GB2479523A - Pull cord assembly - Google Patents
Pull cord assembly Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- GB2479523A GB2479523A GB1005358A GB201005358A GB2479523A GB 2479523 A GB2479523 A GB 2479523A GB 1005358 A GB1005358 A GB 1005358A GB 201005358 A GB201005358 A GB 201005358A GB 2479523 A GB2479523 A GB 2479523A
- Authority
- GB
- United Kingdom
- Prior art keywords
- pull cord
- housing
- housings
- connector
- connector housing
- 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.)
- Withdrawn
Links
- 239000000696 magnetic material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 11
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims abstract description 7
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 claims description 6
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 claims description 6
- 239000011324 bead Substances 0.000 claims description 4
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 3
- 229910000831 Steel Inorganic materials 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000010959 steel Substances 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000000712 assembly Effects 0.000 description 3
- 238000000429 assembly Methods 0.000 description 3
- 239000000853 adhesive Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000001070 adhesive effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 description 2
- 206010003497 Asphyxia Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 208000027418 Wounds and injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000006378 damage Effects 0.000 description 1
- 208000014674 injury Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000000116 mitigating effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000002991 molded plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001172 neodymium magnet Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000000926 separation method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000003466 welding Methods 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
- E06B9/24—Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blinds
- E06B9/26—Lamellar or like blinds, e.g. venetian blinds
- E06B9/28—Lamellar or like blinds, e.g. venetian blinds with horizontal lamellae, e.g. non-liftable
- E06B9/30—Lamellar or like blinds, e.g. venetian blinds with horizontal lamellae, e.g. non-liftable liftable
- E06B9/32—Operating, guiding, or securing devices therefor
- E06B9/322—Details of operating devices, e.g. pulleys, brakes, spring drums, drives
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
- E06B9/24—Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blinds
- E06B9/26—Lamellar or like blinds, e.g. venetian blinds
- E06B9/28—Lamellar or like blinds, e.g. venetian blinds with horizontal lamellae, e.g. non-liftable
- E06B9/30—Lamellar or like blinds, e.g. venetian blinds with horizontal lamellae, e.g. non-liftable liftable
- E06B9/32—Operating, guiding, or securing devices therefor
- E06B9/326—Details of cords, e.g. buckles, drawing knobs
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
- E06B9/56—Operating, guiding or securing devices or arrangements for roll-type closures; Spring drums; Tape drums; Counterweighting arrangements therefor
-
- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
- E06B9/24—Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blinds
- E06B9/26—Lamellar or like blinds, e.g. venetian blinds
- E06B9/28—Lamellar or like blinds, e.g. venetian blinds with horizontal lamellae, e.g. non-liftable
- E06B9/30—Lamellar or like blinds, e.g. venetian blinds with horizontal lamellae, e.g. non-liftable liftable
- E06B9/32—Operating, guiding, or securing devices therefor
- E06B9/326—Details of cords, e.g. buckles, drawing knobs
- E06B2009/3265—Emergency release to prevent strangulation or excessive load
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Structural Engineering (AREA)
- Architecture (AREA)
- Civil Engineering (AREA)
- Curtains And Furnishings For Windows Or Doors (AREA)
Abstract
A pull cord assembly comprises a first connector housing 12, a second connector housing 24, the first connector housing 12 containing a permanent magnet 22, the second connector housing 24 containing an element 26 of a magnetic material, the first and second connector housings 12, 24 being secured to respective ends of an elongate pull cord material 10 and being releasably connectable to one another by magnetic attraction between the magnet 22 and the element 26 of magnetic material. Preferably each housing is in two parts and in one part is a hole 18 that engages with a peg 16. One housing may also have a recess for receiving the other housing when connected thus preventing lateral movement of the connector housings. The antiligature pull cord is designed to come apart to prevent death when undue force is applied— for example when someone is strangled or hung by a blind cord.
Description
Pull Cord Assembly This invention relates to a pull cord assembly, and in particular to a pull cord assembly of enhanced safety.
Many blinds, curtains and other fittings are provided with pull cord assemblies which are used to control the operation thereof. For example, the pull cord assembly may be used to open or close curtains or roller blinds, and may be used to adjust the positions and angles of vertical or horizontal blinds. Pull cord assemblies typically comprise a length of a suitable cord or chain and, depending upon the manner in which it is to be used, the pull cord assembly may be in the form of a continuous loop.
Some safety concerns have been raised over continuous ioop pull cord assemblies in that there is a risk that small children may become entangled with the pull cord, for example if playing close to the location of the pull cord. If a child becomes entangled in this manner and then, for example, loses his or her balance, then there may be a risk of injury or strangulation.
These risks are mitigated against in some designs, for example by providing fittings to secure the pull cord close to a wall and thereby reduce the risk of entanglement, or by using open-ended rather than the closed loop pull cords. However, depending upon the product with which the pull cord is to be used, open-ended pull cords may be impractical or unsuitable, and the provision of additional fittings may be impractical, unsightly or uneconomic.
It is an object of the invention to provide a pull cord assembly of simple and convenient form in which at least some of the safety concerns are reduced or removed.
