[0001] The invention relates to an architectural covering, particularly a covering for an
architectural opening such as a window blind, having two parallel interconnected fabric
layers which contain complementary patterns and can be moved relative to one another
in a direction parallel to the layers. This invention particularly relates to an architectural
covering having one or more parallel binder threads which connect the fabric layers
and along which one of the layers can be moved relative to the other layer. This invention
quite particularly relates to an architectural covering having fabric layers which
contain alternating relatively translucent and relatively opaque portions and can
be moved relative to one another between positions where: i) the translucent portions
of the different layers coincide and ii) the opaque portions of the different layers
substantially overlap, preferably completely overlap, the translucent portions of
the different layers.
[0002] Blinds for covering architectural openings are known which can be opened and closed
while still covering the openings. For instance; traditional venetian blinds have
slats which can be tilted so as to block light or let light through from windows covered
by the blinds.
[0003] Another type of such blind has two vertical layers, disposed one in front of the
other and each with an array of horizontally-oriented, alternating transparent and
opaque stripes. When the transparent stripes of one layer are in horizontal alignment
with the transparent stripes of the other layer, light is transmitted through the
blind, but when the opaque stripes of one layer are horizontally aligned with the
transparent stripes of the other layer, light can be blocked by this blind. See GB
926 663, GB 1 227 619, US 2 029 675, US 2 549 167, FR 1 366 224 and DE 2 326 438.
The two layers of fabric or plastic in such a blind are connected on their top and/or
bottom ends by top and/or bottom bars. This generally results in the layers being
separated by the diameter of the bars used, which makes the blind appear bulky. Also
the distance, separating the two layers, does not allow the blind to completely block
light from passing through it. In this regard, light shining in from a window at an
acute angle can pass through the transparent stripes of the adjacent layer of the
blind and then between the vertically adjacent, opaque stripes of its layers, in the
horizontal gap between the layers. The bigger the horizontal gap between the layers,
the more light can pass through, even if the blind is closed. Moreover since the layers
in such a blind are connected only at their top and/or bottom, precisely aligning
their transparent and opaque stripes to completely close the blind is not possible.
[0004] Two-layer woven fabrics are also known which are interconnected by binder threads,
so that they have a special appearance and resistance to wear and tear. See, for example,
US 2 502 101, FR 2 063535, GB 2 058 161, US 4 025 684, GB 395 176, US 3 359 610, GB
540 059, NL 35 856, NL 272 858 and US 3 943 980. However, the two layers of such a
fabric cannot slide along the binder threads or move relative to one other.
[0005] EP-A-1 088 920 upon which the precharacterising portion of appended claim 1 is based,
describes a covering for an architectural opening, having a first layer with alternating
relatively opaque stripes and relatively translucent stripes, and a second layer with
alternating relatively opaque stripes and relatively translucent stripes. The first
and second layers are positioned one behind the other, with the stripes substantially
parallel. The first and second layers are movable relative to one another in a direction
substantially perpendicular to the stripes. The covering also includes a series of
parallel binder threads for attaching the first layer to the second layer. The binder
threads run substantially perpendicular to the stripes, and thereby, one of the layers
can be slid along the binder threads when moved relative to the other. The blind is
preferred to be woven as a double-layer fabric.
[0006] According to the present invention, there is provided an architectural covering,
particularly a covering for an architectural opening such as a window blind, comprising:
- a first fabric layer; and
- a second fabric layer that is parallel and adjacent to the first layer and substantially
coincident with the first layer;
- the second layer being capable of movement relative to the first layer in a direction
parallel to the first layer; characterised in that
- the architectural covering further comprises a binder thread, between the layers ,
connecting them and extending in the direction
- of movement of the second layer; the second layer being slidable along the binder
thread during the movement of the second layer relative to the first layer, and wherein
the binder thread is a weft thread which forms a binder thread loop, preferably a
plurality of binder thread loops, about, preferably closely about, a warp thread of
each portion (of the first and second layers, to which the binder thread is connected;
and wherein in the first or second layer, a warp thread, about which the binder thread
forms a binder thread loop, is a thin preshrunk warp thread which is thinner than
a normal warp thread.
[0007] Advantageously, the covering has a plurality of parallel binder threads and a plurality
of thin preshrunk warp threads in the first or second layer. Also advantageously,
each warp thread, about which the binder thread forms a binder thread loop, is a thin
preshrunk warp thread. Further advantageously, the thickness of each thin preshrunk
warp thread is 20 to 50%, advantageously about 30%, of the thickness of other warp
threads of the covering. Still further advantageously, each thin preshrunk warp thread
is only in a rear movable layer.
[0008] It is also advantageous that in the other layer, advantageously the front layer,
each binder thread forms a plurality of adjacent binder thread loops about adjacent
warp threads. It is further advantageous that the adjacent binder thread loops are
separated from each other by a warp thread, particularly 1-3 warp threads, more particularly
just 1 warp thread.
[0009] Additional aspects of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description
below of particular embodiments and the drawings thereof, in which:
- Figures 1 (a) and (b) illustrate schematically the front and side (in cross-section
taken along line b-b in Fig. 1(a)), respectively, of a first embodiment of a fabric
window blind of the invention in its closed position; in Figure 1(a), the bottom of
the blind has been cut to separate the layers, and the front layer has been folded
away from the rear layer.
- Figures 1(c) and (d) illustrate schematically the front and side (in cross-section
taken along line d-d in Fig. 1(c)), respectively, of the fabric blind of Figures 1(a)
and (b) in its open position; in Figure 1(c), the bottom of the blind has been cut
to separate the layers, and the front layer has been folded away from the rear layer.
