Note : Les descriptions sont présentées dans la langue officielle dans laquelle elles ont été soumises.
CA 02533734 2006-O1-24
WINDOW SHADE
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
Window coverings are utilized for shading light or
blocking the view through a window opening, or for otherwise
providing an aesthetic appearance to a window. Some well-
known types of window coverings include Venetian blinds,
Roman blinds, Cellular shades, and curtains. Each of these
types of window coverings are designed to provide various
aesthetic qualities and variable amounts of window opening
coverage ranging from complete coverage, partial coverage,
to providing no coverage at all.
A standard store purchased window covering assembly,
such as a Venetian blind assembly, is a self-contained unit
for mounting adjacent a window. A typical Venetian blind
assembly consists of a headrail, a lift mechanism, and a.
tilt mechanism and a plurality of horizontally extending
slats suspended from the headrail by a ladder cord.
Operation of a cords or chains coupled to the lift mechanism
causes the plurality of slats to move towards or away from
the headrail, thus moving the blind between open and closed
positions. The tilt mechanism enables tilting of the slats
between open and closed positions. Desirable features of
such window covering are ease of mounting and the ability to
open and close the blinds with relative ease by a single
actuation mechanism such as the tilt mechanism or the lift
mechanism.
Curtains also have been utilized for years as window
coverings. Generally, these types of window coverings
include at least two curtain panels constructed of either a
translucent or a substantially opaque fabric material
coupled to a curtain rod. When closed, the panels may
substantially block the window opening. When open, the
panels are disposed on either side of the window, thereby
allowing for full visibility through the window and light to
1
CA 02533734 2006-O1-24
enter therethrough. Variations in this standard window
curtain do exist; however, most curtains are configured in
this manner.
While aesthetically pleasing and suitable for their
purpose, both the ease of assembly and operation of such
curtains could be improved. Typically, the assembly process
involves installing appropriately sized curtain rods and
hanging individual curtain panels thereon. The installation
of appropriately sized curtain rods alone is often
difficult, requiring the proper fixed placement of curtain
rod holders with respect to one another and the window.
This requires selecting the proper height so that the
curtain panels hang in a normal fashion. Furthermore, the
hanging of the curtain panels necessarily requires
assembling the panels to the rod. Problems not only arise
in the installation of the curtain rods and assembly of the
curtains to the rods, but also in the selection of the
various elements, i.e. matching complementary curtain panels
and curtain rods to provide an aesthetically pleasing
appearance.
Additionally, the opening and closing of a standard
curtain set in which the top portion of the set remains in a
relatively fixed position with respect to the curtain rod
requires that each curtain panel must be moved individually.
Some curtain sets also require each panel to be restrained
on either side of the window, and require tiebacks and
associated hardware. This is cumbersome compared to the
many other window covering options, which provide a single
cord or chain for opening and closing such assemblies.
Although curtain designs do exist that permit opening and
closing of a curtain panel by pulling on a chain or a cord,
typically in these assemblies, the entire curtain panel
moves away from the window opening as the top of the curtain
slides along a curtain rod or headrail. However, these
2
CA 02533734 2006-O1-24
curtains do not have the same aesthetic appeal as curtains
in which the top portion of the curtain remains relatively
fixed in position with respect to the curtain rod. While
existing curtain assemblies have provided satisfactory
results, it would be desirable to provide improvements in
the operation of curtain assemblies. Namely, it would be
advantageous to provide a self-contained window curtain
assembly that has a pleasing appearance and is easy to mount .
and operate.
There have been several attempts at solving the
problems associated with the assembly and operation of
standard curtain assemblies. However, none of these
solutions provide for a window curtain assembly that can be
easily assembled and operated by the end user. Therefore,
there exists a need for a window curtain assembly that can
be easily installed and operated by an end user and has an
aesthetically pleasing appearance.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to window coverings, and
more specifically to a curtain mounted to a headrail, the
curtain capable of being opened through the operation of a
cord or chain.
