Note: Descriptions are shown in the official language in which they were submitted.
OPERATING DEVICE FOR A WINDOW COVERING
FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE
[0001] The present disclosure relates to an operating device for a
window covering
and, in particular, to an operating device for a window covering such as a
Roman blind,
pleated blind and/or a horizontal blind. The instant disclosure also relates
to such operating
device and a window covering assembly.
BACKGROUND
[0002] There are national and international regulations regarding the
safety of window
coverings in place in order to prevent injuries to people, and in particular
children. The aim
of these so-called child-safety regulations is, inter alia, to prevent
children from suffocating
as a result of becoming trapped in the loop of a cord or a chain. A known
measure to meet
these is the provision of a window covering in which the operating device is
provided with
a drive wheel provided with a cord or chain which is removably accommodated in
a
housing of the operating device. If excessive force is applied to the cord or
the chain, and
thus to the drive wheel, the cord or the chain will be removed from the
housing, together
with the drive wheel. By means of such a device, it is possible to prevent a
child from
becoming entangled with the cord and suffering serious injuries as a result.
Another
example to meet the child-safety regulation is by providing a cordless
operating device for
window shades or window blinds. Such cordless devices or systems can typically
be
operated manually controlled lifting and lowering of a bottom rail of the
window shade or
blind or via electrically controlled lifting and lowering of said window
shade. However,
also the cordless operating device could still have a cord construction
configured to retain
the window blind, for example a Roman blind or alternatively a honeyflex blind
or vertical
sheer.
[0003] This background information is provided to reveal information
believed by the
applicant to be of possible relevance. No admission is necessarily intended,
nor should be
construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art or
forms part of the
general common knowledge in the relevant art.
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SUMMARY
[0004] The following presents a simplified summary of the general
inventive
concept(s) described herein to provide a basic understanding of some aspects
of the
disclosure. This summary is not an extensive overview of the disclosure. It is
not intended
to restrict key or critical elements of embodiments of the disclosure or to
delineate their
scope beyond that which is explicitly or implicitly described by the following
description
and claims.
[0005] A need exists for an operating device for a window covering that
overcomes
some of the drawbacks of known devices, or at least, provides a useful
alternative thereto.
.. Some aspects of this disclosure provide examples of such an improved
operating device
for a relatively child-safe window covering or at least to provide an
alternative to the known
operating device for (cordless) window coverings.
[0006] In accordance with one aspect, there is provided an operating
device for a
window covering such as a Roman blind, pleated blind and/or a horizontal
blind,
.. comprising: at least one carrying structure;
- at least one pull cord connected or connectable to a bottom rail of a window
covering, wherein operating the pull cord enables lowering and/or raising of
the
bottom rail with respect to the carrying structure;
- at least one lifting element configured for guiding the pull cord at least
during
lowering and/or raising the window covering;
- at least one ladder cord configured for supporting at least part of the
window
covering;
wherein the operating device comprises a plurality of blocking elements,
wherein at least
one blocking element and preferably each blocking element at least engages or
is attached
to at least one pull cord such that movement of the pull cord relative to the
ladder cord is
restricted.
[0007] In one aspect, there is provided an operating device for a window
covering such
as a horizontal blind which comprises at least one carrying structure and at
least one pull
cord connected or connectable to a bottom rail of a window covering. Operating
the pull
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cord enables lowering and/or raising of the bottom rail with respect to the
carrying
structure. There is also provided at least one lifting element configured for
guiding the pull
cord at least during lowering and/or raising the window covering and at least
one ladder
cord configured for supporting at least part of the window covering. The
operating device
also comprises a plurality of blocking elements, wherein at least one blocking
element and
preferably each blocking element is at least engaged or is attached to at
least one pull cord
such that movement of the pull cord relative to the ladder cord is restricted.
[0008] In some embodiments, the multiple blocking elements are
positioned at a
distance from another over the length of the pull cord.
[0009] In some embodiments, two adjacent blocking elements enclose at least
one rung
of the ladder cord.
[0010] In some embodiments, at least one blocking element is positioned
between two
adjacent rungs of the ladder cord.
