JP4051028B2 - Shutter cover for building opening - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention is generally at least partially nostalgic with a cover for a building opening, strictly speaking, with a plurality of horizontal slats that can be contracted as well as moved from an open and closed position. It relates to a blind assembly for a window having the appearance of a farm-style shutter.

  This patent application has priority over both US provisional patent application 60 / 305,947 filed July 16, 2001 and US provisional patent application 60 / 381,587 filed May 17, 2002. To charge. This application is further filed concurrently on July 16, 2002, with respect to “Shutter-like covers and hardware for building openings”, and US Provisional Patent Application No. 60/306, filed July 16, 2001. No. 10 / 197,674, which claims priority to US Pat. No. 10,049, the entirety of which is incorporated herein by reference.

Venetian blinds and farm shutters are two typical styles of window covers commonly used in residential and commercial applications.
Conventional Venetian style blind assemblies typically include a head rail, a bottom rail, and a plurality of horizontal vanes disposed therebetween. The lift cord extends from the catch mechanism of the head rail to the bottom rail. By releasing the catch and pulling or guiding the head rail and the portion of the lift cord extending from the catch, the vertical distribution of the vanes is between the contracted and extended positions across the opening. Can be moved up and down. Further, each of the plurality of blades is usually supported by a cord or a tape ladder. The ladder is usually attached to the tilt mechanism of the headrail and rotates about the longitudinal axis of the vane, thereby rotating the rod or pulling the cord extending from the mechanism, and the user opens the opening Depending on how much light is desired to pass through, a plurality of blades can be opened and closed.

  Generally speaking, Venetian style blinds are thinner and lighter than farm style shutters and do not have the peripheral frames necessary for farm style shutters. The head rail of a Venetian style blind assembly, which usually contains the mechanisms necessary to control the operation of the blind, is often less structurally desirable and even annoying. Building openings that have Venetian blinds typically use a banner or other interior design element to hide the headrail.

  Farm-style shutters usually have a plurality of horizontal blades such as Venetian-style blinds and tend to be bulky in appearance. The plurality of vanes are typically housed in a surrounding framework that surrounds the building opening. Since the slats are directly attached to the framework, they cannot be moved up or down. However, the slats can usually be rotated between an open position and a closed position by manipulating an actuator rod that is loosely attached to the slats, and the vertical movement of the actuator rod causes the slats to rotate. It is designed to rotate between an open position and a closed position.

Many people think that plantation-style shutters are more attractive than Venetian-style blinds, but they also have the drawback of reducing purchase incentives. Perhaps the biggest drawback is that the farm-style shutter cannot be easily removed from the window, leaving the user with a limited choice of opening or closing the vane, and the venetian blind. This means that there is no ability to provide a totally unobstructed view that is visible through the window as provided when retracted. In addition, shutters are usually very thick, and the framework often extends beyond the surface of the inner wall, so that shutter-type blinds can only be placed flush with the wall surface only in deep windows. .
US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 305,947 US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 381,587 US Provisional Patent Application No. 60 / 306,049 US Patent Application No. 10 / 003,097 U.S. Pat. No. 291,222 U.S. Pat. No. 2,116,357 U.S. Pat. No. 2,297,627 U.S. Pat. No. 2,493,234 U.S. Pat. No. 2,560,840 US Pat. No. 4,928,369 US Pat. No. 6,394,170 US Pat. No. 6,601,633 US Pat. No. 5,553,653 US Pat. No. 6,134,842 US Pat. No. 6,378,262 US Pat. No. 6,421,966 US Patent Publication No. 2003 / 0015300A1 US Patent Publication No. 2002 / 0079066A1 International Publication WO02 / 06619A1

Means for Solving the Invention

  The cover for the building opening described in the various embodiments below is a mixture of Venetian blinds and shutters, and there is no peripheral frame as found on the shutters. In general, the head rail has the same appearance as the foot rail (or bottom rail), and in a preferred modification, the head rail has the same shape as a plurality of vanes hanging from the head rail. ing.

  In one preferred embodiment, the head rail of the cover is rotatably connected to the pair of mounting brackets so that it can rotate about a longitudinal horizontal axis. The plurality of blades arranged in the horizontal direction are suspended from the head rail, and are connected to the head rail by a cord ladder. The vertical movement of the actuator rod operably attached to the headrail and extending vertically acts to cause the vane to rotate about the longitudinal horizontal axis between the open and closed positions. To retract or extend the cover across the building opening, the lift cord is secured to the bottom slat and extends upward across the slat and then horizontally along the head rail. Extends to a lateral position where it terminates in a lift actuator. By moving the lift actuator vertically, the slats can be shrunk or stretched across the building opening. In the first modification, the bottom end of the actuator rod is rotatably attached to the window frame. In a second variation, the bottom end of the actuator rod is rotatably mounted on a bottom vane (or foot rail) that is mounted for rotational movement about a longitudinal horizontal axis.

  In another variation of this one preferred embodiment, a mounting bracket is provided that receives a pair of pins that extend horizontally from opposite ends of the headrail into separate grooves in the bracket. As the headrail is rotated from the open position to the closed position, a pin that slides in the groove causes the headrail to slide horizontally toward the building opening. A wide slat that extends a considerable distance from the window surface, etc. within the building opening is thereby moved to a position where the slat is flush or nearly flush with the surface when in the closed position. When moving, it is moved away from the surface so that the width of the slats is reduced. In addition, other variations are described in which the headrail rotates about its longitudinal axis but does not move laterally.

  In a second preferred embodiment of the cover, a balance tilt mechanism for moving the horizontal vane is incorporated instead of the actuator rod. The balance blind mechanism hanging from the end of the tilt actuator cord is lifted or pulled lightly, or the horizontal blind vane (or vane) is rotated clockwise or counterclockwise with minimal force. It can be rotated around. A modification of this second preferred embodiment utilizes a lift cord locking mechanism that is encased in a rotary headrail.

  Other aspects, features and details of the present invention will become better understood upon reference to the following detailed description of the preferred embodiments in conjunction with the drawings and from the appended claims.

1-12 illustrate a window blind assembly 10 according to a preferred embodiment of the present invention. Hereinafter, although this invention is demonstrated as what is used as a window blind, this invention can be used for any building opening parts, such as a doorway and an archway. The blind assembly includes: (i) a horizontal, self-supporting, generally rigid vane-shaped head rail 12 rotatably connected to a window frame by a pair of mounting brackets 14; A horizontal, self-supporting, somewhat rigid lower slat (or foot rail) connected to the head rail by one or more lift cords 22; (iii)
A plurality of horizontal vanes 24 disposed between the top and bottom vanes and connected to them by a cord ladder 26; and (iv) an actuator rod for raising and tilting the vanes 28. The vane is tubular, made of fibrous material and has some rigidity so that it can be self-supporting in the horizontal direction. For tubular woven slats, co-pending and co-pending US patent application “Shutter-like cover and hardware for building openings” owned by the assignee of the present invention (US patent application US utility application 10 / 197, 674). It should be understood that in alternative embodiments of the present invention, other types of vanes, such as wooden or aluminum, may be used in place of the fibrous material vanes.

  The head rail 12 is preferably tubular and has a hollow interior space for receiving pulleys 30 and 32 for receiving and guiding the lift cord 22. The head rail 12 is preferably made of aluminum, but in the alternative, it can be made of other suitable materials such as plastic. The head rail 12 is usually covered with a non-woven fabric and is in harmony with the other slats 24 of the blind assembly 10. The headrail 12 further includes an end cap 34 for rotatably mounting to two mounting brackets 14 mounted on each side of the window frame.

  The horizontal bottom slat 16 is also tubular, preferably made of a non-woven outer shell 18 reinforced with plastic pieces 20 on the inside (shown in FIGS. 11 and 12), but this is not necessarily so. The bottom vane 16 is typically suspended from the head rail 12 by a plurality of vertically extending lift cord pairs 22 spaced apart in the horizontal direction and serves as a foot rail for the window blind assembly. The lift cord pair 22 is fixedly attached to the bottom blade 16 at opposite ends of the blade, and extends upward along the front and rear edges of the other blade 24 to the head rail. The lift cord pair may be intertwined with the vertical portion of the cord ladder. The lift cord extends into the hollow interior of the head rail 12, where it passes around the pulley and extends laterally to one end of the head rail. Each lift cord pair 22 includes a front lift cord that extends along the front edge of the vane plate 24 (as can be seen in FIG. 8) and a rear lift cord that extends along the rear edge of the vane plate 24. It is out.

  51 and 52, in a wide window blind assembly using three or more cord ladders 26, the front lift cord 7005 and the rear lift cord 7010 are blades corresponding to the location of the cord ladder 26. It is not necessary to make a pair together at the same longitudinal position of the plate or head rail 12. For example, as shown in FIG. 51, if three cord ladders are used, only three lift cords are required, i.e., can be entangled with the front cord of the left cord ladder (not shown). Left front lift cord 7110A, right front lift cord 7110B that can be entangled with the front cord of the ladder (not shown), and central cord ladder (not shown) can be entangled with the rear cord Central rear lift cord 7105. As shown in FIG. 52, when using four cord ladders, only four lift cords are needed, ie, between the front left end and right end lift cords 7110A and 7110B, respectively, and the lift cords at both ends. And rear left and right lift cords 7105A and 7105B, respectively. The lift cord can be intertwined with the lift cord of a cord ladder (not shown). Alternatively, for a four cord ladder blind assembly, the two end lift cords may extend along the rear of the slats and the intermediately disposed lift cord may extend along the front of the slats. .

  In an alternative embodiment, only one lift cord is used, as shown in FIGS. The lift cord 22 is preferably stretched along the trailing edge of the vane 24 (the edge adjacent to the window), but may instead be stretched along the leading edge of the vane. Accordingly, as the slat 24 is pulled up, the front end of the bottom slat 16 and the front end of the lower slat 24 are attached to the front ascending cord 36 and the slat of the cord ladder 26, as can be seen in FIG. Due to the tension with the horizontal rail, the blade blade front end is lowered downward until it no longer moves downward. As a result, the bottom slat 16 and the associated lower slat 24, when viewed in side or cross-sectional view, show a portion of the flower, similar to the petals that each vane radiates from the center of the petal, as shown in FIG. Forms a laminate that resembles a quarter of a flower that looks reminiscent.

  Returning to FIG. 1-12, the horizontal slats 24 are equally spaced vertically between the top slats 12 and the bottom slats 16, and a plurality of cord ladders 26 provide top and bottom sections. It is connected to the slats. In a preferred embodiment, the vane 24 has an upward convex arcuate side and a downward convex arcuate side, intersecting near the front and rear edges of the vane, respectively, and terminating. is doing. When the blind assembly is shrunk and the vanes are compressed, such as when each vane is stacked vertically directly under the head rail (as can be seen in FIGS. 4 and 5), both sides of the vane are: As they collapse and overlap, the height of each horizontal vane 24 decreases considerably.

  Each cord ladder 26 is typically provided with two vertically oriented ascending cords 36 that are spaced apart from each other and between which a plurality of cross bars 38 are passed. Each horizontal blade 24 is placed on a corresponding crosspiece 38 of a plurality of cord ladders 26. Each lift cord 36 generally extends with the lift cord 22 as shown in FIG. 8, and the lift cord 22 is intertwined with the lift cord 22 and adjacent two laterally spaced transverse sides. It is routed by sewing between the crosspieces 38 periodically. Each raised cord of each cord ladder 26 is fixedly attached to the bottom blade 16 at the bottom end and is fixedly attached to the head rail 12 at the top end.

The actuator rod 28 oriented in the vertical direction is rotatably attached to the head rail 12 at the upper end and to the window frame at the bottom end. The vane 24 can be tilted and opened or closed by moving the actuator rod 28 vertically. A pair of lift handle members 90 and 92 are slidably disposed within the actuator rod 28 and are coupled to each other and to the plurality of lift cords 22, and the lift handles 90 and 92 extend along the actuator rod 28. When the sliding motion is performed, the blind assembly 10 is raised or lowered, which will be described in more detail below.
As described in the structure of the blind assembly related to the tilting operation of the blades and the operation destination thereof , both ends of the head rail 12 are rotatably attached to the window mounting plate 14. The head rail 12 is a pair of end caps that are fixedly attached to each end of the head rail 12 by any suitable means including, but not limited to, interference fit, adhesive, riveting, etc. 34 is attached. As shown in FIG. 18, each end cap 34 includes two receptacles 42 in which spring loaded pins 44 and 46 are received and held. The pins 44 and 46 are preferably biased in a posture that extends perpendicular to the face of the end cap 34 and substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the headrail 12. The pin tips 48 and 49 are sized to be rotatably and slidably received in the grooves 50 and 52 of the mounting plate 14. One pin 44 is disposed on each end cap 34 in the vicinity of the cross-sectional center of the head rail 12, and the other pin 46 is disposed toward the rear longitudinal edge of the head rail 12. . By depressing the pin, the head rail can be placed in alignment with it between two opposing mounting plates 14, and when released, the pins can be engaged with the grooves 50 and 52 of the mounting plate, thereby providing a blind assembly. 10 is fixed to the window opening.

  46-50 shows a headrail end cap 4605 of a first alternative embodiment. Similar to the end cap, the end cap has two receptacles 4610 for receiving and holding spring load pins 44 and 46 (not shown). As described above, the pins are adapted to be received in appropriate grooves in the associated mounting plate 14 or mounting bracket 3305 (discussed below). However, unlike the end cap 34, the alternative end cap 4605 is not mounted flush with the end of the head rail 12, but extends beyond the head rail, as can be seen in FIG. A cross-sectional shape similar to that of the head rail 12 is provided. An alternate upper end cap 4650 of the actuator rod 28 is rotatably attached to and integral with the alternate end cap 4605. A receiver 4615 is provided on the alternative end cap to receive the tubular axial protrusion 4655 of the actuator rod upper end piece 4650. Receptors 4610 and 4615 have inwardly extending portions 4630, 4635 and 4640 that extend inwardly from the alternative end piece 4605 and into the headrail 12, respectively. Within the pin receptacle inwardly extending portions 4630 and 4635 are springs (not shown) associated with the pin member. The spring 4620 is also contained within the inwardly extending portion 4640 of the tubular bearing container 4615. One end of the spring 4620 is attached to the alternative upper end piece 4650 and the other end is attached to the spring holder 4625 at the inner edge of the inwardly extending portion 4640. Spring 4620 serves to elastically hold upper end cap 4650 against head rail end cap 4605. Further, since the actuator rod is spring connected to the headrail end cap via the actuator rod upper end piece, the tubular projection 4655 is pulled out of the receiver 4615 and the actuator rod is connected to the associated blind assembly. Can be folded flat against the head rail and substantially parallel to the head rail in preparation for packaging and shipping. When the blind is unpacked, the tubular projection is biased into the receptacle by a spring to position the actuator rod for use after the blind assembly is properly installed. Two inwardly extending receiver portions 4630 and 4640 located proximate the edge of the headrail 12 also serve to secure the end cap 4605 within the headrail. The end cap portion that extends beyond the head rail is also provided with a recessed area 4645 for receiving the actuator rod upper end cap 4650, which opens the outer surface of the end cap 4605 when the blind assembly is opened. 4660 and the top surface 4665 of the end cap are essentially aligned with similar surfaces 4670 and 4675 of the end rod 4650 of the actuator rod, the two end caps 4605 and 4650 being complementary and attractive in appearance. Form.

  54-57 show a second alternative headrail end cap 6405, a second alternative actuator rod end cap 6410, and alternative connection structures 6415 and 6420. FIG. The illustrated components are adapted for use with an alternate actuator bar 6060, which will be described in detail below in connection with an alternate lift mechanism 6150 and a second alternate rotation mechanism 6005. Similar to the alternative embodiment described above, the second alternative embodiment also allows the actuator rod assembly to be stored parallel to the head rail in preparation for shipping, but the manner is the first alternative embodiment. Is somewhat different.

  As shown in FIG. 54, the second alternative head rail end cap 6405 is not flush with the end of the head rail and extends beyond the head rail in the same manner as the head rail end cap of the first alternative embodiment. Stretching. An extension 6470 is provided to the end cap to ensure that the end cap is housed within the end of the tubular headrail. One plastic mounting cylinder 6465 having a flanged end 6485 is used to couple with an alternative mounting bracket 6505, as will be described in detail below. It should be understood that other described mounting systems may be utilized with appropriate modification of the end caps of the second alternative embodiment. The head rail end cap further includes a recessed area 6475 similar to the recessed portion of the first alternative head rail end cap embodiment, so that the second alternative actuator rod end cap 6410 can be seen in FIG. As you can see, it can be connected to the head rail end cap in a nice looking way. A substantially horizontal hole 6480 is provided through the head rail end cap so that the lift cord 22 advances from the inside of the head rail through the actuator rod end cap to the inside of the actuator rod 6060. It has become. The hole further provides an interface for rotationally coupling with the second alternative actuator rod end cap.

