KR20070042174A - Roman style shade - Google Patents

Abstract

There is provided a window shade comprising a plurality of panels suspended from the head rail by the head rail and the fixing member, the window shade having a plurality of panels provided with at least one opening member. Each of the plurality of panels can be folded and includes a pair of opposing longitudinal regions. In addition, a bottom rail may be provided and suspended from the head rail such that the plurality of panels are positioned between the head rail and the bottom rail.

Head rails, rows, fixed and open members, adjustment mechanisms, actuators

Description

Roman Style Shade {ROMAN STYLE SHADE}

The present invention relates to an improved window covering. More specifically, the present invention is directed to an improved window shade having the appearance of a typical Roman shade, but with the ability to provide openings at different intervals.

One popular type of window shade is known as a Roman shade. This type of shade consists of fabric material that is attached to the head rail along its top edge and gathered at spaced intervals to provide a series of smooth folds across the front of the fabric. As a result, typical Roman shades have a cascading or smoothly corrugated appearance. These Roman shades are collected from the bottom into substantial horizontal creases when they are raised, until the entire shade is positioned near the top of the window shade. In certain forms, the upper end of the window shade may also be lowered. The shade is operated by pulling the various lines used in conjunction with the guides attached to the shade.

Most conventional Roman shades are formed from a flexible material, such as a woven fabric, or any of a plurality of panels, provided to have a plurality of horizontal folds at points spaced vertically from each other to form wrinkles when the shade is raised. A common method of making a Roman shade is to sew along at least two sets of rings or connectors along a vertical line downward from the back side of the fabric material, as illustrated in US Pat. No. 1,321,800. Lift cords pass through each set of rings from the head rail and are secured to the bottom edge of the fabric, or loop through the bottom edge of the fabric to the front surface of the fabric and then return to the head rail. Alternatively, both sets of connectors are sewn to the fabric and attached to the cord at spaced intervals along the cord. The spacing between the spacers on each cord may be less than or equal to the distance between the points where the spacers are attached to the back side of the fabric.

However, one disadvantage of typical Roman shades is that when they want to allow light to enter the room, they do not raise the bottom of the entire window shade or lower the top, resulting in a significant loss of privacy. There is no way to form an opening in the entire surface of the window shade, as can be formed in the Venetian blinds by tilting. Thus, it is desirable to provide a function for opening gaps in the shade similar to venetian blinds to allow light to pass while maintaining a relatively high degree of privacy by not having to raise or lower the shade. The present invention also overcomes the disadvantages of the prior art by making the ladder or other lift and adjustment mechanism invisible when the shade is closed.

The present invention relates to a decorative shade suitable for use as a window shade. The decorative shade comprises a head rail comprising at least one adjustment member and at least a first opening member. The decorative shade also includes a row suspended from the head rail, which is usually hung over the window as a shade.

The window shade preferably comprises a plurality of fixing members and a plurality of opening members suspended from the headrail. The stationary and open members can take many forms such as cords, narrow strips of material, panels, and the like. Each of the plurality of fastening members is disposed in confinement with each of the plurality of rows in the longitudinal region of the individual row or in the first transverse margin. Each row also forms a plurality of row portions that are spaced transversely. Each row is also connected to at least one open member and to at least one row portion in a longitudinal region or transverse clearance opposite to the longitudinal region or transverse clearance in which the securing member is constrained. The vertical adjustment mechanism is operably connected to each of the opening members, which allows the opening member to be moved to open or close the spaced apart row portions of the row bound therewith. A single adjustment mechanism may be operably connected to all of the opening members, or each of the plurality of opening members may only be operably connected to a particular opening member. In some embodiments, the securing member is also operably connected with the vertical adjustment mechanism and is movable to open or close the plurality of rows. The row or row portion of the window shade can thereby be opened and closed via separate movement of the opening member or the stationary member or a combination of both. In particular, the transverse slack or the longitudinal portion of the row approaches together to fold the row, or is pushed in a direction away from it to expand the row. For example, when the opening member is secured to the lower edge of the row, when the opening member is retracted, the lower edge of each row is raised relative to the upper edge and pulled behind the row's front, so that the surface of the window shade The resulting openings allow light to pass through. Extending the opening member through the use of a vertical adjustment mechanism causes the lower edge of each row to which it is connected to be lower relative to the upper edge, thereby closing the gap of the surface of the window shade. In other embodiments, the securing member mechanism may also be extended or retracted through the use of a vertical adjustment mechanism as described above. In conjunction with the adjustable fixing member, the opening of the decorative shade can likewise be controlled by extending and contracting the fixing member. In this example, the fastening member can lower the upper edge of the row to form a gap in the surface of the decorative shade. It should be understood that both the stationary member and the open member can be adjusted as needed. In other words, the fixing member may be adjusted, the opening member may be adjusted, or both the fixing and opening member may be adjusted to form an opening in the decorative shade. In addition, it is to be understood that in this embodiment, the opening member and the fixing member can be moved individually.

