CA1302229C - Swingable junction for blind tracks - Google Patents
Swingable junction for blind tracksInfo
- Publication number
- CA1302229C CA1302229C CA000560141A CA560141A CA1302229C CA 1302229 C CA1302229 C CA 1302229C CA 000560141 A CA000560141 A CA 000560141A CA 560141 A CA560141 A CA 560141A CA 1302229 C CA1302229 C CA 1302229C
- Authority
- CA
- Canada
- Prior art keywords
- junction assembly
- corner
- corner junction
- bearing
- control
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired - Lifetime
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Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
- E06B9/24—Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blinds
- E06B9/26—Lamellar or like blinds, e.g. venetian blinds
- E06B9/36—Lamellar or like blinds, e.g. venetian blinds with vertical lamellae ; Supporting rails therefor
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- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Blinds (AREA)
- Mutual Connection Of Rods And Tubes (AREA)
- Drawers Of Furniture (AREA)
- Holders For Apparel And Elements Relating To Apparel (AREA)
- Details Of Indoor Wiring (AREA)
Abstract
ABSTRACT
A corner junction assembly for use with two adjacent lengths of blind track has a bearing ring means making a captive frictional fit in a bearing hub means to permit relative rotation of those two parts. The corner function assembly comprises track engagement means connected to respective ones of the bearing ring means and the bearing hub means and adapted to be connected to the ends of the adjacent lengths of the tracks. The corner junction assembly also comprises movement transmission means for transmitting movement from a traveller control means, such as a control cord or rod, in one of the lengths of track to a traveller control means in the other length of track.
A corner junction assembly for use with two adjacent lengths of blind track has a bearing ring means making a captive frictional fit in a bearing hub means to permit relative rotation of those two parts. The corner function assembly comprises track engagement means connected to respective ones of the bearing ring means and the bearing hub means and adapted to be connected to the ends of the adjacent lengths of the tracks. The corner junction assembly also comprises movement transmission means for transmitting movement from a traveller control means, such as a control cord or rod, in one of the lengths of track to a traveller control means in the other length of track.
Description
The invention relates to a blind apparatus as well as to corner ~iunction assemblies for use in connecting two adjac~nt lsn~-ths of blind -track.
B CKGROUND OF THE_INVEN'I'EON
Vertical slat blinds are well known and comprise a track having a plurality of blind travellers movable therealong. Vertical blind slats are suspended from the travellers. The tra~ellers can be drawn to and fro along the track~ and the individual blind slats can be rotated so as to open or close the blinds.
Traveller operating or control means extend along the track and hang downwardly from one end of the track.
The installation o~ two or more lengths of blind track. which meet at a corner, presents certain problems.
particularly in the arran~emen-ts for the traveller control means.
One form of arrangement for such a corner ~unction assembl~ is described in U.S. Letters Patent 4.653,564. dated March 31. 1987 - Inventor Norbert Marocco. entitled "Track for Blinds.`' Using the system disclosed in the aforesaid patent. it is possible to ~o~n the two tracks at a corner and to provide for the traveller control means to extend around the corner. In this way. the traveller control means~ that is to say both the traveller moving means and also the blind slat rotation means. can be locat~d at one end of one length of the track, and all of the blind travellers in bo-th lengths of track can be operated simultaneously.
"~
~3(~Z~g The system disclosed in the aforesaicl patent has proved to be highly satisactory in use, and has achieved considerable commercial success.
However. certain problems have arisen as a result o~ -the experience of using the aforesaid system. In particular~ it i5 desirable -to have a corner ~unction assembly which is capable o~ hinging or swinging, and then bein~ set in a desired angle. so as to fit a particular window, or other installation.
One ~orm of corner ,junction means is shown in the aforesaid patent and has proved to be sa-tisfactory.
However. it incorporates several different components which must be assembled together during assembly of the blind and this may, in practice, require a certain amount of skill. II1 addition, the practice for assemblin~ such blinds is to. first of all. assemble the lengths of track in the factory, and set them at the correct angle. The traveller operating means are then adjusted as to length so as to extend around the correct arc at each corner.
Once all of this has been done, the blind i.nstallation is then disassembled ~nd shipped bu-t then must be reassembled on the customer)s premises.
ln order to do this satis-factorily it is desirable to have a corner .junction assembly which can be preset at a predetermined angle, so that when disassembled and then reassembled, it will go together in -the correc-t f ashion .
It is also desirable that the corner junction assembly shall be as shor-t as possible. In blinds of this type, the blind slats are moved along the separate lengths 13~
of track in separate groups, although they are in fact moved simultaneously. When drawn fully to one side~ the blind slats will hang, in groups~ at the ends of their re.spective lengths Oe track. Irl order to avoid obstructing the ends of the tracks. it is thus desirable that the corner junction assembly at the ends of the tracks shall be as short as possible.
SUMMARY OF ~HE INYENTION
____ _ __.
With a view to overcoming the various problems listed above! the invention comprises a corner ~iunction assembly for use in association with two adjacent blind tracks, such tracks each being adapted to carry slat-carrying travellers and each having at least one movable traveller control means, the corner ~iunction assembly comprising at least one bearing ring means; at least one bearing hub means making a captive frictional fi-t within the bearing ring means to permit relative ro-tation thereof; track engagement means connected to respective ones of the bearin~ ring means and the bearin~
hub means or engagement with ad~acent ends of respective ones of the tracks; and at least one movemen-t transmission means adapted to be coupled to and to tran.smit movement from the traveller control means in one oP the blind tracks to the traveller control means in the other of the blind tracks.
Use~ully, a corner ~unction assembly in accordance with this invention comprises upper and lower bearing ring means and upper and lower bearing hub means.
the upper bearing hub means making a captive frictional fit within the upper bearing ring means and the lower bearing hub meclns making a cap-tive frictional fit within the lower bearing rin~ means, and the upper and lower bearing ring means being spaced apart.
Such a corner junction a.ssembly is usefully provided with an opening in one of the upper and lower bearing hub means and a removable closure means is provided for closing the opening. 5uch a closure means is use~ully ~ormed with a snap ring making a cap-tive snap fit within such opening.
In accordance with a particularly preferred fea-ture of this invention, a corner junction assembly in accordance therewith includes a downwardly dependent arcuate cup member formed in-tegrally with the upper bearin~ hub means, and a bearing surface of corresponding shape is formed on the upper bearing ring means to guidingly engage the exterior of the cup member.
Such a cup member is usefully formed with a plurality of fracture lines parallel to one another a-t spaced intervals therearound, whereby portions of -the cup member may be broken away during installation of the corner ,junction assembly with the blind tracks to accommodate di~ferent angular positions of -those blind trackfi .
Use~ully, in such a corner junction assembly, the lower bearing ring means is foxmed separately from the upper bearing ring means and is secured thereto ~or conjoint rotational movement therewith and the lower bearing hub means is formed separately from the upper bearing hub means and is secured thereto for conjoint rotational movement therewith.
~3~Z;~
The bearing hub means o~ a corner junction assembly in accordancc Wittl -this invention is usefully form~d wi-th a locking ring making a captive pressure fit wi-thin the bearing ring means.
The track engagement means provided in a corner junction assembly in accordance with this invention usefully comprise block members formed on the bearing ring means and the bearing hub means and adapted to fit into ends of the adjacent tracks.
In one embodiment of a corrler junction ~ssembly according to the invention, the movement transmission means comprises at least one length o~ control cord integrally formed wi-th control cords in each o~ the tracks and constituting the aforemen-tioned traveller control means J as well as a-t least one pulley for guiding such length of the control cord. In one particular embodiment, such pulleys a.re mounted ex-terna:Lly on -the corner ~iunction assembly.
Another embodiment o~ a corner junction assembly according to the in~ention is in-tended ~o.r use with blind tracks in which the -traveller control means are ro-t~tionally moun-ted and in such an embodiment su~h movement transmission means is adapted to transmit rotational movement between the traveller control means of -the two blind tracks. Such a rotatable mounted movement transmission means can comprise a flexible coupling and at least one bearing means supporting the flexible coupling.
In another embodiment, such ro-ta-tably mounted movement transmission means comprises interengaged gear means adapted -to be secured to ends of the traveller ~3~Z2~3 control means of the blincl-tracks for conjoint rotation therewi-th. In one embodiment, such ~ear means are adapted -to be secured to the ends of the traveller control ; means for conjoint rotation therewith while permit-ting axial movement of the gears means xelative to at least one of the traveller control means to accommodate different angular positions of the tracks.
