US2237850A - Venetian blind - Google Patents

Description

J. A. s'roala A ril8, 1941 VENETIAN BLIND Filed July 23, 1940 4 Sheets-Sheet lv Jab/7 a ST'Ob/b,

J. A STOHIE April 8, 1 941.

VENETIAN BLIND Filed July 23, 1940 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 April 8, 1941.

J. A. 'STOBIE VENETIAN BLIND so 9 I Filed July 23, 1940 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 gwvwwbom J. A. STOBIE April 8, 1941.

VENETIAN BLIND Filed July 23, 1940 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 &

Patented- Apr. 8, 1941 VENE'I'IAN BLIND John A. Stable, Malta Bend, M0., assignor of onehalf to Elva B. Young, Kansas City, Mo.

Application July 23, 1940, Serial No. 347,007

15 Claims.

This invention relates to a Venetian blindadapted to n associated with and close a window which may be selectively closed or opened upon a vertical movement thereof.

Another object of the invention is to provide a plurality of slats forming a Venetian blind which i may be stacked adjacent an upper extremity of a window structure substantially out ololbstructing position relative to an associated window.

A feature oi the invention is the provision of slats, in a Venetian blind, having supporting means extending longitudinally therefrom and spaced a predetermined distance from the longitudinal center line of the slats so that the latter, when in window ohstructlng position, will he substantially vertically disposed.

Another feature of the invention is the pro vision of linlr supported means, outstanding from slats longitudinally thereof, having angularly disposed extremities adapted to engage pivotally mounted means so as to move the slats from a vertical to a horizontal position.

A further feature of the invention is the provision of limits for supporting slats lorming a Venetian hlind with the links so arranged and constructed that they may he folded in a compact assemblage to permit'the slats tohe staciied.

An added feature oi the invention is the provision, in a Venetian blind, of guldeways for slat supporting means so that said means may he manipulated to form a compact arrangement or assemblage.

A still further feature of the invention is the provision of rotatable means associated with a framework adapted to raise or lower linii supported slats forming a Venetian hlind with means adjacent an upper extremity of the framework for intercepting the links and collapsing them as they pass the rotatable means to thereby facilitate stacking the slats in a compact assemhlage.

The above and numerous other objects and features of the invention will become apparent from the succeeding description considered together with the accompanying drawings which disclose an exemplified form of the invention,

Considering the drawings generally, Figure l is a front elevatlonal view of a window, inclusive of a frame and associated details, which embodies a form of the present invention.

Figure 2 is an enlarged detail view corresponding somewhat to Figure 1 with a portion thereof removed oromitted to more clearly illustrate the details and arrangement of the construction.

Figure 3 is a vertical cross sectional view taken along the lines ii--3 01? Figure 1, looking in the direction of the arrows and showing the manipulating mechanism for the blind or closure.

Figure d is a), vertical transverse view taken along the lines iti of Figure 2, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 5 is a vertical transverse view somewhat similar to Figure l but tairen through the center of the window and its associated details of construction and particularly along the lines ii--ii of Figure 2,1oolving in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 6 is a horizontal cross sectional view tairen along the lines ii-ii of Figure 5, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure l is a horizontal cross sectional view taken along the lines 'i--'i oi Figure 5, looking in the direction of the arrows.

Figure 8 is a partial enlarged front elevational view showing the slats and associated details of construction when the slats are vertically disposed in overlapping, window closing or ohstructing position.

Figure 9 is a partial enlarged front elevational view corresponding somewhat to the arrangemerit of Figure 8 but showing the slats horizontally disposed.

