Blind assembly with two blind head rail

Abstract

A blind for a building opening having a first blind roller located in an upper region of a head rail, a second blind roller located in a lower region of the head rail, a first blind stored on the first blind roller, a second blind stored on the second blind roller, a first blind control guided forwardly and operable to lower and raise said first blind, and a second blind control guided forwardly and operable to lower and raise said second blind.

Claims

1. A blind for a building opening, comprising: a head rail defining a front cover wall, a top wall, a back wall, a first end cap, and a second end cap; a first blind roller supported within said head rail; a first blind panel extending from said first blind roller in a vertical direction; a first blind control cord coupled with said first blind roller; a second blind roller separate from said first blind roller, said second blind roller supported within said head rail, said second blind roller supported in said head rail independently from said first blind roller; a second blind panel extending from said second blind roller in said vertical direction, said second blind panel extending behind said first blind roller; a second blind control cord separate from said first blind control cord and coupled with said second blind roller to operate said second blind roller independently of said first blind roller; a first blind control cord guide that guides said first blind control cord, said first blind control guide including first and second ribs formed on one of said first and second end caps, said first and second ribs extending transversely to said vertical direction and then downwards parallel to said vertical direction to guide said first blind control cord out of a bottom opening of said head rail; and a second blind control cord guide that guides said second blind control cord, said second blind control guide including third and fourth ribs formed on one of said first and second end caps, said third and fourth ribs extending transversely to said vertical direction and then downwards parallel to said vertical direction to guide said second blind control cord out of the bottom opening of said head rail.

2. The blind of claim 1, wherein: said second blind roller is located in an upper portion of said head rail; and said first blind roller is located in a lower portion of said head rail below said second blind roller.

3. The blind of claim 2, wherein said first blind roller is located forwardly of said second blind roller in said head rail.

4. The blind of claim 1, wherein said first blind panel comprises: a first sheet that is light permeable; a second sheet that is light permeable; and transverse strips extending between and attached to said first and second sheets, wherein said transverse strips are light impermeable.

5. The blind of claim 4, wherein said first blind panel and is light impermeable.

6. The blind of claim 1, wherein said second blind control cord guide extends at least partially above said first blind roller and terminates at a bottom perimeter of said first and second end caps.

7. A blind for a building opening, comprising: a head rail defining a front cover wall, a top wall, a back wall, a first end cap, and a second end cap; a first blind roller rotatable about a first rotation axis in said head rail; a first blind panel extending from said first blind roller in a vertical direction; a first blind control cord coupled with said first blind roller; a second blind roller rotatable about a second rotation axis in said head rail spaced from said first rotation axis; a second blind panel extending from said second blind roller in said vertical direction, said second blind panel extending behind said first blind roller; a second blind control cord coupled with said second blind roller to operate said second blind roller independently of said first blind roller; a first blind control cord guide positioned to guide said first control cord downwardly from said head rail, said first blind control guide including one or more ribs formed on one of said first and second end caps, said one or more ribs extending transversely to said vertical direction and then downwards parallel to said vertical direction to guide said first blind control cord out of a bottom opening of said head rail; and a second blind control cord guide positioned to guide said second control cord downwardly from said head rail, said second blind control guide including one or more ribs formed on one of said first and second end caps, said one or more ribs extending transversely to said vertical direction and then downwards parallel to said vertical direction to guide said second blind control cord out of the bottom opening of said head rail.

8. The blind of claim 7, wherein: said second blind roller is located in an upper portion of said head rail; said first blind panel roller is located in a lower portion of said head rail below said second blind roller.

9. The blind of claim 8, wherein said first blind roller is located forwardly of said second blind roller in said head rail.

10. The blind of claim 8, wherein said second blind control cord guide extends tangentially to and downwardly from said second blind roller and alongside said first blind roller.

11. The blind of claim 7, wherein said first blind panel comprises: a first sheet that is light permeable; a second sheet that is light permeable; and transverse strips extending between and attached to said first and second sheets, wherein said transverse strips are light impermeable.

12. The blind of claim 11, wherein said first blind panel and is light impermeable.

13. The blind of claim 7, wherein said second blind control cord guide extends at least partially above said first blind roller and terminates at the bottom opening.

