U.S. patent application number 12/580420 was filed with the patent office on 2010-08-26 for releasable clip for a shade.
Invention is credited to Robert S. LeBlanc.
Application Number | 20100212120 12/580420 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 42629602 |
Filed Date | 2010-08-26 |
United States Patent
Application |
20100212120 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
LeBlanc; Robert S. |
August 26, 2010 |
RELEASABLE CLIP FOR A SHADE
Abstract
A releasable clip for a shade is provided having an eyelet
through which a cord can be strung and a retainment member coupled
to the eyelet, where the retainment member is configured to receive
a ring of a shade. The retainment member can be structured to
releasably secure the shade ring and release the shade ring upon
the application of a predetermined amount of force.
Inventors: |
LeBlanc; Robert S.; (Powder
Springs, GA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
JONES DAY
1420 PEACHTREE STREET, N.E., SUITE 800
ATLANTA
GA
30309-3053
US
|
Family ID: |
42629602 |
Appl. No.: |
12/580420 |
Filed: |
October 16, 2009 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
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61246610 |
Sep 29, 2009 |
|
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|
61235122 |
Aug 19, 2009 |
|
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61155475 |
Feb 25, 2009 |
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Current U.S.
Class: |
24/457 |
Current CPC
Class: |
Y10T 24/44017 20150115;
E06B 2009/2622 20130101; E06B 9/262 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
24/457 |
International
Class: |
A44B 99/00 20100101
A44B099/00 |
Claims
1. A releasable clip for a shade, comprising: an eyelet through
which a cord can be strung; and a retainment member coupled to the
eyelet, said retainment member configured to receive a ring affixed
to the shade; wherein the retainment member is structured to
releasably secure the ring and release the ring upon the
application of a predetermined amount of force.
2. The releasable clip for a shade according to claim 1, wherein
the retainment member forms a portion of a ring and is at least
partially ring shaped.
3. The releasable clip for a shade according to claim 2, wherein at
least a portion of an internal surface of the retainment member
forms a groove.
4. The releasable clip for a shade according to claim 2, wherein
the retainment member is partially flexible to receive the
ring.
5. The releasable clip for a shade according to claim 2, wherein
the retainment member terminates with opposing ends, the opposing
ends being separated by a distance that is less than a diameter of
the retainment member.
6. A releasable clip for a shade, comprising: an attachment member
operable for coupling to an attachment means of the shade; and a
retainment member coupled to the attachment member, said retainment
member configured to receive a ring which a cord can be strung
through; wherein the retainment member is structured to releasably
secure the ring and release the ring upon the application of a
predetermined amount of force.
7. The releasable clip for a shade according to claim 6, wherein
the attachment member comprises a slot operable for coupling said
attachment means to said attachment member.
8. The releasable clip for a shade according to claim 7, wherein
said attachment member is formed of a flexible material, such that
said slot can receive said attachment means.
9. The releasable clip for a shade according to claim 6, wherein
the retainment member forms a portion of a ring and is at least
partially ring shaped.
10. The releasable clip for a shade according to claim 9, wherein
at least a portion of an internal surface of the retainment member
forms a groove.
11. The releasable clip for a shade according to claim 9, wherein
the retainment member is formed of a flexible material to
facilitate receiving the ring.
12. The releasable clip for a shade according to claim 9, wherein
the retainment member terminates with opposing ends, the opposing
ends being separated by a distance that is less than a diameter of
the retainment member.
13. A releasable clip for a shade, comprising: a first retainment
member operable for coupling to an attachment means of the shade;
and a second retainment member coupled to the first retainment
member, said second retainment member is configured to receive a
ring which a lift cord can be strung through; wherein the second
retainment member is structured to releasably secure the ring and
release the ring upon the application of a predetermined amount of
force.
14. The releasable clip according to claim 13, where the first
retainment member is structured to releasably secure the attachment
means of the shade and release the attachment means upon the
application of a predetermined amount of force.
15. The releasable clip according to claim 13, wherein the second
retainment member forms a portion of a ring and is at least
partially ring shaped.
16. The releasable clip according to claim 15, wherein at least a
portion of an internal surface of the second retainment member
forms a groove.
17. The releasable clip according to claim 16, wherein the second
retainment member is formed of a flexible material to facilitate
receiving the ring.
18. The releasable clip according to claim 15, wherein the second
retainment member terminates with opposing ends, the opposing ends
being separated by a distance that is less than a diameter of the
second retainment member.
19. The releasable clip according to claim 14, wherein the first
retainment member forms a portion of a ring and is at least
partially ring shaped.
