U.S. patent application number 10/984066 was filed with the patent office on 2006-05-11 for customizable row assembly and method of manufacturing a window covering.
Invention is credited to Chin-Tien Huang, Fu-Lai Yu, Shun-Chi Yu.
Application Number | 20060096716 10/984066 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 36217366 |
Filed Date | 2006-05-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060096716 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Yu; Fu-Lai ; et al. |
May 11, 2006 |
Customizable row assembly and method of manufacturing a window
covering
Abstract
A customizable width panel and anchor member for a window
covering. The panel is customizable in width and preferably
comprises a plurality of spaced openings along a longitudinal
portion thereof. The anchor member, which is restrainedly
positionable with a control member has a selectable width and is
restrainedly positioned with the longitudinal portion of the
panel.
Inventors: |
Yu; Fu-Lai; (San Hsia Town,
TW) ; Huang; Chin-Tien; (San Hsia Town, TW) ;
Yu; Shun-Chi; (San Hsia Town, TW) |
Correspondence
Address: |
OLSON & HIERL, LTD.
20 NORTH WACKER DRIVE
36TH FLOOR
CHICAGO
IL
60606
US
|
Family ID: |
36217366 |
Appl. No.: |
10/984066 |
Filed: |
November 9, 2004 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
160/84.04 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E06B 9/262 20130101;
E06B 9/322 20130101; E06B 2009/2622 20130101; E06B 9/30 20130101;
E06B 9/384 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
160/084.04 |
International
Class: |
A47H 5/00 20060101
A47H005/00 |
Claims
1. A customizable width row assembly suitable for use in a window
covering including at least one control member, the row comprising:
an adjustable width flexible panel having a central portion and at
least one longitudinal portion, wherein the longitudinal portion
defines a plurality of spaced openings; at least one anchor member
having a selectable width that is positioned substantially parallel
with the spaced openings and restrainedly positioned with the at
least one longitudinal portion of the panel; and wherein the anchor
member is adapted to be connectable with the at least one control
member through at least one of the spaced openings of the
panel.
2. The row of claim 1, wherein the control member is a cord
including a plurality of spaced loops and the anchor member is
operatively connected to the cord by positioning the anchor member
through at least one of the spaced loops.
3. The row of claim 1, wherein the control member is adapted to be
connectable to the anchor member with a fastener module.
4. The row of claim 3, wherein the control member is a cord that
includes a plurality of spaced loops and the fastener module
includes an engagement member, whereby the fastener module is
restrainedly positioned with the control member by passing the
engagement member through at least one of the spaced loops.
5. The row of claim 1, wherein the anchor member includes a
substantially rigid rod and at least one tubular member connected
with the rod.
6. The row of claim 5, wherein the tubular member is threadably
engaged with the substantially rigid rod.
7. The row of claim 1, wherein the anchor member includes a
plurality of rods in adjustable sliding engagement with a mounting
sleeve.
8. The row of claim 1, wherein the anchor member comprises a
trimmable rod.
9. The row of claim 8, wherein the anchor member further includes a
plurality of score lines.
10. The row of claim 1, wherein the anchor member extends
transversely across substantially the entire longitudinal portion
of the panel.
11. The row of claim 1, wherein the anchor member is removable from
the panel.
12. The row of claim 1, wherein the panel further includes: a
second longitudinal portion defining a plurality of spaced
openings, the second longitudinal portion located opposite the
central portion from the first longitudinal portion; and a second
anchor member adapted to be connectable with a second control
member through at least one of the spaced openings.
13. The row of claim 1, wherein the panel further includes: a
second longitudinal portion defining a plurality of spaced
openings, the second longitudinal portion formed with the central
portion; and a second anchor member adapted to be connectable with
a second control member through at least one of the spaced
openings.
14. A customizable width panel suitable for use in a window
covering including at least one control member, the panel
comprising a longitudinal portion and defining a plurality of
spaced openings, the openings being positioned along the
longitudinal portion of the panel, wherein the control member is
operatively connected with the panel through at least one of the
plurality of openings and the opening through which the control
member is connected with the panel is adjacent to at least one
other opening free of connection to a control member.
