The invention relates to blinds for windows, in which there are at least two separate panels of blind material, which may hang one behind the other or singly. The panels can be adjusted for various light and shade effects , and can provide substantially complete black out if required, or can be drawn up to the headrail.
In the past, conventional blinds for windows have typically been either venetian style blinds with transverse strips, or so called vertical blinds. These blinds could have a mechanism whereby the strips could be rotated between closed and open positions. However in the open position, in which light is transmitted into the room, there was also a loss of privacy. In the closed position, the light was obscured, but never completely excluded.
Other blinds are known which simply consist of a panel of thick flexible material, wound onto a roller in a headrail. The material can be pulled down for privacy, and to obscure the light, or raised, to allow passage of light, but with loss of privacy.
Recent developments in blind design have found that consumers are interested in obtaining blinds with a greater variety of light and shade effects, but which none the less provide for privacy.
For this purpose , a continuous sheet of blind material may be provided, which hangs down double, over the window opening, and forms a loop. The sheet is preferably somewhat translucent and is stored on a roller in the head rail. The free end of the sheet is fixed up in the head rail , and the other end of the sheet is attached to the roller in the head rail. This material is light permeable, but provides privacy. For example the material may have alternating bars or strips of more and less translucent material. When hanging in a loop the material will allow more light through the more translucent lighter strips and less through the less translucent darker strips.. By adjusting the loop it is possible to allow more light into the space.
By slightly readjusting the loop so as to bring the darker strips into registration, it is possible to reduce the light in the space..
The blind may incorporate a bottom rail which is weighted to keep the loop hanging down. A free running guide roller may be incorporated in the bottom rail.. The loop runs freely, in the bottom rail, around the guide roller. In this way the material can be adjusted, or can be retracted right up into the head rail.
In another embodiment a second blind panel is stored in the head rail and is formed of opaque blackout material. When complete light exclusion is required this second panel can be lowered.
In this embodiment both blind panels are stored in the same head rail, on separate rollers.
The design of a blind header rail providing two rollers, for handling two such panels, and which may provide for relative movement between one portion of the first panel and another portion , and also the provision of the second roller for the second panel, presents numerous problems. In the first place the head rail must be compact and aesthetically pleasing. Desirably the blind head rail shall occupy no more space, or only slightly more space at the top of the window opening than previously known blinds. The operation of the separate blind panels must be simple and capable of being operated by either manual controls, or in the case of more complex designs by means of power controls, and even remotely operated power controls.
The rollers will preferably be arranged as upper and lower rollers. Each roller would carry a blind panel.
The upper blind , on the upper roller, will be guided to pass around the lower roller, and separate from the lower blind on the lower roller.
Where the lower blind is a double panel , with a weighted bottom rail, the lower blind passes around a free running guide roller within the bottom rail. When the lower blind is retracted up, the material continues to roll freely around the guide roller in the bottom rail.
In addition, it is also desirable to provide control mechanism for the upper roller and control mechanism for the lower roller in the blind head rail by means which either or both of lower and upper panels can be operated up or down and by which both can be raised up out of the window opening, so as to leave the window opening clear and free of the blind all together, if desired.
The blind controls are usually chains or cords, hanging down from the headrail, and controlling the rollers.
One of the problems experienced with such cords is that some space must be allowed for the cord loops to hang beside one edge of the blind panels.
This space along one vertical edge of the blind panels , then allows some light in, and the blind fails to obscure all light.
Another problem is that when an operator manipulates the cords, the edges of the panels gradually become damaged. The appearance, and life, of the blind is therefor impaired.
Another problem occurs from possible friction within the head rail.
Since there are two blind panels, and two blind panel rollers, in the head rail, it is desirable to lead one blind panel in a path which minimises contact with the other blind panel. Any such contact between the two blind panels, may cause friction between them, when either panel is adjusted.
Such friction in some cases may result in some degree of damage to one or other of the panels.
