GB2516062A

GB2516062A - A Safety Device for a Blind

Info

Publication number: GB2516062A
Application number: GB1312342.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ivor Henry Seddon
Original assignee: SPEEDY PRODUCTS Ltd
Current assignee: SPEEDY PRODUCTS Ltd
Priority date: 2013-07-10
Filing date: 2013-07-10
Publication date: 2015-01-14
Also published as: GB201312342D0

Abstract

A safety device for a blind comprises a pull cord 13, a plurality of blind cords 12 and a connector 15 joining the pull cord and blind cords in a releasable connection such that the blind cords have releasable attachment points 18 that disengage from the connector when subject to a predetermined force. Preferably, the pull cord is also releasably joined to the connector and as such will also disengage from the connector when subject to a predetermined force. The device may also comprise additional releasable attachment points 18 such that each blind cord is able to disengage from the blind under a predetermined force, thereby breaking any closed loops that might cause a hazard for children or animals that become entangled in the blind cord system.

Description

A Safety Device for a Blind

Technical field

The present invention relates to a safety device suitable for a blind, i.e. a window blind and particularly a "Roman blind". However, the safety device of the invention may be generally applicable to other window/door blinds and cord operated window systems or equivalent constructio ns.

Background Art

Many conventional window blind systems require the use of a series of cords for manipulating an opening/closing action of the blind over a window, etc. Such cord systems often result in one or several closed loops hanging at a distance from the ground which present a safety risk to children or animals. In some cases the child or animal may accidentally become entangled and even strangled by a hanging loop.

To address this problem the concept of a "breakable" cord has been proposed which causes a loop to snap or break apart when subject to a certain force. For example, US6044523 describes an end tassel with breakable portions which separate from the tassel when a certain force of tug is applied. However, the tassel must necessarily be located at a distal end of the cord system which forms multiple closed loops, each of which is a potential hazard.

Disclosure of the invention

The present invention seeks to provide a safety device for a blind that is able to overcome the problems identified in the prior art or, at least, provide a useful alternative.

In one broad aspect the invention provides a safety device for a blind comprised of a pull cord, a connector element and a plurality of blind cords; wherein each blind cord is releasably connected to the connector element such that the releasable connection will disconnect when subject to a predetermined force. The "predetermined force" is dictated by the minimum weight of a child likely to be capable of becoming entangled between the cords and is greater than the pull force required to raise the blind in normal use.

Preferably the pull cord is also releasably connected to the connector element and extends from an opposite side of the connector element to the blind cords releasably connected thereto. It will be apparent that the connector element will have provision for receiving/connecting to at least two blind cords, in addition to the pull cord. In a preferred form the releasable connection is by way of a plug, clip or tabs that are manufactured to pull apart when subjected to a predetermined force.

Preferably each blind cord is provided with one or more additional releasable connections where it is in contact with the blind itself. For example, an end of a blind cord distant from the pull cord/connector may be releasably connected to a hook, eyelet for "popper" element which is attached to the blind. Such further releasable connections are also configured to release upon being subjected to a predetermined force.

In a further form of the invention the blind is constructed such that any contact point along the length of a blind cord is provided with a releasable connection, to be disconnected under a predetermined force, such that no permanent closed loop can be formed between a surface of the blind and a blind cord and/or between respective blind cords, after a predetermined force is applied. In practice the predetermined force will be applied for a predetermined time; e.g. a 60N force applied to cause a break in the cord within five seconds.

Brief Description of the Drawings

Figures 1A and lB illustrate rear and front views of a Roman blind respectively, incorporating a safety device according to the invention; Figures 2A and 2B illustrates a safety device for a blind according to the invention; Figures 3A and 3B illustrate use configurations of a safety device according to the invention; Figures 4A and 4B illustrate front and rear views of a Roman blind incorporating additional connector features; Figure 5 illustrates an additional connector feature according to a preferred embodiment; Figures 6A and 6B illustrate front and rear views respectively of a further embodiment according to the invention; Figures 7A and 7B illustrate rear views of a yet further embodiment according to the invention; Figure 8 illustrates an embodiment of an additional connector means for use with the blind of either Figure 7A or Figure 7B; Figure 9 illustrates an alternative version of the embodiment from Figure 8; Figures WA and lOB illustrate a rear view and front view respectively of a further embodiment according to the invention; and Figure 11 illustrates a detailed view of a connector for use with the embodiment of Figures 1OA and lOB.

