U.S. patent application number 11/371709 was filed with the patent office on 2006-07-13 for blind cut down apparatus.
This patent application is currently assigned to Shade-O-Matic Limited. Invention is credited to Norbert Marocco.
Application Number | 20060150793 11/371709 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 27508594 |
Filed Date | 2006-07-13 |
United States Patent
Application |
20060150793 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Marocco; Norbert |
July 13, 2006 |
Blind cut down apparatus
Abstract
An apparatus for trimming the width of blinds of the type having
a headrail, and a bottom rail and blind slats, and having a support
body with a headrail opening, and a bottom rail opening, and a
blind slat opening the blind components being insertable into their
openings from one side of the support body, a die located adjacent
to the support body, a headrail cutting recess in the die, guides
on the support body for the die, enabling the die to move relative
to the headrail opening between two positions and a bottom rail and
blind slat cutter operable to cut the bottom rail and the blind
slats. A modified apparatus can be used to trim the width of a
vertical blind having a headrail and control rods. Also disclosed
is a method of trimming the width of blind, having a head rail, a
bottom rail and blind slats.
Inventors: |
Marocco; Norbert;
(Woodbridge, CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Charles N.J. Ruggiero;OHLANDT, GREELEY, RUGGIERO & PERLE. L.L.P.
10th FLOOR
ONE LANDMARK SQUARE
STAMFORD
CT
06901-2682
US
|
Assignee: |
Shade-O-Matic Limited
|
Family ID: |
27508594 |
Appl. No.: |
11/371709 |
Filed: |
March 9, 2006 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
|
|
|
|
|
|
Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
10865838 |
Jun 14, 2004 |
|
|
|
11371709 |
Mar 9, 2006 |
|
|
|
09935489 |
Aug 23, 2001 |
6758120 |
|
|
10865838 |
Jun 14, 2004 |
|
|
|
09414767 |
Oct 7, 1999 |
|
|
|
09935489 |
Aug 23, 2001 |
|
|
|
09132748 |
Aug 12, 1998 |
6196099 |
|
|
09414767 |
Oct 7, 1999 |
|
|
|
09132750 |
Aug 12, 1998 |
6178857 |
|
|
09414767 |
Oct 7, 1999 |
|
|
|
08627015 |
Apr 3, 1996 |
5806394 |
|
|
09132750 |
Aug 12, 1998 |
|
|
|
08526329 |
Sep 11, 1995 |
|
|
|
08627015 |
Apr 3, 1996 |
|
|
|
Current U.S.
Class: |
83/452 ; 29/24.5;
83/488; 83/620 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 83/8825 20150401;
Y10T 29/39 20150115; Y10T 83/748 20150401; Y10T 83/7573 20150401;
Y10T 83/778 20150401; Y10T 83/0586 20150401; Y10T 83/7647 20150401;
Y10T 83/8752 20150401; Y10T 83/8831 20150401; Y10T 83/8808
20150401; Y10T 83/8843 20150401; Y10T 83/825 20150401; Y10T 83/811
20150401; Y10T 83/9447 20150401; Y10T 83/04 20150401; Y10T 83/408
20150401; E06B 9/266 20130101; Y10T 83/8749 20150401; Y10T 83/9449
20150401; Y10T 83/8834 20150401; B23D 23/00 20130101; Y10T 83/858
20150401; Y10T 83/7487 20150401; Y10T 83/8805 20150401 |
Class at
Publication: |
083/452 ;
083/488; 083/620; 029/024.5 |
International
Class: |
B23P 19/04 20060101
B23P019/04; B26D 7/02 20060101 B26D007/02 |
Claims
1. An apparatus for trimming a blind having a headrail, a plurality
of slats, and a bottom rail, the apparatus comprising: a stationary
support body including a headrail opening, at least one slat
opening, and a bottom rail opening; a unitary moveable trimming
member mounted proximate to said stationary support body and
adapted to move in a plane parallel to said stationary support
body; a first cutter on said unitary trimming member adapted to
trim the headrail when said unitary trimming member moves in said
parallel plane; and a second cutter on said unitary trimming member
adapted to trim the bottom rail when said unitary trimming member
moves in said parallel plane.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a slat
cutter adapted to trim said plurality of slats.
3. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a slat
cutter adapted to move independently of said first and second
cutters to trim said plurality of slats.
4. An apparatus for trimming a complete blind having a headrail, a
plurality of blind slats and a bottom rail, the apparatus
comprising: a stationary support body including a U-shaped headrail
opening sized to accommodate the headrail, at least one slat
opening sized and shaped to accommodate the plurality of blind
slats, and a bottom rail opening sized and shaped to accommodate
the bottom rail, said U-shaped headrail opening, said at least one
slat opening, and said bottom rail opening being arranged and
spaced apart so that the complete blind including the headrail, the
plurality of slats and the bottom rail may be received in their
respective openings; a unitary movable trimming member mounted
proximate to said support body and adapted to move in a plane
parallel to said support body; a first cutter on said unitary
trimming member adapted to trim the headrail when said unitary
trimming member moves in said parallel plane in a first direction;
and a separate second cutter on said unitary trimming member
adapted to trim the bottom rail when said unitary trimming member
moves in said parallel plane in said first direction.
5. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4, further comprising a slat
cutter adapted to trim the plurality of slats by movement of said
slat cutter in said parallel plane.
6. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said slat cutter is
adapted to move independently of both said first cutter and said
second cutter to trim the plurality of slats.
7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 5, wherein said movement of
said slat cutter is in a second direction different from said first
direction.
8. An apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein said U-shaped
headrail opening, said at least one slat opening and said bottom
rail opening are arranged along a horizontal axis.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This is a Divisional Application of U.S. application Ser.