In some cases a certain degree of friction may be inevitable, and may be acceptable in lower cost blinds, or may be reduced by the use of materials which generate less friction.
Similar problems arise when a blind has an upper roller with a black out shade, and where the lower blind is for example an accordion pleat blind, or a venetian or vertical type blind , and where a lower blind attachment is of the type where the lower blind is not mounted on a roller but is drawn up or lowered by control cords, or is simply drawn to one side as in the case of vertical blinds.
The documents
With a view to achieving the foregoing desirable features, the invention provides a blind for a building opening, and having a head rail, attachable adjacent the building opening, according to claim 1. The lower blind attachment may be a linear elongate member or a lower roller, depending on the type of the lower blind. In one embodiment the lower blind is a panel formed into a loop of material, and a lower blind bottom rail is provided, and having a free running roller, and in which the loop of the lower blind panel passes around the free running roller in the bottom rail. In one embodiment the invention may provide such a blind in which the lower blind panel has a free end secured in the head rail , and a second end attached to the lower blind roller in the head rail. Transverse blind strips , alternating between light permeable or translucent strips, and less permeable or dark strips, are formed in the lower blind panel , at spaced intervals there across. The bottom rail provides a mass weight to hold the loop of the lower blind panel in position.
Blind panel control mechanism in the head rail enables the lower blind panel to be adjusted so that one portion of the loop moves relative to the other. During such adjustment the blind panel material passes freely around the free running guide roller in the bottom rail In this way the alternating blind strips can be adjusted between open and closed positions.
Preferably the free end of the lower panel is attached within the head rail in a position such that contact between the two portions of the looped blind panel are kept to a minimum as far as possible.
An attachment wall may be incorporated in the head rail for holding the free end of the lower panel, free from contact with either the lower blind or the upper blind. Preferably the bottom rail has a hollow channel shaped roller housing, defining an upwardly directed open mouth, and a free running roller located in said housing , said free running roller having a diameter greater than the width of said channel open mouth whereby to trap said roller within said housing.
In order to support the lower blind , a lower blind attachment may be in the form of a support wall which is secured to the front of the head rail, and extends partially towards the rear, with the lower blind secured to the support wall.
A space at the rear of the head rail permits the upper blind to depend freely down behind the lower blind..
The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with more particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described preferred embodiments of the invention.
It will be seen that the blind illustrated generally as (10), comprises a head rail (12) and a bottom rail (14). The blind is typically located over a building opening such as a window.
The blind , in this first embodiment, provides a first or lower looped translucent blind panel (16) and a second or upper opaque blind panel (18). It will be seen that the first and second blind panels are supported so as to hang vertically. The second panel (18) has the usual bottom rail.
The first or lower blind is located in a lower region of the head rail, and is the lower or front blind.
The second blind panel is located in an upper region of the head rail, and is the upper or rear blind.
First blind panel (16) is a continuous strip which passes around a bottom rail roller (20) in the bottom rail (14), and the free end is secured back up in the head rail (to be described below), so as to hold the looped panel in position.
As shown the front blind panel in this embodiment is a loop, so that its two portions form in effect two panel portions hanging down , one panel portion being spaced in front and the other behind.
The two panel portions can be considered as a front panel portion and an intermediate panel portion.
The second blind panel, which is the upper panel, hangs rearwardly behind the front and intermediate panel portions.
The first and second blind panels are spaced apart from one another.
The first blind panel, in this embodiment, is formed of light permeable material, which is at least partly translucent, so that light can pass through and permit at least some light to pass into the interior of the building, even when the first panel is lowered.
In order to provide for a variable lighting effect, namely a greater or lesser exclusion of light, first blind panel (16) is provided with transverse darker blind strips (22). Strips (22) are formed of thicker or darker material such that it is at least less light permeable, than the fabric of the blind panel. The strips (22) are located at spaced intervals. Between the strips (22), spaces or strips (24) of the fabric of the first panel (16) are more light permeable., thus providing alternating light and dark strips.
