Patent Application
20060096716
This invention relates to a customizable row assembly and method of manufacturing a window covering. More particularly, this invention relates to panel and anchor members for rows in a window covering that may be customized in size to fit a variety of window spaces.
Decorative window coverings are popular items for providing privacy and blocking light. These window coverings take on various forms, such as Roman shades, Venetian blinds, vertical blinds, honeycomb shades, and the like. Typically, window coverings include a panel or plurality of rows of panels that cover an opening, which are connected to an adjustment mechanism in a headrail with one or more control members, such as cords.
For example, one popular type of window covering is known as a Roman shade. This type of shade consists of a fabric material suspended along its top edge from a head rail and is gathered at spaced intervals to provide a series of soft folds across the face of the fabric. Consequently, the typical Roman shade has a cascaded or softly pleated appearance. Such Roman shades are constructed so that when they are raised, they gather from the bottom in generally horizontal folds or pleats until the entire shade resides near the top of the window covering. In some versions, the top of the window covering may also be lowered. The shades are operated by pulling on control members, which are attached to the shade. The control members are usually secured to a bottom portion of the panel with adhesive, ultrasonic welding, sewing, tying or the like.
An alternative to the conventional Roman shade is disclosed in co-pending application Ser. No. 10/427,829, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Unlike the standard Roman shade, the Roman style shade disclosed therein allows the opening of the individual rows, which creates gaps in the face of the shade without requiring the entire shade to be raised. The plurality of rows of panels forming the window covering are secured to control cords, and are narrowed by raising or lowering of the control cords.
Another common type of window covering is a Venetian blind. Venetian blinds are typically constructed of a plurality of slats supported by a pair of ladders, which are controlled by an adjustment mechanism in a head rail. The ladder typically includes a pair of parallel cords suspended from the head rail and connected to a bottom rail. A number of rungs span across the parallel cords and support the slats. An alternative to the conventional Venetian blind is disclosed in co-pending application Ser. No. 10/413,200 filed on Apr. 14, 2003, and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,792,996, which is hereby incorporated by reference. Unlike the conventional Venetian blind, the blind disclosed therein utilizes non-ladder control members and has a configuration that allows the rows of slats to conceal the control members and holes for the control cords when the rows of slats are closed.
With any of the aforementioned window coverings, a problem that exists is a result of the fact that window spaces come in many different widths. Because of this, it is typical that window coverings need to be custom ordered to fit a particular window space. For example, with Venetian blinds, the head rail, bottom rail and blind slats would need to be cut to particular widths, and then assembled by the manufacturer. This custom process requires a substantial amount of time to custom build blinds for each particular window because an order must be placed with a retailer, which then sends the customer order to the manufacturer for assembly of the blind. Several days or even weeks may pass between when the customer chooses the window coverings and when the finished window covering is finally received.
The present invention solves the shortcomings of the prior art by providing a row assembly that is are easily customized in width to fit a variety of window spaces.
The present invention relates to window coverings comprising a plurality of rows. In particular, each row assembly of the window covering includes a panel that is customizable in width, such as to fit the width of a desired window opening. Window coverings with which the row assembly of the present invention is suitable for use typically include at least one control member, such as a cord. Examples of suitable window coverings are described above.
The panel includes a main or central portion and at least a first longitudinal portion, where the first longitudinal portion defines a plurality of spaced openings. In some embodiments, the panel also includes a second longitudinal portion on the opposite side of the main portion from the first longitudinal portion. In other embodiments, a second longitudinal portion is positioned within the main portion. The second longitudinal portion also defines a row of spaced openings. The openings are preferably spaced at regular intervals.
The panel may be formed of any trimmable or foldable material, but is preferably formed of a relatively thin flexible material, such as woven or non-woven fabric, film, paper, or the like. Alternatively, the panel may be formed of thin strips of woods.
An anchor member is also typically included with the row, and the control member is restrainedly positioned with the anchor member through at least one of the spaced openings. The anchor member may also be adjustable in width and is positioned in substantially parallel relationship with the at least one row of spaced openings and restrainedly positioned with the longitudinal portion of the panel. Alternatively, an appropriate width anchor member can be selected for a customized panel. In either event, the anchor member may be restrainedly positioned with the panel by securing an edge portion of the panel to the panel body to form a loop within which an anchor member is guided. Alternatively, the anchor member may be fixedly secured to the panel by way of adhesive, sewing or the like. The anchor member could also be formed integrally with the panel such that it is actually a part of the panel. It is preferred that the anchor member is removable from the panel.
