BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The invention will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:
FIG. 1 is a front view illustrating a window treatment for an arch-shaped window in a closed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 2 is a front view illustrating a window treatment for an arch-shaped window in an open position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 3 is a front view illustrating a valence associated with the window treatment for an arch-shaped window, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional front view illustrating a chain route for a window treatment for an arch-shaped window, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional front view illustrating a portion of a chain route for a window treatment for an arch-shaped window, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view from the bottom looking up illustrating a portion of a chain route for a window treatment for an arch-shaped window, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 7 is a side view of a dolly for use with a window treatment for an arch-shaped window, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional end view illustrating a track for use with a window treatment for an arch shaped window, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 9 is a side view illustrating a roller for use with a window treatment for an arch-shaped window in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention;
FIG. 10 is a top view of a base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 11 is a side view of the base illustrated in FIG. 10 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and
FIG. 12 is a prospective view illustrating chain locks for use with an embodiment of the present invention.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS
The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein.
Referring now to the drawings in detail, and first to FIG. 1, a window treatment for an arch-shaped window in a closed position is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The window treatment 10 comprises a frame built up of wood and including an outer frame arch or bow 12 and a horizontal base 14. The horizontal base 14 has a downward-facing surface for resting the device on a window sill or similar horizontal surface 16 adjacent to a window to be shaded. The window treatment frame may also be constructed of a molded plastic or any other construction material known to one having ordinary skill in the art. The window treatment frame may be a monolithic unit and may be secured to the surrounding structure by any portion of the frame. For example, holes may be defined in the window treatment frame for receiving screws and/or nails to secure the window treatment frame to the surrounding structure.
The inner space defined by arch 12 and horizontal base 14 is filled with a first and second shade panel 20 and 22. It is also contemplated that the shade panel for filling the inner space defined by arch 12 and horizontal base 14 may be formed of a single panel. The shade panel is preferably formed in a pleated or honeycomb configuration. Alternatively, the shade panel may be formed of a plurality of louvers configured and dimensioned to occupy at least a majority of the space defined by arch 12 and horizontal base 14.
Referring now to FIG. 2, the first and second shade panels are illustrated in the fully retracted position. In other words, the window treatment for an arch-shaped window is illustrated in an open position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the shade panels according to the present invention advantageously provides for a low profile of approximately one inch, thereby maximizing the amount of light which is capable of entering the room through the window. A pivot bar 26 is positioned in the middle of horizontal base 14 and is configured in a U-shape. Pivot bar 26 permits first and second shade panels 20 and 22 to move between the open position illustrated in FIG. 2 to the closed position illustrated in FIG. 1. Pivot bar 26 may be secured to horizontal base 14 by means of locking nuts 30 secured to a lower threaded portion of pivot bar 26. Preferably, pivot bar 26 is removably secured in place by means of a pair of set screws and 32. Alternatively, pivot bar 26 may be welded in place or secured by any other means known to one having ordinary skill in the art.
Locking clips 28 are positioned and configured to provide a means for securing a chain which is used for opening and closing first and second shade panels 20 and 22, as will be discussed below. The first and second shade panels 20 and 22 are configured to be easily removed for cleaning and/or replacement. A plurality of shade clips and base clips are provided to maintain the first and second shade panels 20 and 22 within a predetermined position in window treatment 10, as will be discussed in further detail below. To remove first and second shade panels 20 and 22, begin by moving the shade panels 20 and 22 into their fully open position as illustrated in FIG. 2. Next, loosen the set screws 32 and remove pivot bar 26. Once pivot bar 26 is removed, loosen the base clips that hold the shades to the horizontal base 14 and remove the shade 20 and/or 22 from the clip.
Referring now to FIG. 3, a valence 40 associated with the window treatment 10 for an arch-shaped window, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The valence 40 serves the function of hiding portions of the window treatment which detract from the aesthetic features thereof. The valance 40 comprises an arch-shaped portion 42 and a horizontal portion 44. The valance 40 may be formed of the same material and texture as is used for the first and second shade panels 20 and 22.