14. A blind for a building opening, comprising: a head rail defining a front cover wall, a top wall, a back wall, a first end cap, and a second end cap; a first blind roller in said head rail; a first blind panel attached to said first blind roller, said first blind panel being extendable and retractable with respect to said first blind roller in a vertical direction, said first blind panel including a first sheet and a second sheet suspended from opposite sides of said first blind roller and transverse strips extending between and attached to said first and second sheets; a first blind control element coupled with said first blind roller; a first blind control element guide in said head rail and positioned to guide said first blind control element, said first blind control element guide including a rib formed on one of said first and second end caps, said rib extending transversely to said vertical direction and then downwards parallel to said vertical direction to guide said first blind control element out of a bottom opening of said head rail; a second blind roller in said head rail, said second blind roller being independently from said first blind roller; a second blind panel attached to said second blind roller and formed of a light obscuring material to provide substantial exclusion of light, said second blind panel being extendable and retractable with respect to said second blind roller in said vertical direction; a second blind control element coupled with said second blind roller, said second blind control element operating said second blind roller independently of said first blind roller; and a second blind control element guide in said head rail, said second blind control element guide including a rib formed on one of said first and second end caps, said rib extending transversely to said vertical direction and then downwards parallel to said vertical direction to guide said second blind control element out of the bottom opening of said head rail.

15. The blind of claim 14, wherein said rib of said second blind control element guide defines an arc extending around said first blind roller.

16. The blind of claim 14, wherein said rib of said second blind control element guide extends from said second roller to a bottom perimeter of said first or second end cap.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) FIG. 1 is a general perspective of a typical blind illustrating the invention and showing a first looped blind panel, with alternating light and dark transverse blind strips, and a second opaque blind panel, and a head rail;

(2) FIG. 2 is a section along line 2-2 of FIG. 1;

(3) FIG. 3 is a section along line 3-3 of FIG. 1;

(4) FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective of one end of the head rail;

(5) FIG. 5 is a section corresponding to FIG. 2 showing another embodiment;

(6) FIG. 6 is a perspective of another embodiment;

(7) FIG. 6A is a section of an alienate light baffle;

(8) FIG. 7 is a side elevation of another embodiment; showing a vertical strip blind as the front panel, and a dark effect material as the second panel;

(9) FIG. 8 is a side elevation of another embodiment showing a concertina material as the front panel and a dark effect material as the second panel;

(10) FIG. 9 is a side elevation of another embodiment, showing both first and second panels as being material wound onto rollers;

(11) FIG. 10 is a side elevation of another embodiment, showing the head rail of the previous embodiment adapted for use with a single blind panel, with control elements hanging forwardly of the blind panel;

(12) FIG. 11 is a side elevation of another embodiment, showing a front blind panel formed of two sheets of translucent material, with transverse strips extending between the two sheets, and showing a second dark blind panel;

(13) FIG. 12 is a side elevation of another embodiment, showing a front blind panel, formed into a loop and passing around a roller in the bottom rail;

(14) FIG. 13 is a side elevation of another embodiment, showing a front blind panel in the form of a loop with its free end secured in the head rail, on a semicircular wall;

(15) FIG. 14 is a side elevation of another embodiment, showing a front blind panel in the form of a loop, with its free end attached to a rear wall of the head rail;

(16) FIG. 15 is a side elevation of another embodiment, showing a front blind panel in the form of a loop with its free end attached to a front wall of the head rail;

(17) FIG. 16 is a side elevation of another embodiment, showing a front blind panel in the form of a loop with its free end secured to the top wall of the head rail.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(18) It will be seen that the blind illustrated generally as (10), comprises a head rail (12) and a bottom rail (14). The blind is typically located over a building opening such as a window. The blind, in this first embodiment, provides a first or lower looped translucent blind panel (16) and a second or upper opaque blind panel (18). It will be seen that the first and second blind panels are supported so as to hang vertically. The second panel (18) has the usual bottom rail. The first or lower blind is located in a lower region of the head rail, and is the lower blind. The second blind panel is located in an upper region of the head rail, and is the upper blind. First blind panel (16) is a continuous strip which passes around a bottom rail roller (20) in the bottom rail (14), and the free end is secured back up in the head rail (to be described below), so as to hold the looped panel in position. As shown the front blind panel in this embodiment is a loop, so that its two portions form in effect two panel portions hanging down, one panel portion being spaced in front and the other behind. The two panel portions can be considered as a front panel portion and an intermediate panel portion.