20. The releasable clip according to claim 19, wherein at least a
portion of an internal surface of the first retainment member forms
a groove.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS
[0001] This application claims the benefit of and priority to U.S.
provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/246,610 filed Sep. 29,
2009, U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No. 61/235,122 filed
Aug. 19, 2009, and to U.S. provisional patent application Ser. No.
61/155,475 filed Feb. 25, 2009, each of which is incorporated by
reference herein in its entirety.
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates generally to window coverings, and
more particularly to a release mechanism for roman shade lift
cords.
BACKGROUND
[0003] Window coverings, such as shades or blinds, typically have a
horizontal or vertical covering to prevent sunlight from entering
an area and to retain privacy. The covering, which is commonly in
the form of slats or pleats, can hang vertically in the case of a
vertical covering, or can extend horizontally from a headrail in
the case of a horizontal covering. Many window coverings also
include a bottom rail as well.
[0004] In order to raise and lower the bottom rail relative to the
floor, a looped cord extends from a point along the bottom rail
through the slats and into the headrail. Two or more cords are
often provided to raise or lower the window covering evenly. The
window covering is raised or lowered by pulling or releasing the
accessible portion of the cords. Inventions directed to minimizing
or eliminating the possibility of entanglement in the cords are
provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,577,543, 6,044,523, 5,562,140 and
6,431,248. Nevertheless, there is still a need in the art for an
apparatus that reduces the dangers associated with cords on window
blinds.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0005] A releasable clip, in accordance with an exemplary
embodiment of the present invention, provides a safety feature of a
releasable arrangement should a user, such as an infant, become
entangled with a closed loop of a lift cord of a window shade, such
as a roman window shade. The releasable clip for a shade can be
included with new roman window shade kits or can be retro-fit to
existing window shade kits. In addition, the releasable clip is
designed such that it can be used with any roman window shade.
[0006] In an exemplary embodiment, a releasable clip for a shade is
provided having an eyelet through which a cord can be strung and a
retainment member coupled to the eyelet, where the retainment
member is configured to receive a ring of a shade. The retainment
member can be structured to releasably secure the shade ring and
release the shade ring upon the application of a predetermined
amount of force.
[0007] In another exemplary embodiment, a releasable clip for a
shade is provided having an attachment member operable for coupling
to an attachment means of the shade; and a retainment member
coupled to the attachment member, the retainment member configured
to receive a ring which a cord can be strung through. The
retainment member can be structured to releasably secure the ring
and release the ring upon the application of a predetermined amount
of force.
[0008] In yet another exemplary embodiment, a releasable clip for a
shade is provided having a first retainment member operable for
coupling to an attachment means of the shade and a second
retainment member coupled to the first retainment member. The
second retainment member is configured to receive a ring which a
lift cord can be strung through. Additionally, the second
retainment member is structured to releasably secure the ring and
release the ring upon the application of a predetermined amount of
force.
[0009] The above features and advantages of the present invention
will be better understood with reference to the following figures
and detailed description. It should be appreciated that the
particular devices and methods illustrating the present invention
are exemplary only and not to be regarded as limitations of the
present invention.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0010] There are presently shown in the drawings embodiments which
are presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the
invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and
instrumentalities shown.
[0011] FIG. 1 is an embodiment of a releasable clip for a shade in
accordance with the present invention;
[0012] FIG. 2 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 prior to engagement
with a window shade ring;
[0013] FIG. 3 shows the embodiment of FIG. 1 engaged with a window
shade;
[0014] FIG. 4 is a view of a plurality of releasable clips in
exemplary use with a window shade;
[0015] FIG. 5 is another embodiment of a releasable clip for a
shade in accordance with the present invention;
[0016] FIG. 6 shows the embodiment of FIG. 5 prior to engagement
with a window shade;
[0017] FIG. 7 shows the embodiment of FIG. 7 engaged with a window
shade;
[0018] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of the embodiment shown in
FIG. 3 taken along line 5-5;
[0019] FIG. 9 is a view of a plurality of releasable clips in
exemplary use with a window shade;
[0020] FIG. 10 is yet another embodiment of a releasable clip for a
shade in accordance with the present invention;
[0021] FIG. 11 shows the embodiment of FIG. 10 prior to engagement
with a window shade;
[0022] FIG. 12 shows the embodiment of FIG. 10 engaged with a
window shade; and
[0023] FIG. 13 shows a side view of the embodiment of FIG. 10.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0024] While the specification concludes with claims defining the
features of the embodiments that are regarded as novel, it is
believed that the releasable clips for a shade, and other
embodiments will be better understood from a consideration of the
following description in conjunction with the drawing figures, in
which like reference numerals are carried forward.