The anchor members can be configured in various different manners. In several embodiments, the anchor members can include interconnected tube and rod members. These tube and rod members can be secured in position with one another by frictional engagement, threaded engagement, or the like. The width of the anchor members which preferably extends across all or most of the width of the panel may be are selected by sliding the tube over the rod to shorten the overall width, or by threading the tube onto the rod. Alternatively, the anchor members may be adjusted by trimming portions of the tube. In another embodiment, the anchor member can be formed from a plurality of elongated members, such as rods, operatively connected by a mounting sleeve. The overall width of the elongated members can be adjusted by sliding one member relative to another. In yet another embodiment, the anchor member may be formed of a trimmable material, such that adjustment of the anchor member is accomplished by cutting. Anchor members can also be provided in various stock widths, such that the appropriate width anchor members are selected and utilized. To further facilitate the shortening of the anchor member, scoring lines may be provided to aid in cutting or breaking of the extra width. It should be noted that for the sake of consistency in terminology, the foregoing description of the width of the anchor member denotes the axial measure of the anchor member.
The plurality of spaced openings enables stock widths of panels for window coverings to be sold that can be easily narrowed to custom widths at the point of sale or by the customer. Alternatively, an entire roll of panel material can be provided and appropriate mounting widths, i.e., the size of panel for a particular window space, cut as desired. The plurality of spaced openings enables stock widths of panels to be narrowed or a desired width of material to be selected from a fabric roll, and the control members of the window covering to be restrainedly positioned with the panels through whichever one of the spaced openings corresponds to the control hardware found in the headrail of the window covering. For example, a head rail may have hardware that suspends a pair of control cords from positions 5 inches from opposite edges of the head rail. A stock width panel can be trimmed to fit within the window space and secured with the control cords at the openings positioned approximately 5 inches from the edges of the panel.
In the case of stock width panels, narrowing the width of the panels may be accomplished in a number of ways. One method is to trim the extra width of material with shears or other mechanical cutting implement. Another is to fold excess material over the main portion of the panel and adhere the folded over material to the main portion. Yet another alternative is to include perforations extending from top to bottom across the panel that enable easy and controlled tearing of marginal portions of the panel. The same trimming or cutting methods may be employed where the panel material is provided as a roll of fabric.
One particular advantage of such a row of a window covering is that stock widths of panels or an entire roll of material and anchor members may be obtained, and rather than requiring the customer to place an order for special width panels and anchor members and wait for their completion, the widths of the panels and anchor members can be customized quickly at the store or by the customer at home. It should be noted that rather than customize the anchor members a supply of anchor members of various widths can be provided such that no trimming of the anchor members is required. Instead, suitable width anchor members may be chosen. As such, selecting the suitable anchor member can be done by adjusting the width of an anchor member or simply choosing an appropriate width anchor member. It should be noted that the width of the anchor member does not necessarily have to exactly or even substantially match the width of the panel.
The present invention is particularly advantageous in that it allows easy replacement of rows of a window covering. For example, if a panel of a window covering requires replacement due to damage, wear, or staining, an appropriate width of panel may be purchased and installed into the existing window covering without requiring a special order for the replacement. Other advantages are readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.
In the drawings,
The invention disclosed herein is susceptible of embodiment in many different forms. Shown in the drawings and described hereinbelow in detail are preferred embodiments of the invention. It is to be understood, however, that the present disclosure is an exemplification of the principles of the invention and does not limit the invention to the illustrated embodiments.
As shown in
Panel 10 further includes a plurality of spaced openings 24 along a lower longitudinal loop portion 26 of the panel 10. This lower or second longitudinal portion is on the opposite side of the main portion 11 from the first longitudinal portion 12. The lower longitudinal loop portion 26 is formed in a similar manner as described above. Also, as with the previously discussed loop portion 12, an anchor member 28 is inserted within loop portion 26, which is formed of a pair of sleeve or tube members 30 and 32, and a central rod member 34 (all shown in phantom). Referring also to
If it is desired to have a window covering of narrower width, the width of anchor members 16 and 28 may each be shortened as shown in
The panel 10 may be trimmed to the desired width by any suitable means. For example, the extra width of material may be trimmed with scissors or fabric shears as shown in
The spaced openings 14 of panel 10 are shown as not extending across the entire width of the panel 10 for ease of illustration, however, in the preferred embodiment the spaced openings are positioned across the entire width of the panel 10. For example, if the panel material is provided in the form of a roll, the spaced openings are positioned all along the longitudinal portion so as to enable any width of panel to be cut therefrom.
