Corded top down and cordless bottom up shade modification kit

Abstract

The invention relates to window coverings modification kit and is more specifically related to cordless blinds for covering window openings modification kit and, more particularly to cordless window coverings modification kit for tall windows.

Claims

1. A method of modifying the head rail of a cordless blind using a kit comprising of the steps: a. Remove the top rail cover from the top rail from the b. installing drill fixture on the side of the top support rail which the pull cord is going to be used and drilling a pull cord hole; c. drill a hole in the front of the top support rail for the pull cord using the drill fixture; d. installing drill fixture on the left-side bottom of the top rail which the left cord is going to be used and drilling a left-side hole using the drill fixture; e. installing drill fixture on the right-side bottom of the top rail which the right cord is going to be used and drilling a right-side hole using the drill fixture; f. inserting the cord lock mechanism comprising of a cord lock, shaft and two pulleys into the top rail; g. align the right reel so that they are in line with the right cord hole and attach the right cord to the left reel and insert it in the right-side hole; h. align the left reel so that they are in line with the left cord hole and attach the left cord to the left reel and insert it in the left-side hole; i. attaching the right cord to the head rail; j. attaching the left cord to the head rail; k. attaching the pull cord to the cord lock mechanism and insert it in the pull cord hole; l. attaching the fabric panel to the head rail; m. Attaching the universal cover/tassel to the cord; n. Installing the top rail above the window.

2. The drill fixture of claim 1 comprising of a drill fixture with three locating stops for aligning it to the top rail cover, right side bottom of the top rail and left side bottom of the top rail.

3. The kit of claim 1 comprising of a comprised of head rail, cord lock mechanism cord, pull cord assembly cord, universal cover/tassel and drill fixture.

4. A method of modifying the head rail of a cordless blind using a kit comprising of the steps: a. Remove the top rail cover from the top rail from the b. installing drill fixture on the side of the top support rail which the pull cord is going to be used and drilling a pull cord hole; c. drill a hole in the front of the top support rail for the pull cord using the drill fixture; d. installing drill fixture on the center of the bottom of the top rail which the right cord is going to be used and drilling a right-side hole using the drill fixture; e. inserting the cord lock mechanism comprising of a cord lock, shaft and two pulleys into the top rail; f. align the right reel so that they are in line with the center cord hole and attach the right cord to the left reel and insert it in the right-side hole; g. attaching the right cord to the head rail; h. attaching the pull cord to the cord lock mechanism and insert it in the pull cord hole; i. attaching the fabric panel to the head rail; j. Attaching the universal cover/tassel to the cord; k. Installing the top rail above the window.

5. The kit of claim 4 comprising of a comprised of head rail, cord lock mechanism cord, pull cord assembly cord, universal cover/tassel and drill fixture.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0019] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of particular embodiments may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the drawings. In which like reference numerals are used to refer to similar components. When reference is made to a reference numeral without specification to an existing sub-label, it is intended to refer to all such multiple similar components.

[0020] FIG. 1 is a cordless blind

[0021] FIG. 2 is blind of the instant Invention showing the cord to move the head rail;

[0022] FIG. 3 is blind of the instant Invention showing the cord to move the head rail and cordless bottom rail;

[0023] FIG. 4 is blind of the instant Invention showing the cordless bottom rail;

[0024] FIG. 5 cord lock used by the instant Invention;

[0025] FIG. 6 is the kit of the instant invention;

[0026] FIG. 7 is shown a retrofit of a blind to have a pull cord top.

[0027] Corresponding reference characters Indicate corresponding parts throughout the several views. The exemplifications set out herein illustrate embodiments of the invention and such exemplifications are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the invention in any manner.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The term individual, user, client, customer are used interchangeably and refers to a person who is operating a window blind to either open or close it.

[0029] Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIG. 1, there is shown a traditional cordless blind 1000 with the head rail 1005 in the raised position and the bottom rail 1010 in the lower position. This blind allows the customer to move the bottom rail or top rail without having to use a cord attached to the bottom or top rail. The blind works for most customers unless the window is tall and then they cannot raise or lower the head rail which reduces the functionality of the blind.

[0030] Referring now to FIG. 2, there is shown a traditional cordless blind 2000 of the instant invention showing the head rail 2005 being lowered without pulling on a cord or lowering a cord. To lower the head rail the customer applies downward pressure to the head rail 2005 and the headrail 2005 moves down. When the customer wants to raise the head rail 2005 the customer provides upward pressure to the head rail and the head rail rise. To move the bottom rail 2010 the customer applies upward pressure to the bottom rail 2010 and the bottom rail 2010 moves up. This blind allows the customer to move the bottom rail 2010 or top rail 2005 without having to use a cord attached to the bottom or top rail. The blind works for most customers unless the window is tall and then they cannot raise or lower the head rail which reduces the functionality of the blind.

