CA2671808A1

CA2671808A1 - Vertical blind decoration and associated method and manufacturing system

Info

Publication number: CA2671808A1
Application number: CA 2671808
Authority: CA
Inventors: Joseph Foster
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2009-07-10
Filing date: 2009-07-10
Publication date: 2009-09-30

Abstract

A decoration for attachment to a blind system. The blind system is for example a vertical blind system for providing sun-protection or privacy at a window, and includes a number louvers installed in a generally parallel configuration. The decoration includes a number of sheets corresponding to each louver in the blind system, each sheet having an exterior face including thereon a design image, and an interior face for example having an adhesive surface or is formed of electrostatic film. Each of the design images on each of the plurality of sheets form a composite design image when the sheets are attached to each of the installed plurality of louvers. A method and manufacturing system are also described for producing of the decoration.

Description

i .

TITLE: VERICAL BLIND DECORATION AND ASSOCIATED METHOD AND
MANUFACTURING SYSTEM

FIELD
[0001] Example embodiments described herein relate generally to window dressings such as blind systems. More particularly, example embodiments relate to a decoration system for such blinds systems.

BACKGROUND

[0002] A blind system is typically installed at a window or desired coverage area of a room in a building complex, and includes a number of elongate and flat louvers configured in a generally parallel configuration and which are individually or collectively controllable, as would be understood in the art. For example, the louvers may be controlled so as to expose their flat edges, providing partial or full shading of light entering or exiting at the window. Similarly, the louvers may be controlled so as to expose their narrow edges, permitting some light to enter or exit at the window. In many systems, the louvers may also be retracted or moved to one end of the window so as to permit maximum light to enter or exit at the window.

[0003] Many louvers are finished and may be coloured (if at all) at the manufacturer level. The colour or design of the louver may be difficult to modify at the manufacturer level or once manufactured.

SUMMARY

[0004] Present example embodiments relate to a decoration system for attachment to a blind system. The decoration system includes at least one sheet having an exterior face including thereon a design image. The sheet may be .

attached or adhered to a louver of the blind system. The sheet may be generally dimensioned to a size of the louver face.

[0005] In an example embodiment, there is provided a decoration system for attachment to a blind system, for example a vertical blind system. The blind system includes a number louvers installed in a generally parallel configuration, wherein the face of each louvers collectively form a collective face when installed.
The decoration system includes a number of sheets corresponding to each louver in the blind system, each sheet having an exterior face including thereon a design image, and an interior face for example having an adhesive surface or static film.
Each of the design images on each of the plurality of sheets form a composite design image at or on the collective face when each of the plurality of sheets are attached to each of the plurality of louvers when installed, respectively.

[0006] In another embodiment, there is provided a decorative blind system, including a blind system including a plurality of louvers each having at least one louver face, wherein the plurality of louvers are installable in a generally parallel configuration, and wherein the at least one face of each of the plurality of louvers collectively define a collective face when installed in said generally parallel configuration, each at least one face including thereon a design image, wherein each of the design images form a composite design image at the collective face when the plurality of louvers are installed.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0007] Embodiments will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which like reference numerals are used to indicate similar features, and in which:

[0008] Figure 1 shows a perspective view of an installed decorative blind system in accordance with an example embodiment, including a decoration system and a vertical blind system;

[0009] Figure 2 shows a front side view of a composite sheet having a composite design image for attaching to the decorative blind system of Figure 1 in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0010] Figure 3 shows the composite sheet of Figure 2 separated into individual sheets;

[0011] Figure 4 shows perspective view of another composite sheet having a composite design image for attaching to the decorative blind system of Figure 1 in accordance with another example embodiment;

[0012] Figure 5 shows a diagrammatic view of a manufacturing system for producing the decorative blind system of Figure 1 in accordance with an example embodiment;

[0013] Figure 6 shows a perspective view of another example embodiment of a decoration system, illustrating an overlap feature between two sheets attached onto adjacent louvers when installed;

[0014] Figure 7 shows an exploded perspective view of the two sheets attached to the adjacent louvers of Figure 6;

[0015] Figure 8 shows a front side view of a composite sheet including the two sheets of Figure 6;

[0016] Figure 9 shows a perspective view of another example embodiment of an installed decorative blind system, illustrating installed louvers having various installed lengths; and [0017] Figure 10 shows a perspective view of another example embodiment of a decorative blind system including a horizontal blind system.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0018] Blind systems may be present in windows of many residential or commercial units within building complexes. In such building complexes, certain policies or_ by-laws may impose restrictions on such blind systems, in that owners are restricted from removing or replacing the blinds in their unit. These blinds are typically to remain a consistent colour when viewed from an exterior, e.g., outside of a window or glass doorway. Often, the colour is a neutral colour such as gray, white, etc.

[0019] It is recognized herein that, in some instances, a user or contractor may wish to provide a design onto the louvers, and in particular onto a face of the louvers. It would be advantageous to provide customization of such a design without having to modify the manufacturing process of the louvers, which could be costly and cumbersome.

