Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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ROMAN STYLE SHADE
Technical Field of the Invention
This invention relates to an improved window covering. More
particularly, this invention relates to an improved window covering having the
general appearance of a Roman shade but having the ability to provide openings
at
different intervals.
Background of the Invention
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 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 lowered. The shades are operated by pulling
on various lines which are used in conjunction with guides attached to the
shade.
Most prior art Roman shades are formed either of a flexible material
such as a fabric or of a plurality of panels, and are provided with a
plurality of
horizontal folds at points vertically spaced from one another to form the
pleats when
the shade is raised. A common method for making a Roman shade is to sew at
least
two sets of rings or connectors along vertical lines down the back of the
fabric
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material such as is shown in U.S. Pat. No. 1,321,800. A lift cord passes from
the
head rail through each set of rings and may either be fastened to the bottom
edge of
the fabric or loop around the bottom edge of the fabric up the front face of
the fabric
and return to the head rail. Alternatively, each set of connectors is both
sewn to the
fabric and attached to a cord at spaced apart intervals along the cord. The
interval
between spacers on each cord may be equal to or less than the distance between
the
points at which the spacers are attached to the back of the fabric.
One drawback to the typical Roman shade, however, is that there is
no way to create openings in the overall face of the window covering if one
wishes
to permit light into a room, such as found in Venetian blinds by tilting the
blind slats,
without having to raise the bottom, or lower the top of the entire window
covering,
which undesirably results in a substantial loss of privacy. Therefore, it is
desired to
provide the ability to, similar to a Venetian blind, open gaps in the shade to
allow
light to pass, yet maintain a relatively high degree of privacy by not
requiring the
shade to be raised or lowered. The present invention also overcomes the
shortcoming of the prior art by keeping ladder or other raising and adjustment
mechanisms from view when the shade is closed.
Summary of the Invention
The present invention relates to a decorative covering suitable for use
as a window shade. The decorative covering comprises a head rail with at least
one
securement member and at least a first opening member. The decorative covering
also includes rows that are suspended from the head rail, and which are
typically
hung over a window as a shade.
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The window covering preferably includes a plurality of securement
members and a plurality of opening members suspended from the head rail. The
securement members and opening members can take several forms, such as cords,
narrow strips of material, a panel, or the like. Each of the plurality of
securement
members is restrainedly positioned with each of the plurality of rows at a
first
transverse margin or longitudinal region of the individual rows. Each of the
rows
also defines a plurality of row portions spaced in a transverse direction.
Each of the
rows is also connected to at least one opening member at a transverse margin
or
longitudinal region opposite that of the transverse margin or longitudinal
region to
which the securement members are restrainedly positioned, and to at least one
of the
row portions. A vertical adjustment mechanism is operatively connected to each
of
the opening members, which enables the opening member to be moved to open or
close the spaced row portion of the rows restrainedly positioned therewith. A
single
adjustment mechanism can be operatively connected to all the opening members,
or
each of a plurality of opening members can be operatively connected only to
certain
opening members. In some embodiments, the securement members are also
operatively connected with a vertical adjustment mechanism, and are movable to
open or close the plurality of rows. The rows or row portions of the window
covering can thereby be opened and closed through individual movement of the
opening members or the securement member or a combination of both. In
particular, the transverse margins or longitudinal portions of the rows are
brought
closer together to collapse the rows or are urged apart to extend the rows.
For
example, if the opening member is secured to the lower edge of the rows, when
the
opening member is retracted, the lower edge of each row is raised relative to
the
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upper edge and drawn up behind the front of the row such that openings created
in
the face of the window covering permit light to pass. Extending the opening
member through use of the vertical adjustment mechanism causes the lower edge
of
each row with which it is connected to lower relative to the upper edge and
thereby
close the gaps in the face of the window covering. In another embodiment, the
securement member mechanism may also be extended or retracted through use of a
vertical adjustment mechanism such as described above. With the adjustable
securement member, openings in the decorative covering can be controlled by
extending and retracting the securement member as well. In the above example,
the
securement member can lower the upper edge of the rows to create gaps in the
face
of the decorative covering. It should be understood that both the securement
member and the opening member can be adjusted as desired. In other words,
either
the securement member can be adjusted, or the opening member can be adjusted,
or
both of the securement and opening members can be adjusted to create openings
in
the decorative covering. It should further be understood that, in this
embodiment,
the opening member and the securement member are capable of individual
movement.
