Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
CA 02503955 2005-04-05
WINDOW COVERING WITH SHADE
PANELS HAYING FREE LOWER EDGES
Field of the Invention
The present invention relates to the field of window coverings, and
more particularly to window coverings including a plurality of panels.
Background of the Invention
S Decorative window coverings are popular items for providing
privacy and blocking light. These window coverings take on various forms, such
as Roman shades, Venetian blinds, vertical blinds, honeycomb shades, and the
like. Several of these window coverings include a panel or plurality of panels
that cover an opening, which are connected to an adjustment mechanism with one
or more control members.
For example, one popular type of window covering is known as a
Roman shade. This type of shade consists of a fabric material attached along
its
top edge to a head rail and is gathered at spaced intervals to provide a
series of
soft folds across the face of the fabric. Consequently, the typical Roman
shade
has a cascaded or softly pleated appearance. Such Roman shades are constructed
so that when they are raised, they gather from the bottom in generally
horizontal
folds or pleats until the entire shade resides near the top of the window
covering.
In some versions, the top of the window covering may also be lowereii. The
shades are operated by pulling on control members, which are attached to the
shade. The control members are usually secured to a bottom portion of the
panel
CA 02503955 2005-04-05
-2-
with adhesive, ultrasonic welding, sewing, tying or the like.
An alternative to the conventional Roman shade is disclosed in co-
pending application serial no. 10/427,829 filed on May 1, 2003, which is
incorporated herein by reference. Unlike the standard Roman shade, the Roman
style shade disclosed in co-pending application serial no. 10/427,829 enables
the
opening of the individual rows to create gaps in the face of the shade without
requiring the entire shade to be raised.
Another common type of window covering is a Venetian blind.
Venetian blinds are typically constructed of a plurality of slats that are
supported
by a pair of ladders, which are controlled by an adjustment mechanism in a
head
rail. The ladder typically includes a pair of parallel cords suspended from
the
head rail and connected to a bottom rail. A number of rungs span across the
parallel cords and support the slats. An alternative to the conventional
Venetian
blind is disclosed in co-pending application serial no. 10/413,2, which was
issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,792,996 and is incorporated herein by reference,
which
utilizes non-ladder control members and has a configuration that allows the
slats
to coiieeal the control members and holes for the control cords when the slats
are
closed:
While Roman shades and Venetian blinds are aesthetically
pleasing, a window covering with a linear or generally flat appearance that
maintains its general appearance whether opened, closed or partially opened
may
be desired in some instances. The present invention provides a suitable window
covering.
CA 02503955 2005-04-05
-3-
Summarv of the Invention
The present invention provides a novel and improved window
covering. The window covering includes a head rail that has a control
mechanism, such as a cord lock, adapted to control raising and lowering of an
opening member suspended from the head rail. A securement member, such as a
cord, is also suspended from the head rail. A plurality of panels is secured
with
the securement member about an upper longitudinal portion of the panels. Each
of the panels is secured with the securement member at substantially evenly
spaced intervals. The panels are freely suspended such that a lower
longitudinal
portion of the panels is not connected with the securement member or the
opening
member so the panels hang vertically from the securement member. A weighted
edge member may be included about the lower longitudinal portion of the
panels.
Preferably, the plurality of panels are in an overlapping
relationship with one another. In particular, the lower longitudinal portion
of a
panel overlaps with the upper longitudinal portion of the lower adjacent
panel.
As such, when the window covering is closed, there are no gaps between panels
that would permit light to enter a room. Similarly, the opening and securement
members are concealed by the overlapping panels when the window covering is
in the closed position.
The lowermost panel of the plurality of panels is also secured with
the opening member about an upper longitudinal portion. The other panels
position between the headrail and the lowermost panel are unconnected to the
opening member. In other words, adjustment of the opening member only
directly moves the lowermost panel. In some embodiments, additional opening
CA 02503955 2005-04-05
-4-
members may be included and secured to a different panel. One example of such
a configuration is discussed in further detail below.