  The second alternative actuator rod end cap 6410 has an outer shape similar to the corresponding second alternative actuator rod 6060, as shown in FIGS. The actuator rod end cap further includes a bottom 6490 that fits inside the upper end of the actuator rod to secure the end cap and rod together, as shown in FIG. It is like that. As shown in FIG. 55, a protrusion 6460 having a through hole is provided on the actuator rod end cap side, and the size of the protrusion is sized to enter the corresponding hole 6480 of the head rail end cap. . Through the hole in the protrusion, the lift cord can be wound onto a pulley 6435 that is rotatably mounted in the actuating rod end cap. The pulley serves to direct the lift cord toward the inside of the actuating rod. As shown in FIG. 53, the plastic cap 6465 is usually snapped on the upper side of the actuating rod end cap to conceal the pulley so that the end cap looks good. At least a flexible plastic rope 6425 having a molded barbed end 6430 is integrally formed with and extends from the actuator rod end cap.

  The barbed end portion 6430 is fixed through the opening 6450 in the spring stopper 6420 shown in FIG. The spring stopper is provided with a hole 6455 through which the lift cord is passed. As can be clearly seen from FIG. 55, one end of the coil spring 6415 is accommodated in the countersunk portion of the hole 6455. The other end of the spring is received in a countersunk portion of a hole 6480 that penetrates the head rail end cap. The lift cord passes through the center of the spring. The spring stopper is not fixed to the head rail, but is housed inside the head rail.

  When transporting a blind assembly incorporating the second alternative head rail end cap 6405 and the second alternative actuator rod end cap 6410, the user simply pulls the actuator rod 6060 and its end cap to the head. The actuator rod may be folded away from the rail end cap in a direction parallel to the head rail. The actuator rod end cap remains connected to the head rail via a plastic rope 6425 that is secured to the spring stopper 6420. Note that when the actuator rod end cap is removed from the headrail end cap, the spring stopper is pulled to the right to compress the spring 6415. In preparing the blind assembly for installation, the bias of the compressed spring pulls the protrusion of the actuator rod end cap to a position within the corresponding hole in the headrail end cap. Further, the biasing force of the spring serves to hold the actuator rod end cap in place relative to the headrail end cap.

  FIG. 18-20 shows an example of the mounting plate 14. The side mounting plate 14 is typically made of a suitable plastic or metal. The attachment plate 14 is provided with a plurality of fastener holes 54 for fixing the attachment plate 14 to the window frame through screws or other fasteners. The mounting plate 14 is further provided with two grooves 50 and 52, into which the tips 48 and 49 of the spring load pins 44 and 46 fit. Usually, the widths of the grooves 50 and 52 are slightly wider than the widths of the pin tips 48 and 49 so that the pin tips can slide in the groove. The groove may penetrate the mounting plate or may be partially engraved in the plate thickness to the depth necessary to accommodate the tip of the spring load pin. The first groove 50 is straight and substantially horizontal, and receives the tip 48 of the center pin 44. The second groove 52 is arranged substantially vertically and is slightly V-shaped. Both legs of “V” are inclined toward the first groove 50, and the angle between the legs of “V” is fairly obtuse. It is close to 150 °. The second groove 52 may be arcuate. It should be noted that the arrangement and shape of the grooves described in this specification are merely for ease of understanding, and other suitable groove shapes may be used as long as they operate in the same manner as the mode shown here. . The arrangement of the grooves not only allows the head rail 12 to rotate about the central pin 44 when opening and closing the vane, but for reasons that will become apparent later, the head rail 12 is routed via other pins 46. The second groove 52 can guide and move sideways.

  A first alternative embodiment mounting bracket 3305 is shown in FIGS. 33-36 and 41. The alternative mounting bracket 3305 includes an outer piece 3310 attached to the window frame, an inner piece 3315 attached to the outer piece 3310, and a slider piece 3320 sandwiched between the inner piece and the outer piece. . Both the inner and outer pieces have a curved surface 3325 that approximates the cross-sectional shape of the upper or bottom surface of the headrail 12. Both the inner and outer pieces further include a hole 3330 for securing the mounting bracket 3305 to the window frame through a fastener. The inner piece includes an elongated curved groove 3335 arranged substantially vertically. The elongated groove 3335 is configured to receive the pin tip 49 and functions in the same manner as the second groove 52 of the mounting plate 14. The inner piece 3315 further includes a wide horizontally disposed groove 3340 that is configured to receive a portion of the slider piece 3320. The outer piece 3310 has a horizontal channel 3345 disposed across the entire width near the longitudinal center. The channel 3345 is configured to slidably receive the slider piece 3320. The channel 3345 has a first portion 3350 that approximates the leading edge of the outer piece and a second portion 3355 that is wider than the first portion and extends from the trailing edge to connect to the first portion of the channel. . The width of the first portion 3350 corresponds to the width of the front portion 3365 of the slider piece 3320, and the width of the second portion corresponds to the width of the rear portion 3360 of the slider piece. The forward portion 3365 of the slider piece further includes a groove 3370 configured to receive the pin tip 48. 34 and 35 show the assembled bracket 3305 with the sliding piece 3320 in the retracted and extended positions, respectively. FIG. 36 shows a cross section viewed from above the bracket 3305 to which the head rail 12 is mounted, and FIG. 41 shows another cross section of the mounting bracket 3305 to which the window cover is mounted. The sliding piece 3320 performs the same function as the groove 50 of the mounting plate 14, as will be described in detail below.

  58-61 are a second alternative implementation for use with an alternative headrail end cap 6510 incorporating a single flanged plastic cylindrical member 6515 that projects from the cap end along the longitudinal axis of rotation of the headrail 6520. A form mounting bracket 6505 is shown. As shown primarily in FIG. 60, the second alternative mounting bracket typically includes a plastic plate 6525 oriented in a vertical direction generally parallel to the end of the end cap. The plate is provided with a plurality of attachment holes 6350 through which fasteners for fixing the bracket to the window frame of the building opening are passed. From both the upper and rear edges of the plate, integrally molded flanges 6535 and 6540 extend perpendicularly outward from the plate, generally in the direction of the head rail. Both flanges are connected to the upper rear corner of the mounting bracket, and each flange is provided with a plurality of fastener holes 6545 and 6550 that pass therethrough. Thus, the mounting bracket can instead be attached to the window frame of the building opening using flange mounting holes. Near the front bottom edge of the plate, a generally semi-circular arcuate wall 6555 extends substantially perpendicularly outward from the inner surface of the plate. A flange 6560 extends from the front edge of the wall a short distance radially inward to form a semi-circular rocking groove 6565 in which a plastic cylindrical flange 6570 of the end cap is rotatable. And supports the head rail and the blind assembly covering the building opening. As can be seen from FIG. 60, the open side of the rocking groove is directed upward by about 30-45 degrees from the vertical direction.

  As shown mainly in FIGS. 59 and 61, the flanged cylindrical member 6515 is snapped into the end cap 6510 of the head rail 6520 so that the cylindrical member does not rotate relative to the head rail end cap. ing. The flanged cylindrical member is configured to slide in the longitudinal direction in the head rail so that the head rail can be attached to openings having different widths by about 1 inch. The flanged cylindrical member has a cylindrical portion 6575 which is in the form of a circular plate 6580 having a diameter larger than the diameter of the cylindrical portion from the end cap opening to form a circular flange. It extends to the tip. The other end of the cylindrical portion terminates inside the end cap and the head rail, from which two opposing legs 6585 extend inward in the longitudinal direction of the head rail. Each leg has an outward claw 6590 at its free end. The pawl is elastically supported through a pore 6595 formed in a laterally extending wall 6600 formed in the end cap, and the flanged cylindrical member has a maximum longitudinal direction from the end of the end cap. The limit is limited. One of the upper and lower surfaces of both legs rests on the end cap or the inner surface of the head rail to prevent the flanged cylindrical member from rotating relative to the head rail. Coil spring 6605 extends between the laterally extending wall and the back of the circular plate and biases the flanged cylindrical member to its fully extended position.

  To operatively place the head rail 6520 within a pair of attached second alternative embodiment mounting brackets 6505, the user (or two users if the blind exceeds 4 feet wide) The flanged cylindrical member 6515 need only be pushed into the headrail end cap 6510 as necessary to align with the corresponding mounting bracket rocker groove 6565. Then, the flanged end portion 6570 of the cylindrical member is seated in the rocking groove, and the head rail is rotatably held at a predetermined position.

  FIG. 9 shows the attachment of the cord ladder 26 to the headrail 12. The upper end of each raised cord 35 of each cord ladder passes through a hole near the front or rear longitudinal edge of the headrail 12 at a corresponding longitudinal position. The upper end of the rising cord 35 is knotted to fix the cord ladder to the head rail 12. If the cord ladder 26 and the plurality of blades 24 mounted on the cord ladder's horizontal beam cord 38 can be firmly connected to each other, the cord ladder 26 can be attached to the head rail 12 by using various other methods. You can also use means.

  The bottom end of the cord ladder 26 (and the lift cord 22) is fixed to the bottom vane 16 as shown in FIGS. 10-12. Each bottom end of the raised cord 36 of the cord ladder 26 is knotted through a lateral hole in the cylindrical anchor block 56 to secure the bottom end to the cylindrical anchor block 56. Next, each cylindrical anchor block 56 is passed through the appropriately sized hole 58 in the front or rear longitudinal edge of the bottom slat 16 into the bottom slat and rotated to rotate the bottom slat hollow. To be trapped inside. When the bottom slat is suspended from the lift cord and lift cord, the cylinder 58 fits snugly into the inner recess surface of the bottom slat and the cord ladder is connected to the bottom slat.

  A first alternative footrail assembly that includes a cord adjustment member for adjusting and securing the length of the cord ladder raising cord and lift cord is shown in FIGS. 62-85. The basic components of an alternative footrail are shown in FIGS. 62-67, in which (i) a translucent plastic vane 6660, (ii) a colored vane insert 6655, and (iii) a longitudinally extending pusher 6665. And (iv) a trailing edge plug 6670. A plurality of cord adjustment members 6675, shown in FIGS. 68-70, are used to attach the various lift cords and lift cords of the blind assembly to the foot rail. Finally, an end cap 6680 is provided to close both ends of the alternate foot rail and provide a method of attaching the optional foot rail mounting bracket 6585 to the alternate foot rail assembly 6650.

  As shown in FIGS. 62-64, the alternative foot rail 6650 desirably includes a translucent plastic vane 6660, although colored vanes or vanes made of alternative materials may be used. The translucent vanes are formed with outwardly convex arcuate sides 6690 and 6695 connected by a leading edge 6700. The vanes are generally similar to the vanes of the associated blind assembly and are approximately the same size. However, unlike the slats, the sides of the plastic vane do not meet or be joined together at the common trailing edge of the sides. Rather, the top and bottom side walls bend inwardly at the trailing edges 6705 and 6710 and extend downward or upward from the top or bottom side, respectively, to provide a tip having barbs 6720. Pointed hook 6715 is formed. Each pointed hook is opposite to the other pointed hook and is spaced apart. As can be seen in FIG. 63, the pointed hooks are housed in corresponding top channels 6725 or bottom channels 6730 formed in a longitudinally extending pusher member 6665.

  The pushing member 6665 extending in the longitudinal direction can be easily understood by referring to FIGS. 62 and 65. The extrusion member may be a plastic extrusion member, but is usually made of aluminum or magnesium. The pusher member serves several purposes in alternative footrails. First, the pusher member has one upwardly facing upper channel 6725 and one downwardly facing bottom channel 6730 adapted to receive the pointed hook 6715 of the plastic vane 6660. Lips 6735 and 6740 are provided at the opening of each channel so that the width of each channel opening is narrower than the maximum width of the corresponding hook. The width of each channel is larger below each lip. Thus, when the hook is inserted into the channel, the barbs 6720 are elastically pressed against the adjacent surface of the hook until inserted beyond the lip of the channel, and elastically return to the original position beyond the lip. Return to state. As shown in FIG. 63, the tip of each barb abuts the back of the corresponding lip, effectively holding the plastic vane in place with respect to the pusher member. As can be seen in FIG. 63, the pusher member further has a tubular portion 6745 that enters the plastic vane. The tubular portion provides rigidity and weight to the foot rail. Finally, a backward channel 6750 is provided. The rearward facing channel has a throat 6755 that is open rearward and narrower than the main cavity 6760 of the channel. Accordingly, two lips 6765 are formed at the intersection of the throat and the main cavity. The rear channel is adapted to snap and receive both the trailing edge plug 6670 and each cord adjustment member 6675 therein.

  The trailing edge plug 6670 is best seen in FIGS. The plug is usually made of an elastic material so that the window glass is not damaged even if the foot rail collides with the window glass-like surface. The exposed edge 6770 of the plug is usually rounded and forms a substantially semicircular cross section. A leg 6775 extends from the back of the plug and two pairs of opposite barbs 6780 and 6785 extend from the leg. When the leg is inserted into the throat of the posterior channel, the barbs are pressed against the leg. As the pair of tip barbs 6785 passes through the throat of the channel and into the main cavity, the barbs elastically expand and flexibly engage with the lip of the posterior channel, thereby causing the plug to stipulate. Lock in position.

  As shown in FIGS. 62 and 67, colored inserts 6655 may be used in combination with alternative foot rails, particularly when translucent vanes 6660 are used. Colored inserts are usually made of the same material as the blind assembly vane. The insert is preferably made by cutting off the trailing edge of the slat so that it can be slid into a predetermined position inside the translucent vane. By placing the insert inside the translucent plastic vane, the insert material can be removed from dust and dirt that accumulates in the bottom frame of the window when the foot rail is lowered to or in contact with the bottom frame. It is protected.

  As shown in FIGS. 68-71, an end cap 6680 is provided to cover the end of the alternative foot rail 6650. Each end cap is typically made of molded plastic, and a hemispherical recess 6795 is formed on the end face 6790 at a location corresponding to the rotational axis of the foot rail. The recess engages an optional foot rail mounting bracket 6785 to secure the foot rail in place relative to the window frame of the building opening. In addition, the end cap has an extension wall 6800 that is inserted into the plastic vane 6660, preferably also under the colored insert 6655, to secure the end cap to the foot rail. Further, the end caps each have a predetermined length trailing edge portion 6805 that is slidably inserted into the end of the pusher member rear channel 6750. The outer surface 6810 of the trailing edge portion is typically rounded in the same manner as the trailing edge plug 6670. The length of the trailing edge portion allows the corresponding cord adjusting member 6675 to abut the trailing edge portion so that the cord adjusting member is aligned in an appropriate position with respect to the lift cord and the lifting cord hanging from the head rail. The length is possible.

  As described above, the hemispherical recess 6795 can be connected to the foot rail mounting bracket 6585. The footrail mounting bracket is best seen in FIGS. The foot rail mounting bracket is usually a plastic L-shaped bracket molded integrally with each other. Each leg portion 6820 and 6825 of the bracket has a knock-out type fastener mounting hole at a position substantially close to the intersection of the bracket leg portions. 6815 is provided so that the bracket can be attached to vertical surfaces in different orientations. A hemispherical projection 6830 is integrally formed with the inner surface of the long leg at the tip of the long leg 6820. The hemispherical protrusions are sized to engage the corresponding hemispherical indentations in the end caps. Therefore, by placing the foot rail between two appropriately placed mounting brackets and keeping the hemispherical protrusion in the hemispherical recess, the foot rail is held rotatably, and a foot rail is desirable. Can prevent the rocking and vertical movement. When using a foot rail mounting bracket, it should be understood that the blind assembly cannot be shrunk unless the foot rail is first removed from the bracket. In certain mounting conditions, such as when covering a door window, it may be desirable to fix the foot rail in place. With the foot rail fixed, the blind assembly will not swing back and forth each time the associated door is opened or closed.

Various drawings of the cord adjusting member 6675 are shown in FIGS. The cord adjustment member includes: (i) the function of securing the cord ladder ascending cords 6915 and 6925 and the lift cords 6910 and 6920 to the foot rail; and (ii) the length of the cord for use with a specific length blind assembly. Two basic functions are executed: a function that allows easy adjustment of the height.

  Various elements of the cord adjustment member 6675 will be described with reference mainly to FIGS. 72-73. The cord adjustment member includes a longitudinally extending trailing edge member 6835 that forms a trailing edge of the alternate foot rail 6650 along the portion of the foot rail in which it is installed. Thus, the rear surface of the member is rounded in the same manner as the trailing edge plug 6670. The opposite side of the trailing edge member is adapted to fit within the throat 6755 of the rear channel 6750 of the pusher member 6665.

  A cord opening 6845 is provided near the longitudinal center of the edge member 6835. As shown in FIG. 74, the front and rear ascending cords 6915 and 6925 and the lift cords 6910 and 6920 are passed through the opening, as shown in FIG. It can be drawn to the back side of the rear and finally led to the rear channel 6750. The forward lift cord and lift cord are guided to the cord opening by a forward cord guide 6840 that extends along the bottom of the plastic vane from its leading edge to the edge member. In a modification of the cord adjustment member, as shown in FIG. 73, the center and middle lift cords and lift cords are not provided with cord guides, which will be described later with reference to FIGS. 51 and 52. In addition, no forward lift code or lift code is used.

  The front side of both a typical cord adjustment member 6675 and a longitudinally extending trailing edge member 6835 are shown in detail in FIGS. 68-69. In addition to the cord hole 6845, the edge member is provided with four additional through holes or holes. The two holes at both ends are clamp bolt holes 6870, which are threaded into a clamp block 6855 which will be described in detail below. The clamp bolt hole is a countersink so that the head of the clamp bolt 6900 can be accommodated. The other two holes are set screw holes 6880 that screw the set screw 6905 to secure the lift cord member in place in the rear channel 6750.