Figure iii is an enlarged sectional view taken along the lines iii-it of Figure 8, looking in the direction of-the arrows.

now referring in detail to the several views of the drawings wherein like reference characters refer to like parts, there is disclosed a window structure i exemplifying a form. of the invention and adapted to be associated with or form a part of a building structure of any type. The window structure is formed in part by usual horizontally spaced, vertically extending stiles 2 connected adjacent their upper extremities by a top rail or header ii and their lower extremities by a bottom rail or sill t to form a continuous framework defining an opening 5 therebetween. Fitted within the framework in any approved or conventional manner is the usual window sash t which may he of any desired type and functions as a barrier between the interior and exterior of the building structure. For the sake of clarity the window sash is merely disclosed generally in Figures 1 and 3 of the drawings with no particu lar reference to the details thereof since it together with the window frame forms no part of the invention.

A blind or window opening closure, indicated generally by the reference character I, is .ar-

'ranged *and constructed so that it may be completely assembled prior to installation in a building structure and may be used in existing buildings or those in the process of construction. The blind or closure comprises outer vertically extending stile plates 8 and 8 which form the horizontal limits of the blind frame 9 and which are secured to the stiles 2 by any approved method or means. Spaced inwardly of the window opening from the outer stile plates are intermediate stile plates l and I0, respectively, which are maintained in a predetermined position by means of upper and lower spacer bars ll, only the former of which are illustrated in the drawings. Substantially completing the blind frame 9 are inner stile plates l2 which are spaced inwardly of the window opening from the intermediate stile plates and retained in this position by upper and lower spacer, bars l3 only the former of which are shown in the drawings. The associated outer, intermediate and inner stile plates with their related spacer bars are secured together by means of screws H which, if desired, may extend beyond the outer stile plates to be imbedded in the adjacent window frame stile 2 and thereby secure the closure frame to the window frame. All of the blind frame stiles are substantially coextensive in a vertical direction, and their length or heightis determined bythe size of window frame with which they are to be associated. The blind frame stiles are of different horizontal extent, the purpose of which will be hereinafter explained. A

Forming a part of the blind or closure are a I multiplicity or plurality of slats, strips or laths l5 formed of relatively thin material, preferably metal, but they may, if desired. be of wood or any other suitable material or composition. The slats are of a length a trifle less than the horizontal distance between the inner stile plates l2 so as to be capable, when in a predetermined position, of obstructing vision through the winoverlapping relation, are pivoted together by hollow rivets or eyelets Zl, and by reason of the rivets 22 and 24 the bar links are secured together to form a continuous uninterrupted slat hanger chain. The shafts l6 project through the chain eyelets or hollow rivets with sufficient clearance thereabout to permit the slats to pivot freely about the shafts thereof and, together with their unbalanced suspension, to facilitate the slats to normally assume a substantially vertical disposition when in -window obstructing position.

Extending horizontally of the blind or closure frame, adjacent the upper extremity thereof, is an axle .25 desirably projecting through and journaled in all of the stile plates intermediate their transverse or lateral limits. The axle is freely rotatable with respect to the blind frame. Suitably keyed or otherwise secured to the axle are a plurality, preferably a pair, of auxiliary sprockets 26 rotatable with the axle and longitudinally spaced thereof to be positioned between adjacent intermediate and inner stile plates. The auxiliary sprockets have, suitably spaced along their respective peripheries, cup-shaped indentures, reliefsor recesses 21 capable of or adapted to engage or receive the slat shafts, and by reason of this particular arrangement the, slats, upon a rotative movement of the axle and associated auxiliary sprockets, are moved vertically either out of or into window obstructing position, depending upon the direction in which the axle is rotated. Since the bar chain is flexdow opening, and for this same reason the laths are of suflicient height to be adapted to overlap one another. Each slat is provided with oppositely directed shafts l6 extending longitudinally beyond the limits of the slats to extend through a projected plane of the inner stile plates and terminate short of the intermediate stile plates 9 and 9. The extremity H of the lower portion of each inner stile plate defines the outer limits of a vertical inner guideway I8 in which the shafts is move to and. from window obstructing position. The shafts are secured to the slats by any approved or desired method or means and are preferably spaced a predetermined distance away from the longitudinal center line of the associated slat so that the latter, when in normal window obstructing ible, it will be noted. by referring particularly to Figures 4 and, 5 of the drawings, that the distance between the centers of the successive shafts I6 is determinative of the distance between the auxiliary sprocket indentures spaced as chords along the sprockets.