To open the window covering, a user pulls or retracts the opening
member, which draws upwards the lowermost panel while the remaining panels
remain in a resting position. The lowermost panel slides upwards substantially
parallel to and behind an upper adjacent panel. By continuing to retract the
opening member, the upper longitudinal' portion of the lowermost panel
contacts
the upper longitudinal portion of the upper adjacent panel. The lowermost
panel
is therefore no longer able to move in an upwards direction independent of the
upper adjacent panel. As such, the lowermost panel and the upper adjacent
panel
are moved together behind the next upper adjacent panel. Each of the panels
are
rearwardly stacked in this manner as the opening member is retracted.
By rearwardly stacking the panels in this manner, the vertical and
straight profile of individual panels is maintained as the window covering is
opened. Accordingly, the aesthetic appearance of the window covering is
largely
kept constant whether the window covering is in a fully closed, partially
opened
or fury opened position.
An alternative embodiment of the present invention affords the
capability of lowering the various panels as a different manner of opening the
window covering. The window covering, as in the previous embodiment,
includes rows of panels. A valance panel is secured directly to 'the head
rail. A
plurality of additional panels are suspended by control members from the head
rail. The upper longitudinal portion of an uppermost panel is secured with a
first
opening member such that the uppermost panel is operatively connected to the
CA 02503955 2005-04-05
-5-
head rail. A securement member is also secured with the upper longitudinal
portion of the uppermost panel, and is also secured with the upper
longitudinal
portion of the other panels, except the valance panel. The securement member
is
not connected with the head rail.
A lowermost panel of the plurality of panels is also secured with a
second opening member about an upper longitudinal portion thereof. The second
opening member is suspended from the head rail and is controllably adjusted
with
a control mechanism. The other panels are not secured with the second opening
member.
To open the window covering, a user may pull or retract the
second opening member, which draws upwards the lowermost panel while the
remaining panels remain in a resting position in the manner previously
described.
The window covering may also be opened by lowering the uppermost panel by
lowering the first opening member. In either event, the position lowermost
panel
relative to the upper adjacent panels is adjusted such that the lowermost
panel is
positioned behind and substantially parallel with the upper adjacent panel.
For example, when raising the second opening member, the
lowermost panel slides upwards substantially parallel to and behind an upper
adjacent panel. By continuing to retract the opening member, the upper
longitudinal portion of the lowermost panel contacts the upper longitudinal
portion of the upper adjacent panel. The lowermost panel is therefore no
longer
able to move upwardly independent of the upper adjacent panel. As such, the
lowermost panel and the upper adjacent panel are moved together behind the
next
upper adjacent panel. The panels are rearwardly stacked in this manner as the
CA 02503955 2005-04-05
-6-
opening member is retracted. By contrast, as the first opening member is
lowered, the plurality of panels above the lowermost panel slide down such
that
the upper adjacent panel to the lowermost panel slides in front of and
substantially parallel to the lowermost panel. Because the panels overlap,
subsequent panels are stacked in front of previously stacked panels. The first
and
second opening members may operated in any combination. For example, if the
second opening member lowers all the panels into a stack, the first opening
member can raise the entire stack.
One preferred feature of the window covering of the present
invention includes the manner in which the panels are secured with the
securement member and opening member. Each of the panels may be secured
with the securement member and opening member with fastener modules. In one
embodiment, the fastener module includes a clip member securable to the upper
longitudinal portion of a panel and a buckle member comprising a housing and
an
engagement member, the buckle member suitable for detachable and selectable
securement to the securement member. In a preferred embodiment, the
secureinent member is a cord that includes a plurality of spaced loops,
whereby
the upper longitudinal portion of each panel is operatively secured with a
loop.