No. 10/865,838 which is a Divisional Application of U.S.
application Ser. No. 09/935,489 which is a Continuation-in-Part of
application Ser. No. 09/414,767, filed Oct. 7, 1999, title: Two
Handle Cut Down Apparatus, Inventor: Norbert Marocco, which was a
Continuation-in-Part of application Ser. No. 09/132,748 filed Aug.
12, 1998, title: Improved End Trimming Apparatus for Blinds,
Inventor: Norbert Marocco, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,196,099 B1, U.S.
patent application Ser. No. 09/132,750, title: Method of End
Trimming of Blinds, Inventor: Norbert Marocco, now U.S. Pat. No.
6,178,857 B1 both of which were Continuations-in-Part of
application Ser. No. 08/627,015 filed Apr. 3, 1996, title End
Trimming Apparatus for Venetian Blinds, Inventor Norbert Marocco,
now U.S. Pat. No. 5,806,394, which was in turn a
Continuation-in-Part of application Ser. No. 08/526,329 filed Sep.
11, 1995, title End Trimming Apparatus for Venetian Blinds,
Inventor Norbert Marocco, abandoned.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] 1. Field of the Invention
[0003] The invention relates to an apparatus for cutting of the
ends of a blind assembly.
[0004] 2. Description of Related Art
[0005] Venetian blinds having a headrail and blind slats extending
horizontally across a window space are well known. It is well
understood that the width of the headrail and the blinds must be
suited to more or less match to the width of the window space.
[0006] For many years it has been the practice to manufacture
venetian blinds on a custom basis. Each blind would be made with
the width of the headrail, and the blade width corresponding to the
width of a particular window for a particular customer.
[0007] This procedure is however relatively expensive. A
salesperson is required to attend the customer's house, in most
cases, and take a series of measurements. An order is then placed
at the factory, and some weeks later the finished blinds are
delivered to the customer. Clearly it would be desirable to
manufacture a range of venetian blinds, which could be arranged to
fit window spaces having a range of widths. However given the
limitation of the design, this is simply not possible. In order to
partly answer the problems of cost, and delay, of custom made
venetian blinds, it would be desirable to manufacture venetian
blinds in a range of stock widths, and in a limited range of
colours, and stocking these blinds in retail outlets. A customer
wishing to purchase a blind or blinds from such an outlet would
simply come in with the measurements of the windows of the
customer's house. The customer would select those blinds which were
as close to the measurements as possible, or only slightly
wider.
[0008] The retail store would then trim the ends of the blind to
the width desired by the customer. The system would mean that the
blinds could be manufactured in larger production runs, thus
reducing the cost. It would also mean that customers could purchase
blinds and take them away from the store almost on a same day
basis. There are however certain problems with this procedure.
[0009] In particular the design of venetian blinds requires at
least two and in some cases more, raise cords, and tilt cords.
These cords are arranged at equal distances from each side of the
blind. Consequently, trimming the blind to width required trimming
each side, by an amount equal to one half of the desired total trim
amount, so as to ensure the blind had a satisfactory symmetrical
appearance. However, the blind consists of three main different
components namely, a headrail, usually of U-shaped metal channel, a
bottom rail and set of blind slats, the number depending on the
height of the window opening.
[0010] In the vast majority of cases the blind slats were formed
with a curved cross-section, and the ends of the blind slats were
usually cut with a slight bevel or radius, so as to avoid sharp
corners at each end of each blind slat.
[0011] End trimming operations could not be carried out by simple
hand tools. Specialized dies were required for cutting each
separate shape, i.e. for cutting the headrail and for cutting the
bottom rail and for cutting the slat ends which were of arcuate
cross-section with bevelled corners.
[0012] Specialized dies and tools have been provided for the
purpose, but, it was necessary for each retail store to be
carefully trained so as to carry out the three separate cutting
operations in a way which produced a blind which was symmetrical
down each side.
[0013] One minor improvement on the situation was that certain
manufacturers provided a cutting die for cutting both the headrail
and the bottom rail simultaneously. In this system it was only
necessary to provide a separate cut for the blade ends.
[0014] Even in this system however, there were possibilities for
mistakes, and the operator required considerable skill. The cutting
operation was also time consuming.
[0015] For all of these reasons, it is clearly desirable to provide
an end cutting apparatus for cutting the sides of venetian blinds,
in which all three components namely, the headrail, the bottom rail
and the blind slats are all cut in a single apparatus. In this way
the time required in the retail store for the end cutting operation
is reduced. In addition, the skill required is reduced since all
three components are in a single plane.
[0016] One of the advantageous features in such an apparatus would
be the inclusion of an end stop which provided a fixed location,
which acted as a stop for all three blind components, once they had
been inserted in the appropriate cutting recesses, and in which the
end stop would move away from the trimmed off portions of the
blinds once the trimming or cutting operation had been
completed.
[0017] Certain venetian blinds are available having blind slats,
and a bottom rail made of material which is wider, in some cases
two inches wide. While the headrail, and the blind slats in this
type of blind are still made of metal, the bottom rail is
frequently made of non-metallic material. This is usually a solid,
flat bar which may be for example be formed by extruding
thermoplastic materials, or may even be made of wood in some cases,
although this is not usual.
[0018] In certain types of blinds, it has become the practice to
use blind slats of thicker material, than is used in conventional
venetian blinds. In these blinds, the thicker blind slat material
is formed of extruded thermoplastic material having a thickness and
profile which is intended to simulate older style wooden slat
blinds. In addition, these blinds have a bottom rail which is also
of thicker material.
[0019] The cutting of these blind slats presents a somewhat
different problem, in that, because they are thicker, it is
necessary for the blind slat cutting blade means to travel through
a longer cutting path.