[0011] In some embodiments, at least one blocking element encloses at
least part of at
least one ladder cord, in particular at least part of a rung of the ladder
cord.
[0012] In some embodiments, at least one blocking element is attached to
at least one
pull cord and to at least one ladder cord, in particular to at least one rung
of the ladder cord.
[0013] In some embodiments, at least part of at least one blocking
element is
substantially flexible. In some embodiments, at least part of at least one
blocking element
is substantially rigid.
[0014] In some embodiments, at least part of at least one blocking
element pierces
through at least one pull cord.
[0015] In some embodiments, at least one blocking element encloses at
least one pull
cord.
[0016] In some embodiments, at least one blocking element is made of the
same
material as the ladder cord and/or the pull cord.
[0017] In some embodiments, at least one blocking element forms an
integral part of
the pull cord.
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[0018] In some embodiments, at least part of at least one blocking
elements extends in
a direction away from the longitudinal direction of the pull cord.
[0019] In some embodiments, the operating device further comprises at
least one sleeve
configured to at least partially enclose the at least one pull cord.
[0020] In some embodiments, the operating device further comprises at least
one
connector for connecting at least one sleeve to the carrying structure.
[0021] In some embodiments, the connector is at least partially
resilient.
[0022] In some embodiments, at least part of the connector comprises a
spring.
[0023] In some embodiments, at least part of the connector is positioned
substantially
below at least one drive shaft.
[0024] In another aspect, there is provided an operating device for a
window covering
such as a horizontal blind which comprises at least one carrying structure and
at least one
pull cord directly or indirectly connected or connectable to a bottom rail of
a window
covering, wherein operating the pull cord enables lowering and/or raising of
the bottom
rail with respect to the carrying structure. There is also provided at least
one lifting element
configured for guiding the pull cord at least during lowering and/or raising
the window
covering. The operating device further comprises a plurality of blocking
elements,
positioned along the length of the pull cord, in which the blocking elements,
and preferably
each blocking element, cooperate between at least part of the pull cord and
part of the
window covering, such that movement of the pull cord relative to the window
covering is
restricted.
[0025] In some embodiments, multiple blocking elements are positioned at
a distance
from another over the length of the pull cord.
[0026] In some embodiments, at least part of at least one blocking
element is
substantially flexible.
[0027] In some embodiments, at least part of at least one blocking
element is
substantially rigid.
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[0028] In some embodiments, at least part of at least one blocking
element pierces
through at least one pull cord.
[0029] In some embodiments, at least one blocking element encloses at
least one pull
cord.
[0030] In some embodiments, at least one blocking element is made of the
same
material as the pull cord.
[0031] In some embodiments, at least one blocking element forms integral
part of the
pull cord.
[0032] In some embodiments, at least part of at least one blocking
elements extends in
a direction away from the longitudinal direction of the pull cord.
[0033] In some embodiments, the operating device further comprises at
least one sleeve
configured to at least partially enclose the at least one pull cord.
[0034] In some embodiments, the operating device further comprises at
least one
connector for connecting at least one sleeve to the carrying structure.
[0035] In some embodiments, the connector is at least partially resilient.
[0036] In some embodiments, at least part of the connector comprises a
spring.
[0037] In some embodiments, at least part of the connector is positioned
substantially
below at least one drive shaft.
[0038] In yet another aspect, there is provided an assembly of a window
covering, in
particular a horizontal blind, and at least one operating device as described
herein.
[0039] In some embodiments of the assembly, at least one blocking
element is attached
to at least part of the window covering.
[0040] In some embodiments of the assembly, at least one blocking
element is
positioned a lower part of a slat or window covering part of the window
covering.
[0041] Other aspects, features and/or advantages will become more apparent
upon
reading of the following non-restrictive description of specific embodiments
thereof, given
by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings.