15. The panel of claim 14, wherein the control member is
operatively connected to an anchor member restrainedly positioned
with a longitudinal portion of the panel.
16. The panel of claim 14, wherein the control member is a cord
including a plurality of spaced loops and an anchor member is
operatively connected therewith by positioning the anchor member
through at least one of the spaced loops and the anchor member is
restrainedly positionable with the longitudinal portion of the
panel.
17. The panel of claim 16, wherein the control member is
operatively connected to the anchor member with a fastener
module.
18. The panel of claim 17, wherein the fastener module includes an
engagement member, whereby the fastener module is restrainedly
positioned with the control member by passing the engagement member
through at least one of the spaced loops.
19. The panel of claim 15, wherein the anchor member includes a
substantially rigid rod and at least one tubular member connected
with the rod.
20. The panel of claim 15, wherein the tubular member is threadably
engaged with the substantially rigid rod.
21. The panel of claim 15, wherein the anchor member includes a
plurality of rods in adjustable sliding engagement with a mounting
sleeve.
22. The panel of claim 15, wherein the anchor member comprises a
trimmable rod.
23. The panel of claim 22, wherein the anchor member further
includes a plurality of score lines.
24. An anchor member for a window covering including a plurality of
customizable rows and at least one control member, wherein the
plurality of customizable rows include at least one adjustable
width panel having at least one longitudinal portion, the anchor
member comprising: one or more substantially elongated members
restrainedly positionable with the longitudinal portion of the
panel, wherein the width of the anchor member is set by adjusting
the overall width of the one or more elongated members, and wherein
the anchor member is adapted to be connectable with the at least
one control member.
25. The anchor member of claim 24, further including a
substantially rigid rod and at least one tubular member connected
with the rod.
26. The anchor member of claim 25, wherein the tubular member is
threadably engaged with the substantially rigid rod.
27. The anchor member of claim 24, further including a plurality of
rods in sliding engagement with a mounting sleeve.
28. The anchor member of claim 24, further including a trimmable
rod.
29. The anchor member of claim 28, further including a plurality of
score lines.
30. A method of assembling a customizable width window covering
comprising a plurality of rows and at least one control member, the
plurality of rows including an anchor member and a panel defining a
plurality of spaced openings, the method comprising: obtaining
measurements of a window space; adjusting the width of the
plurality of panels in accordance with the measurements of the
window space; restrainedly positioning an anchor member with each
of the plurality of panels at a longitudinal portion of the panel;
and restrainedly positioning at least one of the plurality of
anchor members with the at least one control member through at
least one of the spaced openings.
31. The method of claim 30, wherein restrainedly positioning at
least one of the plurality of anchor members with the at least one
control member includes removably securing a fastener module to the
control member and securing the fastener module with the anchor
member.
32. The method of claim 31, wherein the fastener module includes a
transverse rod and the control member defines at least one loop,
and securing the fastener module to the control member includes
engaging the transverse rod with the control member by guiding the
transverse rod through the at least one loop.
33. The method of claim 31, wherein a portion of the fastener
member is guided through an opening in the panel, and the portion
of the fastener member is secured with the anchor member.
34. The method of claim 30 further including adjusting the width of
the anchor members.
35. A window covering comprising: a plurality of rows; a headrail;
at least one control member suspended from the headrail and
connecting the plurality of rows to the headrail; wherein at least
one of the plurality of rows includes an adjustable width flexible
panel and an adjustable width anchor member; the panel having a
central portion and at least one longitudinal portion, wherein the
longitudinal portion defines a plurality of spaced openings; and at
least one anchor member positioned substantially parallel with the
plurality of spaced openings and restrainedly positioned with the
longitudinal portion of the panel; and wherein the anchor member is
adapted to be connectable with the at least one control member
through at least one of the spaced openings.
