U.S. patent application number 10/174070 was filed with the patent office on 2003-12-25 for multipanel window shade.
Invention is credited to Jones, Marvin L..
Application Number | 20030234087 10/174070 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 29733494 |
Filed Date | 2003-12-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20030234087 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Jones, Marvin L. |
December 25, 2003 |
Multipanel window shade
Abstract
A window blind with a shade having at least two panels, each
generally sized to cover the window, suspended between first and
second rollers. A roller actuator operating a first roller
typically includes a pull loop and a friction clutch. The second
roller has a biased mechanism to roll the shade onto the second
roller as the shade is unrolled from the first roller. The panels
of the shade have different translucencies to provide variety in
light transmission through the window blind.
Inventors: |
Jones, Marvin L.; (Tualatin,
OR) |
Correspondence
Address: |
BRIAN C. TRASK
3601 EAST HERMES DRIVE
SALT LAKE CITY
UT
84124
US
|
Family ID: |
29733494 |
Appl. No.: |
10/174070 |
Filed: |
June 19, 2002 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
160/241 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E06B 9/40 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
160/241 |
International
Class: |
A47H 001/00 |
Claims
What is claimed is:
1. A blind for a window, comprising: a first roller; a second
roller; a roller actuator comprising a pull loop, said roller
actuator being arranged to rotate one of said first and second
rollers; and a shade disposed between said first and second rollers
for being rolled onto said second roller as said shade is unrolled
from said first roller, said shade comprising: a first light
blocking area sized in approximate agreement with a light
transmitting area of said window; and a second light blocking area;
wherein: said first light blocking area is operable to block
transmission therethrough of a first amount of light, and said
second blocking area is operable to block transmission therethrough
of a second amount of light.
2. The window blind of claim 1, wherein: said first light blocking
area permits transmission of a portion of light impinging thereon;
and said second light blocking area blocks transmission of
substantially all light impinging thereon.
3. The window blind of claim 1, wherein: said first blocking area
permits transmission therethrough of a first portion of impinging
light; and said second blocking area permits transmission
therethrough of a second portion of impinging light, wherein said
first and second portions are different quantities.
4. The window blind of claim 1, further comprising: a biasing
mechanism operable to roll said shade onto one of said first and
second rollers as said shade is unrolled from the other of said
first and second rollers.
5. The window blind of claim 4, further comprising: a quick-detach
coupling mechanism operable to hold said second roller spaced apart
from said first roller.
6. The window blind of claim 5, wherein: said quick-detach coupling
mechanism comprises coupling structure anchored at a location
spaced apart from said first roller, said coupling structure being
adapted for coupling to roller suspension structure associated with
one of said rollers.
7. The window blind of claim 6, wherein: a component of said
coupling structure is anchored to structure associated with said
window.
8. The window blind of claim 6, wherein: a component of said
coupling structure is anchored to a wall.
9. The window blind of claim 1, wherein: said roller actuator
further comprises a clutch mechanism operable to resist undesired
rolling and unrolling of a roller.
10. The window blind of claim 1, wherein: a blocking area comprises
a rollable sheet of a material comprising spaced apart apertures
disposed thereon.
11. The window blind of claim 10, wherein: a first blocking area
comprises a material forming apertures of a first size; a second
blocking area comprises a material forming apertures of a second
size; wherein: said first and second sizes of said first and second
apertures are different, whereby to permit aggregate transmission
through said first and second light blocking areas of respective
first and second quantities of light.
12. The window blind of claim 1, wherein: said first light blocking
area comprises a first material having a first translucency and
said second light blocking area comprises a second material having
a second translucency.
13. The window blind of claim 12, further comprising: a side shield
disposed to block impinging light from entering a room, in a
straight path, past a side edge of said shade.
14. A blind to cover an opening, comprising: a first roller; a
second roller; a roller actuator arranged to rotate one of said
first and second rollers; and a shade disposed between said first
and second rollers for being rolled onto said second roller as said
shade is unrolled from said first roller, said shade comprising: a
first light blocking area sized in approximate agreement with a
light transmitting area of said opening; and a second light
blocking area, said first light blocking area being operable to
block transmission therethrough of a first amount of light, and
said second blocking area being operable to block transmission
therethrough of a second amount of light.