[0025] As required, detailed embodiments of the releasable clips
for a shade are disclosed herein. However, it is to be understood
that the disclosed embodiments are merely exemplary, which can be
embodied in various forms. Therefore, specific structural and
functional details disclosed herein are not to be interpreted as
limiting, but merely as a basis for the claims and as a
representative basis for teaching one skilled in the art to
variously employ the embodiments of the present invention in
virtually any appropriately detailed structure. Further, the terms
and phrases used herein are not intended to be limiting but rather
to provide an understandable description of the embodiments
herein.
[0026] The terms "a" or "an," as used herein, are defined as one or
more than one. The phrase "at least one of" as used herein, is
defined as one or more than one. The term "another," as used
herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms
"including" and/or "having," as used herein, are defined as
comprising (i.e., open language).
[0027] The releasable clip for a shade described herein provides a
safety feature of a releasable arrangement should a user become
entangled with a lift cord of a window shade, such as a roman
window shade. The releasable clip for a shade can be included with
new window shade kits or can be retro-fit to existing window shade
kits.
[0028] Referring now to FIGS. 1-3 which illustrate a releasable
clip 100 for a shade, such as a roman shade for a window. The
releasable clip 100 includes an eyelet 110 and a retainment member
120. The eyelet 110 can be any appropriate shape, such as annular
with an open space 130, for operating with pull and/or lift cords
associated with a shade. In one embodiment, the eyelet 110 is a
closed shape, but the present disclosure contemplates using an open
structure, such as having a slot therein, or a structure that can
be opened and closed. Pull and/or lift cords used to operate a
shade can be strung through or otherwise operably engaged with the
open space 130 of eyelet 110.
[0029] The eyelet 110 can be constructed of any suitable material,
such as plastic, metal, ceramic, nylon and combinations thereof. As
shown in FIG. 1, the releasable clip 100, including the eyelet 110
and a retainment member 120, can be a unibody apparatus and can be
constructed of the same materials listed above. Although, the
present disclosure contemplates a modular construction as well,
such as the eyelet 100 and member 120 being removably connected
with each other.
[0030] In exemplary embodiments, the retainment member of 120 of
the releasable clip 100 can be dimensioned and constructed to
releasably secure a ring connected to a window shade. The
retainment member 120 can be annular in shape and form a partial
ring or a portion of a ring. Even though the partial ring or the
portion of the ring does not form an uninterrupted ring, the
retainment member 120 can have a diameter of a distance L1. The
partial ring can terminate in opposing ends 140a and 140b that are
separated by a distance L2. The retainment member 120 can be
constructed and dimensioned such that the distance L2 between the
opposing ends 140a and 140b is less than the distance L1.
[0031] Additionally, the internal surface 150 of the partially ring
shaped retainment member 120 may form a groove or channel 160. The
groove 160 can extend from opposing end 140a to opposing end 140b
or can be formed in only a portion of the internal surface 150. The
groove 160 can be shaped with a curvature to match the curvature of
a shade ring to be secured with the partially ring shaped
retainment member 120. However, other corresponding cross-sectional
shapes can also be utilized.
[0032] Furthermore, at least the partially ring shaped retainment
member 120 of the releasable clip 100 may be formed of a flexible
material, such as plastic, that allows the retainment member 120 to
flex during insertion of the shade ring to be secured and that
returns the retainment member 120 to an unflexed position. In use,
and as shown in FIG. 4, multiple releasable clips 100 can be
releasably secured to shade rings 170 of a shade 180, and the lift
cord 190 can be strung through or otherwise engaged with the
releasable clips 100.
[0033] During installation of the releasable clip 100 with a shade
ring 170, and as shown in FIG. 2, the partially ring shaped
retainment member 120 can be forced onto the shade ring 170, or in
the alternative, the shade ring 170 can be inserted into the
partially ring shaped retainment member 120. To secure the shade
ring 170 with the partially ring shaped retainment member 120, the
opposing ends 140a and 140b can be gently flexed open to widen the
distance L2 to a distance that is less than the distance L1 but
greater than the diameter of the shade ring 170. When the partially
ring shaped retainment member 120 is flexed in this manner, the
partially ring shaped retainment member 120 can receive the shade
ring 170. Once the shade ring 170 is inserted within the partially
ring shaped retainment member 120, the opposing ends 140a and 140b
can return to their unflexed position, as shown in FIG. 3.