Spring means are usefully provided to maintain such gear means in engagement with each other regardless of the relative angular positions of the tracks.
In another particular embodiment, each of the blind tracks comprises two such rota-tionally mounted traveller control means, namely first traveller control means for rotating the angular positions of the travellers and second tra~eller control means for movin~ the travellers along the tracks. In such an embodiment, there is provided in -the corner junction assembly, both a first movemerlt transmission means adapted to transmit ro-tational movement between the first traveller control means and a second movement transmission means adapted to transmit rotational movement between the second traveller control means. Such first and second movement transmission means can both comprise flexible couplings supported b~
respective bearing means.
Alternatively, one of the first and second movement transmission means can comprise a flexible coupling supported by a bearin~ means and the other of the first and second movement transmission means can comprise interen~aged gear means.
In accordance with an alternative feature of :~L3~Z;~
this invention, there is provided a coxner ~lunction assembly for use in association with two adj~cent blind tracks, such tracks each being adap-ted to carry slat-carrying travellers and each having a rotatably mounted traveller control means, and which corner junction assembly can broadly be defined as comprising a first corner member; a second corner member pivotally connected to the first corner member to permit relative rotation thereof; track engagement means connected to respective ones of the first and second corner members for engagement with adjacent ends of respective ones of the tracks; and rotatable transmission means adap-ted to be coupled to and to -transmit rotational movement from one traveller control means in one blind track -to the corresponding traveller control means in -the other blind track.
Such a corner junction assembly is particularly useful for use in associa-tion with two ad~acent blind tracks, each comprising first and second ro-tationally mounted traveller control means, the firs-t traveller control means being provided for moving the travellers alon~ the blind track.s and the second traveller control mean.s bei.ng provided for rotating the travellers relative -to the blind tracks. Such a corner JUnCtion a.ssembly usefully comprises first and second flexible couplirlgs adapted to be coupled to and -to t,ransmi-t rotational movement bet~een the first and second tra~eller control means respectively.
I'he presen-t invention also embraces a blind apparatus adap-ted to be installed around at least one corner and comprising at least two lengths of blind track ~3~
meeting at such a corner; groups of trav~l.lers on each lellg-th ot` blind track, adapted to s:Lide therealong~ and adapted to support blind slats thereon; first traveller control means connected with the travellers in each length of track for moving -the travellers along the lengths of track; second traveller control means connected with the travellers in each length o~ -track for rotating the blind slats relative to the lengths of track; and a corner junction assembly at such corner, such corner junction assembly in turn comprising at least one bearing ring means; at least one bearin~ hub means making a captive frictional fit with the bearing ring means to permit relative rotation thereof; track engagement means connected to respective ones of the bearing ring means and the bearing hub means and engaging adjacent ends o~
respective ones of the lengths of track at such corner; a ~irst movement transmission means coupled to the firs-t traveller control means in each length of blind track to transmit movement therebe-tween; and a second movement transmission means coupled to the second traveller control means in each len~th of blind track to transmi-t movement therebe-tween;
The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with more particularity in the claim.s annexed to and formin~ a part of this disclosure. E'or a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described preferred embodiments o~ the invention.
BR F~F~ l'ION OF T13E~ NIGS
The invention will now be described mer01y by way of illustration with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a general perspective illustration of one embodiment of a blind installation or apparatus in accordance with this invention, and shown as extending along three walls which meet at two corners;
Figure 2 is a bottom plan view, looking upwardly of one embodiment of a corner junction assembly as used in the blind assembly as shown in Figure 1 and with certain parts omitted.to reveal its internal construction;
Figur 3 is a sectional view when taken as indicated by the arrows 3-3 o E'igure 2;
E'igure 4 is an exploded perspective illustration of the corner junction assembly shown in Figu.res 1 to 3;
Figure 6 i5 a cut-away perspective view of the same corner junction assembly wi-th certain parts omitted;
' Figure 6 i5 a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a -traveller and traveller control means ussd in the blind installation shown in the preceding i~ures;
Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodimen-t of a traveller and control means which can be used in a blind installation in accordance with this invention;
Figure 8 is a perspective exploded illustration of a ~lexible coupling for use in a corner junction assembly in accordance with this invention;
Figure 9 is a perspective illustration of an ~. _9_ a3~
alternative form of coupling for use in this invention;
Figure 10 is an exploded sectional view when taken as indicated by the arrows 10-10 of Figure ~; and Figure 11 is a rea.r perspective illustra-tion of an alternative embodiment of a corner junction assembly in accordance with this invention.
DESCRIPTION OE THE PREFERRE.~ EMBODIMENTS
Referring first of all to Figure 1, it will be seen -that the invention is illustrated -therein as a blind installation moun-ted in a situation in which there are three wall surfaces indica-ted generally as W, meeting at two corners indlcated generally as C.
Typically, this represents a bay window installation. However, blinds may be used in bay windows, or may be used to cover other openlngs or other surfaces, and the invention is not to be taken as exclusively limited to use in association with bay windows or, in fact, windows of an kind.
A plural~ty, in this case, three, lengths of blind tracks generally indicated at 10, are shown mounted on the walls W, with the three lengths of -track 10 meeting at the two corners C.
From the -tracks 10 a plurality of slats 12 hang downwardly from the travellers 14.
Traveller control means are provided which, in this embodiment of the invention, are indicated as the control or pull cord 16 and the control rod 18. l'he cord 16 hangs downwardly at one end of one o~ the tracks 10 and is operative -to move the slats 12 along the tracks 10. The control rod 18 is rota-table by movement of a con-trol chain ~3~Z~
l9 to adJus-t the angular position of -the slats 12 relative to the tracks 10. The hanging portion of the cord 16 and -the control chain 19 are shown in a horizon-tal posi-tion in Figure 2 to clarify their func-tions~
It will be appreciated that thc showing of a control cord 16 and a control rod 18 are merelY
illustra-ted as the traveller con-trol means in general.
Various differen-t designs of traveller control means are possible and the invention is not i.n-tended to be restricted to any particular form of traveller control means.
The tracks 10 and sla-ts 12 may be of entirely conventional construct,ion, such as are well known in the art and are made by a number of different manufac-turers and are not, therefore, described in any detail, for the sake of clarity.
As shown generally in Figure 1, the three lengths of blind track 10 are Joined at the two c~rners C
by means of corner junction assemblies in accordance with this invention and as indicated generally at 20.
Referrin~ now to E'igure 4, the corner ~unc-tlon assembly 20 in accordance with the lnvention will be seen to compri.se five separate rnoulded components, namely an upper bearing ring member or means 22, an upper bearing hub member or means 24~ a lower bearing ring member or means 26, a lower bearin~ hub member or means 28, and a closure means or pla-te 30, provided for the sake of appearance.
Upper bearing ring member 22 comprises a generally annular bearing means 32, and an upstanding ~3~2Z2~
annular wall 34, forming an L-shaped structure in ~ection.
Along one side of the junc-tion between -the bearing means 32 and the wall 34, there is formed a downwardly dependent end plate 36, with a guidance opening or bearing 38 formed -therethrough.
A pair of generally rectangular track engagement means or mounting block members 4~ are also integrally formed with the upper bearing ring member 22 and extend more or less normal thereto on ei-ther side of the plate 36 to define openings 41 on either side thereof.
A bearing surface or arcuate guidance cuff 42 is formed in-tegrally with one of block members 40 and the annular bearing means 32. A guidance pulley 43 is mounted on a guidance wedge portion 44 formed integrally with the other of blocks 40. A screw recei~ing recess 45 is -formed in cuff 42.
The upper bearing hub member 24 comprises an annular bearing hub 46, having an upper free edge -terminating in a locking ring 48. Hub 46 and ring ~8 are intended to make a snap fit through the bearing means 32, and to be rotatable therein.
A fla-t dlsc-like plate 50 is formed integrally with the lower edge of the bearing hub 46. A generally partially cylindrically shaped downwardly dependent wall or cup member 52 extends downwardly from the perimeter of plate 50, -thus forming what may be called an inverted cup-shaped structure.
Fracture or break lines 54 (shown in Figure 4 but omitted from Figure 3) are provided in -the wall 52 for a purpose yet to be described.
--1~--:~3~Z~
A downwardly-dependent planar flange 58, havin~
a guidance opening or bearing means 60, is prvvided on plate 80 and has openings 61 on both sides for a reason ye-t to be described.