Bonding arrangement of the fastening member and the row is achieved in a number of ways, including but not limited to the regulation of the movement of the row relative to the fastening member using a rigid fastening or stop, such as adhesive, ultrasonic welding, knitting, tie ties, or other similar regulating members. Can be. By way of example, the movement of the row may be regulated by a stop mechanism located on the stationary member. In addition, the opening member connecting the head rail and the row may be similarly constrained and disposed.

The transverse clearance or longitudinal region in which the fastening member is constrained is preferably approximately around one of the upper and lower edges of the row extending across the width of the window shade. The opening member is disposed around the opposing transverse margin or longitudinal region. If desired, rigid fixing strips may be used to assist in securing the open and securing members with the rows. In addition, a reinforcing strip may be included in either or both of the opposing longitudinal regions.

Each of the plurality of rows may be composed of a fabric material, such as a single continuous fabric material or a plurality of fabric materials. The panel may also be formed from other materials such as woven strips or plates. As discussed above, each row includes a plurality of spaced row portions, such as first and second side regions. The first and second side regions may have the same size to form a rectangular shape, or may have different sizes to form a tapered or substantially triangular shape. The row may also include a stiffened transverse portion, such as by including a strip member having a first transverse slack, such as lightweight plastic sheeting. A bottom rail is also provided and suspended from the head rail, whereby a plurality of rows are disposed between the head rail and the bottom rail.

A vertical adjustment mechanism operatively connected to the various opening members and, in some embodiments, to the fixing member, is a worm gear that is operable by being operably connected to the wand and fitted within the head rail. Likewise, it can be similar to the instruments typically found in Venetian blind systems to adjust the position of the cord, in which case turning the wand causes the opening member to retract. Alternatively, a cord lock assembly may also be used with the opening member to raise and lower the opening member. As another alternative, a power driven or remote controlled vertical adjustment mechanism can also be used to retract or extend the opening member.

As described above, each row forms a plurality of row portions that are spaced apart in the transverse direction. In a preferred embodiment, each of the plurality of opening members can raise or lower the row portion or row portions on which it is constrained substantially independently. As an example, a particular row may include two row portions, such as including the edges of the row. The opening member is fixed to each of these row portions. By raising one of the opening members, the row portion to which it is fixed is opened substantially independently of the other row portion. In other words, one side of the row is raised and the other side is not raised.

Another example of this feature of raising the row portions individually applies to embodiments in which the rows each have a substantially triangular or tapered shape, whereby they form a major edge portion and a minor edge portion. In this embodiment, the direction or orientation of the taper is preferably alternating between rows. By doing so, the entire window shade formed from the combination of similar size and square rows is rectangular. A pair of opening members is provided. One of the cords extends down one side of the cover and is constrained with every other row on a longitudinal portion around the less tapered or wider side of the row. As mentioned, this less tapered or wider area forms the major edge portion of the row, and the narrower or more tapered side region of the row forms the minor edge portion. The other opening member cords are arranged below the opposing sides and in restraints with other rows around their respective major edge portions. The alternating rows form two sets of rows, that is, rows directed in one direction are considered as the first set of rows and those directed in the opposite direction are considered as the second set of rows. Each row set may be opened independently, or both row sets may be opened. When opened, the decorative shades provide a unique appearance different from window shades known in the art, which are usually parallel rows. Instead, the tapered or substantially triangular rows form a substantial cross pattern when raised.

1 is a front perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a window shade in a closed position according to the present invention.

2 is a front perspective view of the window shade of FIG. 1 in a partially open position;

3 is a rear perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a row from the window shade of FIG. 1.

4 is a cross-sectional view of the row of FIG. 3.

5 is an enlarged perspective view of a preferred embodiment of a row for alternately securing the row to the securing member.

6 is an enlarged cross sectional view of the embodiment of FIG. 5;

7 is a rear perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a row from a window shade in accordance with the present invention.

8 is a cross-sectional view of the row of FIG.

9 is a rear perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a row comprising a plate from a window shade according to the present invention.

10 is a perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 9 with the plate partially contracted.

11 is a rear perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a row from a window shade in accordance with the present invention.

12 is a cross-sectional view of the row of FIG.

13 is a rear perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a row from a window shade in accordance with the present invention.

14 is a rear cross-sectional view of the row of FIG.

15 is a rear perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a row from a window shade in accordance with the present invention.

15A is an enlarged partial view of FIG. 15.