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BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES
[0042] Several embodiments of the present disclosure will be provided,
by way of
examples only, with reference to the appended drawings, wherein:
[0043] Figures la and lb show schematic perspective views of an exemplary
embodiment of an operating device according to the instant disclosure;
[0044] Figure 2 shows an expanded perspective view of a first exemplary
blocking
element embodiment for use in an operating device of Figures la and lb
according to the
instant disclosure;
[0045] Figures 3a and 3b show an expanded perspective view of second
exemplary
blocking element embodiment for use in an operating device of Figures la and
lb
according to the instant disclosure; and
[0046] Figure 4 shows an expanded perspective view detailing part of an
exemplary
operating device of Figures la and lb according to instant disclosure.
[0047] Elements in the several figures are illustrated for simplicity and
clarity and have
not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of
the elements
in the figures may be emphasized relative to other elements for facilitating
understanding
of the various presently disclosed embodiments. Also, common, but well-
understood
elements that are useful or necessary in commercially feasible embodiments are
often not
depicted in order to facilitate a less obstructed view of these various
embodiments of the
present disclosure.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0048] Various implementations and aspects of the specification will be
described with
reference to details discussed below. The following description and drawings
are
illustrative of the specification and are not to be construed as limiting the
specification.
Numerous specific details are described to provide a thorough understanding of
various
implementations of the present specification. However, in certain instances,
well-known or
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conventional details are not described in order to provide a concise
discussion of
implementations of the present specification.
[0049] Various devices will be described below to provide examples of
the device
disclosed herein. No device n described below limits any claimed device and
any claimed
devices may cover devices that differ from those described below. The claimed
device
described below or to features common to multiple or all of the devices
described below.
It is possible that a device described below is not an implementation of any
claimed subject
matter.
[0050] Furthermore, numerous specific details are set forth in order to
provide a
thorough understanding of the implementations described herein. However, it
will be
understood by those skilled in the relevant arts that the devices 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
implementations described herein.
[0051] In this specification, elements may be described as "configured to"
perform one
or more functions or "configured for" such functions. In general, an element
that is
configured to perform or configured for performing a function is enabled to
perform the
function, or is suitable for performing the function, or is adapted to perform
the function,
or is operable to perform the function, or is otherwise capable of performing
the function.
[0052] It is understood that for the purpose of this specification,
language of "at least
one of X, Y, and Z" and "one or more of X, Y and Z" may be construed as X
only, Y only,
Z only, or any combination of two or more items X, Y, and Z (e.g., XYZ, XY,
YZ, ZZ, and
the like). Similar logic may be applied for two or more items in any
occurrence of "at least
one ..." and "one or more..." language.
[0053] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used
herein have the
same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to
which this
disclosure belongs.
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[0054] Throughout the specification and claims, the following terms take
the meanings
explicitly associated herein, unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
The phrase "in
one of the embodiments" or "in at least one of the various embodiments" as
used herein
does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, though it may. Furthermore,
the phrase
"in another embodiment" or "in some embodiments" as used herein does not
necessarily
refer to a different embodiment, although it may. Thus, as described below,
various
embodiments may be readily combined, without departing from the scope or
spirit of the
innovations disclosed herein.
[0055] In addition, as used herein, the term "or" is an inclusive "or"
operator, and is
equivalent to the term "and/or," unless the context clearly dictates
otherwise. The term
"based on" is not exclusive and allows for being based on additional factors
not described,
unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. In addition, throughout the
specification, the
meaning of "a," "an," and "the" include plural references. The meaning of "in"
includes
"in" and "on."
[0056] As used in the specification and claims, the singular forms "a",
"an" and "the"
include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.
[0057] The term "comprising" as used herein will be understood to mean
that the list
following is non-exhaustive and may or may not include any other additional
suitable
items, for example one or more further feature(s), component(s) and/or
element(s) as
appropriate.
[0058] The operating device according to the instant disclosure may have
several
benefits over conventional operating devices for window coverings such as a
Roman blind,
pleated blind, horizontal blind, honeyflex blind and/or vertical sheer. The
application of a
plurality of blocking elements, wherein at least one blocking element and
preferably each
blocking element at least engages or is attached to at least one pull cord
such that movement
of the pull cord relative to the ladder cord is restricted prevents that the
pull cord could get
loosened thereby forming a loop. The formation of loops in the pull cord is
highly
undesirable as this could lead to strangulation danger for a child. Due to the
blocking
element(s) engaging and/or being attached to the at least one pull cord, the
degree of
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freedom of the pull cord can be limited. The blocking elements are in
particular configured
to restrict the movement of the pull cord relative to the ladder cord and/or
relative to the
window covering. It is the pull cord who forms the biggest danger since this
typically
relatively long cord extends over the entire length of the window covering.
