Information
-
Patent Grant
-
6186214
-
Patent Number
6,186,214
-
Date Filed
Wednesday, June 30, 199925 years ago
-
Date Issued
Tuesday, February 13, 200123 years ago
-
Inventors
-
Original Assignees
-
Examiners
Agents
- Townsend and Townsend and Crew, LLP
-
CPC
-
US Classifications
Field of Search
US
- 160 167 R
- 160 1781 R
- 160 276
- 160 288
- 160 289
- 160 2901
- 292 DIG 4
- 292 165
-
International Classifications
-
Abstract
In one embodiment, an apparatus (10) for securing a movable blinds rail (110, 112) to a fixed surface (124) includes a casing (12) having a detent (18) affixed to an inner surface thereof. An elongate rod (20) is included having first (22) and second (26) ends and a protruding member (28) extending from the rod between the ends. The rod first end extends out of a first opening (32) of the casing and the protruding member slidably cooperates with the detent to secure the rod in a first fixed position. In this manner, the apparatus is coupled to the moveable blinds rail, and the rod first end is used to contact a fixed surface to secure the movable blinds rail thereto.
Description
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to window or door blinds. More particularly, the present invention is directed to apparatus, system and methods for stabilizing blinds, such as window blinds, in a variety of positions.
At one point or another, most people have been awakened or otherwise disturbed by the sound of window blinds banging against a window or window frame on a windy day or night. Window blinds, which include venetian blinds, miniblinds and the like, often are subject to vibration or swaying due to wind or traffic conditions within a room in which the blinds are mounted. In addition to creating undesirable noise, blinds may mar the adjacent wall, window frame or door to which they are mounted.
The prior art attempts to resolve this problem are fraught with additional problems or concerns. For example, prior art devices designed to affix the window blinds to the window frame typically require that they be affixed at a particular location, such as where a bracket is attached to the frame. This is undesirable for individuals who wish to have greater flexibility in the amount that the blinds are raised or lowered prior to their securing against vibrations or the wind. Other devices have undue complexity, are difficult to use, or have other limitations which make them undesirable. Accordingly, it is desirable to provide an apparatus which stabilizes blinds against unwanted movements, and can permit the securing of the blinds in a wide range of desired positions. It is further desirable to have such an apparatus be easy to use.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention provides exemplary apparatus, systems and methods of affixing or securing movable blinds or end rails to a fixed surface. The present invention is further capable of affixing blinds in a wide range of positions, and is easy to use.
In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus for securing a movable blinds rail to a fixed surface includes a casing having a detent affixed to an inner surface thereof. An elongate rod is included having first and second ends and a protruding member extending from the rod between the ends. The first rod end extends out of a first opening of the casing and the protruding member slidably cooperates with the detent to secure the rod in a first fixed position. In this manner, the apparatus is coupled to the moveable blinds rail, and the first rod end is used to contact a fixed surface to secure the movable blinds rail thereto.
In one aspect, the detent is a generally Y-shaped detent. In another aspect, the casing further includes a second opening through which the second rod end extends. In another aspect, the elongate rod further includes a handle extending from between the ends. The handle extends out of the casing through an opening therein. In this manner, the handle may be manipulated to move the elongate rod into the first fixed position.
In one particular aspect, the detent includes a plurality of ramps defining a plurality of grooves. The protruding member slidably cooperates with the ramps and the grooves to position the rod in the first fixed position. Preferably, in another aspect, the protruding member slidably cooperates with the ramps and grooves to position the rod in a second fixed position. In this manner, one fixed position may correlate with the securing of the movable blind rail to a fixed surface, and the other fixed position may correspond to a position which allows the movable blinds rail to be raised, lowered or otherwise moved. This is accomplished, in one aspect, by having the first rod end extend from the casing first and second distances when the first rod end is in the first and second fixed positions, respectively.