Restrained positioning of the rows with the securement member can
be accomplished in several manners including, but not limited to, fixedly
securing
with adhesive, ultrasonic welding, knitting, tying or the like, or restricting
the
movement of the row relative to the securement member with a stop or other
like
restricting member. For example, the movement of the rows can be restricted by
stop mechanisms positioned on the securement member. The opening member,
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which also connects the head rail and the rows, may be similarly restrainedly
positioned.
The transverse margin or longitudinal regions to which the
securement members are restrainedly positioned preferably are about either the
upper and lower edges of the row, which extend across the width of the window
shade. The opening member is restrainedly positioned about the opposite
transverse
margin or longitudinal regions. If desired, a rigid securement strip can be
used to
aid in restrainedly positioning the opening and securement members with the
rows.
Reinforcing strips can also be included along either or both of the opposed
longitudinal regions.
Each of the plurality of rows may be comprised of fabric material,
such as a single continuous fabric material or a plurality of fabric
materials. The
panels may also be formed from other materials such as wooden strips or slats.
As
discussed, each of the rows includes a plurality of spaced row portions, such
as a
first and a second side region. The first and second side regions may be of
equal
size, thereby forming a rectangular shape, or may be of different sizes, so as
to form
a tapered or substantially triangular shape. The rows may also include a
stiffened
transverse portion, such as by inclusion of a strip member with the first
transverse
margin, such as a lightweight plastic slat. A bottom rail may also be provided
and
suspended from the head rail, whereby the plurality of rows are located
between the
head rail and the bottom rail.
The vertical adjustment mechanisms that are operatively connected
to the various opening members and, in some embodiments the securement
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members, may be similar to mechanisms commonly found in Venetian blind systems
for adjusting the position of cords, such as a worm gear assembly fitted
within the
head rail and manipulable by an operatively connected wand, whereby turning
the
wand causes, in this case, the opening member to be retracted. Alternatively,
a cord
lock assembly can also be utilized with the opening member to raise and lower
the
opening member. As yet another alternative, a power driven or remotely
controlled
vertical adjustment mechanism can also be utilized to retract or extend the
opening
member.
As discussed, each of the rows defines a plurality of row portions
spaced in a transverse direction. In a preferred embodiment, each of the
plurality of
opening members is capable of substantially individually raising or lowering
the row
portion or row portions to which it is restrainedly position. For example, a
particular row may include two row portions, such as including the edges of
the
row. An opening member is secured to each of these row portions. By raising
one
of the opening members, the row portion with which it is secured is opened
substantially independent of the other row portion. In other words, one side
of the
row is raised, and the other side is not.
Another example of this feature of individually raising row portions is
applied to the embodiment where each of the rows has a substantially
triangular or
tapered shape, thereby, defining a major edge portion and a minor edge
portion. In
this embodiment, it is preferred that the direction or orientation of the
taper alternate
from row to row. In so doing, the overall window covering created from the
combination of similarly sized and shaped triangular rows is rectangular. A
pair of
opening members are provided. One of the cords extends down one side of the
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covering and is restrainedly positioned with every other row on a longitudinal
portion about the less tapered or broader side region of the row. As
mentioned, this
less tapered or broader region defines a major edge portion of a row, and the
narrower or more tapered side region of the rows defines a minor edge portion.
