Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
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TITLE: MODULAR SHADE SYSTEM
FIELD
[0001] This application relates generally to coverings for windows, doors,
openings,
walls or the like. In particular, this application relates to a modular system
for covering an
object with a shade.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Shade systems for covering a window, door or the like are well known.
One
example of a prior art multi-channel track 100 is shown in Fig. 1.
[0003] The multi-channel track 100 is typically used in combination with a
plurality of
sliders supporting a plurality of fabric panels. Each slider and supported
panel in the
system is typically moveable along the length of a corresponding channel
within the multi-
channel track 100. The number of channels 103, and corresponding sliders and
panels,
within a given multi-channel system is typically based on the size of the
object to be shaded
and the aesthetic demands of the user.
[0004] Each slider within a channel 103 typically supports one hanging panel.
The
hanging panel is typically connected to the slider using a releasable fastener
to allow a user
to easily, and repeatedly attach and detach the hanging panel from the slider.
One known
method of attaching the hanging panel to the slider is the use of hook-and-
loop type
fasteners.
[0005] The prior art multi-channel track 100 has a number of disadvantages.
One of
the disadvantages of the prior art multi-channel track 100, shown in Fig. 1,
is that for any
given number of channels required by a user, a custom track containing the
desired
number of channels must be manufactured. Another disadvantage of the known
multi-
channel track system is the fact that the multi-channel track 100 has the same
number of
channels along its entire length, which tends to limit the flexibility of
installation variations.
[0006] Yet another disadvantage of the known multi-channel track systems is
the
fact that the hook-and-loop fastener used to attach the hanging panel to the
slider tends to
weaken after repeated use, and over time in general. Also, hook-and-loop
fasteners
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typically have a maximum attachment strength, which tends to limit the weight
of the
hanging panels, reducing the material options available to the user.
SUMMARY
[0007] In an aspect of the invention there is provided a modular system for
covering
an object with a shade, where the object has a dimension. The system comprises
a
plurality of substantially identical track members, where each track member
defines a
longitudinal channel therein. At least one bracket is adapted to connect a
predetermined
number of the plurality of track members in substantially parallel relation,
wherein the
predetermined number is selected based on the dimension of the object. The
modular
system further comprising a slider movably connected to each of the
predetermined
number of track members. The slider comprises a first end movably engaging the
longitudinal channel of the track member, and a second end adapted to be
secured to an
upper edge of the shade.
[0008] In another aspect of the invention there is provided a method for
covering an
object with a shade where the object has a dimension. The method comprises: i)
providing
at least one track member defining a longitudinal channel therein, ii) cutting
the at least one
track member into a predetermined number of sized track members, wherein the
predetermined number of sized track members is based on the dimension of the
object, iii)
selecting a first group of brackets from a plurality of brackets, wherein the
first group of
brackets comprises at least one bracket having a number of apertures equal to
the
predetermined number, iv) attaching the predetermined number of sized track
members to
the first group of brackets, wherein the sized track members are in
substantially parallel
relation and eccentric to each other, and connecting at least one slider to a
longitudinal
channel defined in each sized track member. Each slider comprising a first end
for
movably engaging the longitudinal channel of the sized track member and a
second end
adapted to be secured to an upper edge of a shade.
[0009] In yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a modular
system for
covering an object with a shade, where the object has a dimension. The system
comprises, a predetermined number of sized track members cut from at least one
longer
elongated track member. Each sized track member defines a longitudinal channel
therein,
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wherein the predetermined number is selected based on the dimension of the
object. The
system also comprises a plurality of brackets for supporting the sized track
members in a
substantially parallel and eccentric relationship. The plurality of brackets
comprising at
least one first bracket, having the predetermined number of apertures to
secure the
predetermined number of sized track members, and a slider connected to each of
the sized
track members. The slider comprises a first end movably engaging the
longitudinal
channel of the sized track member, and a second end adapted to be secured to
an upper
edge of the shade.
[0010] In yet another aspect of the invention, there is provided a slider for
supporting
a hanging panel within a modular system for covering an object with a shade.
