Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
Cordless Roller Shade Mechanism
TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] This disclosure relates generally to coverings for building openings.
In
particular, this disclosure relates to a roller mechanism for roller blinds or
shades.
BACKGROUND
[0002] Roller shades are commonly used to cover the windows or other building
openings to control the amount of light intruding therefrom. A roller shade
typically
includes a length of fabric that is wound around a roller tube, which is
supported
between a pair of brackets that are installed to a wall or ceiling that are
adjacent to
the building opening so that the shade may cover the opening.
[0003] A roller shade also includes a mechanism to rotate the roller tube so
that
fabric can be deployed or retracted. Traditionally, this mechanism includes a
cord or
chain, which is in a loop, that is connected to a clutch mechanism disposed at
one
end of the roller tube. When the cord or chain is pulled, the clutch mechanism
transforms the pulling force to rotating force so that the roller tube is
rotated.
[0004] Although convenient to use, the cord or chain poses a strangulation
hazard,
especially to small children and pets. As a result, many jurisdictions impose
restrictions on the cords or chains, for example, by requiring them to be
rigidly
mounted to minimize any strangulation risks. However, such mounting requires
additional components and increases the costs.
[0005] As such, there is a need for a mechanism that removes the cords or
chains.
SUMMARY
[0006] A roller shade mechanism and the method of use thereof is provided.
1
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-14
[0007] The mechanism includes a tensioner, a stopper and a releaser. Each of
the
tensioner and the stopper is at least partially disposed in the roller tube,
and
engages the roller tube such that the tensioner, the stopper, and the roller
tube
rotate together.
[0008] The tensioner is tensioned when the roller tube is rotated to deploy
the
shade disposed on the roller tube.
[0009] The stopper is switchable between a stop position that stops the roller
tube
from rotating without an external force and a release position that allows the
roller
tube to rotate.
[0010] When the stopper is in the release position, the tensioner causes the
roller
tube to rotate such that the shade is retracted.
[0011] In some embodiments, the tensioner includes an axle housing, an axle
core
that is at least partially received in the axle housing, and a bias member.
The axle
housing is rotatable about the axle core. The bias member is connected to the
axle
housing and the axle core such that the bias member is tensioned when the axle
housing rotates about the axle core. When the tensioner is mounted to an end
bracket, the axle core is prevented from rotating.
[0012] In some embodiments, the stopper includes a housing and a second bias
member disposed in the housing. The second bias member is switchable between a
stop position and a release position. The second bias member engages the
housing
when it is in the stop position, and disengages from the housing when it is in
the
release position. A pin limiter is disposed in the housing. A coupler is at
least
partially disposed in the housing, and the coupler is rotatable relative to
the pin
limiter. The second bias member is connected to the pin limiter and the
coupler
such that the second bias member is deformed to switch between the stop and
the
release positions when the coupler rotates relative to the pin limiter.
2
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-14
[0013] In some embodiments, the stopper also includes an end housing, which is
connected to the pin limiter. When the stopper is mounted on an end bracket,
the
end housing is prevented from rotating, as is the pin limiter.
[0014] A shaft pin is partially received in the pin limiter such that it
rotates with
the pin limiter. The shaft pin is received through a hole in the housing such
that the
housing is rotatable about the shaft pin.
[0015] The housing engages the roller tube such the housing rotates with the
roller tube.
[0016] In some embodiments, the releaser includes a pull ring and a string
that is
operatively connected to the coupler such that when sufficient force is
imparted on
the string, the coupler rotates.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] Reference will now be made, by way of example, to the accompanying
drawings which show example embodiments of the present application, and in
which:
[0018] FIG. 1A shows one embodiment of the mechanism.
[0019] FIG. 1B shows the view from the stopper end of the mechanism of FIG.
1A.
[0020] FIG. 2 shows a A-A sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 1A.
[0021] FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of the end bracket on which the stopper is
disposed.
[0022] FIG. 4 shows one embodiment of the shaft pin.
[0023] FIG. 5A shows the perspective view of one embodiment of the housing of
the stopper.
[0024] FIG. 5B shows a top view of the housing of FIG. 5.
3
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-14
[0025] FIG. 5C shows a A-A sectional view of the housing of FIG. 5A.
[0026] FIG. 6A shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the pin limiter.
[0027] FIG. 6B is a top view of the pin limiter of FIG. 6A.
[0028] FIG. 6C shows a bottom view of the pin limiter of FIG. 6A.
[0029] FIG. 6D shows a B-B sectional view of the pin limiter of FIG. 6C.
[0030] FIG. 7A shows a perspective view of the coupler.