[0020] In order to accommodate this, it has been found desirable to
provide a blind cut down apparatus in which the blind slat cutting
means is operated separately from the headrail cutting means. In
this way, it is possible to provide a much longer cutting stroke
than is required to cut down the headrail itself.
[0021] Due to the nature of the thicker blind slat material in this
type of blind, this does not create a problem of requiring extra
manual force. Although the head rails in this type of blind are
made of roll-formed metal channel in most cases, the cutting of
such head rails is well within the capacity of the apparatus, since
the headrail cutting die is required to move only a relatively
short distance, ie. a distance equal of approximately the thickness
of the sheet metal material.
[0022] On the other hand, the blind slat cutting means is required
to move a through a much greater cutting path. This, however, is
not a problem since the blind slat material in this type of blind
is much softer, and does not require so much cutting force.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0023] With a view to providing a more adaptable blind slat cutter
machine, suitable for cutting a variety of different blinds, the
invention provides an apparatus for trimming the width of blinds of
the type having a plurality of components including a headrail, and
a bottom rail, and a plurality of blind slats, each having a
predetermined arcuate profile, and comprising support body means,
said body means defining a headrail opening, and a bottom rail
opening, and means defining blind slat opening means being aligned
along a horizontal axis, respective said blind components being
insertable into respective said openings; headrail die plate means
located alongside said support body a headrail cutting recess in
said die plate means for cutting said headrail; bottom rail and
slat cutter means for cutting the bottom rail and said blind slats;
guide means on said support body for movably supporting said die
plate means, said guide means defining a predetermined movement
axis, whereby said die plate can move relative to said headrail
opening in said support body between two positions, a first
position in which said support body opening and said die plate
cutting recess are in alignment with one another, and a second
position in which said cutting recess is out of alignment with said
opening, first means for moving said bottom rail and blind slat
cutter means to cut said bottom rail and said blind slats, and,
second means for moving said die plate means, between said two die
plate positions.
[0024] The invention further provides such a blind slat cutter
apparatus wherein said headrail opening, and said bottom rail
opening in said support body and said blind slat opening means, are
aligned along a common axis, and wherein said headrail cutting
recess, and said bottom rail cutting recess and said blind slat
cutting means are also aligned along a common axis.
[0025] The invention further provides such a blind slat cutter
apparatus wherein both said axes are coincident and are horizontal,
whereby to facilitate insertion of respective said blind components
in respective said openings and recesses and passages.
[0026] The invention further provides such a blind slat cutter
apparatus wherein said die plate movement axis is substantially
diagonal to said axes of said headrail and said bottom rail and
blind slat openings and respective said recesses.
[0027] The invention further provides such a blind slat cutter
apparatus wherein said bottom rail and said blind slat cutter means
are slidably mounted on said support body, and being movable
relative to said bottom rail opening and to said blind slat opening
means, whereby to cut said blind slats, upon movement of said
bottom rail and said cutting means.
[0028] The invention further provides such a blind slat cutter
apparatus including blind slat support means defining a
predetermined arcuate profile, and mounted on said support body and
wherein said blind slat cutter means has blade means defining a
corresponding predetermined profile, whereby said blind slats are
trimmed in accordance with said predetermined profile.
[0029] The invention further provides such a blind slat cutter
apparatus including partition means in said blind slat opening
means for separating said blind slats into groups whereby said
groups of blind slats are cut in sequence, upon movement of said
blind slat cutter means.
[0030] The invention further provides such a blind slat cutter
apparatus wherein said means for moving said die plate means
comprises a manually operable lever means, mounted in said support
body, and transmission means connecting said lever means with said
die plate means for transmitting movement of said manual lever
means thereto and including a blind slat cutter rod connected to
said manual lever means and operable to cause movement of said
blind slat cutter means.
[0031] The invention further provides such a blind slat cutter
apparatus including end stop means adjacent said die plate means,
for engaging the free ends of said blind components, whereby to
define a predetermined length of cut in respect thereof, linkage
plate means connected to said end stop means and movement pin means
connected to said linkage plate and responsive to movement of said
blind slat cutter means, whereby to move said end stop means free
of said die plate means and free of said bottom rail and blind slat
cutter means for clearing of trim portions of said blind.
[0032] The invention further provides such a blind slat cutter
apparatus wherein said blind slat opening means is located between
said headrail opening and said bottom rail opening in said support
body whereby to facilitate insertion of said blind components into
said support body and said die plate means.
[0033] The invention also provides that the blind slat and bottom
rail cutter means shall comprise a moveable cutter blade support,
and a plurality of cutter blades carried by said cutter blade
support, and wherein second movement means is coupled to said
cutter blade support, and is operable to move such cutter blade
support along a predetermined cutting travel path.
[0034] The various features of novelty which characterize the
invention are pointed out with more particularity in the claims
annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better
understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and
specific objects attained by its use, reference should be had to
the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are
illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the
invention.
