CA2738841C - Quick release window covering - Google Patents

Quick release window covering Download PDF

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Publication number
CA2738841C
CA2738841C CA2738841A CA2738841A CA2738841C CA 2738841 C CA2738841 C CA 2738841C CA 2738841 A CA2738841 A CA 2738841A CA 2738841 A CA2738841 A CA 2738841A CA 2738841 C CA2738841 C CA 2738841C
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CA
Canada
Prior art keywords
covering
hold
window
quick release
covering panel
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 - Fee Related
Application number
CA2738841A
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French (fr)
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CA2738841A1 (en
Inventor
Michele Alison Moolenbeek
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Individual
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Individual
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Individual filed Critical Individual
Priority to CA2738841A priority Critical patent/CA2738841C/en
Publication of CA2738841A1 publication Critical patent/CA2738841A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of CA2738841C publication Critical patent/CA2738841C/en
Expired - Fee Related legal-status Critical Current
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical

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Classifications

    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06BFIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B9/00Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
    • E06B9/24Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blinds
    • E06B9/40Roller blinds
    • EFIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
    • E06DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
    • E06BFIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
    • E06B9/00Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
    • E06B9/24Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blinds

Abstract

The Quick Release Window Covering is a simple window covering or blind unit devised to cover and thereby block visibility into a room from a hallway or similar adjoining spaces. This window covering is used primarily for lockdown procedures within schools; it can also be used in other facilities or institutions for isolating people for safety, security or privacy situations. The window covering emphasizes rapid release tabs as this is critical for quickly protecting staff, students and visitors from volatile circumstances. The window covering is opaque and stiff, available in a choice of colours and medium weight. It is installed using an adhesive mounting strip across the top of the window opening and fits larger than the window opening to ensure the complete coverage of the transparent surface so no person can see into the space.

Description

DESCRIPTION
Quick Release Window Covering Technical Field Across the country, within each province, a key concern of the education system is the right to learn, work, and be present in a safe and secure environment (Ref.1, page 28 ).
In a time of crisis, these concerns extend to ensuring that students, staff and visitors are exposed to as little risk as possible and there are mandatory protocols established in each jurisdiction for handling the circumstances which may arise. Certain situations warrant iso-lation as including, but are not limited to;
- a student, staff, visitor or intruder who has become or is threatening to become violent in-side the building.
- person(s) outside the building intent on entering the building to cause harm.
In these circumstances it would be safer for staff, students and visitors to stay secure in-side a school room or facility room.

Background of the Invention Interior windows are normally required into all rooms within a school environment as they allow for direct visibility and added safety for the people inside the room during normal daily operations. Also, hidden spaces are not designed within a school for many security reasons. During certain emergency situations there is an identified need to have no visibil-ity into the same room for a different security reason, a school lockdown.
These are differ-ent but equally important requirements within a school environment.

The mandatory protocol for situations in which a person or persons are threatening violence inside an educational institution is to ensure that students, staff and visitors are isolated in a secured or "locked down" room within the facility. A critical factor in achieving an effective lockdown procedure is the ability to activate the security features of a room in as short a time as possible. The procedure for securing a room includes several key de-tails (Ref.1, pages 32-33 and Ref. 2, pages 10-11 ) such as locking any doors that provide access into the room and blocking visibility into the room through any windows, as it is known that an intruder typically will avoid rooms that they cannot get into and cannot see into. During lockdown situations, reaction time is critical.

There are currently concerns and problems that are related to blocking out the win-dows while securing a room for lockdown. A window is defined as any glazed opening which may be in a door, a sidelight, or in a wall. Most schools currently rely on paper prod-ucts and tape to cover window openings. These items are readily available inside a school but not always within reach and cannot be affixed to a window opening in a manageable timeframe. Even though everyone is in a crisis situation the window still must be covered with speed and accuracy.