- Figures 2 (a) and (b) illustrate schematically the front of a second embodiment of
a fabric window blind of the invention in its closed and open positions, respectively;
the fabric of the blind has been printed with a pattern.
- Figures 3(a) and (b) illustrate schematically a cross-section of a fabric blind, such
as the blind of Figures 1 (a)-(d), in its closed and open positions, respectively.
- Figures 4 (a), (b) and (c) illustrate schematically the front of a third embodiment
of a fabric window blind of the invention in its closed, open and partially open positions,
respectively.
- Figure 5 illustrates schematically a perspective view of a two-layer woven fabric
blind, such as the blind of Figures 1 (a)-(d).
- Figure 6(a) illustrates schematically a process for weaving a two-layer woven fabric
blind, such as the blind of Figures 1 (a)-(d), and Figure 6(b) illustrates schematically
a process for weaving a multi-layer woven fabric blind, such as the blind of Figures
1 (a)-(d).
- Figure 7 illustrates schematically a cross-section of a modified two-layer woven fabric
blind, such as the blind of Figures 1 (a)-(d).
- Figure 8 illustrates schematically a cross-section of another modified two-layer woven
fabric blind, like the blind of Figure 7.
[0010] The basic principle of operation of an architectural covering of the invention will
be described with reference to a fabric window blind 1 of Figures 1(a)-(d). The blind
1 comprises a vertically-extending front layer 2 and a vertically-extending rear layer
4 of substantially the same height and width. In Figures 1(a) and (c), the bottom
part 2A of the front layer 2 has been cut away and folded open to the left, to expose
the rear layer 4. The front layer 2 has a plurality of horizontally-extending, parallel
rectangular stripes 6, 8. Relatively opaque stripes 6 alternate with relatively translucent
stripes 8. The rear layer 4 also has a plurality of longitudinally-extending, parallel
rectangular stripes 10,12, with relatively opaque stripes 10 alternating with relatively
translucent stripes 12. As described below, the front layer 2 can be moved vertically
relative to the rear layer 4, so that the opaque stripes 6,10 of the two layers can
be horizontally aligned with respect to each other or with respect to the translucent
stripes 8,12. Such movement of the front layer 2 can, therefore, be used to control
and vary the light-transmitting properties of the blind 1.
[0011] At least one, vertically-extending binder thread 14 (shown in Figures 3(a), 3(b),
5 and 6 is attached to the layers 2,4. The binder thread 14 allows the front layer
2 to slide, in a controlled manner, vertically relative to the rear layer 4, along
the binder thread. Preferably, the blind 1 contains a plurality of such binder threads
14 in parallel spaced-apart relationship.
[0012] As shown in Figures 1(a) and (b), the opaque stripes 6 of the front layer 2 are horizontally
aligned with, and therefore horizontally cover, the translucent stripes 12 of the
rear layer 4. As a result, the opaque stripes 10 of the rear layer 4 are horizontally
aligned with, and therefore visible through, the translucent stripes 8 of the front
layer 2. Thus, the opaque stripes 6,10 of the front and rear layers 2,4 appear alternately
along the vertical length of the blind 1 and, the blind 1 is effectively closed and
can block out light from a window behind the blind.
[0013] By sliding one of the layers 2,4 vertically from its position in Figures 1 (a) and
(b), relative to the other layer 4,2, the blind 1 can be opened as shown in Figures
1(c) and (d). In this regard, the front layer 2 can be moved upwardly relative to
the rear layer 4 in the direction of arrow A, so that the opaque stripes 6 of the
front layer are horizontally aligned with the opaque stripes 10 of the rear layer
and the translucent stripes 8 of the front layer are horizontally aligned with the
translucent stripes 12 of the rear layer. Thereby, the blind 1 can let light, from
a window behind the blind, through the horizontally-aligned translucent stripes 8,
12.
[0014] In the blind 1 of Figures 1(a)-(d), the opaque stripes 6 of the front layer 2 are
of the same vertical width or height as the opaque stripes 10 of the rear layer 4
and as the translucent stripes 8,12 of the front and rear layers. This allows the
blind 1 to be opened a maximum amount, i.e., 1/2 of the height of the blind. However,
where the blind 1 is not to be opened as much as possible, the front layer 2 can be
moved upwardly a smaller distance relative to the rear layer 4. Then, the opaque stripes
6,10 of the front and rear layers 2,4 will partially overlap horizontally the translucent
stripes 8,12 of the front and rear layers, and the blind 1 will be only partially
open.
[0015] In the woven two-layer fabric blind 1, the height of each opaque stripe 6,10 is equal
and corresponds to the height of a translucent stripe 8,12. This is achieved by splitting
the warp threads [which extend horizontally in the blind 1 of Figures 1(a)-(d)] into
separate groups for the front and rear layers 2,4 as described below with reference
to Figures 5 and 6. However, if desired, the opaque stripes 6,10 could also be made
with heights that are different from those of the translucent stripes 8,12, or the
stripes 6,8 of the front layer 2 could have heights that are equal but different from
the heights of the stripes 10,12 of the rear layer 4. Besides creating an aesthetically
pleasing pattern, such variations in the heights of the stripes would not increase
or decrease the maximum opening of the blind.