  There are several detents 6880 and 685 on the back side of the trailing edge member 6835. One downward detent 6885 protrudes from below the cord opening 6845 of the edge member, and the two upward detents 6880 protrude from equidistant positions to the left and right of the downward detent. Each detent is snapped over the rear channel lip 6765 (or slid from the open end of the pusher member), as shown in FIGS. It can be fixed in position. Under each upward detent there is a set screw hole 6870 which is threaded as described above. As shown in FIG. 84, when a predetermined set screw 6905 is tightened, the screw presses the bottom surface of the throat portion 6755 of the pushing member and the bottom surface of the corresponding upward detent 6880, and the cord adjusting member is moved to the rear channel. Secure with frictional force inside to prevent unwanted longitudinal movement along the channel.

  Returning to FIG. 74, after the cord passes through the cord hole 6845, it is sent to the left or right depending on whether it is a front cord or a rear cord. In the example shown, the backward code is sent to the right. As shown in FIG. 74, one of the pair of cords passes over the vertically-oriented guide plate 6895, on the right upper detent leg, and between the clamp block 6855 and the back side of the trailing edge member. , Exits the clamp cord passage 6875 of the clamp block and enters the main cavity 6760 of the rear channel, where the coat is usually terminated. The other cord of the pair of front cords shown in the figure is sent between the clamp blocks under the guide plate through a notch provided in the plate, and sent to the main cavity through the clamp cord passage. , As well, usually ends there. As shown in FIG. 74, the notch provided in the bottom edge of the plate 6895 guides the cord around the set screw 6905 toward the main cavity of the rear channel and does not interfere therewith. It should be noted that the rear cord is sent in the same way to the left of the cord hole through a similar element of the cord adjusting member.

  The clamp block 6855 is best seen in FIGS. The clamp block 6855 is attached to the trailing edge member by an elastic tongue 6865. Each clamp block is provided with a vertical triangular channel 6860 corresponding to the vertical projection 6850 of the trailing edge member. When the clamp is clamped to the trailing edge member by clamp bolt 6900, the protrusion and triangular channel crimp the cord passing therethrough and effectively lock the cord in place. FIG. 85 shows the left cord clamped at a predetermined position between the clamp block and the trailing edge member.

  To adjust the length of the lift cord and lift cord after passing them through the positions shown in FIG. 74, the user first pulls the cord through the clamp cord passage to an appropriate length. Next, the user fastens the clamp block to the trailing edge member with the clamp bolt. The same procedure is repeated for the other clamp blocks. If the cord adjustment member is not already placed in the rear channel of the foot rail, the cord adjustment member is snapped into place or slid into place from one end of the foot rail. Finally, after being positioned in place along the rear channel of the foot rail, the cord adjustment member is locked in its longitudinal position along the foot rail by tightening the set screw into the throat of the rear channel.

  As described above, each blade 24 of the plurality of blades is held and supported by a set of corresponding crosspieces 38 as can be seen from FIG. In a preferred embodiment, each vane plate 24 is attached to the crosspiece 38 on the bottom side of the vane plate by one or more drops of glue 60 (shown) or some other suitable means. Each vane is a three-dimensional object having a two-dimensional cross section and a center of gravity. When the vane plate 24 is in the horizontal open position, the crosspiece 38 is connected to the vane plate 24 at a point that is below the center of gravity but substantially on the center of gravity line and away from the center of gravity. The plate rotates around the connection point with the crosspiece cord by gravity, and it becomes easy to take a vertical position when closed. When the vane plate 24 is tilted toward the closed position, half of the crosspiece cord 38 having an end connected to the ascending cord 36 extending upward acts to pull up the corresponding side of the vane plate 24, On the other hand, the other half of the crosspiece cord and the adjacent raising cord 36 act to lower the side surface of the blade. When this tilting operation is performed, the center of gravity rotates toward the connection point further aligned in the horizontal direction. When the vane rotates about 45 degrees, the vane receives its own weight and rotates downward around the connection point. When the vane is in the fully closed position, the center of gravity is separated from the connection point in the horizontal direction, and thus acts to further tilt the vane. The final tilt amount of the blades is limited by engaging with the adjacent blades, and the engagement allows the adjacent blades to be in close contact with each other so that light cannot pass therethrough. In prior art blinds where there is no connection between the slats and the crosspieces, the interrelationship between the slats and the cord ladder that supports them facilitates this close closure towards the end of the stroke. Rather, it tends to interfere. It should be noted that the connection of the blades to the crosspieces is due to the fact that the center of gravity of the slats is below the connection point rather than above the connection point, even when the slats are open and in the horizontal direction, even with thin metal slats. Regardless, it is effective. The metal vane must be rotated by a substantial amount, almost 90 degrees, before excessive tilt occurs. A more complete description of the vanes secured to the crosspieces and their advantages can be found in co-pending US patent application Ser. No. 10 / 003,097 filed Dec. 6, 2001, which is under the same ownership as this application. A ladder operating cover with fixed vanes for object openings ", which is incorporated herein by reference.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, when the actuator rod 28 is moved upward or downward, the vane plate 24 opens and closes. Actuator rod 28 is preferably made of aluminum extrusion and shaped to have a number of channels therein to receive components related to the lift mechanism described below. The upper end of the vertically oriented rod is rotatably mounted through the actuator rod upper end cap 62 to the front longitudinal edge of the head rail (near either longitudinal end of the head rail). The upper end cap 62 is usually inserted into and fixed to the upper end portion of the actuator bar 28. As shown in FIGS. 15-17, the tongue 64 extends substantially vertically upward from the vertical actuator bar 28 toward the front longitudinal edge of the headrail 12, The front end is rotatably attached to the head rail. The top cap 62, in addition to a pulley for the connector cord 72 (shown in FIG. 23), further includes an opening 66 and a pulley 68 to direct the lift cord toward the receiving actuator bar. Is described in more detail below.

  As shown in FIGS. 46-50, an alternative actuator rod upper end cap 4650 is used in combination with an alternative headrail end cap 4605. In combination with the alternative headrail end cap 4605 as described above, the actuator rod upper end cap 4650 is rotatably attached to the headrail end cap by a tubular shaft projection 4655. The accompanying wind blind assembly lift cord passes from the inside of the headrail 12 through the inwardly extending portion 4640 of the tubular bearing container 4615 on the alternative end cap 4605 and then through the tubular axial projection 4655. A pulley 4665 is provided in the upper end piece and guides the lift cord downward into the actuator bar 28. Upper end cap 4650 further includes a downwardly extending portion 4680 that is inserted inside actuator rod 28 to secure the upper end cap thereto. As best seen in FIG. 46, the top cap is preferably made of two pieces that are snapped, glued, screwed, or otherwise joined around the pulley. The top cap can be made of a variety of materials and methods, but is preferably made of molded plastic.

  As shown in FIGS. 13 and 14A, the bottom end cap 74 is secured to the bottom end of the actuator bar 28. The tongue 76 extends substantially horizontally downward from the bottom end of the vertical actuator bar toward the rotary arm 80, and the end of the tongue 76 is rotatably connected to the rotary arm 80. ing. The bottom end cap further includes a connector cord pulley 78. The rotating arm is part of the actuator rod mounting bracket 82. The actuator rod mounting bracket 82 is fixed near the bottom end of the window frame. As shown in FIG. 13, the rotary arm 80 is rotatably attached to a fixed portion of the mounting bracket 82 and rotates in a substantially vertical plane parallel to the end portion of the vane plate 24. The rotating arm 80 basically serves to move the actuator rod 28 upward or downward, and in certain alternative embodiments, the actuator rod 28 generally moves when the plurality of vanes 24 are tilted. It can also be deleted without greatly affecting the effects.

  37-40 show components of an alternative rotation mechanism 4005 for use with the actuator rod 28 instead of the bottom end cap 74 described above. FIG. 41 shows an alternative rotation mechanism 4005 secured to the window frame and the actuator rod 28 attached thereto. As can be seen in FIG. 41, the alternative rotation mechanism 4005 is not integral with the pulley at the bottom of the actuator bar 28 but is located above the end of the actuator bar. If necessary, a separate end cap (not shown) incorporating a pulley is provided. The alternative rotation mechanism 4005 includes a window frame attachment piece 3705, a rotation arm 3805, and an actuator rod attachment piece 3905. The window frame attaching piece 3705 is substantially L-shaped, and the outer surface of one of the “L” arms 3710 directly contacts the window frame. A boss 3715 having an inner hole 3720 therethrough extends in the horizontal direction from the inner surface of the one arm 3710. The boss 3715 serves as an axis of the rotary arm 3805. The rotary arm 3805 is provided with a hole 3715 near one end, and is mounted on the boss as shown in FIG. Screws 4010 are inserted through both holes 3720 and 3810 to attach both window attachment piece 3705 and rotating arm 3805 to the window frame. The rotating arm 3805 extends from the window attachment piece 3705 in a direction parallel to the window frame. The rotating arm 3805 is provided with a small through hole 3815 on the other end side, and a groove 3820 is formed at the other end perpendicular to the small hole 3815. A vertically oriented tongue 3910 extending from the actuator rod mounting piece 3905 fits within the groove 3820, where a securing pin (not shown) is inserted into the small hole 3815 of the rotating arm 3805 and the tongue. The rotary arm 3805 is rotatably attached to the actuator attachment piece 3905 by sliding through the small hole 3915 of the portion 3910. That is, a typical clevis of the rotating arm is a groove 3820 for receiving the tongue 3915 of the attachment piece 3905, and a clevis pin is used to rotatably connect the tongue and the rotating arm. The actuator arm mounting portion piece 3905 is provided with a threaded hole 3920 that passes therethrough, and this portion is accommodated in the end portion of the actuator rod 28. As can be clearly seen from FIG. 40, the set screw 4015 mounted in the screw hole 3920 is tightened to fix the attachment piece and the rotation mechanism to the actuator bar.

  86-92 shows a second alternative rotation mechanism 6005. FIG. The second alternative rotation mechanism is substantially the same as the first alternative rotation mechanism with respect to its operation and attachment position to the actuator rod, although there are differences in structure and assembly. First, as shown in FIG. 88, the main components of the second alternative rotation mechanism are (i) a window frame attachment piece 6015, (ii) an actuator rod attachment piece 6010, and (iii) a rotation arm. (Iv) A rotating arm cover. The window frame attachment piece is substantially L-shaped, and is provided with an attachment hole 6030 penetrating each part side surface, and if the screw-type fastener 6035 is inserted and tightened therein, the piece is attached to the front surface of the associated window frame 6040. Or it can fix to the side. A substantially cylindrical boss 6045 extends in a substantially horizontal direction from the inner surface of one leg of the window frame mounting piece. This boss serves as the axis of the rotating arm, as will be described in detail below. The boss is further provided with outwardly facing lip-shaped barbs 6050 shaped to enter keyways on opposite sides of the corresponding hole 6055 of the rotating arm.

  Actuator bar attachment piece 6010 is housed inside extrusion alternative actuator bar 6060. As shown in FIG. 86, this alternative actuator bar is a different structure than the actuator bar 28 used with another rotating mechanism embodiment. The alternative actuator bar is used in combination with a ball and wedge type alternative lift mechanism described in detail below. The mounting piece is housed in the inner channel 6065 of the actuator bar and has two screw holes 6070 in which the set screw 6075 is tightened to attach the mounting piece to the alternative actuator bar's It is supported between the front wall 6080 of the longitudinally extending inner channel 6095 and the opposing lip 6085 that delimits the longitudinally extending opening 6090. The tongue 6100 oriented substantially vertically extends from the body of the mounting piece 6010 and has a horizontal through-hole 6105 for rotatably receiving the rotating arm 6020. As with the actuator bar mounting part piece of the first alternative rotation mechanism, the actuator bar mounting part piece of the second embodiment can be attached at any location along the actuator bar length. The mounting piece is fixed near the bottom end of the actuator bar.

  The rotary arm 6020 is rotatably connected to both the actuator rod and the window frame attachment piece. The rotating arm boss 6110, which is normally integrally formed at one end of the arm and extends therefrom, fits within a corresponding horizontal hole 6105 provided in the tongue 6100 of the actuator bar mounting piece. The rotary arm cover 6025 is provided with three integrally formed pins 6115, which snap fit into corresponding openings 6120 in the rotary arm, one of the openings of the rotary arm boss being a tongue 6100. Is held at one end of the rotating arm. 89 and 90 show the rotational connection structure between the rotating arm and the window frame attaching piece. As shown, the rotary arm is oriented in a direction in which the keyways on opposite sides extending from the rotary arm hole 6055 and the longitudinal axis of the arm are substantially perpendicular. The hole is then slid over the cylindrical boss 6045 and the lipted barbs 6050 are passed through the keyway 6125 as shown in FIG. When the rotating arm is rotated about the boss, the barb lip moves on the inner surface 6130 of the arm and the arm does not disengage from the window frame attachment piece 6015 unless the arm is oriented vertically up or down. Like that. By snap-fitting the rotating arm cover into place, the rotating mechanism has a completed appearance as shown in FIGS.

  FIGS. 91 and 92 show the rotating arm 6020 of the second alternative rotating mechanism in a position corresponding to the fully open position and the fully closed position of the associated blind assembly, respectively. As clearly shown, even when the blind assembly is in the fully closed position, at least a portion of the lip of the inverted barbed lip overlaps the inner surface of the rotating arm so that the rotating arm can be attached to the window frame mount. Separation from the piece 6015 is prevented. Normally, the window mounting piece is separated from the rotating arm by removing the rotating arm cover, separating the tongue of the actuator rod piece 6010 from the rotating arm, rotating the rotating arm to the vertical position, Must be aligned with lipted barbs.

  Figures 1-3 and 15-17 illustrate the tilting operation of the preferred embodiment. FIG. 1 shows the blind assembly 10 in the extended position, covering substantially the entire window, and the vane plate 24 in the horizontal open position, through which the maximum amount of light passes. The positions of the spring load pins 44 and 46 of the headrail end cap 34 when the vane is in the open position are shown in FIG. The central pin 44 is located at the front end of the horizontal groove 50, and the rear pin 46 is located at the intersection of both legs of the V-shaped groove 52 and at the vertical center in the V-shaped groove. FIG. 15 shows the blind assembly 10 attached to a window that is only shallowly recessed into the inside of the wall, and the rear longitudinal direction of the head rail 12 and the corresponding lower vane plate 24 when the vane plate 24 is open. The center pin 44 of the headrail 12 must be located in front of the wall surface so that the edges do not interfere with the window glass.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the vane plate 24 can be tilted to the first closed position by moving the actuator bar 28 downward. As shown in FIG. 16, the head rail 12 rotates clockwise, the front longitudinal edge of the head rail moves downward, and the back side or rear longitudinal edge of the head rail moves upward. As can be seen, the upper end of the rear raising cord 36 is fixedly attached to the rear longitudinal edge of the headrail 12, so that the rear raising cord 36 of the cord ladder 26 is pulled upward. At the same time, the forward ascending cord 36 is lowered. For this reason, the crosspiece cord 38 and the vane plate 24 supported by the bar cord 38 rotate clockwise, and the upper surface side of the vane plate near the rear longitudinal edge thereof is the front longitudinal edge of the vane plate just above it. Touch the near bottom side. As the head rail 12 rotates clockwise, the center pin 44 moves rearwardly in the horizontal groove 50 as the “V” shaped groove 52 guides the rear pin 46 upward. This pin movement caused the rear longitudinal edge of the head rail to move rearward, down to the top side of the window frame, to a position very close to it, so that the head rail did not rotate inward. Blocks light better than if. As the head rail moves backwards, the rest of the blind assembly 10 depending from the head rail also moves inward so that when the vane 24 is closed, the blind assembly is very close to the window glass. The blades do not substantially protrude beyond the surface of the corresponding wall. Thereby, an excellent light shielding property can be obtained as compared with the case where the blade plate does not move toward the window glass laterally between the both side surfaces of the window frame in the vertical direction and both end portions of the blade plate.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the blade can be tilted to the second closed position by moving the actuator bar upward. As shown in FIG. 17, the head rail 12 rotates counterclockwise, the front longitudinal edge of the head rail moves upward and the rear longitudinal edge of the head rail moves downward. As can be seen, since the upper end of the front raising cord 36 is fixedly attached to the front longitudinal edge of the headrail 12, the front raising cord 36 of the cord ladder 26 is also pulled upward. At the same time, the rearward raising cord 36 is lowered. For this reason, the crosspiece cord 38 and the vane plate 24 supported by the beam cord 38 rotate counterclockwise, and the upper side surface of the vane plate near the rear longitudinal edge is the front longitudinal edge of the vane immediately above it. Contact the bottom side near the part. As the head rail 12 rotates counterclockwise, the center pin 44 moves rearwardly in the horizontal groove 50 as the “V” shaped groove 52 guides the rear pin 46 downward. This pin movement causes the upper longitudinal edge of the head rail to move backwards, below the top side of the window frame, to a position very close to it and the window glass, so that the head rail is inward. Blocks light better than if it did not move. As the head rail moves rearward or laterally, the rest of the blind assembly 10 depending from the head rail also moves inward, so that when the vane 24 is closed, the blind assembly is substantially windowed. It is contained in the sash and the frame, and the blades do not protrude greatly beyond the surface of the corresponding wall. As described above, this makes it possible to obtain an excellent light blocking property as compared with the case where the blade plate does not move inward between the both side surfaces of the window frame in the vertical direction and both ends of the blade plate.

