U.S. patent application number 13/317056 was filed with the patent office on 2013-04-11 for automatic releasable top down shade system and method.
The applicant listed for this patent is Richard Scott Hand, Fred C. Higgins, Gerald Ashley Lee, Willis Jay Mullet. Invention is credited to Richard Scott Hand, Fred C. Higgins, Gerald Ashley Lee, Willis Jay Mullet.
Application Number | 20130087296 13/317056 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 48041310 |
Filed Date | 2013-04-11 |
United States Patent
Application |
20130087296 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Mullet; Willis Jay ; et
al. |
April 11, 2013 |
Automatic releasable top down shade system and method
Abstract
An automatic releasable top down shade system includes a header.
A release mechanism is provided that is conformed to connect with
the header. A shade with an upper section and a lower section is
provided where the upper section of the shade is connected with
both the header and the release mechanism and where the lower
section is connected with the release mechanism. A lift cord
supports the shade and the lift cord is also connected with the
release mechanism such that the lift cord activates the release
mechanism.
Inventors: |
Mullet; Willis Jay; (Gulf
Breeze, FL) ; Hand; Richard Scott; (Pace, FL)
; Higgins; Fred C.; (Cantonment, FL) ; Lee; Gerald
Ashley; (Milton, FL) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Mullet; Willis Jay
Hand; Richard Scott
Higgins; Fred C.
Lee; Gerald Ashley |
Gulf Breeze
Pace
Cantonment
Milton |
FL
FL
FL
FL |
US
US
US
US |
|
|
Family ID: |
48041310 |
Appl. No.: |
13/317056 |
Filed: |
October 7, 2011 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
160/340 ;
160/405 |
Current CPC
Class: |
E06B 2009/2625 20130101;
E06B 9/322 20130101; E06B 9/323 20130101; E06B 2009/2627 20130101;
E06B 9/262 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
160/340 ;
160/405 |
International
Class: |
A47H 23/00 20060101
A47H023/00; A47H 1/18 20060101 A47H001/18 |
Claims
1. An automatic releasable top down shade system comprising: a. a
header; b. a release mechanism conformed to connect with said
header; c. a shade with an upper section and a lower section
wherein said upper section of said shade is connected with said
header and said release mechanism and wherein said lower section is
connected with said release mechanism; and d. a lift cord
supporting said shade wherein said lift cord is also connected with
said release mechanism such that said lift cord activates said
release mechanism.
2. The system of claim 1 wherein said release mechanism further
comprises: a. an inner latching component; and b. an outer latching
component wherein said inner latching component is contained within
said outer latching component and said lift cord connects with both
said outer latching component and said inner latching
component.
3. The system of claim 2 wherein said inner latching component fits
within an operating space in said outer latching component wherein
said operating space is larger than said inner latching component
such that said inner latching component is moveable within said
operating space.
4. The system of claim 1 wherein said release mechanism includes a
biasing device conformed to automatically operate upon activation
by said lift cord.
5. The system of claim 3 further including a biasing device
connected with said inner latching component wherein said biasing
device forces said inner latching component to move within said
operating space in said outer latching component.
6. The system of claim 2 wherein: a. said header includes a front
guide leg and a back guide leg and wherein said front guide leg
includes a ledge and wherein said release mechanism is conformed to
fit between said front guide leg and said back guide leg; and b. a
latching pawl in said inner latching component wherein said
latching pawl is conformed to connect with said ledge.
7. The system of claim 2 wherein said outer latching component
includes a lift cord opening through said outer latching component
and wherein said inner latching component includes a lift cord
opening through said inner latching component and wherein said lift
cord passes through said lift cord opening in said outer latching
component and said inner latching component.
8. The system of claim 7 wherein said lift cord openings in said
outer latching component and said inner latching component are
aligned when said inner latching component is in a first position
and wherein said lift cord openings are misaligned when said inner
latching component moves from said first position.
9. The system of claim 1 further including a tether cord connected
with said header and said shade.
10. An automatic releasable top down shade system comprising: a. a
header with a front guide leg and a back guide leg; b. a release
mechanism conformed to fit within said header between said front
guide leg and said back guide leg wherein said release mechanism
includes an inner latching component and an outer latching
component wherein said inner latching component is contained within
said outer latching component; c. a shade with an upper section and
a lower section wherein said upper section of said shade is
connected with said header and said release mechanism and wherein
said lower section is connected with said release mechanism and a
bottom bar; and d. a lift cord connected with said header and
supporting said shade wherein said lift cord connects with both
said outer latching component and said inner latching component
such that removal of tension on said lift cord activates said
release mechanism.
11. The system of claim 10 wherein said inner latching component
fits within an operating space in said outer latching component
wherein said operating space is larger than said inner latching
component such that said inner latching component is moveable
within said operating space.
12. The system of claim 11 further including a biasing device
connected with said inner latching component wherein when extended
said biasing device forces said inner latching component to move
within said operating space in said outer latching component.
13. The system of claim 10 further comprising: a. a ledge in said
front leg of said header; and b. a latching pawl in said inner
latching component wherein said latching pawl is conformed to
connect with said ledge.
