AU2005100584A4

AU2005100584A4 - An Attachment and Release System

Info

Publication number: AU2005100584A4
Application number: AU2005100584A
Authority: AU
Inventors: Chris Ellenberger; Michael Tzimoulas
Original assignee: Verosol Australia Pty Ltd
Current assignee: Verosol Australia Pty Ltd
Priority date: 2005-07-19
Filing date: 2005-07-19
Publication date: 2005-09-15
Anticipated expiration: 2013-07-19

Description

o AN ATTACHMENT AND RELEASE SYSTEM 3Field of the Invention.

The present invention relates to attachment systems and in particular to an attachment and release system which allows the disengagement of the attachment in emergency situations.

oBackground Art.

There are many different types and configuration 0A conventional pleated horizontal blind system includes a unitary blind omember which is suspended from an upper member called a top rail. The blind 10 member is generally provided with a plurality of fold lines extending substantially horizontally. The blind member normally extends downwardly over the window and is provided with a base rail, located at the bottom or lower end of the blind member.

The base rail is generally weighted to retain the blind member in the unfolded covering condition. The blind system may also be provided with a mid rail between the top rail and the base rail defining a top portion and a lower portion. A blind member generally extends from the top rail to the mid-rail and from the mid-rail to the base rail. Blind members with different properties may be used in the two different portions.

The blind member can be moved between an at least partially unfolded condition in which it covers or blocks at least a part of the window opening, and an at least partially folded condition in which at least part of the window opening is left uncovered to permit the ingress of light and/or airflow. During folding, the blind member folds about the fold lines in a concertina-like manner.

The blind is generally moved between the unfolded and folded conditions utilizing a cord or similar. The blind is provided with a plurality of guide lines which extend from the top rail to the base rail and/or to the mid-rail and which are woven through the blind member. Generally at least two guide lines are provided, one on either end of the blind.

There is generally a housing provided with the top rail member which allows access for the cord into the interior of the top rail member. Inside the top rail member the cord means is connected or divided into a plurality of attachment means, each connected to one of the guide lines. Pulling on the cord, shortens the guide lines and draws the base rail and/or mid-rail towards the top rail, folding the blind member In 2

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o upward. The housing provided with the top rail is generally provided with a locking means to temporarily fix the length of the cord to fix the position of the blind member.

The cord has a second end which is generally fixed within the base rail or the mid-rail. Usually, the base rail and/or mid-rail of the assembly has a pair of end caps, one of which has an opening into which one end of the cord is placed and fixed.

0 The end cap is then generally secured in the base rail or mid-rail, forming a closed oloop of cord.

_One of the major issues with this configuration of blind and particularly othe cord provided is that the cord with one end attached to the guidelines and thereby 10 to the top rail and a second end attached to the base rail or midrail, is that the closed loop of the cord forms a hazard, mainly for children who can access the cord and may form a choking hazard if the children manage to wrap the cord around a body part, particularly their necks.

It will be clearly understood that, if a prior art publication is referred to herein, this reference does not constitute an admission that the publication forms part of the common general knowledge in the art in Australia or in any other country.

Summary of the Invention.

The present invention is directed to an attachment and release system, which may at least partially overcome at least one of the abovementioned disadvantages or provide the consumer with a useful or commercial choice.

In one form, the invention resides in an attachment and release system for a blind system having a top rail member, at least on other rail member and a cord means, the attachment and release system including a first engagement portion associated with the at least one other rail member and a second engagement portion associated with the cord means such that the second engagement portion is engageable with the first engagement portion unless and until the imposition of a dislodging force.

The attachment and release system of the present invention is preferably designed to allow the cord means of a blind system to be stored relative to the blind system in a manner similar to the conventional systems, but to also provide an attachment system which is far more safe, and dramatically reduces the hazard which a cord fixed at both ends would pose.

3 0 o The attachment and release system of the present invention preferably lends itself to use with conventional blind systems except for the adaptation of the system to incorporate the emergency release system.

A conventional pleated horizontal blind system includes at least one unitary blind member which is suspended from an upper member called a top rail.

o0 The blind member is generally provided with a plurality of fold lines extending osubstantially horizontally. The blind member normally extends downwardly over the 0window and is provided with a base rail, located at the bottom or lower end of the oblind member. The base rail is generally weighted to retain the blind member in the 0 10 unfolded covering condition. The blind system may also be provided with a mid rail between the top rail and the base rail defining a top portion and a lower portion of the blind system. A unitary blind member generally extends from the top rail to the midrail and from the mid-rail to the base rail. Blind members with different properties may be used in the two different portions.