36. The window covering of claim 35, wherein the control member is
a cord including a plurality of spaced loops and the anchor member
is operatively connected to the cord by positioning the anchor
member through at least one of the spaced loops.
37. The window covering of claim 35, wherein the control member is
adapted to be connectable to the anchor member with a fastener
module.
38. The window covering of claim 37, wherein the control member is
a cord that includes a plurality of spaced loops and the fastener
module includes an engagement member, whereby the fastener module
is restrainedly positioned with the control member by passing the
engagement member through at least one of the spaced loops.
39. A method for manufacturing a window covering, the method
comprising: providing a roll of fabric having at least one
longitudinal portion defining a plurality of spaced openings;
separating a portion of the roll of fabric along a line
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal portion thereby
forming a customized panel, whereby the panel includes a
longitudinal mounting portion defining a plurality of spaced
openings; restrainedly positioning an anchor member with the
longitudinal mounting portion; and operatively connecting a control
member to the anchor member.
40. The method of claim 39, wherein the width of the anchor member
is adjusted according to the longitudinal mounting portion.
41. The method of claim 39, wherein operatively connecting the
control member to the anchor member comprises removably securing
the control member to a fastener module and removably securing the
fastener module to the anchor member.
42. The method of claim 39, wherein the longitudinal portion of the
roll of fabric defines a hollow loop.
43. The method of claim 42, wherein restrainedly positioning the
anchor member with the longitudinal mounting portion includes
inserting the anchor member through the loop.
44. The method of claim 43, wherein operatively connecting the
control member to the anchor member includes removably securing a
fastener to the anchor member through one of the plurality of
spaced openings.
45. The method of claim 39, wherein the control member is a control
cord.
46. The method of claim 45, wherein the control cord defines a
plurality of spaced loops.
Description
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to a customizable row assembly and
method of manufacturing a window covering. More particularly, this
invention relates to panel and anchor members for rows in a window
covering that may be customized in size to fit a variety of window
spaces.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Decorative window coverings are popular items for providing
privacy and blocking light. These window coverings take on various
forms, such as Roman shades, Venetian blinds, vertical blinds,
honeycomb shades, and the like. Typically, window coverings include
a panel or plurality of rows of panels that cover an opening, which
are connected to an adjustment mechanism in a headrail with one or
more control members, such as cords.
[0003] For example, one popular type of window covering is known as
a Roman shade. This type of shade consists of a fabric material
suspended along its top edge from a head rail and is gathered at
spaced intervals to provide a series of soft folds across the face
of the fabric. Consequently, the typical Roman shade has a cascaded
or softly pleated appearance. Such Roman shades are constructed so
that when they are raised, they gather from the bottom in generally
horizontal folds or pleats until the entire shade resides near the
top of the window covering. In some versions, the top of the window
covering may also be lowered. The shades are operated by pulling on
control members, which are attached to the shade. The control
members are usually secured to a bottom portion of the panel with
adhesive, ultrasonic welding, sewing, tying or the like.
[0004] An alternative to the conventional Roman shade is disclosed
in co-pending application Ser. No. 10/427,829, which is hereby
incorporated by reference. Unlike the standard Roman shade, the
Roman style shade disclosed therein allows the opening of the
individual rows, which creates gaps in the face of the shade
without requiring the entire shade to be raised. The plurality of
rows of panels forming the window covering are secured to control
cords, and are narrowed by raising or lowering of the control
cords.
[0005] Another common type of window covering is a Venetian blind.
Venetian blinds are typically constructed of a plurality of slats
supported by a pair of ladders, which are controlled by an
adjustment mechanism in a head rail. The ladder typically includes
a pair of parallel cords suspended from the head rail and connected
to a bottom rail. A number of rungs span across the parallel cords
and support the slats. An alternative to the conventional Venetian
blind is disclosed in co-pending application Ser. No. 10/413,200
filed on Apr. 14, 2003, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,792,996,
which is hereby incorporated by reference. Unlike the conventional
Venetian blind, the blind disclosed therein utilizes non-ladder
control members and has a configuration that allows the rows of
slats to conceal the control members and holes for the control
cords when the rows of slats are closed.