14. The system of claim 10 wherein said outer latching component
includes a top and a bottom with a lift cord opening in said top
and said bottom and wherein said inner latching component includes
a hole through said inner latching component and wherein said lift
cord passes through said holes in said outer latching component and
said inner latching component.
15. The system of claim 10 further including a tether cord
connected with the header and the shade.
16. The system of claim 10 wherein when said upper section of said
shade and said bottom section of said shade are selected from a
group of shades consisting of transparent shades and
non-transparent shades.
17. An automatic releasable top down shade method comprising: a.
providing a header; a release mechanism releasably connectable with
said header; a shade with an upper section and a lower section
wherein said upper section of said shade is connected with said
header and said release mechanism and wherein said lower section is
connected with said release mechanism; and a lift cord supporting
said shade wherein said lift cord is also connected with said
release mechanism such that said lift cord activates said release
mechanism; and b. raising said shade such that said release
mechanism connects with said header.
18. The method of claim 17 further including lowering said lower
section of said shade.
19. The method of claim 18 further including lifting said shade so
as to release tension on said lift cord wherein said release
mechanism operates to release the connection of said release
mechanism with said header.
20. The method of claim 19 further including lowering said upper
section of said shade.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] This invention relates to an automatic releasable top down
shade system and method. In particular, in accordance with one
embodiment, the invention relates, to an automatic releasable top
down shade system including a header. A release mechanism is
provided that is conformed to connect with the header. A shade with
an upper section and a lower section is provided where the upper
section of the shade is connected with both the header and the
release mechanism and where the lower section is connected with the
release mechanism. A lift cord supports the shade and the lift cord
is also connected with the release mechanism such that the lift
cord activates the release mechanism.
BACKGROUND OF TILE INVENTION
[0002] Top down covering systems for widow and door treatments are
known. Prior art systems, however, are cumbersome and unwieldily.
They require, among other things, shade up/shade down cords on one
side of the shade and top up/down cords on the other. This requires
the user to learn to go to one side or the other depending on what
function is desired and the tangle of multiple cords is a constant
worry and problem.
[0003] Applicants are aware of the following prior art in this
field:
[0004] U.S. Pat. No. 4,368,771 to Hopper discloses a movable
insulation apparatus is disclosed for selectably covering and
uncovering an opening, such as a window, to control the amounts of
heat energy and light transmitted through the opening. The opening
has a foot, a head situated above the foot, and height and width.
The movable insulation apparatus comprises at least one sheet
having a leading and a trailing end, width at least equal to the
width of the opening and length at least equal to twice the height
of the opening. A retracting roller is mounted rotatably to span
the width of the opening at the foot. The trailing end of the sheet
is attached to the roller and the leading end of the sheet is
secured in the region of the foot of the opening. A motor urges the
roller in one angular direction to roll the sheet thereon. A
supporting device for supporting the sheet intermediate its ends,
spans the width of the opening, and is mounted for reciprocal
movement between an open position in the region of the foot, in
which the sheet is retracted onto the roller to uncover the
opening, and a closed position in the region of the head of the
opening in which the sheet is drawn to cover the opening. The sheet
passes around the support device to define two sheet layers
extending in spaced relation between the foot and the support rod.
Additional sheets may be included, in which case the support device
is equipped with structure to space all sheet layers apart, to
define a dead air space between each pair of such layers. The
support is further mounted for pivoted movement about its
horizontal axis to accommodate limited movement of the sheet there
around and prevent abrasion of the sheet. A frame is also provided
to prevent air flow from occurring past the sheet layers to the
opening when the support device is in the closed position. This
movable insulation apparatus provides high thermal resistance when
fully closed and even when partially opened.
[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,698,958 Domel et al. discloses a mini-blind
actuator that has a motor and a housing that holds the motor and a
dc battery. The rotor of the motor is coupled to the baton of the
mini-blind for rotating the baton and thereby opening or closing
the slats of the mini-blind. Alternatively, the rotor is coupled to
the tilt rod of the blind to rotate the tilt rod and thereby open
or close the slats of the mini-blind. A control signal generator
generates a control signal for completing the electrical circuit
between the battery and the motor. The control signal can be
generated in response to a predetermined amount of daylight or in
response to a user-generated remote command signal. The actuator
can be used to rotate the slats of horizontal or vertical blinds,
or the sections of a pleated shade. Or, the actuator can be used to
rotate the hollow rotatable tube of a roll-up shade. This device
has the motor, the motor controls, and the power source in the
headrail, outside the tube. It is also limited to requiring a light
sensor.
[0006] U.S. Pat. No. 5,760,558 to Popat discloses a system for
automatic operation of venetian blinds and similar window
coverings. The preferred embodiment, system 30, can be retrofitted
to any conventional venetian blind without tools, removal of the
blind, or installation of wiring (FIG. 10A). System 30 is attached
to a blind 15 by a bracket 80, which engages a headrail 16 of blind
15, and is secured by a thumbscrew 84 (FIG. 4C). System 30 includes
a gearmotor 85 which drives a coupling tube 91; coupling tube 91 is
attached to a tilt-adjustment shaft 18 of blind 15 (FIG. 3A). The
mechanical coupling between gearmotor 85 and coupling tube 91
includes a flexible coupling and an extensible coupling, which
enable gearmotor 85 to rotate shaft 18 over a wide range of sizes
and configurations of blind 15 (FIGS. 5A and 5B). System 30 also
includes a photovoltaic source 31 mounted on a flexible member 99.