[0020] In another example, many blind systems are installed by first providing standard-sized louvers which are available in a standard length, and which require further cutting or re-sizing for installation. Such cutting may be used to accommodate variations in window sizes and obstructions such as bulkheads, HVAC systems, plumbing, etc. It would be cumbersome to accommodate such variations in installation at the manufacturing level of the louvers.

[0021] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to provide a decoration system which addresses at least some of the above-noted difficulties.

[0022] Present example embodiments relate to a decoration system for attachment to a blind system. The decoration system includes at least one sheet having an exterior face including thereon a design image, and a louver engaging face for attaching to a louver of the blind system.

[0023] In an example embodiment, there is generally provided a decoration system for attachment to a blind system, for example a vertical blind system.
The blind system includes a number louvers installed in a generally parallel configuration, wherein the face of each louvers collectively form a collective face when installed. The decoration system includes a number of sheets corresponding to each louver in the blind system, each sheet having an exterior face including thereon a design image, and an interior face for example having an adhesive surface or static film. Each of the design images on each of the plurality of sheets form a composite design image at the collective face when each of the plurality of sheets are attached to each of the plurality of louvers when installed, respectively.

[0024] Reference is first made to Figure 1, which shows a decorative blind system 20 in accordance with an example embodiment, as installed within a room 22 of a building structure. Generally, the decorative blind system 20 includes a decoration system 24 and a vertical blind system 26, wherein the decoration system 24 generally includes a number of sheets (collectively or individually 28) for attaching to the vertical blind system 26, for displaying a composite design image thereon.

[0025] As in many typical rooms, the room 22 may include at least one wall 30 separating an interior from an exterior environment of the room 22, and a window 32 (shown partially covered by the blind system 26 in Figure 1) of a height H and including a transparent or semi-transparent glass (covered by the blind system 26 in Figure 1), which for example permits light to enter and exit the room 22.

[0026] The vertical blind system 26 includes a blind housing 34 which is coupled to a number of elongate and louvers (individually or collectively 36) generally installed in a vertically parallel configuration. The louvers 36 may for example be formed of plastic, wood, etc. A number of mounting members 38 are used to connect the louvers 36 to the blind housing 34. The mounting members may for example include clip members 40 which engage a top of each of the louvers 36. The louvers 36 may also have defined therein an aperture 42 for receiving of the clip members 40.

[0027] The blind housing 34 may include or house a blind control mechanism (not shown), which for example may be used to individually or collectively control the louvers 36. Such blind control mechanisms are known in the art and not described in detail herein. For example, the blind control mechanism (not shown) may rotate the louvers 36 along an axis defined by the respective mounting members 38. In many blind systems, the louvers 36 are restricted to be rotated, for example from 0 to about 90 degrees or 0 to about 180 degrees. The louvers may be controlled to be in a mode of operation so as to expose their flat edges (as shown), providing privacy or partial or full shading of light entering or exiting at the window 32. In such a mode, an exterior face (one indicated as 37) of the louvers 36 may collectively define a collective face. Similarly, the louvers 36 may be controlled to be in another mode of operation, so as to expose their narrow edges, permitting some light to enter or exit at the window 32. In many systems, the louvers 36 may also be retracted or moved to one end 44 of the window 32 so as to permit maximum light to enter or exit at the window 32. As would be readily understood by those skilled in the art, the blind control mechanism (not shown) may be coupled to a chain loop mechanism 46 for controlling of the rotation of the louvers 36, and may be coupled to a string loop mechanism 48 for controlling of retracting of the louvers 36. Other variations of blind systems are also possible in some example embodiments. For example, some blind systems include louvers which are fixed in rotation or are not capable of retraction.

[0028] For installation of the louvers 36, in many instances the louvers 36 are originally provided in a standard length (typically longer than the height H
of the window 32), for example so that they may be mass produced at the manufacturer level. The louvers 36 are required to be cut or trimmed for installation, for example by cutting to a length which is generally in proportion to the height H of the window 32.

[0029] The decoration system 24 includes a plurality of sheets 28a, 28b, ..., 28h which generally correspond to each louver 36a, 36b, ..., 36h, respectively, when attached. Generally, each sheet 28 may be initially provided separately to the louvers 36 and thereafter attached to a face (one indicated as 37) of each louver 36, for displaying a composite design image thereon. For purposes of illustration and ease of understanding only, sheet 28a is shown as being lifted i r slightly upwards so as to expose the louver 36a. The sheets 28 may for example be formed of a paper-based or plastic material.

[0030] Reference is now made to Figure 3, which shows the decoration system 24 in greater detail. Each sheet 28 is separate to the louvers 36 prior to attachment. Each sheet 28 includes an exterior face 50 and an interior face 52 (also referred to as a louver engaging face). As shown, each exterior face 50 includes thereon a design image. The design images collectively form a composite design image. In some instances, the composite design image includes a continuous image which spans.the various louvers 36, for example, as shown, an image of a baby holding balloons. The interior face 52 of each sheet 28 includes an attachment mechanism, such as an adhesive surface, for corresponding attachment to each of the faces (one indicated as 37) of the louvers 36. To facilitate packaging and transport of the sheets 28, another sheet of wax paper 70 (shown partially removed) of a similar size may be provided on the interior face in order to preserve the adhesive surface. The wax paper 70 is removed by peeling away prior to adhering of the sheets 28 to the louvers 36. As shown, the design images on each of the sheets 28 form a continuous design image at the collective face of the louvers 36 when each of the sheets 28 are attached thereto.