[0006] With any of the aforementioned window coverings, a problem
that exists is a result of the fact that window spaces come in many
different widths. Because of this, it is typical that window
coverings need to be custom ordered to fit a particular window
space. For example, with Venetian blinds, the head rail, bottom
rail and blind slats would need to be cut to particular widths, and
then assembled by the manufacturer. This custom process requires a
substantial amount of time to custom build blinds for each
particular window because an order must be placed with a retailer,
which then sends the customer order to the manufacturer for
assembly of the blind. Several days or even weeks may pass between
when the customer chooses the window coverings and when the
finished window covering is finally received.
[0007] The present invention solves the shortcomings of the prior
art by providing a row assembly that is are easily customized in
width to fit a variety of window spaces.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention relates to window coverings comprising
a plurality of rows. In particular, each row assembly of the window
covering includes a panel that is customizable in width, such as to
fit the width of a desired window opening. Window coverings with
which the row assembly of the present invention is suitable for use
typically include at least one control member, such as a cord.
Examples of suitable window coverings are described above.
[0009] The panel includes a main or central portion and at least a
first longitudinal portion, where the first longitudinal portion
defines a plurality of spaced openings. In some embodiments, the
panel also includes a second longitudinal portion on the opposite
side of the main portion from the first longitudinal portion. In
other embodiments, a second longitudinal portion is positioned
within the main portion. The second longitudinal portion also
defines a row of spaced openings. The openings are preferably
spaced at regular intervals.
[0010] The panel may be formed of any trimmable or foldable
material, but is preferably formed of a relatively thin flexible
material, such as woven or non-woven fabric, film, paper, or the
like. Alternatively, the panel may be formed of thin strips of
woods.
[0011] An anchor member is also typically included with the row,
and the control member is restrainedly positioned with the anchor
member through at least one of the spaced openings. The anchor
member may also be adjustable in width and is positioned in
substantially parallel relationship with the at least one row of
spaced openings and restrainedly positioned with the longitudinal
portion of the panel. Alternatively, an appropriate width anchor
member can be selected for a customized panel. In either event, the
anchor member may be restrainedly positioned with the panel by
securing an edge portion of the panel to the panel body to form a
loop within which an anchor member is guided. Alternatively, the
anchor member may be fixedly secured to the panel by way of
adhesive, sewing or the like. The anchor member could also be
formed integrally with the panel such that it is actually a part of
the panel. It is preferred that the anchor member is removable from
the panel.
[0012] The anchor members can be configured in various different
manners. In several embodiments, the anchor members can include
interconnected tube and rod members. These tube and rod members can
be secured in position with one another by frictional engagement,
threaded engagement, or the like. The width of the anchor members
which preferably extends across all or most of the width of the
panel may be are selected by sliding the tube over the rod to
shorten the overall width, or by threading the tube onto the rod.
Alternatively, the anchor members may be adjusted by trimming
portions of the tube. In another embodiment, the anchor member can
be formed from a plurality of elongated members, such as rods,
operatively connected by a mounting sleeve. The overall width of
the elongated members can be adjusted by sliding one member
relative to another. In yet another embodiment, the anchor member
may be formed of a trimmable material, such that adjustment of the
anchor member is accomplished by cutting. Anchor members can also
be provided in various stock widths, such that the appropriate
width anchor members are selected and utilized. To further
facilitate the shortening of the anchor member, scoring lines may
be provided to aid in cutting or breaking of the extra width. It
should be noted that for the sake of consistency in terminology,
the foregoing description of the width of the anchor member denotes
the axial measure of the anchor member.
[0013] The plurality of spaced openings enables stock widths of
panels for window coverings to be sold that can be easily narrowed
to custom widths at the point of sale or by the customer.
