JP2006283496A - Window cover equipped with sunshade panels having free bottom end portions - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a window cover having a plurality of panels suspended vertically from a vertical fixing member. <P>SOLUTION: When panels 22 are vertically piled up, fixing laces 18 are bent down or put together behind a surface 42 of the window cover 10. An opening member 16 retains the panels 22a to 22f to proper positions by locking an operating mechanism such as a lace stopper 14. The fixing laces 18 cannot be seen from the front side of the window cover because partially overlapping relation of the panels 22a to 22f is favorably maintained at a fully closed position, a partially opened position and a fully opened position respectively. The panels 22a to 22f are desired to be fixed in a removable manner from the fixing laces by using fastener modules 46. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to the field of window covers, and more particularly to a window cover including a plurality of panels.

  Decorative window covers are products that are widely used to provide privacy and to block sunlight. These window covers take various forms such as a roman shade, a venetian blind, a vertical blind, and a honeycomb shade. Some of these window covers include a panel or panels that are connected to an adjustment mechanism that covers the opening and includes one or more operating members.

  For example, one widely used type of window cover is known as a roman shade. This type of awning consists of fabric material attached to the head rail along the top edge and is gathered at regular intervals, resulting in a series of weak folds across the surface of the fabric. Thus, a typical roman shade exhibits a stepped waterfall-like appearance or a weak fold. Such roman shades are gathered from below with horizontal folds or folds when pulled up until the entire awning is near the top of the window cover. In some variations, the top of the window cover may be pulled down. The awning is operated by pulling an operating member attached to the awning. The operation member is usually fixed to the bottom of the panel by an adhesive, ultrasonic welding, sewing, tying or the like.

  An alternative to the conventional roman shade is disclosed in copending application no. 10 / 427,829 filed May 1, 2003, incorporated herein by reference. Unlike the standard roman shade, the roman shade disclosed in co-pending application No. 10 / 427,829 opens each row so that there is a gap in the awning surface without the need to raise the overall awning. I can do it.

  Another common type of window cover is a Venetian blind. The Venetian blind is composed of a plurality of blades supported by a pair of ladders (ladders) operated by an adjustment mechanism in the head rail. The ladder typically includes a pair of parallel strings that are suspended from the head rail and connected to the bottom rail. A number of rungs are hung on these parallel strings and support the slats. An alternative to conventional Venetian blinds is disclosed in copending application Ser. No. 10 / 413,200, issued as US Pat. No. 6,792,996, incorporated herein by reference. This alternative uses a non-ladder-like operating member and has a structure that allows the vane to conceal the operating member and the hole for the operating string when the vane is closed.

  Roman shades and venetian blinds are aesthetically pleasing, but have a linear or generally flat appearance that maintains a normal appearance whether open, closed, or partially open A window cover may be desired in some cases. The present invention provides a suitable window cover.

(Summary of the Invention)
The present invention provides a new and improved window cover. The window cover includes a head rail, and the head rail has an operating mechanism such as a strap that is adapted to operate raising and lowering of the opening member suspended from the head rail. A fixing member such as a string is also suspended from the head rail. The plurality of panels are secured to the securing member near the upper longitudinal portion of the panel. Each panel is fixed to the fixing member at substantially regular intervals. The panel is freely suspended in a state where the lower longitudinal portion of the panel is not connected to the fixing member or the opening / closing member, and the panel hangs vertically from the fixing member. A weighted end member may be included near the lower longitudinal portion of the panel.

  Preferably, the plurality of panels are in a partially overlapping relationship with each other. Specifically, a lower longitudinal portion of a panel partially overlaps an upper longitudinal portion of an adjacent lower panel. Therefore, there is no gap between the panels that allows light to enter the room when the window cover is closed. Similarly, the opening member and the fixing member are hidden by a partially overlapping panel when the window cover is in the closed position.

