WO2023184010A1

WO2023184010A1 - Window blinds with cord locking mechanism

Info

Publication number: WO2023184010A1
Application number: PCT/CA2022/050691
Authority: WO
Inventors: Gary William Mcbeth
Original assignee: Brite Blinds Ltd.
Priority date: 2022-04-01
Filing date: 2022-05-03
Publication date: 2023-10-05
Also published as: TWD224533S; CA3154099A1

Abstract

A cord locking mechanism for a window blinds assembly is disclosed that prevents the hazardous looping of the internal lift line cord of a window blinds assembly. Each blind slat comprises tapered apertures that are adapted to lock the lift line cord when a non-vertical force is applied to the lift line cord thereby preventing further extension of the cord and formation of a hazardous loop.

Description

WINDOW BLINDS WITH CORD LOCKING MECHANISM

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of window blinds and, in particular, to a blind slat with a cord safety locking mechanism.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0002] Conventional horizontal blinds systems for windows commonly include: a top box containing a top rail and a cord lock system; a bottom rail; a number of horizontal slats that extend between the top rail and bottom rail; a string ladder that suspends the slats in a spaced parallel series from the top rail; and a lift cord that is connected to the bottom rail, runs through each of the slats, to and through the cord lock system in the top box, to ultimately freely hang over the front of the horizontal blinds system for a user to use to control the raising or lowering of the blinds. The lift cord connects the bottom rail to the pulley system provided in the top box. The slats may be adjusted to a desired angle to allow in or block out a desired amount of sunlight. The slats may also be drawn up completely or fully lowered. The slats are commonly raised or lowered through the lift cord and the top box cord lock system.

[0003] The lift cord is also commonly connected to a conventional cord lock system provided in the top box. A conventional cord lock system serves two purposes: to allow the user to lock the blinds in any stationary position, such as fully opened, fully closed, or any position in between; and to act as a safety mechanism by preventing the inadvertent lengthening and shortening of the free-ends of the lift cord that freely hang over the front of the blinds. A conventional cord lock system typically includes a box mounted to the top rail of the blinds system, a pulley system contained within the box, and the lift cord being engaged with the pulley system such that the pulley system controls the lock and release of the cord, thereby allowing the user to set the blinds and lift cord at the desired position and length. [0004] The conventional cord lock system primarily relies on the pulley locking mechanism contained within the top box to prevent the lift cord from slipping and unintentionally shortening the freely hanging portion of the lift cord while simultaneously releasing the slats to an extended or lowered position. The conventional cord lock system can prevent inadvertent shortening and lengthening of the portion of the lift cord that is freely hanging at the front of the blinds system.

[0005] United States Patent No. 8,156,991 describes a cord lock assembly that is mounted to the top rail of a window blinds system. The cord lock assembly comprises a driving wheel for locking and unlocking a free-ended cord threaded through the assembly to provide a cord lock while controlling the window covering.

[0006] United States Patent No. 5,279,473 describes a cord retraction device mountable to the top rail of a window blinds system and adapted to wind a looped cord or one or more free-ended cords around a spool into a retracted position.

[0007] United States Patent Publication No. 2011/0214258 describes an apparatus attachable to the top rail of a window blind that comprises a spool around which a user can physically wrap dangling cords or looped cords around to keep the cords out of reach from a child for example.

[0008] Conventional window blind systems have further been developed to utilize pull down/push up mechanisms, known as Easylift™ or Clutch Lift™ mechanisms, for raising and lowering the blinds without a pull-cord. These systems eliminate freely hanging lift lines, the lift line cord is instead a continuous loop that is routed through each of the slats.

[0009] Such conventional systems focus on locking, retracting, sheathing, or eliminating the free-ended lift cord of a blinds system, however, such systems do not prevent the internal portion of the lift cord, extending between the top rail and bottom rail, from being pulled out beyond the slats. When the internal portion of the lift cord is pulled out beyond the slats, the bottom rail raises and the internal portion of the lift cord forms a loop. Such a loop becomes a strangulation hazard particularly for children. [0010] The risk of injury to small children is not insignificant and has led to increased standards for window blind systems. On May 1, 2021, the new Corded Window Covering Regulations (“CWRC”) under the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (fCCPSA”') came into force requiring that any reachable cord, forming a part of any indoor window covering, must not be able to form a loop exceeding 44 cm in perimeter when pulled in any direction by the gradual application of force attaining 35 N.