The ladder cord
benefits of a ladder configuration wherein the ladder beams and ladder rungs
and the
cooperation with the window covering prevent the ladder cord from loop
formation.
[0059] The operating device according to the instant disclosure could
also be referred
to as an operating mechanism. When it is referred to a pull cord also a lift
string or pull
string could be mentioned. The ladder cord typically comprises a plurality of
rungs which
are positioned between two ladder beams. The ladder cord is typically
substantially
flexible. The pull cord is in particular connected to the drive shaft and
configured for
driving and thereby lowering and/or raising the window covering. The ladder
cord, or
ladder string, is in particular configured to support the window covering, and
in particular
the slats and/or window covering parts thereof. The ladder cord, or ladder
string, can also
be configured to allow slats or window covering parts of the window covering
to rotate to
let in light. The carrying structure according to the instant disclosure is in
particular
configured to accommodate at least part of the further components of the
operating device,
such as the drive shaft and/or drive wheels, if applied. When it is referred
to carrying
structure, also a housing could also be meant.
[0060] The operating device according to the instant disclosure could
optionally
comprise at least one axially rotatable cord spool configured for lowering and
raising, or
winding up and unwinding, at least one pull cord thereby lowering and/or
raising a window
covering and in particular a bottom rail thereof. For such embodiment, the
operating device
preferably comprises at least one drive shaft connected to the at least one
cord spool. It is
also conceivable that the lifting element comprises at least one axially
rotatable cord spool
configured for lowering and raising (or winding up and unwinding) at least one
pull cord
thereby lowering and/or raising a window covering and preferably at least one
drive shaft
connected to the at least one cord spool. Alternatively, the lifting element
may be
configured to keep the pull cord in an unrolled configuration. The lifting
element could
also be referred to as winding mechanism.
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[0061] The function of the blocking elements is to restrict movement of
the pull cord
in particular relative to the ladder cord and thus to prevent loop forming of
the pull cord. It
is in particular a goal to prevent loop formation wherein a loop larger than
30 cm, in
particular larger than 20 cm and more in particular larger than 15 cm can be
formed. It is
in particular a goal to prevent loop formation wherein a loop larger than is
22 cm is formed.
In order to ensure that loop formation is prevented over the entire length of
the pull cord,
it is preferred that at least two blocking elements are positioned at a
predetermined distance
from another over the length of the pull cord. Preferably, multiple blocking
elements are
positioned at a (predetermined) distance from another over the length of the
pull cord. In
this way, the plurality of blocking elements could be strategically positioned
thereby
ensuring that the degree of freedom of at least the pull cord is limited over
different sections
of said pull cord.
[0062] The ladder cord typically comprises a plurality of rungs which
are positioned
between two ladder beams. In a preferred embodiment, the device is configured
such that
two adjacent blocking elements enclose at least one rung of the ladder cord.
It is also
conceivable that two adjacent blocking elements enclose multiple rungs of the
ladder cord.
Depending on the further dimensions of the ladder cord and the window covering
as such,
it is for example imaginable that a blocking element is positioned at every
other rungs of
the ladder cord. It is for example also conceivable that at least one blocking
element is
positioned between two adjacent rungs of the ladder cord. In this way a
relatively stable
configuration is obtained wherein the pull cord is restricted substantially
within the distance
between the rungs.
[0063] In a preferred embodiment, at least one blocking element encloses
at least part
of at least one ladder cord, in particular at least part of a rung of the
ladder cord. In this
way, a co-action between the blocking element(s) and the ladder cord can be
obtained. It
is preferred that the blocking element encloses the rung instead of another
part of the ladder
cord, since enclosing the rung would be beneficial for the overall balance
and/or stability
of the configuration. The ladder cord could positively contribute to the
positioning of the
blocking element with respect to the pull cord. This is also beneficial as the
ladder cord
could also contribute to limiting the degree of freedom of the pull cord. It
is in particular
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beneficial if at least one blocking element is attached to at least one pull
cord and to at least
one ladder cord, in particular to at least one rung of the ladder cord. In
this way, the
blocking element forms a fixation point for the pull cord and the ladder cord.
