinner) forming a light-
diffusing
element. The vane 12 can be formed by differential weaving or knitting; or by
joining
of dissimilar strips of opaque and sheer material by gluing, welding,
stitching, or other
attaching means along their common edge, whether abutted or lapped, as
described
below. Alternately, the sheer portion 16 can extend across the full width of
the vane
12 with the opaque portion 141aminated or painted (applied in fluid form) onto
a
portion of the sheer portion 16.
[0037] In an alternate embodiment of the vanes 12, the sheer portion 16 can be
wider than the opaque portion 14 so that the sheer portion 16 can be folded
over on
itself for a portion of its width and joined to itself to form a tubular
portion into which
an opaque element can be fitted, as described below.
-7-
CA 02343866 2001-04-12
[0038] The window blind 10 broadly includes a conventional traverse type
head rail 18 that could be suspended from a wall or ceiling (not shown)
adjacent to a
window opening (not shown). The head rail 18 is provided with conventional
rotatable hangers 20 (schematically shown as circles in Fig. 1), with the
opaque
portion 14 suspended from each hanger 20. A free or distal edge 22 of each
sheer
portion 16 is schematically shown as secured to the hanger 20 for the next
adjacent
composite vane 12. The billowing of each sheer portion 16 between its edge 22
creates an illusion of a continuous curtain-like sheet of sheer material.
[0039] The window blind 10 includes a hole 26 near an upper end 28 of the
vane 12 for mounting to the conventional hanger 20. Typically, the hanger 20
includes opposed, staggered sides 30, 32 at a lower end 34 of the hanger 20.
One side
30 includes an outwardly extending projection 36 and the other side 32
includes a
vertically offset outwardly extending projection 38. To mount the vertical
blind 10 to
the hanger 20, the upper end 28 of the vane 12 is passed between the opposed,
staggered sides 30, 32 of the lower end 34 of the hanger 20. As a result, the
hole 26 of
the vane 12 is captured by the staggered overlap formed by the projections 36,
38 of
the two sides 30, 32 of the hanger 20. The upper end 28 of each vane 12 may
include
a stiffening member 39 for providing structural reinforcement and increased
wear
resistance where the sheer portion 16 engages the staggered overlap of the two
sides
30, 32 of the hanger 20. The stiffening member 39 may be in the form of a
strip of
adhesive-backed stiff polyester film, for example, MYLAR , commercially
available
from the DuPont Corporation.
[0040] As best shown in Figures 1 and 5, the lower ends 42 of adjacent vanes
12 can be loosely secured to each other by means such as a conventional
plastic tack
40 which is pushed through the fabric and retained by the flexible, T-shaped
end
configuration of the tack 40. This type of tack is commonly used to retain
tags on
fabric merchandise, such as clothing. One end of the opaque portion 14 and the
sheer
portion 16 may be joined to form a joint 52 along the vertical length of the
vane 12.
[0041] The construction of each vane 12 can take several forms, all consistent
with the various embodiments of the invention. The vane 12 can be manufactured
by
differential weaving or knitting of the two zones of differing light
transmission ability;
-8-
CA 02343866 2001-04-12
by joining of dissimilar strips of opaque and sheer materials by glue,
welding,
stitching or other attachment means along their common edge, whether abutted
or
lapped; or the sheer can extend across the full width of the composite, with
the opaque
portion achieved by lamination or application of paint to a portion of the
sheer. Still
another alternative is to use a sheer strip having greater width than the
final composite
strip, so that the sheer is folded over upon itself to form a tubular portion
into which
an opaque element can be inserted.