[0011] To prevent this potential hazardous looping of the internal lift cord, certain blinds systems have adopted a bottom rail clamping mechanism wherein the bottom rail of a conventional horizontal blinds system is clamped to a window sill. Clamping the bottom rail to the window sill prevents the bottom rail from raising when the lift cord is pulled, thereby also preventing the internal portion of the lift cord from forming a loop. However, such a feature also prevents a user from being able to position the blinds at any desired level (e.g., half down or quarter down) while the bottom rail clamping mechanism is in place. Hence, the user is prevented from being able to utilize the full functionality of the blinds.

[0012] Accordingly, it would be advantageous to have a simple and effective way to prevent the internal portion of the lift cord of a blinds assembly from being pulled beyond the slats into a hazardous loop, without compromising the full functionality of the blinds and without having to install extra parts.

[0013] This background information is provided for the purpose of making known information believed by the applicant to be of possible relevance to the present invention. No admission is necessarily intended, nor should be construed, that any of the preceding information constitutes prior art against the present invention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0014] An object of the present invention is to provide window blinds with a cord locking mechanism. In accordance with one aspect of the invention, there is provided a window blind slat for a window blinds assembly, comprising a slat having a pair of elongated edges and a first end and a second end; and an aperture at each end of the slat, wherein each aperture is sized to allow a corresponding lift line cord to be slidingly routed therethrough, each aperture tapering from a tapered portion entry to a size less than the outer diameter of the lift line cord to form a tapered portion; wherein the lift line cord is directed through the tapered portion entry and wedges into the tapered portion when a non-vertical pulling force is applied to the lift line cord to lock the lift line cord therein.

[0015] According to a further aspect, the aperture at each end of the window blind slat, described herein, is positioned off-center between the pair of elongated edges, wherein the aperture is located closer to one elongated edge, to allow the corresponding lift line cord to slidingly engage with the aperture at the tapered portion entry.

[0016] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a window blinds assembly, comprising: a headrail; a bottom rail; a plurality of slats suspended in spaced parallel series between the headrail and bottom rail, each slat having a pair of elongated edges and a first end and a second end and comprising an aperture at each end of each slat; and a lift line cord extending between the headrail and the bottom rail and through the aperture of the plurality of slats; wherein each aperture is sized to allow the lift line cord to be slidingly routed therethrough, each aperture tapering from a tapered portion entry to a size less than the outer diameter of the lift line cord to form a tapered portion to direct the lift line cord through the tapered portion entry to wedge into the tapered portion when a non-vertical pulling force is applied to the lift line cord to lock the lift line cord therein.

[0017] According to another aspect, the aperture at each end of the slat, in the window blinds assembly described herein, is positioned off-center between the pair of elongated edges, wherein the aperture is located closer to one elongated edge, to allow the corresponding lift line cord to slidingly engage within the aperture at the tapered portion entry. [0018] According to a further aspect, the aperture of each slat, in the window blinds assembly described herein, is located closer to the same elongated edge of each slat in the parallel series.

[0019] According to another aspect, the aperture of each slat, in the window blinds assembly described herein, is located closer to an elongated edge that is opposite to the elongated edge of the slat above and below it in the parallel series.

[0020] According to another aspect, the bottom rail of the window blinds assembly described herein, is weighted.

[0021] In accordance with another aspect of the invention, there is provided a window blind slat for a window blinds assembly, comprising a slat having a pair of elongated edges and a first end and a second end; and an aperture at each end of the slat, wherein each aperture is sized to allow a corresponding lift line cord to be slidingly routed therethrough, each aperture tapering from a tapered portion entry to a size less than the outer diameter of the lift line cord to form a tapered portion; wherein the aperture at each end of the slat is positioned off-center between the pair of elongated edges, wherein the aperture is located closer to one elongated edge, to allow the corresponding lift line cord to slidingly engage within the aperture at the tapered portion entry; wherein the lift line cord is directed through the tapered portion entry and wedges into the tapered portion when a non-vertical pulling force is applied to the lift line cord to lock the lift line cord therein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] These and other features of the invention will become more apparent in the following detailed description in which reference is made to the appended drawings.