Two generally wedge-shapsd block portions 64 and 66 are formed on the exterior of the generally cylindrical wall 52. A screw-receiving recess 68 is usefully ~ormed in the block portion 64 for a reason yet to be described.
A ~uidance pulley 69 is mounted on block portion 66.
Track engagement means or mounting block members 70 are formed on respective blocks 64 and 66, ~or enga~ement with one of the blind tracks 10.
The lower bearing ring member 26 comprises an annular bearing ring 72, with an arcuate guidance cuff 74 formed therearound. An ~ttachmen-t flan~e 76 extends from the guidance cuff 74, and is usefully provided with a screw hole opening 78.
A screw 80 passes through opening 78 and is received in screw receiving recess 45 in cuff 42 of upper bearing ring member 22.
The lower bearing hub member 28 comprises a bearing hub ri.ng 82, having a-t its upper free edge a locking ring 84. Ring3 82 and 84 make a snap fi-t within bearing ring 72 of bearing ring member 26, and are rotatable rela-tive to one another. A generally outwardly-extending bearing flange 86 is formed around the lower ed~e of hub ring 82, and extends outwardly substantially normal thereto defining a generally L-shape in section. A downwardly-dependent annular wall 88 ~ -13-~3~ 2~
extends around the exterior of the ~lange ~6.
A moun-tin~ flange 90 is provided along one edge of flange 86, and h~s a screw receiving opening 92 for screw 94.
Screw 94 is intended to be received in recess 68 in block portion 64 o~ upper bearing hub member 24.
The flange 86 also defines a central opening 96 therethrough. In order to close this opening the closure plate 30 comprises a astening sleeve 98, with a lockin~
ring 100 adapted to make a snap fit within opening 96. A
generally flat disc-like pla-te 102 is moulded to the bottom edge of the sleeve 98.
Screws indicated as 104 may be fastened through suitable holes drilled in the end por-tions of -tracks 10, and such screws will then be received in screw recesses (no-t shown) formed in the respective block members 40 and 70.
In this way, the corner junction assembly can be connec-ted between two adjacen-t lengths o~ track 10 as shown in Figure 5, and the two lengths o~ track are then rendered swingable relative to one another, within the limits of the arc defined by the construction of the corner junction member.
- As is also shown in E'igure 3, -the traveller control means, namely the control cord 16 and the control rod 18, extend through respec-tive openings in the wall or cup metnber 52, and extend around the arc o~ the corner.
Pu.ll cords 16 are guided around the corner, by pulleys 43 and 69, and by a further pulley lOS mounted in the interior of the wall 52, typically by being fa~-tened -to ~3~12~
the underside o~ -the plate 50.
The control cord 16 runs throu~h the spaces on opposite sides O~e plate 36 and flange 58 and -there constitutes a movemen-t transmission means. Portions of wall 52 may be broken away, along lines 54, to allow free passage of the pull cords through the corner assembly 20.
Traveller engagement means such as buttons 107 are provided on cords 16, as described in U.S Patent 4,653,564, and require no -further description.
The control rods 18 may be coupled by means of a movement transmission means or flexible coupling 106, described below.
A typical traveller 14 used in this type of blind is shown in Figure 6.
Alternatively, however, the invention is equally applicable to blinds in which a modi-fied form of traveller 108, as shown in Figure 7, is used. In -this form of traveller a control rod 110 is provided, for a similar purpose to the control rod 18 in -the traveller 14; that is to say, the control rod llO ro-ta-tes the slats, ~5 does the control rod 18 ln -the embodiment O:e Figure 6.
~lowever, the travsllex 10~ dif~ers from the traveller 14 in that the pull cord 16 i5 replaced by a continuous screw rod 112. The interior o~ -the traveller is so constructed that by -the rotation of the screw rod 112 the travellers are caused to move to and fro along the track.
The details of such travellers are well known to persons skilled in the art and require no further description.
~3t~Z~
In this form of the invention, two flexible coupLings 114 and 116 would be provided in each corner:
one joining two control rods 110 and, one joining two screw rods 112. The two flexible couplings would be similar to the single flexible coupling 106 shown i~
Figures 2, 3 and 8.
'l'he flexible coupling 106 is shown in more detail in Figure 8, from which it will be seen to comprise A len~th of helical wound spring wire 120, the two ends of which are embedded in identical coupling members or drive hubs 122 which are rela-tively elongated and which fit, with a certain degree of clearance, within openings or bearing means 38 and 60 of the corner ring member 22 and the bearing hub member 24 respectively (see Figure 3).
Collars 124 are formed on hubs 122 and act as thrust plates, so as to ensure that the hubs 122 remain in the correct position, and rotate freely.
The free ends of hubs 122 are provided with splined recesses 126, to receive adjacent ends of the two control rods 13.
The spring portion 120 is 1ex.ible (as shown in phantom) and will normally be straigh-t, and can 'be flexed to fit around the desired angle to which the corner junction assembly 20 is set.
An alternative ~orm of movement transmission means is shown in Figures 9 and 10.
As shown in Figure 9, a movement transmission means indicated generallY as 130 comprises -two crown gear wheels 132a, 132b each having identical teeth 134 formed thereon. The teeth 134 are formed essentially as pins or 13t;~22;2~
rods, with reinforcing web portions 136 (Figure lO) extending therefrom at an angle. Both crown wheels 132 are formed with a splined recess 138 to receive tho end o~
the respective control rod 18. Within each recess 138, there is provided a spring 140.
The effect of the two springs 140 is to urge the two gear wheels 132a and 132b in-to engagement with one ano-ther at the various different angles to which the corner assembly may be set.
In the embodiment of Fi~ures 1, 2 and 3, the trclck 10 is shown in which the travellers and all of the moving parts are contained inside the tracks.
However, there are certain manufacturers who manufacture tracks in which some of the controls are arranged exteriorly of the track.
One such ~orm of track is shown in Figure 11 as 150.
In this case, -the -travellers, (not shown) are located within the track in essen-tially the same wa~ as is shown in Eigure 2. In addition, control rods (not shown) are arranged within the tracks.
In the form of track shown in Figure 11, however, the manufacturer has chosen to provide flexible control elements 152 which are located externally on the concealed or rearward side of the tracks 150. The control elemen-ts 152 are attached to traveller brackets 154 connecting with the lead travellers in each group.
The traveller brackets 154 extend throu~h slots 156.
In the case of this form of track, the present ~3~
invention provides a modified ~orm of corner assembly indicated generally as 160.
The corner ~junc-tion assem~ly 160 is made substantially as shown in Figures 3 and 4, but without -the interior pulleys -for guidin~ the flexible elements.
Instead, exterior pulle~ mounting brackets 162 are provided on the rearward or concealed side of -the corner 160, ha~ing pulleys 184 mounted thereon.
Two pulleys are provided for each of the flexible elements making a total of four in all.
The two pulley mounting brackets 162 are attached to the corner assembly 160 in such a way that when the corner assembly is swung to a desired angular position, -the pulley mounting brackets 162 will also swing apart ~rom one another. Thus the pulleys 164 will remain in cngagement with the flexible elements at all times.
~3~ZZ~9 SUPELEM~L__Y _ S LOSUE~
It has now been found that. when a corner ~iunc-tion assembly in accordance with this inven-tion is provided with a fl0xible coupling as hereinbe-fore described. such a flexible coupling is usefully adap-ted to be connected -to the -traveller control means for con.joint rotation therewith but in such a manner that axial movemen-t of the flexible couplin~ relative to at least one of the traveller control means is possible to accommodate different an~ular positions of the blind tracks.
When a corner ~iunction assemblY in accordance wi-th this invention is provided with a ~ear means as a movement transmission means. the need for relative axial movement o~ the ~ear means and the traveller control means durin~ movement of -the blind tracks into different an~ular positions can be elimina-ted if such ~ear means are disposed for rotational movement through a rotational axial position of the corner .~unction assemblY.
When a corner ~lunction assembly in accordance with this invention :Ls provided for use with 'blind tracks in each of which there are two such rotationall,Y mounted traveller control means~ namelY fi.rst traveller contro].
means for rotatin~ the an~ular positions of the travellers and second traveller control means for movin~ the travellers along the tracks. one of the -two movemen-t transmission means usefullY comprises a flexible couplin~
supported by a bearing means and the other of the two movement transmission means usefullY comprises interengaged gear means.