According to. a first embodiment of the present
invention a window curtain assembly is provided that
comprises a pair of panels, each panel having a top edge, a
side edge, and a bottom edge, the side edges of each panel
being positioned proximate each other; and a headrail
including a winding mechanism mounted thereto, the winding
mechanism including an elongate rod coupled to at least a
first take up mechanism for winding a pair of cords affixed
to the panels, the top edge of each panel immovably affixed
to the headrail, wherein rotation of the at least one spool
causes the cords to move at least a portion of the side
edges upwardly to open the curtain.
3
CA 02533734 2006-O1-24
According to another embodiment of the present
invention, a window curtain assembly is provided that
comprises a headrail having a longitudinal axis extending
between first and second ends; an elongate rod mounted to
the headrail and coupled to at least a first spool and a
clutch; first and second panels each having a top edge, a
bottom edge, an inside edge, and an outside edge, each top
edged of the first and second panels affixed to the
headrail; and a pair of lift cords each having a first end
and a second end, each first end being attached to the spool
and one of the second ends being attached adjacent the
inside edge of the first panel, the other of the second ends
being attached adjacent the inside edge of the second panel.
The elements of the window curtain assembly according to
this embodiment are arranged such that actuation of the
clutch rotates the spool and winds the lift cords around the
spool, moving the inside edges of the panels upwardly and
away from each other.
The window curtain assembly according to this
embodiment may have a headrail that includes a pair of
spools, each spool being attached to a different lift cord.
The window curtain assembly may also include a pull
mechanism operatively engaged with the clutch. The pull
mechanism may be a chain or cord in the form of a loop,
multiple chains or cords, or others. Movement of the pull
mechanism rotates the elongate rod. The window curtain may
further include at least one ring on each of the panels for
guiding the pair of lift cords. In certain embodiments,
there may be a plurality of rings that are arranged in
various patterns. For example, the rings may be arranged in
arcuate or straight patterns. The panels according to this
embodiment may be constructed of a fabric material and may
be opaque. At least a portion of the first and second
panels may overlap with each other. Finally, the top edge
4
CA 02533734 2006-O1-24
of the panels may be removably affixed to the headrail,
and/or the second ends of the pair of lif t cords may be
removably attached to the panels.
According to another embodiment of the present
invention, a window curtain assembly is provided that:
comprises a headrail having a longitudinal axis extending
between first and second ends; an elongate rod mounted to
the headrail and operatively engaged with a first spool, a
second spool, and a clutch; a first panel having a first top
edge, a first bottom edge, a first inside edge, and a first
outside edge, the first top edge being immovably affixed to
the headrail; a second panel having a second top edge, a
second bottom edge, a second inside edge, and a second
outside edge, the second top edge being immovably affixed to
the headrail; a first lift cord having a first end and a
second end, the first end being attached to the first spool
and the second end being attached adjacent the first inside
edge of the first panel; and a second lift cord having a
third end and a fourth end, the third end being attached to
the second spool and the fourth end being attached adjacent
the second inside -edge of the second panel. The elements of
the window curtain assembly according to this embodiment are
arranged so that engagement of the clutch rotates the
elongate rod and spools and winds the first lift cord around
the first spool and the second lift cord around the second
spool, thereby moving the first inside edge and the second
inside edge upwardly and away from each other.
The window curtain assembly according to this
embodiment may also have variations. For example, a central
portion of the first and second inside edges may move
upwardly and away from each other. The window curtain
assembly may also further include a pull mechanism for
engaging the clutch. The window curtain assembly may
include a single or plurality of rings on the panels
CA 02533734 2006-O1-24
arranged in an arcuate, straight or other pattern. At least
a portion of the firs t and second panel may overlap one
another, and the panels may be made of a fabric material
that is opaque. Finally, the top edges of the panels may be
removably affixed to the headrail and the lift cords may be
removably attached to the panels.
According to yet another embodiment of the present
invention a window curtain assembly is provided that
comprises a headrail; first and second fabric panels affixed
to the headrail in a side-by-side relation, each panel
having an inner edge and an outer edge; and means for moving
the inner edges upwardly and away from each other with a
single pull mechanism.