[0023] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a window blind slat comprising an aperture at each end of the window blind slat, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure; [0024] Figure 2 is a top view of a window blind slat with an aperture tapered to form two tapered portions, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0025] Figure 3 is a top view of a window blind slat with an aperture tapered to form four tapered portions, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0026] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a window blinds assembly comprising a plurality of window blind slats with cord locking aperture, according to embodiments of the present disclosure;

[0027] Figure 5A shows a close-up of a window blind slat in normal operation with the lift line cord slidingly engaged within the aperture, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0028] Figure 5B shows the window blinds assembly with the lift line cord wedged into the tapered portion when a non-vertical downward pulling force is applied to the lift line cord, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0029] Figure 5C shows the window blinds assembly with the lift line cord wedged into the tapered portion when a non-vertical upward pulling force is applied to the lift line cord, according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

[0030] Figure 6 shows the dimensions of exemplary embodiments of tapered apertures, according to embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 6A shows the dimensions of an exemplary embodiment of a slotted tapered aperture, according to one embodiment. Figure 6B shows the dimensions of an exemplary embodiment of a four-point star tapered aperture, according to another embodiment; and

Figure 7A shows a close-up of a series of slats of a window blinds assembly in which the apertures are positioned off-center and closer to an elongated edge that is opposite to the elongated edge of the slat above and below it in the parallel series. Figure 7B shows a close-up of a series of slats of a window blinds assembly in which the apertures are positioned off-center and closer to the same elongated edge of each slat in the parallel series. Figure 7C shows a close-up of a series of slats of a window blinds assembly in which the apertures are centrally positioned in each slat in the parallel series.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0031] A cord locking mechanism for a window blinds assembly is disclosed herein that prevents the hazardous looping of the internal lift line cord of a window blinds assembly. According to embodiments of the invention, each blind slat comprises tapered apertures that are adapted to lock the lift line cord when a non-vertical force is applied to the lift line cord while allowing the lift line cord to slidingly engage within the aperture when a vertical force is applied. The full functionality of the window blinds assembly is thus unimpeded by the cord locking mechanism and no additional parts are required for installation.

[0032] According to certain embodiments of the invention, the tapered apertures are positioned in the slat to facilitate a quick-lock response when a non-vertical force is applied to the lift line cord. In such embodiments, the tapered apertures at each end of the slat, are positioned off-center between the elongated edges of the slat such that the apertures are located closer to one elongated edge. The lift line cord, running centrally through the slat, thus slidingly engages within the aperture at the tapered portion entry closest to the center of the slat, thus requiring minimal force to direct the lift line cord to wedge into the tapered portion.

[0033] In other embodiments, the slats can be arranged in a window blinds assembly to further facilitate a quick-lock response. According to certain embodiments, the series of slats in the window blinds assembly is arranged such that the aperture of each slat is located closer to the same elongated edge of each slat in the parallel series. In some embodiments, the slats may be arranged such that the off-centered apertures are closer to the window-facing edge. In other embodiments, the slats may be arranged such that the off-centered apertures are closer to the interior-facing edge. [0034] In other embodiments, the series of slats is arranged such that the aperture of each slat is located closer to the elongated edge that is opposite to the elongated edge of the slat above and below it in the parallel series. In such embodiments, the slats in the window blinds assembly are arranged in an alternating manner such that the off-centered aperture is closer to the interior-facing edge in one slat and closer to the window-facing edge in the slat above and below it in the series.

[0035] With either arrangement, the lift line cord that runs centrally through the series of slats, slidingly engages within each aperture at the tapered portion entry. In this way, the lift line cord is quickly directed to wedge into the tapered portion of the aperture anywhere in the blinds assembly that the lift line cord can be pulled in a non-vertical direction.

[0036] In yet a further embodiment, the window blinds assembly can be adapted to further impede the extension of the lift line cord into a hazardous loop. In such embodiments, the bottom rail of the assembly is weighted to impede lifting of the bottom rail when a non-vertical force is applied to the lift line cord thus limiting the extension of the lift line cord into a hazardous loop without the application of a non-vertical force that is sufficient to counter the weight.

Definitions

[0037] Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention belongs.

[0038] As used herein, the term “about” refers to an approximately +/-10% variation from a given value. It is to be understood that such a variation is always included in any given value provided herein, whether or not it is specifically referred to.

[0039] The term “plurality” as used herein means more than one, for example, two or more, three or more, four or more, and the like. [0040] The use of the word “a” or “an” when used herein in conjunction with the term “comprising” may mean “one”, but it is also consistent with the meaning of “one or more”, “at least one”, and “one or more than one”.