[0031] FIG. 7B shows a front plan view of the coupler.
[0032] FIG. 7C shows a side view of the coupler.
[0033] FIG. 7D shows a back plan view of the coupler, in which the hole is
shown
in a sectional view.
[0034] FIG. 8A shows a perspective view of one embodiment of the end housing
of
the stopper.
[0035] FIG. 8B shows a front view of the end housing of FIG. 8A.
[0036] FIG. 8C shows a sectional view along the A-A line of FIG. 8A.
[0037] FIG. 8D shows a back view of the end housing of FIG. 8A.
[0038] FIG. 9 shows an enlarged view of the portion I of FIG. 2.
[0039] FIG. 10 shows an embodiment of the end bracket on which the axle is
installed.
[0040] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the axle core.
[0041] FIG. 12 shows an enlarged view of the portion II of FIG. 2.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
4
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-14
[0042] It is noted that in the following detailed description features or
components
of different embodiments, which are identical or at least functionally
identical to the
corresponding features or components of another embodiment, are furnished with
the same reference numerals. To avoid unnecessary repetitions, features or
components that have already been explained on the basis of a previously
described
embodiment are no longer explained in detail at subsequent points.
[0043] Furthermore, it is noted that the following described embodiments only
represent a limited selection of possible variations of embodiments of the
invention.
In particular, it is possible to combine the features of individual
embodiments in a
suitable manner, such that a multitude of different embodiments can be viewed
as
obviously disclosed for the person skilled in the art with the embodiments
explicitly
described here.
[0044] Reference is now made to FIG. 1A, which shows one embodiment of the
mechanism 1.
[0045] The mechanism 1 includes a tensioner 10 and a stopper 30. The tensioner
10 is installed on a bracket 20. The stopper 30 is installed on a bracket 40.
A
releaser 90 is operatively connected to the stopper 30. The releaser 90
includes a
pull ring 901 and a string 902 that connects the pull ring 901 to the stopper
30.
[0046] The brackets 20 and 40 are installed on the wall or ceiling for
installation
of the roller blind or shade.
[0047] The mechanism 1 is configured to be received in a roller tube. The
protrusions 11 and 12 of the tensioner 10 and the protrusions 31 of the
stopper 30
engages the roller tube such that the tensioner 10 and the stopper 30 rotate
when
the roller tube rotates and vice versa.
[0048] FIG. 1B shows the view of the mechanism from the stopper end. The pull
ring 901 is connected by the string 902 to the stopper 30.
5
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-14
[0049] FIG. 2 shows the A-A sectional view of the mechanism of FIG. 1A.
[0050] The tensioner 10 includes an axle 13. The protrusions 12 are configured
on
one portion of the axle 13, for example, at one end of the axle 13 distal from
the
bracket 20.
[0051] A bias member 14 is disposed on the axle 13. In some embodiments, the
bias member 14 is a spring. In some embodiments, the bias member 14 is an
elastic
band.
[0052] One end of the bias member 14 is connected to the axle housing 132 of
the
axle 13. The protrusions 12 are disposed on the axel housing 132. Imparting a
rotational force on the protrusions 12 causes the axle housing 132 to rotate.
The
other end of the bias member 14 is connected to the axle core 131. The axle
housing
132 is rotatable about the axle core 131.
[0053] The protrusions 11 are disposed on one portion of the axle housing 132,
for
example, at one end of the axle 13 distal from the protrusions 12.
[0054] When the mechanism 1 is installed in a roller tube, the protrusions 11,
12,
and 31 engage the roller tube. When the shade on the roller tube is pulled to
deploy
the shade, the axle 13 and the stopper 30 rotate. The bias member 14 is
tensioned.
When the shade is released, the stopper 30 stops the roller tube from
rotating.
When the releaser 90 is pulled by sufficient force, the stopper 30 is switched
to a
release position, allowing the roller tube to rotate, while the bias member 14
retracts to release the tension stored therein and cause the roller tube to
rotate so
that the shade is retracted. When the shade is retracted to a desired
position, the
releaser 90 may be released so that the stopper 30 is switched to the stop
position so
that the roller tube stops rotating, and the shade is stopped from deploying
or
retracting.
6
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-14
[0055] When the bias member 14 comprises a spring, the spring is stretched
when
the shade is deployed. When the stopper 30 is switched the release position,
the
spring begins to return to its original position and causes the shade to
retract.
[0056] In some embodiments, the bias member 14 can be pre-tensioned so that
the
speed of the retraction of the roller shade can be adjusted as desired.
[0057] FIG. 3 shows one embodiment of the end bracket 40, on which the stopper
30 is disposed.