Member 99 provides electrical connections to source 31, and
supports it in an advantageous position to receive solar radiation
(FIGS. 8B and 8C), regardless of the size and mounting arrangement
of blind 15. System 30 also includes four momentary-contact
electrical switches 38 to 41 and an actuating body 94, to which a
tilt-control wand 19 of blind 15 can be attached. Together,
actuating body 94 and switches 38 to 41 enable system 30 to be
conveniently controlled by rotary and axial movements of wand 19
(FIG. 10A).
[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,793,174 to Kovach et al. discloses a
wireless battery-operated window covering assembly. The window
covering has a head rail in which all the components are housed.
These include a battery pack, an interface module including an IR
receiver and a manual switch, a processor board including control
circuitry, motor, drive gear, and a rotatably mounted reel on which
lift cords wind and unwind a collapsible shade. The circuitry
allows for dual-mode IR receiver operation and a multi-sensor
polling scheme, both of which are configured to prolong battery
life. Included among these sensors is a lift cord detector which
gauges shade status to control the raising and lowering of the
shade, and a rotation sensor which, in conjunction with internal
registers and counters keeps track of travel limits and shade
position. The patent states that a headrail and a bottom rail is
necessary. It requires two operational voltages and IR receiver and
transmitter. The Figures show the motor, the motor controls, and
the power supply in the headrail outside the storage rod that
stores and deploys the curtain or shade.
[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 6,983,783 to Carmen, Jr. et al. discloses a
motorized shade control system that includes electronic drive units
(EDUs) having programmable control units directing a motor to move
an associated shade in response to command signals directed to the
control units from wall-mounted keypad controllers or from
alternate devices or control systems connected to a contact closure
interface (CCI). Each of the EDUs, keypad controllers and CCIs of
the system is connected to a common communication bus. The system
provides for initiation of soft addressing of the system components
from any keypad controller, CCI or EDU. The system also provides
for setting of EDU limit positions and assignment of EDUs to keypad
controllers from the keypad controllers or CCIs. The system may
also include infrared receivers for receiving infrared command
signals from an infrared transmitter. This addresses the control of
multiple curtains using standard tube type motor.
[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 7,117,919 to Judkins discloses a cordless
blind that contains one or more spring motors, one or more cord
collectors and a lock mechanism. The lock mechanism has a button or
lever or two buttons or levers which when pressed and released will
change the lock from a locked position, wherein the lift cords are
restrained from being collected on or released from the cord
collector, and has an unlocked position that allows the lift cords
and cord collector to freely move when pressed again the button or
lever will change the lock mechanism from the unlocked position to
the locked position. A cord or wand may be connected to the button
or lever. Then the operator can place the bottom rail or moving
rail of the blind at any desired location between a fully raised
position and a fully lowered position.
[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 7,417,397 to Berman et al. discloses automated
shade systems that employ one or more algorithms to provide
appropriate solar protection from direct solar penetration; reduce
solar heat gain; reduce radiant surface temperatures; control
penetration of the solar ray, optimize the interior natural
daylighting of a structure and optimize the efficiency of interior
lighting systems. The invention additionally comprises a motorized
window covering, radiometers, and a central control system that
uses algorithms to optimize the interior lighting of a structure.
These algorithms include information such as: geodesic coordinates
of a building; solar position; solar angle solar radiation; solar
penetration angles; solar intensity; the measured brightness and
veiling glare across a surface; time, solar altitude, solar
azimuth, detected sky conditions, ASHRAE sky models, sunrise and
sunset times, surface orientations of windows, incidence angles of
the sun striking windows, window covering positions, minimum BTU
load and solar heat gain.
[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 7,438,113 to Pon discloses a window covering
that has a headrail, a plurality of lift cords extending from the
headrail and a plurality of shade elements positioned sequentially
below the headrail. Each shade element has an upper edge and lower
edges which edges are substantially parallel to one another and
oriented transverse to the lift cords. The shade elements are
positioned so that when the shade elements are in a closed position
the lower edge of one shade element abuts the upper edge of an
adjacent shade element and when the shade elements are in an open
position, the lower edge of the at least one shade element is
spaced apart from the upper edge of an adjacent shade element. A
first cord is attached to the upper edge of each shade element and
a second cord is attached to the lower edge of each shade element.
These cords extend to or into the headrail and allow the upper edge
of one or more shade elements and the lower edge of an adjacent
shade element to be moved away from one another to create a gap
between adjacent shade elements through which light may pass. In
one embodiment these cords are in a common plane. In another
embodiment the first cord is spaced apart from the second cord at a
distance less than the width of the shade segments. The window
covering may be configured for top down, bottom up operation.