15. The blind according to claim 14, said roller actuator
comprising: a pull loop arranged to override a friction clutch
mechanism, said friction clutch mechanism operating to resist
undesired rolling and unrolling one of said first and second
rollers.
16. The blind according to claim 15, further comprising: a biasing
mechanism operable to roll said shade onto one of said first and
second rollers as said shade is unrolled from the other of said
first and second rollers.
17. The blind according to claim 16, further comprising: a side
shield disposed to block impinging light from entering a room, in a
straight path, past a side edge of said shade.
18. The blind according to claim 16, further comprising: a
quick-detach coupling mechanism operable to space said second
roller apart from said first roller.
19. The blind according to claim 18, wherein: said first light
blocking area comprises a first material having a first
translucency; and said second light blocking area is sized in
approximate agreement with said first light blocking area, and said
second light blocking area comprises a second material having a
second translucency.
20. A window blind, comprising: a first roller; a second roller; a
roller actuator arranged to rotate one of said first and second
rollers, said actuator comprising a pull loop arranged to override
a friction mechanism, said friction mechanism operating to resist
undesired rolling and unrolling one of said first and second
rollers; and a shade disposed between said first and second rollers
for being rolled onto said second roller as said shade is unrolled
from said first roller, said shade comprising: a first light
blocking area sized in approximate agreement with a light
transmitting area of said opening; and a second light blocking
area, wherein: said first light blocking area is operable to block
transmission therethrough of a first amount of light, and said
second blocking area is operable to block transmission therethrough
of a second amount of light; a biasing mechanism operable to roll
said shade onto one of said first and second rollers as said shade
is unrolled from the other of said first and second rollers; and
structure operable to space said second roller apart from said
first roller.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] 1. Field of the Invention
[0002] This invention relates to devices for controlling light
passing through an architectural opening. It particularly relates
to rolling shades adapted to cover a window opening.
[0003] 2. State of the Art
[0004] Various types of window coverings are available to control
entry of light through a window opening and into a room. Such
devices include louver blinds, drapes, and roll-up shades. However,
the commercially available window coverings fail to provide a
desired degree of control, in a desired form-factor, over light
entering through a window.
[0005] Louver blinds have a plurality of generally flat slats
disposed in a parallel and rotatable arrangement either to permit
or prevent entry of light into a room. Many consumers are
displeased with the bar-like appearance of the louver elements, and
desire window treatments having a more soothing appearance.
[0006] Drapes typically are arranged as panels of material slidably
suspended from a rod to open from the center or side of a window.
Drapes may also include two overlapped panels of material to
provide a variety of light screening options. A heavy inner panel
may be used for complete or substantial blockage of entering light,
or to provide complete privacy from external observation for the
occupants of a room. A generally light-weight, or somewhat opaque,
panel (known as a shear or shears) sometimes may be disposed
between the inner panel and the window. The shear can permit
entrance of a certain amount of incident light while providing a
certain amount of privacy during daylight hours to the room
occupants. While providing a desirable range in control over light
transmission into a room, drapes are deemed by many consumers as
being rather formal, and typically represent an expensive
investment in window coverings.
[0007] A window shade is a form of window blind which typically
suspends a panel of material (the shade) from a typically
spring-biased roller operable to permit lowering or raising of the
shade to cover or uncover a window. Commercially available window
shades generally provide an all-or-nothing control for entering
light. Either the panel is disposed over the window and blocking
light, or it is not. To provide a second blocking option, e.g. to
block a different amount of light or to permit entry of a portion
of incident light, a separate shade, having different light
blocking capabilities from the first shade, must be disposed in
parallel to the first shade. Such a dual shade mounting arrangement
can be difficult to accomplish without causing an unsightly
protrusion into the room from the window. Furthermore, a consumer
faces the additional expense of a second window shade and its
mounting hardware.
[0008] Attempts have been made in certain window coverings to
provide alternative structure to control light entering through a
window opening. Variable aperture sizes may be created by a
shade-like device constructed according to teachings of de Kimpe et
al. in U.S. Pat. No. 6,161,607. de Kimpe et al. disclose a window
blind having a shade constructed of a flexible sheet of covering
material that can be tensioned to open a plurality of apertures.
Their shade material is anchored at one end, with the other end of
the shade being rolled onto a roller to apply tension to the shade
to open the apertures. A concern for this type of blind is the
tendency of materials to lose elasticity over time. As a shade
looses its elasticity, the apertures will fail to return to a
small, or closed, position, thereby failing completely to block
impinging light.
