EP0914541B1

EP0914541B1 - Window covering having lowerable venetian blind and curtain, and conversion set

Info

Publication number: EP0914541B1
Application number: EP97934783A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Robby Alice Groeneveld-De Rijke
Original assignee: Coocoo Pandora BV
Current assignee: Coocoo Pandora BV
Priority date: 1996-07-25
Filing date: 1997-07-25
Publication date: 2002-06-05
Anticipated expiration: 2017-07-25
Also published as: NL1003682C2; WO1998004803A1; DE69713101D1; AU3786597A; EP0914541A1

Abstract

Window covering with a venetian blind (1) and a curtain (2). The venetian blind (1) has horizontal slats (3) and is lowerable from a pulled-up configuration into a lowered configuration. In lowered condition, the curtain (2) covers at least a portion of the surface (8) of the lowered venetian blind (1). Provided between the venetian blind (1) and the curtain (2) are connections which are distributed over the surface (8) if the venetian blind (1) and the curtain (2) have been lowered. As these connections are designed as point connections (9), they can be manufactured in a simple manner. Further, detaching and restoring the point connections is readily possible, so that the curtain can easily be cleaned or replaced. As the curtain is connected to the venetial blind only at specific points, the cleaning of the venetian blind is easy as well.

Description

The invention relates to a window covering according to the preamble of claim 1. Such a window covering is known from practice in the form of conventional venetian blinds.
From French patent specification 1 364 674 a window covering, is known in which the slats of the venetian blind are attached between two pleat-shaped curtain layers by welded, hinged, buckled, weaved or stitched seams. In window coverings of this type, the curtain fabric is typically of highly transparent design so as to transmit light, yet to hinder observation of the space behind the curtain. Such curtains are in practice also referred to as net curtains, voiles or lace curtains.
Swiss patent specification 476 482 discloses window coverings wherein slats of the venetian blind, which slats are fixed between curtains, are manufactured from flexible material folded over a lower beam of the venetian blind when the venetian blind has been pulled up.
Dutch patent application 74 10152 and European patent application 0 511 956 describe window coverings wherein in each case, a curtain is divided into strips fixed between successive slats of a venetian blind.
European Patent application 0 653 539 describes various possibilities for attaching a curtain to rigid slats of a vertical or horizontal venetian blind.
European patent application 0 654 577 describes a window covering wherein the pleat-shaped curtain is attached along lateral edges of slats of a pull-up venetian blind.
In the above-described window coverings, the venetian blind is generally of a pull-up or fixed design. The combination of a pull-up venetian blind with a curtain and in particular a net curtain-like curtain offers many advantages. For instance, it is possible to obtain on the one hand a strong, hard light reflection to the outside and a soft, textile appearance on the inside, while on the inside of the window covering, no hard reflections are caused, a "filtered" light is transmitted and looking in from the outside is substantially hindered. Moreover, the light transmission can be accurately regulated and limited within a wide range to the transmission of indirect light. The operation of a combined system is simple and the above-described visual effects are also realized in lowered condition. Further, the net curtain has a sound-absorbing effect and fouling of the venetian blind is prevented by the curtain, in particular as far as greasy deposit is concerned, which is difficult to remove.
According to another approach, the slats are formed by strip-shaped, flexible connections between two parallel layers of curtain fabric suspended at a distance from each other. Through vertical displacement of the layers of curtain fabric relative to each other, the position of the slats can be varied. For pulling up the curtains, the layers of curtain fabric with the slats in parallel interposition are wound on a roll. Such window coverings are for instance described in US patent specification 2 865 446, European patent application 0 494 501, US patent specification 5 313 999, international patent application WO 94/29559, and US patent specification 5 394 922.
A major drawback of such systems is that it is not possible to choose the angle of inclination of the slats to be other than as vertical as possible, as long as the window covering has not been entirely unrolled.