Shown in
Referring to
Referring to
The panels and anchor members discussed may be restrainedly positioned with the control cords of a window covering according any method known in the art. However, two methods may enable rows to be readily removed for replacement or cleaning. One method is shown in
Another way to restrainedly position a control member with a panel and anchor member is through the use of a fastener module. For example, as shown in
Shown in
While in the embodiments described above, the panel is described as defining a plurality of spaced openings, it is contemplated that such spaced openings may, in some embodiments not be necessary. For example, rather than have a fastener module access the anchor member through an opening, the fastener module could be operatively connected with the anchor member by being secured thereto over the panel.
As discussed, the customizable width panel and anchor member may be provided in various forms. For example the panel material may be provided in the form of a roll, or in various stock widths. In the roll example, a seller at the point of sale, upon receiving an order, cuts sections of panel material from the roll to the desired width. Anchor members, such as those described above are secured with the longitudinal portions of the cut panels. Rather than adjust the width of the anchor member, it is also possible that a supply of anchor members of different fixed widths can be provided to accommodate different window spaces. A supply of control cords with fastener members secured therewith are also provided.
The assembly of a window covering with the panels, anchor members and control cords may be done at any point in the supply chain, or by the final consumer. The window space measurements are obtained and widths of panel material are trimmed or customized to fit within the desired window space. For example, desired widths of fabric are unrolled off a roll of fabric. Alternatively, customizing of the width may also be done to pre-cut panel widths, such as by trimming the pre-cut panel with scissors, or by folding and gluing, or the like. For each panel, anchor members are restrainedly positioned with opposed longitudinal portions of the panel such as by guiding the anchor member through loops formed in the fabric. The width of the anchor member, as discussed above, may also adjusted by any of the methods discussed above.
Each panel is also secured to a cord member. The preferred method of accomplishing this is by securing a fastener module to the anchor member through an opening in the longitudinal portion of the panel. The fastener module is also restrainedly positioned with a cord member. Alternatively, when the anchor member is guided through the loop in the fabric panel, it may also be guided through a loop in the cord member. The cord members are also installed with the headrail for the window covering by guiding the cords through the given hardware, such as cord locks, rotatable drums, or the like.
The order in which the various components of the window covering are customized and assembled can vary. For example, the cords can be installed with the window hardware and the customized panels attached to the cords suspended in the window space. Alternatively, the entire window covering can be assembled and then installed in the window space. Also, the securement of the cords to the anchor member depends on whether the cords include fastener members or not. The order of assembly will be readily apparent to one skilled in the art.
The following is a preferred method of assembly. A roll of fabric is provided. The roll of fabric includes at least one longitudinal portion defining a plurality of spaced openings. A portion of the roll of fabric is separated along a line substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal portion. In other words, widths of fabric panels are cut or otherwise separated from the roll such that a customized panel is formed. Accordingly, the customized panel, which was separated from the roll, also defines a longitudinal portion having a plurality of spaced openings and may be referred to as a longitudinal mounting portion.
An anchor member is restrainedly positioned with the longitudinal mounting portion. For example, the longitudinal portion preferably defines a loop through which the anchor member is inserted. The width of the anchor member may be adjusted to fit the customized panel if necessary.
A control member, such as a cord, is connected to the anchor member. As discussed above, this is preferably accomplished through the use of a fastener module that is removably secured to the control member and the anchor member through one of the spaced openings. It is also preferred that the control cord defines a plurality of spaced loops as discussed above, and individual fastener modules are secured at each of the spaced loops. To assemble, the desired length of control cord with pre-hung fastener modules is cut and the fastener modules secured to the anchor members of the rows of the window covering.
The foregoing descriptions are to be taken as illustrative, but not limiting. Still other variants within the spirit and scope of the present invention will readily present themselves to those skilled in the art.