[0058] The bracket 40 includes a body 401. A projection 402 extends from the
body
401 substantially perpendicularly. Tabs 403 are configured on the projection
402.
The projection 402 is substantially a rectangular prism.
[0059] Holes 405 are configured on the ledge 404 such that the end bracket 405
can be installed on the ceiling or wall.
[0060] Reference is now made to FIG. 4, which shows an embodiment of the shaft
pin 6.
[0061] The shaft pin 6 includes a head 61, a neck 63 and a stem 62. Grooves 64
and ridges 65 are formed on the stem 62, substantially along the length and
axis of
the stem 62. In some embodiments, the neck 63 and the stem 62 has the same
cross-
section.
[0062] Reference is now made to FIGs. 5A, 5B, and 5C.
[0063] The housing 7 includes a hole 71 and protrusions 31. The protrusions 31
are configured to engage the interior surface of a roller tube such that the
housing 7
and the roller tube rotate simultaneously.
[0064] The housing 7 includes a cavity 72.
[0065] Reference is now made to FIGs. 6A, 6B, 6C, and 6D.
7
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-14
[0066] The pin limiter 5 includes a platform 502. A body 501 extends through
platform 502. A hole 504 is defined through the body 503. The body 501 extends
beyond the platform 502 to form a head 503.
[0067] The body 501 and the platform 502 are is substantially cylindrical.
[0068] The platform 502 includes a substantially cylindrical exterior wall 508
that
extends substantially parallel an axis of the body 501.
[0069] Walls 505 and 506 extend from the platform 502 between the body 501 and
the exterior wall 508 and extend beyond the body 501. A gap 507 is formed
between
the walls 505 and 506. One end of the bias member 16 may be disposed in the
gap
507 such that the bias member 16 is connected to the pin limiter 5.
[0070] At least a portion of the hole 504 has a cross-section that is
configured to
engage the shaft pin 6 such that the shaft pin 6 and the pin limiter 5 rotate
together. The cross-section includes grooves 509 that are configured to engage
the
protrusions 65 of the shaft pin 6. The grooves 509 are configured between
sections
510. In some embodiments, the sections 510 are arc-shaped. The shaft pin 6 and
the
pin limiter 5 may be of various shapes and sizes for the same purpose.
[0071] The portion of the pin limiter 5 with the cross-section that engages
the
shaft pin 6 extends through the head 503 and the platform 502.
[0072] Reference is now made to FIGs. 7A, 7B, 7C, and 7D.
[0073] The coupler 8 includes a platform 801, and a substantially cylindrical
wall
802 extends from the platform 801. A substantially cylindrical body 803 is
formed
within the wall 802. The body 803 and the wall 802 are concentric.
[0074] The body 803 defines a bore 804.
[0075] Walls 805 and 806 extend from the platform 801 between the wall 802 and
the body 803 beyond the body 803. A gap 807 is formed between the walls 805
and
806. One end of the bias member 16 may be disposed in the gap such that the
bias
8
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-14
member 16 is connected to the coupler 8. The wall 802 and the body 803 may
strengthen the walls 805 and 806.
[0076] Two holes 808 are disposed on the platform 801. The holes 808 allow the
string 902 to attach to the platform 801 such that the coupler 8 may be
rotated by
pulling the string 902. In some embodiments, there may be just one hole 808.
In
some embodiments, there may be more than two holes 808 disposed on the
platform
801. In some embodiments, there may be other structures disposed on the
platform
801 such that the string 902 can attach thereto. For example, there may be
protrusions disposed on the platform 801 for the string 902 to attach to. The
holes
808 are offset from the center of the bore 804 such that when the string 902
is
pulled, a rotational force is imparted on the coupler 8.
[0077] A ledge 809 is disposed on the side of the platform 801 opposite the
walls
805 and 806. The ledge 809 is in the form of an arc. The ledge may be of
various
shapes and sizes. A hole 810 is disposed on the ledge 809. The hole 810 is
configured
to allow the string 902 to pass through. The hole 810 is offset with respect
to the
bore 804 such that the coupler 8 rotates when the string 902 is pulled. In
some
embodiments, other structures such as protrusions, hooks, etc., are disposed
on the
platform 801 or the ledge 809 such that the string 902 can attach thereto.
[0078] In some embodiments, the coupler 8 does not include the holes 808. In
some
embodiments, the coupler 8 does not include the hole 810.
[0079] Reference is now made to FIGs. 8A, 8B, 8C, and 8D, which illustrate the
end housing 9 of the stopper 30.