[0016] Using the weaving techniques of Figures 5 and 6, described below, a two-layer fabric
can also be woven having, along its height, stripes of increasing height or of different
heights. For example, Figures 4 (a)-(c) show a blind 201 that has narrow stripes 206A,208A,210A,212A
at the bottom and broad stripes 206B,208B,210B, 212B at the top, so that a top part
of the blind 201 can be opened while its bottom part remains closed. This allows sunlight
to enter a room towards its ceiling while at the same time blocking out sunlight that
might hinder the viewing of, for example, a television or computer monitor in the
room. In this regard, the bottom part of the fabric blind 201 can be provided with
opaque and translucent stripes 206A ,208A,210A,212A, each having a height that is
no more than half of the height of the opaque and translucent stripes 206B, 208B,
210B, 212B of the top part of the blind.
[0017] Other variations in stripe heights are possible when the blind 1 is made from layers
2,4 that are: separately made, for example separately woven or otherwise produced
separately, e.g., of a non-woven material; and subsequently interconnected by one
or more binder threads 14 (shown in Figures 5 and 6). In this regard, the heights
of the stripes of the front layer 2 can be different from those of the rear layer
4. Thereby, various decorative effects can be achieved. For instance, the rear layer
4 could be provided with two alternately arranged patterns or colors, such that by
moving the front and rear layers relative to one another, the different patterns or
colors can be exposed selectively. Furthermore, the blind 1 could have more than two
layers 2,4. For instance, by providing three layers, each having opaque stripes of
half the height of the translucent stripes, the opening ratio can be increased to
2/3. This is also possible when the blind is completely woven, but when a non-woven
fabric is used as one or all the layers, the different stripes can be painted on the
layers or the layers can have different stripes made of different materials.
[0018] Preferably, the front and rear layers 2,4 of the fabric blind 1 are woven simultaneously
with their attachment to the binder threads 14. See Figures 5, 6(a) and (b), described
below. This facilitates production of the fabric of the blind 1 since the two layers
2,4 need not be subsequently bound together. It is also possible to weave the front
and/or rear layers 2 4, themselves, as two or more layers simultaneously with their
attachment to the binder threads 14. This ensures correct registration between the
multiple layers of the front and rear layers 2,4 and between such layers and the binder
threads 14 during subsequent treatments of the fabric blind 1, such as stiffening,
water-proofing, printing and the like. However, the blind 1 can also be made of separately
produced, woven or non-woven, front and rear layers 2,4, each of one or more layers
which are subsequently interconnected with binder threads 14.
[0019] The binder threads 14 (shown in Figures 3(a), 3(b), 5 and 6) hold the front and rear
layers 2,4 of the blind 1 horizontally together and accurately guide the two layers'
relative vertical movement. The pattern of connecting each binder thread 14 to the
two layers 2,4 determines the maximum possible movement of the layers relative to
each other. Each binder thread 14 is preferably connected to all the opaque stripes
6,10 of the layers and preferably not connected to their translucent stripes 8,12.
However, not all opaque stripes 6,10 need be bound to the binder threads 14, and it
is possible to skip one or more opaque stripes. In this way, the vertical distance,
along which a layer can slide along the binder thread, can be increased. This can
be of use for blinds where the height of the stripes varies along the height of the
blind.
[0020] Figures 2(a) and (b) show a second embodiment of a fabric blind 101 which is similar
to the blind 1 of Figures 1 (a)-(d) and for which corresponding reference numerals
(greater by 100) are used below for describing the same parts or corresponding parts.
The relatively opaque stripes 106 of the front layer 102 of the blind 101 can be horizontally
aligned with the relatively translucent stripes 112 of its rear layer 104 to close
the blind as shown in Figure 2(a) and can be horizontally aligned with the opaque
stripes 110 of its rear layer 104 to open the blind as shown in Figure 2(b). This
fabric blind 101, when closed, can easily be printed on both the opaque stripes 106
and the weft threads of the translucent stripes 108 of its front layer 102, as well
as on the opaque stripes 110 of its rear layer 104 (between the weft threads of the
translucent stripes 108 of the front layer), by conventional transfer printing techniques.
Thereby, the closed blind 101 will show the complete printed design, and the opened
blind 101 will also show the complete design because its front layer 102, which is
completely printed, will be visible.
[0021] Figure 2 (a) illustrates oval forms 124 and 126 printed on the front of the closed
blind 101 and clearly visible on the opaque and translucent stripes 106,108 of the
front layer 102 and on the opaque stripes 110 of the rear layer 104. Where the front
layer 102 is shown as having been cut and folded open to the left, it is clearly seen
that the oval form 126 has been printed on an opaque stripe 110 of the rear layer
104. (The folded-open portion of the top layer 102 is, of course, not shown as printed,
since what is being shown is its rear side, and the print is on the other side.)
[0022] Figure 2(b) shows the printed ovals 124,126 on the front of the open blind 101 and
clearly visible on the opaque and translucent stripes 106,108 of the front layer 102.
[0023] As shown in Figures 3(a) and (b), each binder thread 14 of the fabric blind 1 preferably
extends between the front and rear layers 2,4 and is perpendicular to their stripes
6,8,10,12. Each binder thread 14 follows a zigzag path between the layers and extends
outwardly thereof through the opaque stripes 6,10. In this regard, the binder thread
14: i) extends frontally and vertically through a first opaque stripe 6' of the front
layer 2; ii) passes vertically about the front of one or more warp threads of the
first opaque stripe 6' to form a generally u-shaped, front binder thread loop 16;
iii) extends rearwardly and vertically through the first opaque stripe 6' , then between
the layers and then through a second opaque stripe 10' of the rear layer 4; iv) passes
vertically about the rear of one or more warp threads of the second opaque stripe
10' to form a generally u-shaped, rear binder thread loop 18; extends frontally and
vertically through the second opaque stripe 10', then between the layers and then
through a third opaque stripe 6" of the front layer 2; v) passes vertically about
the front of one or more warp threads of the third opaque stripe 6" at another front
binder thread loop 16; vi) extends rearwardly and vertically through the third opaque
stripe 6", then between the layers and then through a fourth opaque stripe 10" of
the rear layer 4; and so on.