[0042] As best seen in Figures 1 and 2, one aspect of the invention is that
the
sheer portion 16 is made of individual, narrow strips of sheer material,
rather than one
sheer for the entire vertical blind as in conventional blinds. It will be
appreciated that
the free or distal edge 22 of each sheer portion 16 can be secured to the next
adjacent
opaque portion 14 in a variety of different ways. For example, Figures 3 and 4
show
alternative means for securing the free or distal edge 22 of the sheer portion
16 of the
vane 12 to the hanger 20 for the adjacent vane 12. In Figure 3, the free edge
22 is
looped around one end 24 of the opaque portion 14 of the adjacent vane 12, and
doubled back thereon for securing to the hanger 20 for that vane. In Figure 4,
the free
edge 22 is doubled back on itself before being secured to the adjacent hanger
20.
[0043] In the illustrated embodiment of Figure 1, a problem may occur
because the vertical blind 10 is constructed from uniformly thin, flexible
vanes 12 that
can be rolled during manufacture and for shipment. Unfortunately, the same
properties give the vanes 12 a tendency to curl when hanging and to flex
torsionally in
response to forces from adjacent elements, rather than following the
orientation
imposed by the hangers 20 at the head rail 18. This curling and flexing
behavior may
prevent full closure of the vertical blind 10 in the light-blocking position.
[0044] To correct this potential problem, the present invention is also
directed
in general to a novel vane construction that provides for a closed-perimeter
torque
tube. The torque tube may include an elastic, resilient expansion means that
holds the
vane open for straightness and torsional stiffness, but allows flat collapse
of the vane
for roll-up and transport.
[0045] Figures 6 and 7 show one embodiment of a laminated opaque portion
14 for use in the composite vane 12 of the invention. As shown in Figure 6, a
first
-9-
CA 02343866 2001-04-12
~
resilient strip 44 is laminated along one edge or free end 51 to a second
narrower strip
46. The first and second strips 44, 46 can be made of any suitable flexible
material
that is light enough to be suited for use in a window covering and which does
not
break down under temperatures known to be prevalent in windows exposed to
direct
sunlight. The first and second strips 44, 46 may have a different thickness.
For
example, the first strip 44 may have a greater thickness than the second strip
46.
Suitable materials would include aluminum, plastic, fabric, or the like.
[0046] Attachments means, such as pressure-sensitive adhesive 48 with a
temporary removable cover 50 is provided along the other edge or free end 53
of
either the first resilient strip 44 or the second narrower strip 46. The
pressure-
sensitive adhesive 48 can be of the type well known in the art. The first ends
of the
first resilient strip 44 and the second narrower strip 46 are joined together
by gluing,
welding, stitching, or other attaching means to form a joint 54. To fabricate
the
laminated opaque portion 14 for use in the composite vane 12, the first
resilient strip
44 is bowed and attached to the second narrower strip 46 along their free
edges or
ends 53 to draw the second narrower strip 46 tight across its width. As shown
in
Figure 7, the interior of the first and second strips 44, 46 of the opaque
portion 14 of
the composite vane 12 forms a torque tube.
[0047] Figures 8 and 9 show a laminated opaque portion 14' according to an
alternative embodiment of the invention. Similar to the opaque portion 14, the
first
resilient strip 44 is laminated along one edge to the second narrower strip
46. In
addition, one end 51 of the first resilient strip 44 and the second narrower
strip 46 are
joined together by gluing, welding, stitching, or other attaching means to
form the
joint 54. However, the opaque portion 14' does not include the attachment
means 48
at the other free end 53, but rather includes a receiving pocket 56 made of a
narrow
strip 58 secured to the second strip 46 by an adhesive 60. The adhesive 60 may
be
similar to the adhesive 48. To fabricate the opaque portion 14' for use in the
composite vane 12, the first resilient strip 44 is bowed to draw the second
strip tight
across its width until the free end 53 of the first resilient strip 44 is
received in the
receiving pocket 56. The interior of the first and second strips 44, 46 of the
opaque
portion 14' of the composite vane 12 forms a torque tube, as shown in Figure
9.