[0031] Referring now to Figure 2, the sheets 28 may comprise part of a larger composite sheet 60. The composite sheet 60 includes the sheets 28 being connected at connection edges 62 at the long edges of each of the sheets 28.
As shown, the composite sheet 60 may include an exterior border 68 which is formed slightly larger than the size of the individual sheets 28. The connection edges 62 are showed by way of dashed lines (for illustration), which may be printed thereon in a lighter tone in some embodiments. In other embodiments, the dashed lines are printed onto the interior face 52 of the sheets 28 (or the wax paper 70), so as not to obstruct the composite image when displayed. In other embodiments, the dashed lines are not actually printed thereon, but rather cut-line indicators 64 are included in the exterior border 68 and exterior to the sheets 28 for indicating where cuts are to be made. In addition, the exterior border 68 may further include crop lines 66 for cutting around a border of the sheets 28. This for example allows for "bleeding" of the composite design image, as would be understood in the art.

[0032] Referring again to Figures 2 and 3, the composite sheet 60 may therefore be cut at the cut line indicators 64 to arrive at the individual sheets 28, shown separated in Figure 3.

[0033] Reference is now made to Figure 4, which shows another composite sheet 80 in the form of a rolled configuration in accordance with another example embodiment of the decoration system 24. Similar reference numbers may be used for convenience and ease of reference. In the example shown in Figure 4, the sheets 28 may comprise part of a larger composite sheet 80, in this example configured in a rolled configuration. The composite sheet 60 includes the sheets 28 being connected at detachable connection edges 82 located at the short edges of each of the sheets 28. The connection edges 82 are showed by way of dashed lines (for illustration), which may for example represent a perforation or scoring for ease of separation. For example, scoring may assist in separating the sheets 28 by bending back-and-forth at the scoring mark. In other embodiments, the dashed lines are printed thereon as cut-lines. Again, the plurality of sheets 28a, 28b, ..., 28h generally correspond to each louver 36a, 36b, ..., 36h, respectively, when attached thereto.

[0034] A tubular cardboard insert 86 may also be used to assist in rolling of the composite sheet 80 and maintaining the shape thereof. Wax paper 84 may also cover the interior face 52, for protecting of the adhesive surface prior to attachment (as described above).

[0035] Referring now to Figures 3 and 4, the composite sheet 80 may therefore be separated at the connection edges 82 to arrive at the individual sheets 28, shown as separated in Figure 3.

[0036] Referring again to Figure 1, the end result of attachment of the sheets 28 to the louvers 36 is a design image on the exterior face of the louvers 36, wherein each of the design images form a composite design image when the louvers 36 are installed.

[0037] Reference is now made to Figure 5, which shows a manufacturing system 100 for producing of the decoration system 24. The manufacturing system 100 includes a computer device 102 including a processor for processing of an image file 104 stored in a memory of the computer device 102. In some example embodiments, the computer device 102 includes a general purpose computer having a suitable application being stored and executed thereon. The processor is configured for dividing the image file 104 into a plurality of design images, for printing onto the composite sheet 60, 80. For example, the image file 104 may be separated into the separate design images by specifying a desired height and width of the sheet 28 to be derived from the composite sheet 60, 80 (e.g., a measured width and height of the corresponding louver 36). The processor may also scale the image file 104 to dimensions of the collective face of the louvers 36 (e.g., measured collective height and width), if necessary. The manufacturing system 100 further includes a printer system 106 in communication with and under control of the computer device 102. The printer system 106 receives instructions from the computer device 102, for printing of the design images onto the composite sheet 60, 80. As can be appreciated from the above-described embodiments, each of the design images on each of the sheets 28 form the composite design image corresponding to the image file 104, for displaying at the collective face of the louvers 36 when installed. The printer system 106 may also be configured to print cut line indicators as appropriate (discussed above).

[0038] In some example embodiments, a cutter system 108 is also provided which may be used to cut the composite sheet 60 into the individual sheets 28, and to cut perforations or scoring as appropriate (discussed above). The cutter system 108 may also be used to cut a length of the sheets 28 to match a length of the target louver 36. Referring briefly to Figure 1, the cutter system 108 may also for example be used to create perforations or scoring on the sheets 28 to accommodate the obstruction created by the attachment of the clip members 40 (or other obstructions). In some instances, the cutter system 108 may be used to cut the louvers 36 themselves (for example to accommodate the window height H
(Figure 1)). The cutter system 108 may be controlled by the computer device 102, or may be a manually operated system.

[0039] In some example embodiments, it can be appreciated that the printer system 106 may for example include suitable printings systems such as toner-based printing, offset-printing, screen-based printing, etc., as would be understood in the art.