A particularly suitable fastener module is described in co-pending application
serial no. 10/970,428 entitled Fastener Module for a Window Covering and
Method, which was filed on October 21, 2004., which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
Brief Description of the Drawings
In the drawings:
CA 02503955 2005-04-05
_7_
FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a preferred embodiment of
the window covering of the present invention in a closed position;
FIG. 2 is an elevated right side view of the window covering of
FIG. 1;
S FIG 3 is an elevated left side view of the window covering of FIG.
1;
FIG. 4 is a perspective front view of the window covering of FIG.
1 in a partially open position;
FIG. 5 is a perspective front view of the window covering of FIG.
1 in a fully open position;
FIG. 6 is an elevated right side view of the window covering of
FIG. 5 in a fully open position;
FIG. 7 is an elevated left side view of the window covering of
FIG. 5 in a fully open position;
FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a fastener module
suitable for use with the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of an alternate embodiment of a
window covering according to the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the window covering of FIG.
9;
FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a poftion of FIG. 10;
FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the window covering of FIG.
9 in a partially open position;
FIG. 13 is a front perspective view of the window covering of
CA 02503955 2005-04-05
_$_
FIG. 9 in a fully open position;
FIG. 14 is a rear perspective view of the window covering of FIG.
13 in an alternative partially open position;
FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a
window covering in the closed position according to the present invention;
FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 15
with the window covering in a partially open position;
FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 15
with the window covering in a partially open position;
FIG. 18 is an enlarged portion of FIG. 17; and
FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of yet another embodiment of a
window covering in a partially open position according to the present
invention.
Description of the Preferred Embodiments
The invention disclosed herein is, of course, susceptible of
embodiment in many different forms. Shown in the drawings and described
hereinbelow in detail are preferred embodiments of the invention. It is
undersfieod, however, that the present disclosure is an exemplification of the
principles of the invention and does not limit the invention to the
illustrated
embodiments. For ease of description, the window covering embodying the
present invention is described in its usual assembled position as shown in the
accompanying drawings, and terms such as upper, lower, horizontal,
longitudinal, etc., may be used herein with reference to this usual position.
A window covering according to one embodiment of the present
invention is described with reference to FIGS. 1-3. Window covering 10
CA 02503955 2005-04-05
-9-
includes a head rail 12 including a control mechanism, such as cord lock 14,
adapted to control raising and lowering of an opening member, such as opening
cord 16, which is suspended from the head rail 12. A securement member, such
as securement cord 18, is also suspended from the head rail 12. The securement
cord 18 and the opening cord 16 pass down the back of the window covering 10.
Securement cord 18 preferably includes a plurality of spaced loops 20. A
plurality of intermediate panels 22a-a and a lowermost panel 22f are secured
with
the securement cord I8 about an upper longitudinal portion 24 of the panels 22
such as at some of the spaced loops 20. The panels may be made of a woven or
nonwoven fabric, paper, laminate, film, or the like. The panels are freely
suspended from the securement member 18 such that a lower longitudinal portion
26a-f of the panels 22a-f are not connoted with the securement member 18 or
the
opening member 16. The lowermost panel 22f of the plurality of panels is
secured with the opening member 16 about an upper longitudinal portion 30 of
the lowermost panel 22f. A bottom rail 28 may also be secured with lowermost
panel 22f. The intermediate panels 22a-e are not secured with the opening
member. A valance panel 44 is also provided. This valance panel 44, which has
the same basic construction as panels 22 and includes a stiffening strip 45,
is
clipped directly to the head rail I2, and is not otherwise connected with the
panels 22a-f.
The panels 22a-f overlap one another such that no light is able to
pass through the window covering 10 when in the closed position. Also, the
overlapped panels 22a-f conceal the opening member 16 and the securement
member 18 extending behind the panels when viewed from the face of the
CA 02503955 2005-04-05
- 10-
window covering 10.
Each of the intermediate panels 22a-a also preferably includes a
weighted edge member, such as stiffening strips 32a-e, positioned about the
lower longitudinal portion 26a-e. Bottom rail 28 acts as the weighted edge
member for the lowermost panel 22f. The stiffening strips 32a-e and bottom
rail
28 are suitable for exerting gravitational force on the panels 22a-f such that
any
bias in the material, such as from weaving or coatings, is overcome and the
panels 22a-f hang straight down. This weighted edge members may also take the
form of a rod, rolled material, clips, or the like.