  The lowermost panel of the plurality of panels is secured to the open member near the upper longitudinal portion. The other panels are located between the head rail and the lowermost panel and are not connected to the opening member. In other words, the adjustment operation of the opening member directly moves only the lowermost panel. In some embodiments, additional opening members may be included and secured to another panel. An example of such a structure is examined in more detail below.

  To open the window cover, the user pulls or retracts the opening member to pull up the bottom panel, while the remaining panels remain in the rest position. The lowermost panel moves substantially parallel to the adjacent upper panel and moves upward behind it. By subsequently retracting the opening member, the lowermost upper longitudinal portion contacts the upper longitudinal portion of the adjacent panel above it. Therefore, the lowermost panel cannot move upward any more independently from the adjacent upper panel. Accordingly, the lowermost panel and the adjacent upper panel move together behind the adjacent upper panel. As the opening member is retracted, the panels are stacked backwards in this manner.

  By stacking the panels backwards in this manner, the vertical and straight profile (profile) of the individual panels is maintained when the window cover is opened. Thus, whether the window cover is fully closed, partially open, or fully open, the aesthetic appearance of the window cover remains largely unchanged.

  Alternative embodiments of the present invention offer the possibility of lowering various panels as another way of opening the window cover. The window cover includes a row of panels as in the previous embodiment. The sagging fabric panel is fixed directly to the head rail. The plurality of additional panels are suspended from the head rail by the operation member. The upper longitudinal portion of the uppermost panel is fixed to the first opening member so that the uppermost panel is connected to the head rail in an operable state. The fixing member is fixed to the upper longitudinal portion of the uppermost panel, and is also fixed to the upper longitudinal portions of other panels except for the drooping cloth panel. The fixing member is not connected to the head rail.

  The lowermost panel of the plurality of panels is similarly secured to the second opening member near its upper longitudinal portion. The second opening member is suspended from the head rail and is adjusted with the operation member so that it can be operated. Other panels are not fixed to the second opening member.

  To open the window cover, the user may pull or retract the second opening member to raise the bottom panel while the remaining panels remain in the rest position as described above. The window cover may be opened by lowering the first opening member and lowering the uppermost panel. In either case, the relative position of the lowermost panel to the adjacent upper panel is adjusted so that the lowermost panel is disposed substantially parallel to it behind the adjacent upper panel. .

  For example, when the second opening member is raised, the lowermost panel moves substantially parallel to the adjacent upper panel and upwards behind it. By subsequently retracting the opening member, the lowermost upper longitudinal portion contacts the upper longitudinal portion of the adjacent panel above it. Therefore, the lowermost panel cannot move any further upward independently of the adjacent upper panel. Accordingly, the lowermost panel and the adjacent upper panel move together behind the adjacent upper panel. As the opening member is retracted, the panels are stacked backwards in this manner. In contrast, when the first opening member is lowered, the plurality of panels above the lowermost panel move so that the upper panel adjacent to the lowermost panel moves substantially parallel to the front of the lowermost panel. Move down. Since the panels partially overlap, subsequent panels are stacked in front of the already stacked panels. The first and second opening members may be operated in any combination. For example, when the second opening member lowers and stacks all the panels, the first opening member may raise all the stacks.

  One of the preferable features of the window cover of the present invention includes a method in which the panel is fixed to the fixing member and the opening member. Each panel can be secured to the securing member and the release member with a fastener module. In one embodiment, the fastener module includes a clip member that can be secured to the upper longitudinal portion of the panel, and a buckle member that includes a housing and an engagement member, the buckle member being removable with respect to the securing member and Suitable for selectable fixation. In a preferred embodiment, the fixing member is a string including a plurality of rings arranged at regular intervals, and the upper longitudinal portion of each panel is fixed to the ring so that it can be operated. A particularly suitable fastener module is described in co-pending application Ser. No. 10 / 970,428, filed Oct. 21, 2004, entitled “Window Cover Fastener Module and Method,” incorporated herein by reference. is described.