FIG. 4 is a front view illustrating a route for a chain 50. Very often, the windows that are arch-shaped are positioned above existing windows and/or doors. Therefore, the length of chain 50 may be varied to permit easy access to a user. Chain 50 may be moved in the directions indicated by arrows A and B to cause movement of first and second shade panels 20 and 22 between an open and a closed position. Dollys 18 are configured and dimensioned for moving first and second shade panels 20 and 22 between an open and a closed position. A string 23 is connected to shade panels 22 and 23 to assist in maintaining shade panels 22 and 23 in a uniform configuration. A first end of dolly 18 is secured to chain 50 and a second end of dolly 18 is secured to a portion of the shade panel. Accordingly, as chain 50 is moved in a direction of either of arrows A and B, that motion will be translated through a dolly 18 to the shade panels 20 and 22. Importantly, due to the configuration of the route of the chain 50, each of first and second shade panels 20 and 22 will move in the same direction. Locking clips 28 are provided to lock chain 50 in a desired position to prevent further movement of the first and second shade panels 20 and 22.
Rollers 34 and 36 are provided to guide chain 50 within a chain channel 52. Roller 34 is centrally located at the top of arch-shaped portion 12 of the frame and roller 36 is located at the end of the chain 50 at an end of base 14 opposite to the end of base 14 wherein the chain 50 leaves and enters.
At least a portion of the route of chain 50 is shown more clearly in FIG. 5. First, as shown in FIG. 5, chain channel 50 is divided into two separate channels—a chain return channel 54 and a dolly channel 56. Chain 50 travels in the chain return channel 54 until it hits roller 34. At this point, as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6, chain 50 crosses over and begins to travel within dolly channel 56. In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, chain 50 is prevented from falling out of the longitudinal slot 61 defined in the lower portion of dolly channel due to the size of the beads 58 on chain 50.
As shown more clearly in FIG. 6, the diameter of each of the beads 58 along the length of chain 50 is greater than the width of the slot 61, thus allowing the dolly 18 to travel along the slot 61 while chain 50 is maintained within the dolly channel 56 as it is pulled through the arched frame. The width x of slot 61 is maintained relatively narrow to allow shade clip arm 62 (FIG. 7) to be guided along the channel.
FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional side view of dolly 18 for use with a window treatment 10 for an arch-shaped window, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional end view of the dolly 18 illustrated in FIG. 7. Thus, with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8, dolly 18 includes a shade clip 60, a shade clip arm 62, a set screw 64 and a dolly housing 68. The shade clip 60 extends from a lower surface of dolly housing 68 via shade clip arm 62. The shade clip 60 is configured to attach to the shade 20, 22. Preferably, shade clip 60 is connected to the top one-fifth portion of shade panels 20, 22. The shade clip 60 location assists in preventing light from shining through a gap between the first and second shade panels 20, 22 when they are in a closed position. Set screw 64 is configured to secure housing 68 to the chain 50 by tightening the set screw 64 against a portion of the chain 50, such as, for example, a chain bead 58 as illustrated in FIG. 7. Wheels 66 are provided to assist movement of housing 68 along the dolly channel 54.
As best illustrated in FIG. 8, the dolly 18 travels in dolly channel 56 which is located adjacent to chain return channel 54. A guide pin chamber 72 is positioned adjacent to each of dolly channel 56 and chain return channel 54. Guide pin chamber 72 houses a plurality of guide pins 70. Guide pins 70 are positioned to support the shade panel 20, 22 from being blown out of the frame by a wind coming in through the window. The guide pins 70 are preferably attached to every third pleat of shade panel 20, 22 and move within guide pin chamber 72. Also shown in FIG. 8 is a clip 74 for attaching the valence (not shown) to the window treatment.
Referring now to FIG. 9, a side view of roller 36 is illustrated. As illustrated, a bracket 38 is secured to base 14. Roller 36 is rotationally attached to a portion of the bracket 38 to transfer the chain 50 from one of chambers 54 and 56 to the other of chambers 54 and 56. Roller 36 defines a plurality of indentations which are configured and positioned to engage beads 58 on chain 50. Roller 36 may also be connected to a motor for automatic operation of the window treatment.
FIGS. 10 and 11 are top and side views of a base 14 in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 10, a plurality of base clips 24 are positioned on base 14 for providing support to shade panels 20, 22. Set screws 48 are provided for each of the base clips 24. Set screws 48 may be loosened or removed to facilitate removal of the shade panels 20, 22 from the frame.
FIG. 12 is a prospective view illustrating chain locks 28 for use with an embodiment of the present invention. Chain locks 28 are designed to engage the chain 50 between two chain beads 58 to secure the chain from moving from a desired position.
Although the present invention has been described in accordance with the embodiments shown, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that there could be variations to the embodiment and these variations would be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Patent Application
20080093031