Chamfered or angled edges can be utilized along the member 120 to
facilitate the engagement.
[0034] Additionally, and as shown in FIG. 8, the groove 160 of the
partially ring shaped retainment member 120 can matingly receive
the shade ring 170 such that a snug or friction fit is formed
between the two structures. Such an arrangement of a snug fit will
minimize play between the partially ring shaped retainment member
120 and shade ring 170.
[0035] In one exemplary embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the shade
ring 170 will not be able to be removed from the partially ring
shaped retainment member 120 unless a predetermined amount of force
is provided to separate the two structures. In one embodiment, the
predetermined amount of force can be approximately 3, 4, 5, 6, 7,
8, 9 or 10 lbs or more. Other embodiments may allow for release of
the shade ring 170 from the partially ring shaped retainment member
120 upon application of a lesser predetermined amount of force,
such as approximately 2.8, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 lbs or more.
The predetermined amount of force can be varied by adjusting the
flexibility of the material of the partially ring shaped retainment
member 120. The predetermined amount of force can also be varied by
adjusting the distance L2 between the opposing ends 140a and 140b.
An increase in the distance L2 between the opposing ends 140a and
140b will decrease the predetermined amount of force while a
decrease of the distance L2 between the opposing ends 140a and 140b
will increase the predetermined amount of force required to release
the shade ring 170 from the partially ring shaped retainment member
120.
[0036] In operation, the partially ring shaped retainment member
120 will release the shade ring 170 when at least the predetermined
amount of force is applied. For instance, if an infant weighing 10
lbs becomes entangled in a closed loop created by the lift cords
190, the infants own body weight may pull on the lift cord 190 and
create a force that exceeds the predetermined force. In such an
event, the partially ring shaped retainment member 120 will release
the shade ring 170. If the shade includes multiple shade rings 170
secured by partially ring shaped retainment member 120, then each
partially ring shaped retainment member 120 will release the shade
ring 170 when the force of the infant's weight is applied to
it.
[0037] Turning now to FIGS. 5-7, another exemplary embodiment of a
releasable clip 200 is illustrated. The releasable clip 200
includes an attachment member 210 and a retainment member 220. The
attachment member 210 can be any appropriate shape, such as annular
with an open space 230 and a slot 215. The slot 215 is designed to
allow a fabric tab, thread loop, or other attachment means of the
window shade to be inserted through the slot 215. In exemplary
embodiments, the attachment member is constructed of a deformable
material, such as plastic, which allows the slot 215 to be enlarged
to allow insertion of the attachment means of the window shade by
the user. Furthermore, the slot 215 may be designed to prevent the
attachment means of the window shade from disengaging from the
attachment member without the slot 215 being deformed by a user.
The attachment member 210 can be constructed of any suitable
material, such as plastic, metal, ceramic, nylon and combinations
thereof. As shown in FIG. 5, the releasable clip 200, including the
attachment member 210 and a retainment member 220, can be a unibody
apparatus. Although, the present disclosure contemplates a modular
construction as well, such as the attachment member 210 and the
retainment member 220 being removably connectable with each
other.
[0038] The retainment member of 220 of the releasable clip 200 can
be dimensioned and constructed to releasably secure a ring for
operating with pull and/or lift cords associated with a shade. The
retainment member 220 can be annular in shape and form a partial
ring or a portion of a ring. Pull and/or lift cords used to operate
a shade can be strung through or otherwise operably engaged with a
ring releasable secured by the retainment member 220. Even though
the partial ring or the portion of the ring does not form an
uninterrupted ring, the retainment member 220 can have a diameter
of a distance L1. The partial ring can terminate in opposing ends
240a and 240b that are separated by a distance L2. The retainment
member 220 can be constructed and dimensioned such that the
distance L2 between the opposing ends 240a and 240b is less than
the distance L1.
[0039] Additionally, the internal surface 250 of the partially ring
shaped retainment member 220 can form a groove or channel 260. The
groove 260 can extend from opposing end 240a to opposing end 240b
or can be formed in only a portion of the internal surface 250. The
groove 260 can be shaped with a curvature to match the curvature of
a ring to be secured with the partially ring shaped retainment
member 220. However, other corresponding cross-sectional shapes can
also be utilized.