As shown, the first panel hangs down in a loop. At its lower end it passes freely into and out of bottom rail (14), described below. Within rail (14), the free running roller or rod (20), guides and controls the first blind material. By adjusting the loop it is possible to either align the dark strips (22) in the two parts of the loop with each other, and thus align the light strips (24) with each other. This will provide passage of light through the lighter strips. By adjusting the loop slightly, the dark strips (22) in one part of the loop can be made to align or register with the light strips (24) in the other part of the loop , providing more privacy and less light.
By suitable mechanism (described below) the first and second blind panels can be adjusted, and raised or lowered, and can also be retracted back up into the head rail (12) in order to provide a completely open area in the building opening or window.
In order to provide for these functions the head rail (12) carries an upper second panel roller (30) located in an upper region of the head rail , and a lower blind attachment, in this case a lower roller (32) which is located in a lower region of the head rail.
The two rollers define axes which are parallel, but spaced vertically apart from one another. Roller (32) is located below the roller (30).
It will be noted that the lower blind hangs from the rearward side of its roller.
Similarly the upper blind hangs rearwardly from its roller. Both blinds therefor hang on the same side of their respective rollers, which makes for a more compact aesthetically please profile for the head rail.
The two rollers are operable, in this embodiment by control elements which in this case comprise respective first and second control cords , chains or the like , (34) and (36). Head rail (12) comprises an elongated transverse channel , preferably formed of suitable material such as thermoplastic material , or a metal extrusion, and having screw receiving mouldings (40) formed therein.
Head rail (12) defines a front cover wall (42), a top wall (44) and a back wall (46). Suitable mounting devices (not shown), for securing the blind to a building, can be secured to the back wall or top wall, depending on the fabric of the building to which it is to be attached.
At each end of head rail (12) there is an end cap (48), preferably formed of thermoplastic.
The end cap (48) defines a flat planar exterior.
Screws can be passed through the end cap and secured in screw mouldings (40) in head rail (12).
End cap (48) comprises a main body (50) formed with integral upper and lower hub bearings (54) and (56), for carrying ends of respective rollers (30) and (32) ..
An upper stub sleeve (58) is rotatably mounted in upper hub bearing (54) A lower stub sleeve (60) is rotatably mounted in lower hub bearing (56).
An upper drive gear (62), mounted on hub (54) is connected to the upper stub sleeve (58),
A lower drive gear (64) mounted on hub (56) is connected to the lower stub sleeve (60).
Cover plate (66) has openings which fit over the sleeves (58) and (60) and is secured to main body (50).
The drive gears receive respective control elements, in this case respective upper and lower control cords (34) and (36).
Such cords, as is well known, hang down in endless loops, and one or other of the loop portions can be grasped and drawn down, to operate the respective blinds.
The cords, in this case , are the typical metal chain cord, having metal spheres connected together by wire links, such as are well known in the art. The spheres are also commonly made of thermoplastic, in a variety of colours.
Cords of other designs are known and could be used. All such cords, whether chains, or cords of any other type are referred to herein as control elements or cords, wherever these words are used, and are deemed to include all such chains, cords, and the like of whatever type.
The cord for the upper roller hangs well forward of the edges of the first and second blind panels (16) and (18).
The cord for the lower roller hangs forward of the edges of the first and second blind panels.
The main body (50) of the end cap (48) is formed with an upper cord guide rib (70) and an intermediate guide rib (72), and a lower guide rib (74).
The ribs (70) and (72) and (74) define between them cord paths or channels for the upper cord. The ribs thus guide the upper cord loop downwardly and extend in an arc around and forward of the lower sleeve (60), and gear (64).
In this way the cord loop for the upper hub shaft will hang well forward of the edges of the first and second blind panels (16) and (18).