  The invention disclosed herein can of course be implemented in many different forms. Shown in the drawings and described in detail below are preferred embodiments of the invention. However, it should be understood that this disclosure is illustrative of the principles of the invention and is not intended to limit the invention to the illustrated embodiments. For simplicity of explanation, the window cover embodying the present invention is illustrated in a normal assembly position as shown in the accompanying drawings, and the expressions such as upper, lower, horizontal, and longitudinal directions are In this specification, this normal position is used.

  A window cover according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The window cover 10 includes a head rail 12, which has an operating mechanism such as a strap stopper 14 adapted to operate raising and lowering of an opening member such as an opening strap 16 suspended from the head rail 12. Including. A fixing member such as a fixing string 18 is also suspended from the head rail 12. The fixed string 18 and the open string 16 extend downward through the back of the window cover 10. The fixed string 18 preferably includes a plurality of rings (loops) 20 arranged at intervals. A plurality of intermediate panels 22a to 22e and a lowermost panel 22f are fixed to the fixed string 18, near the upper longitudinal (horizontal) portion 24 of the panel 22, and at a ring 20 arranged at some intervals. It is fixed. Panels can be made from woven or non-woven fabric, paper, laminate (laminate), film (thin film), and the like. The panel is freely suspended from the fixing member 18 so that the lower longitudinal (horizontal) portions 26 a to 26 f of the panels 22 a to 22 f are not connected to the fixing member 18 or the opening member 16. The lowermost panel 22f of the plurality of panels is fixed to the opening member 16 near the upper longitudinal direction portion 30 of the lowermost panel 22f. The bottom rail 28 is also fixed to the lowermost panel 22f. The intermediate panels 22a to 22e are not fixed to the opening member. A sagging cloth (cover, metal fitting concealment) panel 44 is also provided. This sagging fabric panel 44 has basically the same structure as the panel 22 and includes a stiffening strip (strip) 45, which is directly attached to the head rail 12 with a clip, and the other panels 22a to 22f. And are not connected.

  The panels 22a to 22f partially overlap each other so that light cannot pass through the window cover 10 when in the closed position. Further, the partially overlapping panels 22 a to 22 f prevent the opening member 16 and the fixing member 18 extending behind the panel from being seen from the front of the window cover 10.

  Each intermediate panel 22a-22e includes a weighted end member such as stiffening strips 32a-32e disposed near the lower longitudinal portion 26a-26e. The bottom rail 28 serves as a weighted end member of the lowermost panel 22f. The stiffening strips 32a-32e and the bottom rail 28 are suitable for exerting gravity on the panels 22a-22f so that the material bias due to weaving or covering is overcome and the panels 22a-22f hang straight down. This weighted end member may take the form of a rod, rolled material, clip or the like.

  To open the window cover 10, the user pulls or retracts the opening member 16 to pull up the bottom panel 28 while the remaining panels remain in the rest position. Referring to FIG. 4, the lowermost panel 22f moves substantially parallel to and adjacent to the adjacent upper panel 22e. By continuing to retract the opening member 16, the upper longitudinal portion 30 of the lowermost step 22f contacts the upper longitudinal portion 38 of the adjacent upper panel 22e. Therefore, the lowermost panel 22f cannot move upward relative to the adjacent upper panel 22e any more. When the opening member 16 is further retracted, the lowermost panel 22f and the adjacent upper panel 22e move together behind the adjacent upper panel 22d. When the opening member 16 is retracted, the panels 22a-22f are stacked rearward in this manner until the panels 22a-22f are stacked rearward as shown in FIG.

  As shown, stacking the panels back provides the window cover 10 such that the vertical and straight contours of the panels 22a-22f are maintained when the window cover 10 is opened. Thus, whether the window cover is fully closed (FIG. 1), partially open (FIG. 4), or fully open (FIG. 5), the aesthetic appearance of the window cover 10 Is largely unchanged.