The guideways l8 in the inner stile plates, as they approach the upper limits of the stile plates, are tangent or co-extensive with the upper circular path described by the auxiliary sprocket indentures and in direct alignment therewith to form a substantially semi-circular guideway 28, and by reason of this construction the slat shafts are maintaine in bearing relation with the auxiliarysprockets as they are engaged thereby in i the process of moving the slats from or to window obstructing position. The circular guideway 28 of each inner stile plate terminates in or communicates with an outer vertical guideway 29 which is substantially tangent to the position, will assume a substantially vertical diszontal limits of the slats to form a flexible means or chain for supporting the slats, and in this respect the links, arranged in overlapping series, have alternate associate extremities 2| pivotally connected together by rivets 22 or any other suitable means. The other extremities 23, also in circular guidewayand parallel with the inner guideway. As will be noted, all the guideways of an inner stile plate are in communication with one another to form a continuous means for the reception of the slat shafts. The outer vguideways project below the plane of the auxiliary sprockets a predetermined distance for the purpose to be'hereinafter described.

Means is provided for imparting motion to the axle when it is desired to manipulate the blind, and for the accomplishment of this purpose a main sprocket 30 is suitably keyed to the axle adjacent the right hand extremity thereof when considering particularly Figures 1 and 2. The main sprocket is positioned between the outer and intermediate stile plates 8 and [0, respectively. Suitably journaled to and positioned between the outer and intermediate stile plates 8 and I0, respectively, adjacent the .lower and forward extremities thereof in substantially vertical alignment with the main sprocket, is an idling sprocket 3| which is connected to the asamso be freeiy'grasped by an operator to manipulate the blind. Idling rollers 23 are provided in the stile frame to maintain the upper extremity of the inner portion of'the operating chain forwardly-oi' the stile frame and the intermediate outer portion of the operating chain out of contact with the window sash.

From the above it will be observed that a downward force applied to the inner or exposed portion of the operating chain will impart, when viewing Figures 4 and 5, a counterclockwise mo-' tion to the axle and its associated sprockets to have the latter engage the shafts and lower the slats to a position adjacent the front of the window frame or a window obstructing position while an opposite .force applied to the operating chain will result in the slats being raised to a position adjacent the rear of the window frame to permit a substantially clear unobstructed vision through the window opening.

As the guideways permit the free passage of the shafts therethrough and since the weight of the slats, shafts and bar links maintain the blind at the inner portion or extremity of the blind frame extended so that the slats will assume a somewhat shingled relationship or vertical overlapping disposition no additional means is required to keep the blind from folding when it is desired to close the window opening. However, the mass above mentioned may result in an unwarranted or accidental lowering of the shade after it has been previously positioned to obstruct merely the upper section or any portion of the window opening, and for this reason a counter tion outwardly of the blind frame are prongs or shanks 40 spaced longitudinally of the rods to agree with or correspond to the spacing of the slat shafts. The slat shafts, beyond the bar links, are angularly disposed to form extensions or angular fingers 4i which, when the slats are normally or vertically disposed, incline or slope upwardly and outwardly from the shafts toward the inner transverse limits of the blind frames By referring particularly to Figures 6 through 9 V of the drawings it will be noted that a pivotal counter-clockwise motion imparted to the rods weight hasbeen provided in the arrangement.

As exemplary of such a counter weight, a pulley or grooved wheel 34 is keyed or otherwise rigidly secured to an extremity of the axle removed from the extremity to which the main sprocket is secured. ,The'pulley is disposed between the outer and intermediate stlleplates 8 and i0, respectively, and has secured thereto an'extremity of a cord or rope 35 which is trained around the pulley to depend therefrom and have its other end secured to a suitable weight 38. The rope,- between the pulley and weight. is intercepted by an idling pulley 31 arranged or positioned to dispose the weight intermediate the transverse limits of the blind frame so that the weight will not interfere with the sash. By reason of this arrangement, therefore, the blind may be stopped and main"- tained at any predetermined elevation.