Detailed Description of the Invention

Figures 1A and lB illustrate the intended installation of a safety device 11 according to the invention. These figures also generally indicate by use of reference letter "X" the potential areas of risk/danger associated with a curtain cord system. Primarily, a closed loop which may entangle and/or strangle a child or animal can be found between blind cords 12 which are attached together at respective ends as illustrated in Figure lB. Furthermore, the space created between a wall surface and a pull cord 13 by virtue of its anchor point A to the wall also presents an area of risk. A yet further source of danger is where the blind cords 12 are in contact with the blind at various points down until the respective distal ends 14 are connected to a last panel P of the blind. Such an arrangement is necessary in order to raise the blind when the pull cord 13 is pulled in a downward direction and then secured to an anchor A in the known way.

It is noteworthy that the general force required to raise a Roman blind of the type illustrated may be about 20 N, i.e. approximately 2 kg of combined weight must be raised by the pull cord before the end is secured in place at the anchor point A. Heavier (wider) blinds often utilise additional blind cords 12, i.e. three or more. Furthermore, it is not uncommon to utilise geared pulleys for raising a blind. The foregoing figures of 20N/2kg are only illustrative (and not limiting to the invention) of the fact that the connector in the cord system must be able to withstand a certain pull force to enable it to function for raising the blind, without automatically disconnecting.

A preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated by Figure 2A wherein a connector element 15 includes a plurality of clips that are adapted to engage and releasably attach to an end element 16 which covers and is fixedly attached to a distal end of a blind cord (and, in the illustrated embodiment, also the pull cord 13). End cover elements 16 are attached to a cord by simply passing the cord through a small hole in the end element 16 and tying a knot K into an end of the cord in the known way.

In the illustrated form, each end element 16 includes a pair of windows or apertures 17 which are adapted to receive a resilient clip portion 18 extending from a face of the connector 15. In the preferred form as illustrated, a pair of resilient clips is engaged into each end element 16; however, alternative mechanisms that provide an equivalent clip function within the tolerances of the invention are possible. For example, an interference fit or ribs on a plug will also perform a similar function. Furthermore, the clip portion 18 may be incorporated into the end element 16 which is received by a corresponding aperture on the connecting element 15.

As shown in Figure 2A, once connected, the device of the invention has a 1, T or generally fork-shaped configuration which has the appearance of "splitting" the pull cord 13 into two blind cords 12. Alternative configurations of the connector element 15 may feature additional pairs of clips 18 such that three, four or more blind cords 12 can be releasably connected to the connector element 15. Figure 2B shows a configuration of connector 15 where three (3) blind cords are connectable to a pull cord.

As illustrated, preferably a single pull cord 13 is releasably connected to an underside of connector 15 and, on the top side, at least two blind cords 12 are connected to enable performance of the blind opening/closing function in a conventional way. However, to accommodate heavier blinds being operated by the pull cord it is possible that additional pull cords could be utilised. It may be apparent that the system is somewhat modular in that multiple end elements 16 can be supplied for attachment via a knot to a cord, and a suitable connector 15 is chosen dependent on the number of connections required.

The manufacturing tolerances of the clips 18 are important in order to enable the safety device to release one or more cords when a predetermined force is reached, as best illustrated in Figures 3A and 3B. The preferred Ipredetermined force" is approximately 60 N, e.g. equivalent to a 6 kg weight acting on the connector 15.

As illustrated, it is unlikely that the moment of release will be exactly the same for each connected end 16 and, therefore, one cord is likely to give way first. However, if a force (e.g. struggling child) is being applied between blind cords 12 then only one end connector 16 needs to be released from connector 15 in order for the loop to be opened and, therefore, to substantially reduce or eliminate the possibility of strangulation. As shown in Figure 3B, if significant force is applied from pull cord 13, e.g. by a child trapped adjacent the anchor point A with a wall (Figure 1B), the connection will release and open a potentially dangerous loop.