A common drawback of the above-described window coverings is that the manufacture is complicated and hence costly or at least requires substantial investments, as is illustrated by various proposals for manufacturing such window coverings as described in US patent specifications 3 384 519 and 5 313 999 and international patent application WO 94/29559. A further common drawback is that the curtain is not detachable, so that it cannot be washed or separately replaced like a conventional curtain. Further, the cleaning of the slats is also complicated by the presence of the curtain. In the window coverings where the slats are located between two layers of curtain fabric, the cleaning of the slats can even hardly be performed, and the removal of objects ended up between the layers of curtain fabric , such as dead insects, is highly laborious.
US patent specification 4 724 885 discloses a window covering having a curtain and a venetian blind, wherein the curtain is designed as a roller curtain whose operation is coupled to the pull-up mechanism of the venetian blind. However, in this window covering, the operating mechanism has a complicated construction and is accordingly costly and the operating mechanism has a great build-in depth.
The above drawbacks are at least partly the cause of the fact that the above-described combinations of a venetian blind and a curtain have never acquired a share of any significance in the market for window coverings.
It is an object of the invention to eliminate this cause at least for a considerable part, by providing a window covering in the form of a combination of horizontal slats and a curtain to be jointly operated therewith, which can be manufactured in a simple manner and at low costs, and enables a slight build-in depth, wherein disassembly and replacement of the curtain is possible and wherein the slats of the venetian blind can be cleaned more easily.
According to the present invention, this object is realized by providing a window covering according to claim 1.
The spaced apart connections between the curtain and the venetian blind, distributed over the surface of the lowered venetian blind, can be manufactured in a simple manner, and in particular in a simpler manner than the known connections forming lines along the slats, without requiring special, costly machines. For realizing the point connections, for instance eyes, hooks, loops, weld points, holes in the curtain and the like can be used. Such connections can easily be manufactured mechanically or manually from generally available components.
Detaching and restoring the point connections that connect the curtain and the venetian blind only very locally is also made more simple, and can easily be carried out more easily without actually damaging the venetian blind - which generally constitutes the costliest portion of the construction - and generally also without actually damaging the curtain. The curtain can hence easily be cleaned or replaced in a simple manner. The simple replaceability of the curtain further enables changing the outward appearance of the window covering without replacing the venetian blind.
Because the curtain is connected to the venetian blind at horizontally spaced apart points only, the cleaning of the venetian blind is also made possible in a simpler manner. Without dismounting the curtain, the cleaning of the slats of the venetian blind has been simplified in that they are more readily accessible than in window coverings wherein the curtain is connected to the slats along line connections. When the curtain has been removed from the venetian blind, the venetian blind can be cleaned even more easily. Moreover, this prevents stains or streaks being made in the curtain during the cleaning of the slats.
Owing to the point connections distributed over the venetian blind, the curtain is moved along by the venetian blind during the pulling up and lowering of that venetian blind. Hence, no additional means for pulling up and lowering the curtain are necessary, as a result of which the build-in depth of the window covering according to the invention can be kept small and the construction of the pull-up and lowering mechanism can be simple and manufactured at low costs.
The invention is based to a significant extent upon the insight that for obtaining a curtain that can be pulled up and lowered along with the slats of a venetian blind, it is not necessary to connect the curtain to the slats along lines extending along the slats, but that a suitable fold or pleat effect during pulling up can also be obtained by connecting the curtain to that venetian blind at only a limited number of spaced apart points distributed over the surface covered by that venetian blind.
The curtain can for instance be designed as a folding curtain which, in lowered condition, is substantially flat, as a curtain which, in lowered condition, contains a number of loops succeeding one another in lowering direction, as a pleated curtain or as a curtain which, in lowered condition, forms a drape from point connections that are mutually staggered in vertical and horizontal directions. Further, through variation of the number of connection points and the positioning of the connection points, the appearance of the folded or pleated portion of the curtain can also be influenced.
Another aspect of the invention is embodied in a conversion set according to claim 16. This enables a consumer or a studio to provide, in a simple manner, an existing venetian blind with a curtain from a curtain fabric to be selected and provided by himself, which curtain can be pulled up and lowered along with the venetian blind.