16 is a rear perspective view of the row of FIG. 15 with the opening member partially retracted;

16A is an enlarged partial view of FIG. 16.

17 is a rear perspective view of the row of FIG. 15 fully retracted.

17A is an enlarged partial view of FIG. 17.

18 is a schematic perspective view of another alternative embodiment of a window shade with tapered rows.

19 is a schematic perspective view of the window shade of FIG. 18 with the individual rows open.

20 is a schematic perspective view of the window shade of FIG. 18 with the entire window shade raised;

21 is a partial cross-sectional partial back view of the window shade of FIG. 18.

22 is a schematic rear view of another embodiment of the ornamental shade of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a schematic rear view of the embodiment of FIG. 22 with the row portion raised;

24 is a perspective view of another embodiment of the decorative shade of the present invention.

25 is a side isometric view of the ornamental shade of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a cross sectional view of the row of FIG. 24; FIG.

Figure 27 is a rear view of another embodiment of the decorative shade of the present invention, with the head rail shown in phantom.

The invention described herein may be embodied in many different forms. Preferred embodiments of the invention are shown in the drawings and described in detail below. However, this disclosure is an illustration of the principles of the invention and the invention is not limited to the illustrated embodiments.

A preferred embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Window shade 100 is shown in a closed position, which includes a head rail 102, a bottom rail 104, and a plurality of rows 106. In addition, narrowing the profile of the individual rows, whereby an open wand 108 for creating a gap or opening in the entire surface of the window shade 100 and a lifting wand 110 for raising the entire shade 100 are provided. It is preferred to be provided.

In the fully closed state, as shown in FIG. 1, the window shade 100 provides an appearance without a connection cord, and provides privacy and shading. The user can rotate the open wand 108 when it is desired to allow light to enter the room while maintaining a certain degree of privacy without raising the overall shade. When the open wand 108 is rotated, each of the plurality of rows 106 pulls a portion of the panel behind the surface of the particular row such that the gap 111 in the window shade 100 opens as shown in FIG. 2. By narrowing the profile. Although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the vertical adjustment mechanism can be a code lock as readily available in the art to allow a person to adjust the position of the cord as needed. The specific procedure of opening each of the plurality of rows is described in more detail below.

3 and 4, narrowing of the longitudinal profile of one of the plurality of rows from the window shade of FIGS. 1 and 2 is described. In this embodiment, the row 114 is formed of a single panel of fabric having an upper longitudinal extension region 116, a central longitudinal extension region 118, and a lower longitudinal extension region 120. As mentioned above, each row may consist of a plurality of fabric pieces. By way of example, the upper and lower longitudinal extension regions 116, 120 may be formed of one type of fabric, while the central longitudinal extension region 118 may be a fabric of different color, opacity, texture, or the like. .

Fastening members such as cord 122 pass through the upper region 116 and the lower region 120, which are secured to the upper region 116 by adhesive, ultrasonic welding, knitting, or the like. Cord 122 passes through hole 124 formed by lower region 120 such that cord 122 is not secured to lower region 120.

Opening members such as cord 126 are also provided. Cord 126 passes through a hole 128 formed by upper region 116 and is also secured to lower region 120 by adhesive, ultrasonic welding, knitting, or the like. Each of the plurality of rows is similarly secured to codes 122 and 126. Alternatively, the cords 122, 126 may pass through the holes, but include stops securely fixed thereto to restrict the cords from passing through the holes. By way of example, an annular member such as a washer-like member which is disposed and fixed by pinching the annular member on the opening member and the fixing member may be used.

In this embodiment, the fastening member such as cord 126 is retracted by the vertical adjustment mechanism (not shown) of the head rail 102 (FIG. 1) operably connected to the open wand 108 (FIG. 1), The lower region 120 is urged toward the upper region 116 which is held fixed in the vertical direction with respect to the head rail. Thus, the collapsible row 114 itself folds up to provide a narrow longitudinal profile. As shown in FIG. 2, openings 111 are formed in the plurality of rows to allow light to pass through without having to lower or raise the entire window shade 100.

Referring again to FIGS. 3 and 4, a lifting member such as the bottom rail 104 and the cord 130 for raising the plurality of rows 106 also passes through the holes 124, 128, and the bottom rail 104. It is fixed to). A lifting member, such as cord 130, is operatively connected to lifting wand 110 (FIG. 1). Although only one code set 122, 126, 130 is shown, it is desirable to provide two code sets that are equidistantly spaced from opposite edges of the window shade, as can be seen in FIG.

Although not shown in the figures, a reinforcing strip may also be included along either or both of the upper longitudinally extending region, the lower longitudinal region. This reinforcing strip may consist of thin metal strips, plastics, reinforcing materials, etc. fixed to each of the upper or lower longitudinal extension regions. Such reinforcing strips may be included in any of the embodiments disclosed herein.

