Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02350106 2001-06-12
Patent Application
Of
Roger Labbe
for a
VENETIAN BLIND HAVING SEGMENTED TILT ADJUSTMENT
FIELD OF THE INVENTION:
1o The present invention relates to the general field of venetian type blinds
and is
particularly concerned with a venetian blind having segmented tilt adjustment
features.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION:
is
Venetian type blinds are used extensively in numerous settings for dressing
various types of windows. They include sets of leaves or slats that can be
pivoted
between an opened configuration wherein they let in air and light and a closed
configuration wherein their peripheral edges overnde each other to give the
desired
20 privacy.
Conventional venetian blinds are controlled by two ropes and four strings.
The ropes are used to lift the whole venetian blind up while the strings
control
25 the inclination angle of the slats. The inclination angle of the slats, in
turn, allow
adjustment of the entry of light.
The two strings are tied to a string attachment which is fixed to a rotary
beam
in a string hanger protectively enclosed within the top bar.
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When an intended user rotates an adjusting rod or wand, the torque is
transmitted through a gear box to the rotary beam so that the latter will be
rotated
about its longitudinal axis.
The rotation of rotary beam, in turn, causes one of the strings to rise and
the
other one to descend thus modifying the angle of the slats.
In the conventional venetian blind, all the slats are adjusted as an entity.
In
other words, all the slats are adjusted simultaneously to the same
inclination. If one
to section of the blind is opened, all slats are in the opened position and if
one section is
closed they are all closed.
In numerous situations, it is desirable to divide the slats into groups
whereby
each of the groups can be tilted independently of each other and wherein all
of the
slats can still be raised by manipulation of a rope.
For example, it may be preferred that the slats of the upper half of the
venetian
blind be kept horizontal to allow light to enter while the slats of the its
lower half are
adjusted to a steep inclination to intercept light.
This type of blind is especially suitable for use in hospitals, schools,
commercial and residential buildings where top lights are desired but wherein
it is
desired to cut out the view into the room or, for example, in situations it is
desirable to
intercept incoming sunlight so that articles in the room which are vulnerable
to
radiation may not be exposed to it.
This problem has been recognized in the past and, hence, there has been
numerous suggestions on how to modify the conventional venetian blind so that
one
section of the blind can be opened while the other is closed.
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For example, U.S. Patent 4,621,672 naming Pei-Shun Hsu as inventor issued
November 11, 1986 discloses a window blind which includes a regulating
mechanism
that can set the slats at different inclinations so that when upper slats are
opened,
lower slats can be closed and vice versa. The regulating mechanism includes a
first
and a second roller both mounted for rotation about two parallel horizontal
axes in the
support. A component is provided for driving the first and second rollers
separately.
A first regulating string is attached to the first roller and extends downward
on
the front and rear sides of the shade. The first string has crossed pieces
attached
1o thereto at regular intervals for regulating some of the slats.
A second regulating string is attached to the second roller and extends
downward on the front and rear sides of the shade.
A second regulating string has second cross pieces attached thereto at regular
intervals for regulating the remaining slats. The slats regulated by the first
cross
pieces are placed above the slats regulated by the second cross pieces.
Although providing independent tilting of two groups of slats, the proposed
2o mechanism suffers from numerous drawbacks including the fact that the
regulating
strings are arranged in such a manner that they will fractionally abut against
adjacent
components. The frictional contact, in turn, creates undue stress in the
strings which
alters their functioning and may eventually lead to breakage thereof.
Numerous other control systems have been proposed but tend to be
complicated and bulky, and consequently have failed to provide a satisfactory
solution.
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Furthermore, they typically require considerable modification to the existing
mechanisms and apparently are not too practical inasmuch as none of these
devices
are commonly available on the market.
Accordingly, there exists a need for an improved venetian blind having
segmented tilt adjustment features.
Advantages of the present invention include that the proposed structure allows
for a predetermined grouping of slats which can be tilted independently of the
to remaining slats of the blind. The groups of slats may further be lifted as
a whole
without altering the tilt control mechanism.
Mainly, the proposed structure is specifically designed so that no tilt
adjustment features will hang out of the blind when the groups of slats are
lifted as a
whole.
Also, the proposed structure is specifically designed so as to minimize
friction
between adj acent components and particularly to reduce friction between
moving
strings and adjacent components so as to reduce the risk of altering the
functioning of
2o the slat tilt mechanism and reducing the risk of undue wear.
Furthermore, the proposed structure is specifically designed so as to be retro-
fittable
to conventional venetian blind structures with reduced modifications needed
thereto.