(19) The second blind panel, which is the upper panel, hangs rearwardly behind the front and intermediate panel portions. The first and second blind panels are spaced apart from one another. The first blind panel, in this embodiment, is formed of light permeable material, which is at least partly translucent, so that light can pass through and permit at least some light to pass into the interior of the building, even when the first panel is lowered.

(20) In order to provide for a variable lighting effect, namely a greater or lesser exclusion of light, first blind panel (16) is provided with transverse darker blind strips (22). Strips (22) are formed of thicker or darker material such that it is at least less light permeable, than the fabric of the blind panel. The strips (22) are located at spaced intervals. Between the strips (22), spaces or strips (24) of the fabric of the first panel (16) are more light permeable, thus providing alternating light and dark strips.

(21) As shown, the first panel hangs down in a loop. At its lower end it passes freely into and out of bottom rail (14), described below. Within rail (14), the free running roller or rod (20), guides and controls the first blind material. By adjusting the loop it is possible to align the dark strips (22) in the two parts of the loop with each other, and thus align the light strips (24) with each other. This will provide passage of light through the lighter strips. By adjusting the loop slightly, the dark strips (22) in one part of the loop can be made to align or register with the light strips (24) in the other part of the loop, providing more privacy and less light.

(22) By suitable mechanism (described below) the first and second blind panels can be adjusted, and raised or lowered, and can also be retracted back up into the head rail (12) in order to provide a completely open area in the building opening or window. In order to provide for these functions the head rail (12) carries an upper second panel roller (30) located in an upper region of the head rail, and a lower blind attachment, in this case a lower roller (32) which is located in a lower region of the head rail.

(23) The two rollers define axes which are parallel, but spaced vertically apart from one another. Roller (32) is located below the roller (30). It will be noted that the lower blind hangs from the rearward side of its roller. Similarly the upper blind hangs rearwardly from its roller. Both blinds therefor hang on the same side of their respective rollers, which makes for a more compact aesthetically pleasing profile for the head rail. The two rollers are operable, in this embodiment by control elements which in this case comprise respective first and second control cords, chains or the like, (34) and (36).

(24) Head rail (12) comprises an elongated transverse channel, preferably formed of suitable material such as thermoplastic material, or a metal extrusion, and having screw receiving moldings (40) formed therein. Head rail (12) defines a front cover wall (42), a top wall (44) and a back wall (46). Suitable mounting devices (not shown), for securing the blind to a building, can be secured to the back wall or top wall, depending on the fabric of the building to which it is to be attached.

(25) At each end of head rail (12) there is an end cap (48), preferably formed of thermoplastic. The end cap (48) defines a flat planar exterior. Screws can be passed through the end cap and secured in screw moldings (40) in head rail (12).

(26) Main body (50) is formed with integral upper and lower hub bearings (54) and (56), for carrying ends of respective rollers (30) and (32).

(27) Drives for the rollers are operated by respective control elements, in this case upper and lower control cords or chains (34) and (36). Such cords, as is well known, hang down in endless loops, and one or other of the loop portions can be grasped and drawn down, to operate the respective blinds. The cords, in this case, are the typical metal chain cord, having metal spheres connected together by wire links, such as are well known in the art. The spheres are also commonly made of thermoplastic, in a variety of colors. Cords of other designs are known and could be used. All such cords, whether chains, or cords of any other type are referred to herein as control elements or cords, wherever these words are used, and are deemed to include all such chains, cords, and the like of whatever type. The cord for the upper roller hangs well forward of the edges of the first and second blind panels (16) and (18). The cord for the lower roller hangs forward of the edges of the first and second blind panels.

(28) Each blind roller has a groove (80) in which edges of the respective blind panels are secured. An intermediate loop fastening wall (82) which in this case is formed of extruded metal, for example, but could be formed in other ways, is secured in a groove (80) inside the front wall (42) of the head rail (12). The wall (82) is, in this case, removable, by sliding out of the groove. However, the wall could be permanently fastened to the head rail, or could be formed integrally with the head rail. The fastening wall (82) extends between the upper and lower rollers (30) and (32), and terminates adjacent to but spaced from the back wall (46). A first blind panel loop fastening groove (84) is formed along the free edge of wall (82). The free end of front looped blind panel (16) is secured in groove (84), in this embodiment.