Hereinafter, the invention will be further illustrated and specified on the basis of an exemplary embodiment that is most preferred at this moment, and alternative constructional possibilities, with reference to the accompanying drawings. In these drawings:
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a window covering according to a first exemplary embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 2 is a perspective detailed view of a window covering according to a second exemplary embodiment of the invention;
Fig. 3 is a perspective detailed view of the point connection between curtain and venetian blind in the window covering according to Fig. 2;
Fig. 4 is a perspective detailed view of the attachment of the curtain to a lower beam of the venetian blind in the window covering according to Figs. 1 and 2;
Fig. 5 is a sectional side elevation of a lower beam and, attached thereto, a curtain rod of the window coverings according to the examples shown in Figs. 1 and 2;
Fig. 6 is a cutaway perspective, detailed view of the attachment of the curtain to an upper beam of the venetian blind in the window covering according to Figs. 1 and 2;
Fig. 7 is a sectional side elevation of an upper beam and, attached thereto, a curtain rod of the window coverings according to the examples shown in Figs. 1 and 2;
Fig. 8 is a side elevation of an alternative construction in detached condition for attaching the curtain to the side of an upper beam of the venetian blind;
Fig. 9 is a top plan view of a part of the construction according to Fig. 8; and
Fig. 10 is a side elevation of an eye for point attachment of the curtain to a ladder cord of a venetian blind.
In the drawings, corresponding parts are designated by mutually identical reference numerals. Of multiply occurring parts, only one or some parts have been designated by reference numerals, for the sake of convenience.
The window covering shown in Fig. 1 is composed of a venetian blind 1 and a curtain in the form of a net curtain 2.
The venetian blind 1 is built up from mutually parallel slats 3, which, in operational condition, are directed horizontally and which are suspended between an upper beam 4 and a lower beam 5. Incorporated into the upper beam is a pull-up and lowering mechanism for pulling up and lowering the venetian blind. Upper beams having pull-up and lowering mechanisms are commercially available in many suitable versions and are therefore not further described herein.
The window covering is shown in a partly pulled-up condition. More in particular, a number of the lower slats 3 are shown in a packed, pulled-up configuration in which they form a stack resting on the lower beam 5 suspended from pull-up cords 6. The other, superjacent slats 3 are shown in an extreme pulled-apart, lowered configuration in which they are supported, with mutual interspaces, by cross connections of ladder cords 7 depending from the upper beam 4. These cross connections are not visible in the drawing, because they are in each case located below the supported slat. In entirely lowered condition, the venetian blind covers a surface 8, approximately as indicated in Fig. 1 in dot-dash lines.
In so far as it has been lowered, the net curtain 2 extends in front of the lowered portion of the venetian blind 1.
Provided between the venetian blind 1 and the net curtain 2 are point connections 9 which are distributed over the surface 8 in so far as the venetian blind 1 has been lowered.
The point connections 9 between the net curtain 2 and the venetian blind 1 can be manufactured in a simple manner, as will be further explained hereinbelow on the basis of the exemplary embodiments shown and some alternatives.
The point connections 9 connect the net curtain 2 to the venetian blind 1 only very locally. As a result, they can easily be detached and reattached. Hence, the net curtain 2 can easily be cleaned or replaced. The simple replaceability of the net curtain 2 further enables changing the outward appearance of the window covering without replacing the relatively costly venetian blind 1.
The net curtain 2, fixed relative to the venetian blind 1 only at the location of the point connections 9, impedes the accessibility of the slats and hence the cleaning of the venetian blind 1 only to a slight extent. By detaching the net curtain 2 from the venetian blind 1, the venetian blind 1 can be cleaned more easily and without the risk of causing stains or streaks in the net curtain 2.