Also, the proposed structure is adapted to allow functional use of independent
slat tilting without deterring to the overall esthetical aspect of the
venetian blind.
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Still further, the proposed structure is specifically designed so as to be
manufacturable using conventional forms of manufacturing so as to provide a
slat
tilting mechanism which will be economically feasible, long lasting and
relatively
trouble-free in operation.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, there is provided
a window blind including a shade suspended from a generally elongated head
bar, the
window blind comprising: at least two generally elongated and horizontal first
slats,
the first slats being in a superposed relationship relative to each other,
each of the first
to slats having a first slat aperture extending therethrough, the first slat
apertures of
superposed first slats being in a generally vertically aligned relationship
relative to
each other; a first tilt string defining a pair of first tilt string segments
suspended from
the head bar, the first tilt sting segments being in a generally parallel and
spaced
relationship relative to one another; a set of first supporting strings
extending between
the first tilt string segments, each of the first supporting strings
supporting a
corresponding first slat; a first tilt mechanism attached to the head bar and
mechanically coupled to the first tilt string segments for selectively
allowing relative
vertical movement of the first tilt string segments in opposite direction
relative to each
other so as to pivot the first slats between open and closed configurations;
at least two
2o generally elongated and horizontal second slats, the second slats being
positioned in
an underlying relationship relative to the first slats and in a superposed
relationship
with each other; a second tilt string defining a pair of second tilt string
segments
suspended from the head bar, the second tilt string segments being in a
generally
parallel and spaced relationship relative to one another, the second tilt
string segments
extending vertically from the head bar through the vertically aligned first
slat
apertures; a set of second supporting strings extending between the second
tilt string
segments, each of the second supporting string supporting a corresponding
second
slat; a second tilt mechanism attached to the head bar and mechanically
coupled to the
second tilt string segments for selectively allowing relative vertical
movement of the
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second tilt string segments in opposite direction relative to each other so as
to pivot
the second slats between open and closed configurations; a biasing means for
biasing
the second tilt string segments towards a predetermined second segment spaced
relationship relative to each other in a biasing region located between a
lowermost
first slat and an uppermost second slat, the biasing means ensuring that the
second tilt
string segments slide freely within the vertically aligned first slat
apertures.
Preferably, each of the first slat aperture defines a corresponding first
aperture
peripheral edge and wherein the biasing means ensures that the second tilt
string
l0 segments slide freely within the vertically aligned first slat apertures
without
contacting the first aperture peripheral edges.
Conveniently, the biasing means includes a retaining clip, the retaining clip
defining
an inner guiding surface, one of the second tilt string segments being
attached to the
15 retaining clip so as to move vertically solidarly therewith while the other
second tilt
string segments slides freely against the inner guiding surface.
Preferably, the retaining clip has the general configuration of a loop, one of
the
second tilt string segments being attached to the loop while the other second
tilt string
20 segments slides freely against the inner guiding surface defined by the
loop.
Conveniently, the loop has a generally oval configuration. Preferably, one of
the
second tilt string segments is attached to the loop by having an attachment
segment of
the loop extend therethrough.
Conveniently, one of the second tilt string segments is attached to the loop
by having
an attachment segment of the loop extend therethrough, the attachment segment
of the
loop being positioned adjacent a first longitudinal end of the loop; the other
second
tilt string segments sliding freely against the inner guiding surface defined
by a
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guiding segment of the loop positioned adjacent a second longitudinal end of
the loop,
the second longitudinal end of the loop being positioned longitudinally
opposite the
first longitudinal end of the loop.
Preferably, the window blind further comprises a base bar attached to the
shade
underneath the lowermost second slat; a drawstring defining at least one
drawstring
segment, the at least one drawstring segment extending from the head bar and
being
attached to the base bar, the at least one drawstring segment extending
through the
first slat apertures and through the loops formed by the clips; a drawstring
pulling
1o means for allowing the pulling of the drawstring so as to allow the base
bar and the
first and second slats to be lifted towards the head bar in a shade retracted
configuration.
Preferably, the retaining clip is configured, sized and positioned so that
when the
shade is in the shade retracted configuration, the section of the second tilt
string
segment extending through the first slat apertures is folded between the first
slats
without protruding from a peripheral edge of the first slats.