[0009] A low cost window covering providing the stable and reliable
control of light entering a window accorded to drapes having a
shear is still desired. A device with such capabilities and having
an informal appearance would be an improvement over currently
available window coverings.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0010] The present invention provides an apparatus for a window
blind. A blind according to the invention includes a first roller,
a second roller, and a roller actuator. The roller actuator
generally is a pull loop arranged to rotate one of the first and
second rollers. One currently preferred roller actuator further
includes a clutch mechanism operable to resist undesired rolling
and unrolling of a roller. A shade is disposed between the first
and second rollers for being rolled onto the second roller as the
shade is unrolled from the first roller. A shade includes a first
light blocking area and a second light blocking area, typically
both such areas being sized in approximate agreement with a light
transmitting area of the window. Desirably, the first light
blocking area is operable to block transmission therethrough of a
first amount of light, and the second blocking area is operable to
block transmission therethrough of a second amount of light. In any
case, it is preferred to include a biasing mechanism operable
automatically to roll the shade onto one of the first and second
rollers as the shade is unrolled from the other of the first and
second rollers.
[0011] In certain embodiments of the invention, the first light
blocking area permits transmission of a portion of light impinging
thereon, and the second light blocking area blocks transmission of
substantially all light impinging thereon. Some embodiments are
constructed so that the first blocking area permits transmission
therethrough of a first portion of impinging light, and the second
blocking area permits transmission therethrough of a second portion
of impinging light, wherein the first and second portions are
different quantities. A workable blocking area can be a rollable
sheet of a material having spaced apart apertures. One currently
preferred shade has a first blocking area formed from a material
having apertures of a first size, and a second blocking area formed
from a material having apertures of a second size, with the first
and second sizes of the first and second apertures being different,
to permit aggregate transmission through the first and second light
blocking areas of respective first and second quantities of light.
Alternatively, the first light blocking area can include a first
material having a first translucency and the second light blocking
area can include a second material having a second
translucency.
[0012] Certain embodiments of the invention can include a
quick-detach coupling mechanism operable to space the second roller
apart from the first roller. One workable quick-detach coupling
mechanism includes coupling structure anchored at a location spaced
apart from the first roller and adapted for coupling to roller
suspension or roller holding structure associated with one of the
rollers. Sometimes the coupling structure is anchored to structure
associated with the window (e.g. the frame). Other times a
component of the coupling structure can be anchored to a wall or
some other handy location. In certain embodiments of the invention,
a side shield may be disposed to block impinging light from
entering a room, in a straight path, past a side edge of the shade.
The side shield can also operate as a spacing structure to space
the rollers apart.
[0013] The invention may also be embodied generally as a blind to
cover an opening. Such a blind typically includes a first roller, a
second roller, a roller actuator arranged to rotate one of the
first and second rollers; and a shade disposed between the first
and second rollers for being rolled onto the second roller as the
shade is unrolled from the first roller. Generally, a shade
includes a first light blocking area sized in approximate agreement
with a light transmitting area of the opening; and a second light
blocking area. Desirably, the first light blocking area is operable
to block transmission therethrough of a first amount of light, and
the second blocking area is operable to block transmission
therethrough of a second amount of light. It is desirable for a
roller actuator to include a pull loop arranged to override a
clutch mechanism, with the clutch mechanism operating to resist
undesired rolling and unrolling one of the first and second
rollers. Furthermore, a biasing mechanism operable to -roll the
shade onto one of the first and second rollers as the shade is
unrolled from the other of the first and second rollers desirably
is included in the blind. Sometimes a side shield disposed to block
impinging light from entering a room, in a straight path, past a
side edge of the shade is included in a blind. The side shield also
can function to space the rollers apart. Otherwise, it generally is
desirable to include a quick-detach coupling mechanism operable to
space the second roller apart from the first roller.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] In the drawings, which illustrate what are currently
considered to be the best modes for carrying out the invention:
[0015] FIG. 1 is an exploded assembly view in perspective of a
first embodiment of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 2 is a perspective view, partially exploded and
partially in section, of a second embodiment of the invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE ILLUSTRATED EMBODIMENTS
[0017] As illustrated in FIG. 1, a first embodiment of a window
shade or blind according to the invention, generally indicated at
100, includes a first roller 104 and a second roller 106. A shade,
generally indicated at 110, is arranged for transfer between the
rollers 104 and 106 leaving a span 108 between the rollers 104 and
106 operable to cover a window (not illustrated). As a convenience,
the invention will generally be described with reference to
embodiments having a vertical installed orientation, although such
is not a requirement. A shade according to the instant invention is
equally suited for a horizontal installation, or at any other
orientation.