According to yet another embodiment of the present
invention a window curtain assembly is provided that
includes only one panel. This type of window curtain
assembly may be utilized on any sized window, preferably a
window having a relatively narrow width. The assembly
according to this embodiment comprises at least one panel,
the at least one panel having a top edge, a side edge, and a
bottom edge; and a headrail including a winding mechanism
mounted thereto, the winding mechanism including an elongate
rod coupled to at least a first cord take up mechanism for
winding at least on lift cord affixed to the side edge of
the at least one panel, the top edge of the at' least one
panel affixed to the headrail, wherein rotation of the at
least one take up mechanism causes the at least one lift
cord to move at least a portion of the side edge.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
A more complete appreciation of the subject matter of
the present invention and the various advantages thereof can
be realized by reference to the following detailed
description in which reference is made to the accompanying
drawings in which:
6
CA 02533734 2006-O1-24
Figure 1 is a front perspective view of a window
curtain assembly according to an embodiment of the present
invention.
Figure 2 is a front plan view of the window curtain
assembly according to Figure 1.
Figure 3 is a top plan view of the headrail of the
window curtain assembly according to Figure 1.
Figure 4 is a front plan view of the curtain panels
according to Figure 1 in a fully closed position.
Figure 5 is a front plan view of the curtain panels
according to Figure 1 in a partially open position.
Figure 6 is a front plan view of the curtain panels
according to Figure 1 in a fully open position.
Figure 7 is a front perspective view of a window
curtain according to another embodiment of the present
invention.
Figure 8 is a front perspective view of a window
curtain having only one panel according to another
embodiment of the present invention.
Figure 9 is a rear perspective view of a window curtain
according to another embodiment of the present invention
with its curtain panels in a closed position.
Figure 10 is a rear perspective view of the window
curtain according to Figure 9 with its curtain panels in an
open position.
Figure 11 is a rear perspective view of a window
curtain according to another embodiment of the present
invention with its curtain panels in a closed position.
Figure 12 is a rear perspective view of the window
curtain according to Figure 11 with is curtain panels in an
open position.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
In describing the preferred embodiments of the subject
matter illustrated and to be described with respect to the
7
CA 02533734 2006-O1-24
drawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of
clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be
limited to any specific terms used herein, and it is to be
understood that each specific term includes all technical
equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish
a similar purpose.
Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference
numerals represent like elements, there is shown in the
Figures, in accordance with various embodiments of the
present invention, a window curtain assembly designated
generally by reference numeral 10. Window curtain assembly
is used in selectively covering and uncovering a window.
Iw a preferred embodiment, window curtain assembly 10
includes a first panel 12, a second panel 14, a headrail 16,
an elongate rod 18, a clutch 20, take up member including a
first spool 22 and a second spool 24,.a pull mechanism which
may be in the form of a chain or a cord 26, a first lift
cord 28, and a second lift cord 30. However, it is
contemplated that other embodiments may include additional
or fewer elements. For example, it is contemplated that in
other embodiments the take up member can comprise a sing7.e
spool mounted to the rod or simply an elongate rod having a
diameter sufficient to take up the lift cords upon rotation
of the rod.
In one embodiment, first panel 12 and second panel 14
are constructed from a substantially opaque fabric material,
as is known in the window covering art. It will be
understood by those skilled in the art that nonopaque
materials may be used, as is known in the art. Many
standard window curtains are constructed of such a material,
and therefore, the present invention includes a window
covering that provides an appearance that substantially
resembles the appearance of a traditional curtain assembly.
Hence, the present invention is designed to be utilized in
8
CA 02533734 2006-O1-24
place of existing window curtain assemblies. First panel 12
is defined by top edge 12a, bottom edge 12b, inside edge
12c, and outside edge 12d. Second panel 14 is similarly
defined by top edge 14a, bottom edge 14b, inside edge 14c,
and outside edge 14d. As shown in the Figures, the various
edges of the panels define substantially rectangular hanging
sections. However, it is contemplated that any shaped
and/or sized panel can be utilized in conjunction with the
present invention. For example, panels 12 and 14 can be
square-shaped or include rounded edges, or have any shape
appropriate to function as a window covering for a
particular window opening.
As shown in the Figures, headrail 16 defines a
longitudinal axis extending between first and second ends.