There are specific requirements for a window covering during a lockdown procedure:
= MUST be opaque (no shadows) = MUST cover entire window (no partial visibility) = MUST be quick in deployment to block window opening(s) Other features that would benefit a school or other facility when acquiring a window cover-ing are:
= EASY to install = MINIMAL maintenance = COST EFFECTIVE to allow schools to purchase units for every room A variety of window coverings exist. The following are some solutions that are currently being produced and sold by suppliers across the country:

= Mini Blinds / Venetian Blinds These blinds have one mechanism to deploy the blind and a second mecha-nism to turn the blind closed, taking some time to use. They don't always completely block the view because of the holes in the slats that make up the blind and also the thickness of the mechanical header that is required to hold the blind in place. This can also cause gaps around the outside edge of the blind. Also they require tools and hardware to install. They are more expen-sive per unit to purchase and install. The controls of the blinds have added risks (strings, chain, etc) especially in a school setting. Due to the high number of parts these blinds can be easily damaged and are hard to keep clean. These blinds also require regular maintenance to ensure their func-tionality.

= Roller Blinds Roller blinds are easier to deploy than mini or venetian blinds but do run the risk of springing back up if there is a mechanical failure. They don't always completely block the view because of the thickness of the mechanical header that is required to hold the blind in place. This can also cause gaps around the outside edge of the blind. They also require tools and hardware to install blind. They are more expensive per unit to purchase and install. These blinds are generally lightweight but can easily be damaged if not deployed properly. Requires less maintenance than mini or venetian blinds as they have fewer mechanical parts.

= Redi Shades Redi Shades are a temporary blind that are not opaque and therefore do not cut out total visibility into a room. You can see shadows or movement.
These blinds are a peel and stick installation and clothespins that are sup-plied with the unit are used to hold the blind up out of the way as they are not designed to stay furled. When deployed they do not lie flat over the window opening and do not block the view completely. They are fragile since they are made of paper and will deteriorate over time. A blind can be damaged very easily. Generally the lower quality of this blind makes it a temporary solution and they will have to be replaced regularly.
Summary of the Invention The Quick Release Window Covering is a new solution to this growing need of being secure inside any facility (schools or other institutions). It is a simple constructed blind so-lution which is extremely fast and easy to released with little effort, and lies flat in order to cover the entire window opening to prevent or eliminate the visibility from the outside of a room. There are minimal parts in the Quick Release Window Covering which reduces the risk of failure during critical situations. There is no mechanism or moving parts to deploy the blind. A light pulling action on the hold/release tabs releases the flat panel of stiff opaque fabric to ensure the window opening is covered with minimal gaps ensuring no "see-thru" quality. This window covering is very cost efficient with minimal installation re-quired. No tools or hardware are required for installation. There are no hanging parts or other features that can harm children. There is very little chance of the blind being easily damaged because of the durability and flexibility of the material used to create the window covering. This durability and flexibility increases the lifespan of the window covering. The Quick Release Window Covering is a new and simple solution that can be used where it is necessary to block visibility into a space, for safety, security or privacy situations.

Brief Description of Drawings Figure 1 is a schematic front and back view of the Quick Release Window Covering embodying the invention and showing the installation of the invention permanently affixed to an interior door.
Figure 2 is showing the position of the header mounting strip which is permanently affixed to an interior door.
Figure 3 is showing the front view of the Quick Release Window Covering affixed to an interior door and in the furled position for storage.
Figure 4 is showing the side view of the Quick Release Window Covering affixed to an interior door and in the furled position for storage.
Figure 5 is showing the Quick Release Window Covering in three different openings options within a room. 1-A window within a door. 2-A window in a wall. 3-A
door sidelight.
They show the furled and unfurled positions of the Quick Release Window Covering.
Figure 6 is showing the side view of the Quick Release Window Covering in the furled positions on window openings.
Figure 7 is showing the side view of the Quick Release Window Covering in the un-furled positions on window openings.