This may not
only lead to the prevention of loop formation, but may also positively
contribute to a more
stable configuration of the window covering as such.
[0064] Preferably, at least part of at least one blocking element is
substantially flexible.
Hence, it is for example conceivable that at least part of the blocking
element is formed by
a wire. It is also conceivable that the blocking element is a knotted wire.
Hence, it is
conceivable that the blocking element is a knotted wire which is attached to
the pull cord
and/or wherein the knotted wire encloses a rung of the ladder cord. It is
imaginable that the
knotted wire is not fixated to the ladder cord, and in particular the rung
thereof, but that the
knotted wire could freely slide over the rung of the ladder cord. It is
preferred that the
knotted wire is fixated with respect to the pull cord. It is also imaginable
that at least one
knotted wire, or multiple knotted wires are formed out of the pull cord.
Hence, the blocking
elements could form integral part of the pull cord. This results in an
embodiment where
there may not be a need for extra component and wherein the complexity can be
reduced.
[0065] It is also imaginable that at least part of at least one blocking
element is
substantially rigid. At least one blocking element could for example be a
button or button-
like. At least one blocking element could for example be substantially flat.
It is also
possible that at least part of at least one blocking element follows the shape
of at least part
of the window covering. At least part of the blocking element could be
substantially
complementary to at least part of the window covering. In particular in case a
relatively
rigid window covering, such as wood and/or a rigid polymer, is applied, it is
beneficial if
the blocking element is configured to engage the window covering. A
complementary
shape could be beneficial for the stability of the overall configuration.
[0066] The shape of the blocking element could be adjusted based upon
the window
covering as applied and/or the types of pull cord and ladder cord as applied.
Hence, it is
conceivable that at least one blocking element is substantially round, square,
oval,
triangular, rectangular and/or a free form. Optionally, at least one blocking
element is
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substantially flat. The blocking element preferably comprises at least one
receiving space
and/or through hole for receiving at least part of the pull cord.
[0067] In a preferred embodiment, the blocking element is configured
such that at least
part of at least one blocking element pierces through at least one pull cord.
In this way a
decent connection and/or cooperation between the blocking element and the pull
cord can
be obtained. Preferably the part of the blocking element which pierces the
pull cord has a
smaller width than the width of the pull cord. Optionally, at least one
blocking element
could be made of the same material as the ladder cord and/or the pull cord. It
is also
conceivable that at least one blocking element forms integral part of the pull
cord. Hence,
at least some of the blocking elements could be present in the form of knots
made out of
the pull cord. It is also conceivable that the pull cord comprises local
bulges, nodes and/or
protrusions which form blocking elements.
[0068] Preferably at least one blocking element substantially encloses
at least one pull
cord. It could herewith be prevented that the blocking element and the pull
cord would get
detached.
[0069] It is conceivable that the window covering forms part of the
device according
to the instant disclosure. In a possible embodiment, at least one blocking
element is
attached to at least part of the window covering. In this manner, the blocking
element could
effectively restrict movement of the pull cord at a predetermined position. It
is beneficial
if the pull cord is restricted relative to the window covering as this could
lead to a more
controlled raising and lowering of the window covering.
[0070] In a preferred embodiment, at least part of at least one blocking
elements
extends in a direction away from the longitudinal direction of the pull cord.
The blocking
element could for example extend radially from the pull cord.
[0071] The device could also comprise at least one sleeve configured to at
least
partially enclose at least one pull cord. The use of a sleeve provides a
protective function
for the pull cord. It can also be said that at least one pull cord comprises a
sleeve. The
sleeve could for example be a knitted sock. The sleeve could also positively
contribute to
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the movement restriction of the pull cord with respect to the ladder cord. In
case a sleeve
is applied, the device according to the instant disclosure preferably
comprises at least one
connector for connecting at least one sleeve to the carrying structure.