The
other opening member cord is positioned down the opposite side and is
restrainedly
positioned with the other rows about their respective major edge portions. The
alternating rows define two sets of rows, namely, those rows facing in one
direction
are considered a first set of rows and those facing in the opposite direction
are
considered a second set of rows. Each set of rows may be individually opened
or
both sets of rows may be opened. When opened, the decorative covering provides
a
unique appearance that is unlike the window covering known in the art, which
are
typically parallel rows. Instead, the tapered or generally triangularly shaped
rows,
when raised, form a generally criss-crossing pattern.
Brief Description of the Drawings
In the drawings,
FIGURE 1 is a perspective front view of a preferred embodiment of
a window covering in a closed position according to the present invention;
FIGURE 2 is a perspective front view of the window covering of
FIGURE 1 in a partially open position;
FIGURE 3 is a perspective rear view of a preferred embodiment of a
row from the window covering of FIGURE 1;
FIGURE 4 is a cross sectional view of the row of FIGURE 3;
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FIGURE 5 is an enlarged perspective view of a preferred
embodiment of a row with an alternate method of securing the row to the
securement member;
FIGURE 6 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the embodiment of
FIGURE 5;
FIGURE 7 is a perspective rear view of another alternate
embodiment of a row from a window covering according to the present invention;
FIGURE 8 is a cross section view of the row of FIGURE 7;
FIGURE 9 is a perspective rear view of another alternate
embodiment of a row comprising slats from a window covering according to the
present invention;
FIGURE 10 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIGURE 9,
with the slats partially retracted;
FIGURE 11 is a perspective rear view of yet another alternate
embodiment of a row from a window covering according to the present invention;
FIGURE 12 is a cross section view of the row of FIGURE 11; and
FIGURE 13 is a perspective rear view of another alternate
embodiment of a row from a window covering according to the present invention;
FIGURE 14 is a cross section rear view of the row of FIGURE 13;
FIGURE 15 is a perspective rear view of another alternate
embodiment of a row from a window covering according to the present invention;
FIGURE 15A is a enlarged partial view of FIGURE 15;
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FIGLTRE 16 is a perspective rear view of the row of FIGURE 15
with the opening member partially retracted;
FIGURE 16A is a enlarged partial view of FIGURE 16;
FIGURE 17 is a perspective rear view of the row of FIGURE 15
fully retracted.;
FIGURE 17A is a enlarged partial view of FIGURE 17;
FIGURE 18 is a perspective schematic view of another alternate
embodiment of the window covering with tapered rows;
FIGURE 19 is a perspective schematic view of the window covering
of FIGURE 18 with individual rows opened;
FIGURE 20 is a perspective schematic view of the window covering
of FIGURE 18 with the overall window covering raised;
FIGURE 21 is a partial rear view, partially in cross section, of the
decorative covering of FIGURE 18;
FIGURE 22 is a schematic rear view of another embodiment of a
decorative covering of the present invention;
FIGURE 23 is a schematic rear view of the embodiment of FIGURE
22 a row portion raised;
FIGURE 24 is a perspective view of another embodiment of a
decorative covering of the present invention;
FIGURE 25 is a side elevated view of the decorative covering of
FIGURE 24;
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FIGURE 26 is a cross sectional view of a row of FIGUR.E 24; and
FIGURE 27 is a rear view of another embodiment of the a decorative
covering of the present invention, with a head rail depicted in phantom.
Description of the Preferred Embodiments of the Invention
The invention disclosed herein is susceptible of embodiment in many
different forms. Shown in the drawings and described hereinbelow in detail are
preferred embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood, however, that
the
present disclosure is an exemplification of the principles of the invention
and does
not limit the invention to the illustrated embodiments.
A preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in
FIGURE 1. Window shade 100 is shown in a closed position, and includes a head
rail 102, a bottom rail 104, and a plurality of rows 106. Also preferably
provided is
an opening wand 108 for narrowing the profile of individual rows and thereby
creating gaps or openings in the overall face of window shade 100, as well as
a
raising wand 110 for raising the entire shade 100.