[0018] The shade 110 desirably includes two or more panels of
material, such as panels 112 and 114, with each panel having
different light blocking characteristics. The panels 112 and 114
may be joined at a seam, generally indicated at 116. As
illustrated, panel 112 is partially rolled up on roller 104, and
panel 116 is partially rolled up on roller 106. It is currently
preferred for each panel to have sufficient length to cover the
window, although shorter panels are operable.
[0019] The window shade 100 may be installed either inside (flush
mounting) or outside of a window opening (overlapping mounting).
One way to suspend a window shade 100 to cover a window is
illustrated in FIG. 1, where top roller 104 is suspended from
brackets 120 and 122 which can be mounted to a wall or to window
structure. A drive mechanism, generally indicated at 125, operable
to roll and unroll roller 104 can be located between bracket 120
and roller 104. The illustrated drive mechanism 125 includes a
commercially available wrap-spring friction clutch 127 which
supportingly fits inside an open end of roller 104. An opposite
open end of roller 104 can receive a plug 129 which carries an axle
130 for rotatable reception and anchoring by bracket 122.
[0020] Lower roller 106 can be supported by brackets 132 and 134
which can directly be mounted to wall or window structure at the
bottom of a window to space the two rollers apart. However, as
illustrated, it currently is preferred to mount brackets 132 and
134 to a housing, such as mounting plate 138. Mounting plate 138
can then conveniently be mounted to wall or window structure by one
or more quick-release fasteners 140 to facilitate moving the shade
110 to provide cleaning access to the window pane.
[0021] Illustrated quick-release fasteners 140 have locking lugs
141 that are rotated by moving lever handle 143 to secure lugs 141
in engagement with receiving structure carried by mounting plate
138. One workable receiving structure is the lug receiving channel
generally indicated at 144. Of course, other mounting structure and
fastening methods are also workable to secure a window shade 100 in
position to cover a window. A workable quick-detach coupling
mechanism can be a simple toggling turnbuckle head that is inserted
through an aperture and rotated to trap a base plate 138 or a
bracket, such as mounting brackets 132 or 134. Alternatively, one
or more spring biased clips can be used to secure a mounting base
138. One or more fasteners, such as a screw, may also be used.
[0022] It currently is preferred to provide a biasing mechanism,
such as the commercially available coil spring mechanism generally
indicated at 146, to tension the shade 110 in blocking position
over the window. Similar to clutch 127, one end of rollup spring
mechanism 146 can fit in plug fit reception in bottom roller 106,
with an opposite end being anchored by bracket 132. A mechanism 146
may also be formed as an integral portion of a roller 106. Rotating
the roller 106 winds and unwinds a spring in mechanism 146. An
opposite end of roller 106 generally is rotatingly suspended from
bracket 134 by a second plug 129, although a second spring element
146 may be used in certain embodiments. In any case, it is desired
that the friction clutch 127 can resist the spring mechanism(s) 146
to hold a shade 110 in any desired rolled or unrolled position
between rollers 104 and 106.
[0023] One way to operate the rolling or drive mechanism 125 is by
pulling on one side or the other of a pull loop or chain 148. As
illustrated, pull loop 148 is a bead chain, although other
materials are operable, including rope, leather straps, plastic,
and rubber or rubber-like materials, and such materials in
combination. In certain embodiments of the invention, the pull loop
148 can be fashioned as an endless loop. In other embodiments, a
loop closure may be too large to pass through teeth of the drive
wheel 150. In the former case, three or more panels can be rolled
or unrolled to cover the window opening even if the pull loop 148
is no longer than about half of the window height. In the latter
case, it is generally desired that the loop formed in chain 148 is
sufficiently long, typically greater than about half of the window
height, to permit a complete change between panel 112 to panel 114
and back again.