IN THE DRAWINGS
[0035] FIG. 1 is a perspective illustration of a blind cutting
apparatus illustrating one embodiment of the invention, partially
cut away;
[0036] FIG. 1A is a perspective of a typical venetian blind;
[0037] FIG. 2 is a side elevation of the apparatus of FIG. 1, with
movement shown in phantom;
[0038] FIG. 3 is a section along the line 3-3 of FIG. 2;
[0039] FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective illustration of certain
components of the cutting apparatus, with other components
removed;
[0040] FIG. 5 is a perspective illustration corresponding to FIG. 4
showing the parts assembled;
[0041] FIG. 6 is an enlarged side elevation of the portions of the
apparatus shown in FIGS. 4 and 5;
[0042] FIG. 7 is a side elevation or illustration of a manual
mechanism for operating the slat cut-off apparatus;
[0043] FIG. 8 is a perspective view in schematic form of an end
stop mechanism;
[0044] FIG. 9 is a side view of another slat cutting drive linkage
in one position;
[0045] FIG. 10 is a side view corresponding to FIG. 9, in another
position;
[0046] FIG. 11 is a partial side elevation of an alternate
embodiment;
[0047] FIG. 12 shows a further embodiment;
[0048] FIG. 13 shows a further embodiment for vertical cutting;
[0049] FIG. 14 is a section along line 14-14 of FIG. 13;
[0050] FIG. 15 is a schematic illustration of a further alternate
embodiment of the invention;
[0051] FIG. 16 is a side elevation of a cutter for trimming a
vertical blind;
[0052] FIG. 17 is a perspective illustration of a modified form of
end trim device, for trimming blinds of a somewhat different type,
usually two inch blinds;
[0053] FIG. 18 is a side elevational view of the apparatus of FIG.
17;
[0054] FIG. 19 is an end elevation of the apparatus of FIG. 18;
[0055] FIG. 20 is a top plan view of the apparatus of FIGS. 18 and
19;
[0056] FIG. 21 is a section along the line 21-21 of FIG. 18;
[0057] FIG. 22 is a section along-the-line 22-22 of FIG. 21;
[0058] FIG. 23 is an exploded perspective illustration showing a
head rail opening portion and a head rail cutter opening in a
cutter blade portion;
[0059] FIG. 24 is an exploded perspective of a main body and a
cutter block;
[0060] FIG. 25 is a section along the line 25-25 of FIG. 20;
[0061] FIG. 26 is a section along the line 26-26 of the FIG.
18;
[0062] FIG. 27 is a perspective illustration of a further
embodiment of the invention; and,
[0063] FIG. 28 is a side elevation of FIG. 27.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0064] Referring generally to FIG. 1, it will be seen that one
embodiment of the invention is there illustrated in the form of a
blind end trimming apparatus indicated generally as 10 in this case
being designed for trimming venetian blinds. Typically the
apparatus may be mounted on any suitable form of work table or
bench (not shown) which may function both to support the apparatus
10 at a suitable working height, and which may also have suitable
supports and guides for holding the venetian blind itself during
cutting.
[0065] A typical venetian blind V is shown in FIG. 1A and has
various components including a headrail H a bottom rail B and blind
slats S.
[0066] As explained, it is desirable to provide for cutting of all
three blind components namely the headrail, the bottom rail, and
also the blind slats themselves, all cuts being made in the same
plane, preferably without moving the blind between cuts, so as to
ensure that when trimmed, each side edge of the blind presents a
symmetrical even appearance.
[0067] The end trimming apparatus 10 will be seen in this
embodiment to comprise a base plate 12, and a main support body 14
attached to the plate 12 in a generally upright fashion normal to
the plate 12.
[0068] The main support body 14 is formed with a headrail opening
16, a bottom rail opening 18, and a plurality (two) of blind slat
openings 20-20, spaced apart by a central partition 22.
[0069] The headrail opening, the blind slat openings, and the
bottom rail opening, are aligned side by side horizontally with one
another, and are spaced in such a way that venetian blinds having a
relatively wide range of numbers of blind slats, can readily be
positioned with their respective headrails, blind slats, and bottom
rail in the appropriate openings.
[0070] The headrail opening 16 is of rectangular shape in this
case, shaped to correspond with the shape of a typical
headrail.
[0071] The bottom rail opening 18 is likewise shaped to receive a
typical bottom rail.
[0072] It will be appreciated that blind manufacturers use
headrails and bottom rails of varying different designs and shapes,
so that any one manufacturer may wish to build an end trimming
device suited for its particular blinds only, and not being suited
to receive blinds of competitors. Similarly, if such a manufacturer
produces blinds having various headrails, bottom rails, and blind
slats of various different dimensions and or shapes and profiles,
then the manufacturer will supply to its retail outlet a variety of
different end trimming apparatus, so that each retailer can trim a
range of different venetian blind designs supplied by that
manufacturer.
[0073] While the apparatus shown and described so far will suit
only one shape of headrail, bottom rail, and blind slat, it is
conceivable that such apparatus could be made with interchangeable
recesses, and dies and cutters so that it could be adapted to trim
the ends of variety of different venetian blind designs, simply by
interchanging certain components.
[0074] This however is not illustrated herein, and it is believed
that it will be obvious to persons skilled in the art as to how
this could be achieved.
[0075] As explained, the headrail opening, the slat openings, and
the bottom rail opening are arranged spaced apart horizontally so
that a complete blind consisting of headrail, slats, and bottom
rail, may be received with their components in their respective
openings. The blind slats can be arranged in bundles and slid
through into the two openings provided, in whatever arrangement is
most suitable for that particular blind.
[0076] As mentioned the entire trimming apparatus 10 is
advantageously mounted on a bench, (not shown) with clear space to
one side of the main support body member 14, so that the rest of
the blind can be supported during trimming. This supporting
function may be provided in some cases by one or more rails with
guides, but can also simply be provided by a bench or table, at a
suitable height.
[0077] Headrail and Bottom Rail Trimming
[0078] The apparatus for trimming the headrail and the bottom rail
consists of a die plate 30, which is slidably mounted on one side
of the main support body 14 by means of lower guide 32 and upper
guide 34.
[0079] The two guides are parallel to one another, and are spaced
apart and extend along parallel diagonal axes at about 45 degrees.