[0080] The end housing 9 includes a body 92, which has a wall 91 that extends
therefrom. A hole 93 is defined in the wall 91. The hole 93 preferably faces
downwards when the housing 9 is installed.
[0081] The end housing 9 includes a stem 910 that that extends substantially
perpendicularly from the body 92, and a shaft 94 that extends substantially
9
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-14
perpendicularly from the stem 910. A bore 95 is formed from the end the shaft
94
away from the body 92. The bore 95 is shaped and sized to receive a portion of
the
pin 6. For example, the bore 95 includes grooves 951 to receive the ridges 65
of the
pin 6. As a result, if the end housing 9 does not rotate, the pin 6 does not
rotate.
[0082] A ledge 96 is configured on the body 92, which may guide the string 902
of
the releaser 90.
[0083] A bore 97 is formed in the stem 910 in a portion through the body 92.
The
stem 910 is larger in diameter than the shaft 904. In some embodiments, the
stem
910 and the shaft 904 have the same diameter.
[0084] The bore 97 includes grooves 971 that is configured to receive the tabs
404
of the end bracket 40, such that the stationary end bracket 40 stops the end
housing
9 from rotation.
[0085] A cavity 98 is formed in the between the bore 95 and the bore 97. A
hole 99
is formed in the stem between the cavity 98 and the bore 95.
[0086] Reference is now made to FIG. 9, which shows an enlarged view of
portion I
of FIG. 2.
[0087] The stopper 30 includes a housing 7, and the protrusions 31 are
configured
on the exterior of the housing 7.
[0088] The housing 7 includes a hole 71, through which the shaft pin 6 is
received.
The shaft pin 6 includes a head 61 that is sized and shaped so that the head
61
cannot be received through the hole 71. The shaft pin 6 also includes a neck
63 that
fit through the hole 71 so that the housing 7 may rotate about the shaft pin
6. The
neck 63 and the hole 71 may have very similar diameters.
[0089] A pin limiter 5 is disposed in the cavity 72 of the housing 7. A
portion of the
stem 62 of the shaft pin 6 is received in the pin limiter 5 so that shaft pin
6 and the
pin limiter 5 rotate together.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-14
[0090] A coupler 8 is partially disposed in the housing 7. The coupler 8 and
the pin
limiter 5 are connected by a bias member 16, which is a spring. The bias
member 16
may be of other composition or structure, for example, an elastic band.
[0091] At least a portion of the wall 802 is disposed in the housing 7 such
that the
housing 7 is rotatable about the wall 802.
[0092] The stem 910 and shaft 94 of end housing 9 is partially disposed in the
bore
804 of the coupler 8. The coupler 8 is rotatable about the shaft 94 of the end
housing
9.
[0093] A portion of the stem 62 of shaft pin 6 is received in the cavity 95 of
the end
housing 9. A connector 15 is disposed through the hole 99 and connects the
stem 62
of the shaft pin 6 and the end housing 9. The connector has an enlarged head
151
that is sized and shaped such that it cannot pass through the hole 99. Thus,
the
shaft pin 6 and the end housing 9 rotate together. When one of them does not
rotate, the other does not rotate either.
[0094] The projection 402 of end bracket 40 is received in the bore 97 and the
tab
403 is received in the groove 971 such that the rotation of the end housing 9
about
the projection 402 is blocked. When the end bracket 40 is installed, the end
housing
9, which is mounted on the end bracket 40, cannot rotate. The projection 402,
the
tab 403, and the bore 97 may be of other suitable shapes and sizes to achieve
the
same result.
[0095] The projection 402, tabs 403, the bore 97, and the grooves 971 may be
of
various sizes and shapes while the rotation of the end housing 9 about the
projection 402 is blocked.
[0096] The bias member 16 is switchable between a stop position and a release
position. In the stop position, the bias member 16 engages the interior
surface of the
housing 7 such that the rotation of the housing 7 is restricted. In the
release
position, the bias member 16 disengages from the interior surface of the
housing 7
11
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-14
such that the housing 7 can rotate. For example, the bias member 16 deforms to
disengage from the interior surface of the housing 7.
[0097] When the bias member 16 includes a spring, the spring is stretched in
the
release position and the diameter of the spring is reduced, such that the
friction
between the bias member 16 and the housing 7 is reduced. Further stretching
the
bias member 16 causes the spring to disengage from the interior surface of the
housing 7. When there is not sufficient force to stretch the spring, the
spring
engages the interior surface of the housing 7, and with reduced stretching
force, the
friction between the bias member 16 and the interior surface of the housing 7
increases. When there is no stretching force or the stretching force is
smaller than a
threshold value, the spring returns to the stop position such that the housing
70
does not rotate.