The hanging
panel has an attachment portion and a hanging portion. The slider comprises:
i) a track
engaging section for movably engaging a supporting track member, ii) a panel
attachment
section, for supporting a corresponding attachment portion of the hanging
panel. The panel
attachment section comprises: i) an elongated channel, the elongated channel
having at
least one open end and, ii) a gap that defines a longitudinal opening along
the elongated
channel. The elongated channel is wider than the attachment portion of the
hanging panel
to slidingly receive the attachment portion via the at least one open end. The
gap is wider
than the hanging portion of the hanging panel and narrower than the attachment
portion of
the hanging panel. The gap is sized to slidingly receive the hanging portion
of the hanging
panel and contain the attachment portion of the hanging panel within the
elongated
channel.
[0011] Further aspects and advantages of the embodiments described herein will
appear from the following description taken together with the accompanying
drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0012] For a better understanding of the embodiments described herein, and to
show
more clearly how they may be carried into effect, reference will now be made,
by way of
example only, to the accompanying drawings which show at least one exemplary
embodiment, and in which:
[0013] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a shade apparatus known in the prior
art;
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[0014] Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a modular shade apparatus
according to an aspect of the present invention;
[0015] Fig. 3 is a partial perspective view of the modular shade apparatus of
Fig. 2;
[0016] Fig. 4 is an end view of the modular shade apparatus of Fig. 2;
[0017] Fig. 4A is a section view of the modular shade apparatus of Fig. 4,
taken
along line 4A - 4A;
[0018] Fig. 5 is an elevation view of another embodiment of a modular shade
apparatus;
[0019] Fig. 6 is a perspective view of the modular shade apparatus of Fig. 5;
[0020] Fig. 7 is a side view of the modular shade apparatus of Fig. 5;
[0021] It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration,
elements
shown in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example,
the
dimensions of some of the elements may be exaggerated relative to other
elements for
clarity. Further, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be
repeated among
the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.
DESCRIPTION OF VARIOUS EMBODIMENTS
[0022] It will be appreciated that numerous specific details are set forth in
order to
provide a thorough understanding of the exemplary embodiments described
herein.
However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the
embodiments
described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other
instances, well-
known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so
as not
to obscure the embodiments described herein. Furthermore, this description is
not to be
considered as limiting the scope of the embodiments described herein in any
way, but
rather as merely describing the implementation of the various embodiments
described
herein.
[0023] As used herein, the "top" of the track is the surface that connects to
the
brackets. Conversely, "bottom" of the track is the portion of the track that
engages the
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sliders. Other components of the modular shade apparatus may also be described
in a
similarly fashion, such as the surface described herein may be described as a
ceiling that is
above the tracks, and the panels may be described as hanging down from, or
being
suspended from, the sliders. These relations are used for clarity and
convenience and
should not be construed as limiting the orientation or spatial relation of any
of the elements
of the invention described herein.
[0024] According to an embodiment of the invention, there is provided a
modular
shade system for shading, or otherwise covering, an object. For clarity, the
object may be
understood to be a window, and the modular shade system can be understood as
serving
as a window covering, curtain or blind system. However, it is understood by
those of
ordinary skill in the art that the object may be a variety of structural or
decorative features,
including a doorway, a portion of a wall, a painting, a television and a
second portion of the
room itself, or the like.
[0025] An advantage of the modular shade system is its modular nature.
Specifically, in some embodiments of the invention the modular shade system
comprises a
plurality of substantially identical tracks that are arranged substantially
parallel to each
other. Each track may be uniform in cross-section and defines a single channel
for
receiving a slider and hanging panel to shade at least a portion of the
object.
[0026] In a preferred embodiment, a supplier may stock an inventory of track
members that are longer than typically used in a modular shade system
installation. A user
may request a shade system to fit a particular application, for example to
cover a large
living room window. The user, perhaps in consultation with the supplier, may
determine, for
example, that she desires a shade system that is 10 feet wide and has 5
hanging panels
(each hanging panel being approximately 2 feet in width). Having determined
that a
modular shade system requires 5 tracks to support 5 hanging panels, the
supplier may cut
one of the longer track members in inventory into the desired number of
tracks, 5 in this
example. Tracks formed in this manner may also be referred to as sized track
members.
Because the specific number of track members in the modular shade system is
based on
the object to be covered, as well as a user's aesthetic preferences, it is
advantageous for a
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supplier to simply cut the desired number of tracks from an inventory of
longer track
members, as opposed to having to custom-manufacture a multi-channel track.
[0027] The plurality of tracks may be coupled together in the parallel
configuration
using a plurality of brackets. The brackets are configured to have a number of
apertures
that correspond to the number of tracks used in any given system. Continuing
the example
outlined above, the supplier may select several brackets having 5 apertures to
give to the
user in combination with the 5 sized track members cut from the longer
inventory track.