1 g-~3(~ 9 Those further fea-tures o~ the present invention will now be described merely by way of illustration with re-ference to Figure 12 of the accompanying drawings which ~igure i5 a sectional view through another embodiment of a corner .jùnction assembly in accordance wi-th -the invention.
In Fi~ure 12~ there is indica-ted generally a-t 170 a corner ~iunction assembly for use with tracks 172 housing control rods 110 for changing the rotational position of the slats and screw rods 112 for moving the slats along the tracks.
Ro-tational movement is transferred in -the corner ,iunc-tion assembl~ 170 between the control rods 110 in essentially the same manner as already described with re-~erence to the embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 10.
In the embodimen-t shown in Figure 12, the control rods 110 pass through inner bearin~ members 174 havin~ splined axial bores 176 receiving the control rods 110 for co-xotation therewith. The inner bearin~ members 174 are rota-tably received within bores 178 formed ln fixed mounting sleeves 180. The ends of the control rods 110 are secured in openings in crown ~ear wheels 184a and 18~b having teeth 185 b~ set screws 186. It has been -found that~ by disposing -the drive transfer members so that the teeth 134 ro-tate throu~h a position which lies essentially on the rotational axis 187 of thè corner ,iunction assembl~ 170. the need ~or relative axial movement o~ the control rods 110 and -the crown gear wheels 28 184a and 184b is eliminated. Consequently, in this --~0--~3~2~2~
particulax embodiment. there i5 no need for the compression springs 140 as shown in Figure 10.
Similarly. rotational movemqnt is transferred in the corner junction assembly 170 between the screw rods 112 in essentiall~ the same manner as already d~scribed with reference to Fi~urs 8 using a flexible couplin~
indicated generally at 188. From Figure 12, it will be seen that the flexible coupling 188 comprises a length of helically wound spring wire 190, the ends of which are anchored in couplings 192 which are. in turn. mounted for limited axial movemen-t in bores in drive hubs 194 The couplings 192 and -the bores in the drive hubs 194 have corresponding non-circular cross-sectional shapes. for example, hexagonal, to ensure conjoint rotation of the couplings 192 and the drive hubs 194.
The drive hubs 194 are provided wit~ axially spaced apart annular grooves 195 and 196 which receive corresponding ribs 198 provided on the corner ~unction assembly 170 to permi-t eree rota-tion of the hubs 194.
In ad.justirlg the angular position of the tracks 172, the couplings 192 move within the drive hubs 194. In the event that it is desired to position the tracks 172 at a relatively small angle, the drive hubs can be moved wi-thin the corner .-JImction assembly 170 so that the ribs 19~ are disposed within -the recesses 195 rather than the recesses 196 as actuallY shown in Figure 12. This is effective to separa-te the drive hubs 194 a sufficient dis-tance to permit the required separation of the couplings 192.
The drive hubs 194 are secured to the screw rods a3(~
112 by set screws 199.
The foregoing is a description of a preerred embodiment of the invention which is given here by way of example only. l'he invention is not to be -taken as limited to anY of the specific features as described. but comprehends all such varia-tions thereof as comé within the scope of the appended claims.
B CKGROUND OF THE_INVEN'I'EON
Vertical slat blinds are well known and comprise a track having a plurality of blind travellers movable therealong. Vertical blind slats are suspended from the travellers. The tra~ellers can be drawn to and fro along the track~ and the individual blind slats can be rotated so as to open or close the blinds.
Traveller operating or control means extend along the track and hang downwardly from one end of the track.
The installation o~ two or more lengths of blind track. which meet at a corner, presents certain problems.
particularly in the arran~emen-ts for the traveller control means.
One form of arrangement for such a corner ~unction assembl~ is described in U.S. Letters Patent 4.653,564. dated March 31. 1987 - Inventor Norbert Marocco. entitled "Track for Blinds.`' Using the system disclosed in the aforesaid patent. it is possible to ~o~n the two tracks at a corner and to provide for the traveller control means to extend around the corner. In this way. the traveller control means~ that is to say both the traveller moving means and also the blind slat rotation means. can be locat~d at one end of one length of the track, and all of the blind travellers in bo-th lengths of track can be operated simultaneously.
"~
~3(~Z~g The system disclosed in the aforesaicl patent has proved to be highly satisactory in use, and has achieved considerable commercial success.
However. certain problems have arisen as a result o~ -the experience of using the aforesaid system. In particular~ it i5 desirable -to have a corner ~unction assembly which is capable o~ hinging or swinging, and then bein~ set in a desired angle. so as to fit a particular window, or other installation.
One ~orm of corner ,junction means is shown in the aforesaid patent and has proved to be sa-tisfactory.
However. it incorporates several different components which must be assembled together during assembly of the blind and this may, in practice, require a certain amount of skill. II1 addition, the practice for assemblin~ such blinds is to. first of all. assemble the lengths of track in the factory, and set them at the correct angle. The traveller operating means are then adjusted as to length so as to extend around the correct arc at each corner.
Once all of this has been done, the blind i.nstallation is then disassembled ~nd shipped bu-t then must be reassembled on the customer)s premises.
ln order to do this satis-factorily it is desirable to have a corner .junction assembly which can be preset at a predetermined angle, so that when disassembled and then reassembled, it will go together in -the correc-t f ashion .
It is also desirable that the corner junction assembly shall be as shor-t as possible. In blinds of this type, the blind slats are moved along the separate lengths 13~
of track in separate groups, although they are in fact moved simultaneously. When drawn fully to one side~ the blind slats will hang, in groups~ at the ends of their re.spective lengths Oe track. Irl order to avoid obstructing the ends of the tracks. it is thus desirable that the corner junction assembly at the ends of the tracks shall be as short as possible.
SUMMARY OF ~HE INYENTION
____ _ __.
With a view to overcoming the various problems listed above! the invention comprises a corner ~iunction assembly for use in association with two adjacent blind tracks, such tracks each being adapted to carry slat-carrying travellers and each having at least one movable traveller control means, the corner ~iunction assembly comprising at least one bearing ring means; at least one bearing hub means making a captive frictional fi-t within the bearing ring means to permit relative ro-tation thereof; track engagement means connected to respective ones of the bearin~ ring means and the bearin~
hub means or engagement with ad~acent ends of respective ones of the tracks; and at least one movemen-t transmission means adapted to be coupled to and to tran.smit movement from the traveller control means in one oP the blind tracks to the traveller control means in the other of the blind tracks.
Use~ully, a corner ~unction assembly in accordance with this invention comprises upper and lower bearing ring means and upper and lower bearing hub means.
the upper bearing hub means making a captive frictional fit within the upper bearing ring means and the lower bearing hub meclns making a cap-tive frictional fit within the lower bearing rin~ means, and the upper and lower bearing ring means being spaced apart.
Such a corner junction a.ssembly is usefully provided with an opening in one of the upper and lower bearing hub means and a removable closure means is provided for closing the opening. 5uch a closure means is use~ully ~ormed with a snap ring making a cap-tive snap fit within such opening.
In accordance with a particularly preferred fea-ture of this invention, a corner junction assembly in accordance therewith includes a downwardly dependent arcuate cup member formed in-tegrally with the upper bearin~ hub means, and a bearing surface of corresponding shape is formed on the upper bearing ring means to guidingly engage the exterior of the cup member.
Such a cup member is usefully formed with a plurality of fracture lines parallel to one another a-t spaced intervals therearound, whereby portions of -the cup member may be broken away during installation of the corner ,junction assembly with the blind tracks to accommodate di~ferent angular positions of -those blind trackfi .
Use~ully, in such a corner junction assembly, the lower bearing ring means is foxmed separately from the upper bearing ring means and is secured thereto ~or conjoint rotational movement therewith and the lower bearing hub means is formed separately from the upper bearing hub means and is secured thereto for conjoint rotational movement therewith.
~3~Z;~
The bearing hub means o~ a corner junction assembly in accordancc Wittl -this invention is usefully form~d wi-th a locking ring making a captive pressure fit wi-thin the bearing ring means.
The track engagement means provided in a corner junction assembly in accordance with this invention usefully comprise block members formed on the bearing ring means and the bearing hub means and adapted to fit into ends of the adjacent tracks.
In one embodiment of a corrler junction ~ssembly according to the invention, the movement transmission means comprises at least one length o~ control cord integrally formed wi-th control cords in each o~ the tracks and constituting the aforemen-tioned traveller control means J as well as a-t least one pulley for guiding such length of the control cord. In one particular embodiment, such pulleys a.re mounted ex-terna:Lly on -the corner ~iunction assembly.