In one embodiment each connection point is intended to be able to withstand approximately 60N of force before it becomes disengaged (equivalent to a 6kg child). In practice this means that two cords (12) connected in parallel to a connector 15 as illustrated can withstand a vertical pull force of 120N before one side gives way; however, in terms of safety, any child caught between two cords exerts a lateral force which only has to reach approximately 60N before the connection releases and the loop is broken. Furthermore, if there had been a downward force of 120N this will have already disengaged the single pull cord 13 from the connector 15.

In an alternative embodiment connectors (such as the pair of clips 18) can be made with different release tolerances depending on the configuration of connector 15. For example, referring to Figure 2B, the connector 15 could feature a pull cord connector side 18A with a release force of SON, whereas the opposing blind cord connector side is comprised of clip pairs (18B) each with a release force of 20N. Such an arrangement would withstand a total GUN of pull force (e.g. for raising the blind) but much less lateral forces (2ON) should a body part become trapped between the multiple blind cords. Such an arrangement is "safer" because it disconnects under a lower load but is still effective for raising the blind.

Figures 4A and 4B illustrate a safety device 11 installed according to the invention, with the further feature of a releasable hook element 19, as shown in detail in Figure 5. A pair of hook elements 19 are hooked into loops sewn into a tape at a rear edge of a blind panel P. Each hook 19 includes a similar resilient clip 18 as previously described in order to be received by an end element 16 at the distal end of a blind cord 12. As illustrated in Figure 4B, during installation, a blind cord 12 can be threaded through subsequent loops 20 at the edge of a blind panel P and then plugged into hook 19 by virtue of the connection arrangement illustrated by FigureS.

As above, the connection arrangement illustrated by Figure 5 is configured to release when a predetermined force/stress is applied, e.g. 6 kg or 60 N which could result from a child's arm being trapped between a blind cord and panel P. Figures GA and GB illustrate a variation of the embodiment from Figures 4A and 4B, where a loop/ring 21 is sewn into an edge of a curtain panel P. Otherwise, installation is similar to that described above. Particularly, the size of an end element 16 is such that it can be threaded through a ring 21. 11)

Figures 7A and 7B illustrate an improvement over the embodiment of Figures GA and GB where, specifically, each loop 21 is provided with a release mechanism or "popper" at the point it is attached to a blind panel P. Alternative release mechanisms are illustrated by Figures 8 and 9 respectively.

Referring to Figure 8, a grommet element 22 is clipped through an aperture 23 formed in a tape that is sewn or otherwise fixed to a rear surface of the blind. Grommet 22 forms an eyelet for receiving a popper stud 24 that, in turn, is associated with a ring 21.

In the embodiment of Figure 8, ring 21 is permanently attached/clipped to stud 24 which is releasably engageable with eyelet 22. In the way described previously, a predetermined force will release the stud 24, as a blind cord pulls on ring 21, thereby breaking any closed loop.

In the embodiment of Figure 9, stud 24 is integrated with the eyelet component 22 which is configured to releasably receive a clip portion 25 extending from ring 21. Again, a predetermined force applied via blind cord 12 is sufficient to cause a disengagement which will avoid body parts etc. from remaining trapped in a closed loop next to the blind panel surface.

Figures bA, lOB and 11 illustrate a variation on the blind cord connector-type embodiment of Figures 7A, 7B, Sand 9. Specifically, this embodiment utilises a ring 21 to be received by a stud 24 that is further adapted to integrate with or receive a sliding portion 26 for being received by a channel 27 formed in a profiled rod 28. Profiled rod 28 acts as a rigid edge by receiving a pleat of the blind as best seen in Figure lOB. The pleat may be captured by rod 28 by virtue of a smaller dowel length 29 pushed (or fed longitudinally), along with the pleat into a clip portion 30.

Stud 24 with its associated sliding portion 26 is threaded into channel 27 and moved laterally to a suitable location along the length of the pleat. Dependent on the dimensions of sliding portion 26 this can be held in place by friction, a spacer within the channel or some other suitable means, such that the assembled arrangement appears as illustrated by Figure 1OA; e.g. with two blind cords 12 threaded through multiple rings 21 enabling suspension of a Roman blind. According to Figure 1OA an cord end stopper 31 (larger than the through-hole of a ring 21) provides an abutment surface such that pulling blind cords 12, via pull cord 13, collects successive rings 21 as the blind raises and pleats compress together.