[0040] Accordingly, an installation process or method will now be described in accordance with some example embodiments, referring to Figures 1 to 5. The louvers 36 may be provided as a standard size, and the process includes cutting a len.gth of the louvers 36 to the height H of the window 32. Next, the process includes inputting and/or storing the desired image file 104 into memory of the computer system 102 and accessing the desired image file 104 from the computer system 102. The process includes processing the image file 104 by dividing said image file 104 into a plurality of design images and scaling if necessary. The process includes printing the design images onto the exterior faces 50 of each of the sheets 28 corresponding to each louver 36, by printing onto the composite sheet 60, 80. The printing may also include printing cut-line indicators as discussed above. The sheet may also be cut to create perforations, scoring, etc., if necessary.
The composite sheet 60, 80 may then be separated or cut in order to provide the separate individual sheets 28. Each sheet 28 may then be adhered to the corresponding faces of each of the louvers 36. After which, the louvers 36 may be installed or mounted by attaching to the clip members 40. Accordingly, as shown in Figure 1, each of the design images on each of the sheets 28 form the composite design image at or on the collective face of the louvers 36 when installed.

[0041] In other example embodiments, the louvers 36 are first installed onto the clip members 36, and after which the sheets 28 are adhered to the louvers 36.

[0042] While the operations have been described as occurring in a particular order, it will be appreciated to persons skilled in the art that some of the steps or processes may be performed in a different order provided that the result of the changed order of any given step will not prevent or impair the occurrence of subsequent steps. Furthermore, some of the steps or processes described above may be removed or combined in other embodiments, and some of the steps described above may be separated into a number of sub-steps in other embodiments. Even further, some or all of the steps or processes may be repeated, as necessary.

[0043] Reference is now made to Figures 6 to 8, which shows part of an installed decorative blind system 120 illustrating an overlapping feature in accordance with an example embodiment. The decorative blind system 120 (only partially shown) may include a first louver 122 and a second louver 124, each having attached thereon a first sheet 126 and a second sheet 128. Note that in some embodiments, the louvers 122, 124 may be slightly arced or curved, as shown, as is known in the art. As shown, the first louver 122 and the second louver 124 define an overlap region 130 at their respective edges when installed.
The overlap region 130 may for example be about 5 millimetres, depending on the particular installation or blind control mechanism (not shown). The first sheet 126 has printed thereon a first design image, while the second sheet 128 has printed thereon a second design image. In example embodiments, the first design image and the second design image of the sheets 126, 128 include an identical design image portion 132 at the overlap region 130 for each of the first design image and the second design image. In the example shown, which shows a happy face, the nose 134 of the happy face is for example shown on both sheets 126, 128.
However, when installed (as shown in Figure 6), only one nose 134 is displayed.

Such an embodiment may therefore prevent undesired "white space" or undesired overlapping of the composite image at the overlapping region 130 of adjacent louvers 122, 124.

[0044] Referring now to Figure 8, the first sheet 126 and the second sheet 128 may comprise part of a larger composite sheet 140. As in the composite sheet of Figure 2, cut lines 142 and crop lines 144 may be provided. As shown, the identical design image portion 132 is intentionally printed onto both sheets 126, 128 at the overlapping region 130. This for example includes the nose 134 being printed on both sheets 126, 128. Although the design image portion 132 is repeated, the end result when attached to the installed louvers 36 is what may be viewed (e.g.,,by people) to be a continuous design image, as best shown in Figure 6.

[0045] Reference is now made to Figure 9, which shows another example embodiment of an installed decorative blind system 200. As shown, the window 202 may in fact have varying heights H1 and H2, which may be due to various obstructions such as bulkheads, HVAC systems, plumbing, etc. (or may for example be two adjacent windows of varying heights). As shown, the sheets 204 are attached to the installed louvers 206 which having various installed lengths which may be cut to correspond to the window heights H1 and H2. For example, louvers 206a - 206e have a longer installed length than 206f - 206h. Similarly, The sheets 204a - 206e have a longer length than 204f - 204h, when attached to the respective louvers 206. Referring briefly to Figure 5, the image file 104 may for example be readily processed by the computer device 102 in order to accommodate such variances in height. Configuration of the printer system 106 onto a paper-based sheet is for example relatively easier to configure than, say, a louver mass production system. For example, the computer device 102 may be adjusted to reduce the size or shift the composite image when printing onto the sheets 204.
Thus, it is recognized herein that it may be cumbersome to accommodate such variances at the manufacturing level for installation of the blind system 200.

[0046] In other example embodiments, the sheets may be sized or customized to accommodate different louver widths as well as the heights.

[0047] Reference is now made to Figure 10, which shows another example embodiment of a decorative blind system 220. In the example embodiment shown, the blind system includes a horizontal blind system 230. Within the horizontal blind system 230, a number of string systems 232, 234 may be interwoven through the louvers 236 in order to control the operation thereof, for example for rotating or retracting the louvers. The string systems 232, 234 may provide some obstruction to the sheets. However, the sheets may have suitable cut-outs, perforations, or score lines, in order to accommodate such obstructions, which may be provided in a manner as described above.