[0012] U.S. Pat. No. 7,673,665 to Rossato discloses a window
covering that comprises a flexible panel having a top edge and a
bottom edge. At least one lift cord is provided for raising and
lowering the bottom edge. Each lift cord is connected to one end of
a stiffener at a first point and the opposite end of the stiffener
is connected to approximately the bottom edge of the flexible
panel. The stiffener prevents the folding of the flexible panel
between the bottom edge and the first point. The top edge may be
connected to a head rail and the bottom edge may be connected to a
bottom rail. A motor may be located adjacent the top rail where the
lift cord is connected to the motor.
[0013] U.S. Pat. No. 7,686,059 to Jaronsinski discloses a control
system for a top down/bottom up covering for an architectural
opening that includes a head rail and an independently moveable
bottom rail and middle rail. A shade material extends between the
middle rail and the bottom rail and control systems are provided at
opposite ends of the head rail for operating the middle rail
independently of the bottom rail. Each control system includes lift
spools associated with lift cords that are secured to the bottom
rail or middle rail with the lift spools being seated in cradles
and rotated by a drive shaft connected to manually operated control
elements. Each drive shaft is operatively connected to a braking
system in the form of a two-way clutch so the drive shafts can be
rotated in either direction to raise or lower a bottom or middle
rail, but locked in any selected position.
[0014] U.S. Pat. No. 7,740,045 to Anderson et al. discloses a
spring motor and drag brake for use in coverings for architectural
openings. In the typical top/down product, the raising and lowering
of the covering is done by a lift cord or lift cords suspended from
the head rail and attached to the bottom rail (also referred to as
the moving rail or bottom slat). The opening and closing of the
covering is typically accomplished with ladder tapes (and/or tilt
cables) which run along the front and back of the stack of slats.
The lift cords usually run along the front and back of the stack of
slats or through holes in the slats. In these types of coverings,
the force required to raise the covering is at a minimum when it is
fully lowered (fully extended), since the weight of the slats is
supported by the ladder tape so that only the bottom rail is being
raised at the onset. As the covering is raised further, the slats
stack up onto the bottom rail, transferring the weight of the slats
from the ladder tape to the lift cords, so progressively greater
lifting force is required to raise the covering as it approaches
the fully raised (fully retracted) position. Some window covering
products are built in the reverse (bottom up), where the moving
rail, instead of being at the bottom of the window covering bundle,
is at the top of the window covering bundle, between the bundle and
the head rail, such that the bundle is normally accumulated at the
bottom of the window when the covering is retracted and the moving
rail is at the top of the window covering, next to the head rail,
when the covering is extended. There are also composite products
which are able to do both, to go top down and/or bottom up. In
horizontal window covering products, there is an external force of
gravity against which the operator is acting to move the expandable
material from one of its expanded and retracted positions to the
other. In contrast to a blind, in a top down shade, such as a shear
horizontal window shade, the entire light blocking material
typically wraps around a rotator rail as the shade is raised.
Therefore, the weight of the shade is transferred to the rotator
rail as the shade is raised, and the force required to raise the
shade is thus progressively lower as the shade (the light blocking
element) approaches the fully raised (fully open) position. Of
course, there are also bottom up shades and composite shades which
are able to do both, to go top down and/or bottom up. In the case
of a bottom/up shade, the weight of the shade is transferred to the
rotator rail as the shade is lowered, mimicking the weight
operating pattern of a top/down blind.
[0015] U.S. Pat. No. 7,832,450 to Brace et al. discloses a lift
cord system for operating a retractable covering for architectural
openings that includes at least one cord loop which extends from a
tassel through a fabric for the covering where it is slidably
connected to the bottom rail for adjustment of the desired maximum
spacing of the top rail and bottom rail and the orientation of the
bottom rail relative to the top rail so the rails can be easily
maintained in a parallel relationship. The cord loop is also
anchored to the bottom rail at a separate location in a manner so
as to fix the maximum separation between the top and bottom rails
so the covering desirably fits the size of the architectural
opening in which it is mounted. Alternative embodiments include top
down/bottom up coverings and coverings including a middle rail in
addition to top and bottom rails.
[0016] U.S. Pat. No. 7,836,937 to Anderson et al. discloses a shade
for architectural openings incorporating a single cord drive
featuring automatic braking of the shade when the user releases the
drive cord. In a preferred embodiment, an automatic tilt-open
mechanism is provided to tilt the shade open when the shade is in
the fully extended down position.
[0017] Further, US patent publication 2010/0288446 by Foley et al.
discloses a system in which the window covering and shade panel
comprise a head rail that supports a shade panel and that may be
mounted to a wall, window frame, door or other architectural
feature. A layer of film is used with the panel to provide a
barrier to air flow and heat insulation. The film may be clear to
allow light to penetrate the panel. The clear film allows the heat
energy of the sun to pass through the panel while blocking cold air
from entering the room. In one embodiment a polyester clear film is
chemically adhered to the panel.
[0018] US patent publication 2010/0319860 by DeWard et al.
discloses a system in which the lift motor comprises at least one
motor unit releasably connected to at least one spool unit. The
spool unit comprises a spool for winding a cord and a gear
operatively connected to the spool. The motor unit comprises a
spring motor having a gear for engaging the gear of the spool. A
window covering comprises a head rail supporting a motor as set
forth above that supports a shade panel by the cord. A method of
assembling a window covering comprises constructing a head rail
having an internal space for receiving a motor. A motor is
assembled based on the shade panel to be supported. The motor is
inserted into the head rail and the cord is attached to or near the
bottom or top of the shade panel.