The blind is generally moved between the unfolded and folded conditions utilizing a cord or similar. The blind is provided with a plurality of guide lines which extend from the top rail to the base rail and/or mid-rail and which are woven through the blind member. Generally at least two cord means or guide lines are provided, one on either end of the blind. In systems provided with a top rail, a mid-rail and a bottom rail, generally one of the cord means is adapted to move the mid-rail relative to the top rail and the base rail and another cord means is adapted to move the base rail relative to the top rail and the mid-rail. In this manner, the relative sizes of the two portions of the blind system can be adjusted.

There is generally at least one housing provided with the top rail member which allows access for the cord into the interior of the top rail member.

Inside the top rail member the cord means is connected or divided into a plurality of attachment means, each connected to one of the guide lines. Pulling on the cord, shortens the guide lines and draws the base rail and/or mid-rail towards the top rail, tin 4

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o folding the blind member upward. The at least one housing provided with the top rail 3is generally provided with a locking means to temporarily fix the length of the cord to fix the position of the blind member.

According to the present invention, the cord has a second end which is temporarily fixed relative to the base rail or mid-rail. Usually, the base rail of the o assembly has a pair of end caps.

'The first engagement portion of the present invention is associated with 0the base rail member and/or mid-rail member of a blind system. The first engagement oportion is generally associated with one or both end caps which will typically be provided for the base rail andor mid-rail member of the blind system.

The first engagement portion will typically be or include an engagement opening to receive the second engagement portion therein, at least temporarily. The engagement opening may be provided in the end cap itself According to a more preferred embodiment, the end cap will preferably be provided with a housing having the engagement opening therein. According to this preferred embodiment, the end cap will typically be provided with an opening to receive the housing therein.

The housing may suitably have a flattened tubular or ring-like configuration. There may be a shoulder portion provided such that the housing stands slightly proud of the end cap surface. This may allow the first engagement portion to be more easily located for insertion of the second engagement portion. The housing may be securely fixed in the end cap. The housing may also be a part of the second engagement portion and the opening in the end cap may be the first engagement portion.

According to a particularly preferred embodiment, the end cap will be provided with a tubular opening therein. The tubular opening is sized to receive the second engagement portion. The tubular opening will generally be provided with at least one engaging rib extending into the tubular opening to assist with the engagement of the second engagement portion. The end cap will typically be a onepiece moulding.

It is also anticipated that the first engagement portion may be an opening in the end of the base rail or mid-rail itself and the entire end cap may form the second engagement portion.

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o The first engagement portion may be provided with one or more resilient portions which assist to engage the second engagement portion, and release the second engagement portion when a force great enough to dislodge the second engagement portion.

A second engagement portion is provided according to the invention o and is associated with the cord means.

0The second engagement portion is generally associated with a lower 0end of the cord means. The second engagement portion may be as simple as knotting othe end of the cord means prior to insertion into the opening provided in the end cap 0 10 or housing as it is the emergency releasability of the second engagement portion which is important rather than the manner of engagement.

According to a more preferred embodiment, the second engagement portion will be a shaped nodule associated with the cord means and engageable with the first engagement portion. The nodule will generally be an annular bead or similar with an opening therethrough, for receiving at least a portion of the cord means. The opening may be provided with a shouldered portion extending laterally inwardly into the opening. Generally, an end of the cord means will be inserted through the opening in the nodule and then tied to secure the cord means.

The nodule is typically has a spherical shape with a channel or bore opening extending through the nodule. The nodule may have any shape which enables the nodule to be received and temporarily engaged within the engagement opening of the end cap. It has already been noted above that the second engagement portion may include the housing which can be inserted into an opening in the end cap or the end cap itself which can be inserted into an opening in the base rail or mid-rail.

The second engagement portion is engageable with the first engagement portion unless and until the imposition of a dislodging force. Generally the respective shapes and sizes of the first and second engagement portions will be chosen to determine the magnitude of the dislodging force.

The attachment and release system may be provided with one or more frangible portions which may rupture or break upon the imposition of a dislodging force, allowing the second engagement portion to be released from the first engagement portion. The magnitude of the dislodging force will generally be 0 o approximately equal to the weight of a small child or similar who may be most at risk of choking in the cord loop.