[0041] As used herein, the terms “comprising”, “having”, “including”, and “containing”, and grammatical variations thereof, are inclusive or open-ended and do not exclude additional, unrecited elements and/or method steps. The term “consisting essentially of’ when used herein in connection with an apparatus, system, composition, use or method, denotes that additional elements and/or method steps may be present, but that these additions do not materially affect the manner in which the recited apparatus, system composition, method or use functions. The term “consisting of’ when used herein in connection with an apparatus, system, composition, use or method, excludes the presence of additional elements and/or method steps. An apparatus, system composition, use or method described herein as comprising certain elements and/or steps may also, in certain embodiments consist essentially of those elements and/or steps, and in other embodiments consist of those elements and/or steps, whether or not these embodiments are specifically referred to.

Window Blind Slat with Cord Locking Aperture

[0042] The cord locking mechanism disclosed herein is provided by adapting the lift line cord aperture, in a window blind slat, with tapered portions that lock the lift line cord when a non-vertical pulling force is applied, thereby preventing the lift line cord from further extending and forming a loop. The locking mechanism of the present disclosure can be incorporated in any commercially available window blind slat, irrespective of material or size.

[0043] Referring to Figure 1, and in accordance with certain embodiments, a window blind slat 10 comprises an elongated surface having an aperture 20, at least at each end of the window blind slat 10, for receiving a corresponding lift line cord (not shown). According to certain embodiments, the window blind slat 10 may comprise an aperture at each end of the window blind slat 10. In other embodiments, the window blind slat 10 may comprise two or more apertures 20 depending on the size and style of the window blind slat 10.

[0044] Each aperture 20 is sized to allow a corresponding lift line cord to be slidingly routed therethrough and tapers to a size less than the outer diameter of the lift line cord to form a tapered portion 30, 35. According to certain embodiments, as shown in Figure 2, the aperture 20 can be an elongated slot 40 having opposed ends that gradually taper to form a tapered portion 30, 35. In some embodiments, the elongated slot 40 tapers at one end to form one tapered portion 30. In other embodiments, the elongated slot 40 tapers at both ends to form two tapered portions 30, 35.

[0045] The aperture 20 can take a variety of shapes and can be configured to include one or more tapered portion. According to certain embodiments, and referring to Figure 3, the aperture 50 can be configured in the shape of a four-point star wherein at least one point of the star tapers to form at least one tapered portion 60. In other embodiments, two or more points of the star taper to form two or more tapered portions 60, 65. In further embodiments, each of the four points of the star taper to form four tapered portions 60, 65, 70, 75.

[0046] In certain embodiments, the aperture comprises at least one tapered portion. In some embodiments, the aperture comprises one, two, three, or four tapered portions. In further embodiments, the aperture comprises two or more tapered portions.

[0047] One skilled in the art will understand that window blind assemblies may utilize lift line cord of varying sizes depending on the style and size of the window blinds. The cord locking aperture of the present disclosure can be configured to accommodate the desired size of the lift line cord to allow the lift line cord to slidingly engage within the aperture when the lift line cord is vertically pulled or released. According to embodiments, the aperture is sized to allow sliding engagement with a corresponding lift line cord having an outer diameter of up to 4.0 mm. In certain embodiments, the aperture is sized to accommodate a lift line cord having an outer diameter of between about 0.9 mm to about 4.0 mm. In other embodiments, the aperture is sized to accommodate a lift line cord having an outer diameter between about 0.9 mm to about 2.0 mm. In further embodiments, the aperture is sized to accommodate a lift line cord having an outer diameter of about 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.9 mm, 3.2 mm, 3.6 mm, or 4.0 mm.

[0048] The aperture 40, 50 tapers from a tapered portion entry point 45, 55 to a size less than the outer diameter of the lift line cord to form the tapered portion 30, 70, wherein the lift line cord wedges into the tapered portion 30, 70 when a non-vertical pulling force is applied to the lift line cord to lock the lift line cord therein. When this occurs, the lift line cord is firmly locked in the tapered portion 30, 70 to prevent further movement of the lift line cord thereby preventing looping of the lift line cord. Application of a vertical pulling force on the lift line cord dislodges the cord from the tapered portion 30, 70 allowing normal operation of the blinds.

[0049] According to embodiments, the width of the tapered portion of the aperture is less than 0.2 mm, 0.4 mm, 0.6 mm, 0.9 mm, 1.0 mm, 1.2 mm, 1.4 mm, 1.6 mm, 1.8 mm, 2.0 mm, 2.2 mm, 2.4 mm, 2.7 mm, 2.9 mm, 3.2 mm, 3.6 mm, or 4.0 mm.