In a fully closed state as shown in FIGURE 1, the window shade 100
offers an appearance free of connecting cords and provides both privacy and
light
blocking. If it is desired to allow light into a room without raising the
entire shade,
and thereby retaining a degree of privacy, a user can rotate the opening wand
108.
As the opening wand 108 is rotated, each of the plurality of rows 106 is
adjusted to
narrow its profile by drawing a portion of the panel behind the face of the
particular
row such that gaps 111 in the window shade 100 are opened as shown in FIGLTRE
2. Although it is not shown in FIGiJRES 1 and 2, the vertical adjustment
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mechanism can be a cord lock as is readily available in the art which enables
a
person to adjust the position of the cords as desired. The particular
procedure for
opening each of the plurality of rows is discussed in further detail below.
Referring to FIGURES 3 and 4, the narrowing of the longitudinal
profile of one of the plurality of rows from the window covering of FIGURES 1
and
2 is explained. In this embodiment, a row 114 is formed of a single panel of
fabric
having an upper longitudinally extending region 116, a central longitudinally
extending region 118, and a lower longitudinally extending region 120. The
aggregate of the central region 118 for each of the rows forms the overall
face of
the window covering. As discussed above, each row may be comprised of multiple
pieces of fabric. For example, the upper and lower longitudinally extending
regions
116 and 120 could be formed of one type of fabric, whereas the central
longitudinally extending region 118 could be a fabric of a different color,
opacity,
texture or the like.
Passed through the upper region 116 and the lower region 120 is a
securement member, such as cord 122, which is secured to the upper region 116
by
way of adhesive, ultrasonic welding, knitting, or the like. Cord 122 is passed
through a hole 124 defined by the lower region 120, such that cord 122 is not
secured to the lower region 120.
An opening member, such as cord 126 is also provided. Cord 126 is
passed through hole 128 defined by the upper region 116, and is secured to
lower
region 120, also by way of adhesive, ultrasonic welding, knitting, or the
like. Each
of the plurality of rows is similarly secured to the cords 122 and 126.
Alternatively,
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cords 122 and 126 may be passed through holes, but would include stops fixedly
secured thereto so as to limit the cords from passing through the holes. For
example, annular members such as washer shaped pieces that are positioned and
fixed by pinching the annular member on the opening member and securement
member can be utilized.
In this embodiment, as opening member, such as cord 126, is
retracted by way of a vertical adjustment mechanism (not shown) in the head
rail
102 (FIGURE 1), which is operatively connected to the opening wand 108
(FIGURE 1), the lower region 120 is urged towards the upper region 116, which
remains vertically stationary relative to the head rail. The collapsible row
114 is
thus folded upon itself to present a narrower longitudinal profile. As shown
in
FIGURE 2, openings 111 are created in the plurality of rows to permit light
through
without requiring the raising or lowering of the entire window covering 100.
Referring again to FIGURES 3 and 4, a raising member, such as cord
130 for raising the bottom rail 104 and the plurality of rows 106 is also
passed
through holes 124 and 128 and secured to bottom rail 104. The raising member,
such as cord 130, is operatively connected to raising wand 110 (FIGURE 1).
Although only one set of cords 122, 126, and 130 is shown, it is preferred
that two
of sets of cords be provided which are equidistantly spaced from opposite
edges of
the window covering as can be seen in FIGURE 2.
Although not shown in the FIGURES, a reinforcing strip may also be
included along either the upper longitudinally extending region, the lower
longitudinally extending region, or both. This reinforcing strip may be
comprised of
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a thin metal strip, plastic, reinforced material or the like secured to the
upper or
lower longitudinally extending regions, respectively. Such a reinforcing strip
may be
included with any of the embodiments disclosed herein.