Another embodiment o~ a corner junction assembly according to the in~ention is in-tended ~o.r use with blind tracks in which the -traveller control means are ro-t~tionally moun-ted and in such an embodiment su~h movement transmission means is adapted to transmit rotational movement between the traveller control means of -the two blind tracks. Such a rotatable mounted movement transmission means can comprise a flexible coupling and at least one bearing means supporting the flexible coupling.
In another embodiment, such ro-ta-tably mounted movement transmission means comprises interengaged gear means adapted -to be secured to ends of the traveller ~3~Z2~3 control means of the blincl-tracks for conjoint rotation therewi-th. In one embodiment, such ~ear means are adapted -to be secured to the ends of the traveller control ; means for conjoint rotation therewith while permit-ting axial movement of the gears means xelative to at least one of the traveller control means to accommodate different angular positions of the tracks.
Spring means are usefully provided to maintain such gear means in engagement with each other regardless of the relative angular positions of the tracks.
In another particular embodiment, each of the blind tracks comprises two such rota-tionally mounted traveller control means, namely first traveller control means for rotating the angular positions of the travellers and second tra~eller control means for movin~ the travellers along the tracks. In such an embodiment, there is provided in -the corner junction assembly, both a first movemerlt transmission means adapted to transmit ro-tational movement between the first traveller control means and a second movement transmission means adapted to transmit rotational movement between the second traveller control means. Such first and second movement transmission means can both comprise flexible couplings supported b~
respective bearing means.
Alternatively, one of the first and second movement transmission means can comprise a flexible coupling supported by a bearin~ means and the other of the first and second movement transmission means can comprise interen~aged gear means.
In accordance with an alternative feature of :~L3~Z;~
this invention, there is provided a coxner ~lunction assembly for use in association with two adj~cent blind tracks, such tracks each being adap-ted to carry slat-carrying travellers and each having a rotatably mounted traveller control means, and which corner junction assembly can broadly be defined as comprising a first corner member; a second corner member pivotally connected to the first corner member to permit relative rotation thereof; track engagement means connected to respective ones of the first and second corner members for engagement with adjacent ends of respective ones of the tracks; and rotatable transmission means adap-ted to be coupled to and to -transmit rotational movement from one traveller control means in one blind track -to the corresponding traveller control means in -the other blind track.
Such a corner junction assembly is particularly useful for use in associa-tion with two ad~acent blind tracks, each comprising first and second ro-tationally mounted traveller control means, the firs-t traveller control means being provided for moving the travellers alon~ the blind track.s and the second traveller control mean.s bei.ng provided for rotating the travellers relative -to the blind tracks. Such a corner JUnCtion a.ssembly usefully comprises first and second flexible couplirlgs adapted to be coupled to and -to t,ransmi-t rotational movement bet~een the first and second tra~eller control means respectively.
I'he presen-t invention also embraces a blind apparatus adap-ted to be installed around at least one corner and comprising at least two lengths of blind track ~3~
meeting at such a corner; groups of trav~l.lers on each lellg-th ot` blind track, adapted to s:Lide therealong~ and adapted to support blind slats thereon; first traveller control means connected with the travellers in each length of track for moving -the travellers along the lengths of track; second traveller control means connected with the travellers in each length o~ -track for rotating the blind slats relative to the lengths of track; and a corner junction assembly at such corner, such corner junction assembly in turn comprising at least one bearing ring means; at least one bearin~ hub means making a captive frictional fit with the bearing ring means to permit relative rotation thereof; track engagement means connected to respective ones of the bearing ring means and the bearing hub means and engaging adjacent ends o~
respective ones of the lengths of track at such corner; a ~irst movement transmission means coupled to the firs-t traveller control means in each length of blind track to transmit movement therebe-tween; and a second movement transmission means coupled to the second traveller control means in each len~th of blind track to transmi-t movement therebe-tween;
The various features of novelty which characterize the invention are pointed out with more particularity in the claim.s annexed to and formin~ a part of this disclosure. E'or a better understanding of the invention, its operating advantages and specific objects attained by its use, reference should be had to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated and described preferred embodiments o~ the invention.
BR F~F~ l'ION OF T13E~ NIGS
The invention will now be described mer01y by way of illustration with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
Figure 1 is a general perspective illustration of one embodiment of a blind installation or apparatus in accordance with this invention, and shown as extending along three walls which meet at two corners;
Figure 2 is a bottom plan view, looking upwardly of one embodiment of a corner junction assembly as used in the blind assembly as shown in Figure 1 and with certain parts omitted.to reveal its internal construction;
Figur 3 is a sectional view when taken as indicated by the arrows 3-3 o E'igure 2;
E'igure 4 is an exploded perspective illustration of the corner junction assembly shown in Figu.res 1 to 3;
Figure 6 i5 a cut-away perspective view of the same corner junction assembly wi-th certain parts omitted;
' Figure 6 i5 a schematic perspective view of one embodiment of a -traveller and traveller control means ussd in the blind installation shown in the preceding i~ures;
Figure 7 is a schematic perspective view of a second embodimen-t of a traveller and control means which can be used in a blind installation in accordance with this invention;
Figure 8 is a perspective exploded illustration of a ~lexible coupling for use in a corner junction assembly in accordance with this invention;
Figure 9 is a perspective illustration of an ~. _9_ a3~
alternative form of coupling for use in this invention;
Figure 10 is an exploded sectional view when taken as indicated by the arrows 10-10 of Figure ~; and Figure 11 is a rea.r perspective illustra-tion of an alternative embodiment of a corner junction assembly in accordance with this invention.
DESCRIPTION OE THE PREFERRE.~ EMBODIMENTS
Referring first of all to Figure 1, it will be seen -that the invention is illustrated -therein as a blind installation moun-ted in a situation in which there are three wall surfaces indica-ted generally as W, meeting at two corners indlcated generally as C.
Typically, this represents a bay window installation. However, blinds may be used in bay windows, or may be used to cover other openlngs or other surfaces, and the invention is not to be taken as exclusively limited to use in association with bay windows or, in fact, windows of an kind.
A plural~ty, in this case, three, lengths of blind tracks generally indicated at 10, are shown mounted on the walls W, with the three lengths of -track 10 meeting at the two corners C.
From the -tracks 10 a plurality of slats 12 hang downwardly from the travellers 14.
Traveller control means are provided which, in this embodiment of the invention, are indicated as the control or pull cord 16 and the control rod 18. l'he cord 16 hangs downwardly at one end of one o~ the tracks 10 and is operative -to move the slats 12 along the tracks 10. The control rod 18 is rota-table by movement of a con-trol chain ~3~Z~
l9 to adJus-t the angular position of -the slats 12 relative to the tracks 10. The hanging portion of the cord 16 and -the control chain 19 are shown in a horizon-tal posi-tion in Figure 2 to clarify their func-tions~
It will be appreciated that thc showing of a control cord 16 and a control rod 18 are merelY
illustra-ted as the traveller con-trol means in general.
Various differen-t designs of traveller control means are possible and the invention is not i.n-tended to be restricted to any particular form of traveller control means.
The tracks 10 and sla-ts 12 may be of entirely conventional construct,ion, such as are well known in the art and are made by a number of different manufac-turers and are not, therefore, described in any detail, for the sake of clarity.
As shown generally in Figure 1, the three lengths of blind track 10 are Joined at the two c~rners C
by means of corner junction assemblies in accordance with this invention and as indicated generally at 20.
Referrin~ now to E'igure 4, the corner ~unc-tlon assembly 20 in accordance with the lnvention will be seen to compri.se five separate rnoulded components, namely an upper bearing ring member or means 22, an upper bearing hub member or means 24~ a lower bearing ring member or means 26, a lower bearin~ hub member or means 28, and a closure means or pla-te 30, provided for the sake of appearance.
Upper bearing ring member 22 comprises a generally annular bearing means 32, and an upstanding ~3~2Z2~
annular wall 34, forming an L-shaped structure in ~ection.
Along one side of the junc-tion between -the bearing means 32 and the wall 34, there is formed a downwardly dependent end plate 36, with a guidance opening or bearing 38 formed -therethrough.
A pair of generally rectangular track engagement means or mounting block members 4~ are also integrally formed with the upper bearing ring member 22 and extend more or less normal thereto on ei-ther side of the plate 36 to define openings 41 on either side thereof.