  With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, when the panel 22 is stacked, the strap 18 is folded or collected behind the face 42 of the window cover 10. By locking the operating mechanism such as the string stopper 14, the opening member 16 holds the panels 22a to 22f in the correct positions. Since the partially overlapping relationship of the panels 22a to 22f is held in the fully closed position, the partially opened position, and the fully opened position, the fixing string 18 cannot be seen from the front surface of the window cover.

  It is preferable that the panels 22a-22f are detachably fixed to the fixed string 18 using the fastener module 46. An example of a suitable fastener module 46 is shown in FIG. The fastener module 46 includes a buckle 48 and a clip 50, and is preferably made of an elastic material such as thermoplastic resin or light metal. The clip 50 may be a round bar (dwell) 52 attached to the panel, such as by frictional engagement or by mechanical force exerted by the clip 50 as exerted by the elastic nature of the material comprising the clip 50 (FIG. 6). ) Anchor member. The buckle 48 includes a housing (enclosure, frame) 54 and an engaging member such as a horizontal bar 56. The crossbar 56 includes a first end and a second end 62, the first end is fixed to or integrated with the housing 54, and the second end 62 is pushed into the hole 66. Due to this, the tab (knob) member 64 is engaged.

  The fixed string 18 is coupled to the fastener module 46 by a cross bar 56 passing through the ring in a panel such as the ring 20 defined by the fixed string 18 (FIG. 2). The open string 16 passes through the housing 54 of the fastener module 46 but is not fixed to the housing 54. Thus, when the open string 16 is retracted or extended, the open string 16 penetrates the housing 54 and moves freely relative to the housing so that the fastener module 46 acts as a string guide for the open string 16.

  Alternative embodiments of the present invention are described with reference to FIGS. The window cover 110 includes a head rail 112, a sagging cloth panel 144, and a plurality of panels 122a to 122f. The sagging fabric panel 144 and the other panels 122a-122f partially overlap each other to provide a surface without gaps. As shown in FIG. 9, the appearance of an alternative embodiment of the window cover 110 in the closed position is substantially the same as the previous embodiment. However, the operation of the window cover 110 is somewhat different in that the window cover 110 can be opened not only by raising the panel and opening the window cover 110 but also by lowering the panel.

  With reference to FIGS. 9-11, further features of the window cover 110 are shown. The plurality of panels 122a to 122f are suspended from the head rail 112 by operation members. The uppermost panel 122a that defines the uppermost portion 130a is fixed to a first opening member such as a first opening string 117 that is operated so as to be adjusted by a string stopper 119 (FIG. 10). A fixing member such as a fixing string 118 fixes the uppermost portion 130a of the uppermost panel 122a to the uppermost portions 130b to 130f of the other panels 122b to 122f.

  The lowermost panel 122f of the plurality of panels is fixed to a second opening member such as the second opening string 116 near the upper longitudinal portion 130f thereof. The second open string 116 is suspended from the head rail 112 and is adjusted to be operable by an operation mechanism such as a string stopper 114. The other panels 122a to 122e are not fixed to the second open string 116.

  Opening the window cover 110 can be accomplished in a number of different ways. One method is to pull up the second open string 116 to raise the lowermost panel 122f as described in the embodiment of FIGS. Alternatively, the window cover 110 may be opened by lowering the first opening string 117 and lowering the uppermost panel 122a. Referring to FIG. 12, when the first opening string 117 is lowered, the intermediate panels 122a to 122e are lowered relative to the lowermost panel 122f, so that the panels 122e and 122d and the like are connected to the lowermost panel 122f. Stacked. When the first opening string 117 is completely lowered, the panels 122a to 122f are stacked on the lower side of the window cover 110 as shown in FIG.