The die plate 30 is thus slidable within the guide rails along a
diagonal upward and downward movement path. Other movement paths
such as arcuate, vertical or otherwise would also serve the
purpose. In order to avoid any cutting of the blind slats, by means
of the die plate 30, a central rectangular clearance opening 36 is
provided in the die plate, registering with the slat openings 20 in
the main body 14.
[0080] In order to cut the headrail, a headrail cutting recess 38
is provided in die plate 30. When the die plate is in one position,
the cutting recess 38 is adapted to register with the headrail
opening 16 in the support body 14.
[0081] When the die plate 30 is moved into the other position, a
cutting action takes place, and the opening and the recess are out
of registration with one another.
[0082] The bottom rail cutting is effected by means of a bottom
rail cutting recess 40 formed in die plate 30, and adapted to
register with the bottom rail opening 18 in support body 14 in one
position, and to be out of registration in another position.
[0083] Thus movement of the die plate 30 between one position and
another position, once the headrail and the bottom rail have been
inserted into respective openings and recesses, will produce
cutting or trimming of the ends of both the headrail and the bottom
rail which may be simultaneous, or almost at the same time, or in
sequence depending upon the design (see below), and in the same
plane.
[0084] At this point it should be noted that the orientation of the
headrail openings and the bottom rail openings both in the main
body 14 and the die plate 30 are such that the headrail and bottom
rail are substantially lying on edge, in planes parallel to one
another but spaced apart, with the blind slats between them.
[0085] It will however be observed that in this embodiment the
direction of the cutting angle is diagonal to the position in which
the headrail and the bottom rail are lying. In this way, the
cutting action of the die plate, when it commences movement, takes
place initially by applying cutting pressure to one corner of each
of the headrail and the bottom rail, and cutting is thus
progressive through the two components in a diagonal manner while
the two components are held fixed substantially on edge. Other
cutting configurations can be used as will be explained below.
[0086] This feature advantageously reduces the total force that
must be applied to achieve cutting, and so permits the cutting
operation to be performed by manual means. Of course it is possible
that the entire operation can be power operated as will become
apparent below, although it is believed that this would
unnecessarily increase the cost of the apparatus.
[0087] For example, cutting of the two components could take place
in sequence. The bottom rail die recess 40 could be slightly
oversized as at 40A in FIG. 11, so that cutting of the bottom rail
would take place just after cutting of the head rail, to further
reduce manual effort.
[0088] In order to apply manual cutting force to the die plate 30,
the die plate 30 is formed with a rectangular recess 42 having a
bottom edge 44, normal to the diagonal axis of the die plate, and
two side edges 46-46. A top closure bar 48 closes off the
rectangular recess 42 for reasons to be described below.
[0089] In order to move the die plate 30, a driver mechanism is
provided which in this embodiment comprises, a rotary cam member 50
is provided, which is adapted to engage the bottom edge 44 of the
recess 42, for movement of plate 30 in one direction, and closure
bar 48 closing the recess 42, for movement in the other
direction.
[0090] The two side edges 46 do not contact the rotary cam, but
define clear spaces on either side to permit arcuate movement of
cam 50.
[0091] The cam 50 is itself mounted eccentrically on a drive hub
52, which is rotatably mounted in the main body 14. Drive hub 52
extends outwardly from the main body 14 (FIG. 1), and is provided
with a manual operating lever 54.
[0092] The rotary axis of the cam 50 is offset relative to the
rotary axis of the drive hub 52. Thus when the drive hub 52 is
rotated by manually pulling the lever 54 in the direction indicated
by the arrow A, the cam 50 will be forced against the lower edge 44
of the rectangular recess 42 in the die plate 30. This will force
the die plate 30 to move on a downward diagonal axis, thereby
cutting both the headrail H and the bottom rail B of the blind.
Releasing the handle 54 permits a spring (not shown) to return the
handle and rotate the drive hub in the opposite direction, and this
will cause the rotary cam to engage the closure bar 48 and cause
upward diagonal movement of the die plate 30.
[0093] Trimming of Blind Slats
[0094] The trimming of the blind slats S is carried out in this
embodiment as a separate function from the trimming of the headrail
and the bottom rail.
[0095] For this purpose in this embodiment, a blade mounting frame
60 is slidably mounted on main body 14, between main body 14 and
the die plate 30. Main body 14 is formed with two guide grooves 62,
and the blade mounting frame 60 is supplied with two guide bars 64,
sliding in the grooves 62. This arrangement is for purposes of
illustration only.
[0096] The blade mounting frame 60 is of rectangular shape and
defines an interior space 66. At one end (right hand end of FIGS. 4
and 5) a blade 68 is mounted on the frame 60. The blade is a
generally curved shape in end section, so as to provide a generally
bevelled trim shape to the ends of the blind slats S. However, the
blade 68 can have any shape desired for a particular slat
design.
[0097] Generally curved blind slat supports 70 and 72 are provided
on main body 14, and on partition 22 respectively. In this way,
movement of the blade 68 will shear the ends of the slats S,
against the support of the arcuate slat supports 70 and 72, thereby
providing a clean cut on each slat end. The centre portion of the
blade 68 moves in the same plane as the interior surface of the die
plate 30. In this way the ends of all the blind components are
trimmed in an even and symmetrical manner.
[0098] In order to move the blade support frame 60 to and fro, a
driver mechanism is provided which in this embodiment comprises, a
connecting rod 74 is secured to the free end (left hand in FIGS. 4
and 5), of frame 60.
[0099] Connecting rod 74 may be powered by any suitable means.
Preferably, in accordance with this preferred embodiment of the
invention, the connecting rod 74 will be powered manually. For this
purpose connecting rod 74 is connected through a support block 76
to a rack 78 (FIG. 7), and a drive gear 80. Drive gear 80 is
connected to a manually operable lever 82 and moves to and fro in
slots 81. Swinging of the lever 82 in the direction of the arrow B
will cause the connecting rod 74 to drive the blade mounting frame
60 to the right (FIG. 7) and reverse movement will cause reverse
movement of the mounting frame 60.