[0019] What is still missing in the art is a top down shade system
that is not cumbersome or difficult to use. More importantly, what
is needed is a top down system that is automatic, that functions
quickly and easily, that is simple to reset after the top down
feature is engaged and that does not require additional confusing,
cumbersome and potentially hazardous hanging cords.
[0020] Thus, it is an object of this invention to provide a top
down shade system that is easy to install and use and that provides
an automatic top down mechanism that operates without manipulation
of separate cords or other complicated systems.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0021] Accordingly, the automatic releasable top down shade system
of the present invention, according to one embodiment includes a
header. A release mechanism is provided that is conformed to
connect with the header. A shade is provided. The shade includes an
upper section and a lower section where the upper section of the
shade is connected with both the header and the release mechanism
and where the lower section is connected with the release
mechanism. A lift cord supports the shade and the lift cord is also
connected with the release mechanism such that it is the lift cord
that activates the release mechanism.
[0022] All terms used herein are given their usual and customary
meaning as known in the art. Thus, "header" identifies a device
that connects with the space to be covered by the shade, such as a
window opening for example only and not by way of limitation. The
header provides a supporting structure for other elements of a
shade system. As shown and described herein, the header supports,
among other things, the shade. "Shade" is used to identify a
covering material for use in deployment in the space to be covered.
In particular, for use as disclosed herein the shade is a flexible
material that may be transparent or non-transparent. Likewise,
"lift cord" is a cord that is connected with the shade such that
manipulation of the cord manipulates the shade. That is, the shade
is raised and lowered by means of the lift cord. Further, "release
mechanism" as will be more fully described hereafter, identifies a
device that is conformed to connect with the header and then be
released from connection with the header as desired and, when
desired, be re-connected with the header also as desired.
[0023] In another aspect of the invention, the release mechanism
further consists of an inner latching component and an outer
latching component where the inner latching component is contained
within the outer latching component and the lift cord connects with
both the outer latching component and the inner latching component.
In one aspect, the inner latching component fits within an
operating space in the outer latching component. The operating
space is larger than the inner latching component such that the
inner latching component is moveable within the operating
space.
[0024] In one aspect, the release mechanism includes a biasing
device conformed to automatically operate upon activation by the
lift cord. Here again, the term "biasing device" is used to
identify a device, such as a spring, for example only and not by
way of limitation, that seeks to return to a resting position when
compressed or stretched and thus, in combination with a moveable
structure, is useful in moving the structure to a desired position,
all as will be more fully described hereafter.
[0025] In another aspect, a biasing device is provided that is
connected with the inner latching component such that the biasing
device forces the inner latching component to move within the
operating space in the outer latching component.
[0026] In a further aspect, the header includes a front leg and a
back leg. A ledge is provided in the front leg of the header and a
latching pawl is provided in the inner latching component. The
latching pawl is conformed to connect with the ledge.
[0027] In another aspect, the outer latching component includes a
lift cord opening through the outer latching component and the
inner latching component also includes a lift cord opening that
passes through the inner latching component. The lift cord passes
through the lift cord openings in the outer latching component and
the inner latching component. In one aspect, the lift cord openings
in the outer latching component and the inner latching component
are aligned when the inner latching component is in a first
position but the lift cord openings are misaligned when the inner
latching component moves from the first position.
[0028] In another aspect, a tether cord is connected with the
header and the shade. Preferably, the tether cord is shorter than
the lift cord, or includes stops that effectively make it shorter
than the lift cord, such that the tether cord activates the release
mechanism by removing tension from the lift cord when extended to
the tether cord limit.
[0029] According to another embodiment of the invention, an
automatic releasable top down shade system consists of a header
with a front guide leg and a back guide leg. A release mechanism is
provided that is conformed to fit within the header between the
front guide leg and the back guide leg. The release mechanism
includes an inner latching component and an outer latching
component and the inner latching component is contained within the
outer latching component. A shade is provided and the shade
includes an upper section and a lower section. The upper section of
the shade is connected with the header and the release mechanism
and the lower section of the shade is connected with the release
mechanism and a bottom bar. A lift cord is connected with the
header and the shade and supports the shade. The lift cord connects
with both the outer latching component and the inner latching
component such that removal of tension on the lift cord activates
the release mechanism.
[0030] It is to be understood that the lift cord of the present
invention is connected with, and supports, the shade. The shade
hangs from the lift cord and, thus, the lift cord is under tension
from the supported weight of the shade. "Removal" of tension in the
lift cord may be accomplished in many ways such as by lifting the
shade by hand, for example only and not by way of limitation. Any
movement or manipulation of the shade that removes or releases
tension on the lift cord, even temporarily, is included within the
meaning of the term "removal".
[0031] "Bottom bar" describes a device attached to the lower edge
of a shade, as is known in the art. The bottom bar adds weight to
the shade to prevent unwanted movement of the shade and the bottom
bar also provides a defined interface with the window sill, for
example only.
[0032] In one aspect of this invention, the inner latching
component fits within an operating space in the outer latching
component where the operating space is larger than the inner
latching component such that the inner latching component is
moveable within the operating space.