[0028] The modular nature of the modular shade system allows a supplier to
provide
a variety of shade systems, keeping only a selection of brackets and some
longer lengths
of track in stock. For example, if the user in the previous example happened
to change her
mind and request a 6-panel system, a supplier using an embodiment of the
current
invention would simply cut an additional sized track member from his inventory
of longer
track members, and supply the user with 6-track, instead of 5-track, brackets.
In contrast, a
supplier using a system known in the prior art, as shown in Fig. 1, would have
to
manufacture an entirely new 6-channel track, and discard the previously
created 5-channel
track. A detailed description of the modular shade system follows below.
[0029] Referring to Figs. 2 - 4A, a modular shade system 200, according to a
preferred embodiment of the present invention, may include one or more tracks
210, one or
more sliders 220, and one or more brackets 230. For clarity only one of the
tracks 210,
sliders 220 and brackets 230 are illustrated in Figs. 2-4A. The modular shade
system 200
may also include one or more hanging panels 250. The modular shade system 200
may
be mounted to a surface 235, in a location where the hanging panel 250 can
shade, or
otherwise cover, an object, such as a window. The modular shade system 200 may
be
used to construct a window covering assembly that includes several tracks 210
arranged in
a substantially parallel configuration. In such an assembly, each of the
tracks 210 may
support a corresponding hanging panel 250 and the window may be shaded by the
combination of hanging panels 250.
[0030] The track 210 may be an extruded channel formed from aluminum or any
other suitable material. Aluminum is a preferred material because of its
mechanical and
aesthetic properties. The track 210 may be of a generally round cross-
sectional shape,
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and may comprise internal partitions that define a longitudinal mounting
channel 212 and a
longitudinal sliding channel 214 within the track 210. The top and bottom of
the track 210
may be flattened to create an upper flat plane of the track 210 to abut the
bracket 230, and
to create a lower flat plane that is substantially parallel with the top
margin of the hanging
panel 250 suspended from the slider 220.
[0031] Both ends of the track 210 may be capped by an end cap 218. The end
caps
218 may be formed from the same material as the track 210, or they may be
formed from
another suitable material. The end caps 218 may serve to contain the slider
220 within the
track 210 and may improve the aesthetic appearance of the assembled modular
shade
system 200 by obscuring the otherwise exposed internal members and channels
212, and
214 within the track 210. The embodiment of the end caps 218 shown in the
figures are
releasably held in place by an interference fit between the end cap tabs 219
and the track
210 side channels 216. It is understood that the end caps 218 may be held in
place using
any other suitable method known in the art, including adhesives, set screws,
screws, and
clips.
[0032] The mounting channel 212 is configured to receive an appropriate
fastener
that is used to attach the track 210 to the bracket 230. The fastener is
preferably a nut 237
and bolt 238 as shown. The mounting channel 212 may be configured to slidingly
receive
the nut 237 thereby allowing the nut 237 to be moved along the length of the
track 210 until
it is positioned at a location that corresponds to a desired bracket mounting
location. Once
so positioned, the nut 237 may be engaged by the corresponding threads of a
bolt 238 that
passes through an aperture 232 in bracket 230. The bolt 237 is then tightened
to secure
the track 210 to the bracket 230. Additional brackets can be secured to the
track in the
same manner as described above.
[0033] The nut 237 may have a square shape, or other suitable shape such that
its
rotation is constrained by the walls of the mounting channel 212. With the
rotation of the
nut 237 constrained by the sliding channel 212, the rotation of the bolt 238
may tend to
draw the nut 237, and track 210, toward the bracket 230 until the top surface
of the track
210 abuts the bottom surface of the bracket 230.
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[0034] As shown, the aperture 232 may be a countersunk hole, and the bolt 238
may
have a corresponding countersunk head profile to allow the top of the bolt 238
to lie
substantially flush with the upper surface of the bracket 230, thereby
creating a
substantially smooth surface for engaging the external surface 235.
[0035] The track 210 may be supported by a number of brackets 230 along its
length, and therefore a preferably corresponding number of nuts 237 may be
located within
the mounting channel 212.