[0024] A panel of a shade 110, such as panel 112 or 114, desirably
is constructed to resist transmission through itself of a certain
portion of light impinging through the window. The transmissibility
of a panel may vary anywhere between zero, to effect a complete
blockage of impinging light, to infinite, to effect no blocking at
all, e.g. as a clear or completely translucent panel. Typically, a
substantially opaque panel is combined with a panel providing at
least partial transmission of light to form a shade 110. When
constructed with three or more panels, the individual panels of a
shade 110 each desirably provide varying degrees of transmission of
the impinging light.
[0025] Panels of a shade 110 may be manufactured from many
different materials to create a desired appearance and light
screening effect. Materials suitable for use in a panel must simply
be able to roll up around a roller, such as roller 104. Cloth,
paper, plastics, and woven materials such as reeds or grasses are
all workable to form a panel. Materials may also be used in a
combination, e.g. plastic coated cloth. Certain panels may be
formed from a material providing spaced apart apertures, similar to
a mesh or screen. Apertures can be stamped out from a sheet of
material, or formed by a weaving process. Such apertures can be
sized and spaced apart as desired to define an amount of
transmissibility for light impinging on the panel. Apertures may be
configured to have a shape to create interesting or decorative
light and shadow patterns. Panels may also be translucent, like
oilskin or wax paper, to permit transmission of a portion of
impinging light.
[0026] Some embodiments of a multi panel window shade, according to
the invention, may include side-blocking structure configured to
reduce light "leaking" around the edges of a shade 110. For
example, certain windows may have a window pane with very little
border at the perimeter of the pane in the window opening. An
undesired amount of light might be able to shine through such a
window pane and be not sufficiently blocked by the edge of a
blocking panel, such as a panel 114. One way to resist entrance of
such edge-bypass light is to provide structure that can form a
frame around a perimeter portion of the window blind to create an
overlap at the blind edges. An overlap can also be formed at the
top and bottoms of a blind, if desired to block light from
bypassing the rollers.
[0027] As illustrated in FIG. 2 and generally indicated at 200,
certain embodiments of the invention may have box-like housings
around either or both of the top and bottom rollers. Such housings
can operate to create a more refined and polished appearance, and
also further to block light. Top roller 104 is contained in top
housing 202, and a bottom roller is contained inside bottom housing
204. The housings 202 and 204 and their rollers can be attached to
wall or window structure with fasteners or quick-detach mechanisms.
Alternatively, and as illustrated, housings 202 and 204 can be
spaced apart by vertically disposed side flaps 208 and 210 to
secure the blind 200 in, or over, a window opening. The illustrated
side flaps, or side shields 208 and 210, form a channel 212 in
which to receive an edge 214 of a shade 110. Therefore, a
convoluted path is imposed on impinging light to reduce light
"leaking" past the edge of the panel. Channels 212 can be
configured to fit in close proximity to front and rear surfaces of
a shade 110 to further reduce such bypass light. A single
overlapping edge flap is also workable to reduce edge bypass
light.
[0028] Window shade 200 is illustrated having a crank mechanism 220
operable to roll roller 104 and change a position of shade 110
between top roller 104 and a bottom roller. It should be noted that
both manual and motorized roll actuating mechanisms are operable. A
rolling mechanism may be disposed for rolling operation of either a
top roller, or a bottom roller, or even both rollers at the same
time. Various crank mechanisms may be used, including those
arranged for remote operation. Provision may be made to use a
pull-type chain or loop as an alternative to the illustrated
rolling mechanism 220. For example, an aperture can be made in side
flap 210 to receive a pull loop. Also, a pull chain mechanism can
be mounted to replace crank mechanism 220, to maintain the loop on
a single side of the shade 110.
[0029] As with the first embodiment 100, shade 200 desirably
includes a stopping mechanism, such as a friction clutch, to resist
undesired rolling or unrolling of the shade 110. Again, a biasing
element typically is disposed to roll one roller in response to a
user rolling the other roller to maintain the shade 110 stretched
in blocking position over the window opening. An end cap, such as
cap 222, can function as a roller suspension bracket. Illustrated
cap 222 is adapted to hold an end plug 129 for roller 104.
[0030] While the invention has been described in particular with
reference to certain illustrated embodiments, such is not intended
to limit the scope of the invention. The present invention may be
embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit
or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be
considered in all respects only as illustrative and not
restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by
the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All
changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of
the claims are to be embraced within their scope.
* * * * *