[0048] Referring again to Figure 1, it can be appreciated from the above that vertically oriented louvers have relatively few obstructions (save perhaps the clip members 40), which may provide a relatively unobstructed coilective face for displaying of the design images.

[0049] Referring again to Figure 1, in example embodiments, each sheet 28 may include an indicator (not shown) as to which corresponding louver 36 it is to be attached. For example, the indicator may be printed onto the interior face 52 of each sheet 28, or for example in relatively small or light font on the exterior faces 50. An example indicator system may include numbering each sheet in order, e.g., 1, 2, 3, ..., n, corresponding to left-to-right of each installed louver.
Other appropriate indication systems may be used as appropriate, for example using lines, letters, separate instruction manuals, etc. In other example embodiments, visual inspection of the design images may be sufficient to ascertain the specific order of the sheets or the corresponding louvers.

[0050] In some example embodiments, a kit of parts may be provided for decorating of a blind system. The kit of parts may include any combination or sub-combination of the aforementioned decoration systems, blind systems, manufacturing systems, computer-implemented systems (including software applications), attachment mechanisms (e.g., glue) and associated instruction manuals.

[0051] Variations may be made to some example embodiments, which may include combinations and sub-combinations of any of the above. While some embodiments are described in terms of systems, those embodiments may similarly apply to methods, and vice versa. In particular, some processes described as being implemented by a computer may also be performed manually, for example by a user or contractor who installs the blind systems. Similarly, some manual processes may be automated by the computer system.

[0052] While an adhesive has been illustrated as the attachment mechanism of the sheets 28, other attachment mechanisms are possible in some embodiments.
For example, the adhesive may be provided separately to the sheets 28 (e.g., glue).
In another example, the sheets 28 may be formed of plastic film formed of PVC

(polyvinylchloride), which may for example be electrostatic for static attachment to the louvers 36. The printing process may be modified as appropriate for such materials, and may include such processes as screen printing, UV (ultraviolet) offset, UV flexography (with primer ink as the first color), and thermal transfer.

[0053] In some example embodiments, installation of the decorative blind system 10 may not be limited to windows, but in some example embodiments may for example be installed at glass doorways, entranceways, room dividers, etc., as appropriate [0054] In some example embodiments, a single design image may be provided for every sheet. The single design may be repeated for each sheet when attached to the louvers, thereby displaying a repetitive pattern on each louver. The patterns may be aligned by way of appropriate markings or for example aligning at the top of each louver. Other repetitive patterns may be provided, for example a repeating pattern of two sheets, or three sheets, etc.

[0055] In some example embodiments, the composite design image or corresponding image file may for example be any appropriate image, which may be standardized or customized, depending on the particular application. In some example embodiments, the composite design image is a copyrighted or other design image, and the production or associated marketing of the design system includes licensing of the copyrighted image. In another example embodiment, the composite design image is a custom image or photograph provided by the customer to be printed onto the sheets.

[0056] In one example, the composite design image is only provided on the interior face of the louvers, for example to remain compliant with policies or by-laws which 'require that the external face be consistent and unmodified. In another example, the composite design image may be provided on the external of the louvers, for example on a storefront window of a commercial business. The composite design image may for example be a commercial advertisement for that business, and displayed at appropriate times such as during business hours. In other example embodiments, the sheets are attached to both the external and the internal faces of the louvers.

[0057] In some example embodiments, it can be appreciated that reference to a "continuous design image" may in fact be an intentionally disjointed design choice as between different louvers when installed. For example, the louvers may intentionally alternate colours by having every other louver be a different colour.
In another example, every other louver may be in a striped pattern while the remaining louvers may be in a polka dot pattern, should this be the design choice.
Other variations are also possible.

[0058] In some example embodiments, the design image may include the sheets being formed of or including fabrics, textures, faux textures, and the like. In other embodiments, the printer system may be configured to provide a textural design by way of varying the thicknesses, ink depths, etc., of the design images as would be understood in the art.

[0059] Reference to image files herein include but are not limited to bmp (Bitmap Image File), eps (Encapsulated PostScript File), gif (Graphical Interchange Format File), .jpg (JPEG Image File) and .tif (Tagged Image File).

Image files may also include vector based formats such as SVG (Scalable Vector Graphics), CAD (Computer-Aided Design) and Microsoft Office VISIO (TM), which may for example be particularly suitable when increasing the scale of an image to the size of the composite sheet.

[0060] In one aspect, there is provided a decoration system for attachment to a blind system, the blind system including a louver having at least one louver face.
The decoration system includes a sheet having a louver engaging face and an exterior face, the exterior face including thereon a first design image, and an attachment mechanism for attaching the louver engaging face to the louver face of the louver. A size of the sheet is generally dimensioned to a size of the louver face.