In accordance the present invention, there is also provided in a window blind
2o including a shade suspended from a generally elongated head bar, the shade
including
a first shade section, the first shade section including at least two
generally elongated
and horizontal first slats, the first slats being in a superposed relationship
relative to
each other, each of the first slats having a first slat aperture extending
therethrough,
the first slat apertures of superposed first slats being in a generally
vertically aligned
relationship relative to each other; a first tilt string defining a pair of
first tilt string
segments suspended from the head bar, the first tilt sting segments being in a
generally parallel and spaced relationship relative to one another; a set of
first
supporting strings extending between the first tilt string segments, each of
the first
supporting strings supporting a corresponding first slat; a first tilt
mechanism attached
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to the head bar and mechanically coupled to the first tilt string segments for
selectively allowing relative vertical movement of the first tilt string
segments in
opposite direction relative to each other so as to pivot the first slats
between open and
closed configurations; a second individually tiltable shade section
comprising: at least
two generally elongated and horizontal second slats, the second slats being
positioned
in an underlying relationship relative to the first slats and in a superposed
relationship
with each other; a second tilt string defining a pair of second tilt string
segments
suspended from the head bar, the second tilt string segments being in a
generally
parallel and spaced relationship relative to one another, the second tilt
string segments
extending vertically from the head bar through the vertically aligned first
slat
apertures; a set of second supporting strings extending between the second
tilt string
segments, each of the second supporting string supporting a corresponding
second
slat; a second tilt mechanism attached to the head bar and mechanically
coupled to the
second tilt string segments for selectively allowing relative vertical
movement of the
second tilt string segments in opposite direction relative to each other so as
to pivot
the second slats between open and closed configurations; a biasing means for
biasing
the second tilt string segments towards a predetermined second segment spaced
relationship relative to each other in a biasing region located between a
lowermost
first slat and an uppermost second slat, the biasing means ensuring that the
second tilt
string segments slide freely within the vertically aligned first slat
apertures.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS:
An embodiment of the present invention will now be disclosed, by way of
example, in reference to the following drawings in which:
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FIGURE 1: in a front elevational view, illustrates a venetian blind having
segmented
tilt adjustment features in accordance with an embodiment of the present
invention.
The venetian blind being shown defining two distinct sections, an upper
segment
thereof being in an opened configuration while a bottom segment thereof is in
a
closed configuration;
FIGURE 2: in a partial perspective view with sections taken out, illustrates
part of
the venetian blind shown in Figure 1;
1o FIGURE 3: in a partial transversal cross sectional view with sections taken
out,
illustrates part of the tilt control mechanism of the blind shown in Figures 1
and 2;
FIGURE 4: in a partial longitudinal view with sections taken out, illustrates
the
venetian blind shown in Figures 1 through 3 in a retracted configuration;
FIGURE 5: in a partial longitudinal view with sections taken out, illustrates
the
venetian blind shown in Figures 1 through 4 with its slats in a partially
opened
configuration;
FIGURE 6: in a partial longitudinal view with sections taken out, illustrates
the
venetian blind shown in Figures 1 through 4 with its slats in an opened
configuration;
FIGURE 7: in a partial longitudinal view with sections taken out, illustrates
the
venetian blind shown in Figures 1 through 4 with its slats partially in a
reverse closed
configuration.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION:
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Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a venetian blind 10 having segmented
tilt
adjustment features in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.
The venetian blind 10 is typically adapted to be mounted in a window
structure (not shown), the particular type of which is immaterial to the
invention.
However, it is particularly suitable for use where it is desired to position
some
of the slats in one position while other slats are in another position. This
variation in
the position of the groups of slats is found convenient for obtaining privacy,
lighting
and ventilation as mentioned above.
The venetian blind 10 includes a head bar 12 preferably having a generally
"U"-shaped cross sectional configuration defining a head bar base wall 14 and
a pair
hear bar side walls 16 extending substantially perpendicularly and integrally
from
peripheral edges thereof.
The head bar 12 is adapted to be secured typically adjacent to the top of the
window frame by means of suitable brackets or any other suitable means. The
head
bar 12 is adapted to act as support for the shade 18 part of the venetian
blind 10. The
head bar 12 also protectively at least partially encloses the slat tilt
mechanism 20.
The slat tilt mechanism 20 is adapted to be used for selectively tilting
predetermined groups of slats between opened and closed configurations.
In the embodiments shown in Figures 1 through 7, the two sets of slats are
defined namely an upper set of slats 22 and lower set of slats 24.
It should be understood that the venetian blind 10 could define more than two
sets of slats without departing from the scope of the present invention. As is
well
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known in the art, each slat 22, 24 typically includes a generally elongated
strip of
substantially opaque material.
As shown more specifically in Figures 4 through 7, each slat 22, 24 preferably
has a generally curved cross sectional configuration. A weighted base bar 26
is
typically attached to shade 18 underneath the lower most slat 24 to help in
holding the
shade 18 in position.