As discussed above, the securement member and opening member
can be restrainedly positioned with the plurality of rows in a variety of
ways. Shown
in FIGURES 5 and 6 one embodiment utilizes plastic strips. Similar to the
embodiment described in FIGURES 3 and 4, a row 214 is formed of a single piece
of material having an upper longitudinally extending region 216, a central
longitudinally extending region 218, and a lower longitudinally extending
region
220. Passed through hole 228 in the upper region 216 and hole 224 in the lower
region 220 is a securement member, such as cord 222. Similarly, opening member
226 is passed through hole 228 in the upper region 216 and hole 224 in the
lower
region 220. Formed with securement member 222 and opening member 226 are
loops 223 and 227, respectively. Securement strips 232 and 234 that are
preferably
formed of plastic are passed through loops 223 and 227, respectively, and are
positioned relative to the row 214 as depicted such that the downward movement
of
the row relative to the securement member 222 and opening member 226 are
restricted. If desired, strips 232 and 234 can be fixedly secured to the row
214, such
as by an adhesive.
.20 An alternative of the present invention is shown in FIGURES 7 and
8. In this embodiment, the plurality of rows is comprised of a plurality of
rigid slats.
Such slats can be relatively wide slats as typically found in wooden Venetian
blinds,
or as shown, can be relatively narrow strips of decorative wood, such as
wicker,
rattan or bamboo. A plurality of relatively narrow strips of wood make up the
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plurality of rows such as row 314. An upper region 316 is provided with the
plurality of wood strips, and defines a hole 328. The upper region can be
comprised
of a single strip or may be a number of strips. A lower region 320 can
similarly be
formed and also defines hole 324. Passed through the upper region 316 and the
lower region 320 is a securement member 322, which is secured to the upper
region
316 as described above, and is passed through hole 324 in the lower region 320
and
is not secured to the lower region 320. An opening member 326 is passed
through
hole 328 and secured to lower region 320. A raising member 330 for raising the
bottom rail and the plurality of rows as described above with the other
embodiments
is also passed through holes 324 and 328. Similar to the previous embodiments,
a
cord 326 is retracted such that lower region 320 is pulled towards upper
region 316
to create gaps in the overall face of the window shade.
Shown in FIGURE 9 is an embodiment of the present invention
wherein each of the plurality of rows is comprised of slats, such as those
typically
found in wooden Venetian blinds. In this example, the row 340 is comprised of
three slats, 342, 344, and 346, but more slats can be used. Securement member
348
is secured to slat 342 about an upper edge 349 by ring 352. Opening member 350
is
secured to slat 346 also about a lower edge 351. In this particular
embodiment,
rings 353 and 355 connect slats 342, 344, and 346. An additional ring 357 is
secured to lowermost slat 346, to which opening member 350 is secured.
Referring
to FIGURE 10, as the opening member 350 is retracted, lowermost slat 346 is
pulled upwards, which causes slats 342 and 344 to deflect and fold onto one
another.
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In each of the embodiments shown thus far, gaps in the face of the
window shade, i.e., the open position, have been created by pulling the lower
region
of a row towards the upper region. It is contemplated, however, that gaps in
the
face of the window shade can also be created by lowering the upper region
towards
the lower region, which is held in place. An example of such an embodiment is
shown in FIGURES 11 and 12.
In this embodiment, a row 414 is formed of a single piece of fabric
having an upper longitudinally extending region 416, a central longitudinally
extending region 418, and a lower longitudinally extending region 420. Passed
through the upper region 416 and the lower region 420 is a securement member
422, which is fixedly secured to the lower region 420. Securement member 422
is
passed through a hole 428 defined by the upper region 416, such that it is not
secured to the upper region 416. An opening member is also provided, and is
secured to upper region 416. In this embodiment, as opening member 426 is
extended by way of a vertical adjustment mechanism in the head rail, the upper
region 416 is lowered towards the lower region 420, which is held
substantially
stationary relative to the head rail by the securement member 422. As such,
the
collapsible row 414 folds upon itself to present a narrower longitudinal
profile.
Similar to the previous embodiments, a raising member, such as cord 430 for
raising
the bottom rail and the plurality of rows is also passed through holes 424 and
428.
A similar arrangement whereby the upper region is lowered to the lower region
can
be utilized in any of the configurations previously described. As discussed
above, it
is contemplated that the opening member and securement members may be
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interchangeable and each provide the ability to raise or lower the
longitudinal
portion respectively secured thereto.