Importantly, the attachment and release system of the invention allows the cord of the blind system to be secured in a similar manner to conventional blind systems to form a loop but the cord means is adapted to release from the blind system under emergency situations, opening the loop and releasing anything that may have obecome caught in the loop.

0Brief Description of the Drawings.

Various embodiments of the invention will' be described with reference 0 0 10 to the following drawings, in which: Figure 1 is an elevation view of a conventional pleated blind system.

Figure 2 is a detailed elevation view of the right hand edge of the pleated blind system illustrated in Figure 1.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of a first preferred embodiment of the present invention in the disengaged condition.

Figure 4 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a base rail end cap according to a three rail configuration of the present invention in the disengaged condition.

Figure 5 is a perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a mid-rail end cap according to a three rail configuration of the present invention in the disengaged condition, Figure 6 is a perspective view of a three rail pleated blind system according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention.

Figure 7 is an end view of a base rail end cap according to a preferred embodiment.

Figure 8 is an end view of a mid-rail end cap according to a preferred embodiment.

Detailed Description of the Preferred Embodiment.

According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, an attachment and release system for a blind system and particularly for s cord associated with the blind system is provided.

As illustrated in Figure 1, a conventional pleated horizontal blind system 10 includes a unitary blind member 11 which is suspended from an upper ttV) 7

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0 member called a top rail 12. The blind member 11 is provided with a plurality of fold lines 13 extending substantially horizontally. The blind member 11 extends downwardly over the window (not shown) and is provided with a base rail 14, located at the bottom end of the blind member 11. The base rail 14 is weighted to retain the blind member 11 in the unfolded condition.

00 The blind member 11 is moved between an at least partially unfolded condition in which it covers or blocks at least a part of the window opening 0(illustrated in Figure and an at least partially folded condition in which at least part oof the window opening is left uncovered to permit the ingress of light and/or airflow.

0 10 During folding, the blind member 11 folds about the fold lines 13 in a concertina-like manner.

The blind member 11 is moved between the unfolded and folded conditions utilizing a cord 15 or similar. The blind member 11 is provided with a plurality of guide lines 16 which extend from the top rail 12 to the base rail 14 and which are woven through the blind member 11. The guide lines 16 also bear the weight of the base rail 14 rather than the blind member 11.

There is a housing 17 provided in the top rail 12 which allows access for the cord 15 into the interior of the top rail 12. Inside the top rail 12, the cord 15 is connected or divided into a plurality of attachment means, each connected to one of the guide lines 16. Pulling on the cord 15, shortens the guide lines 16 and draws the base rail 14 towards the top rail 12, folding the blind member 11 upward. The housing 17 provided with the top rail 12 is provided with a locking means to temporarily fix the length of the cord 15 to fix the position of the blind member 11.

The base rail of the assembly has a pair of end caps 18. The cord 15 has a lower end which would otherwise be free of the blind system and so is fixed to one of the end caps 18 in the prior art blind systems. According to the present invention, the lower end of the cord 15 is releasably associated with the base rail 14 through the provision of the attachment and release system.

The attachment and release system, a preferred embodiment of which is illustrated in Figure 3, includes a first engagement portion associated with the bottom rail 14 and a second engagement portion associated with the cord 15 such that the second engagement portion is engageable with the first engagement portion unless and until the imposition of a dislodging force.

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The first engagement portion of the preferred embodiment is normally provided in at least one of the end caps 18 associated with the bottom rail 14 of the blind system.

The first engagement portion of the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 3 includes an engagement opening to receive the second engagement portion o therein, at least temporarily. The engagement opening is provided in the end cap 18.

The preferred embodiment illustrated may be interpreted in at least two 0different ways. According to a first preferred interpretation of Figure 3, the end cap 18 ois provided with a housing 19 having the engagement opening 20 therein. According 0 10 to this preferred embodiment, the end cap 18 is provided with an opening (obscured) to receive the housing 19 therein.

According to this preferred embodiment, the second engagement portion is a shaped nodule 21 associated with the cord 15 and engageable with the engagement opening 20 in the housing. The nodule has a spherical shape with a channel or bore opening extending through the nodule. For receiving a part of the cord means. Generally, an end of the cord 15 is inserted through the opening in the nodule 21 and then tied to secure the cord 15, creating a bulbous end to the cord 15. The opening can be provided with a shouldered portion extending laterally inwardly into the opening to engage with the nodule 21.

The nodule 21 is engageable with the engagement opening 20 in the housing 19 unless and until the imposition of a dislodging force, which triggers a release of the nodule 21 from the engagement opening during emergency situations.