[0033] In a further aspect, a biasing device is connected with the
inner latching component such that, when extended, the biasing
device forces the inner latching component to move within the
operating space in the outer latching component.
[0034] In another aspect, a ledge is provided in the front leg of
the header and a latching pawl is provided in the inner latching
component such that the latching pawl is conformed to connect with
the ledge.
[0035] In one aspect, the outer latching component includes a top
and a bottom with a lift cord opening in both the top and the
bottom of the outer latching component. Likewise, the inner
latching component includes a hole through the inner latching
component and the lift cord passes through the holes in top and the
bottom of the outer latching component and also through the hole in
the inner latching component. In a further aspect, a tether cord is
connected with the header and the shade.
[0036] In one aspect, the upper section of the shade and the bottom
section of the shade are selected from a group of shades consisting
of: transparent shades and non-transparent shades.
[0037] In another embodiment of the invention, an automatic
releasable top down shade method consists of the steps of:
[0038] a. providing a header; a release mechanism releasably
connectable with the header; a shade with an upper section and a
lower section where the upper section of the shade is connected
with the header and the release mechanism and where the lower
section is connected with the release mechanism; and a lift cord
supporting the shade where the lift cord is also connected with the
release mechanism such that the lift cord activates the release
mechanism; and
[0039] b. raising the shade such that the release mechanism
connects with the header.
[0040] In one aspect of this invention, the method further includes
the step of lowering the lower section of the shade. In another
aspect, the method further includes lifting the shade so as to
release tension on the lift cord which activates the release
mechanism to release the connection of the release mechanism with
the header. In another aspect, the method then further includes
lowering the upper section of the shade.
DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0041] Other objects, features and advantages of the present
invention will become more fully apparent from the following
detailed description of the preferred embodiment, the appended
claims and the accompanying drawings in which:
[0042] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the automatic releasable top
down shade system of the invention with the lower section of the
shade extended;
[0043] FIG. 2 is a side view of the invention of FIG. 1;
[0044] FIG. 3 is a front view of the invention of FIG. 1;
[0045] FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of the invention of FIG. 1
with the release mechanism in the locked, first, position with the
header;
[0046] FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view of the invention of FIG. 1
with the release mechanism in the unlocked position with the
header;
[0047] FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the invention of FIG. 1 with
the release mechanism in the unlocked position;
[0048] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the invention of FIG. 1 with
the upper section of the shade extended and the lower section of
the shade partially extended with the release mechanism in
between;
[0049] FIG. 8 is a side view of FIG. 7;
[0050] FIG. 9 is a front view of FIG. 7;
[0051] FIG. 10 is a side view showing a tether cord collected
within the release mechanism;
[0052] FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the tether cords of FIG. 10
fully extended and tension removed from the lift cords;
[0053] FIG. 12 is a perspective, partial cut away view of a tether
collected on a tether spool in the header of a shade system;
and
[0054] FIG. 13 is front, partial cut away view of the tether cord
of FIG. 12 fully extended and tension removed from the lift
cords.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0055] The preferred embodiment of the present invention is
illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 1-13. With specific
reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, automatic releasable top down shade
system 10 includes a header 12. Header 12, as is known in the art,
includes brackets 14 that are used to connect header 12 in an
opening, such as a window, for example, not shown. Header 12 also
includes front cover 16 and end caps 18 and generally serves to
support and conceal within it shade 20 and other devices and
systems such as motors, batteries, electronics and the like that
are also known in the art and not shown.
[0056] Shade 20 is any type of covering now known or hereafter
developed that is capable of repetitive deployment and which may be
transparent or partially transparent or non-transparent as the
situation requires and the user desires. Importantly, according to
the present invention, shade 20 includes an upper section 22 and a
lower section 24, as will be described more fully hereafter. Upper
section 22 and lower section 24 may be made of the same shade
material or not. One section may be transparent and one may be
non-transparent or not, all according to need and user preference.
FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 show the shade 20 with the lower section 24
deployed and the upper section 22 contained within header 12.
[0057] Upper section 22 is connected to header 12 on one end and to
the release mechanism 26 on the other as more clearly shown in
FIGS. 4 and 5. Lower section 24, however, is connected only to
release mechanism 26. In one embodiment, however, lower section 24
is connected on the opposite end with bottom bar 28, as shown in
the figures.
[0058] FIGS. 1 and 2 also show front guide leg 30 and back guide
leg 32. Front guide leg 30 and back guide leg 32 are connected with
header 12 and extend, as shown, downward from header 12 to create
an opening 34 in between, as will be described more fully
hereafter, into which release mechanism 26 fits and is contained
when the release mechanism 26 is in the raised position shown in
FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.
[0059] FIG. 2 shows lift cord 36. Lift cord 36 is connected on one
end with bottom bar 28, when present, or the bottom of the lower
section 24 of shade 20. The other end of lift cord 26 is connected
with header 12 (see e.g. FIGS. 4 and 5) and passes through release
mechanism 26 and inside, in this example, of shade 20 all as shown
and as will be described more fully hereafter. As a result,
however, the weight of the shade 20 is supported by lift cord
36.