In one aspect of the present invention, the apparatus further includes a tension member coupled to the rod near the second end. The tension member is adapted to encourage the protruding member towards the first opening so that the rod is in the first fixed position. Similarly, in one aspect the tension member is adapted to encourage the protruding member towards the first opening so that the rod is in the second fixed position. In one particular aspect, the tension member comprises a spring. In another aspect, the tension member engages an inner edge of the casing to encourage the protruding member towards the first opening.
In still another aspect, the apparatus further includes a tension member coupled to the rod to encourage the protruding member into the detent.
The present invention further provides exemplary blinds systems. In one embodiment, the blinds system includes first and second end rails having a plurality of connected slats therebetween. The system includes a flexible elevating member for changing an elevation of the first end rail, and first and second locking apparatus coupled to opposing ends of the first end rail. Each locking apparatus includes a casing having a detent affixed to an inner surface thereof, and an elongate rod having first and second ends and a protruding member extending from the rod between the ends. The first rod end extends out of a first opening in the casing and the protruding member slidably cooperates with the detent to secure the rod in a first fixed position.
In one aspect, the first end rail is a movable lower end rail. Alternatively, the first end rail is a movable upper end rail.
In one particular aspect, the locking apparatus further includes a tension member coupled to the rod near the second end. The tension member is adapted to encourage the protruding member towards the first opening so that the rod is in the first fixed position. In one aspect, the first rod ends engage opposing fixed surfaces to secure the first end rail thereto when the rods are secured in the first fixed positions. In one aspect, the opposing fixed surfaces comprise opposing surfaces of a window frame.
In one particular aspect, the protruding members slidably cooperate with the detent to secure each of the rods in a second fixed position. The first end rail moves generally freely relative to the opposing fixed surfaces when at least one of the rods is in the second fixed position. In still another aspect, the blinds system further includes a rotation member for rotating the connected slats.
The present invention further provides exemplary methods of securing a movable end rail of a blind system to a fixed surface. In one embodiment, the method includes providing the moveable end rail having a locking apparatus coupled to opposing ends of the movable end rail. Each of the locking apparatus includes a casing having a detent affixed to an inner surface thereof, and an elongate rod having first and second ends and a protruding member extending from the rod between the ends. The first rod end extends out of a first opening of the casing and the protruding member slidably cooperates with the detent to secure the rod in first and second fixed positions. The elongate rod in at least one of the locking apparatus is translated so that the protruding member cooperates with the detent to secure the rod in the second fixed position. The method includes positioning the movable end rail at a desired location and translating the elongate rod in the locking apparatus so that the protruding member cooperates with the detent to secure the rod in the first fixed position so that the first rod ends contact opposing fixed surfaces. In this manner, the movable end rail is secured at the desired location.
In one aspect of the method, each locking apparatus further includes a tension member coupled to the rod near the rod second end. The tension member is adapted to encourage the protruding member towards the first opening so that the rod is in the first fixed position. In another aspect, the detents in the locking apparatus each further include a plurality of ramps defining a plurality of grooves. The protruding members slidably cooperate with the ramps and grooves to position the rod in the first and second fixed positions.
For a further understanding of the objects and advantages of the present invention, reference should be made to the ensuing detailed description taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
FIGS. 1A and 1B
depict an overall view and an exploded overall view, respectively, of one embodiment of an apparatus of the present invention;
FIG. 2
depicts an elongate rod and protruding member for use with the apparatus depicted in
FIGS. 1A-1B
;
FIGS. 3A and 3B
depict an overall view and a top down view, respectively, of the apparatus of
FIGS. 1A-1B
with the rod in a first fixed position;
FIGS. 4A and 4B
depict an overall view and a top down view, respectively, of the apparatus of
FIGS. 1A-1B
with the rod in a second fixed position;
FIGS. 5A and 5B
are overall views of an exemplary detent for use with apparatus and systems of the present invention;
FIGS. 6A and 6C
depict overall views of blind systems according to the present invention; and
FIGS. 6B and 6D
depict close-up views of apparatus used in the systems depicted in
FIGS. 6A and 6C
, respectively.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SPECIFIC EMBODIMENTS
Turning now to
FIGS. 1A
,
1
B and
2
, an exemplary blinds locking apparatus
10
according to the present invention will be described. Apparatus
10
includes a casing
12
, having a removable cover
14
. As shown in
FIGS. 1A and 1B
, casing
12
is generally rectangular in shape, however, other shapes may be used within the scope of the present invention. In one embodiment, casing
12
and cover
14
comprise a plastic, although other materials, including metal, may be used within the scope of the present invention.