Alternatively, an entire roll of panel material can be provided and
appropriate mounting widths, i.e., the size of panel for a
particular window space, cut as desired. The plurality of spaced
openings enables stock widths of panels to be narrowed or a desired
width of material to be selected from a fabric roll, and the
control members of the window covering to be restrainedly
positioned with the panels through whichever one of the spaced
openings corresponds to the control hardware found in the headrail
of the window covering. For example, a head rail may have hardware
that suspends a pair of control cords from positions 5 inches from
opposite edges of the head rail. A stock width panel can be trimmed
to fit within the window space and secured with the control cords
at the openings positioned approximately 5 inches from the edges of
the panel.
[0014] In the case of stock width panels, narrowing the width of
the panels may be accomplished in a number of ways. One method is
to trim the extra width of material with shears or other mechanical
cutting implement. Another is to fold excess material over the main
portion of the panel and adhere the folded over material to the
main portion. Yet another alternative is to include perforations
extending from top to bottom across the panel that enable easy and
controlled tearing of marginal portions of the panel. The same
trimming or cutting methods may be employed where the panel
material is provided as a roll of fabric.
[0015] One particular advantage of such a row of a window covering
is that stock widths of panels or an entire roll of material and
anchor members may be obtained, and rather than requiring the
customer to place an order for special width panels and anchor
members and wait for their completion, the widths of the panels and
anchor members can be customized quickly at the store or by the
customer at home. It should be noted that rather than customize the
anchor members a supply of anchor members of various widths can be
provided such that no trimming of the anchor members is required.
Instead, suitable width anchor members may be chosen. As such,
selecting the suitable anchor member can be done by adjusting the
width of an anchor member or simply choosing an appropriate width
anchor member. It should be noted that the width of the anchor
member does not necessarily have to exactly or even substantially
match the width of the panel.
[0016] The present invention is particularly advantageous in that
it allows easy replacement of rows of a window covering. For
example, if a panel of a window covering requires replacement due
to damage, wear, or staining, an appropriate width of panel may be
purchased and installed into the existing window covering without
requiring a special order for the replacement. Other advantages are
readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0017] In the drawings,
[0018] FIG. 1 is a perspective rear view of an embodiment of a row
assembly of a window covering with a panel and an anchor member
according to the present invention, a portion of the panel is
partially cut away;
[0019] FIG. 2 is a cross sectional view of the anchor member of
FIG. 1 in a fully extended state;
[0020] FIG. 3 is a perspective rear view of the row assembly of
FIG. 1, with the anchor member in a shortened state;
[0021] FIG. 4 is a cross sectional view of an anchor member of FIG.
3;
[0022] FIG. 5 is a perspective rear view of the row assembly of
FIG. 1, wherein a portion of the panel and anchor members are
trimmed to the desired width;
[0023] FIG. 6 is an alternative embodiment of a row assembly
including a panel and alternative anchor members according to the
present invention, a portion of the panel partially cut away;
[0024] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view of the anchor member of
FIG. 6 in a fully extended state;
[0025] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of the row assembly
of FIG. 6 with the panel narrowed by folding and gluing;
[0026] FIG. 9 is a cross sectional view of an alternative anchor
member having threaded members;
[0027] FIG. 10 is a cross sectional view of yet another alternative
anchor member having scoring lines for trimming;
[0028] FIG. 11 is a schematic perspective view of another
alternative anchor member having a pair of parallel rods
operatively connected by a mounting sleeve;
[0029] FIG. 12 is a cross sectional view of another alternative
anchor member formed of a cuttable material;
[0030] FIG. 13 is an enlarged view of a panel and anchor member
restrainedly positioned with a control member;
[0031] FIG. 14 is an enlarged view of an alternate method of
restrainedly positioning a panel and anchor member with a control
member;
[0032] FIG. 15 is a perspective front view of a Roman style shade
embodiment of a window covering comprising rows including the
panels and anchor members;
[0033] FIG. 16 is a perspective front view of another Roman style
shade embodiment of a window covering comprising rows including the
panels and anchor members; and
[0034] FIG. 17 is an enlarged partial view of a row of a Venetian
type blind according to the present invention.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION
[0035] The invention disclosed herein is susceptible of embodiment
in many different forms. Shown in the drawings and described
hereinbelow in detail are preferred embodiments of the invention.