[0050] According to exemplary embodiments, and as illustrated in Figure 6, the dimensions of the tapered apertures can be adapted to the particular style and size of the blind assembly. In certain embodiments, as shown in Figure 6A, the tapered aperture is an elongated slot having dimensions that include a total length 140, a width 145, a slot length 150, a tapered portion entry width 155, and a tapered portion length 160. According to embodiments, the total length 140 of the elongated slot ranges from about 15 mm to about 24 mm, wherein about 65% to about 75% of the total length of the elongated slot forms the slot 150 and about 25% to about 35% of the total length forms the tapered portion 160. In some embodiments the width of the elongated slot 145 ranges from about 3.0 mm to about 4.5 mm and gradually tapers from an entry 155 width of about 1.0 mm to a width of about 0.20 mm. [0051] According to certain embodiments, the tapered aperture is an elongated slot having a total length 140 of between about 16 mm and about 21 mm, a width 145 of about 3.15 mm, a slot length 150 of between about 11 mm and about 16 mm, a tapered portion length 160 of about 5 mm that tapers from an entry width 155 of about 1 mm to an end point of about 0.25 mm.

[0052] In other embodiments, as shown in Figure 6B, the tapered aperture is a four-point star having dimensions that include a total length 165, a tapered portion length 170, and a tapered portion entry width 175. According to certain embodiments, the tapered aperture is a four-point star having a total length 165 of between about 5.5 mm and about 10 mm, wherein about 30% to about 40% of the total length forms the tapered portion 170. In some embodiments, the tapered portion gradually tapers from an entry 175 width of about 1.5 mm to a width of about 0.25 mm. According to certain embodiments, the tapered aperture is a four-point star having a total length 165 of about 7.5 mm, a tapered portion length 170 of about 3.0 mm that tapers from an entry width 175 of about 1.5 mm to an end point of about 0.25 mm.

[0053] According to certain embodiments, the slats can be adapted to facilitate a quicklock response. Referring to Figures 1 and 2, the tapered apertures 20 are positioned in the slat 10 to facilitate a quick-lock response when a non-vertical force is applied to the lift line cord. In such embodiments, the tapered apertures 20 at each end of the slat 10, are positioned off-center between the elongated edges 15, 25 of the slat 10 such that the apertures 20 are located closer to one elongated edge 15 to allow the corresponding lift line cord to slidingly engage within the aperture 20 at the tapered portion entry 45 closest to the center of the slat. In this way, the distance that the lift line cord must be pulled into the tapered portion 30 is reduced.

[0054] Further shown in Figures 7A and 7B, in such embodiments, when a series of slats 10 are arranged in a window blinds assembly with a lift line cord 130 running centrally through each slat 10, the off-centered position of each aperture 20 results in the lift line cord 130 being in sliding engagement within each aperture 20 of the series at the tapered portion entry 45 closest to the center of the slat. In this way, minimal force is required to direct the lift line cord 130 to wedge into the tapered portion.

[0055] According to certain embodiments, the tapered apertures are positioned off-center such that the lift line cord slidingly engages within the aperture at the tapered portion entry nearest the center of the slat, without causing premature binding during vertical lift operation. According to such embodiments, for industry standard slats having a width of 50 mm (2”) or 64 mm (2.5”), the aperture is positioned such that the tapered portion nearest the center of the slat, and in sliding engagement with the centrally located lift line cord, is positioned between about 21 mm to about 31.5 mm from the closest elongated edge. One skilled in the art will understand, however, that the exemplary measurements described above can be adapted to the proportions of any width of slat.

Window Blinds Assembly

[0056] It is within the knowledge of one of ordinary skill in the art, to assemble a plurality of the window blind slats with cord locking aperture, according to embodiments described herein, to form a window blinds assembly of a desired style and size.

[0057] Figure 4 illustrates an embodiment of a window blinds assembly 100 comprising a headrail 110, a bottom rail 115, and a plurality of window blind slats with cord locking aperture 120 showing the lift line cord 130 routed therethrough. As is common practice in the window blinds arts, the plurality of window blinds slats 120 can be connected by a string ladder 125 to maintain the plurality of slats 120 in a spaced parallel series between the headrail 110 and the bottom rail 115. It is to be understood by the skilled person that other known methods and arrangements may be utilized for assembling the plurality of window blind slats into a suitable window blinds assembly.