According to the present invention there is provided a pull cord assembly comprising a first connector housing, a second connector housing, the first connector housing containing a permanent magnet, the second connector housing containing an element of a magnetic material, the first and second connector housings being secured to respective ends of an elongate pull cord material and being releasably connectable to one another by magnetic attraction between the magnet and the element of magnetic material.
In such an arrangement, when the first and second housings are connected to one another the cord material can be formed into a continuous loop and used to operate a blind, curtain or other similar device. However, if the pull cord assembly is subject to a load greater than a predetermined load, the first and second connector housings will be pulled apart, forming the pull cord assembly into an open-ended form and thereby mitigating against at least some of the safety concerns with closed loop pull cords.
The element of magnetic material may comprise, for example, a body of iron or steel.
Alternatively, it may comprise a second permanent magnet. Where a second permanent magnet is used then it is orientated such that its polarity results in magnetic attraction with the permanent magnet of the first connector housing.
Conveniently, one of the first and second connector housings defines a recess in which part of the other of the housings and/or the magnet or magnetic element associated therewith can be received to resist lateral relative movement between the first and second connector housings.
Conveniently, each housing is of two-part form and is preferably comprised of two identical plastics holdings.
The pull cord may take a range of forms. For example it could comprise a chain, a chain-like material or a string-like cord. Where of chain or chain-like form, it may comprise a series of beads of, for example, plastics or metallic form.
The invention will further be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a pull cord assembly in accordance with one embodiment of the invention; and Figure 2 is a view of the pull cord assembly of Figure 1 with parts thereof removed.
The pull cord assembly illustrated in the accompanying drawings comprises an elongate pull cord 10, only the end parts lOa, lOb of which are visible in the drawings.
The pull cord 10 could take a range of forms. For example, it could take the form of a length of string-like cord, or could comprise a length of a chain or chain-like material.
In the arrangement shown, the pull cord 10 comprises a series of plastics moulded beads formed on an elongate cord, thread or filament, but it will be appreciated that the invention is not restricted in this regard.
A first connector housing 12 is connected to the end lOa of the pull cord 10. The first connector housing 12 is of two part form, the two parts 14 of the housing 12 being identical to one another and being of moulded plastics form. Each part 14 includes an integral upstanding peg 16 and an opening or recess 18 positioned so that when the two parts 14 are assembled and secured to one another, the peg 16 of one of the parts 14 is received within the opening 18 of the other of the parts 14. The peg 16 may be an interference fit within the opening 18 to secure the parts 14 together. Alternatively, they may be secured to one another by, for example, a suitable adhesive or plastics welding. The parts 14, when assembled, together define a small opening 20 through which the end lOa of the pull cord 10 extends so that an end one of the beads of the pull cord 10 is trapped within the housing 12, thereby securing the housing 12 to the end ba of the pull cord 10. Where another type of pull cord is used, then an alternative technique for securing the housing 12 to the end lOa thereof may be employed.
The housing 12 defines an interior space of generally cylindrical form within which a permanent magnet 22 is located. The magnet 22 may comprise, for example, a neodymium magnet, but this need not always be the case, and other forms of permanent magnet may be used.
A second connector housing 24 is secured to the end lOb of the pull cord 10. The second connector housing 24 is of design very similar to the first connector housing 12.
However, rather than have a permanent magnet 22 located therein, a cylindrical element 26 of a magnetic material, for example a cylinder of iron, is housed within the interior space of the housing 24.
The magnet 22 and element 26 may be secured within the respective housings 12, 24 by any suitable retaining technique. For example, they may be an interference fit within the respective housings 12, 24. Alternatively a suitable adhesive may be used, or a grub screw may be employed to secure these components in position. Alternatively, the housings 12, 24 may be shaped so that the parts thereof within which the magnet 22 and element 26 are located are designed to hold the magnet 22 and element 26 captive.
In normal use, the housings 12, 24 are attached or secured to one another as a result of the magnetic attraction between the magnet 22 and the element 26. As a consequence, the pull cord 10 is formed, effectively, into a continuous ioop. The pull cord 10 will typically pass around a suitable gear wheel or pulley so that the cord 10 can be used to control the position or operation of a blind, curtain or the like. As outlined hereinbefore, some concerns have been expressed regarding the safety of closed loop pull cords. However, where the pull cord of the present invention is provided, if a child were to become entangled with the pull cord and then, for example, loose his or her balance, the additional load on the pull cord would be sufficient to overcome the magnetic attraction between the magnet 22 and the element 26. As a result, the housings 12, 24 would separate from one another resulting in the pull cord taking the form of an open ended arrangement, freeing or releasing, or loosening, the entangled child. Consequently, at least some of the safety concerns associated with closed loop pull cords are mitigated against.
If the housings 12, 24 have become separated from one another in this manner, then before the blind, curtain or the like is next adjusted or operated, all that is required is that the ends parts of the pull cord 10 and the housings 12, 24 are brought close to one another with the result that the magnetic attraction therebetween will result in the housings 12, 24 becoming attached to one another, ofrming the pull cord 10 once again into a closed loop form.