It is to be understood, however, that the present disclosure is an
exemplification of the principles of the invention and does not
limit the invention to the illustrated embodiments.
[0036] As shown in FIG. 1, a row 1 is shown. The row 1 includes a
panel 10 that includes a main or central portion 11 and a
longitudinal portion 12. The longitudinal portion 12 forms a loop
and defines a plurality of spaced openings 14. The loop may be
formed by overlapping a portion of the panel 10 over itself and
securing an edge to the main portion 11 of the panel 10 through any
means known in the art such as gluing, welding, sewing or the like.
Inserted within longitudinal loop portion 12 is anchor member 16.
In this embodiment, anchor member 16 is formed of a pair of sleeve
or tube members 18 and 20, and a central rod member 22. Each of
tube members 18 and 20, as well as central rod member 22 may be
formed of any suitable relatively rigid material such as plastic,
polyurethane, thermoplastic resin, polypropylene, lightweight
metal, wood, or the like.
[0037] Panel 10 further includes a plurality of spaced openings 24
along a lower longitudinal loop portion 26 of the panel 10. This
lower or second longitudinal portion is on the opposite side of the
main portion 11 from the first longitudinal portion 12. The lower
longitudinal loop portion 26 is formed in a similar manner as
described above. Also, as with the previously discussed loop
portion 12, an anchor member 28 is inserted within loop portion 26,
which is formed of a pair of sleeve or tube members 30 and 32, and
a central rod member 34 (all shown in phantom). Referring also to
FIG. 2, a cross section of anchor member 16 is shown in its fully
extended state. As shown, the central rod member 22 is partially
inserted into each of tube members 18 and 20.
[0038] If it is desired to have a window covering of narrower
width, the width of anchor members 16 and 28 may each be shortened
as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4. In particular, the central rod member 22
is more fully inserted into each of tube members 18 and 20 such
that the overall width of the anchor members 16 and 28 is
decreased.
[0039] The panel 10 may be trimmed to the desired width by any
suitable means. For example, the extra width of material may be
trimmed with scissors or fabric shears as shown in FIG. 3, or paper
trimmer-type cutter. In some cases it may not be necessary to
shorten the anchor members as discussed above. The material forming
the tube members, such as tube members 18 and 20 can be formed of a
cuttable material such as polypropylene such that the panel 10 and
anchor members 16 and 28 are cut manually, such as shown in FIG.
5.
[0040] The spaced openings 14 of panel 10 are shown as not
extending across the entire width of the panel 10 for ease of
illustration, however, in the preferred embodiment the spaced
openings are positioned across the entire width of the panel 10.
For example, if the panel material is provided in the form of a
roll, the spaced openings are positioned all along the longitudinal
portion so as to enable any width of panel to be cut therefrom.
[0041] Shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is an alternate embodiment for the
panel and anchor members. In this embodiment panel 110 is
essentially the same as in the previous embodiment. Disposed within
longitudinal loop portion 112 is an anchor member 116. In this
embodiment, rather than having a pair of tubular members connected
by a central rod, anchor member 116 includes a central tube 122
connecting a pair of rods 118 and 120. Each of rods 118 and 120 may
be slid into central tube 122 such that the overall anchor member
10 is of the desired width. As in the previous embodiment, panel
110 includes a second anchor member 128 positioned within
longitudinal loop portion 126.
[0042] Referring to FIG. 8, an alternate method of adjusting the
width of the panel 110 is shown. Rather than cutting away the extra
material, a portion 111 of the panel 110 may be folded over and
adhered to the panel 110. This adhesion process can be done by any
method known in the art such as gluing, adhesive tape, sewing, or
the like. This folding process can also be utilized to provide a
cleaner edge to a previously trimmed panel.
