GB2496639A

GB2496639A - Cover for a blind cord

Info

Publication number: GB2496639A
Application number: GB1119838.9A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Ian Baggett
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2011-11-17
Filing date: 2011-11-17
Publication date: 2013-05-22
Also published as: GB201119838D0

Abstract

A cover 5 for a window blind cord 3 comprising an enclosed duct 5, preferably in the form of a hollow cylinder or tube, that is attached at one end to the roller mechanism 2, allowing a small loop of cord or chain 8 to be exposed below the cover. The cover is preferably attached to the roller mechanism by a piece of cord 7. By creating a small loop the cover prevents a young child or baby from inserting their head into the loop and causing death by hanging, thus forming an anti-ligature device. In another embodiment the attachment cord 7 is longer, which lowers the cover 5 reducing the size of the exposed loop 8 which could be used to prevent the death of cats etc.

Description

Window blind attachment This invention relates to an arrangement for improving the safety of the continuous loop cord or chain found on window bIinds The continuous cord or chain loop on a window blind poses a significant threat to young children, who can all too easily become entangled in it, which can result in strangulation. It has been reported that at least 6 children lose their lives each year in the UK as a result. Many more suffer severe trauma.

There are devices available for docking the cord or chain loop, or keeping it taut by means of a pulley or bracket affixed to the adjacent wall, but although these can be effective, the take up by consumers is poor, possibly because of the effort needed to install them, as well as some impairment to the ease of operation of the blind. There is also a device which proposes to enclose the cord or chain in a hanging housing, keeping the loop taut by means of a pulley at the lower end of the loop with access to the cord or chain being provided either side of the housing In the present invention the continuous looped cord or chain provided for raising and lowering the covering or slats of the blind is passed through an enclosed duct fabricated from rigid or semi rigid material. The duct is arranged to be shorter in length than the distance between the end of the loop and the rotating cord mechanism of the blind, so that a section of the loop protrudes from one end of the duct. The other end of the duct is attached by various means to a position adjacent to the rotating cord mechanism of the blind. The length of the duct determines the length of the exposed 1oop, which should be too small for a young child's head to pass through it, yet provide enough cord or chain for satisfactory operation of the blind.

The invention will now be described solely by way of example and with reference to the accompanying drawing.

A roller blind I incorporates a toothed pulley wheel 2 over which there is a continuous belt made from a beaded cord 3. The covering of the blind is raised or lowered by pulling one side of the belt loop or the other. The end of the loop 4 is threaded through a length of enclosed ducts, in this example a cylindrical tube. The tube can be made of any suitable material such as a clear acrylic extrusion. The length of the tube is cut shorter than the length of the distance between the toothed pulley wheel 2 and the end of the loop 4 so that when the other end of the tube to the loop is affixed by a short cord 7 to the toothed pulley wheel housing 6, the loop 8 protrudes by an amount which is too small to be hazardous to a young child. Even a baby at age 12 weeks has a head circumference of approximately 40 cm so if, for example, the circumference of the exposed loop is restricted to 35 cm this still gives a person sufficient cord to operate the blind with ease.

In an alternative embodiment the cord 7 attached to the housing 6 can be increased in length so that the exposed loop 8 is reduced to a size which avoids harm to pets, particularly cats. The length of the tube remains the same. The blind is operated by raising the tube with one hand to provide a longer loop and using the other hand to operate the cord.

Claims

<claim-text>Claims An arrangement for reducing the length of the exposed loop on the continuous cord or chain of a window blind by means of enclosing a major part of the two strands of cord or chain comprising the loop in an enclosed duct, the length of the duct being less than the length of the loop, one end of the duct being provided with means for attachment adjacent to the cord mechanism of the blind, with the end of the loop protniding from the other end of the duct.</claim-text> <claim-text>2. An arrangement for reducing the length of the exposed loop on the continuous cord or chain of a window blind according to claim 1. in which the duct comprises a cylindrical tube.</claim-text> <claim-text>3 An arrangement thr reducing the length of the exposed loop on the continuous cord or chain of a window blind according to claim 1. in which the duct comprises a tube or enclosed channel of any cross section 4. An arrangement for reducing the length of the exposed loop on the continuous cord or chain of a window blind according to claim 1. in which the duct is constructed longitudinally of two or more pieces which can be assembled by suitable means.5. An arrangement for reducing the length of the exposed loop on the continuous cord or chain of a window blind according to claim 1. in which the attachment means from one end of the duct to a position adjacent to the cord mechanism of the blind is flexible.6. An arrangement for reducing the length of the exposed loop on the continuous cord or chain of a window blind according to claim I in which the attachment means from one end of the duct to a position adjacent to the cord mechanism of the blind is by a cord.7. An arrangement for reducing the length of the exposed loop on the continuous cord or chain of a window blind according to claim 1. in which the attachment means from one end of the duct to a position adjacent to the cord mechanism of the blind allows for the duct to be swivelled in one plane towards the user.S. An arrangement for reducing the length of the exposed loop on the continuous cord or chain of a window blind according to claim 1. in which the attachment means from one end of the duct to a position adjacent to the cord mechanism of the blind is adjustable in length.9. An arrangement for reducing the length of the exposed loop on the continuous cord or chain of a window blind according to claim I. in which the duct is the same length as in claim I. but sits lower on the loop with a corresponding greater length between the other end of the duct and the cord mechanism of the blind.10. An arrangement for reducing the length of the exposed loop on the continuous cord or chain of a window blind according to claim 1. in which the cord is beaded.ii. An arrangement for reducing the length of the exposed loop on the continuous cord or chain of a window blind according to claim I. in which the expression window blind' includes roller blinds, Venetian blinds and other btinds which operate by means of a continuous cord or chain loop mechanism.</claim-text>