Of course, even with the safety enhancements achieved by the use of the invention, there is still the possibility of a child becoming entangled with one or other end part of the cord 10 even when of open ended form, and so the cord should preferably be positioned in a location in which it is out of the reach of young children.
Although not illustrated, the housings 1 2, 24 are conveniently shaped in such a manner that a part of one of the housings 12, 24, and/or the magnet 22 or element 26 associated therewith is receivable within a corresponding recess formed in the other of the housings 12, 24 so as to resist lateral relative movement between the housings 12, 24. Such an arrangement is thought to be advantageous in that it reduces the risk of undesired release and separation of the housing 12, 24 from one another.
In the arrangement described hereinbef ore the second housing 24 is provided with an element of a magnetic material. In some arrangements, it may be desirable for this element to take the form of a second permanent magnet, the polarisation of which is orientated relative to the polarisation of the magnet provided in the first housing 12 so as to result in magnetic attraction therebetween as the ends of the cord 10 and the housings 12, 24 are brought close to one another.
A wide range of modifications and alterations may be made to the arrangements described hereinbefore without departing from the scope of the invention.
Claims (8)
- CLAIMS: 1. A pull cord assembly comprising a first connector housing, a second connector housing, the first connector housing containing a permanent magnet, the second connector housing containing an element of a magnetic material, the first and second connector housings being secured to respective ends of an elongate pull cord material and being releasably connectable to one another by magnetic attraction between the magnet and the element of magnetic material.
- 2. An assembly according to Claim 1, wherein the element of magnetic material is a body of iron or steel.
- 3. An assembly according to Claim 1, wherein the element of magnetic material comprises a second permanent magnet.
- 4. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein one of the first and second connector housings defines a recess in which part of the other of the housings and/or the magnet or magnetic element associated therewith can be received to resist lateral relative movement between the first and second connector housings.
- 5. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each housing is of two-part form.
- 6. An assembly according to Claim 5, wherein each housing is comprised of two identical plastics holdings.
- 7. An assembly according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the pull cord comprises a chain, a chain-like material or a string-like cord.
- 8. An assembly according to Claim 7, wherein where the pull cord is of chain or chain-like form, it comprises a series of beads of plastics or metallic form.
Priority Applications (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1005358A GB2479523A (en) | 2010-03-30 | 2010-03-30 | Pull cord assembly |
Applications Claiming Priority (1)
| Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1005358A GB2479523A (en) | 2010-03-30 | 2010-03-30 | Pull cord assembly |
Publications (2)
| Publication Number | Publication Date |
|---|---|
| GB201005358D0 GB201005358D0 (en) | 2010-05-12 |
| GB2479523A true GB2479523A (en) | 2011-10-19 |
Family
ID=42228619
Family Applications (1)
| Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| GB1005358A Withdrawn GB2479523A (en) | 2010-03-30 | 2010-03-30 | Pull cord assembly |
Country Status (1)
| Country | Link |
|---|---|
| GB (1) | GB2479523A (en) |
Cited By (4)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2513217A (en) * | 2013-01-28 | 2014-10-22 | Fusta Blinds S L | Tassel for blind's cords |
| EP2889448A1 (en) | 2013-12-24 | 2015-07-01 | Hunter Douglas Industries B.V. | Ball chain connector and method of releasably connecting together ball chain ends |
| US9500025B2 (en) | 2014-07-18 | 2016-11-22 | The Shade Store, Llc | Breakaway cord connector |
| GB2570179A (en) * | 2018-10-05 | 2019-07-17 | Yewdale Corporation Ltd | Anti-ligature item and bracket system |
Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20050087312A1 (en) * | 2003-10-22 | 2005-04-28 | Nien Made Enterprise Co., Ltd. | Releasable cord connecter for window blind |
-
2010
- 2010-03-30 GB GB1005358A patent/GB2479523A/en not_active Withdrawn
Patent Citations (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US20050087312A1 (en) * | 2003-10-22 | 2005-04-28 | Nien Made Enterprise Co., Ltd. | Releasable cord connecter for window blind |
Cited By (5)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GB2513217A (en) * | 2013-01-28 | 2014-10-22 | Fusta Blinds S L | Tassel for blind's cords |
| EP2889448A1 (en) | 2013-12-24 | 2015-07-01 | Hunter Douglas Industries B.V. | Ball chain connector and method of releasably connecting together ball chain ends |
| US9500025B2 (en) | 2014-07-18 | 2016-11-22 | The Shade Store, Llc | Breakaway cord connector |
| GB2570179A (en) * | 2018-10-05 | 2019-07-17 | Yewdale Corporation Ltd | Anti-ligature item and bracket system |
| GB2570179B (en) * | 2018-10-05 | 2020-01-08 | Yewdale Investments Ltd | Anti-ligature item and bracket system |
Also Published As
| Publication number | Publication date |
|---|---|
| GB201005358D0 (en) | 2010-05-12 |
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Legal Events
| Date | Code | Title | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| WAP | Application withdrawn, taken to be withdrawn or refused ** after publication under section 16(1) |