-10-
CA 02343866 2001-04-12
[0048] It will be appreciated that the opaque portions 14, 14' will easily
roll
for storage prior to fabrication, but will form a torque tube when assembled
to
maintain the straightness and torsional stiffness of the opaque portions 14,
14' of the
composite vane 12, unlike conventional vanes.
[0049] Figures 10-12 show another embodiment of a laminated opaque
portion 14" for use in the composite vane 12 of the present invention. In this
embodiment, the opaque portion 14" of the composite vane 12 includes a first
strip 62
and a second strip 64 having substantially the same width as the first strip
62, unlike
the earlier opaque portions 14, 14'. The strips 62, 64 may be made of flaccid
or
resilient material and may have a different thickness. For example, the first
strip 62
and/or the second strip 64 may be made of color fabric, or the like. Both
edges or free
ends 51, 53 of the two strips 62, 64 are joined together by gluing, welding,
stitching,
or other attaching means to form the joints 54.
[0050] As shown in Figure 10, the sheer portion 16 could be omitted in the
composite vane 12 using the opaque portion 14". However, the sheer portion 16
could be included in the composite vane 12 by attaching the sheer portion 16
at one
edge 53 of the opaque portion 14", as shown in Figure 11. The sheer portion 16
could also be included in the composite vane 12 by attaching the sheer portion
16 at
the other edge 51, as shown in Figure 12. In all configurations of Figures 10
through
12, the composite vane 12 incorporating the opaque portion 14" can be easily
rolled
during manufacture and transport.
[0051] Figures 13-15 show an alternate embodiment to a laminated opaque
portion 14"' for use in the composite vane 12 in the present invention. In the
alternative embodiment, the opaque portion 14"' is formed of a generally U-
shaped
single strip 66 made of flaccid or resilient material having only one free
edge or free
end 51. The single strip 66 may be made of color fabric, or the like. The free
edge 51
of the opaque portion 14"' is joined together by gluing, welding, stitching,
or other
attaching means to form the joint 54.
[0052] Similar to the opaque portion 14", the sheer portion 16 can be omitted
in the composite vane 12 using the opaque portion 14"', as shown in Figure 13.
However, the sheer portion 16 could be included in the composite vane 12 by
-11-
CA 02343866 2001-04-12
attaching the sheer portion 16 at an end 68 of the opaque portion 14"', as
shown in
Figure 14. The sheer portion 16 could also be included in the composite vane
12 by
attaching the sheer portion 16 at the fiee end 51, as shown in Figure 15. In
all
configurations of Figures 13 through 15, the composite vane 12 incorporating
the
opaque portion 14"' can be easily rolled during manufacture and transport.
[0053] Referring now to Figures 16-18, another aspect of the invention is that
the opaque portion for the composite vane 12 may include a resilient insert
strip or
element 74 that is inserted into the torque tube formed by the laminated
opaque
portion for maintaining the straightness and torsional stiffness of the opaque
portion
14. For illustrative purposes, the strip 74 is shown inserted into the torque
tube
formed by the laminated opaque portion 14". However, it will be appreciated
that the
strip 74 can be inserted any of the previously mentioned alternative
embodiments of
the laminated opaque portion 14, 14' and 14"'. In addition, the illustrative
embodiment shown in Figures 16-18 shows the resilient strip 74 formed into a
"V",
"C", "S" cross-sectional shape, respectively. However, it will be appreciated
that the
resilient strip 74 could be any suitable non-flat cross-sectional shape that
could
maintain the straightness and torsional stiffness of the torque tube.
[0054] Preferably, the resilient strip 74 has substantially the same overall
length as the laminated opaque portion 14". The resilient strip 74 can be
inserted
between the two strips 62, 64 after the two strips 62, 64 are assembled.
However, it is
possible to assemble the laminated opaque portion 13" over the resilient strip
74 and
be able to roll the blind 10 (especially the "C" and "S" cross-sectional
form), provided
the resilience of the material forming the strip 74 is sufficient to cause the
resilient
strip 74 to assume its expanded, straight form when unrolled.