  The first opening string 117 and the second opening string 116 can be operated in conjunction with each other. For example, as shown in FIG. 14, the first open string 117 is partially lowered such that the panel 122e is stacked on the lowermost panel 122f. The second open string 116 is pulled up so that the lowermost panel 122f and the panel 122e are stacked together with the panels 122c and 122d.

  With reference to FIGS. 15-18, yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown. As in the previous embodiment, as shown in FIG. 15, the window cover 210 includes a head rail 212, an opening member 216, a hanging cloth panel 244, and a plurality of panels 222 a to 222 f. However, referring to FIGS. 16 and 17, the panels are divided into two sets. Specifically, the panels 222a, 222c, and 222e are one set, and the panels 222b, 222d, and 222f are the other set. This variation provided the optional feature of moving a first set of panels such as panels 222b, 222d, and 222f relative to a second set of panels such as panels 222a, 222c, and 222e. . The first open string 216 is fixed to the upper longitudinal portion of the panels 222a, 222c, and 222e. The panels 222b, 222d, and 222f are fixed to the fixed string 218. The panel 222f is also fixed to the second open string 217.

  By pulling the first opening string 216, the panels 222a, 222c, and 222e are pulled up and moved behind the drooping cloth panel 244 and the panels 222b and 222d, respectively. When the second opening string 217 is retracted, the lowermost panel 222f is raised, and the entire window cover 210 is opened as described above.

  Yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. In this embodiment, the panels 322a to 322e of the window cover 310 are divided into two groups. The first group includes panels 322a and 322b, and the second group includes panels 322c to 322e. Upper longitudinal portions of the panels 322e and 322b are fixed to the first open string 316. The panels 322a, 322c, and 322d are fixed to the fixed string 318. The lowermost panel 322f is fixed to the second open string 317. In this embodiment, when the first open string 316 is raised, the panels 322e and 322b are raised and moved behind the panels 322d and 322a, respectively. When the first open string 316 is further lifted, the panels 322a and 322b are stacked behind the droop fabric panel 344, and the panels 322d and 322e are stacked with the panel 322c. Each panel of 322a to 322f may be raised by pulling up the second open string 317.

  In the described embodiment, the panels are described as being uniform in size. However, when the panels are stacked, the panels may be gradually narrowed so that the stacked panels are completely hidden.

  The above description and accompanying drawings illustrate the invention. Still other variations and arrangements of components are possible without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention.

FIG. 1 is a perspective front view of a preferred embodiment of the window cover of the present invention in a closed position. FIG. 2 is a right side elevation view of the window cover of FIG. FIG. 3 is a left side elevational view of the window cover of FIG. 4 is a perspective front view of the window cover of FIG. 1 in a partially opened position. FIG. 5 is a perspective front view of the window cover of FIG. 1 in a fully open position. 6 is a right side elevation view of the window cover of FIG. 5 in a fully open position. 7 is a left side elevational view of the window cover of FIG. 5 in a fully open position. FIG. 8 is an enlarged perspective view of a fastener module suitable for use with the present invention. FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of an alternative embodiment of a window cover according to the present invention. 10 is a rear perspective view of the window cover of FIG. FIG. 11 is an enlarged perspective view of a part of FIG. 12 is a rear perspective view of the window cover of FIG. 9 in a partially open position. 13 is a front perspective view of the window cover of FIG. 9 in a fully open position. 14 is a rear perspective view of the window cover of FIG. 13 in another partially open position. FIG. 15 is a front perspective view of another embodiment of a window cover in a closed position according to the present invention. FIG. 16 is a front perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 15 with the window cover in a partially open position. FIG. 17 is a rear perspective view of the embodiment of FIG. 15 with the window cover in a partially open position. FIG. 18 is an enlarged portion of FIG. FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of yet another embodiment of a window cover in a partially open position according to the present invention.