  In moving the vane from any closed position to the open position, the actuator bar 28 is moved up or down depending on the original closed position of the vane. When one edge of the head rail 12 moves upward and pulls the associated rising cord 36 upward, the other edge moves downward. Due to the movement of the ascending cord 38, the attached cord cord 38 and the corresponding vane plate rotate to the horizontal position. As the head rail moves to the horizontal position, the center pin 44 moves in the horizontal groove as the “V” shaped groove 52 guides the rear pin up or down toward the intersection of the two legs of “V”. Move forward in 50. Accordingly, the head rail 12 and the plurality of slats 24 that hang down move laterally outward from the building opening. When attached to a shallow recessed window, this lateral outward movement prevents the trailing edge of the vane from interfering with the window glass.

  FIGS. 42 and 43 illustrate the tilting action of an alternative embodiment window cover assembly using an alternative mounting bracket 3305 and an alternative rotation mechanism 4005. In general, both the alternative mounting bracket and the alternative rotation mechanism operate in the same manner as described immediately above. As shown in FIG. 42, the blade 24 is in the horizontal position, that is, in the open position. In the open position, the front center pin 44 is in the foremost position, the pin tip 48 is in the groove 3370 of the slide piece 3320, and the slide piece extends to the foremost position in the mounting bracket 3305. . The sliding piece 3320 is prevented from sliding out of the inner and outer pieces 3315 and 3310 by a collision between the wide rear portion 3360 of the slider 3320 and the narrow first portion 3350 of the horizontal groove 3345. Since the sliding piece can extend beyond the front surface of the window frame, the wide vane 24 does not interfere with the window surface even in the open position. In the open position, the rotation arm 3810 of the alternative rotation mechanism 4005 is also fully extended and disposed in the horizontal direction.

  By moving the actuator bar 28 downward, the vane plate 24 can be tilted to the first closed position. As shown in FIG. 43, the head rail 12 rotates clockwise, the front longitudinal edge of the head rail moves downward and the back side or rear longitudinal edge of the head rail moves upward. As the headrail 12 rotates clockwise, the center pin 44 initially moves in the groove 3370 until it reaches the end of the groove, and then moves the sliding piece 3320 to the inner side of the mounting bracket outer piece 3310. It moves backward by sliding backward along the groove 3345 within the piece 3315. Since the front and rear pins are separated from each other by a certain distance, the tip portion 49 of the rear pin slides substantially upward in the curved groove. This movement causes the head rail 12 to rotate inward, and the rear longitudinal edge of the head rail moves in a generally upward direction, below the top side of the window frame, to a position very close thereto, thereby Blocks light better than if the head rail did not rotate inward. Unlike the mounting plate 14, the alternative mounting bracket 3305 is completely within the window frame in the closed position, so that none of the elements of the window blind assembly protrude beyond the front of the window frame and look good desirable. In the closed position, the slider 3320 is retracted behind the curved surface 3325 of the mounting bracket 3305. As can be seen in FIG. 43, the upper surface of the head rail 12 is substantially aligned with the curved surface of the mounting bracket, so that the closed window blind assembly provides a very clean and unity appearance, It is useful to have a shutter-like appearance.

  In another alternative embodiment of the blind assembly, only one center pin is provided at each end of the headrail, and each corresponding mounting bracket is provided with one hole for receiving the center pin. . In addition, a second alternative embodiment mounting bracket and a matching head rail can be used as well. In this case, when closing, the head rail and the corresponding lower slats do not move laterally, but if the blind assembly is used for a window that is recessed much deeper against the inner surface of the wall, Such movement is not necessary. The construction of another alternative mounting bracket and associated headrail, in which the headrail can rotate relative to its mounting bracket, is described in detail below.

  When the blade assembly of the blind assembly is fully tilted to either the first or second position, the raised ascent cord 36 is taut and the lowered ascent cord 36 is connected to the headrail 12. It is desirable to be loose with respect to the part. Accordingly, the crosspiece cord 38 that was previously horizontal becomes substantially vertical along the raised ascent cord 36. Theoretically, the crosspiece cord 38 is supported only from above by the connection portion with the raised ascent cord 36. In this configuration, the blind slats 24 are tilted to be as nearly as vertical as possible and are effectively blocked by contact with the edges of the adjacent slats 24, thus effectively blocking light. It should be noted that a somewhat sophisticated high performance prior art blind assembly uses a cam-type drum in the tilt mechanism to provide a downward stroke of the lowered lift cord and an upward stroke of the raised lift cord. Since it is longer, the lowered ascending cord is surely slackened at the fully tilted position.

  In a preferred embodiment, the head rail 12 is wider than the plurality of vanes 24 depending from the head rail and is configured to achieve the same results as a high performance prior art tilt mechanism cam drum. ing. One rising cord 36 of each cord ladder 26 is attached to the front edge portion of the head rail 12, and the other rising cord 36 is attached to the rear edge portion. As shown in FIGS. 30 and 31, when the head rail 12 is tilted from the open horizontal position to the substantially vertical closed position, one raised cord 36 </ b> A of the cord ladder 26 is equal to a distance equal to half the width of the head rail 12. Moving substantially upward, the connection point 61 between the ascending cord 36 and the first crosspiece cord 38 is pulled up by the same distance. At the same time, the other raising cord 36B is lowered by a distance equal to half the width of the headrail 12. The other contact 63 is lowered in the same manner. However, since the length of the crosspiece cord 38 is shorter than the difference in moving distance between the two ascending cords 36, the lowered descending cord 36B is located above the other contact 63. This part is completely unloaded and loosened. Therefore, since the total weight of the slatting blade 24 is supported by the raised ascending cord 36A via the connection point of the glue point 60 on the transverse beam, the lowered ascending cord 36B is supported by the corresponding transverse beam. There is no drag from the cord 38 that may prevent the vane plate 24 from rotating as close to the vertical as possible through its connection 63.

The ratio of the width of the headrail 12 to the slatting blade 24 is also very important. If the head rail 12 is too wide, the hanging slats 24 will reach the closed position before the head rail fully rotates, resulting in a non-uniform appearance when the blind is in the closed position. . Furthermore, if the dimensional difference between the head rail 12 and the slats 24 that hang down is too large, the appearance may be impaired, and the size of the head rails may otherwise reduce the appearance of the slats that exhibit a uniform appearance. You will lose. The optimal headrail width that satisfies both the requirements of ensuring that the hanging slats are completely closed and does not impair the appearance of the blind assembly is 10 to 15% greater than the width of the slats 24 I found that it was wide. At a minimum, however, the distance between the ladder raising cord and the connection point of the headrail 12 must be at least equal to the width of the vane 24 or the distance between the corresponding crosspiece connection points 61 and 63.
As described in the structure of the blind assembly related to the raising and lowering of the blades and the operation destination thereof , the corresponding sets of front and rear lift cords are horizontally spaced on the blind assembly 10. The cord is fixedly attached to the bottom vane 16 as shown in FIGS. 10-13 and described in the previous section. As shown in FIG. 8, the lift cord 22 is disposed adjacent to and intertwined with the ascending cord 36, and is corded by periodically sewing between the cord cords 38 of the cord ladder 26. The lift cords 22 pass through the openings in the head rails 12 and enter the hollow interior of the head rails, and as can be seen from FIG. 9, each lift cord 22 is a first one disposed near the opening. It is guided around the pulley 30 of the set and heads toward a collective pulley 32 disposed at one end of the head rail 12. The collecting pulley 32 is disposed near the position where the upper end cap 62 of the actuator bar 28 is rotatably attached to the front longitudinal edge of the headrail. The plurality of lift cords 22 are led from the collective pulley 32 through another opening in the head rail to an opening 66 formed in the tongue 64 of the upper cap 62 as shown in FIG. Alternatively, the lift cord passes through the inside of the spring 4620 in the hole in the inwardly extending portion 4650 of the headrail end cap and advances through the opening at the end of the tubular protrusion 4655 and into the alternative upper cap 4650. The lift cord 22 then advances past the guide rod or pulley 70 or 4665 and into the inner channel 84 of the actuator rod 28. Finally, as shown in FIG. 23, the lift cord terminates around a tie-off cylinder 88 in the first lift handle member 90.

  As shown in FIG. 21, in one embodiment, lift handle members 90 and 92 are slidably received in separate adjacent channels 84 and 86 formed in actuator rod 28. Both channels have opposite, vertically oriented openings 94 that extend through each outer side wall 96 of the actuator rod 28, which spans the entire length of the actuator rod. Each lift handle 90 and 92 includes a body member 98 that further secures the plurality of lift cords 22 to the first handle member 90 and the vane 24 in a desired vertical position. A lock assembly 100 is provided for fixing in place.

  As shown in FIGS. 21-23, the body member 98 includes a top wall 102 and a bottom wall 104 that have a length and width slightly less than the length and width of the channel 84 or 86 in which the body member 98 is housed. Have. The top and bottom walls 102 and 104 are provided with knot holes 106 for receiving and fixing their knot ends through connecting cords 72 or 73. The top and bottom walls 102 and 104 are connected by at least one side wall 106. A protrusion 108 extends vertically from the side wall 106 of each body member through the previously described opening in the actuator rod central side wall and is used to slide the lift handle members 90 and 92 up and down. The knob 110 is configured to be formed. Finally, each body member 98 has a partial side wall 112 that faces the side wall 106, and the partial side wall 112 extends upward from the bottom wall 104 by about １ ／ of the length of the body member 98. . The main body member 98 of the first handle member (or the first main body member) further has an opening 114 in the upper wall 102, and a plurality of lift cords 22 pass through the opening.

  Each body member 98 is contained within a respective actuator rod channel 84 and 86, as shown in FIGS. The first connection cord 92 is secured to the knot hole 106 in the bottom wall 104 of the first body member 98, from which the cord travels downward in one channel 84 and is disposed on the bottom end cap 74. Hanging on the pulley 78. Next, the first connecting cord 92 passes upward in the other channel 86, where it is fixed in the knot hole 106 in the bottom wall 104 of the other body member 98. The second connection cord 73 is fixed to the knot hole 106 of the upper wall 102 of the first body member 98, and the cord then proceeds upward in the channel 84 from the connector cord pulley disposed on the upper end cap 62. 70. Next, the second connection cord 73 passes downward in the other channel 86 and is fixed to the knot hole 106 of the upper wall 102 of the other body member 98 there. The interconnected loops are operatively configured such that when one handle member is slid in one direction through an associated knob, the other handle member moves in the opposite direction. Conveniently, a short person can generally reach at least one handle member of the attached blind assembly and raise or lower the vane regardless of the initial position of the vane. .

The lock assembly 100 of the first handle member 90 is best seen in FIGS. 22-26. The lock assembly 100 includes an elongated base member 116, the length of the base member 116 being at least greater than the distance between the lower surface of the top wall and the upper surface of the bottom wall of the body member for reasons that will become apparent below. It is shortened by a measurable distance. The base member 116 is within the first body member 98 between the top wall 102 and the bottom wall 104, and the width of the base member 116 is the distance between the body member side wall 106 and the opposite partial side wall 112. It is slightly shorter. The base member 116 is provided with a horizontal hole 118, and a cut portion is provided near the horizontal hole 118. The horizontal hole 118 is sized to receive one end of the tie-off cylinder 88, and the looped or knotted end of the lift cord 22 terminates around this cylinder. The base member 116 is further provided with (i) a horizontal rotation pin hole 120 having a size for receiving the rotation pin of the wedge cam 122, and (ii) a screw for tightening a machine screw between the two holes. A hole 125 is provided. When the tie-off cylinder 88 and the rotating pin to which the wedge cam 122 is rotatably attached are assembled in the respective holes of the base member 116, the fixing plate 124 is disposed on the end of the cylinder and the rotating pin. The base member 116 is tightened by a screw that is tightened into the threaded hole 125 of the base member 116 through the hole of the fixing plate 124.

  The wedge cam 122 is best seen in FIGS. The wedge cam includes an engagement edge 126 having an upper section 126a and a lower section 126b. The upper section 126 a is generally parallel to the inner side wall 128 of the associated actuator rod channel 84 adjacent to the partial side wall 112 of the first body member 98 and is normally biased against the inner side wall 128. The lower section 126b is arcuate and curves from the actuator rod sidewall 128 until it terminates at the intersection with the bottom edge 130 of the wedge cam 122. The wedge cam 122 further extends upward from the body of the wedge cam 122 and is limited by the horizontal surface 134 of the base member 116, thereby biasing the upper engagement edge 126 a against the inner sidewall 128 of the channel 84. It has an arcuate spring arm 132. In certain preferred embodiments, the wedge cam 122 is made of a polyurethane material, has excellent dimensional characteristics, and creates a high coefficient of friction between the engagement surface 126 and the inner sidewall 128 of the wedge cam 122. ing.

  To operatively lift and retract the vane plate 24 of the blind assembly 10 from the position shown in FIG. 4 to the position shown in FIG. 5, the user either pulls down the knob 110 of the first handle member 90 or the other handle. What is necessary is just to raise the knob 110 of the member 92. As the vane is pulled up, the first handle member 90 containing the wedge cam 122 moves down in the actuator rod channel 84. The wedge cam 122 is designed only to prevent undesired upward movement of the first handle member 90 and thus does not prevent downward movement of the first handle member 90. Indeed, when the first handle member 90 moves downward relative to the actuator rod channel side wall 128, the upper section 126a of the engagement edge rotates clockwise and acts to move away from the actuator rod channel side wall 128. (See FIG. 26).

  When the blade is pulled up to a desired position and the operator releases the handle 110, the gravity acting on the bottom blade 16 pulls the bottom blade downward and applies a tensile force to the lift cord 22. Start. This pulling force pulls the first handle member 90 upward in the channel 84. When the first handle member is pulled upward by a negligible distance, the wedge cam 122 is counterclockwise due to the biasing force of the spring arm 132 and the friction between the channel inner side wall 128 and the cam engagement edge 126a. Rotate around. The upper section 126a of the engaging edge is pressed downward against the inner side wall 128 of the channel with a wedge effect to hold the first handle member 90 and the vane connected thereto in a desired vertical position.

  Normally, as shown in FIG. 25, the lower surface of the top wall 102 of the body member 98 abuts on the top edge of the lock assembly base member 116, and the top surface of the bottom wall 104 of the body member and the bottom edge of the base member 116. There is a small gap between the parts. Further, a small gap is formed between the bottom edge of the cam 122 and the upper edge 136 of the partial side wall 112. This small gap provides room for the wedge cam 122 to rotate to the channel sidewall 128 and to lock the lock assembly 100 and vane in place in the vertical direction. When the user moves any of the knobs 110 in an appropriate direction to lower the blade, the first main body member 98 moves upward until there is no gap between the bottom edge of the base member 116 and the top surface of the bottom wall 104. More importantly, but more importantly, the upper edge 136 of the partial side wall 112 strikes the bottom edge 130 of the wedge cam 122 and moves and rotates the upper section 126a of the engagement edge 126 upward thereby causing the first That is, the handle member 90 is released and can freely move upward. As long as the partial side wall 112 pushes the upper section 126a of the engagement surface 126 away from the inner side wall 128 of the channel 84, with the help of gravity due in part to the weight of the bottom vane 16, the vane 24 Be lowered. When the user releases the knob 110, the body member 98 returns to its normal position and the cam engagement surface 126 is placed on the inner side wall 128 between the bottom of the cam wedge 122 and the upper edge 136 of the partial side wall 112 as described above. Sufficient distance is available to move toward and lock the slats in place.

  It should be understood that the handle member and the structure related thereto are merely illustrative. Other methods and structures may be utilized as long as they can provide the advantages of the handle member and actuator rod assembly. For example, the means for connecting the lift cord to the handle member may be changed. As an example, the cord may be tied through one or more holes in the base member to secure the cord in place. Furthermore, in other variations, other means can be utilized to lock the handle member in place on or in the actuator bar, with or without a rotating cam. In yet another variation, the second handle member may be removed.

  A first alternative embodiment of a lift mechanism is shown in FIG. 24, in which a plurality of downwardly extending lift cords 18 loops around a cylinder 88 that can be replaced with a pulley, through a channel 84. Proceeding upward, it is fixed to the upper cap 62. This device provides a 2: 1 mechanical benefit to the handle member operator, and if the handle member is moved 1 inch vertically, the bottom vane will move 2 inches.

A second alternative embodiment of the lift mechanism 6150 is shown in FIGS. 93-102. 93 and 96, the lift mechanism is slidably received in the inner channel 6065 of the extruded alternative actuator bar 6060 through a longitudinally extending opening 6090. As shown in FIGS. As shown mainly in the exploded view of FIG. 95, the main components of the lift mechanism of the second alternative embodiment are (i) a lock mechanism 6155 including a lift mechanism main body, and (ii) an arcuate knob 6165.
And (iii) a lock release lever 6170.