As mentioned above, the securing member and the opening member are bound together with the plurality of rows in various ways. 5 and 6 illustrate one embodiment using a plastic strip. Similar to the embodiment described in FIGS. 3 and 4, row 214 is a single piece of material having an upper longitudinal extension region 216, a central longitudinal extension region 218, and a lower longitudinal extension region 220. It is formed of a member. A fastening member, such as cord 222, passes through hole 228 of upper region 216 and hole 224 of lower region 220. Similarly, opening member 226 passes through hole 228 in upper region 216 and hole 224 in lower region 220. Loops 223 and 227 are formed together with the fixing member 222 and the opening member 226, respectively. Fixing strips 232, 234, preferably formed of plastic, pass through loops 223, 227, respectively, and, as shown, downward movement of rows relative to fixation member 222 and opening member 226 is suppressed. Are arranged relative to row 214. If desired, the strips 232 and 234 can be secured to the rows 214 as by adhesive.

An alternative to the invention is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. In this embodiment, the plurality of rows is composed of a plurality of rigid plates. Such boards may be relatively wide boards as are commonly found in wooden venetian blinds or relatively narrow strips of decorative wood, such as twigs, rattan or bamboo, as shown. The plurality of relatively narrow wood strips constitute a plurality of rows, such as rows 314. Upper region 316 has a plurality of wooden strips and forms a hole 328. The upper region may consist of a single strip or may consist of multiple strips. Lower region 320 is similarly formed and also forms a hole 324. The fixing member 322 passes through the upper region 316 and the lower region 320, which is fixed to the upper region 316 as described above, and passes through the hole 324 of the lower region 320. It is not fixed to the lower region 320. The opening member 326 passes through the hole 328 and is fixed to the lower region 320. As described above in another embodiment, the elevating member 330 for raising the plurality of rows and the bottom rail also passes through the holes 324, 328. Similar to the previous embodiment, the cord 326 is shrunk such that the lower region 320 is pulled towards the upper region 316 to form a gap in the entire surface of the window shade.

An embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. 9, wherein each of the plurality of rows consists of a plate, such as those typically found in wooden venetian blinds. In this example, row 340 consists of three plates 342, 344, 346, but more plates may be used. The fixing member 348 is fixed to the plate 342 around the upper edge 349 by the ring 352. The opening member 350 is also secured to the plate 346 around the lower edge 351. In this particular embodiment, the rings 353 and 355 connect the plate members 342, 344 and 346. An additional ring 357 is secured to the bottom plate 346, to which the opening member 350 is secured. Referring to FIG. 10, when the opening member 350 is retracted, the bottom plate 346 is pulled upward, which causes the plates 342 and 344 to deflect and fold together.

In each of the embodiments illustrated so far, the gap, ie the open position, of the surface of the window shade was formed by pulling the lower region of the row towards the upper region. However, the gap of the surface of the window shade may also be created by lowering the upper region toward the lower region held in place. Such an embodiment is illustrated in FIGS. 11 and 12.

In this embodiment, the row 414 is formed of a single piece of fabric having an upper longitudinal extension region 416, a central longitudinal extension region 418 and a lower longitudinal extension region 420. The fastening member 422 passes through the upper region 416 and the lower region 420, which is firmly fixed to the lower region 420. The fastening member 422 passes through the hole 428 formed by the upper region 416, so that it is not fixed to the upper region 416. An opening member is also provided, which is fixed to the upper region 416. In this embodiment, when the opening member 426 is extended by the vertical adjustment mechanism of the head rail, the upper region 416 descends toward the lower region 420, and the lower region 420 is the fixing member 422. ) Is substantially fixed to the head rail. As such, the folded row 414 is folded over itself to provide a narrower longitudinal profile. Similar to the previous embodiment, a plurality of rows, such as cord 430, and a lifting member for raising the bottom rail also pass through holes 424 and 428. Similar arrangements that allow the upper region to descend to the lower region can be used in any of the structures described above. As mentioned above, the opening member and the fastening member are interchangeable and each provide the function of raising or lowering the longitudinal portion respectively fixed thereto.

In another alternative embodiment, additional surfaces may be included to provide both a surface and a backside for the window shade where there is no visible cord or connector when in the closed position. Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, row 514 constitutes a window shade having a uniform appearance from the surface or the back side of the window shade.

Row 514 is formed of a member of material having an upper longitudinally extending region 516, a central longitudinally extending surface region 518, a central longitudinally extending back region 519 and a lower longitudinally extending region 520. . The member of material may be a single member of material that is fixed on itself to form a continuous member of material. Alternatively, multiple strips of material can be secured together to form a panel. The plurality of strips of material may be the same material or may be a material having different properties, ie color, opacity, and the like. As shown, rows 514 form longitudinally extending cells 521.