An elongate rod 18, clutch 20, first spool 22, and second
spool 24 are associated with headrail 16, and make up a
winding mechanism for curtain 10. Headrail 16 can be any
headrail suitable for opening and closing first and second
panels 12 and 14, and may be similar to those headrails
known to persons of ordinary skill in the art. According to
the embodiment shown in Figures 1-8, headrail. 16 is
constructed of a metallic material and configured with a
generally U-shaped configuration.
As best shown in Figures 1 and 3, elongate rod 18 is
disposed lengthwise within the cavity created by the U-shape
of headrail 16. Elongate rod 18 has a substantially square
cross-section. However, it will be understood that the
cross-section of elongate rod 18 can be a wide variety of
shapes, for example circular. In fact, a wide enough
diameter circular rod 18 might perform the same function as
first and second spools 22 and. 24. Rod 18 is suspended and
allowed to rotate by rod holders 44 and 46, at or near the
ends of rod 18. At the end closest to rod holder 44, rod 7.8
is coupled to clutch 20. However, it is contemplated that
9
CA 02533734 2006-O1-24
clutch 20 can be configured so as to couple with rod 18 at
any portion along its length. Spools 22 and 24 are also
coupled with rad 18 on opposite sides of its midpoint.
While the preferred embodiment includes a first spool 22 and
a second spool 24, it is also contemplated that other
embodiments can include any number of spools. For example,
another embodiment in accordance with the present invention
includes a single spool coupled with rod 18. In yet another
embodiment, as mentioned above; it is contemplated that rod
18 may not include any spools, and the rod 18 has a diameter
sufficient to function by itself as a take up member for the
lift cords when the rod 18 is rotated. Finally, headrail 16
may include end caps 40 and 42 attached at either ends of
the headrail. These end caps close the open ends created by
the substantially U-shaped configuration of headrail 16.
However, it should be noted that end caps 40 and 42 are not
necessary for the proper operation of curtain 10.
Clutch 20 can be a standard clutch typically used in
Venetian blinds or the like. The clutch is preferably a
continuous loop clutch available from Rollease, Inc. of
Stamford, CT. However, it will be understood that other
clutch mechanisms can be used in accordance with certain
embodiments, examples of which are disclosed in U.S. Patent
Nos. 4,372,432 and 6,685,592, both of which are incorporated
herein by reference in their entirety. It is also
contemplated that instead of clutch 20, a cord lock, as is
known in the art, or an electrical motor could be utilized.
This will be further discussed below.
Actuation of clutch 20 causes rod 18, to which clutch
20 is connected, to rotate. In the embodiment shown, clutch
20 is engaged with a pull mechanism 26 in the form of a loop
to provide a continuous or endless cord or chain, so that
motion applied to the cord or chain imparts similar motion
onto clutch 20. As shown in the drawings, pull mechanism 26
CA 02533734 2006-O1-24
is wrapped around at least a portion of the circumference of
the substantially circular clutch 20. Any force or torque
applied to pull mechanism 26 therefore causes the rotation
of clutch 20 in either a clockwise or counterclockwise
direction. It is contemplated that pull mechanism 26 need
not be an endless cord or chain. For example, other
embodiments may include multiple cords or chains attached to
opposing sides of clutch 20, where operation of one chain or
cord would impart clockwise rotation and the other would
impart counterclockwise rotation. However, any number of
cords or chains may be utilized.
In the embodiment shown, top edges 12a and 14a of
panels 12 and 14 respectively are affixed to headrail 16.
In the embodiment shown in the drawings, panels 12 and 14
are fixably or immovably attached to a front side 16a of
headrail 16. This will be discussed further below. In a
preferred embodiment, panels 12 and 14 are fixably attached
by utilizing means well known in the art for achieving the
attachment. For example, gluing or mechanically coupling
panels 12 and 14 to front side 16a of headrail 16. However,
it is contemplated that panels 12 and 14 may be removably
attached to headrail 16 by means such as Velcro. While
fixably holding panels 12 and 14 in place, this type of
attaching means would also allow a user to remove the panels
when it was desired. This is advantageous in that the
ability to remove the panels might allow a user to wash them
in a standard washing machine. Also in the embodiment shown
in the Figures, panels 12 and 14 are aligned with respect to
one another so that at least a portion first panel 12 .