In one particular embodiment, the length of casing
12
is about 3 inches and the width of casing
12
is between about 1.5 and about 1.75 inches. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the above dimensions are but one of a wide range of sizes of casing
12
. Cover
14
is coupled to casing
12
with a plurality of fasteners
16
. Fastener
16
may include screws, nails and any variety of fasteners for affixing cover
14
to casing
12
. In the embodiment shown in
FIG. 1B
, fasteners
16
fit into receiving members or pegs
17
on the inside of casing
12
. Casing
12
further includes a detent
18
affixed to an inner surface of casing
12
. The function of detent
18
will be described in greater detail in conjunction with later figures.
Apparatus
10
further includes a rod
20
having a first rod end
22
and a second end
26
. First rod end
22
has a bumper
24
affixed thereto. As best shown in
FIG. 2
, a protruding member
28
extends from rod
20
between rod ends
22
,
26
. While protruding member
28
is depicted as a generally cylindrical peg, other shapes and types of protruding member
28
may be used within the scope of the present invention. A handle
30
is affixed to rod
20
between rods ends
22
,
26
. Rod
20
and protruding member
28
may comprise a plastic, or the like, in addition to other materials. Protruding member
28
may be affixed to handle
30
, to rod
20
, or may be integrally formed with either, or both. Handle
30
is manipulated to position protruding member
28
at a desired location within detent
18
as further described below.
Casing
12
includes a first opening
32
through which first rod end
22
extends. Casing
12
further includes a second opening
34
through which second rod end
26
extends. In the embodiment depicted in
FIGS. 1-2
, casing
12
includes a third opening
36
through which handle
30
extends. To facilitate ease of use of handle
30
, a stationary handle
50
is preferably affixed to casing
12
. In this manner, and as further described below, the user may move handle
30
relative to stationary handle
50
to translate protruding member
28
within detent
18
as desired.
In one particular embodiment, apparatus
10
further includes a tension member
38
, depicted as a coil spring
38
in FIG.
1
B. Spring
38
is coupled to rod
20
near second rod end
26
. For example, second rod end
26
may be inserted through the interior of spring
38
. In one particular embodiment, spring
38
is positioned to be between an inner surface
46
of casing
12
and a support
48
affixed to rod
20
. As shown, support
48
comprises a generally washer-shaped support
48
against which one end of spring
38
resides, although other shaped supports
48
also may be used. In this manner, spring
38
is compressed between support
48
and inner surface
46
when handle
30
is encouraged toward stationary handle
50
. Correspondingly, compressed spring
38
encourages protruding member
28
towards first opening
32
.
Apparatus
10
further preferably includes a second tension member
40
, depicted as a tension spring
40
in FIG.
1
B. The tips of tension spring
40
extend into slots
42
within handle
30
. The upper surface of tension spring
40
presses against an inner surface
44
of cover
14
when cover
14
is affixed to casing
12
. In this manner, tension spring
40
encourages protruding member
28
down into detent
18
as more further described in conjunction with later figures.
Turning now to
FIGS. 3A and 3B
, apparatus
10
will be described in a first fixed position. As best shown in
FIG. 3B
, when apparatus
10
is in first fixed position, protruding member
28
is positioned within detent
18
at the position nearest first opening
32
. In this manner, bumper
24
at first rod end
22
is extended a first distance
60
from the outer edge of casing
12
. In the embodiment shown, second rod end
26
slides within second opening
34
of casing
12
, but does not enter casing
12
when rod
20
is in the first fixed position.
