Patent Application
20130306250
This invention relates to a multiple shade apparatus and method. In particular, in accordance with one embodiment, the invention relates to a multiple shade apparatus including a shade system with a shade header with end caps. A first shade roll is provided with a first shade connected with the first shade roll and the first shade includes a first bottom bar. The first shade roll is connected with the shade header. A second shade roll is provided with a second shade connected with the second shade roll and the second shade includes a second bottom bar. The second shade roll is also connected with the shade header. A first connector device is provided that is connected with the first shade and a second connector is connected with the second shade. A detachment device connected with the shade system is provided for automatically disconnecting the first connector and the second connector.
A problem exists with regard to the use of shade systems with multiple shades. It is a problem to effectively and efficiently manipulate more than one shade in a shade system. The normal prior art procedure where more than one shade is deemed needed is to overlap two separate shade systems. Thus if it was desired that one shade was transparent to allow light in and another shade was opaque to keep light out, two entirely separate shade systems would be mounted in a light opening (window or door, for example). This obviously doubles the cost but it also doubles the complexity of the system. The user must master two operational systems instead of one. Further, the necessarily close proximity of the two separate systems often results in their entanglement. This reduces the effectiveness and desirability of the prior art dual overlapping systems.
Still further, there are systems that use expensive and elaborate electrical systems to connect, tilt and move shades and other elements of a shade system. Applicants are aware of the following prior art devices:
U.S. Pat. No. 5,440,289 to Riordan discloses a combined alarm system and window covering assembly that has a top housing assembly, bottom housing, and a covering. A conductive wire extends from the top housing assembly down to the bottom assembly and up from the bottom assembly to the top housing assembly and is used for raising and lowering the covering and the bottom housing. The conductive wire is electrically coupled to an alarm device. An enclosure is adapted to cover to the top housing assembly and an alarm device is disposed in the enclosure. A rotatable electrical connector and a roll-up mechanism for raising and lowering the covering and the bottom assembly may also be disposed in the top housing. The rotatable electrical connector electrically couples the alarm device to the conductive wire. An optical fiber may replace the conductive wire. An optical switching assembly includes a light bulb, an optical relay switch and a battery with the optical relay switch being optically coupled to the optical fiber and electrically coupled to the alarm device.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,552,769 to Riordan discloses a combined alarm system and window covering assembly that includes a top housing, a bottom rail having two ends, a covering, a conductive wire and two resiliently biased reed relay switches. The covering is mechanically coupled to the top housing and the bottom rail. The conductive wire has a first end and a second end and extends from the top housing down to the bottom rail and up from the bottom rail to the top housing. The conductive wire functions as a pull cord for raising and lowering the bottom rail and the covering. Each resiliently biased reed relay switch is mechanically coupled to one of the two ends of the bottom rail and electrically coupled to the conductive wire.
U.S. Pat. No. 5,760,558 to Popat discloses a system for automatic operation of venetian blinds and similar window coverings. A preferred embodiment, system 30, can be retrofitted to any conventional venetian blind without tools, removal of the blind, or installation of wiring (
U.S. Pat. No. 6,817,399 to Berman et al. discloses a sheet material mounting system having a lifting sleeve, a center support bracket, an engaging rod and two or more lifting cords. The outer circumference of a left portion of the lifting sleeve is greater than the outer portion of a right portion of the lifting sleeve. The outer surface of the lifting sleeve forms a smooth concave surface. The lifting sleeve is configured to support a winding tube during operation of the mounting system. The lifting sleeve abuts against the center support bracket. The center support bracket includes guides for directing the lift cords onto the lifting sleeve. The lift cords are attached to a bottom leveling system for ensuring that the shade material remains parallel during system operation. As the shade is raised, the lifting cords wind around the outer surface of the lifting sleeve. The center support guides ensure that the lifting cords contact the lifting cone at an angle ensuring that the cords are wound (and unwound) un-stacked during mounting system operation. The cords are wound in unison and the shade remains parallel during raising and lowering.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,337,824 to Berger discloses magnetic tilt and raise/lower mechanisms for a venetian blind disposed between the glass panes of a multi-pane window. The magnetic mechanisms act on tilt lines and a raise/lower line coupled to the venetian blind. An inner follower carriage is magnetically coupled to an external carriage moveable over one of the glass panes. Movement of the external carriage imparts movement of the follower carriage, which in turn actuates the tilt or raise/lower lines, causing the venetian blind to move. The inner follower carriage and the external carriage include at least one magnet assembly mounted on at least one wheel set to facilitate movement of the carriages over the glass panes as well as to reduce the force required to raise or lower the venetian blind. A multiplier is employed to reduce the stroke length required to raise or lower the venetian blind. Further, a clutch coupling an external slider to the external carriage is provided to disconnect the slider from the external carriage upon the application of a force exceeding a threshold level.