The fastening member 522 passes through the upper region 516 and the lower region 520, which are fixed to the upper region 516. The fixing member 522 also passes through the hole 524 formed by the lower region 520, so that it is not fixed to the lower region 520. An opening member 526 is also provided, passing through the hole 528 formed by the upper region 516, and also secured to the lower region 520. Each of the plurality of rows is similarly formed and fixed to the fixing member 522 and the opening member 526. The members 522, 526, 530 are preferably arranged such that an even amount of material is suspended on each side of the cord. When the opening member 526 is retracted, the lower region 520 is urged toward the upper region 516, which remains fixed in a direction perpendicular to the head rail. As such, cell 521 is folded by itself by bringing the lower longitudinal portion behind the surface 518 of the row, providing a narrower longitudinal profile.

Another embodiment is shown in FIGS. 15 and 15A. In this embodiment, window shade 600 is comprised of a plurality of rows, such as row 614. Each row is formed of a plurality of plates, such as 616, 618, 620. Rows also form a surface (not shown), back surface 622, top region 624, and bottom region 626. In another embodiment described above, the fastening member 628 is constrained with the top region 624. An opening member 630 is also provided. In this embodiment, the opening member 630 is composed of a rollup member 632 and a lifting member 634. Top region 624 defines a hole 627 through which roll-up member 632 passes. One end of the rollup member 632 is connected to the lifting member 634. Preferably, a plurality of rollup members are fixed to the lifting member 634, one for each row. The rollup member passes below the bottom region 626 of the row 614 and is secured to the surface of the row 614 around the region adjacent the bottom region 626. By way of example, the rollup member 632 is secured to a surface around the top region of the plate 620. When the lifting member 634 is raised, the roll up member 632 is pulled through the hole 627, so that the plate 620 is rolled up as shown in Figs. 16, 16A, 17, and 17A. do. For this reason, a gap is formed in the window shade.

Although a row comprising a plurality of plate materials is shown, a rollup member may be used with the row composed of fabric material. In order to reduce the visual impact of the rollup member, it is composed of ash similar to the color of the row. As shown, the rollup member may also function to limit the extent to which the row extends such that a large wavy appearance is achieved.

18-21 show another embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 18, window shade 700 includes a plurality of rows, such as rows 714 and 715. Each row 714, 715 is tapered to form a substantially triangular shape. Rows 714 and 715 are adjacent to each other in the entire window shade 700 and are oriented such that the directions in which the rows taper alternate. A row oriented in the same manner as row 714 may be considered a first set of rows, and those with an orientation of row 715 may be considered a second set of rows. Opening members, as shown by cords 726 and 728 in this embodiment, pass through vertical adjustment mechanisms, such as cord locks 702 and 704 in head rail 706, respectively. The fastening member including the cord 724 is suspended from the head rail 706 and fixed to the lower longitudinal region of the row, such as the lower longitudinal region 721 of the row 715. When the opening members 726, 728 are retracted, openings are formed between individual rows, such as 714, 715, in the window shade 700, as shown in FIG. A rising code, such as code 750, may also be included to raise the entire window shade 700, as shown in FIG. 20. A more detailed description of the structure and operation of this embodiment is provided with reference to FIG. 21.

Row 714 includes a longitudinal extension region 716, a central longitudinal extension region 718, and a lower longitudinal extension region 720. Similarly, row 715 includes an upper longitudinal extension region 717, a central longitudinal extension region 719 and a lower longitudinal extension region 721. As in many of the previous embodiments, and as shown in FIG. 18, the aggregate of the central regions of the various rows forms the entire surface of the window shade. As shown in FIG. 21, the rows 714, 715 are in substantially abutting relationship with each other to minimize any openings in the window shade when the rows are fully extended.

Through the upper region 716 and the lower region 720, a fastening member, such as a cord 722, is passed through, which may be glued, ultrasonically welded, knitted, or the like, to the first lateral edge region or the main edge of the row 714. 730 around the top region 716. Cord 722 passes through hole 732 formed by lower region 720 such that cord 722 is not secured to lower region 720. A second fastening member, such as cord 724, is also secured to the upper region 716, but secured around the second lateral edge region or minor edge 734. In other words, fastening members, such as cords 722 and 724, are preferably evenly spaced from the edge of the decorative window shade 700 so that the weight of the material is evenly distributed.