[0058] In certain embodiments, the slats can be arranged in a window blinds assembly to further facilitate a quick-lock response. According to such embodiments, shown in Figures 7A and 7B, each slat 10 comprises tapered apertures 20 at each end of the slat 10 that are positioned off-center between the elongated edges 15, 25 of the slat 10 such that the apertures 20 are located closer to one elongated edge 15. As shown in Figure 7B, in some embodiments, the series of slats 10 in the window blinds assembly is arranged such that the aperture 20 of each slat 10 is located closer to the same elongated edge 15 of each slat 10 in the parallel series. In some embodiments, the slats 10 may be arranged such that the off-centered apertures 20 are closer to the window-facing edge 25. In other embodiments, the slats 10 may be arranged such that the off-centered apertures 20 are closer to the interior-facing edge 15, as shown in Figure 7B.

[0059] In other embodiments, as shown in Figure 7A, the series of slats 10 is arranged such that the aperture 20 of each slat 10 is located closer to the elongated edge 15 that is opposite to the elongated edge 25 of the slat 10 above and below it in the parallel series. In such embodiments, the slats 10 in the window blinds assembly are arranged in an alternating manner such that the off-centered aperture 20 is closer to the interior-facing edge 15 in one slat and closer to the window-facing edge 25 in the slat above and below it in the series.

[0060] With either arrangement, the lift line cord 130 that runs centrally through the series of slats 10, slidingly engages within each aperture 20 at the tapered portion entry 45. In this way, the lift line cord 130 slidingly engages within the aperture unimpeded when a vertical force is applied, but is quickly directed to wedge into the tapered portion 30 of the aperture 20 when the lift line cord 130 is pulled in a non-vertical direction anywhere in the blinds assembly.

[0061] In yet a further embodiment, as illustrated in Figure 4, the window blinds assembly 100 can be adapted to further impede the extension of the lift line cord 130 into a hazardous loop. In such embodiments, the bottom rail 115 of the assembly is weighted to impede lifting of the bottom rail 115 when a non-vertical force is applied to the lift line cord 130. In this way, extension of the lift line cord 130 into a hazardous loop is made more difficult without the application of a non-vertical force that is sufficient to counter the weight. [0062] According to embodiments, the weight added to the bottom rail is between about 0.300 kg/m to about 0.500 kg/m of blind width. In other embodiments, the weight added to the bottom rail is about 0.366kg/m or 0.2461b/ft of blind width.

[0063] According to certain embodiments, metal rods are inserted into the bottom rail 115. Persons of skill in the art, however, will appreciate that any method for weighing down the bottom rail can be used.

Operation of Window Blinds Cord Lockins Mechanism

[0064] Operation of the cord locking mechanism is illustrated in Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C. During normal operation of the window blinds assembly 100, the position of the window blinds is controllable by retracting and releasing the lift line cord 130 to raise and lower the plurality of slats, respectively. Retracting and releasing the lift line cord 130, under normal operation, involves the vertical sliding movement of the lift line cord 130 through the aperture 20 in each window blind slat. As shown in Figure 5A, showing the window blinds assembly 100 in normal operation, the vertical positioning of the lift line cord 130 within the aperture 20 is unimpeded to allow the lift line cord 130 to slide therethrough.

[0065] In the event that the lift line cord 130 is pulled in a non-vertical manner, for example by a child, such that the non-vertical pulling force is applied in a direction other than vertically towards the headrail 110 or the bottom rail 115, the lift line cord 130 will be forced into the tapered portion 30, 35 of the aperture 20 and firmly wedged to prevent further movement of the lift line cord 130. In this way, the lift line cord 130 is prevented from extending into a hazardous loop. Normal operation can be resumed by simply unwedging the lift line cord 130 from the tapered portion 30, 35 to allow unimpeded sliding movement of the lift line cord 130 through the aperture 20.

[0066] Figure 5B illustrates the operation of the locking mechanism, in one embodiment, when a non-vertical downward pulling force is applied to the lift line cord 130. As shown, the non-vertical downward pulling force forces the lift line cord 130 into the tapered portion 35 thus securely wedging the lift line cord 130 and preventing further extension of the lift line cord 130 into a hazardous loop. Figure 5C further illustrates the application of a non-vertical upward pulling force applied to the lift line cord 130 and the resulting wedging of the lift line cord 130 into the tapered portion 30.