[0024] In accordance with this invention, each binder thread 14 is adapted, so that one
of the layers 2,4 can be smoothly slid vertically along the binder thread between
the vertically adjacent binder thread loops 16,18, formed by the binder thread passing
vertically about the warp threads of the opaque stripes 6,10 of the layers. In this
regard, Figure 3(a) shows how the front layer 2 could be moved, without hindrance,
vertically (e.g., upwardly), in the direction of arrow A, along the binder thread
14, relative to the rear layer 4, to open the blind 1; and Figure 3(b) shows how the
front layer 2 could be moved, without hindrance, vertically (e.g., downwardly), in
the direction of arrow B, along the binder thread 14, relative to the rear layer 4,
to close the blind.
[0025] Also in accordance with this invention, the front and rear layers 2,4 of the blind
1, as shown in Figures 3(a) and (b), are horizontally very close together, and the
distance between the layers does not vary as a result of opening or closing the blind.
As a result, each binder thread 14 is substantially vertical and deviates only slightly
from a straight vertical path in order to connect the two layers.
[0026] The path of the binder thread 14, between the two layers 2,4 of the blind 1, determines
the maximum vertical movement of the layers relative to one another. Starting from
the closed position of the blind 1 in Figure 3 (a), its front layer 2 can be moved
vertically (e.g., upwardly) in the direction of arrow A, relative to its rear layer
4 which is held stationary. As the front layer 2 is so-moved, it slides along the
binder thread 14 at the front binder thread loop 16. The top and bottom of the binder
thread 14 are preferably held with the top and bottom of the stationary rear layer
4. This movement of the front layer 2 will continue until the front layer reaches
the adjacent rear binder thread loop 18 of the rear layer 4, where further movement
will be blocked by the rear layer.
[0027] In the blinds of this invention, such as the blind 1 of Figures 1 (a)-(d) and 3 (a)
and (b), the maximum vertical movement of the front layer 2, relative to the rear
layer 4, is determined by the distance between the front binder thread loop 16 on
the front layer 2 and the adjacent rear binder thread loop 18 on the rear layer 4.
In the blind 1 where all the stripes 6,8,10,12 are the same height, the distance between
adjacent binder thread loops 16,18 on the front and rear layers should be the height
of a single stripe, so that the layers of the blind can be moved between fully open
and fully closed positions relative to one another. However in a blind such as the
blind 101 of Figures 2 (a) and (b) where the stripes 106, 108, 110, 112 are of different
heights, the distance between adjacent binder thread loops 116,118 on the front and
rear layers 102,104 should be at least far apart enough to allow the biggest stripe
to close. In this regard, the maximum vertical movement of the front layer 102, relative
to the rear layer 104, can be increased if each binder thread 114 is not connected
to every opaque stripe 106,110 but rather skips one or more opaque stripes when connecting
the two layers 102,104. For example, every other opaque stripe 106 of the front layer
102 and every other opaque stripe 110 of the rear layer 104 can be bound by binder
threads 114 at respective binder thread loops 116 and 118. In this way, the maximum
movement of the front layer 102 becomes the height of two opaque stripes and one translucent
stripe, and the angles of the binder threads 114 passing through the layers 102, 104
becomes less acute. Such a pattern of skips for the binder threads 114 can also diminish
the friction of the front layer 104 sliding along the binder threads, which could
be useful in any blind 1,101, 201 of this invention and particularly in those with
stripes of small height.
[0028] As shown in Figures 3(a) and(b), it is preferred that the binder threads 14 not pass
through the vertical centers of the opaque stripes 6, 10 of the layers 2,4 of the
blind 1. Rather the binder thread loops 16,18, where each binder thread passes through
the opaque stripes 6,10 of the layers, are located slightly off-center on each opaque
stripe in the direction of the binder thread - i.e., off the vertical center of the
height of the opaque stripes in vertically opposite directions for the two layers
(e.g., below the center for the front layer 2 and above the center for the rear layer
4). This helps ensure that the opaque stripes 6,10 coincide exactly - i.e., are horizontally
aligned - in the open position of the blind 1.
[0029] Figures 4(a)-(c) show a third embodiment of a fabric blind 201 which is similar to
the blind 1 of Figures 1 (a)-(d) and for which corresponding reference numerals (greater
by 200) are used below for describing the same parts or corresponding parts. In this
regard, the stripes 206A, 208A, 210A,212A at the bottom of the blind 201 are vertically
narrow, and the stripes 206B, 208B, 210B,212B at the top of the blind are vertically
wide. The opaque stripes 206A,206B of the front layer 202 of the blind 201 can be
horizontally aligned with the translucent stripes 212A,212B of its rear layer 204
to close the blind as shown in Figure 4(a) and can be horizontally aligned with the
opaque stripes 210A, 210B of its rear layer 204 to open the blind as shown in Figure
4(b). As shown in Figure 4 (c), the narrow opaque stripes 206A of the bottom of the
front layer 202 can be aligned with the narrow translucent stripes 212A of the bottom
of its rear layer 204 to close the bottom of the blind while the wide opaque stripes
2068 of the top of the front layer 202 are horizontally aligned with the wide opaque
stripes 210B of the top of the rear layer 204, effectively opening the top of the
blind.