U.S. Pat. No. 7,640,964 to Berger discloses magnetic tilt and raise/lower mechanisms for a venetian blind disposed between the glass panes of a multi-pane window. The magnetic mechanisms act on tilt lines and a raise/lower line coupled to the venetian blind. An inner follower carriage is magnetically coupled to an external carriage moveable over one of the glass panes. Movement of the external carriage imparts movement of the follower carriage, which in turn actuates the tilt or raise/lower lines, causing the venetian blind to move. The inner follower carriage and the external carriage include at least one magnet assembly mounted on at least one wheel set to facilitate movement of the carriages over the glass panes as well as to reduce the force required to raise or lower the venetian blind. A multiplier is employed to reduce the stroke length required to raise or lower the venetian blind. Further, a clutch coupling an external slider to the external carriage is provided and to disconnect the slider from the external carriage upon the application of a force exceeding a threshold level.
What is still missing in the art is a shade system that enables the user to cover an opening with multiple shades in a single shade system while at the same time enabling independent use of a single shade when desired. Thus, there is a need in the art for a multiple shade system that enables two or more shades to be deployed singly or in combination when desired. Further, there is a need for a shade system that automatically disconnects separate shades and the thereafter allows independent operation of at least one shade. Further there is a need for an effective non-electric shade connection system that is adjustable at the place of use.
It therefore is an object of this invention, among other things, to provide a multiple shade system that enables two or more shades to be deployed singly or in combination when desired. Further, it is an object of this invention to provide a shade system that automatically disconnects separate shades and the thereafter allows independent operation of at least one shade. Still further, it is an object to provide an effective non-electric shade connection system that is adjustable at the place of use.
Accordingly, the multiple shade apparatus of the present invention, according to one embodiment, includes a shade system with a shade header with end caps. A first shade roll is provided with a first shade connected with the first shade roll and the first shade includes a first bottom bar. The first shade roll is connected with the shade header. A second shade roll is provided with a second shade connected with the second shade roll and the second shade includes a second bottom bar. The second shade roll is also connected with the shade header. A first connector device is provided that is connected with the first shade and a second connector is connected with the second shade. A detachment device connected with the shade system is provided for automatically disconnecting the first connector and the second connector.
All terms used herein are given there common meaning as known in the art unless otherwise defined. Thus, “shade system” describes a system for containing and deploying a shade. Shade systems include, among other things, a “header” for containing and concealing “shade rolls”, typically cylindrical tubes, that carry “shades”, material of various composition, that are connected at one end to the shade roll and, typically, at the other end of the shade to a “bottom bar”. The bottom bar adds weight to the end of the shade not attached to the shade roll and helps create a light seal against the bottom of a window sill, for example only and not by way of limitation. Other common elements of a shade system are manual operation systems, pull cords or twist sticks for example only, or motors for manipulating the shades. The header also often includes a pair of “end caps” to shield the inner workings from view and, as will be described more fully hereafter, for use in support of the shade rolls and, uniquely herein, for the enablement of the automatic disconnecting of two joined shades.
In that regard, in accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a detachment device includes a guide in the header. The guide creates a receiver space and the second bottom bar is conformed to fit at least partially within the receiver space. The receiver space prevents movement of the second bottom bar past the receiver space. Further, a first stop is provided in the header. The first stop prevents movement of the first bottom bar past the first stop. The first stop is spaced apart from the receiver space such that when the first bottom bar is at the first stop the first bottom bar is spaced apart from the second bottom bar and automatically disconnecting them. That is, according to the invention, the non-electric physical separation of the two bottom bars operates to automatically separate them, all as will be more fully described hereafter.