  As can be seen from FIG. 95, a pulley cavity 6175 is formed near the upper end of the main body 6160 of the second alternative lift mechanism. As can be seen in FIG. 102, two small aligned horizontal holes 6180 extend into the pulley cavity from the front and rear walls 6185 and 6190 of the pulley cavity, respectively. A pulley pin 6195 that passes through the center of the lift cord pulley 6200 is inserted into both the holes, so that the lift cord pulley is rotatably held in the pulley cavity. As discussed above with respect to the first alternative lift mechanism, one or more lift cords 18 loop around the pulley and terminate at the top cap of the alternative actuator bar 6060. The left side wall 6205 (as best seen in FIG. 95) extends downwardly from the pulley cavity adjacent to the left side of the actuator channel 6095. The upper portion 6210 of the inner surface of the left wall extends a short distance downward in the vertical direction until it meets a tapered portion 6215 that tapers inwardly at an acute angle to the right. The tapered portion terminates at a point where it intersects a lower portion 6220 of the left wall that extends vertically downward to the bottom 6225 of the main housing. Accordingly, the horizontal distance between the inner surface of the left side wall and the opposing right wall 6230 of the actuator bar channel 6095 is greater at the top than at the bottom. It should be noted that the structure including substantially all of the bottom, left wall, and pulley cavity is slidably received within the channel 6095 of the actuator bar.

  Returning to FIG. 95, a vertically extending groove 6235 is formed between the rear surface of both the pulley cavity structure and bottom rear sidewalls 6240 and 6245 and the corresponding barbed sidewalls 6250 and 6255. Yes. When the interface 6260 that extends posteriorly between the posterior side wall and the corresponding upper and lower barb walls fits between the lips of the actuator bar opening 6090, the alternate actuator bar lip 6085 fits in the groove. . Accordingly, the barbed walls 6250 and 6255 are disposed outside the actuator bar channel 6065. Upper and lower barbs tabs 6265 and 6270 extend substantially horizontally rearward from the upper and lower barb walls of the main body, respectively, in a vertically spaced position, with upper barbs 6275 extending upwardly. Facing, with lower barbs 6280 facing down. As best seen in FIG. 102, barbs are snapped into corresponding upper and lower shelves 6285 and 6290 formed in arcuate knob 6265, as will be described in more detail below.

  As shown in FIG. 95, the locking mechanism further includes a plastic wedge ball 6295, a coil spring 6300, and a spring end cap 6305. As shown in FIG. 97, the ball is biased to its normal position in the space between the tapered portion and the right side wall of the actuator bar by a spring acting through a spring end cap. The wedge ball has a diameter that is shorter than the distance between the upper part 6210 of the left side wall 6205 and the right side wall 6230 of the actuator channel, but longer than the distance between the lower part 6220 of the left side wall and the right side wall of the actuator channel. . Therefore, when an upward force is applied to the main body 6160 of the lift mechanism by the lift cord 18, the wedge ball is pressed against the tapered portion and the right side wall, and the main body is held in place by the wedge effect. Prevents the main body from sliding upward within the actuator bar channel 6065. Thus, the blind assembly vanes interconnected to the main body via one or more lift cords 18 are held in place.

  If the wedge ball 6295 is released using a combination of the arch knob 6165 and the unlocking lever 6170, the lift mechanism can be slid upward or downward to adjust the height of the slats. As shown schematically in FIGS. 93, 94, 95 and 102, the knob extends substantially rearward from the lip 6085 and opening 6090 of the alternative actuator bar 6060. The knob has an arcuate longitudinal shape that forms a back curved surface 6310. Furthermore, the width of the bow is substantially the same as the width of the actuator bar. The left side 6315 of the knob (as viewed in FIG. 95) has a substantially vertically extending straight edge that abuts the outer surface of the left lip of the actuator bar. As can be seen in FIG. 93, the right side 6320 opposite the knob extends beyond the rear side of the actuator bar and covers a substantial portion of the right wall 6230 of the actuator bar. As can be understood from FIG. 95, the curved rear surface and the right side surface of the knob are divided into two at the longitudinal center, and an opening is provided therein to accommodate the lock release lever 6170. A substantially rectangular integrally formed plate member 6325 connects the two right sides and is provided with a backward-facing groove 6330 having a semicircular closed end 6335. A protrusion 6340 protrudes inward from the left inner surface 6315 at a substantially horizontal position corresponding to the closed end of the groove. The projection is provided with a forward-facing semicircular groove 6345, the center point of which substantially coincides with the center point of the backward-facing groove having a semicircular closed end. In addition, both the semicircular closed end and the semicircular groove have substantially the same radius so that the unlocking lever can be rotatably connected as will be described in detail below. Yes. From the upper and lower trailing edges of the rectangular member, the upper and lower ledges 6285 and 6290 of the above-mentioned arc pick extend to the left side of the arc pick, and the barbs 6275 and 6275 of the main body 6160 of the locking mechanism 6280 can be received with a snap fit.

  As described above, the unlocking lever 6170 is rotatably accommodated in the arch knob 6155, and rotating the lever releases the locking mechanism 6155 to raise or lower the associated vane. be able to. The lever will be described with reference to FIGS. 99-101, 93 and 96. The unlocking lever has a substantially arcuate partially arcuate rear section 6350 at the rear end that connects the space between the upper and lower parts of the arcuate knob rear surface 6310 (as best seen in FIG. 99). Have. The rear section intersects a side section 6355 that extends forward over a substantial portion of the gap between the upper and lower portions of the arcuate right side wall 6320 (as can be seen in FIG. 93). The right section continues forward beyond the front edge of the arcuate knob and forms a fingertip actuator 6360. As can be seen in FIG. 99, the lever arm 6365 extends forward from a position near the inner intersection of the rear and side compartments, passes through the actuator rod opening 6090 and terminates in the channel 6095. Yes. As shown in FIG. 97, the end 6370 of the lever arm is in contact with the lower side of the wedge ball 6295. The protrusion 6375 extends leftward from the lever arm and is rotatably accommodated in a semicircular groove 6345 formed in the left side wall of the knob. Further, on the right side of the lever arm, there is provided a portion 6380 formed so as to be fitted in a semicircular end 6335 of a groove formed in the rectangular plate member 6325 (see FIG. 101). When the lever is slid into the knob, the rectangular member is elastically deformed, and the lever arm snap-fits into a predetermined position of the semicircular groove and the groove end. With respect to the knob and the main body, the unlocking lever can have several stages of rotational movement.

In operation, to raise and retract the blade blades of the blind assembly with the second alternative lift mechanism 6150, the user places his finger on the arcuate knob 6165 and, as shown in FIG. Is gently pushed up and the bow picker is moved upward or downward. As shown in FIG. 98, when the finger tip actuator is pressed, the lever arm 6365 rotates about the semicircular groove 6345 and the groove end 6335, and moves the end 6370 in contact with the wedge ball 6295 upward. . Thereby, the ball is moved from a position pressed between the left side wall of the main body and the right side wall of the actuator rod, allowing the main body to slide freely within the actuator rod channel. Upon releasing the fingertip, coil spring 6300 pushes the wedge ball back to a position where the wedge ball is pushed between the tapered portion of the left side wall and the right side wall, thereby preventing movement of the main body.
An alternative embodiment alternative blind assembly 200 incorporating two tilt actuator rods is shown in FIGS. 27-29. The assembly includes a bottom vane 16 having an end cap 234 and a mounting very similar to that used to secure the headrail 12 to the window frame, as described above with respect to the preferred embodiment. And a bracket 214. The alternative blind assembly 200 further includes a pair of actuator rods 28, which are preferably vertically aligned with and in front of the cord ladder and lift cord. The bottom end cap 74 of the actuator rod is not connected to the mounting bracket but is rotatably attached to the front edge of the bottom vane 16. The lift cord is attached to the bottom vane as described above and extends upward into the headrail 12. From there, the lift cord exits the interior of the head rail, enters one of the actuator rods 28, passes through the actuator rod channel and terminates at the handle member assembly 96, as previously described. In operation, the shade can be tilted up and down using any of the actuator rods 28 in much the same manner as previously described, or the vane using the handle member in the same manner as previously described. The bottom slats are stacked vertically between the top and bottom slats, with the remaining slats being stacked vertically just below the head rail. When it stays in its original position.
Alternative Embodiments Incorporating a Balanced Tilt Mechanism A balanced tilt mechanism and a blind assembly incorporating a balanced tilt mechanism are described with reference to FIGS. 103-126. In a representative balanced tilt mechanism of an alternative embodiment, a weight that hangs down from the end of the tilt actuator cord and applies a downward biasing force is disposed in the headrail and is opposite to the tilt actuation cord with an upward upward biasing force. The spring is balanced against The cord is wrapped around a bobbin that is operatively connected to the head rail via one or more gears, and the head rail can be rotated about the axis of rotation attached to the mounting bracket. It can be done. In operation, if the tilt actuator cord is lightly pushed up or down or lifted or lowered, the balance is broken and the cord contracts or stretches, and the headrail tilts accordingly. It should be understood that little effort is required to tilt the blinds because the mechanism is balanced.

  FIGS. 103-108 illustrate one alternative embodiment blind assembly 5100 incorporating a balanced tilt mechanism. The blind assembly 5100 includes (i) a horizontally extending vane-shaped rigid head rail 5105 that is rotatably connected to the window frame 5100 by a pair of mounting brackets 5115, and (ii) a plurality of lift cords (not shown). And (iii) a somewhat rigid lower blade 5120 extending in the horizontal direction connected to the upper blade by a ladder tape 5125, and (iii) disposed between the head rail and the lower blade and supported by the ladder tape A plurality of horizontal vanes 5130, (iv) a lift actuator cord 5135 for raising and lowering the vanes, and (v) a tilt actuator cord 5140 including an end decoration 5145 with a weight.

  The illustrated blind assembly uses a somewhat airfoiled hollow vane, a bottom vane, and a headrail. In an alternative configuration blind assembly using a balanced tilt mechanism, it is expected that the vane can be made in any suitable shape and with any suitable material. For example, slats made of plastic, cloth, metal and wood are conceivable. Furthermore, the head rail may have any shape and configuration that is the same as or different from the attached blades.

  A typical lift cord locking mechanism 5350 for securing the lift cord 5335 and vane plate 5130 in place is shown in FIGS. 122-126. As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, other conventional lift and locking mechanisms may be utilized instead. Further, if necessary for use in combination with a blind assembly incorporating a balanced tilt mechanism, a lift and lock mechanism similar to that described in detail above may be modified.

  As shown in FIG. 122, the lift cord lock mechanism 5350 is contained in the head rail end cap. The headrail end cap 5106 is typically made of molded plastic and is usually at least partially within the end of the extruded rigid tubular longitudinally extending headrail section 5108. Can be slid. The headrail end cap can have a variety of configurations. For example, the head rail end cap shown in FIG. 122 is designed to contain only the lift lock mechanism, and the head rail end cap shown in FIG. 177 is adapted to accept the balanced tilt mechanism. Furthermore, it is also conceivable to configure the end cap so that both the balanced tilt mechanism and the lift code lock mechanism are included. Returning to the end cap shown in FIG. 122, the end cap can be attached to a mounting bracket similar to the second alternative mounting bracket 6505 described in detail above and can be slid onto the end cap. And includes a flanged cylindrical member 6515 attached thereto. It should be understood that other types of mounting bracket systems may be used. The illustrated end cap also forms part of the length of the head rail, so the cover 5420 hides the locking mechanism so that it cannot be seen and supports and holds the locking mechanism components in place. Be prepared to do.

As shown in FIGS. 123-126, the lock mechanism includes (i) a first U-shaped code lock member 5360 that is rotatably connected to the end cap via a first rotation pin 5370, and (ii)
And a second U-shaped code lock member 5365 rotatably connected to the leg portion 5380 of the first U-shaped member via the second rotation pin 5375. A portion of the first U-shaped member extends beyond the “U” base 5385 to form a cord contact edge 5390. The lift cord 5355 enters the head rail 5105 and is guided around a horizontal rotating pulley 5395 disposed on the side of the lock mechanism. The cord then travels through the second U-shaped member while hitting the inner surface of the “U” base 5400. The cord then passes over the cord contact edge of the first U-shaped member and then exits the end cap and terminates in a tress 5405. As can be seen from FIGS. 122 and 123, the first U-shaped member is spaced apart in the longitudinal direction of the head rail from a point 5410 on the pulley that separates from the pulley as the cord extends toward the locking mechanism. It rotates in a substantially horizontal direction around the first rotation pin in the vacant position. This interval is important for the effective operation of the locking mechanism.

  123 and 125 show a state in which the lock mechanism 5350 is in the normal lock position. The locking mechanism is biased to this position by the weight of the foot rail 5120 acting through the lift cord 5355 and the blade plate 5130 applied. The biasing force applied by this weight is indicated by an arrow 5414 in FIG. When the biasing force tries to pull the lift cord in the direction of the force, the lift cord slides along the inner surface of the base 5400 of the second U-shaped member and causes friction. Due to this friction, a moment is applied to the rotational position of the first U-shaped member. This moment causes the lock mechanism to rotate clockwise about the first rotation pin 5370 and applies a rotational force to the cord along the cord contact edge 6490. As can be seen in FIG. 125, these forces act on the locking mechanism, resulting in crimping the lift cord, increasing the friction of the lift cord within the locking mechanism, and effectively locking the cord in place. When lowering the slats, the user applies enough force to move the lift cord longitudinally away from the end of the end cap, rotates the locking mechanism counterclockwise, and the cord contact edge Be away from the lift cord. Then, the lift cord is provided with a relatively straight path passing through the lock mechanism, and can be moved up and down. Once the lift cord is released or cannot be pulled longitudinally away from the end of the end cap, the locking mechanism rotates clockwise due to the force applied by the weight of the vane and foot rail. Lock the lift cord in place again.

  The ladder tape 5125 illustrated in FIGS. 103-105 typically includes front and rear vertical cords that extend vertically along the front and rear edges of the vane, respectively. A crosspiece (not shown) is stretched between each set of vertical cords at vertically spaced positions to support and rest the vane plate 5130. In some embodiments, the upper end of each vertical cord is secured to one of the front or rear edge of the head rail (as shown in FIG. 109), and the upper portion of the vertical cord is the edge of the head rail. It is fixed there through a hole in the part by a knot or adhesive bead 5150. Therefore, when the head rail is tilted clockwise as shown in FIG. 106, the front vertical cords of the ladder tapes 5125 are lowered and the rear vertical cords are raised. And rotate clockwise. On the contrary, as shown in FIG. 108, when the head rail is tilted counterclockwise, the front vertical cord of each ladder tape 5125 is raised and the rear vertical cord is lowered, so that the horizontal rail is placed on the top. Rotates counterclockwise with the vane.

  FIG. 105 shows the blind assembly with the blades fully open. In this position, the slats, head rails and foot rails are oriented substantially horizontally in the width direction. A weighted tuft 5145 attached to the end of the tilt actuator cord 5140 is in an intermediate vertical position, where the user can easily reach to move the vane to the first or second closed position. It is a position that can be.

  Figures 118-121 illustrate one embodiment of a weighted tuft. The garment is provided with a central metal piece 5305 of a predetermined weight in order to balance the tension spring. The metal piece is substantially oval with a curved surface and rounded edges. A tie-off hole 5310 is provided near the upper edge of the metal piece to allow the end of the tilt actuator cord 5140 to pass. Grooves 5315 are provided at a plurality of positions along the left and right arcuate sides of the metal piece so that the corresponding spine arms 5320 of the corresponding plastic covers 5325 and 5330 are fitted. The plastic cover wraps a piece of metal to improve the appearance. The male plastic cover 5325 has a plurality of barbs extending from the edge at a position corresponding to the groove of the metal piece. Female plastic cover 5330 has a lip 5335 molded near its edge corresponding to the inverted spine leg, in which the inverse spine of the inverse spine arm fits, covers the metal piece and covers the plastic cover. Fix it. A semi-circular groove 5345 is provided at the top of each plastic piece to form a circular opening together with a similar semi-circular groove in the counterpart plastic piece, and the lift cord passes through the opening. To the tie-off hole in the metal piece.

  By pulling the garment 5145 and / or the accompanying tilt actuator cord 5140 upward or downward as indicated by the arrows in FIGS. 106-108, the headrail rotates about the mounting bracket 5115 and the associated vane. 5130 is rotated similarly. As shown in FIG. 106, when the tress 5145 is pulled downward with a small force, the effective downward acting force increases to an amount exceeding the upward acting force applied by the opposite direction spring 5218 (hereinafter described in detail). 116A-C makes it clear.) Therefore, the head rail and the vane rotate clockwise until reaching the first closed position. The first closed position is shown in FIG. Conversely, if the tress 5145 or lift actuator cord 5140 is pulled lightly upwards or pushed, the effective downward force exerted by the weight of the garment will be less than the upward force exerted by the opposite spring. Decrease to the amount. Therefore, the head rail and the blades rotate counterclockwise until reaching the second closed position shown in FIG.

  Note that the force that the user has to apply is very small, that is, the force necessary to overcome the rotational friction provided in the tilt mechanism. The magnitude of the friction depends largely on the design of the mechanism, and it is desirable that the friction is small.For example, when encountering a very small external force that occurs when the wind blows through an open window, the blades do not tilt back and forth. Necessary to do so. An alternative embodiment contemplates providing a mechanism, such as a clamping device, around one or more rotational axes of either the tilt mechanism or the head rail to allow adjustment of the system friction level.

  109-116C illustrate a preferred embodiment 5200 of a balanced tilt mechanism. In general, the balanced tilt mechanism includes (i) a tilt actuator cord 5140, (ii) a weighted tress 5145, and (iii) a tapered bobbin 5212 that is rotatably mounted in the head rail by a bobbin shaft 5214. A spur gear assembly 5240 including a bobbin / spring assembly 5210 including a bobbin spur gear 5216 and a constant tension spring 5218, and (iv) a large spur gear 5242 and a small spur gear 5244 attached by a rotating shaft 5246. And (v) a mounting bracket connection mechanism assembly 5250 including a spur gear 5252 that is rotatably mounted and a head rail shaft 5254 that serves as a center of rotation of the head rail.