Preferably, the
connector is at least partially resilient. It is also conceivable that at
least part of the
connector is resilient. At least part of the connector could for example
comprise a spring.
The spring could for example be a helical spring which preferably extends in
the (vertical
and/or longitudinal) direction of the pull cord. The connector could also be
formed by a
spring. Preferably, at least part of the connector is positioned substantially
below at least
one drive shaft. In this way could the connector positively contribute to
accurate outlining
of the sleeve with respect to the pull cord.
[0072] The instant disclosure also relates to an operating device for a
window covering
such as a horizontal blind, comprising at least one carrying structure, at
least one pull cord
directly or indirectly connected or connectable to a bottom rail of a window
covering,
wherein operating the pull cord enables lowering and/or raising of the bottom
rail with
respect to the carrying structure, at least one lifting element configured for
guiding the pull
cord at least during lowering and/or raising the window covering, wherein the
operating
device comprises a plurality of blocking elements, positioned along the length
of the pull
cord, which blocking elements, preferably each blocking element, cooperate
between at
least part of the pull cord and part of the window covering, such that
movement of the pull
cord relative to the window covering is restricted. Hence, it is conceivable
that the blocking
elements are applied in an embodiment which does not comprise a ladder cord.
The same
technical effect can be reached as the function of the blocking elements is to
prevent
movement of the pull cord relative to the window covering. It is in particular
a goal to
prevent loop formation wherein a loop larger than 30 cm, in particular larger
than 20 cm
and more in particular larger than 15 cm can be formed. It is in particular a
goal to prevent
loop formation wherein a loop larger than is 22 cm is formed. Any of the
embodiments
described above can apply to the embodiment without a ladder cord too.
[0073] The instant disclosure also relates to an assembly of a window
covering, in
particular a Roman blind, a pleated blind and/or a horizontal blind, and at
least one
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operating device according to the instant disclosure. Any of the described
embodiments of
the operating device according to the instant disclosure could be applied.
[0074] The window covering could also be a honeyflex blind and/or a
vertical sheer.
The window covering could for comprise a lower beam and/or an upper beam. Said
beams
could positively contribute to more controlled operation of the window blind.
In a possible
embodiment, at least one blocking element is attached to at least part of the
window
covering. In this manner, the blocking element could effectively restrict
movement of the
pull cord at a predetermined position. It is beneficial if the pull cord is
restricted relative to
the window covering as this could lead to a more controlled raising and
lowering of the
window covering. Typically, the window covering comprises multiple openings
through
which the pull cord is received. The openings are typically centrally located.
It is beneficial
if at least one opening, and preferably multiple or each opening of the window
covering
though which the pull cord is designed such that the blocking elements cannot
pass through
the opening. Hence, the smallest distance of a surface defined by at least one
blocking
element is preferably larger than the smallest distance of a surface defined
by at least one
opening of the window covering through which at least one pull cord is
received.
[0075] It is beneficial if at least one blocking element is positioned a
lower part of a
slat or window covering part of the window covering. In this way, the window
covering
could form a protective function for the blocking element. It is also
beneficial from
aesthetic point of view if the window covering at least partially shields the
blocking
element(s).
[0076] The device described herein provides, in accordance with
different
embodiments and different examples an operating device for a window covering.
The
device will be further elucidated by means of non-limiting exemplary
embodiments
illustrated in the following figures, in which:
- Figures la and la show a schematic representation of a first
possible
embodiment of an operating device according to the instant disclosure;
- Figure 2 shows a first possible example of a blocking element for
use in an
operating device according to instant disclosure;
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- Figures 3a and 3b show a second possible embodiment of a blocking
element
for use in an operating device according to the instant disclosure; and
- Figure 4 shows a detailed view of part of an operating device
according to the
instant disclosure.
[0077] With reference to Figure 1 a and in accordance with at least one
exemplary
embodiment, an operating device for a window covering, generally referred to
using the
numeral 1, will now be described where Figures la and lb show a possible
embodiment of
an operating device 1 for a window covering according to the instant
disclosure. The
figures in particular show an assembly of a window covering 10 and an
operating device 1
according to the instant disclosure. In the shown embodiment of Figures la and
lb, the
window covering 10 comprises a plurality of slats 10a which are operable via
the operating
device 1. In order to provide a more thorough understanding for the device
disclosed herein,
Figures la and lb each show a perspective view of the assembly.