The lower cord loop extends around lower drive gear (64) and is enclosed by ribs (74) and (76) forming a cord guide path or channel, for the lower cords.
Lower rib (76) is hollow and rounded and extends at (78) forward to, or beyond , the axis of lower hub (56). Lower rib (78) thus guides the lower cord loop so that it too hangs forward of the edges of the first and second blind panels.
While the guide ribs are formed integrally with the main body, in this example, they could be formed separately, and attached, or held in position, in various ways.
Upper blind roller (32) makes a friction fit on sleeves (58), at each end.
Lower blind roller (30) makes a friction fit on sleeves (60) at each end.
Each blind roller has a groove (79) in which edges of the respective blind panels are secured.
An intermediate loop fastening wall (82) which in this case is formed of extruded metal for example, but could be formed in other ways, is secured in a groove (80) inside the front wall (42) of the head rail (12).
The wall (82) is, in this case , removable, by sliding out of the groove. However, the wall could be permanently fastened to the head rail, or could be formed integrally with the head rail.
The fastening wall (82) extends between the upper and lower rollers (30) and (32), and terminates adjacent to but spaced from the back wall (46). A first blind panel loop fastening groove (84) is formed along the free edge of wall (82). The free end of front looped blind panel (16) is secured in groove (84), in this embodiment.
In operation the first or front panel (16) can be lowered, while the second panel (18) remains retracted.
As front panel (16) is lowered it will run around roller (20) in the bottom rail (14).
If light is required then the front or lower panel can be adjusted so the dark strips (22) align with each other. This will allow passage of light through the intervening light strips. (24)
If less light is required, or for greater privacy, the front panel can be adjusted so that the dark strips line up with the lighter intervening strips..
It will be seen that the front or lower panel forms in effect two panel portions, namely a front portion and an intermediate portion, spaced from one another. Adjustment of the front and intermediate portions relative to one another, changes the lighting effect inside the building space.
For substantially complete light exclusion the second or upper blind panel (18) is lowered. However the first panel may be allowed to remain hanging down and provides a pleasing aesthetic decorative effect.
The first or lower blind panel hangs down from the rearward side of lower roller (32), clear of the control cords.
The second or upper blind hangs downwardly from the rearward side of upper roller (30), keeping it also clear of the cords.
By this arrangement the profile of the head rail can be maintained as slim as possible, and thus provide an aesthetic appearance, without obtruding into the building interior. In addition since the object of the blind itself is to control the light entering the building space, the result of keeping both lower and upper blinds to the rear of the head rail, ensures that as far as possible, light is prevented from entering , around the edges of the two panels. In other words, this arrangement keeps both blinds as close as possible to the actual window. The operation of the blind panels by the cords and the manipulation of the cords, can be managed forwardly of the two blind panels, and without contacting their edges.
In addition by guiding the cord loops to hang forwardly, the blind panels can fill the full width of the building opening or window, and thus provide maximum privacy, and exclusion of light.
A somewhat simplified embodiment is shown in
In this case the front blind panel (90) is a single sheet. There is no loop.
The lower end is attached to a bottom rail (92).
The fastening wall extrusion (82) of
The second or dark panel (94) is similar to the second panel of
The control cords and guides are the same as in
The cords are guided, as before, forwardly of the edges of the first and second panels Another possible variation is shown in
In this case the front blind panel control cord (96) is shown located at one end of the head rail, and the control cord (98) for the second panel is located at the opposite end of the head rail.
In this case the end caps (100) are the same as in
In some cases , it may be desirable to add an edge channel (102), by attaching it directly to the building fabric down each side of the opening. The edges of the second, dark panel (94) are received in the channels.
In this way light which might otherwise find its way around the edges of the dark panel (94), is eliminated..
The channels (102) could be replaced by simple L-shaped baffles (104),
The use of the forward guiding of the control cords thus has the result of permitting the blind panel, or panels, to be made to the full width of the window opening, and so provide for more effective light exclusion, when required.