To open the window covering 10, a user pulls or retracts the
opening member 16, which draws upwards the lowermost panel 28 while the
remaining panels remain in a resting position. Referring to FIG. 4, the
lowermost panel 22f slides upwards substantially parallel to and behind an
upper
adjacent panel 22e. By continuing to retract the opening member 16, the upper
longitudinal portion 30 of the lowermost panel 22f contacts the upper
longitudinal
portion 38 of the upper adjacent panel 22e. The lowermost panel 22f is
therefore
no longer able to move upwardly relative to the upper adjacent panel 22e. As
the
opening member 16 is retracted further, the lowermost panel 22f and the upper
adjacent panel 22e are moved together behind the next upper adjacent panel
22d.
The panels 22a-f are rearwardly stacked in this manner as the opening member
16
is retracted until the panels 22a-f are rearwardly stacked as shown in FIG. 5.
As is shown, the rearward stacking of the panels provides a
window covering 10 wherein the vertical and straight profile of the panels 22a-
f
is maintained as the window covering 10 is opened. Accordingly, the aesthetic
CA 02503955 2005-04-05
-11-
appearance of the window covering 10 is largely kept consistent whether the
window covering is in a fully closed (FIG. 1), partially opened (FIG. 4) or
fully
opened position (FIG. 5).
Referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, as the panels 22 are stacked, the
securement cord 18 is folded or gathered behind the face 42 of the window
covering 10. The opening member 16 holds the panels 22a-f in position by
locking the control mechanism, such as cord lock 14. Since the overlapping
relationship of the panels 22a-f is maintained in the closed, partially
opened, and
fully opened positions, the securement cord 18 is not seen from the front of
the
window covering.
Panels 22a-f are preferably detachably secured with the securement
cord 18 with fastener modules 46. An exemplar of a suitable fastener module 46
is shown in FIG. 8. Fastener module 46 includes a buckle 48 and a clip 50, and
is preferably made of a resilient material, such as a thermoplastic resin,
lightweight metal, or the like. The clip 50 is securable to an anchor member,
such as dowel 52 associated with the panel (FIG. 6) by way of frictional
engagement or by a mechanical force applied by the clip 50, such as exerted by
the resilient properties of the material making up the clip 50. Buckle 48
includes
a housing 54 and an engagement member, such as transverse rod 56. Transverse
rod 56 includes a first end, which is secured to or integral with the housing
54,
and a second end 62, which is engageable with tab member 64 by urging second
end 62 through hole 66.
The securement cord 18 is engaged with fastener module 46 by
way of transverse rod 56, which is passed through a loop in the panel, such a
CA 02503955 2005-04-05
-12-
loop 20 (FIG. 2) defined by securement cord 18. Opening cord 16 is passed
through housing 54 of fastener module 46, but is not secured thereto. As such,
as opening cord 16 is retracted or extended, is passes through housing 54 and
moves freely relative thereto such that the fastener module 46 acts as a cord
guide
for opening cord 16.
An alternative embodiment of the present invention is described
with reference to FIGS. 9-14. Window covering 110 includes a head rail 112, a
valance panel 144, and plurality of panels 122a-f. The valance panel 144 and
the
other panels 122a-f overlap one another such that a gap free face is provided.
The
appearance of the alternative embodiment of the window covering 110 in the
closed position as shown in FIG. 9 is substantially the same as the previous
embodiment. However, the operation of window covering 110 is somewhat
different in that rather than only opening the window covering 110 by raising
panels, the window covering 110 may be opened by lowering panels as well.