[0078] The operating device 1 is in particular configured for operating
a window
covering such as a Roman blind, pleated blind and/or a horizontal blind. The
operating
device 1 as shown comprises a carrying structure 2, a plurality of lifting
elements 3, in
particular axially rotatable cord spools 3 wherein each cord spool 3 is
configured for
winding up and unwinding a pull cord 4 thereby lowering and/or raising a
window covering
10. The device also comprises a plurality of ladder cords 5 configured for
supporting at
least part of the window covering 10. In the shown embodiment, the pull cords
4 are
connected to a beam 6 which could also be lowered and raised via the pull
cords 4. The
pull cord 4 extends though through holes present in the window covering 10.
The ladder
cord 5 encloses the window covering parts. The device 1 further comprises a
drive shaft
connected to the cord spools 3. The operating device 1 further comprises a
plurality of
blocking elements 7. In the shown configuration is each blocking element 7
attached to a
pull cord 4 such that movement of the pull cord 4 relative to the ladder cord
5 is restricted.
More specifically, the blocking elements 7 enclose part of the ladder cord 5,
in particular
part of a rung 5a of the ladder cord 5. The blocking elements 7 are attached
to both a pull
cord 4 and a ladder cord 5, thereby ensuring restriction of movement of the
pull cord 4 with
respect to the ladder cord 5 in an efficient manner. In the shown the
exemplary embodiment
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of the figures, multiple blocking elements 7 are positioned at a distance from
another over
the length of the pull cord 4. In particular, between each slat 10a of the
covering 10 a
blocking element 7 is positioned. The blocking elements 7 enclose the pull
cord 4 to which
they are connected. In the embodiment shown, each blocking element 7 is
present in the
form of a knotted wire. The blocking elements 7 of the present embodiment are
substantially flexible. The device 1, in some embodiments, further comprises
sleeves 8
configured to at least partially enclose a pull cord 4. The sleeves 8 are
connected via a
connector 9 to the carrying structure 2. The optional sleeve 8 and connector 9
are shown in
more detail in Figure 4. In the shown embodiment, the device 1 is configured
for cordless
operation of the window covering 10.
[0079] Figure 2 shows a detailed view of a blocking element 7 according
to the instant
disclosure as applied in the embodiment of the operating device 1 according to
the device
as shown in Figures la and lb. Figure 2 shows a ladder cord 5, having rungs 5a
which
extend between two vertically extending ladder beams 5b and a pull cord 4. The
pull cord
4 is enclosed by a sleeve 8. An upper part of Figure 2 shows the situation
wherein no
blocking element is applied, hence, the pull cord 4 can freely move relative
to the ladder
cord 5. The bottom part of the figure shows the presence of a blocking element
7, which is
pierced through the pull cord 4 and which connects the pull cord 4 and the
ladder cord 5
together. Free movement of the pull cord 4 is not possible anymore since the
blocking
element 7 will form a restrictive boundary for the pull cord 4. This is in
particular the
successful in case multiple blocking elements 7 are periodically located over
the length of
the pull cord 4, for example as shown in Figures la and lb. The blocking
element 7 is
positioned below a lower side of a slat 10a. This is beneficial from aesthetic
point of view,
since the slats 10a basically cover the blocking elements 7.
[0080] Figures 3a and 3b show yet another possible embodiment of a blocking
element
17 according to the instant disclosure configured for use in an operating
device 1 according
to the instant disclosure. Each figure shows a perspective view, wherein it is
focused on
the blocking element 17. An upper part of the figure shows the situation
wherein no
blocking element is applied, hence, the pull cord 4 can freely move relative
to the ladder
cord 5. The bottom part of the figure shows the presence of a blocking element
17, which
16
3065P-DWC-CAD1
Date Recue/Date Received 2022-10-07
is pierced through the pull cord 4 and which forms a boundary for the pull
cord 4 such that
movement of the pull cord 4 with respect to the ladder cord 5 is restricted.