[0036] The mounting channel 212 has so far been described as a continuous
channel running the entire length of the track 210, to allow positioning of a
nut 237, or the
plurality of nuts 237, anywhere along the length of the track 210. The ability
to position the
nuts 237 at a plurality of locations along the mounting channel 212 may allow
a user or
modular shade system 200 installer to be flexible with placement of the
mounting brackets
230 within a given user's room. It is understood, however, the track 210 could
be
configured with a plurality of discrete mounting openings instead of
continuous mounting
channe1212.
[0037] After all the tracks 210 have been attached to their respective
brackets 230,
each bracket 230 may be attached to a supporting external surface 235, such as
a ceiling,
floor, bulkhead, shelf or wall, using fasteners 236 received within surface
mounting points
234. While the fasteners 236 in the Fig. 2 are shown as screws, it is
understood that any
other suitable fasteners could be used, including nails, rivets, bolts, tape,
glue, magnets,
welds or chemical adhesives.
[0038] The track 210 also includes a sliding channel 214 having a sliding
opening
215. Much like the mounting channel 212 described above, the sliding channel
214 is a
defined by inner partitions of the track 210 and preferably runs along the
entire length of the
track 210. The sliding channel 214 is configured to moveably support a slider
220. The
sliding channel 214 defines a corresponding sliding opening 215 that allows
the at least
one portion of the slider 220 to be received within the sliding channel 214
while at least one
other portion of the slider 220 remains external the sliding channel 214.
[0039] The slider 220 is configured to be moveably supported by the sliding
channel
214 and to in turn support a hanging panel 250 for covering or shading the
window or other
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object. To that end, the slider 220 may have a panel attachment section 222
and a track
engaging section 228. In general a track 210 supports a single slider 220
within its sliding
channel 214. However, it is understood that an track 210 could support
multiple sliders 220
in some shade systems constructed using the modular shade system 200.
[0040] In the slider 220 shown, the track engaging section 228 comprises a
plurality
of rollers 226 for engaging the sliding channel 214. The number of rollers 226
on a slider
220 may depend on the length of the slider 220, as well as, the weight of the
hanging panel
250 it is supporting. The sliders 220 in the Figs. 2 - 7 are shown with two
rollers 226, but it
is understood that the slider 220 may have any suitable number of rollers 226.
It is also
understood, however, that the track engaging section 228 could comprise
elements other
than rollers 226 including, skids, ball bearings, skis or any other suitable
track contacting
members.
[0041] Being supported by the rollers 226, the slider 220 and hanging panel
250 are
freely moveable along the track 210 within the sliding channel 214. In such a
configuration,
the slider 220 may be moved to a plurality of positions along the length of
the track 210 by
a force exerted on the slider 220 by a user, or by any other means. While the
slider 220
and hanging panel 250 may be moveable to a plurality of positions along the
length of the
track 210, a typical user of a window covering constructed from the modular
shade system
200 may tend to move the slider 220 and hanging panel 250 between a first,
open or
uncovered or unshaded, position and a second, closed or covered or shaded
position.
[0042] For example, when the window covering constructed from the modular
shade
system 200 is installed in proximity to a window in a room, the first position
may be the
position along the track 210 where the slider 220 and hanging panel 250 do not
overlap the
window. This may be described as an open position. The second position may
then be the
position along the track 210 where the slider 220 and hanging panel 250
completely
overlap the window. This may be described as the closed or shaded position
because the
hanging panel 250 may substantially block any external light from entering the
room via the
window. During normal operation of the modular shade system 200, a user may
tend to
move the slider 220 and hanging panel 250 between the open and closed position
in
response to the user's needs. For example, a user may move the hanging panel
250 to an
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open position if she wants to allow sunlight into the room during the day, and
the user may
move the hanging panel 250 into the closed position if she wishes to obscure
the window
and darken the room while watching television or a movie.
[0043] The hanging panel 250 may be made of any type of material with the
properties desired by the user. For example, the hanging panel 250 may be made
from
fabric so that it resembles traditional drapes or window coverings. The fabric
chosen may
be opaque to inhibit light transmission, translucent to permit light transfer
but block human
vision or substantially transparent to allow both light transfer and human
vision. In addition
to fabric or cloth, the hanging panel 250 may also be formed from a variety of
other
materials including wood, plastic and metal.
[0044] The hanging panel 250 may be a single, continuous sheet of material, or
it
may be provided with a plurality of apertures or formed from a plurality of
slats or sections.