As can be seen in Fig. 1, during the pulling up and lowering of the venetian blind 1, the net curtain 2 is taken along by that venetian blind 1 at the location of the point connections 9 distributed over the venetian blind 1. In the exemplary embodiment shown in Fig. 1, this involves the net curtain 2 forming a series of folds 10. Hence, no separate means for pulling up and lowering the net curtain 2 are required, so that for the window covering a slight building-in depth is sufficient. In the window covering according to the example shown, as venetian blind 1, a conventional, commercially available pull-up venetian blind 1 having horizontal slats is used, so that as far as the venetian blind 1, and more particularly the pull-up and lowering mechanism is concerned, it suffices to use components that are generally available, at low costs.
Although the net curtain 2 is not connected to the venetian blind 1 along continuous horizontal strips but only at the location of horizontally spaced apart points, the effect that the net curtain 2 forms the packet of pleats 10 shown is nevertheless realized during the pulling up and lowering of the venetian blind 1 and the net curtain 2, on account of the stiffness of the fabric of the net curtain 2. Through variation in the choice of fabric and of the horizontal distance between the connection points 9, different, tighter or more draped packings of the net curtain 2 in pulled-up condition can be obtained, if so desired.
Also the appearance of the net curtain, in so far as it has been lowered, can be influenced in various manners through a suitable choice of fabric and arrangement of the connection points 9. For instance, instead of the shown, substantially flat folding curtain, it is possible to obtain a net curtain which in lowered condition contains a number of loops succeeding one another in lowering direction, a pleated net curtain or a net curtain which in lowered condition forms a drape.
For the net curtain 2, a very light, transparent, gauzy type of fabric is preferably used. However, also when very light curtain fabrics are used, a window covering is desired whose outward appearance is substantially constant through a long useful life. For this purpose, the net curtain is preferably provided with reinforcements at the locations where the point connections engage the net curtain. In the window covering according to Fig. 1, the reinforcements are designed as strips 11, to which successive ones of the point connections 9 engage.
In the window covering according to the example shown in Fig. 1, the reinforcement strips 11 are oriented in lowering direction, at least in so far as the window covering has been lowered. Because for obtaining a net curtain 2 which depends flat in lowered condition, the vertical distance between successive connection points 9 should always be a single pitch distance or a whole multiple of the pitch between successive slats 3 in lowered condition, the vertical course of the reinforcement strips 11 offers the advantage that for any type of venetian blind 1, subassemblies can be prefabricated in the form of reinforcement strips 11 having connecting elements arranged at a suitable pitch. It is not until the purchaser has opted for a specific type of net curtain, that reinforcement strips corresponding to the chosen venetian blind 1, cut to length and provided with connecting elements, are stitched against the fabric of the net curtain at suitable locations.
As a matter of fact, also with the use of prefabricated reinforcement strips with connecting elements on the fabric of the net curtain, different draping forms can be obtained by attaching the connecting elements to the venetian blind at different positions.
For pulling up the venetian blind 1 and the net curtain 2, and for setting the position of the slats 3 by tilting them about their longitudinal axes, the window covering according to Fig. 1 comprises two operating cords 12, 13, projecting through an opening in the fabric of the net curtain. To finish the opening in a rapid and efficient manner and to obtain a stable guiding of the operating cords, on the side of the net curtain 2 remote from the upper beam 4, a plate (not shown) positioned and fixed relative to the upper beam 4 can be used, as described in European patent application 0 682 901.
Further, through variation of the number of connection points and the positioning of the connection points, the outward appearance of the folded or pleated portion of the net curtain can also be influenced.
The embodiment of the window covering according to the invention shown in Fig. 2 differs from the window covering according to Fig. 1 in that in the lowered configuration, the distance in lowering direction between successive slats 3 is less than the distance in lowering direction between successive ones of the point connections 9. This offers the advantage that relatively few point connections between the net curtain 2 and the venetian blind 1 are necessary, so that, accordingly, the net curtain 2 can be attached to the venetian blind 1 more rapidly and also be removed from the venetian blind 1 more rapidly. Further, the number of pleats that are formed during the pulling up of the net curtain 2 is relatively small, so that also in the case where thicker or stiffer fabrics are applied, the thickness of the packet of pleats 10 does not substantially impede the pulling up of the venetian blind 1. Another advantage of the relatively large vertical spacing between successive connection points 9 is that during pulling up, relatively wide loops or pleats 10 are formed which, at least if the fabric chosen is not too stiff, depend along the front of the lower beam 5 of the venetian blind 1. As a result, the lower beam 5 of the venetian blind 1 is also entirely or largely concealed when it is in the pulled-up condition. Thus, the soft, upholstered appearance of the window covering, obtained through the use of the net curtain 2, is also maintained if the venetian blind 1 and the net curtain 2 have been pulled up.