[0060] Referring now to FIG. 4, it can be clearly seen that upper
section 22 of shade 20 is connected on one end 38 with header 12
and on the other end 40 with release mechanism 26. Likewise the
connection of lower shade section 24 on one end 42 with release
mechanism 26 is illustrated.
[0061] Also, the connection of lift cord 36 with header 12 at
connection 44 is shown and the partial cut away shows that lift
cord 36 from connection 44 passes down through release mechanism
26.
[0062] FIG. 4 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention
in which release mechanism 26 includes an inner latching component
46 and an outer latching component 48. Inner latching component 46
is located within outer latching component 48 in an operating space
50. Operating space 50 is bigger than inner latching component 46
and enables inner latching component 46 to move within it, back and
forth as will be described more fully hereafter. As used herein,
the term "bigger" is used to describe a space within which inner
latching component 46 can move. As shown, the space is bigger
longitudinally and, therefore, allows inner latching component 46
to move in a back and forth motion, from left to right, for example
only. Operating space 50, however, does not enable movement in any
other direction in any significant amount. That is, operating space
50 is large enough to allow non-binding left to right movement but
no significant vertical, or up and down, movement.
[0063] Preferably, operating space 50 is created in outer latching
component 48 by the combination of a top 52 and a bottom 54
section. Top 52 and bottom 54 are oppositely positioned and, again,
form operating space 50 between them. Importantly, top 52 and
bottom 54 include a lift cord hole 56. Lift cord hole 56 in top 52
is, preferably, directly aligned with lift cord hole 56 in bottom
54 as shown.
[0064] FIG. 4 shows inner latching component 46 in the locked or
"first" position, as will be discussed more fully hereafter.
Importantly, inner latching component 46 also includes a lift cord
hole 56. When inner latching component 46 is in this first
position, all three lift cord holes 56 are directly aligned, as
illustrated. This shows the position of the present invention when
there is tension on lift cord 36.
[0065] Still referring to FIG. 4, in one aspect of the invention,
inner latching component 46 includes a latching pawl 58. Latching
pawl 58 provides a contact for ledge 60 in front guide leg 30, such
that when release mechanism 26 is in the locked, first, position,
it is held there by the combination of latching pawl 58 and ledge
60 as illustrated. As will be made clear with reference to FIG. 5
hereafter, it is the tension on lift cord 36 that holds inner
latching component 46, and thus latching pawl 58, in the locked
first position.
[0066] Referring now to FIG. 5, biasing device 62 is illustrated.
Biasing device 62 may be a spring, as shown, or any other desired
device now known or hereafter developed. FIG. 5 shows the effect of
removing tension on lift cord 36. When tension is removed, even
temporarily, as by a user lifting bottom bar 28, for example only,
biasing device 62 is allowed to extend and press against the
interior of release mechanism 26. Because biasing device 62 is
connected with interior latching component 46, interior latching
component 46 moves within operating space 50 away from the first,
locked position shown in FIG. 4 to the unlocked position shown in
FIG. 5. The movement of inner latching component 46, again, is
enabled by the introduction of slack in the lift cord 36 which
results in the misalignment of the inner latching component lift
cord hole 56 and the two lift cord holes 56 in the top 52 and
bottom 54 of outer latching component 48 as well as automatically
releasing them from connection with the header 12.
[0067] Referring to FIG. 6, a perspective view shows the biasing
device 62, having been allowed to extend by the removal of tension
on lift cord 36, having moved inner latching component 46 within
operating space 50 so as to release latching pawl 58 from
connection with ledge 60. The resulting misalignment of lift cord
hole 56 in the top 52 of outer latching component 48 and the lift
cord hole 56 in inner latching component 46 is also
illustrated.
[0068] Referring to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, the effect of the removal of
tension on the lift cord 36 as just described is further
illustrated. Release mechanism 26, having been released from
connection with header 12 is free to drop out from between front
guide leg 30 and back guide leg 32. With tension and weight
returned to lift cord 36, upper section 22 of shade 20 may now be
deployed by means of shade manipulation cord 64, for example only
and not by way of limitation.
[0069] Also shown are latching pawl openings 66 in release
mechanism 26 as previously illustrated in FIG. 6. Two latching pawl
openings 66 are shown, for example only, and at least one is
required.
[0070] It should be understood now that once tension is returned to
lift cord 36, inner latching component 46 is forced back into the
first position as shown in FIG. 4. Thus, release mechanism 26 once
automatically released from header 12 by the removal of tension on
lift cord 36, is automatically armed or ready for re-connection
with header 12 by the return of tension to lift cord 36. It may be
that the weight of bottom bar 28 and shade 20 is sufficient
tension. If so, then in order to reconnect release mechanism 26
with header 12, all that is required is that shade manipulation
cord 64, or the like, be used to move the release mechanism 26 up
between front guide leg 30 and rear guide leg 32. Or it may be that
release mechanism 26 is reset when pulled into and held in place in
header 12 as tension is applied to lift cord 36 so as to compress
biasing device 62 and extend latching pawl 58. In either case,
latching pawl 58 will then re-engage ledge 60 and release mechanism
26 will be held in the first, locked, position for automatic
redeployment as described above and shown in FIG. 4.