[0040] Further, the retainment member 220 can be formed of a
flexible material, such as plastic, that allows the retainment
member 220 to flex during insertion of the ring to be secured and
that returns the retainment member 220 to an unflexed position. In
use, and as shown in FIG. 9, multiple releasable clips 200 can be
releasably secured to attachment means 225 of a shade 280, and the
lift cord 290 can be strung through or otherwise engaged with the
releasable clips 200 via rings 270.
[0041] During installation of the releasable clip 200 with a ring
270, and as shown in FIG. 6, the partially ring shaped retainment
member 220 can be forced onto the ring 270, or in the alternative,
the ring 270 can be inserted into the partially ring shaped
retainment member 220. To secure the ring 270 with the partially
ring shaped retainment member 220, the opposing ends 240a and 240b
can be gently flexed open to widen the distance L2 to a distance
that is less than the distance L1 but greater than the diameter of
the ring 270. When the partially ring shaped retainment member 220
is flexed in this manner, the partially ring shaped retainment
member 220 can receive the ring 270. Once the ring 270 is inserted
within the partially ring shaped retainment member 220, the
opposing ends 240a and 240b can return to their unflexed position,
as shown in FIG. 7. Chamfered or angled edges can be utilized along
the retainment member 220 to facilitate the engagement.
[0042] Furthermore, attachment means 225 of the shade is inserted
into the attachment member 210 through slot 215. Slot 215 may be
flexed to allow insertion of the attachment means 225 and may
return to its unflexed position, which prevents attachment means
225 from becoming disengaged from the attachment member 210 during
normal use of the shade.
[0043] In one embodiment of the secured arrangement shown in FIG.
7, the ring 270 will not be able to be removed from the partially
ring shaped retainment member 220 unless a predetermined amount of
force is provided to separate the two structures. In another
embodiment, the predetermined amount of force can be approximately
3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 lbs or more. Other embodiments may allow
for release of the ring 270 from the partially ring shaped
retainment member 220 upon application of a lesser predetermined
amount of force, such as approximately 2.8, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or
10 lbs or more. The predetermined amount of force can be varied by
adjusting the flexibility of the material of the partially ring
shaped retainment member 220. The predetermined amount of force can
also be varied by adjusting the distance L2 between the opposing
ends 240a and 240b. An increase in the distance L2 between the
opposing ends 240a and 240b will decrease the predetermined amount
of force while a decrease of the distance L2 between the opposing
ends 240a and 240b will increase the predetermined amount of force
required to release the ring 270 from the partially ring shaped
retainment member 220.
[0044] In operation, the partially ring shaped retainment member
220 will release the ring 270 when at least the predetermined
amount of force is applied. For instance, if an infant weighing
approximately 10 lbs or more becomes entangled in a closed loop
created by the lift cords 290, the infant's body weight may pull on
the lift cord 290 and create a force that exceeds the predetermined
force. In such an event, the partially ring shaped retainment
member 220 will release the ring 270. If the shade includes
multiple rings 270 secured by partially ring shaped retainment
member 220, then each partially ring shaped retainment member 220
will release the ring 270 when the force of the infants weight is
applied to it.
[0045] Turning now to FIGS. 10-13, another exemplary embodiment of
a releasable clip 300 for a shade, such as a roman shade for a
window, is illustrated. The releasable clip 300 includes a first
retainment member 310 and a second retainment member 320. The first
and second retainment members 310, 320 can be constructed of any
suitable material, such as plastic, metal, ceramic, nylon and
combinations thereof. As shown in FIG. 10, the releasable clip 300,
including the first retainment member 310 and the second retainment
member 320, can be a unibody apparatus and can be constructed of
the same materials listed above. Although, the present disclosure
contemplates a modular construction as well, such as the first
retainment member 310 and the second retainment member 320 being
removably connectable with each other.
[0046] The first and second retainment members 310, 320 of the
releasable clip 300 can be dimensioned and constructed to
releasably secure a ring for operating with pull and/or lift cords
associated with a shade. The first and second retainment members
310, 320 can be annular in shape and form a partial ring or a
portion of a ring. Pull and/or lift cords used to operate a shade
can be strung through or otherwise operably engaged with a ring
releasable secured by either the first or second retainment members
310, 320. Even though the partial ring or the portion of the ring
does not form an uninterrupted ring, the first and second
retainment members 310, 320 can have a diameter of a distance L1.
The partial ring can terminate in opposing ends 340a and 340b that
are separated by a distance L2. The first and second retainment
members 310, 320 can be constructed and dimensioned such that the
distance L2 between the opposing ends 340a and 340b is less than
the distance L1.