[0055] When the composite vane 12 includes a sheer portion 16, and
particularly when the sheer portion 16 is attached to the adjacent hanger 20
in a
top-actuated vertical blind 10 (for example, as shown in Figure 1), the
appearance and
function of the blind 10 is affected by an attachment location of the sheer
portion 16
with respect to the opaque portion 14", for example, of the laminated
composite vane
12. In particular, if the sheer portion 16 is attached along an edge 76 of the
opaque
portion 14" more distant from the billowed sheer face 78 of the blind 10, then
the
-12-
CA 02343866 2001-04-12
sheer portions 16 tend to lie in contact with one another and enhance the
illusion of a
"continuous" sheet, as shown in Figure 19. If the sheer portion 16 is attached
at the
edge 80 of the opaque portion 14" nearer the billowed sheer face 78 of the
blind 10,
then the appearance of that nearer edge 80 effectively vanishes from sight as
a
separate element, as shown in Figure 20. As this is largely an aesthetic
distinction,
either is a preferred embodiment. It is also clear that attachment of the
sheer portion
16, if any, at other locations of the opaque portion 14" can be practiced
within the
scope of the present invention, with varied appearances resulting from these
different
locations.
[0056] Even if the composite vane 12 omits the sheer portion 16 (Figures 10,
13 and 16), a composite vane 12 can result that can be attached to a
conventional
vertical blind head rail and hangers to produce a product very similar to
conventional
vertical blinds, except with added features. These include:
1) Greatly reduced weight of vanes, as the straightness comes from the novel
construction rather than the mass of the vane or added weights at their
bottom ends. Weight reduction reduces operating forces and wear on the
hangers.
2) Improved closure when the vanes are rotated into contact for
light-blockage, due to the superior straightness and stiffness of the
torque-tube vanes;
3) Improved thermal insulation, due to the trapped air in the torque tube.
Insulation can be further enhanced by including a light foam or fiber
backing on the insert to reduce vertical air movement;
4) Selectable levels of light-control by changing the insert properties within
a
common, color-matched exterior finish. This feature might be useful as a
seasonal change where sunlight is a problem in summer, but desirable in
winter;
5) Aesthetic improvements in the airfoil shape of the vane and the superior
straightness achievable with the new construction;
6) Easier installation, due to the lightweight of the vanes;
-13-
CA 02343866 2001-04-12
7) Washability of the vanes, which can be separated from their inserts and
from the rest of the elements comprising the blind assembly, as needed for
cleaning.
[00571 All of these advantages also apply to the sheer-attached versions shown
in Figures 11, 12, 14, 15, 17 and 18, which in addition, have:
1) Added privacy from sheer covering in view-through mode;
2) Unique washability for a sheer-vertical, as all others known have a
continuous sheer sheet (some with permanently attached vanes), not
smaller manageable strips.
[0058] The novel vane construction of the present invention can be applied to
a horizontal blind as well as a vertical blind. In this application, the
stiffness and low
mass of the vane are key benefits, allowing for instance, increased spacings
between
ladder cord supports, though the torsional stiffness also prevents warping
common to
solid or flat-vane venetian blinds (typically, wood, vinyl, or aluminum). Most
of the
advantages in light-control variations and insulation apply as well to
horizontal
applications, though conventional horizontal actuation assemblies may prevent
removal of individual vanes for cleaning.
[0059] In a conventional ladder-cord assembly of a horizontal blind, the
composite vane 12 of the invention can be used with or without sheer portion
16
(Figures 21 and 22, respectively). However, if the composite vane 12 includes
the
sheer portion 16, the sheer portion 16 must include a slit 82 to pass a ladder
cord 84.
In this configuration, the operation is exactly like that of a conventional
venetian
blind. In particular, the ladder-cord assembly 10' of the invention can be
retracted
from the window (not shown) by drawing the composite vanes 12 of the invention
into a stack.