Further, in the window covering according to Fig. 2, the reinforcement strips 11 are oriented parallel to the slats 3. This does not only prevent stretching and tearing of the fabric of the net curtain in the area of the point connections 9, but also provides in the pulled-up net curtain a reinforcement in the area of the folds on the side of the pleats 10 which faces the venetian blind 1. This reinforcement prevents sagging of the pleats 10 between the point connections 9 that are adjacent in horizontal direction, and also outside the point connections 9 which, in horizontal direction, are located on the outside.
In accordance with the intended evenness of the pleats 10 in the net curtain 2 in pulled-up condition, reinforcements 11 of a greater or lesser bending stiffness can be applied. For increasing the bending stiffness of the reinforcements 11, strings, ribs or rods may be incorporated into the reinforcement strips 11. If necessary, horizontal reinforcements may additionally be provided, extending between the point connections.
It is further observed, that it is also possible to provide the net curtain with combinations of horizontal and vertical, as well as other types of reinforcements.
According to the presently most preferred embodiment of the invention, vertical reinforcement strips 11 as shown in Fig. 1 are combined with an intermediate distance between successive point connections 9 as shown in Fig. 2.
Although the point connections 9 may for instance be manufactured from yarn and can essentially be obtained in the same manner as putting on a button, the point connections 9 are preferably designed with detachable connecting elements 15. Fig. 10 shows a connecting element 15 according to an embodiment that is presently most preferred. With the connecting element 15 as shown in Figs. 3 and 10, a wear-resistant point connection with an accurately controlled play between the net curtain 2 and the venetian blind 1 can be obtained.
In the window coverings according to Figs. 1-7, the point connections 9 are designed with connecting elements 15 in the form of elastically deformable rings 15. These rings are elastically deformable between a closed condition as shown in Fig. 3, where the net curtain 2 is connected to the venetian blind 1 at the location of the relevant point connection 9, and an open condition, where the relevant connecting element can be coupled or uncoupled. As a result, the net curtain can readily be connected to the venetian blind and detached again from the venetian blind. In the open condition, an interruption 16 in the ring 15 is open. In the shown, closed condition, this interruption 16 is closed with some bias. Such rings are commercially available for instance in the form of key rings.
However, it is also possible to design the point connections with other detachable connecting elements, such as clamps, hooks, loops, etc.
The connecting element 15 according to Fig. 10 is basically ring-shaped and has a small, continuously open interruption 16. The interruption 16 communicates with a slotted, recessed area 38 for receiving a vertical band 11 as shown in Fig. 1. It is also possible to provide in the curtain 2 vertical, button hole-like slots having thereinbetween a strip of curtain fabric whose width corresponds to the width of the band 11, which strip can then, instead of the band 11, be inserted into the slotted, recessed area 38 of the connecting element 15. The interruption 16 is channel-shaped and connects to the slotted, recessed area 38 at a distance from the ends of that area. This involves the band 11 or a strip of the curtain fabric having to be pleated laterally to enable it to be slipped into the slotted, recessed area 38. Once the band 11 or the strip of curtain fabric has been brought in position in the slotted, recessed area 38, it can hardly escape from the slotted, recessed area 38 without intentional action.
The connecting element 15 further has a recessed end area 39 for receiving a ladder cord 7 of a venetian blind 1. The recessed end area 39 extends via a narrow passage 40, which also extends through the slotted, recessed area 38, with the interruption (inlet and outlet) 16.