It may, at times, be found desirable, for the purpose of ventilation, to pivot or move the slats to a horizontal disposition while the blind is lowcred or in window obstructing position. Further, it may be desired to have the slats of the lower section of the blind vertically disposed to obstruct vision therethrough and pivot the slats of the upper section horizontally or vice versa. For the accomplishment of these purposes there are provided upper and lower vertically disposed and crating chain, resulting i the extremities 2i through a ninety degree are will position the prongs in the path of the associated shaft extension so that upona manipulation of the 0pin the slats being moved vertically or in an upward direction, the extensions of the shafts of the adjacent rods will contact or be intercepted by the prongs and cause the slats to pivot or rotate about their respective shafts to assume a vertically spaced horizontal disposition, as most clearly illustrated in Figure .9. Either or both of the rods 28 may be rotated to position the prongs thereof in the path of the shaft extensions to open the slats of the upper or lower or both sections of the blind, as desired. Knobs or handles 44 are provided on the rods to form means for pivoting the rods about their axes.

The forward or inner extremity of the blind frame is closed off or finished by angularly formed shields 45 and II, respectively, which are removably secured in position by means of screws 48. An extremity 6'! of each shield, and particularly the portion thereof below a position adjacent the top thereof, forms a marginal edge spaced from the inner stile plate extremity i! to define the limits of the inner guideway ii. The shields form a removable cover whereby the mechanism disposed between the inner and outer stile plates is hidden-from view. The shield 45 is provided with apertures 48 which permit the inner portion of the operating chain to pass therethrough and become exposed for the successful operation of the blind.

longitudinally disposed, vertically extending bar chain bearing plates .49 are interposed between and secured to the intermediate and inner stile plates to define the outer limits of a channel 50 adjacent the inner extremity of the blind frame in which the bar chain may move. Strips II are secured to the inner stile plates or bearing plates 49 in any desired manner to restrict the channels ilii and prevent the bars forming the chain 20 from shifting horizontally of the slats. The strips II are inclined, as at 52, adjacent their upper extremities so as to prevent interference between the bars I! and strips when the blind is being lowered and particularly as the bars of the chain 20 are entering the channels Ill.

The bar links it are irregularly formed with thereof greater than the extremities 23 to present a relatively smooth chain edge 53 and an edge 54, the latter rivets 22, which secure associated or adjacent extremities 2i together, are spaced inwardly of the bar links from one or the smooth edge of the chain an amount equal to the distance of the rivet or eyelet 24 from the same chain edge thereby, as previously indicated, disposing the rivets 22 and 24 in alignment. By thus positioningthe rivets 22 and forming the bar links it will be noted that the larger extremities of the bar links are eccentrically connected.

irregular or convoluted chain of which form apices IS. The

Adjacent to and parallel with the guideways 29 are angularly formed'break or guide bars 50 secured to the inner stile plates and each having a leg 51 thereof extending longitudinally of the blind frame toward the adjacent intermediate stile plate. The leg 51 of each guide bar is, adjacent an upper extremity thereof, inclined or tapered, as at 58, so as to be capable of intercepting or receiving the bar links as they pass the auxiliary sprockets in an opening action of the blind. As will be noted by referring particularly to Figure of the drawings, upon an opening movement of the blind the apices 55 of the bar chain bear upon the inclined portions 58 of the guide bars, and since the shafts and their associated chain eyelets are maintained in a predetermined path by'the guideway 29, the rivets 22 are urged out of'alignment with the rivets 24. This action results in the chain 20 being broken so that the bar links may become horizontally disposed to stack at the upper extremity of the blind frame. So as to permit a great number of bar links to occupy a rather limited space adjacent an upper extremity of the window frame, the bar links are shingled or, in other words, a plurality of bar links are arranged in stepped relation, tending to make the chain grow in thickness outwardly of the blind frame, and then the stepped relation is reversed for another series of bar links which tends to make the chain grow in thickness inwardly of the frame. By this particular arrangement the links are disposed in a compact assemblage to occupy a relatively small space adjacent an upper extremity of the window sash and frame when the blind is raised.