A bearing surface or arcuate guidance cuff 42 is formed in-tegrally with one of block members 40 and the annular bearing means 32. A guidance pulley 43 is mounted on a guidance wedge portion 44 formed integrally with the other of blocks 40. A screw recei~ing recess 45 is -formed in cuff 42.
The upper bearing hub member 24 comprises an annular bearing hub 46, having an upper free edge -terminating in a locking ring 48. Hub 46 and ring ~8 are intended to make a snap fit through the bearing means 32, and to be rotatable therein.
A fla-t dlsc-like plate 50 is formed integrally with the lower edge of the bearing hub 46. A generally partially cylindrically shaped downwardly dependent wall or cup member 52 extends downwardly from the perimeter of plate 50, -thus forming what may be called an inverted cup-shaped structure.
Fracture or break lines 54 (shown in Figure 4 but omitted from Figure 3) are provided in -the wall 52 for a purpose yet to be described.
--1~--:~3~Z~
A downwardly-dependent planar flange 58, havin~
a guidance opening or bearing means 60, is prvvided on plate 80 and has openings 61 on both sides for a reason ye-t to be described.
Two generally wedge-shapsd block portions 64 and 66 are formed on the exterior of the generally cylindrical wall 52. A screw-receiving recess 68 is usefully ~ormed in the block portion 64 for a reason yet to be described.
A ~uidance pulley 69 is mounted on block portion 66.
Track engagement means or mounting block members 70 are formed on respective blocks 64 and 66, ~or enga~ement with one of the blind tracks 10.
The lower bearing ring member 26 comprises an annular bearing ring 72, with an arcuate guidance cuff 74 formed therearound. An ~ttachmen-t flan~e 76 extends from the guidance cuff 74, and is usefully provided with a screw hole opening 78.
A screw 80 passes through opening 78 and is received in screw receiving recess 45 in cuff 42 of upper bearing ring member 22.
The lower bearing hub member 28 comprises a bearing hub ri.ng 82, having a-t its upper free edge a locking ring 84. Ring3 82 and 84 make a snap fi-t within bearing ring 72 of bearing ring member 26, and are rotatable rela-tive to one another. A generally outwardly-extending bearing flange 86 is formed around the lower ed~e of hub ring 82, and extends outwardly substantially normal thereto defining a generally L-shape in section. A downwardly-dependent annular wall 88 ~ -13-~3~ 2~
extends around the exterior of the ~lange ~6.
A moun-tin~ flange 90 is provided along one edge of flange 86, and h~s a screw receiving opening 92 for screw 94.
Screw 94 is intended to be received in recess 68 in block portion 64 o~ upper bearing hub member 24.
The flange 86 also defines a central opening 96 therethrough. In order to close this opening the closure plate 30 comprises a astening sleeve 98, with a lockin~
ring 100 adapted to make a snap fit within opening 96. A
generally flat disc-like pla-te 102 is moulded to the bottom edge of the sleeve 98.
Screws indicated as 104 may be fastened through suitable holes drilled in the end por-tions of -tracks 10, and such screws will then be received in screw recesses (no-t shown) formed in the respective block members 40 and 70.
In this way, the corner junction assembly can be connec-ted between two adjacen-t lengths o~ track 10 as shown in Figure 5, and the two lengths o~ track are then rendered swingable relative to one another, within the limits of the arc defined by the construction of the corner junction member.
- As is also shown in E'igure 3, -the traveller control means, namely the control cord 16 and the control rod 18, extend through respec-tive openings in the wall or cup metnber 52, and extend around the arc o~ the corner.
Pu.ll cords 16 are guided around the corner, by pulleys 43 and 69, and by a further pulley lOS mounted in the interior of the wall 52, typically by being fa~-tened -to ~3~12~
the underside o~ -the plate 50.
The control cord 16 runs throu~h the spaces on opposite sides O~e plate 36 and flange 58 and -there constitutes a movemen-t transmission means. Portions of wall 52 may be broken away, along lines 54, to allow free passage of the pull cords through the corner assembly 20.
Traveller engagement means such as buttons 107 are provided on cords 16, as described in U.S Patent 4,653,564, and require no -further description.
The control rods 18 may be coupled by means of a movement transmission means or flexible coupling 106, described below.
A typical traveller 14 used in this type of blind is shown in Figure 6.
Alternatively, however, the invention is equally applicable to blinds in which a modi-fied form of traveller 108, as shown in Figure 7, is used. In -this form of traveller a control rod 110 is provided, for a similar purpose to the control rod 18 in -the traveller 14; that is to say, the control rod llO ro-ta-tes the slats, ~5 does the control rod 18 ln -the embodiment O:e Figure 6.
~lowever, the travsllex 10~ dif~ers from the traveller 14 in that the pull cord 16 i5 replaced by a continuous screw rod 112. The interior o~ -the traveller is so constructed that by -the rotation of the screw rod 112 the travellers are caused to move to and fro along the track.
The details of such travellers are well known to persons skilled in the art and require no further description.
~3t~Z~
In this form of the invention, two flexible coupLings 114 and 116 would be provided in each corner:
one joining two control rods 110 and, one joining two screw rods 112. The two flexible couplings would be similar to the single flexible coupling 106 shown i~
Figures 2, 3 and 8.
'l'he flexible coupling 106 is shown in more detail in Figure 8, from which it will be seen to comprise A len~th of helical wound spring wire 120, the two ends of which are embedded in identical coupling members or drive hubs 122 which are rela-tively elongated and which fit, with a certain degree of clearance, within openings or bearing means 38 and 60 of the corner ring member 22 and the bearing hub member 24 respectively (see Figure 3).
Collars 124 are formed on hubs 122 and act as thrust plates, so as to ensure that the hubs 122 remain in the correct position, and rotate freely.
The free ends of hubs 122 are provided with splined recesses 126, to receive adjacent ends of the two control rods 13.
The spring portion 120 is 1ex.ible (as shown in phantom) and will normally be straigh-t, and can 'be flexed to fit around the desired angle to which the corner junction assembly 20 is set.
An alternative ~orm of movement transmission means is shown in Figures 9 and 10.
As shown in Figure 9, a movement transmission means indicated generallY as 130 comprises -two crown gear wheels 132a, 132b each having identical teeth 134 formed thereon. The teeth 134 are formed essentially as pins or 13t;~22;2~
rods, with reinforcing web portions 136 (Figure lO) extending therefrom at an angle. Both crown wheels 132 are formed with a splined recess 138 to receive tho end o~
the respective control rod 18. Within each recess 138, there is provided a spring 140.
The effect of the two springs 140 is to urge the two gear wheels 132a and 132b in-to engagement with one ano-ther at the various different angles to which the corner assembly may be set.
In the embodiment of Fi~ures 1, 2 and 3, the trclck 10 is shown in which the travellers and all of the moving parts are contained inside the tracks.
However, there are certain manufacturers who manufacture tracks in which some of the controls are arranged exteriorly of the track.
One such ~orm of track is shown in Figure 11 as 150.
In this case, -the -travellers, (not shown) are located within the track in essen-tially the same wa~ as is shown in Eigure 2. In addition, control rods (not shown) are arranged within the tracks.
In the form of track shown in Figure 11, however, the manufacturer has chosen to provide flexible control elements 152 which are located externally on the concealed or rearward side of the tracks 150. The control elemen-ts 152 are attached to traveller brackets 154 connecting with the lead travellers in each group.
The traveller brackets 154 extend throu~h slots 156.
In the case of this form of track, the present ~3~
invention provides a modified ~orm of corner assembly indicated generally as 160.
The corner ~junc-tion assem~ly 160 is made substantially as shown in Figures 3 and 4, but without -the interior pulleys -for guidin~ the flexible elements.
Instead, exterior pulle~ mounting brackets 162 are provided on the rearward or concealed side of -the corner 160, ha~ing pulleys 184 mounted thereon.
Two pulleys are provided for each of the flexible elements making a total of four in all.
The two pulley mounting brackets 162 are attached to the corner assembly 160 in such a way that when the corner assembly is swung to a desired angular position, -the pulley mounting brackets 162 will also swing apart ~rom one another. Thus the pulleys 164 will remain in cngagement with the flexible elements at all times.
~3~ZZ~9 SUPELEM~L__Y _ S LOSUE~
It has now been found that. when a corner ~iunc-tion assembly in accordance with this inven-tion is provided with a fl0xible coupling as hereinbe-fore described. such a flexible coupling is usefully adap-ted to be connected -to the -traveller control means for con.joint rotation therewith but in such a manner that axial movemen-t of the flexible couplin~ relative to at least one of the traveller control means is possible to accommodate different an~ular positions of the blind tracks.