overlaps at least a portion of second panel 14. This in
turn causes inside edge 14c of second panel 14 to be
overlapped by first panel 12, along its entire length. This
overlapping allows the window to be substantially covered
when panels 12 and 14 are in their respective closed
11
CA 02533734 2006-O1-24
positions. It is contemplated that any amount of panel 12
may overlap panel 14. Similarly, it is also contemplated
that either panel may overlap the other, or any
configuration for the overlap can be utilized. In certain
embodiments, panels 12 and 14 may wrap around the ends of
headrail 16 and may cover end caps 40 and 42. The
aforementioned removable attachment may also be utilized in
this embodiment.
First lift cord 28 and second lift cord 30 are best
shown in Figure 2. Lift cords 28 and 30 are essentially
fabric cords, but may be of any type suitable for being
wound around a take up member and attached to a fabric
panel, for example, monofilament cord. Other variations can
be used as well, such as a beaded cord, a flat ribbon or a
chain, or combinations thereof.
First lift cord 28 has two ends, the first end being
attached to first spool 22 and the second end being attached
to first panel 12 at first cord attachment point 36. Second
lift cord 30 has two ends, the first end being attached to
second spool 24 and the second end being attached to second
panel 14 at second cord attachment point 38. In a preferred
embodiment, first and second cord attachment points 36 and
38 are located at or adjacent inside edges 12c and 14c of
first and second panels 12 and 14 respectively.
The method of attachment of lift cords 28 and 30 to the
respective spools 22 and 24 can be accomplished by many
different means. For example, in one embodiment, the spools
may include holes or other attachment devices that the lift
cords can engage, Thereafter, rotation of the spools causes
the lift cord to wrap around the take up member. Similarly,
the method of attachment of lift cords 28 and 30 to the
respective panels 12 and 14, at attachment points 36 and 38
may be accomplished by many different means. For example,
the ends of the lift cords may be sewn into the panels or
12
CA 02533734 2006-O1-24
attached by glue or pins. In a preferred embodiment shown
in the Figures, lift cords 28 and 30 are attached to panels
12 and 14 by rings 33 and 35 connected to the panels at
points 36 and 38 respectively. In this embodiment, lift
cords 28 and 30 are tied to rings 33 and 35, but may be
attached to the rings in any other fashion as is known in
the art. Similarly, like that of their attachment to the
spools, many different types of connections may be employed
in attaching lift cords 28 and 30 to panels 12 and 14.
Lift cords 28 and 30 may also be coupled with panels 12
and 14 respectively at multiple points. In a preferred
embodiment, as shown best in Figure 2, a set of rings 32 is
disposed on the side of first panel 12 adjacent to a window
(i.e. - hidden from view when facing the front of curtain
10), and a set of rings 34 is disposed on the side of second
panel 14 closest to the window. Curtain assembly 10 is
therefore configured so that, once installed, the lift cords
28 and 30 and the sets of rings 32 and 34 cannot be viewed
from the front of the curtain assembly. In certain
embodiments, lift cords 28 and 30 are threaded through each
ring in sets 32 and 34, with the ends of each cord attached
to their respective spool and rings 33 and 35 at attachment
points 36 and 38, as disclosed above. The attachment of
lift cords 28 and 30 to rings 33 and 35 may be such that the
cords may be easily removed from the rings. This, coupled
with the aforementioned removable attachment of panels 12
and 14 to headrail 16, would allow a user to easily remove
the panels for cleaning, ironing, and/or-other use.
The sets of rings include at least one ring, but may
include any number of rings. In the embodiment shown in the
Figures, the rings are arranged on their respective panels
in an arcuate configuration. The type of configuration that
the sets of rings 32 and 34 are laid out in determines that
path for which lift cords 28 and 30 are pulled in. This
13
CA 02533734 2006-O1-24
configuration may allow for panels 12 and 14 to be opened
and closed in a specific manner. For example, the arcuate
configuration of the rings in the preferred embodiment shown
in the Figures causes first panel 12 and second panel 14 to
open in a different manner than a straight line
configuration would. Essentially, rings 32 and 34 will
determine the appearance of the blind when the panels are
retracted. However, it is noted that a particular
configuration of the rings is not required for curtain 10 to
operation properly. Furthermore, the sets of rings 32 and
34 may be connected to panels 12 and 14 in various ways.