[0030] To provide for the correct opening of the blind 201, its binder threads 214 (not
shown) have to skip at least every other opaque narrow stripe 206A at the bottom of
the blind but can pass through every wide opaque stripe 206B at the top of the blind.
In this regard, it is not necessary to maintain the same vertical distance between
each pair of adjacent binder thread loops 216,218 (not shown) of the binder threads
214, although it is often convenient to do so. The maximum relative vertical movement
of the front and rear layers 202,204 is governed by the smallest vertical distance
between adjacent binder thread loops 216,218 in the blind 203, and thus for proper
vertical movement of the layers of the blind 201, its adjacent binder thread loops
are preferably all separated by at least the distance between the adjacent binder
thread loops in its widest adjacent opaque stripes 206B,210B in the top of the front
and rear layers.
[0031] Figure 5 shows the striped two-layer woven fabric blind 1 of Figures 1(a)-(d), with
its layers 2,4 pulled horizontally apart to show one of its binder threads 14 woven
into its opaque stripes 6,10. Figures 6 (a) and (b) show schematically cross-sections
of two conventional processes of weaving the fabric blind 1 of Figures 1(a)-(d). In
these processes, the opaque stripes 6,10 of the blind 1 are formed by densely woven,
warp and weft threads, and its translucent stripes 8,12 are formed only by weft threads.
[0032] As shown in Figure 5, a fabric blind 1, such as is shown in Figures 1(a)-(d), is
woven, starting with a complete set of warp threads 20 [which extend horizontally
in the blind 1 of Figures 1(a)-(d) and 6 (a) and (b)] and a complete set of weft threads
22 [which extend vertically in the blind 1 of Figures 1 (a)-(d)]. The set of warp
threads is divided into two warp thread sub-sets 20a and 20b in different parallel
planes, and the set of weft threads is divided into two weft thread sub-sets 22a and
22b in different parallel planes. Each warp thread subset 20a,20b comprises a discrete
plurality 20' of parallel adjacent warp threads 20, and each discrete plurality 20'
of warp threads of one warp thread sub-set 20a is between two discrete pluralities
20' of warp threads of the other warp thread sub-set 20b . Each discrete plurality
20' of warp threads of one warp thread sub-set 20a forms one of the opaque stripes
6 of the front layer 2 of the fabric blind 1 with one weft thread sub-set 22a, and
each discrete plurality 20' of warp threads of the other warp thread sub-set 20b forms
one of the opaque stripes 10 of the rear layer 4 of the blind with the other weft
thread sub-set 22b.
[0033] The front sub-set 20a of warp threads 20 for the opaque stripes 6 of the front layer
2 and the rear sub-set 20b of warp threads 20 for the opaque stripes 10 of the rear
layer 4 are woven by the respective front and rear weft thread sub-sets 22a,22b of
weft threads 22. This results in two separate woven layers 2,4 with opaque strips
6,10 containing warp and weft threads 20,22 and translucent stripes 8,12, containing
only weft threads 22. By weaving one or more binder threads 14 as extra weft threads
22 into the warp thread sub-sets 20a, 20b at the same time, the layers 2,4 become
slidably interconnected.
[0034] A weave for a fabric blind 1,101,201 of this invention can be made more or less opaque
or translucent by varying the number of warp and weft threads per square centimetre
and their thickness. By varying the ratio of the number of warp and weft threads per
square centimetre and/or the relative thicknesses of the warp and weft threads, a
difference in appearance of the fabric can be created.
[0035] As shown in Figure 6(a), dividing the warp threads 20 into front and rear sub-sets
20a,20b, with a width or height measured in the weft direction, and by weaving these
warp thread sub-sets with front and rear sub-sets 22a, 22b of weft threads 22, the
front and rear layers 2,4 of the fabric blind 1 can be made in a single weaving operation.
In so doing, each discrete plurality 20' of adjacent warp threads of the front sub-set
20a is followed in the weft direction, by a space in the weft direction without warp
threads and having the width or height of the horizontally adjacent, discrete plurality
20' of adjacent warp threads of the rear sub-set 20b. Thereby, an alternating pattern
of grouped warp threads and vertical spaces without warp threads is made in each layer.
When the front layer 2 is woven, each of the weft threads 22 of its front sub-set
22a weaves through a group of adjacent warp threads 20 of its front sub-set 20a, then
spans a space 8 in the weft direction without warp threads, then weaves through the
next group of adjacent warp threads of the front sub-set 20a and so on. The woven
areas 6 of the front layer 2, including both warp and weft threads, are relatively
dense and opaque, but the weft threads 22, spanning the spaces 8 of the front layer
in the weft direction without warp threads, leave such spaces relatively open and
translucent, thereby creating a striped pattern in the front layer. The rear layer
4 is woven in the same manner at the same time.
[0036] Figure 6 (b) shows the making of a two-layer woven fabric blind 1, corresponding
to that made in Figure 6(a), but with tunnels 24 extending in the warp direction in
the opaque stripes 6,10. The blind of Figure 6(b) can be made in the same way as the
blind of Figure 6(a), except: the front sub-set 20a of warp threads 20 is separated
into front and rear portions 20aa, 20ab; and the rear sub-set 20b of warp threads
20 is separated into front and rear portions 20ba,20bb. The front and rear portions
20aa, 20ab, 20ba,20bb of the front and rear sub-sets 20a,20b of warp threads are then
woven with the two subsets 22a,22b of weft threads 22 as described for Figure 6(a).