Claims (20)

A window cover,
A head rail including at least one operating mechanism adapted to perform vertical adjustment of the at least one release member;
A fixing member;
A plurality of intermediate panels and a lowermost panel, each panel being fixed to a fixing member near the upper longitudinal portion of the panel, the panel being fixed to the fixing member at regular intervals along the fixing member, A plurality of intermediate panels and a lowermost panel in which the portion longitudinal direction portion is separated from the fixing member and the panel is freely suspended from the panel fixing member;
A lowermost panel fixed to an open member near the upper longitudinal portion;
Including window cover.   The window cover according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels are in a partially overlapping relationship.   The window cover of claim 1, wherein the panel is removably secured to the securing member by a fastener module.   The second opening member further comprising a second opening member, the second opening member being secured to the upper longitudinal portion of the upper panel and adapted to lower the upper panel relative to the head rail. Window cover as described in.   The window cover of claim 1, wherein a lower longitudinal portion of the panel includes a weighted end member.   The window cover according to claim 1, wherein the fixing member is a fixing string, and the opening member is an opening string.   The window cover according to claim 6, wherein the fixing member includes a plurality of rings arranged at intervals, and is fixed to the ring so that an upper longitudinal direction portion of each panel can be operated.   The window cover according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of panels are stacked rearward by adjusting the opening member. A window cover,
A fixing member;
At least one opening member adapted to be retracted and extended;
A plurality of panels, each panel having an upper longitudinal portion secured to the securing member at regular intervals along the securing member and having a lower longitudinal portion separated from the securing member When,
A lowermost panel belonging to a plurality of panels, fixed to an open member near the upper longitudinal portion;
Including window cover.   The window cover of claim 9, wherein a lower longitudinal portion of at least one panel partially overlaps an upper longitudinal portion of an adjacent lower panel.   The window cover of claim 10, wherein the panel is removably secured to the securing member by a fastener module.   The second opening member further includes a second opening member, the second opening member being fixed to the upper longitudinal portion of the upper panel and adapted to lower the upper panel relative to the lowermost panel. Window cover as described in.   The window cover of claim 9, wherein a lower longitudinal portion of the panel includes a weighted end member.   The window cover according to claim 9, wherein the fixing member is a string including a plurality of rings arranged at intervals, and is fixed to the ring in a state where the upper longitudinal direction portion of each panel can be operated.   The window cover according to claim 9, wherein the plurality of panels are stacked rearward by adjusting the opening member. A window cover having an open position and a shielding position,
A fixed string,
At least one open string adapted to be retracted and extended;
A plurality of freely suspended panels, wherein at least one of the panels has an upper longitudinal portion secured to the fixed string and a lower longitudinal portion separated from the fixed string. A plurality of panels having a lower longitudinal portion partially overlapping an upper longitudinal portion of an adjacent lower panel;
A lowermost panel within the plurality of panels, secured to the open string near the upper longitudinal portion;
The open string adapted to be adjusted to move the window cover from a closed position to an open position, the open string stacking the plurality of panels rearward by adjusting the open string; and
Including window cover.   The window cover of claim 16, wherein the panel is removably secured to the securing strap by a fastener module.   The window cover of claim 16, wherein a lower longitudinal portion of the panel includes a weighted end member.   A second open string secured to the upper longitudinal portion of the uppermost panel, the second open string being adapted to be adjusted to move the window cover from the closed position to the open position; The window cover according to claim 16. A method of opening a window cover including an opening member, a fixing member, a plurality of intermediate panels, and a lowermost panel, each panel being fixed to the fixing member near an upper longitudinal portion of the panel, The panel is fixed to the fixing member at regular intervals along the fixing member, and the panel is freely suspended from the fixing member in a state where a lower longitudinal direction portion of each panel is separated from the fixing member, The lowermost panel is secured to the opening member near the upper longitudinal portion, and the method comprises:
Retracting the opening member and moving the bottom panel behind the next panel above,
Continuing to retract the opening member so that the bottom panel and the next upper panel are stacked behind the next two upper panels;
Including methods.

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