On the side of the slotted, recessed area 38, the connecting element 15 comprises a laterally projecting supporting edge 41 whereby the connecting element 15, in placed condition, is supported in a straight orientation by the curtain 2. Preferably, the supporting edge 41 has a length of 14-20 mm, and more in particular of 17 mm. The thickness of the connecting element 15 perpendicular to the plane of the drawing is preferably about 1.5 mm. The connecting element is preferably manufactured from transparent polycarbonate in a UV-resistant version.
Affixing the connecting elements 15 is preferably realized by first hooking them in the intended positions on the ladder cord and then inserting the band 11 or the strips of the curtain 2, which depends from the upper beam along the venetian blind 1, into the relevant slotted, recessed areas 38. Once the band 11 or the strip of curtain fabric has been fitted in the relevant slotted, recessed areas 38, it forms an obstruction in the passage 40 between the recessed end area 40 and the inlet and outlet 16, which effectively prevents the ladder cord 7 from escaping from the connecting element unintentionally.
The venetian blind 1 of the window covering according to the examples shown is conventionally provided with ladder cords 7 which keep the slats 3 in the lowered configuration in a spaced-apart position. The point connections 9 between the venetian blind 1 and the net curtain 2 engage the ladder cords 7. This offers the advantage that the position of the slats 3, sitting loosely in the ladder cords, is not disturbed by forces exerted thereon via the point connections. Because the forces exerted by the net curtain 2 are exerted directly on the ladder cord 7, and not via the slats 3 or via the pull-up cord 6, wear of the ladder cord 7 or the pull-up cord 6 respectively is prevented. Further, the point connections 9 with the ladder cord 7 can be of simple and compact design, because the attachment thereto can be realized in a simple and form-fitting manner and the ladder cord 7 extends closely along the net curtain 2.
The net curtain 2 is also attached to the lower beam 5 of the venetian blind, as appears most clearly from Figs. 4 and 5. This offers the advantage that in pulled-up condition, the last pleat, which is relatively bendable as it is not bounded on two sides by a bent of folded fabric part, is held in a straight position extending along the lower beam 5.
In the window covering according to the exemplary embodiments shown, the net curtain 2 has its lower edge provided with a loop 17 that is slightly smaller than the width of the net curtain 2 and through which a rod 18 has been passed. Ends of the rod 18 project from the loop 17. Because the net curtain has been slightly narrowed at the location of the loop 17, the rod 18 projects from the net curtain 2 only very slightly, if at all, so that two window coverings can be suspended side by side in very close adjacency. Resilient brackets 19 keep the projecting ends of the rod 18 in position against the lower side of the lower beam 5. Expansion of these resilient brackets 19 enables the rod 18 and accordingly the net curtain 2 to be detached from the lower beam 5 and reattached thereto again.
In order to retain the upper edge of the net curtain 2 along the upper beam 4, and in particular to prevent the upper corner portions of the net curtain from turning over, the net curtain 2 is fastened, along its upper edge, to the upper beam 4, as appears most clearly from Figs. 6 and 7.
The net curtain 2 has its upper edge provided with a loop 20 through which a rod 21 has been passed. At two locations, the loop 20 is interrupted by a recess 22, so that the rod 21 is clear. In each of the recesses 22, an end of a resilient bracket 23 embraces the rod 21. The other end of each of those resilient brackets 23 catches behind a bent-over flange 24 of the upper beam 4. This causes the rod 22 of the net curtain 2 suspended therefrom to be retained against the upper beam by the brackets 23. The resilient brackets 23 catching behind the bent-over flange 24 of the upper beam 4 can easily be unhooked for detaching the net curtain 2 from the upper beam 4. For fixing the net curtain 2, the brackets can readily be hooked on.
Because the upper beam 4 has a cavity on the side thereof facing away from the slats 3, and the rod 21 is located in that cavity (see also Figs. 1 and 2), the net curtain covers the upper beam 4. Thus, the upper beam 4 is concealed on the side of the net curtain 2. In addition, the rod 21 does not occupy any extra space and allows the upper beam 4 to be positioned, in a conventional manner, very closely against a superjacent surface.