In yet another alternative embodiment, an additional facing can be
included in order to provide both a face and back to the window covering that
is
free of visible cords or connectors when in the closed position. Referring to
FIGURE 13 and 14, row 514 is an example of a row that makes up a window
covering with a uniform appearance from the face or back of the window
covering.
Row 514 is formed of a piece of material having an upper
longitudinally extending region 516, a central longitudinally extending face
region
518, a central longitudinally extending back region 519 and a lower
longitudinally
extending region 520. The piece of material may be a single piece of material
which
is secured to itself to form a continuous piece of material. Alternatively,
multiple
strips of material can be secured together to form a panel. The multiple
strips of
material may be the same material, or may be materials having different
characteristics, i.e., color, opacity, etc. As shown, row 514 defines a
longitudinally
extending cell 521.
Passed through the upper region 516 and the lower region 520 is a
securement member 522, which is secured to the upper region 516. Securement
member 522 is also passed through a hole 524 defined by the lower region 520,
such
that it is not secured to the lower region 520. An opening member 526 is also
provided and is passed through hole 528 defined by the upper region 516, and
is
also secured to lower region 520. Each of the plurality of rows is similarly
formed
and secured to the securement member 522 and opening member 526. Preferably,
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members 522, 526 and 530 are positioned such that equal amounts of material
are
suspended on either side of the cords. As opening member 526 is retracted the
lower region 520 is urged towards the upper region 516, which remains
vertically
stationary relative to the head rail. As such, cel1521 is collapsed upon
itself by
bringing the lower longitudinal portion behind the face 518 of the row, and
presents
a narrower longitudinal profile.
Another embodiment is shown in FIGURES 15 and 15A. In this
embodiment, window covering 600 is made of a plurality of rows, such as row
614.
Each row is made of a plurality of slats, such as 616, 618, and 620. The row
also
defines a face (not shown), a rear 622, an uppermost region 624, and a
lowermost
region 626. As in other embodiments described above, a securement member 628
is
restrainedly positioned with the uppermost region 624. An opening member 630
is
also provided. In this example, the opening member 630 is comprised of a roll-
up
member 632 and lifting member 634. The uppermost region 624 defines a hole
627,
through which the roll-up member 632 is passed. One end of the roll-up member
632 is connected to the lifting member 634. Preferably, secured to the lifting
member 634 are a plurality of roll-up members, one for each row. The roll-up
member is passed under the lowermost region 626 of row 614 and is secured to
the
face of the row 614 about a region adjacent to the lowermost region 626. For
example, the roll-up member 632 is secured to the face about a top region of
slat
620. As the lifting member 634 is raised, the roll-up member 632 is pulled
through
the hole 627 such that slat 620 is rolled up as shown in FIGURES 16, 16A, 17
and
17A. As such, gaps are created in the window covering.
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Although shown with a row comprising a plurality of slats, the roll-
up member can also be used with a row comprised of a fabric material. In order
to
lessen the visual effect of the roll-up member, it may be comprised of a
material
similar in color to the row. As shown, the roll-up member may also serve to
limit
the extent to which the row is extended such that a billowed appearance is
achieved.
FIGURES 18-21 show yet another embodiment of the present
invention. As shown in FIGURE 18, window covering 700 comprises a plurality of
rows, such as rows 714 and 715. Each of rows 714 and 715 are tapered to form a
substantially triangular shape. Rows 714 and 715 are adjacent to one another
in the
overall window covering 700 and are oriented such that the direction in which
the
rows taper alternates. Those rows oriented in the same manner as row 714 can
be
considered a first set of rows, and those with the orientation of row 715 a
second
set of rows. Opening members, which in this embodiment are shown as cords 726
and 728, are passed through vertical adjustment mechanisms, such as cord locks
702
and 704, respectively, in head rail 706. Securement members, including cord
724,
are suspended from the head rail 706 and secured to lower longitudinal regions
of
the rows, such as lower longitudinal region 721 of row 715. When the opening
members 726 and 728 are retracted, openings are created between the individual
rows, such as 714 and 715, in the window covering 700 as shown in FIGLJRE 19.