[0061] In another aspect, there is provided a method for decorating a blind system. The blind system includes a plurality of louvers, each of the plurality of louvers having at least one louver face, wherein the plurality of louvers are installable in a generally parallel configuration, and wherein the at least one face of each of the plurality of louvers collectively define a collective face when installed in said generally parallel configuration. The method includes: printing a design image on each of a plurality of sheets corresponding to each louver, each sheet having an exterior face for printing thereon and a louver engaging face for corresponding attachment to each of the louver faces of each of the plurality of louvers, wherein each of the design images on each of the plurality of sheets form a composite design image at the collective face when each of the plurality of sheets are attached to each of the plurality of louvers when installed, respectively.

[0062] In another aspect, there is provided a manufacturing system for producing a decoration system for attachment to a blind system, the blind system including a plurality of louvers each having at least one louver face, wherein the plurality of louvers are installable in a generally parallel configuration, and wherein the at least one face of each of the plurality of louvers collectively define a collective face when installed in said generally parallel configuration. The manufacturing system includes: a computer device including a processor for processing of an image file, the processor configured for dividing said image file into a plurality of design images; and a printer system controllable by the computer device for printing the design images on each of a plurality of sheets corresponding to each louver, each sheet having an exterior face for printing thereon and a louver engaging face for corresponding attachment to each of the louver faces of each of the plurality of louvers, wherein each of the design images on each of the plurality of sheets form a composite design image corresponding to said image fiie at the collective face when each of the plurality of sheets are attached to each of the plurality of louvers when installed, respectively.

[0063] In yet another aspect, there is provided a decoration system for attachment to a blind system, the blind system including a first louver and a second louver, each having at least one louver face. The decoration system includes:
a first sheet having a first louver engaging face and a first exterior face including thereon a first design image; a second sheet having a second louver engaging face and a second exterior face including thereon a second design image; an attachment mechanism for attaching the first and second louver engaging faces to the first and second louver faces of the first and second louvers, respectively.

[0064] In yet another aspect, there is provided a decoration system for a blind system, the blind system includes a plurality of louvers, each of the plurality of louvers having at least one louver face, wherein the plurality of louvers are installable in a generally parallel configuration, and wherein the at least one face of each of the plurality of louvers collectively define a collective face when installed in said generally parallel configuration. The decoration system includes: a plurality of sheets corresponding to each louver, each sheet having an exterior face including thereon a design image, and each sheet having a louver engaging face for corresponding attachment to each of the louver faces of each of the plurality of louvers, wherein each of the design images on each of the plurality of sheets form a composite design image at the collective face when each of the plurality of sheets are attached to each of the plurality of louvers when installed, respectively.

[0065] In yet another aspect, there is provided a decorative blind system, including a blind system including a louver having at least one louver face, and a sheet having a louver engaging face and an exterior face, the exterior face having thereon a first design image, the louver engaging face being attached to the louver face of the louver.

[0066] In yet another aspect, there is provided a decorative blind system, including a blind system including a plurality of louvers each having at least one louver face, wherein the plurality of louvers are installable in a generally parallel configuration, and wherein the at least one face of each of the plurality of louvers collectively define a collective face when installed in said generally parallel configuration, each at least one face including thereon a design image, wherein each of the design images form a composite design image at the collective face when the plurality of louvers are installed.

[0067] In yet another aspect, there is provided a decoration system for attachment to a blind system, the blind system including a louver having at least one louver face. The decoration system includes a sheet having a louver engaging face and an exterior face, the exterior face having thereon a first design image, and attachment means for attaching the louver engaging face to the louver face of the louver.

[0068] While example embodiments have been described in detail in the foregoing, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that variations may be made.

Claims

1. A decoration system for attachment to a blind system, the blind system including a louver having at least one louver face, the decoration system comprising:

a sheet having a louver engaging face and an exterior face, the exterior face including thereon a first design image; and an attachment mechanism for attaching the louver engaging face to the louver face of the louver.

2. A decoration system as claimed in claim 1, wherein the blind system includes a plurality of louvers including said louver, each of the plurality of louvers each having at least one louver face, wherein the plurality of louvers are installable in a generally parallel configuration, and wherein the at least one face of each of the plurality of louvers collectively define a collective face when installed in the generally parallel configuration.

3. A decoration system as claimed in claim 2, further comprising a second sheet having a louver engaging face and an exterior face, the louver engaging face of the second sheet being attachable to a louver face of a second louver in said plurality of louvers.

4. A decoration system as claimed in claim 3, wherein an edge of said louver is adjacent to an edge of the second louver when installed, the decoration further comprising:

a second design image on the exterior face of the second sheet, wherein the first design image and the second design image form a composite design image at the collective face when said sheet and the second sheet are attached to said louver and second louver when installed, respectively.

5. A decoration system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the louver and the second louver define an overlap region at the respective edges when installed, wherein the first design image and the second design image include an identical design image portion of the composite design image at the overlap region of each of the first design image and the second design image when attached to the louver and the second louver.

6. A decoration system as claimed in any one of claims 4 to 5, wherein the composite design image includes a continuous design image.

7. A decoration system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein a size of the sheet is generally dimensioned to a size of the louver face.

8. A decoration system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the louver engaging face includes the attachment mechanism.

9. A decoration system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the attachment mechanism includes an adhesive.

