Blind operating apparatus

Abstract

 A blind 1 suspended from a carrier tube has a transmission assembly 3 mounted at one end of the carrier and an operating wand 4 pivotally connected to the transmission assembly for operating the blind. The wand includes a stem 5 with an axis 6, a first a crank handle 7 disposed on one side of the stem axis, and a continuous second crank handle 8 disposed on the opposite side of the stem axis. The wand hangs symmetrically, is easier to operate than a single crank handle, and is convenient to package.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to apparatus for operating a blind.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Blinds are sometimes operated by means of a rotatable wand having a crank handle by which the wand may be rotated. The crank handle extends to one side of the wand stem so that the handle can be rotated while the stem is held loosely in the other hand, but this has a number of disadvantages. The crank handle tends to pull the wand to one side so that it does not hang vertically. Winding the handle is also hard work, and the user soon tires. Another disadvantage is that such a wand requires an excessively wide display package, which is not acceptable to many businesses.

[0003] The present invention seeks to provide a new and inventive form of crank handle operating wand which hangs neatly, is comfortable to operate, and fits easily within standard width packaging.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0004] The present invention proposes blind operating apparatus which includes a blind suspended from a carrier with a transmission assembly mounted at one end of the carrier and an operating wand connected to the transmission assembly for operating the blind, the wand including a stem with an axis, a first a crank handle disposed on one side of the stem axis, and a second crank handle disposed on the opposite side of the stem axis.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The following description and the accompanying drawings referred to therein are included by way of non-limiting example in order to illustrate how the invention may be put into practice. In the drawings:

Figure 1 is a general view of blind operating apparatus in accordance with the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Referring firstly to Fig. 1, the blind operating apparatus includes a blind 1 which is suspended from a carrier, which in this case is a roller 2. Other examples include Roman blinds and louver blinds. A transmission assembly 3 (often known as a sidewinder) is mounted on a bracket, not shown, at one end of the carrier 2, enabling the blind 1 to be wound on and off the roller. A rotatable operating wand 4 for operating the blind 1 is suspended from the assembly 3 by a permanent pivotal connection, e.g. a hook 15 which may be closed after assembly or covered by a flexible tubular sheath 16. The wand may be formed from a uniform length of wire, plastic rod, or the like, and includes a stem 5 with an axis 6, a first a crank handle 7 disposed on one side of the stem axis, and a contiguous second crank handle 8 disposed on the opposite side of the stem axis.

[0007] The two crank handles are symmetrically disposed about the axis 6, and are conveniently formed by bending or moulding the stem into the desired shape. A first transverse arm 9 of length X connects the stem to a straight first handle section 10 which continues parallel to the stem axis 6, followed by a second transverse arm 11 of length 2X. The mid point of arm 11 intersects the axis 6 before joining another straight second handle section 12, which again continues parallel to the stem axis 6. A third transverse arm 13 of length X joins the second handle section to a short terminal stem section 14 which is coaxial with axis 6. The terminal section 14 ends in a ball 17, or other enlarged end, for eye protection. The two handle sections 10 and 12 are preferably of about the same length to maintain balance.

[0008] The symmetrical arrangement allows the wand to hang vertically when not in use. Rotation of the wand is carried out by grasping the two handles in both hands and rotating both about the axis 6. The symmetrical operation is easier and more comfortable for most people than rotating one hand while trying to hold the other still.

[0009] Whilst the above description places emphasis on the areas which are believed to be new and addresses specific problems which have been identified, it is intended that the features disclosed herein may be used in any combination which is capable of providing a new and useful advance in the art.

Claims

1. Blind operating apparatus which includes a blind (1) suspended from a carrier (2) with a transmission assembly (3) mounted at one end of the carrier and an operating wand (7) connected to the transmission assembly for operating the blind, the wand including a stem (5) with an axis (6), a first a crank handle (7) disposed on one side of the stem axis, and a second crank handle (8) disposed on the opposite side of the stem axis.

2. Blind operating apparatus according to Claim 1 in which the first and second crank handles (7, 8) are disposed substantially symmetrically about the stem axis (6).

3. Blind operating apparatus according to Claim 1 or 2, in which each crank handle (7, 8) comprises a handle section (10; 12) which extends parallel to the stem axis and two transverse arms (9, 11; 11, 13) which extend from opposite ends of the handle section to the stem axis.

4. Blind operating apparatus according to Claim 3 in which the handle sections (7, 8) are substantially straight.

5. Blind operating apparatus according to Claim 3 or 4 in which the handle sections are of substantially equal length.

6. Blind operating apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the two crank handles (7, 8) are contiguous.

7. Blind operating apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the crank handles (7, 8) are disposed between the stem (5) and a terminal stem section (14) which substantially lies on the stem axis (6).

8. Blind operating apparatus according to Claim 7 in which the terminal stem section (14) has an enlarged free end (17).

9. Blind operating apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the wand is formed from a single length of material of substantially uniform thickness.

10. Blind operating apparatus according to any preceding claim in which the blind is a roller blind (1) wound on a carrier tube (2).

Drawing