Detailed Description This window covering is a cloth fabric, such as vinyl, that is stiff opaque, medium weight, and has multiple hold/release tabs, that easily releases the window covering to fall and cover the window opening quickly and completely. The precisely located and aligned hold/release tabs are small pieces of velcro (TM) sewn to the blind unit which keep the win-dow covering in place out of the way for storage and also allow for the quick release which is critical to a lockdown. The relative small size of the velcro (TM) pieces is key to the re-lease in relation to the weight of the fabric. The small sections have a specific resistant tensile strength to hold the fabric in place when in storage. The larger surface area of vel-cro (TM) allows for secure holding of the blind to the window opening inside a framed struc-ture. Velcro (rM) allows for the blind to not have a need for a mechanical fastener or com-ponents. The relative weight of the fabric allows for constant tension on the velcro gm) and aides in the quick release of the blind. The blind is always in tension when in the storage mode. The fabric finish works well, in favour with the velcro (TM) to not cause the fabric to get caught during release. All velcro (TM) pieces are sewn in place for durability. Velcro (TM) is the main component that enables the easy installation of this new window covering. The Quick Release Window Covering is basically maintenance free since the material is dura-ble, flexible, and resistant to wear and damage. The window coverings are custom made to fit each window opening. The blinds come in a choice of colour for aesthetics but also allows them to blend in with room decor. The colour match is to help make them unobtru-sive and non-distracting when furled. When furled this reduces the urge for people to play with them.

In Figure 1, production of the Quick Release Window Covering begins with the measurement of each window 5 opening inside of door 6. The window covering panel 1 is measured out to be moderately larger than a given window 5 opening. The window cover-ing panel 1 is cut to be wider and longer than the window 5 opening to ensure the complete coverage of the window 5 opening and to minimize any gaps. A velcro (TM) mounting strip 3 is cut to correspond to the width of the window covering panel 1 and then sewn 7 to the top edge of the window covering panel 1 on the wrong side of the window covering panel 1 for installation purposes. This forms the first part of the header of the Quick Release Window Covering. The matching mate of the velcro(TM) mounting strip 2, which has an adhesive backing on it, is measured and cut to fit the velcro (TM) mounting strip 3 which is attached to the adhesive velcro (TM) mounting strip 2 to complete the header. In Figure 2 this adhesive velcro (TM) mounting strip 2 will be removed and transferred and then affixed above the win-dow 5 opening within the door 6 at the time of installation.

In Figure 1, the next step of production is where one piece of the hold/release tabs 4A are cut and sewn 7 to the header section on the window covering panel 1, on the right side of the window covering panel 1 and through the velcro (TM) mounting strip 3. Note: The hold/release tabs 4A are not sewn 7 through the adhesive velcro (TM) mounting strip 2, it has been removed at this time until the Quick Release Window Covering unit is complete. The matching pieces of the hold/release tabs 4B are placed in coordinating positions just below the header section and on the wrong side of the window covering panel 1. To confirm and mark the position of the hold/release tabs 4B the window covering panel 1 is rolled into its furled position. Note: The number of hold/release tabs 4A & 4B is dependent on the width of the window covering panel 1. The hold/release tabs 4A & 4B are perfectly aligned to se-cure the window covering panel 1 in place against the velcro (TM) mounting strip 3 when the window covering panel 1 is fully rolled up during normal operations. To test the alignment of the hold/release tabs 4A & 4B the window covering panel 1 is rolled into its furled posi-tion again. The adhesive velcro (TM) mounting strip 2 is returned to the matching velcro (TM) mounting strip 3 on the window covering panel 1. The production of the individual Quick Release Window Covering is complete.

In Figure 2, for installation of the completed Quick Release Window Covering, the adhesive velcro (FM) mounting strip 2 is separated from the velcro(M) mounting strip 3 of the window covering panel 1 and is leveled and centered above the window 5 opening within the door 6 extending entirely across the top and is adhered with manual pressure.
In Figure 3 the Quick Release Window Covering is then attached to the top of the window 5 opening making sure the matching velcro (TM) mounting strip 3 align and adhere well to the adhesive velcro (TM) mounting strip 2 over the full width of the window covering panel 1.
Figure 4 shows the Quick Release Window Covering completely deployed/unfurled, covering the window 5 opening during a real Iockdown situation or a lockdown drill.
Figure 5, 6 and 7 show installation options with windows 5 and doors 6 that have the Quick Release Window Covering installed/furled 8 over multiple window 5 openings. One option illustrates the Quick Release Window Covering deployed/unfurled 9.