[0100] In this way the slat ends may be trimmed in a single manual
movement. It will of course be appreciated that the rack and pinion
manual operation may be replaced by any other manual linkage or
arrangement or by any suitable power operated means such as a power
cylinder or the like. However such substitutions are deemed
relatively straightforward for persons skilled in the art.
[0101] While in this embodiment the blind slat cutting assembly is
incorporated in the trimming apparatus 10, it will also be
appreciated that the blind slat openings 20 and supports 70 and 72
could be mad separately and could form part of a separate
apparatus, with the frame 60 and blade 68 associated with them, so
as to be separate from body 14 and from openings 16 and 18, and die
plate 30.
[0102] End Stop Assembly
[0103] In order to assist in the use of the apparatus and ensure
that the correct amount is trimmed off each end of each blind, an
adjustable end stop assembly 90 is provided as shown in FIG. 8.
This will be seen to comprise a stop arm 92, mounted on a slide bar
94. The slide bar 94 is slidable in a slide block 96, mounted on
device 10.
[0104] An adjustable fastening screw 98 is provided on arm 92, and
suitable indicia may be provided along the bar 94 so that arm may
be adjusted to the correct position.
[0105] The slide bar 94 is slidable within block 96. It is operated
by means of a curved linkage bar assembly 100. One end of the
linkage bar assembly is secured to an axle rod 102 extending from
drive hub 52.
[0106] A particular length of trim may be selected and the stop arm
92 may be moved to that length and secured by fastening screw
98.
[0107] The linkage bar 100 extends through opening 104 in bar 94,
so that when bar 100 moves downwardly, bar 94 is driven to the left
(FIG. 8), and vice versa.
[0108] In operation, when a trim cut has been commenced at one end
of the blind, the linkage bar 100 moves down through opening 104,
thereby moving the stop arm 92 away from the die plate 30. The
loose ends or cut off ends of the blind may then be removed, after
which the arm 54 may be returned once more bringing the stop arm 92
into the stop position.
[0109] In certain cases, it may be found that the thickness of the
die plate 30 is greater than the length of the trim portion which
is desired to cut off from one end of the blind. To overcome this
problem, the die plate may be provided with slotted recesses 110
and 112 (FIG. 2), extending more or less horizontally and aligned
with one another, from the headrail cut off recess 38 and the
bottom rail cut off recess 40.
[0110] The end stop arm in this case may be made sufficiently thin
as at 114 that it will fit within the slots 110 and 112 and thus
extend completely across the die plate 30 from the headrail cut off
recess 38 to the bottom rail cut off recess 40. This will then
permit the operator to set the stop arm 92 at the appropriate
position, to provide an end trim of the blind, having a length
which is shorter than the thickness of the die plate itself.
[0111] As also illustrated in FIGS. 8, and 9 and 10, it is possible
to provide for operation of the blind slat cutting blade, in
synchronism with the operation of the die plate for cutting the
headrail and bottom rail. This may be achieved, by means of
connecting the drive shaft 74 driving the blade assembly, by means
of a cross bolt 120, to a lost motion linkage 122. Lost motion
linkage 122 has a slotted opening 124 to receive bolt 120, thereby
allowing the linkage 122 to move a predetermined distance, before
it engages bolt 120.
[0112] The other end of linkage 122 is connected (FIGS. 9 and 10)
to a connecting link 126. Connecting link 126 is connected within a
slotted recess 128 in drive hub 52.
[0113] In this way when the arm 54 is swung toward the operator to
rotate drive hub 52, so as to cut the headrail and bottom rail, a
predetermined distance, swinging of the arm 54 a further distance
will cause movement of the bolt 120, and connecting rod 74 thereby
causing movement of the blade assembly for shearing the ends of the
blind slats.
[0114] In this way a single manual movement can provide for cutting
of all three components of a blind.
[0115] As explained on Page 12 it may be desirable to provide that
cutting of the headrail takes place first, and the bottom rail is
cut in sequence. This can also be achieved as shown in FIG. 12. The
die plate 30 can have a separate portion 30A, and lost motion links
130 connect it with die plate 30. This would achieve cutting of the
two components in sequence.
[0116] Cutting of the headrail and bottom rail may take place in
various orientations and directions. The FIG. 1 embodiment
illustrates a diagonal cutting orientation.
[0117] However cutting could equally well take place in various
other orientations. FIG. 13 for example illustrates cutting in a
vertical orientation. In this case a main body 140 having headrail
and bottom rail openings 142 and 144 as provided, similar to FIG. 1
embodiment. A transverse blind-slat cutting assembly 146 generally
similar to the FIG. 1 embodiment is also provided. However in order
to shear the headrail and bottom rail, a vertical shear member 148
is provided, mounted in a transverse guide plate 150. A drive cam
152 is mounted to a rotatable drive hub (not shown) and drives the
shear 148 in manner similar to the die cutting plate of FIG. 1. In
this case, however the movement is vertically, downwardly, and
upwardly.
[0118] Plate 150 would have an opening 151 to receive the ends of
the blind components.
[0119] A headrail shear blade 154 is provided is provided on one
side of the shear member 148 and a bottom rail shear blade 156 is
provided on the other side registering with the respective headrail
and bottom rail openings 142 and 144. Between the two shear blades
there is a rectangular clearance space 158, the purposes of which
is to fit around either side of the blind slat portion S, extending
through the main body 140.