For example, in certain embodiments, the rings may be sewn
into the fabric of the panels or attached with clips or
pins.
The various elements of curtain 10, as disclosed above,
interact with each other to provide a self-contained window
curtain assembly. As shown in Figure 4, in the closed
position of curtain assembly 10, panels 12 and 14
substantially cover a window. Depending upon the level of
opaqueness of each individual panel, the amount of
light/visibility blocked by curtain assembly 10 is
determined. It is also noted that the overlapping of first
panel 12 over second panel 14 allows curtain 10 to
completely cover the window, remedying a typical shortcoming
of prior art curtain setups. The present invention is
designed so that panels 12 and 14 can be partially opened as
shown in Figure 5, or fully open as shown in Figure 6, as
well as many positions in between. Obviously, a user may
determine at which level of openness he/she desires to
displace panels 12 and 14.
In operation, lift cords 28 and 30 are wound around
spools 22 and 24, thus causing the second ends of each lift
cord to move towards headrail 16. Since the second ends of
lift cords 28 and 30 are coupled with panels 12 and 14 at
14
CA 02533734 2006-O1-24
attachment points 36 and 38 respectively, the movement o.f
the second ends of lift cords 28 and 3.0 cause panels 12 and
14 to follow. The inside edges 12c and 14c are generally
moved upwardly and away from each other. Furthermore, the
aforementioned sets of rings 32 and 34 provide direction to
the movement of panels 12 and 14. It is contemplated that
the positioning of spools 22 and .2.4, attachment points 36
and 38, rings 33 and 35, and ring sets 32 and 34 can cause
panels 12 and 14 to follow different paths in their
respective movements.
The winding of lift cords 28 and 30 around spools 22
and 24, is due to the rotation imparted on spools 22 by the
remainder of the components associated with headrail 16. In
operation, cord or chain 26 is actuated, thereby causing
clutch 20 to rotate. This rotation of clutch 20 causes the
freely rotatable elongate rod 18 to rotate, and with it the
connected spools 22 and 24. In opening curtain 10 to either
the partially opened position shown in Figure 5 or the fully
opened position shown in Figure 6, cord or chain 26 is
pulled in a first direction, thereby causing either a
clockwise or counterclockwise rotation of clutch 20. When
the desired level of openness of panels 12 and 14 is
achieved, cord or chain 26 is no longer pulled and clutch 20
prevents the unwinding of lift cords 28 and 30. In fact,
absent an opposite force, clutch 20 will allow lift cords 28
and 30 to remain wound indefinitely and will prevent
unintentional opening of the curtain assembly 10. From this
position, cord or chain 26 can either be pulled in the same
direction as .initially pulled, thereby further opening
panels 12 and 14, or cord or chain 26 can be pulled in an
opposite direction, thereby closing panels 12 and 14.
As mentioned above, various embodiments of the present
invention may include fewer or additional elements, which
allow curtain 10 to operation in a substantially similar
CA 02533734 2006-O1-24
manner. For example, it is contemplated that in place of a
loop of cord or chain 26, two or more cords or chains 26a
and 26b may be utilized (best shown in Figure 7). In this
embodiment, one cord or chain would open panels 12 and 14,
while another may close panels 12 and 14. It is also
contemplated that the various cords or chains could extend
through a hole 27 (also shown in Figure 7) in order to allow
for easier access. In other embodiments, it is contemplated
that elongate rod 18 may not include any spools. In these
embodiments, lift cords 28 and 30 would be attached directly
to rod 18. It should be noted that rod 18 should be
appropriately sized in these embodiments, to allow for the
winding of lift cord 28 and 30 in an efficient manner (i.e.
- without having to excessively rotate rod 18). Finally, it
is contemplated that clutch 20 is not required, but rather
desired to prevent inadvertent opening and closure of panels
12 and 14. In other embodiments, other mechanisms for
preventing the rotation of rod 18 can be used, for example
braking mechanisms or cord locks as used in certain venetian
blind assemblies or an electric motor might be utilized in
order to both impart and prevent rotation to rod 18. It is
contemplated that embodiments that utilize braking
mechanisms or cord locks, such a device may not impart
motion to rod 18. For example, a cord lock can be utilized
with another device, such as a lift assist motor, for
imparting motion to rod 18, where the cord lock would merely
prevent such motion.
Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in
Figure 8. Window curtain assembly 110 operates in the same
manner as the aforementioned window curtain assembly l0,
however, is designed to include only one panel 112. This
type of design is best suited for windows having relatively
narrow widths, but can be utilized for any type of window.
For example, window curtain assembly 110 can be sized so
16
CA 02533734 2006-O1-24
that, panel 112 substantially covers a window having the same
dimensions as that for which curtain assembly 10 was
utilized. It is contemplated that all of the various
elements, different embodiments, and modes of operation
discussed above for assembly 10 may apply to window curtain
assembly 110.
Another embodiment of the present invention is shown in
Figures 9 and 10. Window curtain assembly 210 operates in a
similar manner to the aforementioned window curtain
assemblies, however, includes a differently designed
headrail 216. Headrail 216 includes a rod 218 that is
supported on the underside of headrail 216 by hanging
supports 220 and 222. Rod 218 is configured and dimensioned
to allow for lift cords 228 and 230 to be taken up directly
onto rod 218, as was previously discussed above. Rod 218 is
connected to a clutch assembly 224 on one end that includes
a pull mechanism 226. In the embodiment shown in Figures 9
and 10, pull mechanism 226 is in the form of a continuous
cord or chain, however, it is contemplated that other
designs, including non-continuous cords or chains, can be
employed. Clutch assembly 224 is designed so that operation
of pull mechanism 226 imparts rotational motion to rod 218.
At the same time, the wrapping of lift cords 228 and 230
causes each cord to push against supports 220 and 222,
respectively, thus imparting translational motion in the
direction of arrow A to rod 218. This design allows for an
even winding of lift cords 228 and 230 onto rod 218, without
the lift cords wrapping upon themselves. In operation, a
user pulls pull mechanism 226 to rotate rod 218, and thus
move curtain panels 212 and 214 to an open position. This
open position is shown in Figure 10. The other components
of window curtain 210 are similar in design as to those
disclosed in the other embodiments discussed above, and may
include any of the different variations and embodiments
17
CA 02533734 2006-O1-24
discussed above. ~ For example, a single panel design, like
that shown in Figure 8, is -envisioned with a headrail
similar to headrail 216.
Yet another embodiment of the present invention is
shown in Figures 11 and 12. Window curtain assembly 310,
like that of curtain assembly 210, also operates in a
similar manner to the aforementioned window curtain
assemblies, however, includes a differently designed
headrail 316_ Headrail 316 does not include a rod, but
rather a hanging cord lock 320, and hanging pulleys 322 and
324. In a preferred embodiment, cord lock 320 is configured
for allowing curtain 310 to remain in an open position.
Lift cords 328 and 330 both extend through and wrap around
cord lock 320 and their first ends hang therefrom. Lift
cord 330 extends through and wraps around pulley 322, and
extends downward where its second end is attached to panel
314. Lift cord 328 extends through pulley 322, extends
through and wraps around pulley 324 and extends downward
where its second end is attached to panel 312. In
operation, a user pulls the first ends of lift cords 328 anal
330 to open panel 312 and 314, as shown in Figure 12.
Certain embodiments may include another pulley in place of
cord lock 320. However, it is contemplated that these
embodiments may require that lift cords 328 and 330 be fixed
in position by the use of other elements. For example, it
is contemplated that the lift cords may be wrapped around an
external hook to prevent the closing of panels 312 and 314,
when no cord lock is utilized. It is also contemplated that
lift cords 328 and 330 may be operated separately from each
other. Once again, the other components of window curtain
310 are similar in design as to those disclosed in the other
embodiments discussed above, and may include any of the
different variations and embodiments discussed above.
18
CA 02533734 2006-O1-24
Although the invention herein has been described with
reference. to particular embodiments, it is to be understood
that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the
principles and applications of the present invention. It is
therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may
be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other
arrangements may be devised without departing from the
spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the
appended claims.
19