Apparatus
10
is depicted in a second fixed position in
FIGS. 4A and 4B
. In this configuration, bumper
24
extends a second distance
62
from the outside of casing
12
. As can be seen in
FIGS. 4A-4B
, such a configuration brings bumper
24
closer to casing
12
. In the second fixed position, second rod end
26
extends out of second opening
34
in casing
12
a greater distance than that shown in
FIGS. 3A and 3B
. Further, protruding member
28
is at a position within detent
18
that is closer to second opening
34
than that shown in
FIGS. 3A and 3B
. Similarly, handles
30
and
50
are closer together. As will be described further in conjunction with
FIG. 6
, such an arrangement facilitates the movement of a movable blinds rail between opposing fixed surfaces such as a window frame.
As described further in conjunction with later figures, positioning protruding member
28
in first fixed position encourages bumper
24
against a fixed surface, such as a window frame. In one embodiment, protruding member
28
will be positioned as depicted in
FIG. 3B
when rod
20
and protruding member
28
are in the first fixed position. In other words, first fixed position is obtained when protruding member
28
is positioned within detent
18
at the position nearest first opening
32
. Alternatively, rod
20
and protruding member
28
are in the first fixed position when protruding member
28
is positioned at other locations within detent
18
. This may occur, for example, when bumper
24
contacts a fixed surface before protruding member
28
reaches the position within detent
18
closest to first opening
32
.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that alternative arrangements of second end
26
/second opening
34
also may be used. For example, in lieu of second opening
34
, second rod end
26
can be configured to remain within casing
12
when rod
20
is in either first or second fixed positions. For example, second end
26
may be supported via a support member (not shown) that is affixed to an inner surface of casing
12
in lieu of second opening
34
.
Turning now to
FIGS. 5A and 5B
, an exemplary detent
18
for use with apparatus of the present invention will be described. Detent
18
preferably comprises a plastic, although other materials may be used, and is affixed to the inner surface of casing
12
. For example, detent
18
may be affixed using epoxy, or the like. In another embodiment, detent
18
is integrally formed with casing
12
, such as by molding. Detent
18
is depicted as a generally Y-shaped detent
18
, however, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that other shaped detents
18
may be used within the scope of the present invention.
Detent
18
includes a primary groove
70
into which protruding member
28
resides. Tension spring
40
, as described in conjunction with
FIGS. 1 and 2
, encourages protruding member
28
down into detent
18
, including primary groove
70
. In this manner, protruding member
28
preferably resides within primary groove
70
when rod
20
is in the first fixed position. Detent
18
further includes a plurality of ramps
72
A-
72
E. Use of the term ramps is not intended to imply an angular relation between ramp
72
and adjoining surfaces, and may include surfaces which are generally flat (such as ramp
72
E).
In conjunction with
FIGS. 5A and 5B
, the translation of rod
20
from a first fixed position (as shown in
FIGS. 3A-3B
) to a second fixed position (as shown in
FIGS. 4A-4B
) will now be described. Translation of rod
20
may occur, for example, by manipulating handle
30
. As previously discussed, first fixed position preferably has protruding member
28
located in primary groove
70
. While depicted in
FIGS. 3A and 3B
as having protruding member
28
at the end of primary groove
70
, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that protruding member
28
may be at the first fixed position somewhere along the length of primary groove
70
without being at the end of groove
70
. This may occur, for example, when bumper
24
contacts a fixed surface before protruding member
28
reaches the end of groove
70
.
By translating handle
30
towards stationary handle
50
, protruding member
28
slides within groove
70
and is forced towards ramp
72
A by the vertical face of ramp
72
E. Protruding member
28
then proceeds up ramp
72
A, across ramp
72
B (depicted as a generally flat surface) and drops off ramp
72
B onto ramp
72
C. Protruding member
28
then drops off ramp
72
C into a groove
74
. Protruding member
28
is now in the second fixed position. Protruding member
28
is maintained in groove
74
by a stationary post
76
. Protruding member
28
is encouraged against post
76
by spring
38
. In this manner, rod
20
is affixed in the second fixed position.