The shafts and their associated slats are adapted to be superimposed upon one another in the guideways 29 and, as will be noted, the slats assume a stacked relationship .or horizontal disposition when moved to substantially window unobstructing position. This particular slat disposition is due to the extensions or angular fingers 4i somewhat balancing the slats on their respective shafts. D

It will be observed that various changes and alterations may be made to the illustrated construction without departing from within the spirit and scope of the appended claims since merely an exemplary form of the invention is herein disclosed and described.

I claim:

1. In a device of the character described, the combination of a framework, a plurality of slats positioned one above another and normally vertically disposed in overlapping relation, means adjacent the transverse limits of said slats for moving the latter vertically, shafts extending longitudinally of said slats and pivotally connected to said means, and vertically disposed means pivotally connected to said framework adjacent an extremity of said slats adapted to be selectively pivoted to a position in the path of adjacent shafts to be engaged thereby to cause said slats to pivot to a horizontal position.

2. In a device of the character described, the combination of a framework, a plurality of slats positioned one above another and normally vertically disposed in overlapping relation, shafts extending longitudinally ofsaid slats, and vertically disposed means pivotally connected to said framework adjacent an extremity of said slats adapted to be selectively pivoted to a position in the path of adjacent shafts to be engaged thereby to cause said slats upon vertical movement thereof to be pivoted to a horizontal position.

3. In a device of the character described, in combination, a framework, a plurality of slats positioned one above another and normally vertically disposed in overlapping relation, links adjacent the transverse limits of said slats, means for moving said links and slats vertically, shafts extending longitudinally from said slats and extending through means connecting adjacent links, and means associated with said framework adjacent an extremity of said slats adapted to be moved into the path of adjacent shafts to be engaged thereby to cause said slats to be pivoted to a horizontal position.

4. In a device of the character described, the combination of a framework, a plurality of slats positioned one above another and normally vertically disposed in overlapping relation to form upper and lower sections, shafts extending longitudinally from said slats, means associated with said shafts for moving said slats vertically, and means associated with said framework adjacent an extremity of said slats adapted to be selectively moved in the path of adjacent shafts to be engaged thereby to cause said slats of either or both sections to be pivoted to a horizontal position.

5. In a device of the character described, in

portion, and means disposed adjacent one end of the slats having prongs movable into the path of movement of said laterally projecting portions so that upon vertical movement of said slats the laterally projecting portions will engage said prongs and cause the slats to rotate horizontally.

6. In a device of the character described, the combination of a framework, a plurality of slats positioned one above another, shafts extending longitudinally from said slats and being spaced from the longitudinal center line thereof so that said slats may normally assume a vertical position, means associated with said framework and. said shafts for moving said slats vertically, one of the shafts of each of said slats being provided with a laterally projecting portion, and means associated with said framework adapted to be selectively moved into the path of vertical movement of said projecting portions so as to be engaged thereby upon vertical movement of the slats to cause some or all of said slats to rotate on their respective shafts.

7. In a device of the character described, in combination, a framework, a plurality of slats within said framework and positioned one above another, shafts outstanding from said slats longitudinally thereof, links associated with said framework and positioned adjacent the longitu" dinal limits of said slats, pivot means connecting alternate associated extremities of said links, said shafts extending through means pivotally connecting the other associated extremities of said links, and means associated with said shafts for moving said slats vertically.