For example, the panel 250 may be formed from a plurality horizontal slats of
wood, or
other material, secured by vertical string members. Such a panel may be used
to
compliment an Asian themed interior design scheme. It is understood by those
skilled in
the art that the hanging panel 250 may be formed from a wide range of
materials.
[0045] The hanging panel 250 is supported by the slider 220 at the panel
attachment
section 222. The hanging panel 250 may have a corresponding attachment portion
252 for
engaging the panel attachment section 222 of the slider 220.
[0046] In the examples of window coverings shown, the panel attachment section
222 of the slider 220 is a channel of a generally round, cross-section that
runs the length of
the slider 220 and has a bottom gap 224 for allowing a portion of the hanging
panel 250 to
pass through. In the window coverings shown, the corresponding attachment
portion 252
of the hanging panel 250 may be any suitable structure having a width greater
than the
bottom gap 224. For example, the structure may be a bead at the top of the
panel 250 or a
fold at the top of the panel 250.
[0047] If the hanging panel 250 comprises a plurality of wooden slats, the
attachment portion 252 may be a slat that is thicker than the other members,
or perhaps a
combination of two more slats that will not pass through the gap in the slider
220. Using
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this attachment means the hanging panel 250 attachment portion 252 may be
inserted into
an end of the slider 220 channel and threaded along the length of the slider
220.
[0048] Other possible embodiments of the panel attachment section 222 and
corresponding attachment portion 252 include matching hook-and-loop fasteners,
releasable clips, hooks and grommets, tape, chemical adhesives, screws and
magnets.
Connecting the hanging panel 230 using the slider channel as described herein
may be
advantageous for a user because other attachment methods (hook-and-loop, tape,
adhesives, etc.) may tend to weaken or fail over prolonged use of the modular
shade
system 200.
[0049] If the object, for example the window described above, is relatively
small it
may be covered by a single hanging panel 250. However, if the object is
relatively large, or
if the user simply wishes to cover the object with a plurality of smaller
panels instead of a
single, large panel, a plurality of tracks 210 may be installed in parallel
form, as shown in
Figs. 5 - 7.
[0050] Referring to Figs. 5 - 7, a window covering constructed from the
modular
shade system 200 which includes four parallel tracks 210 may be assembled.
Each track
210 in the four-track modular shade system 200 may be substantially identical,
and in some
window coverings, at least a portion of the tracks 210 are cut from a single,
longer track
member.
[0051] Previously, if a user wanted a four-track apparatus to cover a window
in her
home she may have had to order a custom-extruded, multi-track unitary shade
apparatus,
similar to the apparatus shown in Fig. 1. Ordering a custom-extruded multi-
channel track
may be expensive, may increase the delivery time of the product (as all
retailers may not
stock lengths of a variety of custom tracks) and may decrease installation
flexibility. For
example, installing a unitary shade apparatus to shade a window may require a
custom
piece of multi-channel track to be extruded to the exact length of the window.
Installing a
multi-channel track may also require that each channel run the entire width of
the window,
even if such a configuration is not needed or desired.
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[0052] In contrast, using the modular shade system 200 to construct a window
covering may be relatively lower cost, may decrease the delivery time of the
product, and
may increase design and installation flexibility.
[0053] A benefit associated with a modular shade system 200 may be the result
of
the modular nature of the tracks 210 and brackets 230. Specifically, each of
the tracks 210
required for a given installation may be cut from a longer length of track 210
kept in stock
by a retailer. In such a system, a plurality of longer track members can be
manufactured in
bulk by a manufacturer and then shipped to a local retailer. When given a
specific request
by a user, the retailer can then simply cut the longer track members into a
plurality of
appropriately sized tracks 210 for a given user. For example, if a user
requests a four-track
system to cover a window, the retailer may simply cut four, appropriately
sized tracks 210
from his stock of uniform, longer track members without having to place a
special order with
the manufacturer for a custom extruded four-channel track. In order to
assemble and
install the four-track system, the retailer may also provide a plurality of
brackets 230, each
bracket 230 having an appropriate number of apertures 232, as shown in Figs. 5
- 7. Once
assembled, the four-track modular window shade constructed using the shade
system 200
may include four sliders 220 supporting four corresponding hanging panels 250
that are
moveable along the length of their respective tracks 210.