In another aspect, the first connector is a magnet and the second connector is a metal bottom bar. In one aspect, the first connector is a magnet and the second connector is a magnet. In another aspect, the magnets are positioned such that opposite poles are aligned when the magnets are connected and misaligned when the magnets are disconnected.
In one aspect, a motor is connected with at least one shade roll and in another aspect a manual operating device is connected with at least one shade roll. In a further aspect, the shade connected with the first shade roll is a different material than the shade connected with the second shade roll. In one aspect, at least one of the shades is an opaque shade material.
According to another embodiment, a multiple shade apparatus includes a shade system with a shade header with end caps. A first shade roll is provided with a first shade connected with the first shade roll and the first shade includes a first bottom bar. The first shade roll is connected with the ends caps of the shade header. A second shade roll is provided with a second shade connected with the second shade roll and the second shade includes a second bottom bar. The second shade roll is connected with the ends caps of the shade header. A first non-electric connector is connected with the first bottom bar of the first shade and a second non-electric connector is connected with the second bottom bar of the second shade. A detachment device is located in the end caps of the shade system for automatically disconnecting the first connector and the second connector.
In one aspect of this embodiment of the invention, the detachment device includes a guide in the end caps. The guide creates a receiver space. The second bottom bar is conformed to fit at least partially within the receiver space and the receiver space prevents movement of the second bottom bar past the receiver space. A first stop is provided in the end caps that prevents movement of the first bottom bar past the first stop. The first stop is spaced apart from the receiver space such that when the first bottom bar is at the first stop the first bottom bar is spaced apart from the second bottom bar automatically disconnecting the first bottom bar and the second bottom bar.
In one aspect, the first non-electric connector is a magnet and the second non-electric connector is a metal bottom bar. In another aspect, the first non-electric connector is a magnet and said second non-electric connector is a magnet. In a further aspect, the magnets are positioned such that opposite poles are aligned when the magnets are connected and misaligned when the magnets are disconnected.
In another aspect, the shade connected with the first shade roll is a different material than the shade connected with the second shade roll. In one aspect, when disconnected, either the first shade or the second shade is independently deployable from the shade system.
a. providing a shade system with a shade header with end caps; a first shade roll, with a first shade connected with the first shade roll the first shade including a first bottom bar, where the first shade roll is connected with the shade header; a second shade roll, with a second shade connected with the second shade roll the second shade including a second bottom bar, where the second shade roll is connected with the shade header; a first connector connected with the first shade and a second connector connected with the second shade; and a detachment device connected with the shade system for automatically disconnecting the first connector and the second connector; and
b. connecting the first connector and the second connector.
In another aspect, the method further includes operating the detachment device so as to disconnect the first connector and the second connector. In a further aspect, the first connector is a magnet located in the approximate middle of the first bottom bar and the second connector is a metal bottom bar. In one aspect, the shade connected with the first shade roll is a different material than the shade connected with the second shade roll.
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:
The preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated by way of example in
Referring to
Referring now to
First shade 28 is shown wrapped upon first shade roll 22 in the fully “up” or “retracted” position. Likewise, second shade 32 is shown wrapped upon second shade roll 24 also in the fully “up” or “retracted position. In this position, the second bottom bar 34 has been guided by guide 46 into receiver space 48. Receiver space 48 is formed by the combination of guide 46 and the inside of the back of header 14. Once second bottom bar 34 is drawn into receiver space 48 further upward movement beyond guide 46 is prevented. Additionally, second bottom bar 34 may include a grip 50 conformed to catch on edge 52 of the back of header 14 to ensure second bottom bar 34 does not move beyond the fully up position as shown in the figure.