[0043] Referring to FIGS. 9 through 12, additional alternate
embodiments of anchor members that may be used with a panel as
described above are shown. FIG. 9 shows an anchor member 216
including a pair of tube members 218 and 220 which are connected by
a central rod member 222. Tube members 218 and 220 each include an
internal thread portion 219 and 221, respectively. Similarly,
central rod member 222 includes threaded portions 223 and 224.
Adjustment of the overall width of anchor member 216 can thus be
accomplished by threading the tube members 218 and 220 onto the
central rod member 222 as necessary. FIG. 10 shows an anchor member
316 which is a single rod, but includes a plurality of scoring
lines 318. Accordingly, the overall width of anchor member 316 may
be shortened by trimming or snapping the rod at the desired scoring
lines. Shown as FIG. 11 is yet another embodiment of an alternative
anchor member 416. Anchor member 416 includes a pair of rods 418
and 420 operatively connected in a laterally adjustable sliding
relationship with mounting sleeve 422. As yet another alternative,
anchor member 450 can be a uniform width of material such as shown
in FIG. 12. In this embodiment, the anchor member 450 is formed of
a material cuttable with conventional hand tools. For example, the
anchor member 450 may be formed of polyurethane, polypropylene, or
other lightweight plastic or wood.
[0044] The panels and anchor members discussed may be restrainedly
positioned with the control cords of a window covering according
any method known in the art. However, two methods may enable rows
to be readily removed for replacement or cleaning. One method is
shown in FIG. 13. Row 500 includes panel 510 and anchor member 516
positioned within longitudinal loop portion 512. A control member,
such as cord 540, which includes a plurality of loops (only one
shown) formed therewith, is restrainedly positioned with anchor
member 516 by guiding anchor member 516 through loop 542.
[0045] Another way to restrainedly position a control member with a
panel and anchor member is through the use of a fastener module.
For example, as shown in FIG. 14, a row 600 including panel 610 and
anchor member 616 positioned within loop portion 612 is
restrainedly positioned with control cord 640 through use of
fastener module 642. In this embodiment, fastener module 642
includes a clip portion 644 that grasps anchor member 616. Fastener
module 642 further includes a housing 646 and a transverse rod 648.
Similar to the previous embodiment, control cord 640 defines at
least one loop 641 through which transverse rod 648 is guided,
thereby restrainedly positioning the panel 610 and anchor member
616 with the control cord 640. Examples of suitable fastener
modules are discussed in a co-pending patent application Ser. No.
______, and entitled Fastener Module for a Window Covering and
Method filed on Oct. 21, 2004 by the inventors Messrs. Fu-Lai Yu,
Chin-Tien Huang, and Shun-Chi Yu, which is hereby incorporated by
reference.
[0046] Shown in FIG. 15 is an embodiment of a window covering 700
according to the present invention comprising a headrail 702,
control wands 704 and 706, and a plurality of rows 710 that may be
customized in any of the ways discussed above. The particular
embodiment shown is a Roman style shade such as disclosed in
co-pending application Ser. No. 10/427,829. FIG. 16 is an alternate
embodiment of a Roman style shade. The primary difference is the
mechanism for raising and lowering the control cords. In this
embodiment, the control wands 754 and 756 of window covering 750
extend from opposite sides of headrail 752.
[0047] FIG. 17 is yet another embodiment of a row 800 according to
the present invention. The row 800 is a slat from a Venetian type
blind such as is disclosed in co-pending application Ser. No.
10/413,200 filed on Apr. 14, 2003, and issued as U.S. Pat. No.
6,792,996. In this embodiment, the first longitudinal portion 812
is at a edge portion of the row 800, and a second longitudinal
portion 826 is formed within the main portion of the panel 810. As
in the previous examples, panel 810 is made of a flexible material
that may be adjusted in width. Each of the longitudinal portions
812 and 826 are operatively connected to control cords 802 and 804,
respectively. Control cord 802 is restrainedly positioned with the
longitudinal portion 812 by engaging anchor member 806 with control
cord 802 by passing the anchor member 806 through a loop 808 formed
therein. Control cord 804 is operatively connected with the second
longitudinal portion 826 by engaging a fastener module 830
therewith, and engaging the fastener module 830 with anchor member
816 through opening 814. Anchor members 806 and 816 may take any of
the forms of anchor members discussed above.