To translate rod
20
from second fixed position (as shown in
FIGS. 4A-4B
) to first fixed position (as shown in FIGS.
3
A-
3
B), handle
30
is again compressed toward stationary handle
50
. Protruding member
28
drops off groove
74
onto a groove
78
. Downward motions of protruding member
28
are encouraged by tension spring
40
pressing against inner surface
44
of cover
14
, and hence encouraging protruding member
28
in a downward fashion. Protruding member
28
is encouraged from groove
78
, up ramp
72
D and onto ramp
72
E (depicted as a generally flat surface) by spring
38
. Spring
38
continues to encourage protruding member
28
towards and into primary groove
70
, with protruding member
28
dropping off the vertical face of ramp
72
E. Spring
38
then encourages protruding member
28
along primary groove
70
until rod
20
achieves a first fixed position. In this manner, detent
18
provides at least two fixed positions at which protruding member
28
is stable. Further, the configuration of grooves
70
,
74
and
78
in conjunction with ramps
72
A-E provide a single path along which protruding member
28
is encouraged.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the configuration of grooves and ramps described in conjunction with
FIG. 5
represent but one of a large number of ramp and groove configurations which may be used within the scope of the present invention.
Turning now to
FIG. 6
, exemplary blinds systems according to the present invention will be described.
FIG. 6A
depicts a blinds system
100
having an upper end rail
110
and a lower end rail
112
with a plurality of slats
116
connected therebetween. In this embodiment, lower end rail
112
is a moveable end rail
112
. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the term slats
116
is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention to wood blinds or other types of venetian blinds. Further, slats
116
is intended to further include miniblinds, cloth blinds and other types of window dressing which have upper and/or lower movable end rails and which would be desirable to be secured to a fixed surface.
System
100
further includes an elevating member
118
for raising and lowering at least one of the end rails
110
,
112
. As shown in
FIG. 6A
, system
100
may further include a rotation member
120
for rotating slats, for example, to allow in—or close out—sunlight. System
100
further includes a support or supports
122
for affixing system
100
to a window frame
124
or other fixed surface. Supports
122
may include, for example, screw-in brackets and the like for affixing system
100
to window frame
124
.
As shown in
FIG. 6C
, a similar system
100
is shown as that described in conjunction with FIG.
6
A. System
100
in
FIG. 6C
has a movable end rail that is an upper end rail
110
. For both embodiments shown in
FIGS. 6A and 6C
, the movable end rail
110
or
112
has blinds locking apparatus
10
affixed thereto. More specifically, blinds locking apparatus
10
are affixed to opposing ends of the movable end rail
110
or
112
. As shown in
FIGS. 6B and 6D
, bumper
24
at first rod end
22
is positioned to contact window frame
124
or other fixed surfaces to secure movable end rail
110
or
112
thereto. While
FIGS. 6A-6D
depict apparatus
10
affixed to opposing ends of a single movable end rail, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that both upper end rail
110
and lower end rail
112
may be moveable end rails, and may each have a locking apparatus
10
affixed to opposing ends thereof.
As shown in
FIG. 6B
, locking apparatus
10
is affixed to an underside of movable end rail
112
. Similarly, apparatus
10
may be affixed to a top side of upper end rail
110
. Such an attachment may be made using screws, bolts, epoxy, and the like. Further, as shown in
FIG. 6D
, apparatus
10
may be affixed to movable end rail
110
or
112
in a manner which conceals apparatus
10
therein. Apparatus
10
is, in one embodiment, held in place in end rail
110
,
112
by frictional contact therewith, such as by fitting within a groove (not shown) in end rail
110
,
112
. Alternatively, screws, epoxy, other fasteners and the like may be used.