[0037] Shown in Figure 7 is a fourth embodiment of a fabric blind 301 which is similar to
the fabric blind 1 shown in Figures 1 (a)-(d), 3(a)-(b), 5 and 6(a) and for which
corresponding reference numerals (greater by 300) are used below for describing the
same parts or corresponding parts. The blind 301 is woven, starting with a complete
set of warp and weft threads 320 and 322, forming front and rear, opaque stripes (not
shown) and front and rear, translucent stripes (not shown). The warp threads 320 are
divided into front and rear subsets 320a, 320b, with a width and height measured in
the weft direction, and by weaving these warp thread sub-sets with front and rear,
weft thread subsets 322a and 322b, the front and rear layers 302, 304 are formed.
One or more binder threads 314 are woven, as extra weft threads 322, into front and
rear, warp thread sub-sets 322a and 322b which form the opaque stripes of the front
and rear, woven layers 302, 304 of the fabric 301, in order to slidably interconnect
the layers. As described below, the fabric 301 is especially adapted to have its rear
layer 304 moved along its binder threads 314, relative to its front layer 302, to
open and close the translucent stripes of the fabric.
[0038] In the fabric 301, as shown in Figure 7, generally u-shaped, weft thread loops 330
are formed in the rear of the opaque stripes (not shown) of the rear layer 304 by
extra weft threads 322b'. The weft thread loops 330 of each extra weft thread 322b'
are adjacent to the rear binder thread loops 318 of a binder thread 314 adjacent to
the extra weft thread 322b'. The weft thread loops 330 facilitate the slidability
of the rear layer 304 along each binder thread 314 and relative to the front layer
302. Each weft thread loop 330 spans and passes vertically to the rear of: i) an adjacent
warp thread 328, about the rear of which a rear binder thread loop 318 of an adjacent
binder thread 314 also passes vertically; and ii) at least both warp threads 328'
and 328"on either side of the adjacent warp thread 328. In Figure 7, a single rear
binder thread loop 318 of a single binder thread 314 is shown passing about a single
warp thread 328, and a single weft thread loop 330 of an adjacent extra weft thread
322b' forms a tunnel to the rear of, and about, the three warp threads 328, 328' and
328". Thus, the extra weft thread 322b' in the fabric 301 has its weft thread loops
330 passing rearwardly about at least two more warp threads 328', 328" than do the
rear binder thread loops 318 of its adjacent binder thread 314.
[0039] As also shown in Figure 7, there is no corresponding weft thread loop adjacent a
front binder thread loop 316 of each binder thread 314 in an opaque stripe (not shown)
of the front layer 302 of the fabric blind 301. As a result, the rear layer 304 can
be more easily slid along the binder threads 314 than the front layer 302. It would,
of course, be possible to also provide the front layer 302 with weft thread loops
adjacent to the front binder thread loops 316. However, the binder thread 314 could
then too easily become displaced relative to the fabric 301 when the rear layer 304
is moved relative to the front layer 302. It is, therefore, preferable, to not provide
weft thread loops in the front layer 302, so that there is a significant difference
in the slidability of the layers 302,304 along the binder threads 314 between them.
[0040] Because the weft thread loops 330 of the extra weft threads 322b' are provided near
the adjacent rear binder thread loops 318 of the adjacent binder threads 314, the
rear layer 304 of the fabric blind 301 can slide, relative to the binder thread and
to the front layer 302, in closer proximity to the front layer. This permits the opaque
stripes (not shown) of the fabric blind 301 to more effectively prevent light from
passing through its translucent stripes (not shown) when its opaque stripes are horizontally
aligned with its translucent stripes in order to close the blind.
[0041] Shown in Figure 8 is a fifth embodiment of a fabric blind 401 which is similar to
the fabric blind 301 shown in Figure 7 and for which corresponding reference numerals
(greater by 100) are used below for describing the same parts or corresponding parts.
The blind 401 is woven, starting with a complete set of warp and weft threads 420
and 422, forming front and rear, opaque stripes and front and rear, translucent stripes.
[0042] One or more binder threads 414 are also woven, as extra weft threads 422, into front
and rear, warp thread sub-sets which form the opaque stripes of the front and rear,
woven layers 402, 404 of the fabric 401, in order to slidably interconnect the layers.
In this regard, each binder thread 414: i) extends rearwardly and vertically through
a second opaque stripe 410 of the rear layer 404; ii) passes vertically about the
rear of one or more warp threads 420b of the second opaque stripe 410 to form a generally
u-shaped, rear binder thread loop 418; iii) extends frontally and vertically through
the second opaque stripe 410 of the rear layer 404 and then between the layers 402,
404 and through a first opaque stripe 406 of the front layer 402; iv) passes vertically
about the front of one or more warp threads 420a of the first opaque stripe 406 to
form a generally u-shaped, front binder thread loop 416; v) extends rearwardly and
vertically through the first opaque stripe 406 of the front layer 402 and then between
the layers and through another second opaque stripe 410 of the rear layer 404; vi)
passes vertically about the rear of one or more warp threads 420b of the other second
opaque stripe 410 to form a generally u-shaped, rear binder thread loop 418; and so
on.
[0043] In accordance with this invention, the slidability of the layers 402, 404 relative
to one another can be significantly improved by using a thin preshrunk warp thread
428 for each of the warp threads 420b, about which the binder thread 414 passes through
a second opaque stripe 410 of the rear layer 404. Preferably the thin preshrunk warp
thread 428 is only used for this purpose in the movable rear layer 404 of the fabric
blind 401 - not in its stationary front layer 402.