[0031] Referring now to FIGS. 3 and 4, there is shown a blind 3000 of the instant invention showing a cord to operate the head rail 3005. By pulling on the cord 3015 the head rail 3005 is raise thereby raising the fabric 2000. To lower the head rail 3005 the customer unlatches the cord 3015 from the cord lock 3020 and release the cord 3015 allowing the head rail 3005 to lower. To raise the head rail 3005 the customer unlatches the cord 3015 from the cord lock 3020 and pulls the cord allowing the head rail 3005 to raise up. This blind allows the customer to move the bottom rail 3010 without having to use a cord 3015 attached to the bottom and it allows the customer to move the head rail 3005 by using an attached cord. The blind works for customers where the window is tall and then they cannot raise or lower the head rail except for using a step ladder which reduces the functionality of the blind.

[0032] FIG. 5 is a picture of the cord lock mechanism 3020 used in the modification kit. The cord 3015 enters the cord lock mechanism 3020, shaft 3021 and reels 3035 and 3036. When the cord 3015 is pulled on it raises the head rail 3005 and when released it lowers the head rail 3005. Cord 3015 is comprised of external cord 3016, cord union 3019, internal cords 3017 and 3018.

[0033] FIG. 6 shows the kit for converting a cordless blind to have a head rail operated by a pull cord. The kit is comprised of head rail 3005, cord lock mechanism 3020 having shaft 3021 and reels 3035 and 3036, pull cord assembly cord 3015 comprised of pull cord 3016. And right-side cord 3017 and left-side cord 3018, drill fixture 5010 which has at least three stop positions to align the drill fixture 5010 to the top support rail 7010 for drilling the pull cord hole, one stop for drilling the right cord hole in the head rail 3005 and one stop for drilling the left cord hole in the head rail 3005.

[0034] The modification kit of FIG. 6 is use to modify the head rail to provide a cord that operates the head rail separately and allows the bottom rail to be operated as cordless.

[0035] As shown in FIG. 7 the first step to retrofit the blind to have a pull cord top is to remove the drill fixture 5010 from of kit 6000 and then remove the top support rail 7010 from the cordless blind 1000 and using the drill fixture 5010 and drill holes for the pull cord 3016 and right-side cord 3017 and left-side cord 3018. The hole for pull cord 3016 is shown as 7015. Then thread lift cords 3017 and 3018 through the holes in the top support rail 7010. Install the cord lock mechanism 3020 having shaft 3021 and reels 3035 and 3036 and loosen the reels 3035 and 3036 using the set screws and align them to their respective holes in the top support rail 7010 and tighten the set screws. Next secure the fabric 3000 to the lower surface of head rail 3005. Thread the lift cords 3017 and 3018 over the reels 3035 and 3036 and secure them appropriately so the lift cords will wrap over the reel. Thread the pull cord 3016 through hole 7010 and attach it to the cord lock 3020. Attaching the universal cover/tassel to the pull cord 3016. Reassemble the blind and now the upper head rail moves the upper segment of fabric 3000.

[0036] The kit alternatively could have a single lift cords 3017 installed at the center of the blind top support rail 7010. When using a single lift cord the step to retrofit first step to retrofit the blind to have a pull cord top is to remove the drill fixture 5010 from of kit 6000 and then remove the top support rail 7010 from the cordless blind 1000 and using the drill fixture 5010 and drill holes for the pull cord 3016 and a center hole in the center of the top support rail 7010. You then can use either the right-side cord 3017 or left-side cord 3018. Hole for pull cord 3016 is shown as 7015. Then thread lift cord 3017 or 3018 through the hole in the center of the top support rail 7010. Next secure the fabric 3000 to the lower surface of head rail 3005. Loosen the set screw on the reel 3036 for the right-side cord and position it over the center hole and retighten the set screw. Thread the lift cords 3017 or 3018 over the reel 3036 and secure it appropriately so the lift cords will wrap over the reel. Thread the pull cord 3016 through hole 7010 and attach it to the cord lock 3020. Attaching the universal cover/tassel to the pull cord 3016. Reassemble the blind and now the upper head rail moves the upper segment of fabric 3000.

[0037] The kit for converting a cordless blind to have a head rail operated by a pull cord and a single lift cord. The kit is comprised of head rail 3005, cord lock mechanism cord 3020 having shaft 3021 and reels 3035 and 3036, pull cord assembly cord 3015 comprised of pull cord 3016 and right-side cord 3017, drill fixture 5010 which has at least three stop positions to align the drill fixture 5010 to the top support rail 7010.

[0038] While this invention has been described with respect to at least one embodiment, the present invention can be further modified within the spirit and scope of this disclosure. This application is therefore intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the invention using its general principles. Further, this application is intended to cover such departures from the present disclosure as come within known or customary practice in the art to which this invention pertains and which fall within the limits of the appended claims.