[0048] While in the embodiments described above, the panel is
described as defining a plurality of spaced openings, it is
contemplated that such spaced openings may, in some embodiments not
be necessary. For example, rather than have a fastener module
access the anchor member through an opening, the fastener module
could be operatively connected with the anchor member by being
secured thereto over the panel.
[0049] As discussed, the customizable width panel and anchor member
may be provided in various forms. For example the panel material
may be provided in the form of a roll, or in various stock widths.
In the roll example, a seller at the point of sale, upon receiving
an order, cuts sections of panel material from the roll to the
desired width. Anchor members, such as those described above are
secured with the longitudinal portions of the cut panels. Rather
than adjust the width of the anchor member, it is also possible
that a supply of anchor members of different fixed widths can be
provided to accommodate different window spaces. A supply of
control cords with fastener members secured therewith are also
provided.
[0050] The assembly of a window covering with the panels, anchor
members and control cords may be done at any point in the supply
chain, or by the final consumer. The window space measurements are
obtained and widths of panel material are trimmed or customized to
fit within the desired window space. For example, desired widths of
fabric are unrolled off a roll of fabric. Alternatively,
customizing of the width may also be done to pre-cut panel widths,
such as by trimming the pre-cut panel with scissors, or by folding
and gluing, or the like. For each panel, anchor members are
restrainedly positioned with opposed longitudinal portions of the
panel such as by guiding the anchor member through loops formed in
the fabric. The width of the anchor member, as discussed above, may
also adjusted by any of the methods discussed above.
[0051] Each panel is also secured to a cord member. The preferred
method of accomplishing this is by securing a fastener module to
the anchor member through an opening in the longitudinal portion of
the panel. The fastener module is also restrainedly positioned with
a cord member. Alternatively, when the anchor member is guided
through the loop in the fabric panel, it may also be guided through
a loop in the cord member. The cord members are also installed with
the headrail for the window covering by guiding the cords through
the given hardware, such as cord locks, rotatable drums, or the
like.
[0052] The order in which the various components of the window
covering are customized and assembled can vary. For example, the
cords can be installed with the window hardware and the customized
panels attached to the cords suspended in the window space.
Alternatively, the entire window covering can be assembled and then
installed in the window space. Also, the securement of the cords to
the anchor member depends on whether the cords include fastener
members or not. The order of assembly will be readily apparent to
one skilled in the art.
[0053] The following is a preferred method of assembly. A roll of
fabric is provided. The roll of fabric includes at least one
longitudinal portion defining a plurality of spaced openings. A
portion of the roll of fabric is separated along a line
substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal portion. In other
words, widths of fabric panels are cut or otherwise separated from
the roll such that a customized panel is formed. Accordingly, the
customized panel, which was separated from the roll, also defines a
longitudinal portion having a plurality of spaced openings and may
be referred to as a longitudinal mounting portion.
[0054] An anchor member is restrainedly positioned with the
longitudinal mounting portion. For example, the longitudinal
portion preferably defines a loop through which the anchor member
is inserted. The width of the anchor member may be adjusted to fit
the customized panel if necessary.
[0055] A control member, such as a cord, is connected to the anchor
member. As discussed above, this is preferably accomplished through
the use of a fastener module that is removably secured to the
control member and the anchor member through one of the spaced
openings. It is also preferred that the control cord defines a
plurality of spaced loops as discussed above, and individual
fastener modules are secured at each of the spaced loops. To
assemble, the desired length of control cord with pre-hung fastener
modules is cut and the fastener modules secured to the anchor
members of the rows of the window covering.
[0056] The foregoing descriptions are to be taken as illustrative,
but not limiting. Still other variants within the spirit and scope
of the present invention will readily present themselves to those
skilled in the art.
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