A rasing cord, such as cord 750 may also be included to raise the overall
window
covering 700 as shown in FIGURE 20. A more detailed explanation of the
structure
and operation of this embodiment is provided with reference to FIGURE 21.
Row 714 comprises an upper longitudinally extending region 716, a
central longitudinally extending region 718, and a lower longitudinally
extending
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region 720. Similarly, row 715 comprises an upper longitudinally extending
region
717, a central longitudinally extending region 719, and a lower longitudinally
extending region 721. As with several of the previous embodiments, and as
shown
previously in FIGURE 18, the aggregate of the central regions of the various
rows
forms the overall face of the window covering. As shown in FIGURE 21, rows 714
and 715, are in substantially abutting relationship with one another to
minimize any
opening in the window shade when the rows are fully extended.
Passed through the upper region 716 and the lower region 720 is a
securement member, such as cord 722, which is secured to the upper region 716
about a first lateral edge region or major edge 730 of the row 714 by way of
adhesive, ultrasonic welding, knitting, or the like. Cord 722 is passed
through a
hole 732 defined by the lower region 720, such that cord 722 is not secured to
the
lower region 720. A second securement member, such as cord 724 is also secured
to the upper region 716, but is secured about a second lateral edge region or
minor
edge 734. In other words, the securement members, such as cords 722 and 724,
are preferably evenly spaced from the edges of the decorative window covering
700
so the weight of the material is evenly distributed.
A first opening member, such as cord 726, is passed through hole
736 formed in the upper longitudinal region 716 and about the first lateral
region or
major edge 730 of row 714, and is secured to the lower longitudinal region
720. A
second opening member, such as cord 728 is passed through hole 738 formed in
the
upper longitudinal region 716, as well as through hole 739 formed in the lower
longitudinal region 720. As cord 726 is retracted, or pulled upwards, the
lower
longitudinal region 720 is drawn up towards the upper longitudinal region 716,
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thereby creating a gap between rows 714 and 715, and thus an opening in the
decorative window covering 700.
Opening and closing row 715 is similarly done. Securement cord
member 724 is secured to the upper longitudinal region 717 of row 715 about a
first
lateral edge region or major edge 740, and is passed through a hole 741
defined by
the lower longitudinal region 721 of row 715 about the first lateral edge
region 740.
The other securement cord member 722 is also secured to the upper longitudinal
region 717, and passed through hole 743 defined by the lower longitudinal
region
721 of row 715 about a second lateral edge region 742. Opening cord member 728
is passed through hole 744 defined by the upper longitudinal region 717 and
secured
to the lower longitudinal region 721 about first lateral edge region or major
edge
740. Opening cord member 726 is passed through hole 752 in the lower
longitudinal region 721. As cord 728 is retracted or raised, the lower
longitudinal
region 721 to which cord 728 is secured is drawn up towards the upper
longitudinal
region 717, to create an opening in the covering 700.
In independently raising either opening member 726 or 728, the row
portion comprising the major edges 730 or 740, respectively, are raised
substantially
independent of minor edges 734 and 742. In other words, as opening member 726
is raised and the portion of the row including major edge 730 is drawn
upwards, the
minor edge 734 is not similarly drawn upwards.
As with the previous embodiments, each of the opening members
726 and 728 may be retracted or extended as is known in the art. For example,
cords may be pulled through a cord lock to the desired position as shown in
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FIGURE 18. Alternatively, a drum (not shown) in the head rail operatively
connected to a wand may be used to wind or unwind cord. Preferably, opening
members 726 and 728 are capable of being operated independently of one
another.