[0120] It will also be seen that in this embodiment, by the
operation of the cam 152 the entire shear member 148 will be driven
downwardly. This will cause the two shear blades 154 and 156 to cut
the headrail and the bottom rail. After this, the shear member 148
will be raised upwardly, and cutting of the blind slats S can then
proceed in the manner already described above.
[0121] It will of course be appreciated that the illustration of
two cutting orientations namely diagonal, and vertical, is merely
for the sake of illustration and without limitation to the scope of
the invention. The invention is deemed to comprehend all such
cutting orientations as may produce the desired result.
[0122] As illustrated in FIG. 15, the invention may also be carried
out using two separate manual controls, for cutting various of the
blind components separately by separate manual operations.
[0123] In this case, a base plate 170 is shown fitted with a blind
component holder member 172. Holder member 172 has a generally
rectangular slotted opening 174 to receive the headrail of the
blind, and a generally C-shaped opening 176 to receive the bottom
rail of the blind. A cutting die plate 178 may be provided, in this
case of a similar design to that illustrated in the FIG. 1
embodiment. It will also have suitable cutting openings (not shown)
registering with the headrail opening 174 and the bottom rail
opening 176, for cutting the headrail and the bottom rail. It may
be operated by a cam 180 and an arm 182.
[0124] In this way, the headrail and the bottom rail of the blind
may be cut either simultaneously or in sequence (as described
above) by operation of the manual arm 172.
[0125] The blind slats in this embodiment would be supported in the
blind slat openings 184,186, separated by the supporting partition
190. This enables the blind slats to be arranged in the two
openings 184,186, so that they will not all be bunched while they
are being cut, but may be grouped in separate bundles, for reasons
described above.
[0126] A cutting blade 192, for cutting the blind slats, would be
operated by means of rods 194 and 196, and wheel 198 and handle
200.
[0127] In this way, the cutting of the headrail and the bottom rail
is achieved by one manual operation, and the cutting of the blind
slats is achieved by another manual operation.
[0128] In some circumstances it is also desirable to be able to
trim the width of a vertical blind. Typical vertical blinds have a
headrail with control rods extending the length of the headrail.
Runners within the headrail support a plurality of vertical slats
in known manner.
[0129] In some cases at a point of sale a customer may require that
the vertical blind be trimmed as to width.
[0130] This can be achieved by the modification shown in FIG.
16.
[0131] In this case the support body 202 is formed with a further
generally U-shaped recess 204 which is shaped to receive the
headrail of a vertical blind. Head rail and control rod holes
206-206 are formed side by side, within the space enclosed by the
headrail recess 204. The cutting die plate 208, located on the
other side of body 202, is provided with a matching cutting opening
(not shown) and cutting holes (not shown) for cutting the vertical
blind headrail rods and control rods.
[0132] Depending on the length of the headrail that is cut off, one
or more runners and vertical blind slats (not shown) will also be
removed by simply sliding them out of the open end of the
headrail.
[0133] The above-noted apparatus is satisfactory for cutting blinds
typically having a blind slat width of around one inch or so, and
also for trimming vertical slat blinds.
[0134] However, there also exist blinds of a somewhat different
type having slats of a greater width, typically in the region two
inches. Blinds of this type may be fabricated of somewhat different
material and may be shaped somewhat differently. In particular the
bottom slat or rail may be of solid material and formed with flat
planar sides.
[0135] Thus while the modified form of two inch blind may have an
appearance generally similar to that shown in FIG. 1A, the bottom
rail B is a solid member, typically formed of extruded thermo
plastic material or the like, and the blind slats themselves may
well typically be formed of thin metallic-strip material similar to
the one inch blinds but simply wider. The top rail is again of
typically rectangular channel shape in section but will typically
be approximately two inches wide rather than one inch wide as in
the case of the smaller blinds.
[0136] When cutting this type of modified blind therefore because
the bottom rail B is made of a somewhat softer material, and has
simply a flat planar section (FIG. 18) it is possible to perform
the cutting operation of the bottom rail B more or less
simultaneously with the cutting of the blind slats themselves.
[0137] Referring now to FIGS. 17 and 18 this modified embodiment of
the invention will be seen to comprise a main body plate 220,
mounting on a suitable base to 222.
[0138] The main body 220 is provided with a bottom rail recess 224,
two blind slat recesses 226-228, and a head rail recess 230 (FIG.
24).
[0139] The main body 220 is further provided with a pair of
generally horizontal spaced apart guide rails 232 and 234, and a
pair of generally diagonally guide rails 236 and 238. The main body
220 is also provided with a bearing body 240 with a bearing recess
242 therein.
[0140] There are two cutting blade blocks, namely a first cutting
blade block 244 (FIGS. 18 and 24) and a second diagonal cutting
blade block 246. First cutting blade block 244 has an upstanding
attachment lug 248 for reasons described below. First cutting blade
block 244 further has a bottom rail cutting recess 250, and a first
blind slat cutting recess 252. There are three cutting blades
mounting on first cutting block 244 namely a bottom rail cutting
blade 254, a first blind slat cutting blade 256 and a second blind
slat cutting blade 258.
[0141] The blades 254, 256 and 258 register respectively with the
edges of openings 224, 226 and 228, in main body 220 (FIGS. 18 and
24).
[0142] In order to cut the head rail of a blind, the diagonal
cutting block 246 is formed with a head rail cutting die 260, which
is adapted in one position to register with the head rail opening
recess 230 in the main body 220.
[0143] The recesses 224, 226, 228 and 230 in the main body 220 are
all aligned along a common horizontal axis, so that the blind
components namely the bottom rail, the bundles of slats, and the
head rail can be slid into the respective recesses simultaneously,
without disturbing the arrangement of the blind itself.