In the shown
embodiment, the blocking element 17 is substantially rigid and part of the
blocking element
pierces 17 through the pull cord 4. The blocking element 17 is attached to
part of the
window covering 10, in particular to a slat 10a thereof. The figure shows that
the blocking
element 17 is configured such that the blocking element 17 cannot be displaced
through
the opening of the slat 10a since the rigid and configuration and shape of the
blocking
element 17 prevent it therefrom. The blocking element 17 is positioned a lower
part of a
slat 10a or window covering part 10a of the window covering 10. The blocking
element 17
is not attached to the ladder cord 5. The blocking element 17 engages the
blocking element
17 in the shown configuration. Part of the blocking element 17 extends in a
direction away
from the longitudinal direction of the pull cord 4. The ladder cord 5 as shown
is in particular
a ladder band 5, having relatively wide ladder beams 5b in combination with
ladder rungs
5a.
[0081] Figure 4 shows a detailed view of part of an embodiment of an
operating device
1 according to the instant disclosure, in particular a detailed view of the
embodiment as
shown in Figures la and lb. The operating device 1 as shown comprises a
carrying
structure 2, a plurality of lifting elements (not shown) configured for
lowering and raising
a pull cord 4 thereby lowering and/or raising a window covering 10. The device
1 also
comprises a plurality of ladder cords 5 configured for supporting at least
part of the window
covering. The device 1 further comprises a sleeve 8 configured to at least
partially enclose
the pull cord 4. It may also be said that the pull cord 4 comprises a sleeve
8. The sleeve 8
as shown is for example a (knitted) sock 8. The device 1 comprises a connector
9 for
connecting the sleeve 8 to the carrying structure 2. In some embodiments, it
may be
undesirable to attach the sleeve 8 to a cord spool, if applied, as winding up
of the sleeve 8
and the pull cord 4 over the cord spool could lead to a bulky and/or tangled
situation. Hence,
the sleeve 8 is connected separately from the pull cord 4. In the shown
embodiment, at least
part of the connector 9 is resilient. The resilient character of the connector
9 enables that
large pulling forces on the sleeve can be prevented. A too large pulling force
on the sleeve
8 could lead to damaging thereof and/or to disconnection of the connector 9
and the sleeve
8. In the shown embodiment, the connector 9 comprises a spring 9a. The spring
9a is
17
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Date Regue/Date Received 2022-10-07
configured for attaching and/or guiding the sleeve 8 in an efficient and
controlled manner.
Part of the connector 9 is positioned substantially below the drive shaft.
[0082] While the present disclosure describes various embodiments for
illustrative
purposes, such description is not intended to be limited to such embodiments.
On the
contrary, the applicant's teachings described and illustrated herein encompass
various
alternatives, modifications, and equivalents, without departing from the
embodiments, the
general scope of which is defined in the appended claims.
[0083] Information as herein shown and described in detail is fully
capable of
attaining the above-described object of the present disclosure, the presently
preferred
embodiment of the present disclosure, and is, thus, representative of the
subject matter
which is broadly contemplated by the present disclosure. The scope of the
present
disclosure fully encompasses other embodiments which may become apparent to
those
skilled in the art, and is to be limited, accordingly, by nothing other than
the appended claims,
wherein any reference to an element being made in the singular is not intended
to mean
"one and only one" unless explicitly so stated, but rather "one or more." All
structural
and functional equivalents to the elements of the above-described preferred
embodiment
and additional embodiments as regarded by those of ordinary skill in the art
are intended to
be encompassed by the present claims. Moreover, no requirement exists for a
system or
method to address each and every problem sought to be resolved by the present
disclosure,
for such to be encompassed by the present claims. Furthermore, no element,
component,
or method step in the present disclosure is intended to be dedicated to the
public regardless
of whether the element, component, or method step is explicitly recited in the
claims.
However, that various changes and modifications in form, material, work-piece,
and
fabrication material detail may be made, without departing from the spirit and
scope of the
.. present disclosure, as set forth in the appended claims, as may be apparent
to those of
ordinary skill in the art, are also encompassed by the disclosure.
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