A presently most preferred manner of attaching the curtain along the upper beam of the venetian blind is shown in Figs. 8 and 9. In this manner of attachment, the curtain 2 is attached to a curtain-support section 25 that can be clamped between the box 4, or at least a holder 26 for retaining the box 4, and a ceiling or other downwardly facing surface above a window 27.
For clamping the curtain-support section 25, there is further provided a spacer 28, composed of two identical parts 29 that can be clamped, with a lip 30 of the curtain-support section 25, between the downwardly facing surface 27 of a window opening, a ceiling, a mounting bracket or the like and the holder 26 of the venetian blind. To enable fastening members for fastening the holder to pass, the spacer 28 is provided with holes 31. Further, the spacer is provided with projections 32 and recesses 33 that cooperate for positioning the parts 29 of the spacer 28 relative to each other when these parts are placed against each other in the configuration shown in Fig. 8. Finally, the spacer 28 is provided with facing, upright ribs 34 for ensuring sufficient engagement with the lip 30 of the curtain-support section 25.
The curtain-support section 25 further comprises a channel 35 having a narrow, continuous, lateral passage. In mounted condition, a string or rib 21 having a loop 20 of the curtain 2 provided around it, has been inserted into the channel 35, with the curtain hanging outside from the passage 36.
For fixing a venetian blind and a curtain, the string or rib 21 is first passed into a loop 20 along the intended upper edge of the curtain. Then, the loop 20 with the string or rib 21 is slid into the channel 35. After that, the venetian blind 1 and more in particular the box 4, is fitted against the downwardly facing surface 27 with the insertion of the spacer 28. Then, the lip 30 of the curtain-support section 25 is passed into an opening 37 between the parts 29 of the spacer 28 and clamped thereinbetween. Finally, the point connections are placed between the curtain 2 and the venetian blind 1.
For fastening the curtain 2 along the upper beam 4, it is also possible to mount a curtain-support section to be mounted between the upper beam 4 and a downwardly facing surface without spacer, although in that case, the suspension is more sensitive to irregularities in the downwardly facing surface. Further, the fastening operation is in that case slightly more laborious, because the curtain-support section for supporting the curtain and the holders for supporting the venetian blind should then be brought in position simultaneously. This virtually always means that a second person is necessary for retaining the curtain-support section at the intended location, as long as it has not yet been fixed in two places. Not in the last place, the removal and repositioning of the curtain-support section and a curtain attached thereto - for instance for cleaning - is more laborious if the curtain-support section is mounted without the interposition of a spacer.
Further, it is possible to attach the loop of the curtain and the string or rib inserted therein to the curtain-support section in another manner, for instance with clamping means or a clamping section in a more open channel having retention edges, or through snapping into a flexible open bendable channel.
Within the framework of the present invention, many variants to the examples shown are possible. For instance, the number of fastening brackets along the upper side and also along the lower side of the curtain may be greater than two. It is also possible to have the curtain continue at the location of the fastening brackets, so that at the location of those brackets, the curtain is clamped between the brackets and the rod. The attachment of the curtain to the lower beam and the upper beam may also be realized in an entirely different manner, for instance by means of a string from flexible material, such as rubber or plastic, clamped with a strip of curtain fabric in a groove in the upper or lower beam. It is also possible to attach the curtain to the upper beam and the lower beam of the venetian blind by means of, for instance, eyes, button connections, push buttons, Velcro tape or suitably designed end caps. By tensioning the curtain or a tension wire along the upper beam or the lower beam in longitudinal direction of that beam, it is possible to obtain an end edge of the curtain that extends tightly along the relevant beam without utilizing an extra elongated element having bending stiffness, such as a rod.
Instead of being manufactured as net curtain, the curtain may be manufactured from any other type of web-shaped material, such as woven or knitted textile, felt material, film, paper or composite material. However, in combination with the possibility of regulating the incidence of light by means of the venetian blind, the application of light-transmitting material is generally the most attractive one.