[0144] Similarly the recesses in the blade block 244 namely 250,
252 and the blades 254, 256, and 258 all register with respective
openings 224, 226 and 228.
[0145] The head rail cutting die 260 registers with the head rail
recess 230, and again the blades and cutting die are all aligned
along a horizontal axis.
[0146] In order to move the blade block 244, and also to move the
die block 246, a drive shaft 262 is rotatably mounted in bearing
recess 242 in bearing body 240. Shaft 262 is connected to a manual
operating lever 264, by means of which shaft 262 may be rotated to
and fro.
[0147] A stub shaft 266 extends from shaft 262 along an eccentric
axis. Stub shaft 266 engages in bearing 268, which is in turn
received in a drive recess 270 in blade block 246.
[0148] In this way, rotation of shaft 262 by lever 268 will cause
the eccentric stub shaft 266 to apply a diagonal movement to blade
block 246. It will be noted that the diagonal location of the stub
shaft 266 relative to the drive shaft 262 causes a very substantial
mechanical advantage as between the operation of the lever 264 and
the shaft 262, so as to provide adequate cutting force, to move the
cutting die 260 (FIG. 23) relative to the headrail recess 224, and
produce a clean shearing action.
[0149] In order to move blade block 244, connecting rod 272 is
connected between lug 248, and lever 262. Thus rotational swinging
movement of manual lever 264 will cause rod 272 to move the entire
blade block 244, thereby shearing the bottom rail, and the blind
slats progressively as the blade block 244 moves along its linear
horizontal axis.
[0150] In order to provide an end stop for the bottom rail, blind
slats, and headrail, so that the length being cut off can be preset
by adjusting the end stop and setting it to a predetermined
position, an end stop is provided generally as shown in FIGS. 17,
25 and 26.
[0151] The actual end stop consists of a generally Z-shaped plate
member 274, having an upper stop portion 276 adapted to register
with the various blades and cutting recesses along the
predetermined horizontal axis referred to, and having a lower
adjustment portion 278, which is slidably mounted on a pair of
bearing sleeves 280 slidably mounted on parallel slide bars
282.
[0152] A hand-operated screw lock 284 permits the end stop 274 to
be adjusted to and fro along the bearing sleeves 280. It will be
appreciated from FIGS. 17 and 18, that there is a mounting body 286
extending between the two sleeves 280, and having an adjustable
fastening groove 288 for receiving a nut (not shown) connected to
screw 284. Shafts 282 are mounted on any suitable base frame and
legs indicated generally as 290.
[0153] In this way, the end stop plate 276 can be adjusted towards
or away from the main body 220 and blade blocks 244 and 246, and
will effectively stop the insertion of the blind components namely
the bottom rail, the blind slats, and the headrail, beyond the
point where they contact the stop 276.
[0154] The position of the stop 276 can be adjusted by operating
the screw 284 and sliding the entire plate 278 to and fro.
[0155] It will of course be appreciated that once the actual cuts
have taken place, that it is desirable to have the end stop 276
moved away so that the cutoff portions can readily be cleared
away.
[0156] This movement is achieved by means of a guide plate 292
connected to the underneath of body 286, and extending outwardly to
one side thereof. Plate 292 is provided with a diagonal linear slot
294. A control pin 296 extends through slot 294, pin 296 being
mounted in blade block 244, whereby movement of blade block 244
will move the pin 296, along the diagonal slot 244 thereby causing
movement of the plate 292 and associated body 286 away from the
blade blocks 244 and 246.
[0157] It will thus be seen that in this embodiment of the
invention, cutting of the bottom rail and blind slats will take
place as a result of movement of the cutting block 244 and its
associated blades 254, 256 and 258, and cutting or shearing of the
headrail will take place as a result of the diagonal movement of
the block 246, and the shearing action between the headrail opening
224 in the main body 220, and the headrail cutting die 260 in the
diagonal cutting block 246.
[0158] The operation of the end stop and its movement to and fro is
self-explanatory from the above description.
[0159] According to a further embodiment as illustrated in FIGS. 27
and 28, a modified form of end trimming device is illustrated
generally as 300. It has a main body 302, and a first horizontal
cutting block 304, and a second diagonal cutting block 306.
[0160] These two cutting blocks are provided with the usual
openings indicated as 308, 310 and 312 for cutting respectively,
the bottom rail, the bundles of blind slats and the head rail.
[0161] In order to reduce the loading on the manual cutter
mechanism, in this embodiment of the invention, there are two
manual mechanisms. The first manual cutter mechanism comprises the
shaft and block 314 operated by a first arm 316. An offset crank
pin 318 connects a linkage 320 to an upright post 322 for moving
block 304.
[0162] This mechanism is not connected in any way to the diagonal
block 306.
[0163] The diagonal block 306 is however moved by an eccentric
rotary cam 323, which is received in opening 324 in block 306. The
cam 323 is operated by a shaft (not shown) which is in turn
operated by a manual lever 326.
[0164] Thus in this mechanism, the bottom slat and the bundles of
blind slats and the headrail are all placed in their respective
openings. The first lever 316 is then operated to cut the bottom
rail and the bundles of blind slats by moving the block 304
horizontally.
[0165] When that has been completed, then the second lever 326 is
operated, so as to move the diagonal block 306 thereby cutting the
headrail.
[0166] It will of course be appreciated that this device will
usually be provided with suitable end stops of the type shown in
FIGS. 19, 20, 25 and 26.
[0167] The operation of the cam 324 will be similar to that
illustrated in FIG. 22.
[0168] The foregoing is a description of a preferred embodiment of
the invention which is given here by way of example only. The
invention is not to be taken as limited to any of the specific
features as described, but comprehends all such variations thereof
as come within the scope of the appended claims.
* * * * *