[0060] When the vanes 12 are stacked, a great advantage of the new composite
vanes 12 of the invention is revealed. With conventional large-format venetian
blinds
(2 and 2.5 inch widths are currently popular), the thickness of the vanes,
especially in
wood or plastic is significant (typically 0.06 to 0.15 inch thickness per
vane). When
these are pulled into a stack, the total height of the stack, equal to the sum
of the vane
thickness, can be a large part of the entire window height. With the composite
vane
-14-
CA 02343866 2001-04-12
12 of the present invention, the individual vanes can have a thickness similar
to
conventional vanes when arrayed across the window, but the insert strip 74
easily
allows the composite vane 12 to be collapsed further when pressed together in
a stack
between the head rail 18 and a bottom rail (not shown). Typical collapsed vane
thickness of 0.03 inches is easily possible, giving a stack as much as 80%
less than
comparable rigid-vane venetian blinds (and approaching the compactness of the
best,
cellular shades). The lightweight stiffness of the new composite vanes 12 of
the
invention may also allow wider spacing of ladder cords for lower cost and
improved
aesthetics. Further, the improved composite vane 12 allows for large-format
venetian
blinds has several advantages as follows:
1) Lower total mass as compared to wood, metal or plastic solid vanes;
2) Extended spacing between supports because of an improved stiffness-
to-weight ratio;
3) Tremendously smaller stacked height;
4) Light-diffusing options;
5) Fabric or printed finishes; and
6) Aesthetically-pleasing substantial thickness in the composite vanes
when deployed.
[0061] Referring now to Figure 23, an alternate embodiment of the ladder-
cord assembly 10' is illustrated. In this embodiment, the sheer portion 16 is
included
in the laminated opaque portion 14" and extends from both edges of the opaque
portion 14". The illustrated embodiment including the composite vanes 12 with
the
insert strips 74 of the invention is an improvement over conventional fabric
venetian
blinds that include vanes with only flat flaps of fabric. In addition, the
alternative
embodiment provides insulation when closed, superior closure, and a more
pleasing
undulating surface when closed, as compared to conventional blinds having flat
flaps
of fabric. Further, the resilience of the insert strip 74 allows the composite
vane 12 to
flatten and roll (now in a transverse curling) around a roller 86 that is
typically used in
fabric venetian blinds instead of stacking (as with rigid venetian blinds).
[0062] It will be appreciated that the composite vane 12 can be manufactured
by using a wide variety of techniques. For example, the composite vane 12 can
be
-15-
CA 02343866 2001-04-12
made of single piece of extrudable material, such as MYLAR and the like, that
can
be extruded to form the torque tube of the invention. The composite vane 12
formed
of MYLAR material can have a wall thickness in the range of between about
0.003
to 0.010 inches for a composite vane 12 having a width of about 3 to 4 inches.
It will
be appreciated that the wall thickness of the composite vane 12 is roughly
proportional to the width. Thus, the wall thickness can be thinner for a
composite
vane having less width, and vice versa.
[0063] One advantage of the composite vane 12 formed by extruding a single
piece of material is that the composite vane 12 does not include the bond
lines 54 as in
the previous embodiments. In addition, the combination of the torque tube
having a
football-shaped cross section and the thickness of the composite vane 12
allows the
composite vane 12 to have the torsional stiffness for enabling the composite
vane 12
to maintain its cross-sectional shape while used as a vertical blind. In
addition, the
combination of the cross-sectional shape and thickness allows the composite
vane 12
to collapse when stacked while used as a horizontal blind and to expand when
not
stacked.
[0064] While the invention has been specifically described in connection with
certain specific embodiments thereof, it is to be understood that this is by
way of
illustration and not of limitation, and the scope of the appended claims
should be
construed as broadly as the prior art will permit.
-16-