When a corner ~iunction assemblY in accordance wi-th this invention is provided with a ~ear means as a movement transmission means. the need for relative axial movement o~ the ~ear means and the traveller control means durin~ movement of -the blind tracks into different an~ular positions can be elimina-ted if such ~ear means are disposed for rotational movement through a rotational axial position of the corner .~unction assemblY.
When a corner ~lunction assembly in accordance with this invention :Ls provided for use with 'blind tracks in each of which there are two such rotationall,Y mounted traveller control means~ namelY fi.rst traveller contro].
means for rotatin~ the an~ular positions of the travellers and second traveller control means for movin~ the travellers along the tracks. one of the -two movemen-t transmission means usefullY comprises a flexible couplin~
supported by a bearing means and the other of the two movement transmission means usefullY comprises interengaged gear means.
1 g-~3(~ 9 Those further fea-tures o~ the present invention will now be described merely by way of illustration with re-ference to Figure 12 of the accompanying drawings which ~igure i5 a sectional view through another embodiment of a corner .jùnction assembly in accordance wi-th -the invention.
In Fi~ure 12~ there is indica-ted generally a-t 170 a corner ~iunction assembly for use with tracks 172 housing control rods 110 for changing the rotational position of the slats and screw rods 112 for moving the slats along the tracks.
Ro-tational movement is transferred in -the corner ,iunc-tion assembl~ 170 between the control rods 110 in essentially the same manner as already described with re-~erence to the embodiment shown in Figures 9 and 10.
In the embodimen-t shown in Figure 12, the control rods 110 pass through inner bearin~ members 174 havin~ splined axial bores 176 receiving the control rods 110 for co-xotation therewith. The inner bearin~ members 174 are rota-tably received within bores 178 formed ln fixed mounting sleeves 180. The ends of the control rods 110 are secured in openings in crown ~ear wheels 184a and 18~b having teeth 185 b~ set screws 186. It has been -found that~ by disposing -the drive transfer members so that the teeth 134 ro-tate throu~h a position which lies essentially on the rotational axis 187 of thè corner ,iunction assembl~ 170. the need ~or relative axial movement o~ the control rods 110 and -the crown gear wheels 28 184a and 184b is eliminated. Consequently, in this --~0--~3~2~2~
particulax embodiment. there i5 no need for the compression springs 140 as shown in Figure 10.
Similarly. rotational movemqnt is transferred in the corner junction assembly 170 between the screw rods 112 in essentiall~ the same manner as already d~scribed with reference to Fi~urs 8 using a flexible couplin~
indicated generally at 188. From Figure 12, it will be seen that the flexible coupling 188 comprises a length of helically wound spring wire 190, the ends of which are anchored in couplings 192 which are. in turn. mounted for limited axial movemen-t in bores in drive hubs 194 The couplings 192 and -the bores in the drive hubs 194 have corresponding non-circular cross-sectional shapes. for example, hexagonal, to ensure conjoint rotation of the couplings 192 and the drive hubs 194.
The drive hubs 194 are provided wit~ axially spaced apart annular grooves 195 and 196 which receive corresponding ribs 198 provided on the corner ~unction assembly 170 to permi-t eree rota-tion of the hubs 194.
In ad.justirlg the angular position of the tracks 172, the couplings 192 move within the drive hubs 194. In the event that it is desired to position the tracks 172 at a relatively small angle, the drive hubs can be moved wi-thin the corner .-JImction assembly 170 so that the ribs 19~ are disposed within -the recesses 195 rather than the recesses 196 as actuallY shown in Figure 12. This is effective to separa-te the drive hubs 194 a sufficient dis-tance to permit the required separation of the couplings 192.
The drive hubs 194 are secured to the screw rods a3(~
112 by set screws 199.
The foregoing is a description of a preerred embodiment of the invention which is given here by way of example only. l'he invention is not to be -taken as limited to anY of the specific features as described. but comprehends all such varia-tions thereof as comé within the scope of the appended claims.
Claims (29)
1. A corner junction assembly for use in association with window coverings supported on two adjacent rails, said rails each having at least one movable window covering control means, said corner junction assembly comprising:
upper and lower annular bearing ring means defining respective bearing openings;
respective upper and lower annular bearing hub means rotationally engaged within respective bearing openings in said bearing ring means to permit relative rotation thereof about a common axis;
respective locking rings formed integrally with respective said bearing hub means and making a rotatable captive pressure fit within respective said bearing ring means;
rail engagement means connected to respective ones of said bearing ring means and said bearing hub means for engagement with adjacent ends of respective ones of said rails, and, means attached to said corner junction assembly for facilitating operation of said control means around said corner.
upper and lower annular bearing ring means defining respective bearing openings;
respective upper and lower annular bearing hub means rotationally engaged within respective bearing openings in said bearing ring means to permit relative rotation thereof about a common axis;
respective locking rings formed integrally with respective said bearing hub means and making a rotatable captive pressure fit within respective said bearing ring means;
rail engagement means connected to respective ones of said bearing ring means and said bearing hub means for engagement with adjacent ends of respective ones of said rails, and, means attached to said corner junction assembly for facilitating operation of said control means around said corner.
2. A corner junction assembly as claimed in Claim 1 and including an opening in one of said upper and lower bearing hub means, and, removable closure means closing said opening.
3. A corner junction assembly as claimed in Claim 2 wherein said closure means comprises a locking ring making a captive snap fit within said opening.
4. A corner junction assembly as claimed in Claim 1 and including a downwardly dependent arcuate cup member formed integrally with said upper bearing hub means, and a bearing surface of corresponding shape, formed on said upper bearing ring means and guidingly engaging the exterior of said cup member.
5. A corner junction assembly as claimed in Claim 4 wherein said cup member is formed with a plurality of fracture lines parallel to one another at spaced intervals therearound, whereby portions of said cup member may be broken away during installation of said corner junction assembly with said rails to accommodate different angular positions of said rails.
6. A corner junction assembly as claimed in Claim 3 and wherein said lower bearing ring means is formed separately from said upper bearing ring means and is secured thereto for conjoint rotational movement therewith, and wherein said lower bearing hub means is formed separately from said upper bearing hub means and is secured thereto for conjoint rotational movement therewith.
7. A corner junction assembly as claimed in Claim 1 wherein said rail engagement means comprise block members formed on said bearing ring means and said bearing hub means, and adapted to fit into ends of adjacent said rails.
8. A corner junction assembly as claimed in Claim 1 and in which said control means comprises at least one length of control cord in each of said rails and at least one pulley for guiding said control cord.
9. A corner junction assembly as claimed in Claim 8 wherein said at least one pulley is located externally of said bearing ring means and said bearing hub means.
10. A corner junction assembly as claimed in Claim 1 for use with rails in which said control means are rotationally mounted and including movement transmission means adapted to transmit rotational movement between said control means of said two rails.
11. A corner junction assembly as claimed in Claim 10, in which said movement transmission means comprises a flexible coupling and which comprises at least one bearing means supporting said flexible coupling.
12. A corner junction assembly as claimed in Claim 11 and in which said flexible coupling is adapted to be connected to said control means for conjoint rotation therewith and in such a manner that axial movement of said flexible coupling relative to at least one said control means is possible to accommodate different angular positions of said rails.
13. A corner junction assembly as claimed in Claim 10 and in which said movement transmission means comprises interengaged gear means adapted to be secured to ends of said control means of said rails for conjoint rotation therewith.
14. A corner junction assembly as claimed in Claim 13 and in which said gear means are adapted to be secured to said ends of said control means for conjoint rotation therewith while permitting axial movement of said gears means relative to at least one of said movement transmission means to accommodate different angular positions of said rails.
15. A corner junction assembly as claimed in Claim 14 and in which each at least one said gear means comprises spring means adapted to maintain said gear means in engagement with each other over various angular positions of said rail.
16. A corner junction assembly as claimed in Claim 13 and in which said gear means are disposed for rotational movement through a rotational axial position of said corner junction assembly to eliminate the need for relative axial movement of said gear means and said control means during movement of said rails into different angular positions.
17. A corner junction assembly as claimed in Claim 10 wherein said rails support travellers and in each of which there are two said rotationally mounted control means, namely first control means for rotating the angular positions of the travellers and second traveller control means for moving the travellers along said rails and in which corner junction assembly there is a first said movement transmission means adapted to transmit rotational movement between said first traveller control means and a second said movement transmission means adapted to transmit rotational movement between said second traveller control means.