Each slat 22 is provided with at least one and preferably two slat apertures
28
to extending therethrough. The slat apertures 28 are preferably positioned
adjacent
corresponding longitudinal ends of each slat 22 in a symmetrical relationship
relative
to each other.
Each slat aperture 28 is configured and sized for allowing through passage of
slat biasing components which will be hereinafter disclosed. Typically,
although by
no means exclusively, the slat apertures 28 have a generally oval
configuration. The
slat apertures 28 could take the form of conventional slat apertures or
customized slat
apertures 28 as needed.
2o A drawstring unit 30 is provided for allowing bottom bar 26 to be lifted
towards the head bar 12 in a retracted configuration shown in Figure 4. As is
well
known in the art, the drawstring unit 30 includes a pair of drawstring
segments 32, 32'
that form a close loop at one end, extend partially through the head rail 12
then divide
into individual drawstring segments that are slidably inserted within
corresponding
slat apertures 28. The distal end of the drawstring segments 32, 32' are
attached to
the bottom bar 26.
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A releasable locking mechanism 34 mounted within the head rail 12 is
provided for locking the drawstring segments 32, 32' so as to allow for the
releasable
locking of the bottom bar 26 at various height levels.
The slat tilting mechanism 20 includes a first set of conventional slat
tilting
components including conventional first tilt string segments 36, 38 and a set
of
transversal first supporting strings 40 extending therebetween.
The slats 22 are abuttingly rested on the first supporting strings 40 and
nested
to between the first tilt string segments 36, 38. The first tilt string
segments 36, 38
form a continuous first string that is winded around a first tilting drum 42.
The first
tilting drum 42 is, in turn, mechanically coupled to a first rotary beam 44. A
first tilt
adjustment rod 46 is mechanically coupled to a gear box 48 which, in turn, is
coupled
so as to drive the rotary beam 44.
The intended user thus merely needs to rotate the first tilt adjustment rod 46
so
that the torque transmitted through the gear box 48 rotates the first rotary
beam 44
causing one of the first string segments 36, 38 to rise and the other one to
descend
and thus changing the inclination angle of the slats 22, as is well known in
the art.
One of the main features of the present invention resides in the presence of a
second set of tilt adjustment components including a second winding drum 50,
mechanically coupled to a second rotary beam 52 driven by either the same gear
box
48 or a second unit (not shown). A set of second tilt string segments 54, 56
and a set
of transversal second supporting strings 58 is further provided.
The slats 24 are abuttingly rested on the second supporting strings 58 and
nested between the second tilt string segments 54, 56. The second tilt string
segments 54, 56 form a continuous second string that is winded around the
second
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tilting drum 50. The second tilting drum 50 is, in turn, mechanically coupled
to the
second rotary beam 52. (A second tilt adjustment rod 46 is mechanically
coupled to a
gear box 48 which, in turn, is coupled so as to drive the rotary beam 44. )
A biasing component for biasing the second tilt string segments 54, 56
towards a predetermined spaced relationship relative to each other is further
provided.
The biasing component preferably takes the form of a generally oval shaped
retaining
clip 60 fixedly attached to one of the second tilt string segments 54, 56 and
at least
partially encircling the other one.
In the embodiment shown in Figure 3, the biasing component 60 is fixedly
attached to the string segment 56 while it partially encircles the string
segment 54. It
should be understood that the inverse configuration could be used without
departing
from the scope of the present invention.
The biasing component 60 is configured so as to allow the unattached string
segment to slide freely relative thereto. The predetermined spacing between
the
second tilt string segments 54, 56 provided by the biasing component 60 is
2o customised depending on the size of the slats 22, 24 so as to allow proper
tilt
movement of the slats 24 while preventing undue friction between the set of
second
tilt string segments 54, 56 and the set of first slats 22 and associated
string segments
36 through 40.
Typically, the set of second string segments 54, 56 form an angle generally
designated by the reference character "A" in Figure 6 when the first and
second set of
slats 22, 24 are in their opened configuration. The angle A prevents undue
friction
between adj acent components.
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The biasing components 60 are preferably positioned between the uppermost
slat 24 and the lowermost of slat 22. The slat apertures 28 are thus
configured and
sized so as to allow through passage of the set of second string segments 54,
56. The
shade 18 can thus be easily folded to its retracted configuration shown in
Figure 4
when needed.
In use, as shown in Figures S through 7, the biasing components 60 allows
bending of the second set of strings 54, 56 on the second winding drum 52 with
conseguent relative sliding movement therebetween. This relative sliding
movement,
1o in turn, allows the slat 24 to be tilted between opened and closed
configuration
without altering the conventional functioning of the first set of slats 22.
14