To gain a better understanding of the invention described herein, the following examples are set forth. It will be understood that these examples are intended to describe illustrative embodiments of the invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way.

EXAMPLES

EXAMPLE 1: REACHABLE CORD TEST - HEALTH CANADA CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY TEST METHOD FOR CORDED WINDOW COVERINGS (M22)

[0067] The efficacy of the cord locking mechanism was tested using Health Canada’s Consumer Product Safety Test Method for Corded Window Coverings (M22) published on June 19, 2020. The method involves attaching a cord grasping pulley to a reachable inner cord of a window blinds assembly and applying a free hanging test weight to the cord grasping pulley in various directions. The length of the pulled cord and the perimeter of the loop formed by the pulled cord is then measured.

[0068] To pass the test, a reachable cord must be too short to wrap around a one-year- old-child’s neck (not more than 22 cm in length when it is pulled in any direction by the gradual application of force attaining 35 N) or form a hazardous loop that can be pulled over a one-year-old-child’s head (not more than 44 cm in perimeter when it is pulled in any direction by the gradual application of force attaining 35 N).

[0069] A window blinds assembly comprising 2” fauxwood Venetian blind slats with the cord locking aperture was tested. Figure 6 illustrates the dimensions of the tested cord locking apertures. [0070] The test was performed on three different versions of the window blinds assembly having the dimensions, 40”Wx40”H.

1) Window Blinds Assembly with Centrally-Located Apertures

[0071] The first assembly included a series of slats having centrally-located tapered apertures (Figure 7C). In this assembly, the tapered apertures were centrally positioned between the opposed elongated edges of the slat such that the centrally-located lift line cord ran through the center of each aperture.

[0072] The window blinds assembly failed the test.

2) Window Blinds Assembly with Off-Centered Apertures Arranged on Alternating Sides of the Series of Slats

[0073] The third assembly, included a series of slats having off-centered tapered apertures arranged such that the aperture of each slat is located closer to the elongated edge that is opposite to the elongated edge of the slat above and below it in the parallel series (Figure 7A). In this assembly, the slats in the window blinds assembly are arranged in an alternating manner such that the off-centered aperture is closer to the interior-facing edge in one slat and closer to the window-facing edge in the slat above and below it in the series. The centrally-located lift line cord ran through the opposing tapered portion entry of the aperture in each alternating slat.

[0074] In this assembly, the bottom rail of the assembly was also weighted. In the 40”Wx40”H sample assembly, the bottom rail was weighted with 0.372kg (0.821b) steel hex rods (80”L of 5.6mm steel hex rods).

[0075] The window blinds assembly received a passing result.

3) Window Blinds Assembly with Off-Centered Apertures Arranged on One Side of the Series of Slats [0076] The second assembly, included a series of slats having off-centered tapered apertures arranged such that the aperture of each slat is located closer to the same elongated edge of each slat in the parallel series (Figure 7B). In this assembly, the tapered apertures were positioned off-center between the opposed elongated edges of the slat such that the centrally-located lift line cord ran through the tapered portion entry of each aperture.

[0077] The window blinds assembly received a passing result.

[0078] The disclosures of all patents, patent applications, publications and database entries referenced in this specification are hereby specifically incorporated by reference in their entirety to the same extent as if each such individual patent, patent application, publication and database entry were specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference.

[0079] Although the invention has been described with reference to certain specific embodiments, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. All such modifications as would be apparent to one skilled in the art are intended to be included within the scope of the following claims.

Claims

THE EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION IN WHICH AN EXCLUSIVE PROPERTY OR PRIVILEGE IS CLAIMED ARE DEFINED AS FOLLOWS:

1. A window blind slat for a window blinds assembly, comprising: a slat having a pair of elongated edges and a first end and a second end; and an aperture at each end of the slat, wherein each aperture is sized to allow a corresponding lift line cord to be slidingly routed therethrough, each aperture tapering from a tapered portion entry to a size less than the outer diameter of the lift line cord to form a tapered portion; wherein the lift line cord is directed through the tapered portion entry and wedges into the tapered portion when a non-vertical pulling force is applied to the lift line cord to lock the lift line cord therein.

2. The window blind slat according to claim 1, wherein the aperture at each end of the slat is positioned off-center between the pair of elongated edges, wherein the aperture is located closer to one elongated edge, to allow the corresponding lift line cord to slidingly engage within the aperture at the tapered portion entry.