  Bobbin / spring assembly 5210 is best seen in FIGS. 109-111, but cross-sectional views of tapered bobbin 5212 are shown in FIGS. 115A-C and 116A-C. The main component of the bobbin / spring assembly is a tapered bobbin 5212. The tapered bobbin acts to transmit the spring force from the spring 5218 to the tilt actuator cord 5140 and to connect the tilt actuator cord to the tilt mechanism. The tapered bobbin 5212 has a generally cylindrical shape with a tapered conical section and is adapted to rotate about a bobbin shaft 5214 that extends through the longitudinal axis of the tapered bobbin. The tapered bobbin may be made of any suitable material including metals, plastics and composite materials, but in a preferred embodiment, the tapered bobbin is made of injection molded plastic. The bobbin shaft 5214 is typically made of a metal material and is press fit into the bobbin along the longitudinal axis of the bobbin. Instead, the shaft may be key-coupled to the shaft, or may be rotated integrally by being bonded to the shaft with an adhesive. In some alternative embodiments, the bobbin shaft can be integrally formed with the bobbin. The bobbin shaft is rotatably accommodated in a groove or opening formed in the head rail 5105 at either end of the bobbin. It should be noted that as shown in FIGS. 109-111, the tilt mechanism is supported in an end cap section 5106 of the head rail housed in a normally extruded section 5108 that extends in the longitudinal direction of the head rail 5105. ing.

  The tapered bobbin / bobbin shaft combination includes a plurality of sections including a spring section 5220 provided at one end of the tapered bobbin 5212 along the longitudinal length. Spring wound section 5220 is essentially cylindrical and is bounded at both ends by first and second radial flanges 5222 and 5224. A longitudinally extending groove 5226 (as best seen in FIG. 116A) is provided through the wall of the cylindrical spring section to secure the hooked end 5228 of the spring 5218. If the slats tilt in either direction during operation of the tilt mechanism 5200, the constant tension spring 5218 is wound around the spring section 5220 or unwound from the spring section 5220 and the head rail 5105. It is wound around a post 5230 provided therein.

  The tapered bobbin 5212 further includes a tapered section 5232 between the second radial flange 5224 and the third radial flange 5234, the bobbin wall from a first diameter near the second radial flange. Tapering to a second small diameter near the third radial flange. Changing the diameter compensates for the change in biasing force applied by the spring 5218, which varies depending on the amount of spring wound around the spring section 5220. A continuous groove 5236 is provided on the surface of the tapered section, extends from one end of the section 5232 to the other end, and rotates around the surface of the tapered section many times. The groove is sized to accommodate the tilt actuator cord 5140 therein so that the cord can be guided when the cord is wound and unwound about the bobbin 5212 during the tilting operation. Near the second flange 5222, a hole 5238 with a diameter sufficient to accept the upper end of the tilt actuator cord is provided at one end of the continuous groove 5236 through the wall of the tapered section 5232 (see FIG. It can be clearly seen from FIG. 115C). This hole is used to connect the tilt actuator cord to the bobbin by tying the end through the cord or attaching an adhesive bead 5160 to the end of the cord so that the cord does not escape from the hole. It is done.

  Finally, a bobbin shaft 5214 that passes through and is fixedly attached to the tapered bobbin 5214 has a bobbin spur gear 5260 disposed on the opposite side of the third flange 5234 above the tapered section 5232. ing. The bobbin spur gear 5260 is fixedly attached to the bobbin shaft so as to rotate integrally with the bobbin shaft. The bobbin spur gear may be keyed to the bobbin shaft, press fitted, glued with an adhesive, or attached to the shaft by any suitable means. In an alternative embodiment where the bobbin shaft is made integral with the tapered bobbin, the bobbin spur gear can also be molded integrally with the tapered bobbin.

  As shown in FIGS. 109 and 116A-C, and as previously mentioned, one end of the constant tension spring 5218 is hooked into the groove 5226 of the spring section 5220 of the bobbin 5212. The other end of the spring is wrapped around a spring post 5230 provided in the head rail 5105 to receive the spring. The spring is typically made of spring steel and spans the span of the spring between the portion of the spring wrapped around the spring section 5220 and the portion of the spring wrapped around the spring post 5230. 116A-C, a substantially continuous tension is supplied in the direction of the spring section. Thus, the spring biases the tapered bobbin 5212 clockwise.

  As a continuous layer of spring 5218 is wrapped around spring section 5232, the distance from the longitudinal axis to the biased position of the spring increases and the force applied by the spring is constant so that the spring is applied to the tapered bobbin 5212. The effective counterclockwise rotational moment that is applied is increased (the rotational moment is equal to the distance from the longitudinal axis to the position where the load is applied multiplied by the applied force). As can be seen, in order for the bobbin to be stationary when the tilt mechanism is not operated, the counterclockwise rotational moment applied by the weighted tress 5145 via the tilt actuator cord 5140 is: Must be the same as the counter-rotating moment applied by the spring. As the clockwise rotational moment increases, the counterclockwise rotational moment must also increase. The tapered section 5232 of the tapered bobbin changes the counterclockwise rotational moment in cooperation with the counterclockwise rotational moment.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 116C, if the spring is wound to a maximum extent around the spring section 5220 of the bobbin 5212, the tilt actuator cord is fully unwound from the tapered section and shown in FIG. As shown, it will be located at the largest diameter portion of the tapered section. When the spring and tilt actuator cord are each in this position on the tapered bobbin, the vane is in the first closed position shown in FIG.

  Conversely, as shown in FIG. 116B, if the spring is minimally wrapped around the spring section 5220 of the bobbin 5212, the tilt actuator cord 5140 is fully wound around the tapered section 5232. The position of the cord coming out of the tapered section is located at the smallest diameter portion of the tapered section as shown in FIG. When the spring and tilt actuator cord are each in this position on the tapered bobbin, the vane is in the second closed position shown in FIG.

  Spur gear assembly 5240 and mounting bracket assembly 5250 are provided to replace the rotational motion of tapered bobbin 5212 with the rotational motion of head rail 5105 and associated vane plate 5130 during a tilting operation. Spur gear assembly 5240 and mounting bracket assembly 5250 are best seen in FIGS. 109-114. The spur gear assembly is rotatably mounted on the head rail and includes a spur gear shaft 5246 having a large spur gear 5242 attached to one end and a small spur gear 5244 attached to the other end. The large spur gear meshes with the bobbin spur gear 5216 (as can be seen in FIG. 114) so that the clockwise rotation of the bobbin spur gear causes the large spur gear and the entire spur gear assembly to rotate counterclockwise. It has become. The various components of the spur gear assembly can be made from a variety of suitable materials including plastics, metals and composite materials. Further, the spur gear can be attached to the spur gear shaft in any suitable manner including, but not limited to, press fit, adhesive bonding, welding, brazing, and key coupling. Further, in an alternative embodiment, the entire spur gear assembly can be injection molded as a single piece using a suitable reinforced or unreinforced plastic.

  109 and 113, the small spur gear 5244 meshes with the fixed spur gear 5252 of the mounting bracket assembly. The fixed spur gear is attached to the end of the head rail shaft 5254 of the attachment bracket pad 5256 fixedly attached to the attachment bracket 5115. Therefore, the fixed spur gear does not rotate. Conversely, a small spur gear 5244 moves around the surface of the stationary spur gear, and the small spur gear, spur gear assembly and tapered bobbin assembly are all contained within the headrail and attached to the headrail. Therefore, the head rail also rotates with respect to the fixed spur gear.

  In an alternative embodiment of a blind assembly incorporating a balanced tilt mechanism, the fixed spur gear 5252 is an axial opening that is keyed to a corresponding portion of the headrail shaft 5254, as can be seen in FIG. Has a part. The head rail shaft is further provided with a radial flange 5258 at its end to hold the fixed spur gear in place so that it does not slide off from the end of the head rail shaft. This portion of the head rail shaft is provided with two opposing grooves 5260 in the wall of the shaft 5254 so that when the fixed spur gear 5252 is snapped into place, the rest of the wall is elastically inward. It comes to bend. In alternative embodiments, the gear 5252 can be secured to the headrail shaft in any suitable manner including welding and gluing.

  109 and 112, the end of the head rail 5105 is rotatably attached to the mounting bracket assembly 5250 at another portion of the head rail shaft 5254. The head rail can freely rotate about its axis, but one side is obstructed by a mounting bracket pad 5256, which is normally integral with the shaft 5254, and the other side is obstructed by a fixed spur gear 5252 so that the longitudinal direction You cannot slide off the shaft. It should be understood that the head rail 5105 does not require a fixed spur gear, but is attached to the modified mounting bracket assembly in the longitudinal direction so that it can rotate on the other end of the head rail.

  In this embodiment incorporating a balanced tilt mechanism, the mounting bracket pad 5256 includes a spring catch (not shown) molded therein or otherwise attached to the pad. The spring catch is received in the mounting bracket 5215 in a plurality of mounting holes (not shown) spaced apart about a center point coincident with the longitudinal axis of the head rail shaft 5254 and positioned on a circle. Designed to be. Therefore, when the blind is attached to the opening, the position of the attachment bracket 5215 is first determined and fixed to the opening frame 5110. Next, the tilt mechanism 5200 is operated to move the blind to one of the closed positions before attaching the mounting bracket pad 5256 to the mounting bracket. Finally, the pad 5256 is aligned with the bracket, the head rail and vane are positioned substantially vertically in the lateral direction, and the pad is snapped into place.

  As will be apparent to those skilled in the art, the amount of movement of the weighted tress required to move the vane plate 5130 from one closed position to the other closed position is the same as that used for the tilt mechanism 5200. It should be understood that the gears 5216, 5242, 5244, and 5252 vary depending on various sizes. In some embodiments, the total travel distance of the actuator cord 5140 and the associated weighted tress 5145 is about 22 inches, but especially when used on small shades that are not very high, the gear ratio can be changed to The moving distance can also be reduced. An adhesive bead 5155 is attached to the tilt actuator cord to prevent the tilt actuator cord from being excessively wrapped around the tapered bobbin 5212 when the vane is rotated to the second closed position. When the vane is fully tilted and the cord is completely wound around the tapered bobbin, it strikes against the cord opening of the headrail.

  As shown in FIGS. 106-107 and described above, to rotate the shade from the fully open position to the first closed position, the user may lightly pull the weighted tress 5145 or the tilt actuator cord 5140. It is only necessary to apply a force to overcome the friction generated in the tilt mechanism. As shown in FIG. 115A, when the tapered bobbin is turned counterclockwise, an additional spring is wound around the bobbin spring section 5220 and acts clockwise on the bobbin, as shown in FIG. 116C. The moment increases. To maintain force balance, the tilt actuator cord moves along the groove 5236 to the larger diameter portion of the tapered section 5232 as shown in FIG. When the tapered bobbin 5212 and the fixedly attached bobbin spur gear rotate counterclockwise, the spur gear assembly meshed with the bobbin spur gear via the large spur gear 5242 rotates clockwise. A small spur gear 5244 meshing with the fixed spur gear 5252 moves clockwise around the fixed spur gear. Because the spur gear assembly is attached to the head rail 5105, the head rail rotates clockwise around the mounting bracket assembly 5250 as the small spur gear moves about the stationary spur gear. When the head rail rotates counterclockwise, the front vertical cord of the ladder tape 5125 is raised, the rear vertical cord is lowered, and the blade is tilted to the second closed position shown in FIG.

  In the foregoing, the description has been given on the assumption that the balanced tilt mechanism is used with a blind assembly incorporating a tilt type head rail. However, it should be understood that each element of the balanced tilt mechanism can also be used in a widely used Venetian style blind assembly with a fixed head rail. In that case, the tapered bobbin / spring assembly will be coupled to a tilt rod extending within the head rail, either directly or via one or more gears. Raising or pulling the weighted tuft will break the balance of force, and the tapered bobbin and tilt rod will rotate and tilt the blade plate of the blind assembly. The balanced tilt mechanism can also be incorporated into other types of window covers that tilt or rotate the vanes.

Furthermore, many changes can be considered for the various components of the tilt mechanism. For example, the type of spring used may be varied, and in another embodiment, the spring is replaced with a second weight that hangs behind the blind to counter the weighted tress. In another embodiment, the various gears can be replaced with pulleys and drive belts as desired. In another variation, the bobbin may not be tapered.
Separate Decorative Bunches for Use with Lift Cords in Balanced Tilt Mechanism Blind Assemblies FIGS. 133-149 show two embodiments 7005 and 7105 of separate bunches for use with lift cords for blind assemblies that incorporate balanced tilt mechanisms. Yes. Moreover, the above-mentioned separation type decoration can also be used for other types of blinds and window covers. When a non-vertically directed load having a vector different from another load applied to another cord is applied to one or more lift cords that are connected to the accessory, the separable ornament is applied to multiple pieces. Designed to separate. For example, if a part of a child's body is entangled with the lift cord and one cord pulls the neck to the left and another lift cord pulls to the right, the garment will separate and the child will be injured To be released.

133-137 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. 133-137 includes three peripheral cord fixing members 7010, a cord fixing plug 7020, and a center connecting member 7015. As shown mainly in FIG. 133, the center connecting member has a central main body 7045 having a substantially triangular horizontal cross section and narrowing inward and downward along the length. A vertical inner hole 7055 extends through the center of the main body. The inner hole has (i) a circular shape near the upper edge and a downwardly and outwardly tapered portion for a certain distance, and (ii) a bottom edge having a substantially rectangular cross section from the bottom of the upper portion. And a lower portion extending to the portion. Three fins 7050 extend radially outward from each corner of the outer surface of the connecting member. As can be seen from FIG. 134, the outer edge of the fin is along the edge of the peripheral cord fixing member 7010, and the peripheral member is in contact with the side surface of the fin near the outer edge of the fin.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 133, the three peripheral members 7010 each have an arcuate substantially vertically oriented wall having an outer surface and an inner surface, respectively. Near the upper edge of the peripheral member, a cord tie-off 7025 extends inwardly from the inner surface so that a lift cord 7085 can be fixedly attached thereto. A downward hooked protrusion 7035 extends substantially inward in the horizontal direction below the tie-off in the vertical direction. Further, an upward hooked protrusion 7040 extends inward from the inner surface near the bottom edge of the peripheral member. As shown in FIGS. 133 and 135, the scissors are designed so that the peripheral member can be snapped onto one upper edge and lower edge of the side surface of the central body portion 7045. Therefore, up to three lift cords can be fixed to the decoration chamber. If desired and necessary, a fourth lift cord can be secured to the decor using a cord securing plug 7020 that fits within a vertical bore 7055 in the central body.

  The cord fixing plug can be understood by looking at FIGS. The cord securing plug has a cylindrical portion 7065 that gradually tapers outwardly downwards, generally matching the top of the vertical bore. However, the upper portion of the plug is provided with a flanged portion 7070 having a diameter that is normally larger than the diameter of the upper edge of the vertical inner hole. Further, a tapered V-shaped groove 7080 extends downward from the upper edge of the plug by about two thirds of the length of the tapered cylindrical portion. The plug further includes a lower portion 7075 having a generally square cross-section that closely matches the bottom of the vertical bore. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 135, the plug can be snap-inserted into the vertical inner hole by snap-inserting the flanged portion beyond the upper edge portion 7060 of the inner hole. The fourth lift cord can be fixed to the decoration if it is wound around the bottom of the plug and pushed into the V-groove before the plug is snap-fitted into the vertical inner hole. As shown in FIG. 134, the fourth decoration chamber is usually hung from the bottom of the decoration chamber so that the cord can be grasped when the blind assembly is raised and lowered.

  In operation, when an unequal lateral force is applied to the lift cord 7085, a resilient peripheral member, usually made of molded plastic, such as all elements of the garment, will snap out of the central connection member 7015. To separate. The modified example of the first embodiment has four peripheral members and one central connecting member having a substantially square cross section that can fix four lift cords without using a cord fixing plug. It is considered.

  A separation type decoration chamber 7105 of the second embodiment is shown in FIGS. 138 to 149, and includes four peripheral cord fixing members 7115 and a center connecting member 7125. As can be seen in FIG. 146, the center cord securing member includes a cylindrical lower portion 7135 having a vertical bore 7140 therethrough. The bottom edge 7145 of the cylindrical portion wraps inwardly from its outer surface to the surface of the inner hole for reasons explained below. As shown in FIG. 146, four fin members 7050 extend radially from the surface of the cylindrical portion 7135 and further extend vertically above the upper edge 7060 of the cylindrical member. As can be seen from FIGS. 141 and 142, the end portion 7155 of each fin has a semicircular shape in the horizontal cross section at the intersection with the remaining portion of the fin in the horizontal cross section for the reason described below. A curved shelf 7160 is formed.

  The four peripheral cord fixing members 7115 have a substantially C shape having a substantially triangular top and bottom surfaces (FIGS. 139 and 141) and a substantially rectangular vertical side surface. The vertical side surface of the cord fixing member has a recess as can be seen from FIG. A hole 7120 is provided through the top surface of each cord fixing member and through which the lift cord 7110 is passed. The inner surface 7170 of the bottom surface of the cord fixing member wraps inwardly upward as can be seen in FIG. As can be seen from FIG. 146, the bottom surface is aligned with the bottom edge of the cylindrical portion.