8. In a device of the character described, the combination of a framework, a plurality of slats within said framework and positioned one above another, shafts outstanding from said slats longitudinally thereof, links associated with said framework and positioned adjacent the longituaasasco dinal limits of said slats, pivot means connecting alternate associated extremities of said links, said shafts extending through means pivotally connecting the other associated link extremities, means adapted to receive said shafts for moving said slats vertically, and means in said framework for breaking said links at said pivot means so as to permit said slats to assume a stacked relation. 1

9. In a device of the character described, the combination of a framework, a plurality of slats within the confines of said framework and positioned one above another, shafts outstanding from said slats longitudinally thereof, links positioned adjacent the longitudinal limits of said slats, pivot means connecting alternate associated extremities of said links, said pivot means being eccentrically disposed, said shafts being inalignment with said pivot means and extending through means connecting the other associated link extremities, rotatable means at the upper extremity of said framework adapted to receive said shafts for moving said slats upwardly, and means adapted to intercept said links after they pass said rotatable means so as to urge said pivot means out of alignment with said shafts and permit said links to fold.

10. In a device of the character described, the combination of a window frame defining an opening, a plurality of vertically disposed slats within the confines of said window frame and positioned one above another to close said opening. means outstanding from the ends of said slats. means associated with said first named means for supporting said slats, rotatable means adjacent an upper extremity of said window frame adapted to receive said outstanding means tercept and collapse said supporting means after Passing said rotatable means so that said slats may assume a stacked horizontal position.

11. In a device of the character described, the combination of a window frame defining an opening. a plurality of vertically disposed slats within the confines of said window frame and positioned one above another to close said opening, eccentrically connected means associated with said slats for the support thereof, rotatable means for moving said slats upwardly, means adjacent an upper extremity of said window frame and said rotatable means for intercepting and collapsing said eccentrically connected means after passing said rotatable means so that said. slats may assume a stacked horizontal position.

12. In a device by flex-' means, and operating means secured to said axle for imparting rotation thereto so that said slats may be moved vertically.

13. In a device of the character described, the combination of a window frame defining an opening, a plurality of slats positioned one above tion, flexible means connecting said longitudi-.

- p ning. a plurality of extremity of said another, means extending longitudinally from said slats and being spaced from the longitudinal center line of said slats so that the latter may normally assume a. vertical position to close said opening, vertically disposed means carried by said window frame adjacent an extremity of said slats adapted adjacent longitudinally extending means so that upon a vertical movement of said slats the latter may move to a substantially horizontal disposinally extending means for supporting said slats, rotatable means adjacent an upper extremity of said frame for engaging said longitudinally extending means, and operating means connecting said rotatable means for moving said slats ver. tically.

14. In a device of the character described, the combination of a window frame defining an another, shafts outstanding from the extremities of said slats, said shafts being secured to said slats in spaced relation to the longitudinal center line thereof so that said' slats will be vertically disposed in overlapping relation to close said opening, a normally horizontal angular extension onone of said shafts of each slat, a link chain associated with said shafts, a vertically disposed rod pivoted to said frame adjacent one slats, prongs outstanding from said rod and adapted upon a pivotal movement of said rod to be positioned in the path of said extensions so that upon vertical movement of said slats said extensions will engage said prongs to pivot said slats substantially horizontally. auxiliary sprockets rotatably associated with said frame adjacent an upper extremity thereof for engaging said shafts. and a main sprocket having a flexible chain associated therewith for actuating said auxiliary sprocket.

15. In a device of the character described, the combination of a window frame defining an opening, a plurality of slats adjacent an inner portion of said frame-for closing said opening. shafts outstanding from said slats longitudinally thereof. flexible means connecting said shafts for supporting said slats, guide means in said frame for the reception of said shafts, and sprockets pivotally connected to said frame and adapted to urge said shafts along said guide means so as to position said slats adjacent an outer portion and an upper extremity of said window frame. said slats upon passing beyond said sprockets from the inner to the outer portion of said frame being adapted to be superimposed upon one another in substantially horizontal stacked relation adjacent an upper extremity of said frame.

' JOHN A. STOBIE.

to be selectively moved in the path of slats positioned one above

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