A first opening member, such as cord 726, passes through a hole 736 formed around the first lateral region or main edge 730 of row 714 and in upper longitudinal region 716, and the lower longitudinal region ( 720). A second opening member, such as cord 728, passes through hole 738 formed in lower longitudinal region 716 and hole 739 formed in lower longitudinal region 720. When cord 726 is retracted or pulled upwards, lower longitudinal region 720 is pulled towards upper longitudinal region 716, thereby forming a gap between rows 714 and 715, thus, An opening is formed in the decorative window shade 700.

Opening and closing rows 715 are similar. The stationary cord member 724 is secured to the upper longitudinal region 717 of the row 715 around the first lateral edge region or main edge 740, and has a row around the first lateral edge region 740. Passes through hole 741 defined by lower longitudinal region 721 of 715. Another fastening cord member 722 is also fixed to the upper longitudinal region 717, and a hole 743 formed by the lower longitudinal region 721 of the row 715 around the second lateral edge region 742. Pass through. The open cord member 728 passes through a hole 744 formed by the upper longitudinal region 717 and is secured to the lower longitudinal region 721 around the first lateral edge region or the main edge 740. Open cord member 726 passes through hole 752 in lower longitudinal region 721. When the cord 728 is retracted or raised, the lower longitudinal region 721 to which the cord 728 is fixed is pulled up towards the upper longitudinal region 717 to form an opening in the cover 700.

Upon independent rise of each opening member 726 or 728, each of the row portions comprising the primary edge 730 or 740 are raised substantially independently of the minor edges 734, 742. In other words, when the opening member 726 is raised and the portion of the row comprising the primary edge 730 is pulled upward, the minor edge 734 is similarly not pulled upwards.

As in the previous embodiment, each of the opening members 726, 728 can be retracted or extended as is known in the art. As an example, the code may be pulled through the code lock to the desired location, as shown in FIG. Alternatively a drum (not shown) of the head rail operably connected to the wand may be used to wind or unwind the cord. The opening members 726 and 728 are preferably operable independently of one another.

To raise the entire window shade 700, a lifting member, such as cord 750, passes through the row and is secured to the bottom row or preferably the bottom rail (not shown). When the cord 750 is retracted, such as pulling the cord 750 through the code lock mechanism, the row of the entire window shade 700 is raised as shown in FIG. 20.

Another embodiment of a feature in which certain portions of a row open independently is described with respect to FIG. In this embodiment, row 770 is provided as an example. Row 770 forms a plurality of row portions, such as row portions 772, 774, and 776. Each of these row portions is secured with opening members such as cords 778, 780, 782 around the lower longitudinal region or transverse clearance 784. Each of these opening member cords can move independently. However, it may be desirable to have certain row portions moved in harmony with one another by having certain opening members controlled simultaneously. Row 770 is also secured to a pair of fastening member cords 788 around the upper longitudinal region or transverse clearance 786. As shown in FIG. 23, when opening member cord 782 is raised, cords 778 and 780 remain stationary, so row portion 776 is substantially in row portion 772 and 774. Are raised independently.

As in the previous embodiment, instead of the cord passing through a hole formed in the row itself, an attachment member such as a ring may be used. In addition, instead of securing the cord as described, the cord may be constrained through any of the methods described above.

24 to 26 show additional alternative embodiments of the window shade of the present invention. The basic structure of this embodiment is similar to that described above with respect to FIG. As shown in FIGS. 24 and 25, the window shade 800 shown in the closed position includes a plurality of rows including a head rail 802 and panels such as rows 814 and 816. In addition, an opening cord 826 is provided for narrowing the profile of the row to form a gap or opening in the entire surface of the window shade 800. Also shown is a rise code 810 for raising the overall shade 800. However, window shade 800 includes additional features. Each of the rows of the window shade 800, such as rows 814 and 816, have a hardened top portion 815 and 817, respectively.

There are various ways to provide a rigid top portion of the row. These include the use of nonwoven fabrics or boards, the use of fabrics bonded to the top portion, the treatment of the top portion of the row with a stiffener, and the like. Using a hardened upper part provides a unique aesthetic appearance for decorative shades.

Integration of the plate is described in further detail in FIG. 26 with respect to the rows 814 from FIG. As shown, the row 814 includes a strip 812 of material and a plate member 819. The strip 812 is folded by itself, and the plate member 819 is interposed between the overlapping portions of the material 812. The plate member 819 may be fixedly disposed between the overlapping portions of the 812 by an adhesive.

Through the upper region 815 and the lower region 820 of the row 814, a fixing member such as a cord 822 is passed through, which is fixed to the upper region 815 by adhesive, ultrasonic welding, knitting, or the like. The fixing cord 822 passes through the hole 824 formed by the lower region 820 so that the cord 822 is not fixed to the lower region 820. Open members such as cord 826 are also provided. Cord 826 passes through a hole 828 formed by upper region 815 and is also secured to lower region 820 by adhesive, ultrasonic welding, knitting, or the like.