  As shown in FIGS. 146 and 142, after fixing the lift cord to each peripheral cord fixing member 7115, the inner surface 7170 of the bottom surface of the cord fixing member is opposed to the bottom edge portion 7145 of the central connecting member of the cylindrical portion 7135. Arrange. Next, each cord fixing member is moved until the recessed side edge of the cord fixing member snaps over the semicircular end 7155 of the fin and is held facing the curved shelf 7160. , Rotate inward toward the connecting member 7125. As shown in FIGS. 139 and 146, the edges of the upper surface of the cord fixing member are brought into contact with each other. Similarly, the edge portions of the bottom surface of the cord fixing member also come into contact with each other, but as shown in FIG. 141, a central opening 7130 through which the lift tension cord 7165 passes is formed. As shown in FIG. 146, a knot can be tied and secured to the cylindrical portion through an optional pull cord through the cylindrical portion. The user can grasp the cylindrical pull cord to contract and extend the blade blades of the blind assembly.

With reference to FIGS. 147 to 149, the behavior of the separate type garment when a non-uniform lateral force is applied to the lift cord will be described. As shown in FIG. 147, when a non-uniform lateral force is applied to each lift cord, the cord fixing member that receives the force is pulled outward from the decoration chamber, and the cord fixing member is connected to the lift cord. It is effectively turned outward around the abutment with the bottom edge of the cylindrical portion of the member. Next, as shown in FIG. 148, the concave side portion of the cord fixing member is elastically ejected from the curved shelf at the end of the semicircular fin. Eventually, as shown in FIG. 149, some of the cord fixing members are completely separated from the connecting members, while the other cord fixing members are still connected to the connecting members.
Alternative Embodiment Using Single-Side Center Cord Ladder As noted above, the cord ladder typically comprises a front and rear ascending cord and a crosspiece that is passed between the ascending cords and supports the associated vane. ing. As shown in FIGS. 127-132, a one-sided cord ladder with partial crosspieces 5505 glued or otherwise attached to vanes 5510 can be used with an alternative embodiment of a blind assembly. The advantages and advantages of directly connecting the slats to the side rails of the two-sided ladder tape are described in detail in US application Ser. No. 10 / 003,097 filed on December 6, 2001, and as a reference, This is incorporated herein in its entirety. When using relatively stiff slats, as specified here, impede rotation of the slats by adhesively adhering to the cord ladder slats with partial crosspieces at the center However, it has been confirmed that it is possible to remove the front ascent cord and leave only the rear ascent cord 5515. It should be understood that the removal of the forward ascending cord greatly improves the overall appearance of the wide blind assembly compared to the wide blind assembly using a double-sided center cord ladder according to the prior art. A representative front and rear view of an alternate embodiment blind assembly 5520 using a one-sided center cord ladder is shown in FIG. As shown, the alternative blind assembly is of the type that incorporates a balanced tilt mechanism, but the one-sided cord ladder is one of the blind assemblies of any of the above embodiments that is wide enough to require a central cord ladder. But please understand that it can be used.

  As shown in FIG. 129, the cord ladder disposed near the end 5525 of the slats of the blind assembly includes two raised cords 5530 and 5535 and a crosspiece 5540 passed therebetween. Only the front and rear lift cords 5545 or only the front lift cords are intertwined with the lift cords as shown. As shown in FIG. 131, the horizontal rail is fixed to the blade by one or two adhesive beads 5550. If the cord ladder is located relatively close to the end of the slats, and the crosspieces may slide partially off the slats near the ascending cords, the blind may operate improperly. Use an adhesive bead. If the crosspiece is located inside the end of the slat and there is no risk of the end of the crosspiece slipping off the slat, only one adhesive bead is usually placed near the side center of the slat. What is necessary is just to arrange.

  As shown in FIG. 130, the central cord ladder 5500 is glued to the bottom of the slats with only one rear rising cord 5535 (as shown in FIG. 132) or otherwise fixed. A partial crosspiece 5505. Since the slats are relatively rigid, they do not sag or twist in the middle even without a forward ascent cord. In addition, when the blind assembly blades are turned in any direction to any closed position, the crosspieces that are partially bonded with adhesive will ensure that the blades are suitable for adjacent blades. Suspend or support in a vertical position. As can be seen in FIG. 130, only the rear lift cord 5545 is used with a one-sided cord ladder and the lift cord is intertwined with the rear lift cord.

  Although the present invention has been described with a certain degree of particularity, the present disclosure has been made by way of example only and is specifically described herein without departing from the spirit of the invention as defined in the claims. It should be understood that changes in details or structure not described may be made. For example, for many alternative embodiments of the present invention and many modifications to the various components used in the present invention, co-pending US patent application “Shutter-like Covers and Hardware for Building Openings” Is described and explained.

FIG. 2 is a front isometric view of the blind assembly, showing the stretched position and the vanes in the open position. FIG. 3 is a front isometric view of the blind assembly, showing the stretched position and the vanes in the first closed position. FIG. 4 is a front isometric view of the blind assembly, showing the stretched position and the vanes in the second closed position. FIG. 2 is a front isometric view of a blind assembly, showing a state where it is partially lifted and contracted. FIG. 6 is a front isometric view of the blind assembly, showing a state where it is fully lifted and contracted. It is a front view of a blind assembly. FIG. 7 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the blind assembly taken along line 7-7 in FIG. 6. FIG. 8 is a vertical sectional view of the blind assembly taken along line 8-8 in FIG. 6. FIG. 9 is a horizontal sectional view of the blind assembly taken along line 9-9 in FIG. 6. FIG. 10 is a horizontal sectional view of the blind assembly taken along the line 10-10 in FIG. 6. FIG. 7 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view of the blind assembly taken along line 11-11 in FIG. 6. FIG. 5 is a partial isometric view of a rigid bottom slat, showing a lift cord and means for attaching a cord ladder to the bottom slat according to one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13 is a partial cross-sectional view showing the rotational movement of the lower end of the actuator rod and the associated lower mounting bracket along line 13-13 in FIG. 10; It is a partial front view which shows the lower end of an actuator rod, and an associated lower attachment bracket. FIG. 10 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view taken along line 15-15 in FIG. 9, showing a rotatable connection between the rigid head rail and its window frame mounting bracket. FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 15, showing a state where the head rail is rotated to the first closed position. FIG. 16 is a partial cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 15, showing a state where the head rail is rotated to the second closed position. FIG. 19 is a partial horizontal cross-sectional view of the headrail and associated mounting plate taken along line 18-18 of FIG. It is a side view of a mounting bracket. It is an isometric side view of a mounting bracket. FIG. 9 is a horizontal sectional view of the actuator rod taken along line 21-21 in FIG. FIG. 22 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view of the actuator rod taken along line 22-22 of FIG. 21, showing the handle member including the lock assembly. FIG. 23 is a vertical cross-sectional view of the actuator rod taken along line 23-23 of FIG. 22 showing both handle members and their interconnects through their two connector cords. 24 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view similar to that of FIG. 23, wherein the lift cord is looped around a cylindrical member on the lock assembly and secured to the upper cap of the actuator bar. An alternative embodiment of is shown. FIG. 6 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of one handle member and associated lock assembly stationary at a normal position. FIG. 26 is an enlarged vertical cross-sectional view of one handle member and associated lock assembly, similar to the cross-sectional view of FIG. 25, showing the handle member and lock assembly when the blade blades of the blind assembly are lowered. FIG. 6 is an isometric front view of an alternative embodiment blind assembly comprising two actuator rods rotatably connected to a bottom vane in an open and extended position. FIG. 6 is an isometric front view of an alternative embodiment blind assembly, showing a state in which the vane is partially lifted and contracted. FIG. 29 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an alternative embodiment blind assembly taken along line 29-29 of FIG. 28; FIG. 4 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view of the head rail and several vanes hanging from the head rail in the open position. FIG. 4 is a partial vertical cross-sectional view of the head rail and several vanes hanging from the head rail in the closed position. FIG. 6 is a partial front view of a window blind assembly incorporating an alternative mounting bracket and a rotation mechanism. It is an exploded view of an alternative head rail mounting bracket. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an alternative mounting bracket, showing the slider piece in a retracted position. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an alternative mounting bracket, showing the slider piece in the extended position. FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the head rail and the alternative mounting bracket taken along line 36-36 in FIG. 32. It is an isometric view of the window frame attaching part piece of an alternative rotation mechanism. It is an isometric view of the rotating part piece of the first alternative rotating mechanism. It is an isometric view of the rotating part piece of the first alternative rotating mechanism. FIG. 40 is a cross-sectional view of the first alternative rotation mechanism taken along the line 40-40 in FIG. 32. FIG. 43 is a cross-sectional view of a window blind assembly incorporating an alternative mounting bracket and rotation mechanism taken along line 41-41 of FIG. FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of a window blind assembly incorporating an alternative mounting bracket and rotation mechanism taken along line 42-42 of FIG. FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the window blind assembly incorporating the alternate mounting bracket and rotation mechanism, taken along line 42-42 of FIG. 32, showing the vane in the closed position. FIG. 6 is a vertical cross-sectional view of an alternative window blind assembly incorporating a lift cord attached to the rear of the headrail and a hanging vane, with the lower vane partially raised Indicates the state. FIG. 45 is a vertical sectional view similar to FIG. 44, showing a state where the blades are in a fully elevated position. FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of an alternative actuator rod upper end cap and an alternative head rail end cap. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an alternative actuator rod upper end cap and an alternative head rail end cap, showing the upper end cap attached to the head rail end cap. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional top view of an alternative actuator rod upper end cap and an alternative head rail end cap. FIG. 49 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative actuator rod upper end cap and an alternative head rail end cap taken along line 49-49 in FIG. 48; FIG. 50 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative actuator rod upper end cap and an alternative head rail end cap taken along line 50-50 of FIG. 48. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of lift cords in a cover using three lift cords spaced at different longitudinal positions along the head rail. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the arrangement of lift cords in a cover using four lift cords spaced at different longitudinal positions along the head rail. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a head rail, actuator rod end cap, and associated connection structure of a second alternative embodiment. FIG. 56 is the same isometric view as FIG. 53 except that the actuator rods are arranged in a position essentially parallel to the associated head rail to facilitate shipping of the blind assembly. It is sectional drawing which follows the 55-55 line | wire of FIG. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a spring stopper. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of an actuator rod end cap of a second alternative embodiment. FIG. 6 is an isometric view showing a portion of a second alternative mounting bracket and associated headrail assembly. FIG. 3 is a partial cross-sectional view of a mounting bracket and a rotary spring-biased plastic cylinder contained in the end of the headrail. FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of the mounting bracket and the associated portion of the corresponding head rail. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a flanged plastic cylinder used with a second alternative mounting bracket. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of the foot rail of the first alternative embodiment, showing a state where the collar insert is partially installed. FIG. 63 is a cross-sectional side view of an alternative foot rail taken along line 63-63 of FIG. 62. It is a cross-sectional side view of the translucent plastic vane which forms a part of an alternative foot rail. It is a cross-sectional side view of the extrusion member extended in the longitudinal direction which forms a part of an alternative foot rail. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional side view of a longitudinally extending trailing edge plug that forms part of an alternative foot rail. It is sectional drawing of the color insert which forms a part of alternative foot rail. FIG. 6 is a partial end isometric view of an alternative foot rail, showing a cord adjustment member and optional foot rail mounting bracket. FIG. 6 is a partial bottom isometric bottom view of an alternative foot rail, showing a cord adjustment member. FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of an alternative foot rail, showing a cord adjustment member. FIG. 6 is an exploded isometric view of the alternative foot rail viewed from different angles, also showing the cord adjustment member. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a cord adjustment member for use proximate to both ends of an alternative foot rail. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a variation of a cord adjustment member for use with a one-sided cord ladder and alternate foot rail. It is an upper surface isometric view of a code | cord | chord adjustment member, and shows the state by which the lift code | cord | chord of a code ladder and the raising | lowering cord are passed. It is a partial cross section top view of an adjustment member. It is a side view of an adjustment member. FIG. 76 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the adjustment member taken along line 76-76 in FIG. 75. FIG. 77 is a partial cross-sectional end view of the adjustment member taken along line 78-78 in FIG. 76. FIG. 77 is a partial cross-sectional end view of the adjustment member taken along line 79-79 in FIG. 76. FIG. 87 is a partial cross-sectional end view of the adjustment member taken along line 80-80 in FIG. 76. FIG. 77 is a partial cross-sectional end view of the adjustment member taken along line 81-81 in FIG. 76. FIG. 77 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the adjustment member taken along line 82-82 in FIG. 76. FIG. 89 is a cross-sectional view of an alternative foot rail showing the mounted adjustment member taken along line 83-83 in FIG. 68; FIG. 87 is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative foot rail showing the mounted adjustment member taken along line 84-84 in FIG. 68. FIG. 69 is a partial cross-sectional view of an alternative foot rail showing the mounted adjustment member taken along line 85-85 in FIG. 68. FIG. 10 is a front isometric view of a second alternative rotation mechanism for connecting the lower portion of the actuator bar with the frame of the building opening. It is a rear surface isometric view of a second alternative rotation mechanism. It is an exploded assembly isometric view of a second alternative rotation mechanism. It is an isometric view of the main component of a 2nd alternative rotation mechanism, and shows how each piece is connected so that rotation is possible. It is an isometric view of the main component of a 2nd alternative rotation mechanism, and shows how each piece was connected so that rotation was possible. It is sectional drawing which follows the 91-91 line | wire of FIG. 86, and has shown the rotating mechanism in the position corresponding to the position which the blade | wing plate is fully open. It is sectional drawing which follows the 91-91 line | wire of FIG. 86, and has shown the rotating mechanism in the position corresponding to the position where a blade is completely closed. FIG. 10 is an isometric view showing a second alternative lift mechanism on a portion of the alternative actuator rod. FIG. 94 is an isometric view similar to FIG. 93 showing the direction in which the user must move the unlock lever to move the lift mechanism up or down. It is an exploded assembly isometric view of the lift mechanism. FIG. 95 is a top view of the lift mechanism taken along line 96-96 in FIG. 94. FIG. 90 is a cross-sectional view of the relevant portion of the lift mechanism and actuator rod, taken along line 90-90 in FIG. 89, showing the lift mechanism in the locked position. It is sectional drawing similar to FIG. 90, and shows the state which has a lift mechanism in a lock release position. FIG. 99 is a cross-sectional top view of the lift mechanism and the actuator rod taken along line 99-99 in FIG. 98. FIG. 100 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the lift mechanism, taken along line 100-100 in FIG. 99. FIG. 101 is a partial cross-sectional side view of the lift mechanism taken along line 101-101 in FIG. 99. FIG. 102 is a cross-sectional side view of the lift mechanism taken along line 102-102 in FIG. 97. FIG. 3 is a front isometric view of a blind assembly incorporating a balanced tilt mechanism, showing the stretched position and the blades in the open position. FIG. 104 is a partial front view of the horizontal blind assembly of FIG. 103 showing a weighted garment attached to the end of the tilt actuation cord. FIG. 110 is a cross-sectional view of the horizontal blind assembly of FIG. 103 taken along line 105-105 of FIG. It is sectional drawing of the blind assembly extended in the horizontal direction similar to FIG. 105, and has shown the state which has a blade board (or vane) in the tilt position shown in figure. It is sectional drawing of the blind assembly extended in the horizontal direction similar to FIG. 105, and shows the state which has a slat (or vane) in the tilt position shown in figure. It is sectional drawing of the blind assembly extended in the horizontal direction similar to FIG. 105, and shows the state which has a slat (or vane) in the tilt position shown in figure. 105 is a top view of the balanced tilt mechanism along line 109-109 in FIG. 105, showing the position of the tilt actuation cord on the tapered bobbin when the vane is in the fully open tilt position shown in FIG. FIG. 109 is a top view of the balanced tilt mechanism taken along line 109-109 in FIG. 104, showing the position of the tilt actuation cord on the tapered bobbin when the vane is in the second closed tilt position shown in FIG. FIG. 109 is a top view of the balanced tilt mechanism taken along line 109-109 in FIG. 104, showing the position of the tilt actuation cord on the tapered bobbin when the vane is in the first closed tilt position shown in FIG. FIG. 110 is a cross-sectional view of the balanced tilt mechanism taken along line 112-112 in FIG. 109. FIG. 110 is a cross-sectional view of a balanced tilt mechanism taken along line 113-113 in FIG. 109. FIG. 110 is a cross-sectional view of a balanced tilt mechanism taken along line 114-114 in FIG. 109. 115A-C are partial cross-sectional views of the balanced tilt mechanism along the line 115A-115A in FIG. 109, and the blades are in three different tilt positions, the fully open position, the second closed position, and the first closed position, respectively. In some cases, the position of the tilt actuation code relative to the bobbin is shown. 116A-C are partial cross-sectional views of the balanced tilt mechanism along the line 116A-116A in FIG. 109, and the blades are in three different tilt positions, the fully open position, the second closed position, and the first closed position, respectively. The position of the constant tension spring in some cases is shown. FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric view of a balanced tilt mechanism, showing in detail the various components that comprise the tilt mechanism, including the end caps. FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a garment with weights. FIG. 119 is a cross-sectional top view of the decoration along line 119-119 in FIG. 118. FIG. 122 is a partial view of the edge with a lip of the female plastic cover of the weighted decoration bun along the line 120-120 in FIG. 121; FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view of a weighted decoration tuft. 3 is an isometric view of a head rail end cap incorporating a tilt code lock mechanism. FIG. FIG. 122 is a top view of the lock mechanism taken along line 123-123 in FIG. 122, showing a state where the lock mechanism is in the lock position. 124 is a cross-sectional side view of the locking mechanism taken along line 124-124 in FIG. 123. FIG. It is a cross-sectional top view of the locking mechanism which follows the 125-125 line of FIG. FIG. 122 is a top view of the lock mechanism taken along line 123-123 in FIG. 122, showing a state where the lock mechanism is in the unlocked position. FIG. 6 is a front isometric view of an alternative embodiment cover using a one-sided cord ladder. FIG. 5 is a rear isometric view of an alternative embodiment cover using a one-sided cord ladder. 127 is a cross-sectional side view of the cover of FIG. 127 taken along the line 129-129 of FIG. 127. FIG. FIG. 128 is a cross-sectional side view of the cover of FIG. 127 taken along line 130-130 of FIG. 127; FIG. 130 is a partial bottom view of the blade according to line 131-131 in FIG. 129; FIG. 130 is a partial bottom view of the blades taken along line 132-132 in FIG. 130. FIG. 130 is a partial bottom view of the blades taken along line 132-132 in FIG. 130. FIG. 3 is an exploded isometric view of the separated decoration tress of the first embodiment used with a plurality of lift cords. It is an isometric view of the separate type | mold decoration chamber of 1st Embodiment. FIG. 135 is a cross-sectional side view of the separable decoration bunch of the first embodiment taken along the line 135-135 in FIG. 134. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a center lift cord retaining pin showing how the lift cord is secured to the pin. FIG. 6 is an isometric view of a center lift cord retaining pin showing how the lift cord is secured to the pin. It is an isometric view of the separation type | mold decoration chamber of 2nd Embodiment. It is a top view of the separation type | mold decoration chamber of 2nd Embodiment. It is a side view of the isolation | separation type | mold decoration chamber of 2nd Embodiment. It is a bottom view of the separation type | mold decoration chamber of 2nd Embodiment. It is a cross-sectional bottom view of the separation type | mold decoration along line 142-142 of FIG. FIG. 141 is a cross-sectional top view of the separable decoration tuft taken along line 143-143 in FIG. 140. It is a cross-sectional side view of the separation type decoration tuft of 2nd Embodiment which follows the 144-144 line | wire of FIG. 139. It is a cross-sectional side view of the isolation | separation type decoration tuft of 2nd Embodiment which follows the 145-145 line | wire of FIG. It is a cross-sectional side view of the isolation | separation type decoration tuft of 2nd Embodiment which follows the 145-145 line | wire of FIG. It is sectional drawing which follows the 145-145 line | wire of FIG. 139, and shows the state which the decoration tuft began to isolate | separate. FIG. 143 is a view similar to FIG. 143, showing a state in which the cord fixing member starts to be separated from the center connecting member of the separable decoration according to the second embodiment. It is a cross-sectional side view of the decoration chamber of 2nd Embodiment after a cord fixing member isolate | separated from the center connection member.