Referring to the
FIGS. 1-6
, an exemplary method of operating an exemplary blind system according to the present invention will be described. The method includes providing a blinds system having a locking apparatus
10
coupled to opposing ends of a movable end rail, such as end rails
110
and/or
112
. Each locking apparatus
10
is as previously described in conjunction with
FIGS. 1-5
. The method includes translating the elongate rod in at least one of the locking apparatus
10
so that protruding member
28
cooperates with detent
18
to secure the rod in the second fixed position. For example, handle
30
may be manipulated to slidably translate protruding member
28
within detent
18
until protruding member
28
abuts post
76
and resides on groove
74
as described in conjunction with
FIGS. 5A and 5B
. When at least one of apparatus
10
has rod
20
in the second fixed position, the movable end rail
110
-
112
is positioned at a desired location. This may be accomplished, for example, by elevating the movable end rail using elevating member
118
shown in FIG.
6
A.
Once the movable end rail
110
or
112
is positioned at a desired location, which may be an infinite number of positions due to the benefits of the present invention, elongate rod
20
that had been retracted to the second fixed position is translated to the first fixed position. By translating elongate rod
20
back towards the first fixed position, protruding member
28
cooperates with detent
18
in a manner which secures rod
20
in the first fixed position. As shown in FIG.
6
A and
FIG. 6C
, by having both opposing apparatus
10
with rods
20
in the first fixed position, bumpers
24
of each apparatus
10
press against window frame
124
. In this manner, movable end rail
110
or
112
is temporarily secured to window frame
124
at a desired location.
It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that in other embodiments, the step of positioning the movable end rail at its desired location may require the retraction of rods
20
of both apparatus
10
into second fixed position. Such an arrangement may depend, for example, upon the tightness of fit between movable end rails
110
,
112
to the inside of window frame
124
. Further, it will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the first fixed position need not have protruding member
28
at the end of primary groove
70
. First fixed position may occur practically anywhere along primary groove
70
, and is a function of, inter alia, the fit between the outer edge of casing
12
and the inside of window frame
124
.
The invention has now been described in detail. However, it will be appreciated that certain changes and modifications may be made. For example, while described in conjunction with a window frame, it will be appreciated that the apparatus and systems of the present invention may be used to affix blinds to other fixed surfaces, for example, doors. Therefore, the scope and content of this invention are not limited by the foregoing description. Rather, the scope and content are to be defined by the following claims.
Claims
- 1. An apparatus for securing a moveable blinds rail to a fixed surface, comprising:a casing having a detent affixed to any inner surface thereof; an elongate rod having first and second ends and a protruding member extending from said rod between said ends, said first rod end extending out of a first opening of said casing, said elongate rod further comprising a handle extending from between said ends, said handle extending out of said casing through a second opening in said casing; and said protruding member slidably cooperating with said detent to secure said rod in a first fixed position.
- 2. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said detent comprises a generally Y-shaped detent.
- 3. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said casing further comprises a third opening through which said second rod end extends.
- 4. An apparatus as in claim 1, wherein said detent comprises a plurality of ramps defining a plurality of grooves, said protruding member slidably cooperating with said ramps and said grooves to position said rod in said first fixed position.
- 5. An apparatus as in claim 4, wherein said protruding member slidably cooperates with said ramps and said grooves to position said rod in a second fixed position.
- 6. An apparatus as in claim 5, wherein said first and said second fixed positions correspond to said first rod end being extended from said casing a first and a second distance, respectively.
- 7. An apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising a tension member coupled to said rod near said second end, said tension member adapted to encourage said protruding member towards said first opening so that said rod is in said first fixed position.
- 8. An apparatus as in claim 5, further comprising a tension member coupled to said rod near said second end, said tension member adapted to encourage said protruding member towards said first opening so that said rod is in said second fixed position.
- 9. An apparatus as in claim 7, wherein said tension member comprises a spring.