[0044] In the fabric blind 401, there are preferably a plurality of adjacent front binder
thread loops 416 in each of the first opaque stripes 406 of the front layer 402, to
which each binder thread 414 is attached. These adjacent front binder thread loops
416 are provided about adjacent warp threads 420a which preferably are separated by
one or more warp threads 420a, especially 1-3 warp threads 420a, particularly just
1 warp thread 420a. This plurality of adjacent front binder thread loops 416 keep
the binder thread 414 more securely in place on the front layer 402 and enhances the
ability of the rear layer 404 to slide along the binder thread 414, relative to the
front layer. The rear layer 404 preferably has only a single rear binder thread loop
418 in each of its second opaque stripes 410, to which each binder thread 414 is attached.
[0045] The thin preshrunk warp thread 428 should be thinner than a normal warp thread 420
of the fabric 401. Preferably, the thickness of the thin preshrunk warp thread 428
is 20 to 50%, particularly about 30%, of the thickness of the warp thread 420. The
thin preshrunk warp thread 428 is preferably a twisted or twined, multi-filament preshrunk
thread, preferably a Trevira CS(™).
[0046] This invention is, of course, not limited to the above-described embodiments which
can be modified without departing from the scope of the invention or sacrificing all
of its advantages. In this regard, the terms in the foregoing description and the
following claims, such as "lateral", "longitudinal", "front", "rear", "horizontal",
"vertical", "bottom", "top", "adjacent", "parallel", "length ", "width" and "height",
have been used only as relative terms to describe the relationships of the various
elements of the architectural covering of the invention.
1. An architectural covering, particularly a covering for an architectural opening such
as a window blind, comprising:
- a first fabric layer (2, 302, 402) ; and
- a second fabric layer (4, 304, 404) that is parallel and adjacent to the first layer
and substantially coincident with the first layer;
- the second layer being capable of movement relative to the first layer in a direction
parallel to the first layer; characterised in that
- the architectural covering further comprises a binder thread (14, 314, 414), between
the layers , connecting them and extending in the direction of movement of the second
layer; the second layer (4, 304, 404) being slidable along the binder thread (14,
314, 414) during the movement of the second layer relative to the first layer; and
wherein the binder thread (14, 314, 414) is a weft thread which forms a binder thread
loop (16,18,316,318,416,418), preferably a plurality of binder thread loops, about,
preferably closely about, a warp thread (20a, 20b, 20ab, 20ba, 320a, 320b,328, 420a,
420b, 428) of each portion (of the first and second layers, to which the binder thread
is connected; and
wherein in the first or second layer, a warp thread (20a, 20b, 20ab, 20ba, 320a, 320b,328,
420a, 420b, 428), about which the binder thread (14, 314, 414) forms a binder thread
loop (16,18,316,318,416,418), is a thin preshrunk warp thread which is thinner than
a normal warp thread (420).
2. The covering of claim 1 which has a plurality of parallel binder threads (14, 314,
414) and a plurality of thin preshrunk warp threads in the first or second layer.
3. The covering of claim 1 or 2 wherein each warp thread (20a, 20b, 20ab, 20ba, 320a,
320b,328, 420a, 420b, 428), , about which the binder thread (14, 314, 414) forms a
binder thread loop (16,18,316,318,416,418), is a thin preshrunk warp thread which
is thinner than a normal warp thread.
4. The covering of anyone of claims 1-3 wherein the thickness of each thin preshrunk
warp thread is 20 to 50%, preferably about 30%, of the thickness of other warp threads
of the covering.
5. The covering of anyone of claims 1-4 wherein each thin preshrunk - warp thread (428)
is only in a rear, movable layer (404).
6. The covering of anyone of claims 1-5 wherein in the other layer, preferably the front
layer (402), each binder thread (414) forms a plurality of adjacent binder thread
loops (416) about adjacent warp threads (420a).
7. The covering of claim 6 wherein the adjacent binder thread loops (416) are separated
from each other by a warp thread (420a).
8. The covering of claim 6 wherein the adjacent binder thread loops (416) are separated
from each other by 1-3 warp threads, particularly just 1 warp thread.
1. Architektonische Abdeckung, insbesondere eine Abdeckung für eine Gebäudeöffnung wie
eine Fensterjalousie, umfassend:
- eine erste Gewebelage (2, 302, 402) und
- eine zweite Gewebelage (4, 304, 404), die parallel zur ersten Lage und an dieser
anliegend angeordnet ist und sich im wesentlichen mit der ersten Lage deckt,
- wobei die zweite Lage im Verhältnis zur ersten Lage in einer Richtung parallel zur
ersten Lage bewegt werden kann; da- durch gekennzeichnet, daß
- die architektonische Abdeckung weiter einen Bindefaden (14, 314, 414) zwischen den
Lagen umfaßt, der diese verbindet und sich in der Bewegungsrichtung der zweiten Lage
erstreckt, wobei die zweite Lage (4, 304, 404) während der Bewegung der zweiten Lage
im Verhältnis zur ersten Lage entlang des Bindefadens (14, 314, 414) verschoben werden
kann; und wobei der Bindefaden (14, 314, 414) ein Schußfaden ist, der eine Bindefadenschlaufe
(16, 18, 316, 318, 416, 418), vorzugsweise mehrere Bindefadenschlaufen bildet, von
denen jede, vorzugsweise eng, um einen Kettfaden (20a, 20b, 20ab, 20ba, 320a, 320b,
328, 420a, 420b, 428) jedes Abschnitts der ersten und zweiten Lage verläuft, mit denen
der Bindefaden verbunden ist; und wobei in der ersten oder der zweiten Lage ein Kettfaden
(20a, 20b, 20ab, 20ba, 320a, 320b, 328, 420a, 420b, 428), um welchen der Bindefaden
(14, 314, 414) eine Bindefadenschlaufe (16, 18, 316, 318, 416, 418) bildet, ein dünner
vorgeschrumpfter Kettfaden ist, der dünner ist als ein normaler Kettfaden (420).