One alternative feature of the claimed invention that can be incorporated in any embodiment is the use of a fastening member that can operate independently. This is explained with reference to FIG. 27. The window shade 900 includes a plurality of rows, such as rows 914 and 916. Each row is secured to a pair of securing member 922 and a pair of opening member 926 in this embodiment of the window shade. The pair of opening members 926 is operably connected to an adjustment mechanism, schematically shown as 902. Similarly, the pair of fastening members 922 is operably connected to a second adjustment mechanism such as schematically shown as 904. To this end, the securing member 922 and the opening member 926 can be adjusted to independently raise or lower the transverse region of the row to which they are fixed.

The above description is for illustrative purposes and is not limiting. Those skilled in the art can devise other variations on their own within the scope and concept of the invention.

Claims (50)

Operatively connected to a head rail, a plurality of foldable rows suspended from the head rail, a plurality of fastening members, a plurality of opening members, and a first opening member, the first opening member being connected thereto. A first vertical adjustment mechanism that is independently moved to open or close the spaced row portions in constrained arrangements, Each of the plurality of rows extending in a transverse direction and having a first transverse clearance, a second transverse clearance and a plurality of row portions spaced apart in the transverse direction, The plurality of fastening members are constrained with each of the plurality of rows in the first transverse margin of each row, At least one of the plurality of rows is further constrained with a first opening member of the plurality of opening members in a first row portion of the plurality of spacing row portions and in the second transverse clearance. Window shade. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second adjustment mechanism operatively connected to the plurality of fixing members such that the fixing members can be controlled to move by opening or closing the plurality of rows in bondage therewith. Window shade. 3. The window shade of claim 2, wherein all of the plurality of rows are constrained with the first opening member. 3. The window shade of claim 2, wherein each of said opening members and said securing members are independently movable to narrow said plurality of rows. The window shade of claim 1, wherein each of the plurality of rows is tapered and the plurality of rows are alternately oriented and form a first set of rows and a second set of rows. 6. The method of claim 5, wherein the first opening member is constrained with the first set of rows in a first set of major edge portions, and the second opening member is disposed in the second set of second major edge portions. Window shade bound to the set of rows. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a second opening member that is constrained in the second transverse clearance and the second row portion, wherein each of the first opening member and the second opening member is constrained therewith. A window shade capable of opening or closing the row portions substantially independently. 8. The window shade of claim 7, wherein the first row portion comprises a first lateral low edge and the second row portion includes a second lateral low edge opposite the first lateral low edge. . The window shade of claim 1, wherein at least one of the opening members and the fixing members is a cord. The window shade of claim 1, wherein at least one of the opening members and the fixing members is a strip of material. The window shade of claim 1, wherein the first vertical adjustment mechanism is capable of moving the opening member independently of the fixing member. The window shade of claim 1, wherein said first vertical adjustment mechanism is capable of moving said opening member to open said spacing row portion constrained therewith to other row portions independently. The window shade of claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of rows comprises a rigid transverse portion. The window shade of claim 13, wherein the rigidized transverse portion comprises a strip member integrated with the first transverse clearance. As a decorative shade suitable for use as a window shade, Head rail, Fixed member, A plurality of opening members, including at least a first opening member, A plurality of rows, each having a first transverse region and a second transverse region, forming a plurality of transversely spaced row portions, Each of the plurality of rows is operatively connected to the head rail by at least one of the plurality of rows and by the fixing member by the first opening member, wherein the fixing member is arranged in the first cross-sectional area. Is bound with each of a plurality of rows, the first opening member is in bond with at least one of the plurality of rows in the first row portion and the second transverse region, And the head rail further comprises an opening member adjustment mechanism, wherein the relative position of the first opening member is adjustable with the opening member adjustment mechanism to independently raise the first row portion. 16. The window shade of claim 15, wherein the plurality of securing members is controllably movable with a second adjustment mechanism. 17. The window shade of claim 16, wherein all of the plurality of rows are constrained with at least the first opening member. 18. The window shade of claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of rows is narrowed by moving the first opening member independently of the fastening members. 18. The window shade of claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of rows is narrowed by moving the fixing members independently of the first opening member. 18. The window shade of claim 17, wherein each of the plurality of rows is narrowed by moving both the first opening member and the fixing members. 16. The method of claim 15, wherein each of the plurality of rows is tapered to form a major edge portion and a minor edge portion, the plurality of rows being alternately oriented so as to first and second rows set. Window shades that form a set. 22. The device of claim 21, comprising a first opening member and a second opening member, And the first opening member is constrained with each of the first set of rows in the main edge portion, and the second opening member is constrained with each of the second set of rows in the main edge portion. 