The housing 19 has a flattened tubular or ring-like configuration.

There is a shoulder portion provided such that the housing 19 stands slightly proud of the end cap 18. The housing 19 is securely fixed in the end cap 18.

According to a second preferred interpretation of Figure 3, the first engagement portion is the opening (obscured) with which the end cap 18 is provided to receive the housing 19 therein. The housing 19 is then a part of the second engagement portion together with the nodule 21 attached to the cord According to this interpretation of Figure 3, the housing 19 is provided with one or more resilient portions (not shown) which assist to engage the housing within the first engagement opening in the end cap 18. The resilient portions allow Ic) 9 0 release of the housing from the end cap when a force great enough to dislodge the housing is applied.

Importantly, under both interpretations of Figure 3, the attachment and release system of the invention allows the cord 15 of the blind system to be secured in a similar manner to conventional blind systems to form a loop but the cord 15 is o adapted to release from the blind system under emergency situations, opening the loop oand releasing anything that may have become caught in the loop.

0A three rail blind system is illustrated in Figure 6. The three rail blind osystem is provided with a mid-rail 22 between the top rail 12 and the base rail 14. A 0 10 top blind member 23 extends from the top rail 12 to the mid-rail 22 and a lower blind member 24 extends from the mid-rail 22 to the base rail 14. This allows blind members with different properties to be used in the same blind giving the option of having the same window opening covered with two different blinds according to the desires of the user. By manipulating the cord 15 associated with the mid-rail 22, the mid-rail 22 can be moved relative to the top rail 12 and the base rail 14 and the other cord 15 is adapted to move the base rail 14 relative to the top rail 12 and the mid-rail 22. In this manner, the relative sizes of the two portions of the blind system can be adjusted.

The attachment and release system used for the mid-rail 22, and illustrated in Figure 5, is same in principle to that used for the base rail 14 which is illustrated in Figure 4, except for the shape which is determined according to the shape of the extrusions used as the mid-rail 22 and the base rail 24. Both include an end cap 18 with an engagement opening 20 therein. The mid-rail end cap 25 is substantially rectangular and the base rail end cap 26 is segment-shaped. According to both the mid-rail 22 system and the base rail 14 system, the end caps 18 each have a tubular engagement opening therein. The tubular opening 20 is sized to receive the second engagement portion, which is provided as a nodule 21 associated with the cord The tubular opening 20 has an engaging rib (not shown) extending into the tubular opening 20 to assist with the engagement of the nodule 21 to hold the nodule 21 within the opening 20 until the imposition of a dislodging force. Each end cap 18 is a one-piece moulding and each includes a plurality of engagement legs 25 to position and maintain the end caps 18 in the respective rail extrusions.

In the present specification and claims (if any), the word "comprising" Itn 01 O and its derivatives including "comprises" and "comprise" include each of the stated integers but does not exclude the inclusion of one or more further integers.

Reference throughout this specification to "one embodiment" or "an embodiment" means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present 00 invention. Thus, the appearance of the phrases "in one embodiment" or "in an oembodiment" in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all 0referring to the same embodiment. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or ocharacteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more combinations.

10 In compliance with the statute, the invention has been described in language more or less specific to structural or methodical features. It is to be understood that the invention is not limited to specific features shown or described since the means herein described comprises preferred forms of putting the invention into effect. The invention is, therefore, claimed in any of its forms or modifications within the proper scope of the appended claims (if any) appropriately interpreted by those skilled in the art.

Claims

1. An attachment and release system for a blind system having a top rail member, at least one other rail member and a cord means, the attachment and release system including a first engagement portion associated with the at least one other rail member and a second engagement portion associated with the cord means such that the second 00 engagement portion is engageable with the first engagement portion unless and until o the imposition of a dislodging force.

2. An attachment and release system according to claim 1 wherein the first oengagement portion includes an engagement opening associated with an end cap provided for the at least one other rail member of the blind system to receive the second engagement portion therein, at least temporarily.

3. An attachment and release system according to claim 2 wherein the engagement opening is provided is formed integrally with the end cap.

4. An attachment and release system according to any one of the preceding claims wherein the second engagement portion includes a shaped nodule associated with a lower portion of the cord of the blind system and engageable with the first engagement portion. An attachment and release system substantially as described herein in reference to any one of Figures 3 to. Dated this 1 9 1h day of July 2005 Verosol Australia Pty Ltd By their Patent Attorneys Cullen Co.