2. Abdeckung gemäß Anspruch 1, die mehrere parallele Bindefäden (14, 314, 414) und mehrere
dünne, vorgeschrumpfte Kettfäden in der ersten oder zweiten Lage umfaßt.
3. Abdeckung gemäß Anspruch 1 oder 2, bei der jeder Kettfaden (20a, 20b, 20ab, 20ba,
320a, 320b, 328, 420a, 420b, 428), um welchen der Bindefaden (14, 314, 414) eine Bindefadenschlaufe
(16, 18, 316, 318, 416, 418) bildet, ein dünner, vorgeschrumpfter Kettfaden ist, der
dünner ist als ein normaler Kettfaden.
4. Abdeckung gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, bei der die Dicke jedes dünnen, vorgeschrumpften
Kettfadens 20 bis 50 %, vorzugsweise etwa 30 % der Dicke der anderen Kettfäden der
Abdeckung beträgt.
5. Abdeckung gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, bei der jeder dünne, vorgeschrumpfte
Kettfaden (428) nur in einer hinteren, beweglichen Lage (404) vorgesehen ist.
6. Abdeckung gemäß einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, bei der in der anderen Lage, vorzugsweise
der vorderen Lage (402), jeder Bindefaden (414) mehrere benachbarte Bindefadenschlaufen
(416) um benachbarte Kettfäden (420a) bildet.
7. Abdeckung gemäß Anspruch 6, bei der die benachbarten Bindefadenschlaufen (416) voneinander
durch einen Kettfaden (420a) getrennt sind.
8. Abdeckung gemäß Anspruch 6, bei der die benachbarten Bindefadenschlaufen (416) voneinander
durch 1 bis 3 Kettfäden, insbesondere durch nur 1 Kettfaden, getrennt sind.
1. Couverture pour immeuble, particulièrement couverture destinée à une ouverture d'immeuble,
telle qu'un store de fenêtre, comprenant :
- une première couche de tissu (2, 302, 402) ; et
- une seconde couche de tissu (4, 304, 404) qui est parallèle et adjacente à la première
couche et essentiellement en coïncidence avec la première couche ;
- la seconde couche étant capable de se déplacer par rapport à la première couche
dans une direction parallèle à la première couche ;
caractérisée en ce que
- la couverture pour immeuble comprend, de plus, un fil de liaison (14, 314, 414),
entre les couches, les raccordant et s'étendant suivant la direction de déplacement
de la seconde couche, la seconde couche (4, 304, 404) pouvant coulisser le long du
fil de liaison (14, 314, 414) pendant le déplacement de la seconde couche par rapport
à la première couche ; et dans laquelle le fil de liaison (14, 314, 414) est un fil
de trame qui forme une boucle de fil de liaison (16, 18, 316, 318, 416, 418), de préférence
une pluralité de boucles de fil de liaison autour, de préférence, très étroitement
autour, d'un fil de chaîne (20a, 20b, 20ab, 20ba, 320a, 320b, 328, 420a, 420b, 428)
de chaque partie des première et seconde couches auxquelles le fil de liaison est
raccordé ; et
dans laquelle dans la première ou la seconde couche, un fil de chaîne (20a, 20b, 20ab,
20ba, 320a, 320b, 328, 420a, 420b, 428), autour duquel le fil de liaison (14, 314,
414) forme une boucle de fil de liaison (16, 18, 316, 318, 416, 418), est un fil de
chaîne fin pré-rétréci au préalable qui est plus fin qu'un fil de chaîne normal (420)
.
2. Couverture selon la revendication 1 qui comporte une pluralité de fils de liaison
parallèles (14, 314, 414) et une pluralité de fils de chaîne fins et pré-rétrécis
au préalable dans la première ou seconde couche.
3. Couverture selon la revendication 1 ou 2 dans laquelle chaque fil de chaîne (20a,
20b, 20ab, 20ba, 320a, 320b, 328, 420a, 420b, 428), autour duquel le fil de liaison
(14, 314, 414) forme une boucle de fil de liaison (16, 18, 316, 318, 416, 418), est
un fil de chaîne fin pré-rétréci qui est plus fin qu'un fil de chaîne normal.
4. Couverture selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 3 dans laquelle l'épaisseur
de chaque fil de chaîne fin et pré-rétréci représente 20 à 50%, de préférence, 30%
environ, de l'épaisseur des autres fils de chaîne de la couverture.
5. Couverture selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 4 dans lequel chaque fil
de chaîne fin et pré-rétréci (428) se trouve seulement dans une couche arrière mobile
(404).
6. Couverture selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 5 dans laquelle, dans l'autre
couche, de préférence, la couche avant (402), chaque fil de liaison (414) forme une
pluralité de boucles adjacentes de fil de liaison (416) autour des fils de chaîne
adjacents (420a).
7. Couverture selon la revendication 6 dans laquelle les boucles de fil de liaison adjacentes
(416) sont séparées l'une de l'autre par un fil de chaîne (420a).
8. Couverture selon la revendication 6 dans laquelle les boucles adjacentes de fil de
liaison (416) sont séparées l'une de l'autre par 1 à 3 fils de chaîne, particulièrement
par un fil de chaîne seulement.