In order to raise the overall window covering 700, a raising member,
such as cord 750 is passed through the rows and secured to a lowermost row or
preferably a bottom rail (not shown). When cord 750 is retracted, such as
through
pulling cord 750 through a cord lock mechanism, the rows of the overall window
covering 700 are raised as shown in FIGURE 20.
Yet another embodiment of the feature wherein the particular
portions of a row are individually opened is explained with respect to FIGURE
22.
In this embodiment, row 770 is provided as an example. Row 770 defines a
plurality of row portions, such as row portions 772, 774 and 776. To each of
these
row portions is secured an opening member, such as cords 778, 780, and 782,
about
the lower longitudinal region or transverse margin 784. Preferably, each of
these
opening members cords or individually movable. However, it may be desired to
have certain row portions moved in concert with one another by having certain
opening members be simultaneously controlled. Row 770 is also secured about
the
upper longitudinal region or transverse margin 786 to a pair of securement
member
cords 788. As shown in FIGURE 23, as opening member cord 782 is raised, cords
778 and 780 remain stationary, so that row portion 776 is raised substantially
independent of row portions 772 and 774.
As in previous embodiments, rather then passing the cords through
holes formed in the rows themselves, attachment members, such as rings can be
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utilized. Also, rather then securing the cords as discussed, the cords may be
restrainedly positioned through any of the methods discussed above.
Shown in FIGURES 24-26 is an additional alternative embodiment of
the window covering of the present invention. The basic structure of this
embodiment is similar to that discussed above with respect to FIGURE 3. As
shown in FIGURES 24 and 25, window shade 800, which is shown in a closed
position, includes a head rail 802 and a plurality of rows comprising panels,
such as
rows 814 and 816. Also preferably provided is an opening cord 826 for
narrowing
the profile of the rows and thereby creating gaps or openings in the overall
face of
window shade 800. Also shown is a raising cord 810 for raising the entire
shade
800. Window covering 800, however, includes an additional feature. Each of the
rows of window covering 800, such as rows 814 and 816, have stiffened top
portions 815 and 817, respectively.
There are various ways for providing the stiffened top portion of a
row. These include using a non-woven fabric or slat, using a fabric adhered to
the
top portion, treating the top portion of the row with a stiffening agent, or
the like.
Use of a stiffened upper portion provides a unique aesthetic appearance to the
decorative covering.
The incorporation of a slat is described in further detail in FIGURE
26 with respect to row 814 from FIGURE 24. As shown, row 814 comprises a strip
of material 812 and a slat member 819. Strip 812 is folded over itself and
slat
member 819 is sandwiched between the overlapping portions of material 812.
Slat
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member 819 may be fixedly positioned between the overlapping portion of 812 by
way of an adhesive.
Passed through the upper region 815 and the lower region 820 of
row 814 is a securement member, such as cord 822, which is secured to the
upper
region 815 by way of adhesive, ultrasonic welding, knitting, or the like.
Securement
cord 822 is passed through a hole 824 defined by the lower region 820, such
that
cord 822 is not secured to the lower region 820. An opening member, such as
cord
826 is also provided. Cord 826 is passed through hole 828 defined by the upper
region 815, and is secured to lower region 820, also by way of adhesive,
ultrasonic
welding, knitting, or the like.
One alternative feature of the claimed invention that may be
incorporated into any of the embodiments is the use of securement members that
are
independently operable. This is explained with reference to FIGURE 27. Window
covering 900 includes a plurality of rows, such as rows 914 and 916. Each of
the
rows, in this embodiment of the window covering, is secured to a pair of
opening
members 926 and pair of securement members 922. The pair of opening members
926 are operatively connected to an adjustment mechanism shown schematically
as
902. Similarly, the pair of securement members 922 are operatively connected
to a
second adjustment mechanism, such as that shown schematically as 904. As such,
the securement members 922 and opening members 926 may be adjusted to raise or
lower the transverse region of the rows to which they are secured
individually.
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The foregoing descriptions are to be taken as illustrative, but not
limiting. Still other variants within the spirit and scope of the present
invention will
readily present themselves to those skilled in the art.