23. The window shade of claim 22, wherein the first row portion comprises a first row lateral edge and the second row portion includes a second row lateral edge opposite the first lateral edge. 16. The apparatus of claim 15, further comprising a second opening member that is constrained in the second row portion and the second longitudinal region, wherein the first opening member opens the first row portion, and the second An opening member opens the second row portion, and the opening of the first and second row portions is performed substantially independently of each other. The window shade of claim 15, wherein at least one of the opening members and the fixing member is a cord. The window shade of claim 15, wherein at least one of the opening members and the fixing member is a strip of material. The window shade of claim 15, wherein the opening member adjustment mechanism moves the opening member independently of the fixing member. The window shade of claim 15, wherein the opening member adjustment mechanism moves the opening member to open the spacing row portion constrained therewith to other row portions independently. The window shade of claim 15, wherein at least one of the plurality of rows comprises a rigid longitudinal portion. 30. The window shade of claim 29, wherein the rigid longitudinal portion comprises a plate member. A plurality of shade rows each extending transversely to form a plurality of spaced row portions, A plurality of opening members comprising at least a first opening member and a second opening member, and an actuation mechanism comprising a fixing member, The fixing member is fixed to each shade rows, The first opening member is fixed to at least one row portion of the plurality of shade rows, The second opening member is fixed to at least one second row portion of the plurality of shade rows, The actuation of the actuation mechanism causes the window shade to raise at least the first opening member to raise the row portion secured thereto substantially independently to the second row portion. 32. The window shade of claim 31, wherein the first row portion and the second row portion are disposed on opposite lateral row edges. 32. The window shade of claim 31, wherein the plurality of shade rows comprises a first set of rows and a second set of rows. 34. The method of claim 33, wherein for each of the plurality of rows, the first row portion and the second row portion are disposed on opposing lateral row edges, and the first opening member comprises the first shade rows. And a second opening member fixed to the second shade row set. 35. The method of claim 34, wherein each of the first set of shade rows is tapered in a first cross direction, forming a first major edge portion and a first minor edge portion, wherein each of the second set of shade rows is selected from the first A window shade tapered in a second transverse direction opposite the first transverse direction and forming a second major edge portion and a second minor edge portion. 36. The apparatus of claim 35, wherein the first set of shade rows is fixed to the first opening member at the first major edge portion, and the second set of shade rows is the second opening at the second major edge portion. Window shade fixed to the part. 32. The window shade of claim 31, wherein any of the first and second opening members and the fastening member are cords. 32. The window shade of claim 31, wherein any of the first and second opening members and the fastening member are strips of material. 32. The window shade of claim 31, wherein at least one of the plurality of rows comprises a rigid longitudinal portion. 40. The window shade of claim 39, wherein the rigid longitudinal portion comprises a plate member. At least one shade row forming a plurality of row portions arranged in a transverse direction and spaced apart in the transverse direction, At least one row portion of the at least one row is operably connected to an actuating member to raise and lower at least one row portion substantially independent of other row portions, And the actuating member comprises a first opening member fixed to at least one row portion and a plurality of fixing members fixed to the row. 42. The window shade of claim 41, wherein any of the first opening member and the fastening members are cords. 42. The window shade of claim 41, wherein any of the first opening member and the fastening members are strips of material. 42. The window shade of claim 41, wherein at least one of the plurality of rows comprises a rigid longitudinal portion. 45. The window shade of claim 44, wherein the rigid longitudinal portion comprises a plate member. 42. The method of claim 41, wherein at least one shade row defines a first longitudinal clearance secured to the first opening member, wherein the at least one shade row adds a second longitudinal clearance secured to the securing members. And the distance between the first longitudinal clearance and the second longitudinal clearance defines a row width, wherein the first opening member and the securing members are adjustable to reduce the row width. 42. The method of claim 41, further comprising: a set of first shade rows each tapered in a first cross direction and forming a first major edge portion and a first minor edge portion; And a second shade row set each tapered in a second transverse direction opposite the first transverse direction and forming a second major edge portion and a second minor edge portion. 48. The method of claim 47, wherein the first shade row sets are secured to the first opening member at the first major edge portion and the second shade row sets are secured to a second opening member at the second major edge portion. Window shade. 48. The window shade of claim 47, wherein said first set of shade rows and said second set of shade rows are alternating. At least one shade row and actuating mechanism defining a transverse direction, The at least one shade row comprises a plurality of row portions arranged in the transverse direction to form an upper transverse margin and a lower transverse margin, The actuation mechanism comprises a plurality of suspending members, a first suspending member is fixed to the upper transverse margin, a second suspending member is fixed to the lower transverse margin, Each of the plurality of suspending members is operable to move substantially independently of another suspending member to open or close at least one shade row.

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