The head rail can be adapted for use with a variety of different types of blind designs.
Extension (122) is of generally L-shaped section, having a horizontal support wall (124) and a vertical front wall (126).
Any suitable trim strip (128) can be supported in vertical wall (126) in known manner. A lower blind attachment, in this case a transverse elongated linear blind track (130), of known design can be simply secured to the underside of support wall (124). Trolleys (132) on track (130) carry vertical strips (134), in known manner Such vertical blinds can be operated by cords, or by wands, in known manner.
Within head rail (120) a single upper roller (136) carries a second upper blind panel (138). This is formed of opaque dark effect material.
Suitable cords (not shown) are provided for operation of roller (136), being guided forwardly of the edge of panel (138) by guides such as shown in
Thus the vertical strips forming the first blind panel can be deployed to provide some privacy, and some light exclusion, as desired.
By this arrangement the upper or second blind panel can hang freely down in the rear area of the head rail, without interference from the lower blind carried on the support wall (124)
When darkness is required the upper or second panel (138) can be lowered.
Wall (148) is attachable to front wall of head rail (142), by a slide flange (149) fitting in a channel (150) formed in head rail (142).
The support wall (148) defines two ridges (152), and a rectangular tubular blind housing (154) is slideably attached to the ridges. In this way the attachment of the lower concertina type blind leaves the rear area of head rail (142) clear of obstruction, and the upper blind panel can hang down freely.
Suitable control cords (not shown) are provided (not shown), similar to
Another embodiment is shown in
In this case the head rail (160) is similar to
In this case the front panel (162) is a simple single panel of semi translucent material, which may , for example be of natural origin, such as bamboo, or other semi translucent fabrics such as are well known.
The second panel (166) is of dark effect opaque material , as before.
Suitable controls operate the respective first and second panels., as before.
Another embodiment is shown in
This appears to be similar to the
However in this case the front or first panel (180) consists of two separte sheets of semi translucent material (182) and (184). The two sheets hang from the same roller (186). The two sheets are in fact adapted to be wound up, or lowered from the one roller (186).
Between the two sheets there are a plurality of transverse strips (188) of generally S-shaped configuration. The strips (188) are bonded or joined in other ways, to respective sheets (182) and (184).
The roller control mechanism is of a type known per se, and permits the two sheets to be arranged to hang as shown in
When in this configuration the transverse strips are displaced apart from each other as shown in
This permits a greater amount of light to pass through the two sheets , into the interior of the building.
By manipulation of the roller, the two sheets (182) and (184) can be displaced relative to one another, so that they will hang from the same side of the roller. This will cause the strips (188) to become rearranged so that they lie in more or less a vertical arrangement. The edges of the strips will register or overlap. This will block passage of more light, giving greater privacy.
Channels (190) and (192) are formed in roller (186) and receive the edges of respective sheets (182) and (184).
The second panel (194) .hangs from upper roller (196), and is formed from opaque dark effect material. In this way the front panel can be manipulated, to provide more or less light, and gives a decorative appearance.
Panel (194) can be lowered when light exclusion is required.
The bottom rail has two semi cylindrical walls (206) defining a semi-cylindrical channel (208), with an upwardly directed open mouth (210). The panel (200) fits around roller (202), and is trapped between walls (206), but is free to rotate with roller (202) within channel (208).
in this embodiment the panel (220) will actually contact the dark blind panel (224) on upper roller and also the front panel (220) on the lower roller. This may result in some wear, if the panels are adjusted frequently, but may be satisfactory for some circumstances.
In this case the front panel will be in contact with itself, where the free end runs around lower roller (230), but will not contact the dark panel on the upper roller..
This list of references cited by the applicant is for the reader's convenience only. It does not form part of the European patent document. Even though great care has been taken in compiling the references, errors or omissions cannot be excluded and the EPO disclaims all liability in this regard.