10. A decoration system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the attachment mechanism includes the sheet being formed of an electrostatic material.

11. A decoration system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the generally parallel configuration is oriented in a generally vertical configuration.

12. A decoration system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the blind system is installable at a window and the design image faces interior of the window.

13. A method for decorating a blind system, the blind system includes a plurality of louvers, each of the plurality of louvers having at least one louver face, wherein the plurality of louvers are installable in a generally parallel configuration, and wherein the at least one face of each of the plurality of louvers collectively define a collective face when installed in said generally parallel configuration, the method comprising:

printing a design image on each of a plurality of sheets corresponding to each louver, each sheet having an exterior face for printing thereon and a louver engaging face for corresponding attachment to each of the louver faces of each of the plurality of louvers, wherein each of the design images on each of the plurality of sheets form a composite design image at the collective face when each of the plurality of sheets are attached to each of the plurality of louvers when installed, respectively.

14. A method as claimed in claim 13, further comprising cutting each sheet to a corresponding dimension of each louver.

15. A method as claimed in claim 13, wherein the plurality of sheets comprise part of a larger composite sheet when printing thereon, the larger composite sheet including the plurality of sheets connected at connection edges of each of the sheets.

16. A method as claimed in claim 15, further comprising separating the larger composite sheet at the connection edges.

17. A method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the connection edges are long edges of the sheets.

18. A method as claimed in claim 15, wherein the connection edges are short edges of the sheets.

19. A method as claimed in any one of claims 15 to 18, wherein the composite sheet is in a rolled configuration.

20. A method as claimed in claim 15, further comprising:

imprinting an indication of a separable connection at the connection edges.

21. A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein the step of imprinting includes printing cut-line indicators for cutting of the larger composite sheet.

22. A method as claimed in claim 20, wherein the step of imprinting includes imprinting perforations or scoring of the larger composite sheet.

23. A method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 22, wherein at least some of the louvers define an overlap region with an adjacent louver at their respective edges when installed, wherein the step of printing includes printing an identical design image portion of the composite design image at the overlap region of each of the respective design images when attached to the louvers.

24. A method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 23, further comprising attaching each of the plurality of sheets to each corresponding louver.

25. A method as claimed in claim 24, further comprising installing the louvers to a blind control mechanism.

26. A method as claimed in claim 25, wherein the attaching is performed after installing of each louver.

27. A method as claimed in claim 25, wherein the attaching is performed prior to installing of each louver.

28. A method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 24, further comprising installing the louvers to a blind control mechanism in a generally vertical configuration.

29. A method as claimed in claim 28, further comprising installing the louvers at a window, wherein the design images face interior of the window.

30. A method as claimed in any one of claims 13 to 29, wherein the composite design image includes a continuous design image.

31. A manufacturing system for producing a decoration system for attachment to a blind system, the blind system including a plurality of louvers each having at least one louver face, wherein the plurality of louvers are installable in a generally parallel configuration, and wherein the at least one face of each of the plurality of louvers collectively define a collective face when installed in said generally parallel configuration, the manufacturing system comprising:

a computer device including a processor for processing of an image file, the processor configured for dividing said image file into a plurality of design images;
and a printer system controllable by the computer device for printing the design images on each of a plurality of sheets corresponding to each louver, each sheet having an exterior face for printing thereon and a louver engaging face for corresponding attachment to each of the louver faces of each of the plurality of louvers, wherein each of the design images on each of the plurality of sheets form a composite design image corresponding to said image file at the collective face when each of the plurality of sheets are attached to each of the plurality of louvers when installed, respectively.

32. A manufacturing system as claimed in claim 31, wherein the plurality of sheets comprise part of a larger composite sheet when printing thereon, the larger composite sheet including the plurality of sheets connected at connection edges of each of the sheets.

33. A manufacturing system as claimed in claim 32, wherein the connection edges are long edges of the sheets.

34. A manufacturing system as claimed in claim 32, wherein the connection edges are short edges of the sheets.

35. A manufacturing system as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 34, wherein the composite sheet is in a rolled configuration.

36. A manufacturing system as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 35, wherein the computer device is further configured to instruct the printer for imprinting an indication of a separable connection at the connection edges.

37. A manufacturing system as claimed in claim 36, wherein the step of imprinting includes printing cut-line indicators for cutting of the larger composite sheet.

38. A manufacturing system as claimed in any one of claim 32 to 37, further comprising a cutting system controllable by the computer device for cutting the larger composite sheet at the connection edges.

39. A manufacturing system as claimed in any one of claim 31 to 38, wherein at least some of the louvers define an overlap region with an adjacent louver at their respective edges when installed, wherein the printing includes printing an identical design image portion of the composite design image at the overlap region of each of the respective design images when attached to the louvers.

40. A manufacturing system as claimed in any one of claim 31 to 38, wherein the composite design image includes a continuous design image.

41. A decoration system for attachment to a blind system, the blind system including a first louver and a second louver, each having at least one louver face, the decoration system comprising:

a first sheet having a first louver engaging face and a first exterior face including thereon a first design image;

a second sheet having a second louver engaging face and a second exterior face including thereon a second design image; and an attachment mechanism for attaching the first and second louver engaging faces to the first and second louver faces of the first and second louvers, respectively.