As seen in Figure lOB, an end cap 32 press-fits into the side profile of channel 27 to provide a cover function for rod 28. In this way, clip portion 30 and channel 27 are closed off for a tidier appearance.

As with previous embodiments, the connecting functions of ring 21 into stud 24 (and/or stud 24 into sliding portion 26) are designed to release when a predetermined load is applied, e.g. preferably between 40 and SON; but most preferably no greater than 60N or 6kg of weight.

Industrial Applicability

The various connector components of the present invention can be moulded from suitable plastics material and manufactured to tolerances which enable releasable engagement when subjected to a predetermined force. In practice the thickness and choice of material affects what applied force is sufficient to "break" the cord. The remaining blind components as illustrated are constructed from conventional techniques and materials.

By way of summary, the safety device 11 for a blind P according to the invention includes a pull cord 13 and several blind cords 12, wherein a connector 15 joins the pull cord and blind cords in a releasable connection such that the cords are able to disengage from the connector element when subject to a predetermined force. The device may also include (as an additional aspect or independent invention) additional releasable attachment points such that any part of the blind 11) cord in contact with the blind for the purposes of raising and lowering said blind is able to disengage under a predetermined force, thereby breaking any closed loops that might cause a hazard for children or animals that become entangled in a blind cord system.

Claims

What We Claim Is: 1. A safety device for a blind comprised of: a pull cord; a plurality of blind cords; and a connector disposed between the pull cord and blind cords; wherein each blind cord is releasably connected to the connector element such that the blind cord will disengage from the connector element when subject to a predetermined force. 11)
2. The safety device of claim 1 wherein the pull cord is releasably connected to the connector element.
3. The safety device of claim 1 or 2 wherein the pull cord is connected to the connector IS element from an opposite side to the blind cords.
4. The safety device of claim 2 or 3 wherein the predetermined force for releasing the pull cord is approximately the same as for each blind cord.
5. The safety device of claim 2 or 3 wherein the predetermined force for releasing the pull cord is different from that of a blind cord.
6. The safety device of claim 5 wherein the predetermined force for releasing the pull cord is approximately the same as the total predetermined force of the blind cords combined. I0
7. The safety device of any of the preceding claims wherein the combined predetermined force for releasing the blind cords is greater than the pull force required to raise the blind.
8. The safety device of any of the preceding claims wherein the releasable connection is by way of a clip, plug or interference fit between the connector element and an end element of each cord.
9. The safety device of any of the preceding claims wherein each blind cord is provided with an additional releasable connection where it is in contact with the blind such that the blind cord will disengage from the blind when subject to a predetermined force.
10. The safety device of claim 9 wherein a distal end of a blind cord includes a hook, eyelet for popperl element which is releasably attached to the blind.
11. The safety device of claim 9 or 10 wherein any contact point along the length of a blind cord is provided with a releasable connection in relation to the blind, to be disconnected under a predetermined force.
12. A safety device for incorporation into a blind wherein a plurality of blind cords are attached to the blind for the purposes of raising and lowering said blind, and wherein each attachment point between the blind and a blind cord includes a releasable connection means such that the blind cord will disengage from the blind when subject to a predetermined force.
13. The safety device of claim 12 wherein the releasable connection means includes a clip, plug or interference fit.
14. The safety device of claim 12 or 13 wherein the releasable connection means includes a ring for receiving the blind cord.
15. The safety device of any of the preceding claims 12 to 14 further including a profiled rod to be fixed at an edge of a pleat of the blind, the profiled rod including a channel to receive a sliding means that incorporates the releasable connection means.
16. The safety device of claim 15 wherein the profiled rod includes an end cap.
17. The safety device of claim 15 or 16 wherein the profiled rod is fixed to an edge of the pleat of the blind by virtue of a dowel clipped into or otherwise received by a receiving portion of the profiled rod.
18. The safety device of any of the preceding claims wherein the predetermined force for releasing any blind cord or pull cord is between 40 and SON, causing the connection to release within five seconds.
19. The safety device of any of the preceding claims wherein the combined predetermined force for releasing the plurality of blind cords is between 40 and 80N, causing a connection to release within five seconds.
20. The safety device of claim 18 or 19 wherein the predetermined force is no greater than 60N or 6kg.
21. A safety device substantially as herein described with reference to the accompanying drawings.