18. A corner junction assembly as claimed in Claim 17 and in which each of said first and second movement transmission means comprises a flexible coupling supported by a said respective bearing means.
19. A corner junction assembly for use in association with window coverings supported on two adjacent rails, said rails each having first and second movable window covering control means, said corner junction assembly comprising;
at least one annular bearing ring means;
at least one annular bearing hub means rotationally engaged with said bearing ring means to permit relative rotation thereof;
rail engagement means connected to respective ones of said bearing ring means and said bearing hub means for engagement with adjacent ends of respective ones of said rails, and first and second movement transmission means for facilitating operation of said control means around said corner, and in which one of said first and second movement transmission means comprises flexible coupling means supported by a bearing means and in which the other of said first and second movement transmission means comprises inter-engaged gear means.
at least one annular bearing ring means;
at least one annular bearing hub means rotationally engaged with said bearing ring means to permit relative rotation thereof;
rail engagement means connected to respective ones of said bearing ring means and said bearing hub means for engagement with adjacent ends of respective ones of said rails, and first and second movement transmission means for facilitating operation of said control means around said corner, and in which one of said first and second movement transmission means comprises flexible coupling means supported by a bearing means and in which the other of said first and second movement transmission means comprises inter-engaged gear means.
20. A window covering assembly adapted to be installed around at least one corner and comprising:
at least two lengths of rail meeting at said corner adapted to support window coverings;
at least one control means in each said length of track for controlling said window coverings; and a corner junction assembly at said corner, said corner junction assembly in turn comprising:
at least one bearing ring means;
at least one bearing hub means making a captive frictional fit with said bearing ring means to permit relative rotation thereof;
engagement means connected to respective ones of said bearing ring means and said bearing hub means and engaging adjacent ends of respective ones of said lengths of rail at said corner, and, inter-engaged gear means for transmitting movement of at least one of said control means from one said length of rail to the other.
at least two lengths of rail meeting at said corner adapted to support window coverings;
at least one control means in each said length of track for controlling said window coverings; and a corner junction assembly at said corner, said corner junction assembly in turn comprising:
at least one bearing ring means;
at least one bearing hub means making a captive frictional fit with said bearing ring means to permit relative rotation thereof;
engagement means connected to respective ones of said bearing ring means and said bearing hub means and engaging adjacent ends of respective ones of said lengths of rail at said corner, and, inter-engaged gear means for transmitting movement of at least one of said control means from one said length of rail to the other.
21. A window covering assembly as claimed in Claim 20 wherein said window covering assembly is a vertical blind assembly having travellers moving in said rails, and including first and second control means for said travellers.
CLAIMS SUPPORTED BY THE SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE
CLAIMS SUPPORTED BY THE SUPPLEMENTARY DISCLOSURE
22. A blind apparatus as claimed in Claim 21 wherein said first traveller control means comprises a control cord movable along said tracks'to move said slats therealong and in which said first movement transmission means comprises a length of said control cord integrally formed therewith and extending through said corner junction assembly and at least one pulley in said corner junction assembly guiding said control cord.
23. A blind apparatus as claimed in Claim 19 wherein at least one of said first and second traveller control means comprises control rods rotatably mounted in said lengths of track and in which a respective one of said first and second movement transmission means is adapted to transmit rotational movement between said control rods.
24. A blind apparatus as claimed in Claim 19 and in which said respective one of said first and second movement transmission means comprises a flexible coupling and in which said corner junction assembly comprises at least one bearing means supporting said flexible coupling.
25. A blind apparatus as claimed in Claim 24, in which both said first and second traveller control means comprise control rods rotatably mounted in each said length of blind track, in which both said first and second movement transmis-sion means comprise flexible couplings and in which said cor-ner junction assembly comprises at least one bearing support-ing a respective said flexible coupling.
26. A blind apparatus as claimed in Claim 25 and in which at least one of said flexible couplings is connected to respective ones of said first and second control rods for conjoint rotation therewith but in such a manner that axial movement of said flexible coupling relative to said control rods is possible to accommodate different angular positions of said lengths of blind track.
27. A blind apparatus as claimed in Claim 23 and in which said respective one of said first and second movement transmission means comprises interengaged gear means secured to ends of said control rods for conjoint rotation therewith.
28. A blind apparatus as claimed in Claim 27 and in which said gear means are secured to said ends of said con-trol rods for conjoint rotation therewith while permitting axial movement of said gear means relative to at least one of said control rods to permit different angular positions of said lengths of blind track.
29. A blind apparatus as claimed in Claim 27 and in which said gear means are disposed for rotational movement through a rotational axial position of said corner junction assembly to eliminate the need for relative axial movement of said gear means during movement of said lengths of blind track into different angular positions.
Priority Applications (6)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000560141A CA1302229C (en) | 1988-02-29 | 1988-02-29 | Swingable junction for blind tracks |
| AT89300023T ATE78553T1 (en) | 1988-02-29 | 1989-01-04 | ROTATING CONNECTION FOR STORE RAIL. |
| DE8989300023T DE68902154D1 (en) | 1988-02-29 | 1989-01-04 | ROTATING CONNECTION FOR STORE RAIL. |
| EP89300023A EP0331273B1 (en) | 1988-02-29 | 1989-01-04 | Swingable junction for blind track |
| JP1035211A JPH01295988A (en) | 1988-02-29 | 1989-02-16 | Corner coupler for blind rail |
| AU30230/89A AU606784B2 (en) | 1988-02-29 | 1989-02-22 | Swingable junction for blind track |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000560141A CA1302229C (en) | 1988-02-29 | 1988-02-29 | Swingable junction for blind tracks |
Publications (1)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| CA1302229C true CA1302229C (en) | 1992-06-02 |
Family
ID=4137534
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| CA000560141A Expired - Lifetime CA1302229C (en) | 1988-02-29 | 1988-02-29 | Swingable junction for blind tracks |
Country Status (6)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| EP (1) | EP0331273B1 (en) |
| JP (1) | JPH01295988A (en) |
| AT (1) | ATE78553T1 (en) |
| AU (1) | AU606784B2 (en) |
| CA (1) | CA1302229C (en) |
| DE (1) | DE68902154D1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7278345B2 (en) | 2003-07-01 | 2007-10-09 | Springs Window Fashions, Llc | Blind trimming apparatus |
Families Citing this family (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KR100450442B1 (en) * | 2001-07-14 | 2004-10-06 | 신성종합건축사사무소(주) | Easily portable vertical blinds |
| JP5757524B2 (en) * | 2011-09-02 | 2015-07-29 | 株式会社ニチベイ | Blind interlocking mechanism |
| JP6510252B2 (en) * | 2015-01-30 | 2019-05-08 | 立川ブラインド工業株式会社 | Shielding device and its installation method |
| KR102542293B1 (en) * | 2016-12-27 | 2023-06-12 | 엘마 루델스토퍼 | omnidirectional treadmill |
Family Cites Families (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CA1222689A (en) * | 1984-06-29 | 1987-06-09 | Shade-O-Matic Ltd. | Track for blinds |
| US4653564A (en) * | 1984-07-06 | 1987-03-31 | Norbert Marocco | Track for blinds |
-
1988
- 1988-02-29 CA CA000560141A patent/CA1302229C/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
-
1989
- 1989-01-04 AT AT89300023T patent/ATE78553T1/en not_active IP Right Cessation
- 1989-01-04 EP EP89300023A patent/EP0331273B1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1989-01-04 DE DE8989300023T patent/DE68902154D1/en not_active Expired - Lifetime
- 1989-02-16 JP JP1035211A patent/JPH01295988A/en active Pending
- 1989-02-22 AU AU30230/89A patent/AU606784B2/en not_active Expired
Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US7278345B2 (en) | 2003-07-01 | 2007-10-09 | Springs Window Fashions, Llc | Blind trimming apparatus |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| AU606784B2 (en) | 1991-02-14 |
| AU3023089A (en) | 1989-08-31 |
| EP0331273B1 (en) | 1992-07-22 |
| EP0331273A3 (en) | 1989-11-23 |
| EP0331273A2 (en) | 1989-09-06 |
| ATE78553T1 (en) | 1992-08-15 |
| DE68902154D1 (en) | 1992-08-27 |
| JPH01295988A (en) | 1989-11-29 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| MKEX | Expiry |