Referring to FIGS. 9-11, additional features of window covering
110 are shown. The plurality of panels 122a-f are suspended by control members
from tl~e head rail 112. The uppermost panel 122x, which defines an uppermost
portion 130a is secured with a first opening member, such as first opening
cord
117, which is adjustably controlled by cord lock 119 (FIG. 10). A securement
member, such as securement cord 118 secures the uppermost portion 130a of the
uppermost panel 122a with the uppermost portions 130b-f of the other panels
122b-f.
A lowermost panel 122f of the plurality of panels is also secured
with a second opening member, such as second opening cord 116, about an upper
CA 02503955 2005-04-05
-13-
longitudinal portion thereof 130f. The second opening cord 116 is suspended
from the head rail 112 and is controllably adjusted with a control mechanism,
such as a cord lock 114. The other panels 122a-a are not secured with the
second
opening cord 116.
Opening window covering 110 may be accomplished in a number
of different manners. One way is to pull on second opening cord 116 to raise
lowermost panel 122f, such as described in the embodiment of FIGS. 1-7.
Alternatively, window covering 110 may also be opened by lowering the
uppermost panel 122a by lowering the first opening cord 117. Referring to FIG.
12, as the first opening cord 117 is lowered, intermediate'panels 122a-a are
lowered relative to the lowermost panel 1~2f such that the panels, such as
panels
122e and 122d are stacked with the lowermost panel 122f. When the first
opening cord 117 is fully lowered, the panels 122a-f are stacked at the bottom
of
window covering 110 such as shown in FIG. 13.
The first opening cord 117 and the second opening cord 116 may
also be operated in conjunction with one another. For example, as is shown in
FIG. 14, the first opening cord 117 has been partially lowered such that panel
122e is stacked with the lowermost panel 122f. Second opening cord 116 has
also been raised such that lowermost panel 122f and panel 122e are stacked
with
panels 122c and 122d.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown with
reference to FIGS. 15-18. Similar to the previous embodiment, as shown in FIG.
15, the window covering 210 includes a head rail 212, an opening member 216, a
valance panel 244 and a plurality of panels 222a-f. However, referring to
CA 02503955 2005-04-05
- 14-
FIGURES 16 and 17 , the panels are grouped into two sets. In particular,
panels
222a, 222c, and 222e are one set and panels 222b, 222d, and 222f are the other
set. This variation provided the optional feature of sliding a first set of
panels,
such as panels 222b, 222d, and 222f relative to a second set, such as panels
222a,
222c, and 222e. A first opening cord 216 is secured to the upper longitudinal
portions of panels 222a, 222c, and 222e. Panels 222b, 222d, and 222f are
secur~l to securement cord 218. Panel 222f is also secured to a second opening
cord 217.
By pulling on first opening cord 216, panels 222a, 222c, and 222e
are raised and slid behind valance panel 244 and panels 222b and 222d,
respectively. Retracting second opening cord 217 causes lowermost panel 222f
to
raise and open the entire window covering 210 such as discussed above.
Yet another variation of the present invention is shown in Figure
19. In this embodiment, the panels 322a-e of window covering 310 are grouped
into two groups. A first group consists of panels 322a and 322b and the second
group consists of panels 322c-e. The upper longitudinal portion of panels 322e
and 32'2b are secured with a first opening cord 316. Panels 322a, 322c and
322d
are secured with a securement cord 318. Lowermost panel 322f is secured to a
second opening cord 317. In this embodiment, as first opening cord 316 is
raised, panels 322e and 322b are raised and slid behind panels 322d and 322a,
respectively. As the first opening cord 316 is further raised, panels 322a and
322b are stacked behind valance panel 344, and panels 322d and 322e are
stacked
with panel 322c. Each of panels 322a-f may be raised by raising the second
opening cord 317.
CA 02503955 2005-04-05
-15-
In the embodiments described, the panels are describ~l as being
uniform in size. However, it is also possible that the panels are of
incrementally
narrower widths such that the panels when stacked complete conceal the stacked
panels.
. The foregoing description and the accompanying drawings are
illustrative of the present invention. Still other variations and arrangements
of
parts are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of this
invention.