- 10. An apparatus as in claim 7, wherein said tension member engages an inner edge of said casing to encourage said protruding member towards said first opening.
- 11. An apparatus as in claim 1, further comprising a tension member coupled to said rod, said tension member adapted to encourage said protruding member into said detent.
- 12. A blinds system comprising:first and second end rails having a plurality of connected slats therebetween; a flexible elevating member for changing an elevation of said first end rail; and first and second locking apparatus coupled to opposing ends of said first end rail, each of said locking apparatus comprising a casing having a detent affixed to an inner surface thereof; and an elongate rod having first and second ends and a protruding member extending from said rod between said ends, said first rod end extending out of a first opening of said casing, said elongate rod further comprising a handle extending from between said ends, said handle extending out of said casino through a second opening in said casing; said protruding member slidably cooperating with said detent to secure said rod in a first fixed position.
- 13. A blinds system as in claim 12, wherein said first end rail is a moveable lower end rail.
- 14. A blinds system as in claim 12, wherein said first end rail is a moveable upper end rail.
- 15. A blinds system as in claim 12, wherein said locking apparatus each further comprise a tension member coupled to said rod near said second end, said tension member adapted to encourage said protruding member towards said first opening so that said rod is in said first fixed position.
- 16. A blinds system as in claim 12, wherein said first rod ends engage opposing fixed surfaces to secure said first end rail thereto when said rods are secured in said first fixed positions.
- 17. A blinds system as in claim 16, wherein said opposing fixed surfaces comprise opposing surfaces of a window frame.
- 18. A blinds system as in claim 16, wherein said protruding members slidably cooperate with said detent to secure each of said rods in a second fixed position, and wherein said first end rail moves generally freely relative to said opposing fixed surfaces when at least one of said rods is in said second fixed position.
- 19. A blinds system as in claim 12, further comprising a rotation member for rotating said connected slats.
- 20. A method of securing a moveable end rail of a blinds system to a fixed surface, said method comprising:providing a locking apparatus coupled to each opposing end of said moveable end rail, each of said locking apparatus comprising a casing having a detent affixed to an inner surface thereof; and an elongate rod having first and second ends and a protruding member extending from said rod between said ends, said first rod end extending out of a first opening of said casing, said elongate rod further comprising a handle extending from between said ends, said handle extending out of said casing through a second opening in said casing; said protruding member slidably cooperating with said detent to secure said rod in first and second fixed positions; translating said elongate rod in at least one of said locking apparatus so that said protruding member cooperates with said detent to secure said rod in said second fixed position; positioning said moveable end rail at a desired location; and translating, using said handle, said elongate rod in said at least one of said locking apparatus so that said protruding member cooperates with said detent to secure said rod in said first fixed position so that said first rod ends contact opposing fixed surfaces to secure said moveable end rail at said desired location.
- 21. A method as in claim 20, wherein said locking apparatus each further comprise a tension member coupled to said rod near said rod second end, said tension member adapted to encourage said protruding member towards said first opening so that said rod is in said first fixed position.
- 22. A method as in claim 20, wherein said detents in said locking apparatus each further comprise a plurality of ramps defining a plurality of grooves, said protruding member slidably cooperating with said ramps and said grooves to position said rod in said first and second fixed positions.
- 23. A blinds system comprising:first and second end rails having a plurality of connected slats therebetween; a flexible elevating member for changing an elevation of said first end rail; and first and second locking apparatus coupled to opposing ends of said first end rail, each of said locking apparatus comprising a casing having a detent affixed to a generally flat inner surface thereof, said detent having a plurality of ramps defining a plurality of grooves; and an elongate rod having first and second ends and a protruding member extending from said rod between said ends, said first rod end extending out of a first opening of said casing; said protruding member slidably cooperating with said detent to secure said rod in a first fixed position.
- 24. A blinds systems as in claim 23 wherein said protruding member slidably cooperates with said detent to secure said rod in a second fixed position by a generally linear translation of said rod from said first fixed position.
US Referenced Citations (23)