42. A decoration system as claimed in claim 41, wherein the first sheet and the second sheet comprise part of a larger composite sheet including a connection between a connection edge of the first sheet and a connection edge of the second sheet.

43. A decoration system as claimed in claim 42, wherein the connection edges are long edges of the first and second sheets.

44. A decoration system as claimed in claim 42, wherein the connection edges are short edges of the first and second sheets.

45. A decoration system as claimed in any one of claims 42 to 44, wherein the composite sheet is in a rolled configuration.

46. A decoration system as claimed in any one of claims 42 to 45, wherein the connection indicated by way of cut-line indicators for cutting of the larger composite sheet.

47. A decoration system as claimed in any one of claims 42 to 46, wherein the connection is a separable connection and separable by way of perforations or scoring on the larger composite sheet.

48. A decoration system as claimed in any one of claims 41 to 47, wherein the first louver and the second louver define an overlap region at their respective edges when installed, wherein the first design image and the second design image include an identical design image portion of the composite design image at the overlap region of each of the first design image and the second design image when attached to the louver and the second louver.

49. A decoration system as claimed in any one of claims 41 to 48, wherein the composite design image includes a continuous design image.

50. A decoration system as claimed in any one of claims 41 to 49, wherein a size of the sheets is generally dimensioned to a size of the louver faces.

51. A decoration system for a blind system, the blind system includes a plurality of louvers, each of the plurality of louvers having at least one louver face, wherein the plurality of louvers are installable in a generally parallel configuration, and wherein the at least one face of each of the plurality of louvers collectively define a collective face when installed in said generally parallel configuration, the decoration system comprising:

a plurality of sheets corresponding to each louver, each sheet having an exterior face including thereon a design image, and each sheet having a louver engaging face for corresponding attachment to each of the louver faces of each of the plurality of louvers, wherein each of the design images on each of the plurality of sheets form a composite design image at the collective face when each of the plurality of sheets are attached to each of the plurality of louvers when installed, respectively.

52. A decoration system as claimed in claim 51, wherein at least some of the louvers define an overlap region with an adjacent louver at their respective edges when installed, wherein the respective design images include an identical design image portion of the composite design image at the overlap region of each of the respective design images when attached to the louvers.

53. A decoration system as claimed in any one of claims 51 or 52, wherein the sheets comprise part of a larger composite sheet including a connection between connection edges of the sheets.

54. A decoration system as claimed in claim 53, wherein the connection edges are long edges of the sheets.

55. A decoration system as claimed in claim 53, wherein the connection edges are short edges of the sheets.

56. A decoration system as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 55, wherein the composite sheet is in a rolled configuration.

57. A decoration system as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 56, wherein the connection is indicated by way of cut-line indicators for cutting of the larger composite sheet.

58. A decoration system as claimed in any one of claims 53 to 57, wherein the connection is a separable connection and separable by way of perforations or scoring on the larger composite sheet.

59. A decoration system as claimed in any one of claims 51 to 58, wherein the composite design image includes a continuous design image.

60. A decoration system as claimed in any one of claims 51 to 59, wherein the generally parallel configuration is oriented in a generally vertical configuration

61. A decoration system as claimed in any one of claims 51 to 60, wherein the blind system is installable at a window and the design images face interior of the window.

62. A decoration system as claimed in any one of claims 51 to 61, wherein a size of the sheets is generally dimensioned to a size of the louver faces.

63. A decorative blind system, comprising:

a blind system including a louver having at least one louver face; and a sheet having a louver engaging face and an exterior face, the exterior face having thereon a first design image, the louver engaging face being attached to the louver face of the louver.

64. A decorative blind system as claimed in claim 63, wherein a size of the sheet is generally dimensioned to a size of the louver face.

65. A decorative blind system, comprising:

a blind system including a plurality of louvers each having at least one louver face, wherein the plurality of louvers are installable in a generally parallel configuration, and wherein the at least one face of each of the plurality of louvers collectively define a collective face when installed in said generally parallel configuration, each at least one face including thereon a design image, wherein each of the design images form a composite design image at the collective face when the plurality of louvers are installed.

66. A decoration system as claimed in claim 65, wherein the blind system is installable at a window and the design images face interior of the window.

67. A decoration system for attachment to a blind system, the blind system including a louver having at least one louver face, the decoration system comprising:

a sheet having a louver engaging face and an exterior face, the exterior face including thereon a first design image; and attachment means for attaching the louver engaging face to the louver face of the louver.

68. A decoration system as claimed in claim 67, wherein the louver engaging face includes the attachment means.

69. A decoration system as claimed in any one of claims 67 to 68, wherein the attachment means includes an adhesive.

70. A decoration system as claimed in any one of claims 67 to 68, wherein the attachment means includes the sheet being formed of an electrostatic material.

71. A decoration system as claimed in any one of claims 67 to 70, wherein a size of the sheet is generally dimensioned to a size of the louver face.