References:
1. Provincial Model for a Local Police/School Board Protocol-2011, Ministry of Education of Ontario, Canada 2. Keeping our School Safe: A Protocol for Violence Prevention and Crisis Response in New Brunswick Schools, Department of Education of New Brunswick, Canada

Claims (13)

1. A Quick Release Window Covering that is easily and quickly releases to cover a window opening to block visibility through the window opening, the window covering comprising:
.cndot. a large stiff medium weight opaque covering panel comprising a front surface, a back surface, an upper edge, and a lower edge, .cndot. a header mounting strip attached to the back surface at the upper edge of the covering panel, the header mounting strip extending across the measurable width of the covering panel, .cndot. a matching mounting strip extending across and attached at a top of the window opening wherein the header mounting strip and the matching mounting strip releasably attach to one another to secure the upper edge of the covering panel at the top of the window opening, .cndot. a first set of small hold/release tabs attached to the front surface of the covering panel at the upper edge of the covering panel, .cndot. a second set of small hold/release tabs attached to the back surface of the covering panel wherein the second set of hold/release tabs are positioned on the back surface so that when the covering panel is furled across the top of the window opening the second set of hold/release tabs align and releasably attach with the first set of hold/release tabs to keep the covering panel furled against the header mounting strip during storage, .cndot. wherein the number of hold/release tabs per set is chosen so that the first and second sets of hold/release tabs securely hold the covering at the top of the window opening when the covering panel is furled while at the same time the first and second sets of hold/

release tabs allow for quick release of the covering panel when a pulling action is applied to the hold/release tabs.
2. The Quick Release Window Covering recited in Claim 1 in which said stiff medium weight opaque covering panel is made of a vinyl material.
3. The Quick Release Window Covering recited in claim 2 in which the stiff medium weight opaque covering panel is made of a cloth fabric.
4. The Quick Release Window Covering recited in Claim 1 in which said header mounting strip is velcro (TM) on said stiff opaque covering panel and said matching mounting strip is adhesive backed velcro (TM) across the the top of a given window opening for installa-tion.
5. The Quick Release Window Covering recited in claim 4 in which said header mounting strip and said matching mounting strip is a rigid mounting strip affixed to the top of a given window opening using nails, screws or other means.
6. The Quick Release Window Covering recited in claim 1 in which said hold/release tabs are velcro (TM).
7. The Quick Release Window Covering recited in claim 6 in which magnets, sticky com-pound or other adhesion options are used for said hold/release tabs.
8. The Quick Release Window Covering recited in claim 1 in which said hold/release tabs have pulls or rip cords attached to them in order to facilitate easier deployment of the stiff opaque covering panel.
9. The Quick Release Window Covering recited in claim 1 in which said hold/release tabs have contrasting visual indicators, addressing the location of the hold/release tabs in order to facilitate easier deployment of the stiff opaque covering panel.
10.The Quick Release Window Covering recited in claim 1 in which velcro (TM) strips or tabs are added to the lower edge of the stiff opaque covering panel and on the bottom of a given window opening, to hold the stiff opaque covering panel more firmly in place.
11.The Quick Release Window Covering recited in claim 10 in which magnets, sticky com-pound or other adhesion options are used to hold said stiff opaque covering panel more firmly in place.
12.The Quick Release Window Covering recited in claim 1 in which one or more weights placed at the lower edge of said stiff opaque covering panel to facilitate easier and faster deployment.
13.The Quick Release Window Covering recited in claim 1 in which a rod is attached to the lower edge of said stiff opaque covering panel to facilitate easier furling.
CA2738841A 2011-05-06 2011-05-06 Quick release window covering Expired - Fee Related CA2738841C (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2738841A CA2738841C (en) 2011-05-06 2011-05-06 Quick release window covering

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CA2738841A CA2738841C (en) 2011-05-06 2011-05-06 Quick release window covering

Publications (2)

Publication Number Publication Date
CA2738841A1 CA2738841A1 (en) 2011-07-12
CA2738841C true CA2738841C (en) 2013-01-15

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Families Citing this family (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US20160281419A1 (en) * 2011-10-12 2016-09-29 Danieray Johnsen Cell and classroom door window cover and methods for using the same
US20140352899A1 (en) * 2013-05-29 2014-12-04 Michele Alison Moolenbeek Quick release window covering

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CA2738841A1 (en) 2011-07-12

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