Claims (53)

In the cover for building openings,
One or more mounting brackets for mounting to the window frame of the building opening;
A hollow horizontal headrail having left and right ends rotatably mounted on the one or more mounting brackets, such that it can rotate between its open and closed positions about its longitudinal axis And the head rail that is
A plurality of code ladder from the head rail, the A to the head rail a vane plate facing the plurality of horizontally are suspended that purchase decisions suspended by a plurality of rising code passing through in the longitudinal direction, each vane plate ( i) Arranged vertically spaced from adjacent blades, and (ii) rotatable between an open position and a closed position by a pivotal movement of the headrail about the longitudinal axis of each blade. (Iii) it can be moved vertically by the ascent cord between a first position when the cover is extended and a second position when the cover is contracted, and In the position, a substantial part of the incident light to the building opening can pass directly there, and in the closed position a substantial part of the incident light is prevented from passing directly there. Feather configured to be Cover, which is equipped with a, and.   The cover according to claim 1, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the head rail is substantially the same as a cross-sectional shape of each blade of the plurality of blades. The cover according to claim 1 or 2 , wherein a width of the head rail is larger than a width of each blade of the plurality of blades. The head rail is provided with an arcuate convex upper surface and arcuate convex bottom surface, said top surface and said bottom surface intersect at a common front edge and a rear edge, according to any of claims 1 to 3 Cover.   The cover according to claim 4, wherein the head rail is made of extruded metal. The cover according to claim 3, wherein a width of the head rail is about 110% of a width of each blade of the plurality of blades. The left and right end portions of the head rail are attached to the one or more brackets for movement in a substantially horizontal direction in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the head rail. Item 7. The cover according to any one of Items 1 to 6 .   The one or more mounting brackets include left and right mounting brackets, the left end of the head rail is mounted to the left mounting bracket, and the right end of the head rail is the right The cover according to claim 7, wherein the cover is attached to a mounting bracket. The left and right end portions of the head rail each include one or more pins extending longitudinally outward therefrom, the one or more pins rotating on each of the left or right mounting brackets 9. Cover according to claim 7 or 8, adapted to be accommodated.   The one or more pins comprise (i) a first pin extending substantially along the longitudinal axis of the head rail and (ii) a second pin located away from the first pin. The cover according to claim 9, wherein the first and second pins are housed in first and second grooves of corresponding left and right mounting brackets, respectively.   The cover according to claim 10, wherein the first groove extends from the front end portion to the rear end portion in the mounting bracket in a substantially horizontal direction. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a bottom blade, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the bottom blade is substantially the same as a cross-sectional shape of each blade of the plurality of blades.   The cover of claim 9, wherein at least one of the one or more pins at the left and right ends of the mounting bracket is loaded with a spring force. The plurality of vanes are suspended from the head rail by two or more cord ladders, and each cord ladder includes a front vertical extension raising cord and a rear vertical extension raising cord, and the front and rear The ascending cords are connected by a plurality of horizontal rails, and each blade is supported or suspended by the horizontal rails of the cord ladder, and the front rising cord and the rear rising cord are respectively at the upper ends. An upper end portion of the front rising cord is attached to the head rail near a front edge portion extending in a longitudinal direction of the head rail, and an upper end portion of the rear rising cord is attached to the head rail. 14. A cover according to any preceding claim, attached to the head rail near a longitudinally extending trailing edge. The cover according to claim 14 , wherein each blade is attached to one of the plurality of horizontal rails with an adhesive. The cover according to claim 14 or 15 , wherein each blade is supported by one of the plurality of horizontal rails. The left cord ladder of the two or more cord ladders is attached to the front and rear edges of the head rail at a position less than about 1 inch from the left end of the head rail; One or right code ladder of the more codes ladder is attached to the rear edge and the front edge portion of said head rail from the right end of the head rail at a position of less than about 1 inch claim 14 The cover according to any one of 16 . A left cord ladder of the two or more cord ladders is attached to the head rail near the left end of the head rail, and a right cord ladder of the two or more cord ladders is Near the right end of the head rail, is attached to the head rail, and further comprises one or more one-sided cord ladders, the one or more one-sided cord ladders, Including a plurality of bars arranged at intervals along the rear ascending cord, but does not have a front ascending cord, and each one-sided cord ladder includes the mounting position of the first cord ladder and the A second cord ladder is attached to the head rail at a position between the attachment positions, and each of the one or more one-sided code ladders is disposed within the plurality of vanes. One adhesively bonded to the slats, the cover according to any one of claims 14 17. Further, each of the two or more cord ladders includes a set of lift cord sets, each lift cord set having a front lift cord and a rear lift cord, the front lift cords being associated with each other. The cord ladder extends from the bottom end of the foot rail to the front edge of the head rail over substantially the same space as the forward raising cord of the ladder, and the rear lift cord is raised to the rear of the associated cord ladder. Extending from the bottom end of the foot rail to the front edge of the head rail over substantially the same space as the cord, and the front and rear lift cords are respectively the front edge of the head rail and the head rail. The cover according to any one of claims 14 to 18, which continues from a rear edge to the inside of the head rail. 20. The cover of claim 19 , wherein the rear lift cord is intertwined with a rear lift cord that extends over the same space of the associated cord ladder. Further comprising a tilt actuator rod that is elongated and substantially vertically oriented, the actuator rod being rotatably connected to a longitudinally extending front edge of the head rail; The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 18 , wherein the head rail rotates between an open position and a closed position when the rod is moved vertically. Further comprising a tilt actuator rod that is elongated and substantially vertically oriented, the actuator rod being rotatably connected to a longitudinally extending front edge of the head rail; 21. A cover according to claim 19 or 20 , wherein the headrail rotates between the open and closed positions when the rod is moved vertically. And further comprising a lift actuator slidably attached to the actuator rod, wherein the plurality of vanes move between the extended and retracted positions when the lift actuator is slid. The cover of claim 21 . A lift actuator slidably attached to the actuator rod and further attached to the lift cord set, wherein when the lift actuator is slid, the plurality of vanes are in the extended position. 23. The cover of claim 22 , wherein the cover is adapted to move between a retracted position and a retracted position. 25. The cover of claim 24 , wherein the lift actuator further comprises a locking mechanism configured to selectively hold the lift actuator in a vertical position along the actuator rod. The set of lift cords extends from the inside of the head rail through the opening near the front edge of the head rail, into the inside of the actuator rod, and extends downward to the lift actuator where each lift 26. A cover according to claim 24 or 25 , wherein the cord is terminated. The actuator rod is arranged so that when the cover is viewed from the front, the front of the head rail is substantially hidden so as to substantially conceal the forward raising cord of one of the two or more cord ladders. 23. The cover of claim 22 , wherein the cover is disposed at a position along the edge. The actuator rod further includes a rotating arm and a rotating arm mounting bracket for connecting the actuator rod to a frame of a building opening at a vertical position substantially close to a bottom end portion of the actuator rod. It is attached to the frame of a building opening part, The said rotation arm is attached to the said mounting bracket in the 1st end part rotatably, and the 2nd end part is attached to the said actuator rod so that rotation is possible. The cover according to any one of 21, 23 to 26 . The cover according to any one of claims 14 to 18, further comprising a bottom blade, wherein a cross-sectional shape of the bottom blade is substantially the same as a cross-sectional shape of each blade of the plurality of blades. In the cover for building openings,
A head rail that can be attached to the window frame of the building opening;
A plurality of blades depending from the head rail, each blade having a longitudinal axis;
A foot rail disposed under the plurality of blades;
At least a tilt mechanism assembly includes one unilateral code ladder, before Kihen side Code-ladder, a plurality of forward raised codes and rear rise code, and a plurality of rungs connecting these codes, one The rear raising cord and a plurality of partial bars arranged at intervals along the rear raising cord are included, the front raising cord is not included, and the one-side cord ladder is respectively connected from the foot rail to the head rail. Each of the plurality of crosspieces and each of the plurality of crosspieces are connected to each of the plurality of vaneboards with an adhesive, and a tilt mechanism assembly, cover. 31. The cover according to claim 30, wherein the plurality of blades are supported only by the plurality of bars and partial bars of the plurality of cord ladders and one-sided code ladders. 32. The cover according to claim 30, wherein the plurality of blades are connected to the crosspieces of the plurality of one-side cord ladders by an adhesive. In the cover for building openings,
A head rail that can be attached to the window frame of the building opening;
A plurality of vanes suspended from the head rail, each having a longitudinal axis, and foot rails disposed below the vanes;
A tilt mechanism assembly including one or more one-sided cord ladders, the one-sided cord ladder comprising a rear ascending cord and a plurality of bars spaced along the rear ascending cord The one-side-type cord ladder extends from the foot rail to the head rail, and each of the plurality of bars is bonded to each blade of the plurality of blades. A tilt mechanism assembly connected by an agent;
At least two cord ladders, each cord ladder comprising a front rising cord extending vertically and a rear rising cord extending vertically, wherein the front rising cord and the rear rising cord are connected by a plurality of crosspieces, Each vane is supported on the side rail of the cord ladder A cover comprising: a cord ladder, each cord ladder of the at least two cord ladders extending from the foot rail to the head rail. 34. The cover according to claim 33 , wherein each blade of the plurality of blades is connected to each of the plurality of horizontal rails with an adhesive. The cover according to claim 33 or 34 , wherein each blade is supported by each of the plurality of horizontal rails. Each vane has a bottom surface, each rung of the plurality of rungs is adhesively bonded in two separate locations on the bottom surface of the slats, one of claims 33 35 cover according to any. The at least two cord ladders include a first cord ladder and a second cord ladder, and the first cord ladder is disposed within about 1 inch from a left end of each blade of the plurality of blades. The cover according to any one of claims 33 to 36 , wherein the second cord ladder is disposed within about 1 inch from the right side of each blade of the plurality of blades. 38. The one-side cord ladder according to any one of claims 33 to 37, wherein the one-side cord ladder is disposed between the at least two cord ladders at a longitudinal position along each blade of the plurality of blades. Cover. The cover according to any one of claims 33 to 38, wherein the head rail is rotatably attached to the window frame so as to be rotatable about an axis extending in a longitudinal direction of the head rail. 40. The cover according to claim 39 , wherein a cross-sectional shape of the head rail is substantially similar to a cross-sectional shape of each blade of the plurality of blades. 41. The cover according to claim 39 or 40 , wherein a width of the head rail is larger than a width of each blade of the plurality of blades. The rear raising cord of the one-side cord ladder and the at least two cord ladders is attached to the head rail along and close to a rear edge extending in the longitudinal direction of the head rail; The cover according to any one of claims 39 to 41 . The front rising code of the at least two codes ladder along the leading edge extending in the longitudinal direction of the head rail, and at a position close thereto, is attached to the head rail of claim 42 cover. A plurality of lift cords, the plurality of lift cords including at least one front lift cord and at least one rear lift cord; and the at least one front lift cord of the plurality of lift cords. Extends from the foot rail to the head rail over substantially the same space as one of the one or more of the at least two ladder tapes, and the at least one rear lift. code, the at least two code one of the ladder or more, and extending from the foot rail to the head rail over one substantially identical space behind rising code claims 39 43 The cover according to any one of the above. 45. The cover of claim 44 , wherein the rear lift cord is intertwined with a rear lift cord that extends over the same associated space. Further comprising a tilt actuator rod that is elongated and substantially vertically oriented, said actuator rod being rotatably connected to a longitudinally extending front edge of said head rail; 46. A cover according to any of claims 39 to 45 , wherein when the actuator rod is moved in the vertical direction, the headrail rotates about an axis extending in the longitudinal direction of the actuator rod. A lift mechanism assembly, the lift mechanism assembly including one or more lift cords and a lift actuator, the lift actuator being slidably attached to the actuator rod; The one or more lift cords extend from the foot rail to the head rail, along the head rail and further along at least a portion of the actuator assembly to the lift actuator; The cover according to claim 46 . 48. A cover according to claim 46 or 47 , wherein the one or more lift cords terminate in the lift actuator. 48. The cover of claim 47 , wherein the lift actuator further comprises a locking mechanism configured to selectively hold the lift actuator in a vertical position along the actuator rod. In the cover for building openings,
One or more mounting brackets for mounting to the window frame of the building opening;
A horizontal headrail having left and right ends rotatably mounted on the one or more mounting brackets and rotatable between an open position and a closed position about a longitudinal axis thereof With the head rail
A plurality of horizontally oriented blades suspended from the headrail, each blade (i) being spaced vertically from an adjacent blade, ( ii ) Rotatable between an open position and a closed position about the longitudinal axis of the vane; iii ) It can move vertically between a first position when the cover is extended and a second position when the cover is contracted, and further in the open position to the building opening. The vane plate so that substantially the majority of the incident light can pass directly therethrough and, in the closed position, substantially the majority of the incident light is prevented from passing there directly;
Left and right ends of the head rail that are mounted to the one or more mounting brackets to move substantially horizontally in a direction substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis of the head rail;
The one or more mounting brackets, wherein the left end of the head rail is attached to the left end mounting bracket, and the right end of the head rail is attached to the right mounting bracket;
The left and right end portions of the head rail each include one or more pins extending longitudinally outward therefrom, the pins being rotatably received by the left or right mounting brackets. And becoming
The one or more pins are ( i A first pin extending substantially along the longitudinal axis of the head rail; ii ) Consisting of a second pin eccentric from the first pin, the first pin corresponding to the first groove corresponding to the left mounting bracket, and the second pin corresponding to the right mounting bracket. To be received in the second groove,
The first groove extending in the horizontal direction from the front end portion to the rear end portion in the mounting bracket;
The second groove has a rearmost position near the rear end portion of the first groove, and (a) extends from the rearmost position substantially upward and forward to an upper end portion, and (b) the Extending from the rearmost position downward and forward to the bottom edge,
Cover characterized by. 51. The cover of claim 50 , wherein the second groove is substantially V-shaped. 51. The cover of claim 50 , wherein the second groove is arcuate. Each of the left and right mounting brackets further includes a horizontally oriented tongue-like member, the tongue-like member moving horizontally within the body of the mounting bracket, and the front edge of the body 53. The cover according to any one of claims 50 to 52, wherein the cover is slidably received so as to be able to extend forward, and the first groove is provided in the tongue-like member.

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