3. The window blind slat according to claim 1, wherein the aperture tapers to a size less than 1.0 mm.

4. The window blind slat according to claim 1, wherein the aperture is tapered to form at least one tapered portion.

5. The window blind slat according to claim 1, wherein the aperture is tapered to form two tapered portions.

6. The window blind slat according to claim 1, wherein the aperture is tapered to form three tapered portions. The window blind slat according to claim 1, wherein the aperture is tapered to form four tapered portions. The window blind slat according to claim 1, wherein the aperture is an elongated slot having opposed ends, wherein at least one end tapers to form at least one tapered portion. The window blind slat according to claim 1, wherein the aperture is an elongated slot having opposed ends, wherein each end tapers to form a tapered portion. The window blind slat according to claim 1, wherein the aperture is in the shape of a four-point star, wherein at least one point of the star tapers to form at least one tapered portion. The window blind slat according to claim 1, wherein the aperture is in the shape of a four-point star, wherein each point of the star tapers to form a tapered portion. A window blind slat for a window blinds assembly, comprising: a slat having a pair of elongated edges and a first end and a second end; and an aperture at each end of the slat, wherein each aperture is sized to allow a corresponding lift line cord to be slidingly routed therethrough, each aperture tapering from a tapered portion entry to a size less than the outer diameter of the lift line cord to form a tapered portion; wherein the aperture at each end of the slat is positioned off-center between the pair of elongated edges, wherein the aperture is located closer to one elongated edge, to allow the corresponding lift line cord to slidingly engage within the aperture at the tapered portion entry; wherein the lift line cord is directed through the tapered portion entry and wedges into the tapered portion when a non-vertical pulling force is applied to the lift line cord to lock the lift line cord therein. The window blind slat according to claim 12, wherein the aperture tapers to a size less than 1.0 mm. The window blind slat according to claim 12, wherein the aperture is an elongated slot having opposed ends, wherein at least one end tapers to form at least one tapered portion. The window blind slat according to claim 12, wherein the aperture is an elongated slot having opposed ends, wherein each end tapers to form a tapered portion. A window blinds assembly, comprising: a headrail; a bottom rail; a plurality of slats suspended in spaced parallel series between the headrail and bottom rail, each slat having a pair of elongated edges and a first end and a second end and comprising an aperture at each end of each slat; and a lift line cord extending between the headrail and the bottom rail and through the aperture of the plurality of slats; wherein each aperture is sized to allow the lift line cord to be slidingly routed therethrough, each aperture tapering from a tapered portion entry to a size less than the outer diameter of the lift line cord to form a tapered portion to direct the lift line cord through the tapered portion entry to wedge into the tapered portion when a non-vertical pulling force is applied to the lift line cord to lock the lift line cord therein. The window blinds assembly according to claim 16, wherein the aperture at each end of the slat is positioned off-center between the pair of elongated edges, wherein the aperture is located closer to one elongated edge, to allow the corresponding lift line cord to slidingly engage within the aperture at the tapered portion entry. The window blinds assembly according to claim 17, wherein the aperture of each slat is located closer to the same elongated edge of each slat in the parallel series. The window blinds assembly according to claim 17, wherein the aperture of each slat is located closer to an elongated edge that is opposite to the elongated edge of the slat above and below it in the parallel series. The window blinds assembly according to claim 16, wherein the aperture in each slat tapers to a size less than 1.0 mm. The window blinds assembly according to claim 16, wherein the aperture in each slat is tapered to form at least one tapered portion. The window blinds assembly according to claim 16, wherein the aperture in each slat is tapered to form two tapered portions. The window blinds assembly according to claim 16, wherein the aperture in each slat is tapered to form three tapered portions. The window blinds assembly according to claim 16, wherein the aperture in each slat is tapered to form four tapered portions. The window blinds assembly according to claim 16, wherein the aperture in each slat is an elongated slot having opposed ends, wherein at least one end tapers to form at least one tapered portion. The window blinds assembly according to claim 16, wherein the aperture in each slat is an elongated slot having opposed ends, wherein each end tapers to form a tapered portion. The window blinds assembly according to claim 16, wherein the aperture in each slat is in the shape of a four-point star, wherein at least one point of the star tapers to form at least one tapered portion. The window blinds assembly according to claim 16, wherein the aperture in each slat is in the shape of a four-point star, wherein each point of the star tapers to form a tapered portion. The window blinds assembly according to claim 16, wherein the bottom rail is weighted.