[0047] In exemplary embodiments the first and second retainment
members 310, 320 may have the same dimensions. However, it is
recognized that the distances L1 and L2 of the first and second
retainment members 310, 320 may be different. One of the first and
second retainment members 310, 320 may be designed such that it
receives rings that are used in the production of a specific model
of window shades, thereby allowing the releasable clip 300 to be
easily used with existing window shades without having to replace
the attachment ring of the window shade.
[0048] In exemplary embodiments, an internal surface 350 of at
least one of the first and second retainment members 310, 320 can
form a groove or channel 360. The groove 360 can extend from
opposing end 340a to opposing end 340b or can be formed in only a
portion of the internal surface 350. The groove 360 can be shaped
with a curvature to match the curvature of a ring to be secured
with the partially ring shaped first and second retainment members
310, 320. However, other corresponding cross-sectional shapes can
also be utilized.
[0049] The first and second retainment members 310, 320 can be
formed of a flexible material, such as plastic, that allows the
first and second retainment member 310, 320 to flex during
insertion of the ring to be secured and that returns the first and
second retainment members 310, 320 to an unflexed position. During
installation of the releasable clip 300 with a rings 370, and as
shown in FIG. 11, the partially ring shaped first and second
retainment members 310, 320 can be forced onto the rings 370, or in
the alternative, the rings 370 can be inserted into the partially
ring shaped first and second retainment members 310, 320. To secure
the rings 370 with the partially ring shaped first and second
retainment members 310, 320, the opposing ends 340a and 340b can be
gently flexed open to widen the distance L2 to a distance that is
less than the distance L1 but greater than the diameter of the
rings 370. When the partially ring shaped first and second
retainment members 310, 320 are flexed in this manner, the
partially ring first and second retainment members 310, 320 can
receive the rings 370. Once the rings 370 are inserted within the
partially ring first and second retainment members 310, 320, the
opposing ends 340a and 340b can return to their unflexed position,
as shown in FIG. 12. Chamfered or angled edges can be utilized
along the first and second retainment members 310, 320 to
facilitate the engagement.
[0050] In one embodiment of the secured arrangement shown in FIG.
12, the rings 370 will not be able to be removed from the partially
ring shaped first and second retainment members 310, 320 unless a
predetermined amount of force is provided to separate the two
structures. In another embodiment, the predetermined amount of
force can be approximately 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 lbs or more.
Other embodiments may allow for release of the rings 370 from the
partially ring shaped first and second retainment members 310, 320
upon application of a lesser predetermined amount of force, such as
approximately 2.8, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9 or 10 lbs or more. The
predetermined amount of force can be varied by adjusting the
flexibility of the material of the partially ring shaped first and
second retainment members 310, 320. The predetermined amount of
force can also be varied by adjusting the distance L2 between the
opposing ends 340a and 340b. An increase in the distance L2 between
the opposing ends 340a and 340b will decrease the predetermined
amount of force while a decrease of the distance L2 between the
opposing ends 340a and 340b will increase the predetermined amount
of force required to release the rings 370 from the partially ring
shaped first and second retainment members 310, 320.
[0051] In operation, the partially ring shaped first and second
retainment members 310, 320 will release the rings 370 when at
least the predetermined amount of force is applied. For instance,
if an infant weighing approximately 10 lbs or more becomes
entangled in a closed loop created by the lift cords 390, the
infant's body weight may pull on the lift cord 390 and create a
force that exceeds the predetermined force. In such an event, the
partially ring shaped first and second retainment members 310, 320
will release the rings 370. If the shade includes multiple rings
370 secured by partially ring shaped first and second retainment
members 310, 320, then each partially ring shaped first and second
retainment members 310, 320 will release at least one of the rings
370 when the force of the infant's weight is applied to it.
[0052] In exemplary embodiments, the rings 370 may be constructed
of various materials including, but not limited to, plastic or
metal. One or more rings 370 may either be packaged with the
releasable clip 300 as part of a retro fitting kit or may be
already in use with an existing window shade. Additionally, the
rings 370 may be of different dimensions i.e., one of the rings may
have a different diameter, different width, or different cross
sectional shape.
[0053] While the invention has been described with reference to an
exemplary embodiment, it will be understood by those skilled in the
art that various changes may be made and equivalents may be
substituted for elements thereof without departing from the scope
of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made to
adapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of the
invention without departing from the essential scope thereof.
Therefore, it is intended that the invention not be limited to the
particular embodiment disclosed as the best mode contemplated for
carrying out this invention, but that the invention will include
all embodiments falling within the scope of the appended
claims.
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