[0071] By way of further explanation, during normal operation of
opening (raising) and closing (lowering) the lower section 24 of
shade 20, the release mechanism 26 is positioned in between front
guide leg 30 and back guide leg 32 of the header 12 and the weight
of the shade 20, and the bottom bar 28 if present, exert a force on
the lift cord(s) 36 causing it to extend straight through the lift
release mechanism 26, outer latching component 48 and inner
latching component 46, compressing biasing device 62 and locking
latching pawl 58 onto ledge 60 as shown in FIG. 4. When, for
example, the bottom bar 28 comes in contact with a window sill, for
example, tension is removed from lift cord 36 and biasing device 62
moves the latching pawl 58 from ledge 60 and folding or kinking
lift cord 36 as shown in FIG. 5. This effect can also be obtained
by lifting the bottom bar 28 slightly which also removes tension on
the lift cord 36.
[0072] To reset the release mechanism 26 to the fully open or up
position, the entire shade 20, upper section 22 and lower section
24 must be raised to the full up position which automatically
engages the latching pawl 58 with ledge 60 as described above and
shown in FIG. 4.
[0073] Other operational features may be included such as adding a
motor to the system. When motorized, a setup procedure includes
setting the upper limit, when both the upper and lower sections of
shade 20 are raised and resetting the release mechanism 26. A lower
limit is set just before the bottom bar 28 contacts the window
sill, for example. This allows the full operational range of the
lower section 24 of shade 20. Again, release of the release
mechanism 26 enables deployment of the upper section 24 of shade
20.
[0074] In one embodiment of the invention, lower section 24 is made
of an opaque material that provides a black out effect and total
privacy when only lower section 24 of shade 22 is deployed.
Further, upper section 22, in one embodiment, is made of a
translucent or transparent material such that when it is deployed
light is admitted to the space while still maintaining privacy.
Obviously, any combination of shade materials and transparencies is
included within the scope of the invention as disclosed and
described herein.
[0075] It should be understood, that many variations and
permutations of this system are included within the scope of the
present invention. By way of continued explanation, the important
requirement of the activation of the release mechanism 26 by the
removal of tension on the lift cord 36 may be accomplished as
described above. Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, in another
aspect of the invention, however, tension is removed from the lift
cord 36 by tether cord 68. Tether cord 68 is connected with header
12 at connection 70 (as shown in FIG. 10) and with shade 20, as
with bottom bar 28 when present, at connection 72 (as shown in FIG.
12). Tether cord 68 in this aspect of the invention is stored
within release mechanism 26, as illustrated, and pays out from and
is collected within release mechanism 26 depending on the operation
of the shade 20.
[0076] The function of tether cord 68 is to cause tension to be
removed from lift cord 20 so as to activate release mechanism 26 as
described above. This can be achieved by means of tether cord 68
being shorter than lift cord 36 or by adding "stops" such as knots
or beads attached to the tether cord 68 (not shown). Such stops are
well within the ordinary skill level of those in the art and are
not disclosed further herein. Regardless of whether stops or beads
are used, they effectively result in a tether cord 68 that is
shorter than the lift cord 36.
[0077] FIG. 11 illustrates the effect of the "shorter" tether
cord(s) 68, once having reached their limit, releasing or removing
tension on lift cord(s) 36. Again, as described above, this removal
of tension on the lift cord(s) 36 results in the activation of the
release mechanism 26 in preparation for deployment of the upper
section 22 of shade 20.
[0078] Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, another aspect of the
system when including a tether cord 68 is illustrated. In this
aspect, tether cord 68 is connected with tether spool 74 which is
connected with header 12 as shown particularly in FIG. 12. Tether
cord 68 functions as described above to remove tension from lift
cord 36. In this aspect, the tether cord 68 is wrapped around
tether spool 74 and unwound from tether spool 74 according to the
operation of shade 20.
[0079] In either aspect, tether cord 68 provides the structure to
effectively operate the release mechanism 26 in situations in which
there is no bottom sill for the bottom bar 28 to contact or when
circumstances require earlier activation of the release mechanism
26. Further, tether cord 68 is, as described, adjustable, such that
the operation of release mechanism 26 may be adjusted to occur
precisely when and where desired.
[0080] Because tether cord 68 is connected with header 12 at
connection 70 and both upper section 22 and lower section 24 of
shade 20, such that the weight of shade 20 is supported by tether
cord 68 when fully extended or at a stop, tether cord 68 may
control the distance the lower section 24 of shade 20 may travel
before triggering the release mechanism 26. Likewise, tether cord
68 may also control the amount of upper section 22 of shade 20 that
may be deployed.
[0081] FIG. 13 illustrates the case where one tether cord 68 is
used to remove tension from two lift cords 36 whereas FIG. 11 shows
two lift cords 36 and two tether cords 68, all as desired and
deemed most useful to the user.
[0082] The description of the present embodiments of the invention
has been presented for purposes of illustration, but is not
intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the form
disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to
those of ordinary skill in the art. As such, while the present
invention has been disclosed in connection with an embodiment
thereof, it should be understood that other embodiments may fall
within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the
following claims.
* * * * *