Claims

A window covering comprising:

a venetian blind (1) having mutually parallel slats (3), which, in operational condition, are directed horizontally and which, in operational condition, are suspended in ladder chords (7) so as to be displaceable relative to one another between a packed, pulled-up configuration and an extreme pulled-apart, lowered configuration, said venetian blind (1) in said lowered configuration covering a specific surface (8),

characterized by
a curtain (2) attached to said venetian blind which in lowered condition covers at least a portion of said surface (8), which curtain is attached to said venetian blind by point connections (9) between the venetian blind (1) and the curtain (2), for following displacement of said venetian blind in operational condition, said point connections (9) being distributed over said surface (8) if the slats (3) are in said lowered configuration, and horizontally spaced apart.
A window covering according to claim 1, wherein the point connections (9) comprise detachable connecting elements (15).
A window covering according to claim 2, wherein the connecting elements (15) are each elastically deformable between a first condition in which the curtain (2) is connected to the venetian blind (1) at the location of the relevant point connection (9), and a second condition in which the relevant connecting element (15) can be uncoupled or coupled.
A window covering according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein in said lowered configuration, the distance in lowering direction between successive slats (3) is less than the distance in lowering direction between successive ones of said point connections (9).
A window covering according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the slats (3) in said lowered configuration are suspended at mutual distances in the ladder cords (7), wherein the point connections (9) between the venetian blind (1) and the curtain (2) are constructed as connections (9) between the curtain (2) and said ladder cords (7).
A window covering according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the curtain (2) is provided with reinforcement strips (11) supporting said point connections (9).
A window covering according to claim 6, wherein at least a number of the reinforcement strips (11) are oriented in lowering direction if the window covering is in its lowered configuration.
A window covering according to claim 6 or 7, wherein at least one of the reinforcement strips (11) is oriented parallel to the slats (3).
A window covering according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the venetian blind (1) comprises an upper beam (4) and the curtain (2) is detachably mounted on the upper beam (4).
A window covering according to claim 9, wherein the attachment between the curtain (2) and the upper beam (4) comprises a rod (21) which extends parallel to the upper beam (4) and is coupled to the upper beam (4) in at least two places.
A window covering according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the upper beam (4) has a cavity on the side thereof facing away from the slats (3) and the rod (21) is located in said cavity.
A window covering according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the venetian blind (1) comprises a lower beam (5) and the curtain (2) is also attached to the lower beam (5).
A window covering according to claim 2 or 3 or any of the preceding claims depending therefrom, wherein the connecting elements (15) each comprise:

a slotted, recessed area (38) communicating with the environment via an interruption (16) and having dead ends, through which a strip-shaped part (11) of the curtain (2) extends, and

an end region which communicates, via a narrow passage (40), with said interruption (16) and through which a ladder cord (7) of the curtain (2) extends,

wherein said narrow passage (40) extends through said slotted, recessed area (38).
A window covering according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a curtain-support section (25) for supporting an upper edge of the curtain (2), said curtain-support section comprising a lip (30) for confinement in an area between an upper beam (4) of the venetian blind (1) and a downwardly facing surface (27) above the venetian blind (1).
A window covering according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a curtain-support section (25) for supporting an upper edge of the curtain (2) and a spacer (28) designed for confinement in an area between an upper beam (4) of the venetian blind (1) and a downwardly facing surface (27) above the venetian blind (1), and comprising means (37) for coupling said curtain-support section (25) thereto.
A conversion set for providing a pull-up venetian blind (1) with a curtain (2) that can be pulled up along with the venetian blind, comprising: a curtain (2), a curtain-support section (21, 25) for to retaining an upper edge of the curtain (2) along an upper beam (4) of a venetian blind (1), and a set of connecting elements (15) for attaching the curtain (2) to the venetian blind (1) pointwise, the curtain (2) including connecting positions distributed over the surface of the curtain, the connecting positions being formed by reinforcements (11) or by strips of curtain fabric between hole-like slots, the connecting elements (15) being detachably connetable to said reinforcements (11) or to said strips of curtain fabric.