[0098] When the roller shade is pulled to be extended, a rotational force is
imparted on the roller tube, which is transferred to the housing 7 through the
protrusions 31. When this force is larger than the frictional force between
the bias
member 16 and the housing 7, the housing 7 rotates. In some embodiments, the
frictional force between the bias member 16 and the housing 7 causes the speed
of
the extension of the roller shade to be in a controlled manner.
[0099] When the coupler 8 is rotated relative to the pin limiter 5, the bias
member
16 is switched to the release position.
[0100] The housing 7, the shaft pin 6, the pin limiter 5, the coupler 8, and
the
shaft 94 of the end housing 9 are coaxial.
[0101] The string 902 of the releaser 90 is attached to the coupler 8. When
the
string 902 is pulled, a rotational force is imparted on the coupler 8. When
the force
is sufficient, i.e., larger than a threshold value, the coupler 8 rotates such
that the
bias member 16 is deformed.
[0102] Reference is now made to FIG. 10.
12
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-14
[0103] The end bracket 20 includes a body 201. A projection 202 extends
substantially perpendicularly from the body 201. Protrusions 203 are disposed
on
the sides of the projection 203. The projection 202 is substantially
cylindrical.
[0104] A ledge 204 extends from the body 201. Holes 205 are configured on the
ledge 204 such that the end bracket 20 can be installed on the ceiling or the
wall.
[0105] FIG. 11 shows a perspective view of the axle core 131.
[0106] The axle core 131 includes the stem 1311 and an enlarged portion 1312.
A
groove 1313 is configured about the circumference of the enlarged portion.
[0107] FIG. 12 shows the sectional view of portion II of the embodiment of
FIG. 2.
[0108] The projection 202 and the protrusions 203 are disposed in the cavity
1314
of the axle core 131. Thus, the rotation of the axle core 131 about the
projection 202
is blocked.
[0109] The axle core 131 is received in the axle housing 132. The axle housing
132
and the axle core 131 are connected by connectors 17, which are disposed
through
the wall 1321 of the axle housing 132 into the groove 1313. As such, the axle
housing 132 can rotate about the axle core 131, while the longitudinal
movement of
the axle housing 132 relative to the axle core 131 is blocked.
[0110] The protrusions 11 are disposed on the axle housing 132. The
protrusions
11 engage the interior surface of a roller tube. When the roller tube is
rotated, the
axle housing 132 rotates about the axle core 131.
[0111] The axle housing 132 and the axle core 131 are coaxial.
[0112] A method for using the mechanism 1 is also provided. The end brackets
20
and 40 are installed on the wall or ceiling. The mechanism 1 is in a roller
tube.
Interreference fit is formed between the protrusions 11, 12, and 31 and the
interior
surface of the roller tube.
13
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-14
[0113] When the user wants to extend the shade, the shade is pulled. When the
force overcomes the frictional force between the bias member 16 and the
housing 7,
the roller tube rotates, and the bias member 14 is tensioned.
[0114] When the shade is extended to a desired position, the user releases the
.. shade, and the frictional force between the bias member 16 and the housing
7
causes the housing 7 to stop rotating, thus stopping the roller tube from
rotating.
[0115] When the user wants to retract the shade, the user pulls the pull ring
901,
and a rotational force is imparted on the coupler 8 through the string 902.
When
this force overcomes the resistance force imparted by the bias member 16, the
bias
.. member 16 stretches, and the frictional force between the bias member 16
and the
housing 7 is reduced. When the frictional force is reduced enough, for
example,
when the bias member 16 disengages from the housing 7, the tension stored in
the
bias member 14 causes the axle housing 132 to rotate, which in turn causes the
roller tube to rotate, and the rotational force is transferred to the housing
7, which
rotates as well. As a result, the shade is retracted.
[0116] When the shade is retracted to the desired position, the user releases
the
pull ring 901, the bias member 16 retracts and engages the interior surface
the
housing 7 such that the frictional force therebetween increases, causing the
housing
7 to stop rotating, and the roller tube is stopped.
.. [0117] The preceding discussion provides many example embodiments. The
disclosure includes all reasonably combinations of the elements of the various
embodiments.
[0118] The term "connected," "attached to" or similar expression may indicate
that
the elements are directly connected to each other or connected through other
components.
[0119] Although the embodiments have been described in detail, it should be
understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made
herein.
14
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-14
[0120] Furthermore, the scope of the present application is not intended to be
limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture,
composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the
specification. As
persons skilled in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure of the
present
invention, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means,
methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed, that perform
substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as
the
corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized. Accordingly, the
appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes,
machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-09-14