Also illustrated is a first stop 54 in header 14. As will be described more fully with reference to
Still referring now to
Referring to
Again, the joining is facilitated in one embodiment in which the two connectors are magnets with opposite poles facing each other at the moment of contact. It may also be that only one connector is a magnet and the other connector is simply a ferrous metal bottom bar. Certainly other forms of connectors are included within the scope of the invention as well.
Referring now to
Referring now to
Beginning at block 64 a “sheer” button is pressed (not shown) and the question is asked of the computer device “Is the blackout shade engaged?” at block 66. If the answer is “no” at block 68 nothing is done. If the answer is “yes” at block 70 the computer saves the shade's current position as the “return position” and sets the “target position” as the “curtain (shade) top” and moves the shade to the “target position”.
At block 72 the question is asked, “Has the shade moved past the target position?”. If the answer is “yes” at block 74 the shade is stopped and travels to the “return position”. At block 76, the question is “Has the shade reached the ‘return position’ ? If “yes” the shade is stopped at block 78. If “no” the question at block 76 is re-presented until “yes”. After block 78 the system moves to block 80 “Return to normal shade operation. Go to main loop” for new commands.”
If at block 72 the answer is “no” the system asks at block 82 “ Has the Up, Down, 25%, 50%, or 75% button fired?” if “yes” at block 84 the system changes the “return position” to the corresponding button press and returns to block 72. If “no” at block 86 the query is “Has the sheer button fired?”. If “yes” at block 88 the question is “Is the shade traveling to retrieve the blackout shade?” If “yes” the system proceeds to block 74. If the answer is “no” at block 88 the system proceeds to block 72.
If at block 86 the answer is “no”, the system proceeds to answer the question “Has the blackout button fired?” at block 90. If “no”, the system proceeds to block 72. If “yes” the system proceeds to block 92 and decides “Is the shade traveling to remove (detach) the blackout shade?” If “no” the system proceeds to block 72. If “yes” the system proceeds to block 74.
If at block 94 the “blackout button” is pressed, the question at block 96 is “Is it a single press?”. If “no”, at block 98 the question is “Is it a 5 second press?”. If the answer is “no” it returns to block 96. If the answer at block 96 is “yes”, the question at block 100 is “Is the shade equal to or below the ‘grab blackout shade (attach) position?” If “yes” it proceeds to block 102, “Is the blackout shade engaged?” If “yes” it proceeds to block 68.
If at block 100 the answer is “no” the system sets the “return position” equal to the “grab blackout position” and sets the “target position” to one half of a full shade rotation below the “grab blackout” position and moves the system to the “target position” at block 104. Thereafter the system moves to block 72.
If at block 102 the answer is “no” the system saves the shade's current position as the “return position” and the “target position” as the “grab blackout position” and moves to the “target position” at block 106 and then to block 72.
If at block 98 the answer is “yes”, at block 108 the system learns the new “grab blackout position” and the user enters the system to move the shade to a new position as per block 110. At block 110 the question is “Has the shade been tugged manually?” If “no” at block 112 the question is “Has the timer run out to learn the new limit?” If “no” the system returns to block 110. If “yes” the system moves to block 80.
At block 110 if the answer is “yes” the system moves to block 114 where the user moves the shade to the desired position and waits for a five second hold on the blackout button. At block 116, the query is “Is the system at a five second hold on the blackout button?”. If ‘no” the system repeats to block 116. If “yes” the system moves to block 118 where it moves to the top and records the distance in the EEPROM (computer device) as the new “grab blackout position”. After that the system proceeds to block 80.
By way of further description, the present multiple shade apparatus and method enables the operation of multiple roll shades or blinds, either manually or otherwise. A connector system, preferably a non-electric system such as magnets, attached to the bottom rails of the shades connects the shades together. This allows the use of different materials and fabrics for the two shades to alter the appearance of the window coverings and/or to provide privacy by use of “blackout” material. What is provided by way of the present invention is, among other things, a way to operate multiple shade rolls and shades with one motorized (for example) shade roll and magnets in both bottom bars so as to connect the separate shades so they operate as one unit when desired. A non-electric detachment device enables the user to separate the shades and operate one individually when desired.
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. For example, more than two shades may be provided in a single shade system of the present invention. 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.