[0054] In one embodiment of a four-panel window covering constructed from the
modular shade system 200, each hanging panel 250 may be the full width of the
window,
and positioning a varying number of hanging panels 250 in front of the window
may lead to
varying levels of light transmission into the room. In another embodiment of a
four-panel
window covering, each hanging panel 250 may be only a fraction of the width of
the
window, for example 1/4 of the width. In this configuration, the window may be
covered
when all four hanging panels 250 are aligned edge-to-edge, and may be
uncovered when
all four hanging panels 250 are moved from in front of the window. In some
uncovered
configurations, all four hanging panels 250 may be moved to the same side of
the window,
effectively moving into a stacked configuration where the four hanging panels
250 are
substantially aligned with each other. In another configuration, two hanging
panels 250
may be positioned on either side of the window, thereby creating a two panel
stack on each
side of the window. The window may also be partially covered when a user
positions any,
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or all, of the four hanging panels 250 in location intermediate the fully
covered and fully
open positions.
[0055] In yet another embodiment, a user may take advantage of the modular
nature
of the modular shade system 200 by varying the number of tracks 210 used along
the
entire length of a window covering. For example, as shown in Fig. 6, a user
may request
that a portion of the window covering have four overlapping tracks 210 (as
shown in the left
most bracket 230 in Fig. 6) while another portion of the window covering has
only two
overlapping tracks 210 (as shown in the right most bracket 230 in Fig. 6).
While both
brackets 230 in Fig. 6 are shown with four apertures 232, it is understood
that brackets 230
can be formed with any desired number of apertures 232 to support a
corresponding
number of tracks 210. For example, the right most bracket 230 in Fig. 6 could
be formed
having only two apertures 232. Varying track 210 numbers in this manner may
not have
been possible for a user installing a custom, multi-channel track 100.
[0056] When assembled in the substantially parallel configuration shown in
Figs. 6
and 7, the sliders 220 in each track 210 can be moved so that the hanging
panels 230 are
separated from each other and so that the hanging panels 230 at least
partially overlap
each other, as indicated by the dotted lines in Fig. 7.
[0057] Each track 210 in the four-track window covering may support its own
slider
220 and corresponding hanging panel 250 as described above. In one embodiment
of a
window covering constructed using the modular shade system 200, each slider
220 is free
to move along the length of its respective track, independent of the other
sliders 220 and
hanging panels 250. In another embodiment of a window covering constructed
using the
modular shade system 200, at least a portion of the sliders 220 or hanging
panels 250 are
linked to each other so that the movement of any given slider 220 is
translated to the
associated, connected sliders 220. In this configuration, a user may move a
plurality of
connected sliders 220 from the open position to the closed position, or vice
versa, simply
by moving one of the sliders 220.
[0058] Each of the four tracks 210 in these configurations are supported by
brackets
230 and may be attached using a nut 238 and bolt 237. The apertures 232 in the
bracket
230 may be spaced apart from each other a distance that allows multiple tracks
210 to be
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installed without any track 210 or slider 220 interfering with operation of an
adjacent track
210 or slider 220.
[0059] The outer surfaces of any track 210 may be treated to create an
aesthetic
effect desired by a user. For example, the outer surfaces of the track 210 may
be polished
metal or they may be painted or otherwise covered.
[0060] While the examples above described a window covering having i) a single
track 210 and ii) four tracks 210, it is understood that a window covering
constructed from
the modular shade system 200 can comprise any number of tracks 210 desired by
the
user.
[0061] Also, while an exemplary embodiment of the track 210 has been described
above, it is understood by those skilled in the art that the track 210 may be
of any cross-
sectional shape suitable for the uses described herein. For example, the track
210 cross-
sections may be square, rectangular, hexagonal, triangular, and octagonal or
any other
suitable shape. It is also understood that an track 210 may not have a uniform
cross-
section over its entire length.
[0062] In addition, it is understood that while the track 210 is described as
being
extruded, it may also be formed by any other suitable process, including
casting, forging,
milling, machining and molding. Further, while the track 210 is described as
being formed
from aluminum, it is understood that the track 210 could be made from any
other suitable
material including, wood, steel, copper and plastic.
[0063] While the above description provides examples of the embodiments, it
will be
appreciated that some features and/or functions of the described embodiments
are
susceptible to modification without departing from the spirit and principles
of operation of
the described embodiments. Accordingly, what has been described above has been
intended to be illustrative of the invention and non-limiting, and it will be
understood by
persons skilled in the art that other variants and modifications may be made
without
departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims appended
hereto.
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