(29) In operation the first or front panel (16) can be lowered, while the second panel (18) remains retracted. As front panel (16) is lowered it will run around roller (20) in the bottom rail (14). If light is required then the front or lower panel can be adjusted so the dark strips (22) align with each other. This will allow passage of light through the intervening light strips. (24). If less light is required, or for greater privacy, the front panel can be adjusted so that the dark strips line up with the lighter intervening strips.

(30) It will be seen that the front or lower panel forms in effect two panel portions, namely a front portion and an intermediate portion, spaced from one another. Adjustment of the front and intermediate portions relative to one another, changes the lighting effect inside the building space. For substantially complete light exclusion the second or upper blind panel (18) is lowered. However the first panel may be allowed to remain hanging down and provides a pleasing aesthetic decorative effect. The first or lower blind panel hangs down from the rearward side of lower roller (32), clear of the control cords. The second or upper blind hangs downwardly from the rearward side of upper roller (30), keeping it also clear of the cords. By this arrangement the profile of the head rail can be maintained as slim as possible, and thus provide an aesthetic appearance, without obtruding into the building interior. In addition, since the object of the blind itself is to control the light entering the building space, the result of keeping both lower and upper blinds to the rear of the head rail, ensures that as far as possible, light is prevented from entering, around the edges of the two panels. In other words, this arrangement keeps both blinds as close as possible to the actual window. The operation of the blind panels by the cords and the manipulation of the cords, can be managed forwardly of the two blind panels, and without contact their edges. In addition, by guiding the cord loops to hang forwardly, the blind panels can fill the full width of the building opening or window, and thus provide maximum privacy, and exclusion of light.

(31) A somewhat simplified embodiment is shown in FIG. 5. In this case the front blind panel (90) is a single sheet. There is no loop. The lower end is attached to a bottom rail (92). The fastening wall extrusion (82) of FIG. 2 has been removed as it is not required. There is no dead end of the front panel (90) to be secured, in the head rail. The second or dark panel (94) is similar to the second panel of FIG. 2. The control cords and guides are the same as in FIG. 2, and have the same reference numbers. The cords are guided, as before, forwardly of the edges of the first and second panels

(32) Another possible variation is shown in FIG. 6. In this case the front blind panel control cord (96) is shown located at one end of the head rail, and the control cord (98) for the second panel is located at the opposite end of the head rail. In this case the end caps (100) are the same as in FIG. 2, and both sets of control cords are guided forwardly of the edges of the two blind panels.

(33) In some cases, it may be desirable to add an edge channel (102), by attaching it directly to the building fabric down each side of the opening. The edges of the second, dark panel (94) are received in the channels. In this way light which might otherwise find its way around the edges of the dark panel (94), is eliminated.

(34) The channels (102) could be replaced by simple L-shaped baffles (104), FIG. 6A, where the building fabric provides a suitable portion to which it may be bonded. It is possible that the same head rail can be used for a simpler blind with only a single blind panel. In such a case there would be only one cord loop (not shown), but it would still be guided by the appropriate ribs and hang forwardly of the blind panel, so as to avoid damage to the edge, of the panel. The use of the forward guiding of the control cords also has the result of permitting the blind panel, or panels, to be made to the full width of the window opening, and thus provide for more effective light exclusion, when required.

(35) The head rail can be adapted for use with a variety of different types of blind designs.

(36) FIG. 7 shows the head rail (120), modified somewhat to support a typical vertical blind. Thus head rail (120) has a front wall extension (122) formed integrally. Extension (122) is of generally L-shaped section, having a horizontal support wall (124) and a vertical front wall (126). Any suitable trim strip (128) can be supported in vertical wall (126) in known manner. A lower blind attachment, in this case a transverse elongated linear blind track (130), of known design can be simply secured to the underside of support wall (124). Trolleys (132) on track (130) carry vertical strips (134), in known manner. Such vertical blinds can be operated by cords, or by wands, in known manner. Within head rail (120) a single upper roller (136) carries a second upper blind panel (138). This is formed of opaque dark effect material. Suitable cords (not shown) are provided for operation of roller (136), being guided forwardly of the edge of panel (138) by guides such as shown in FIGS. 1 to 6. Thus the vertical strips forming the first blind panel can be deployed to provide some privacy, and some light exclusion, as desired. By this arrangement the upper blind panel can hang freely down in the rear area of the head rail, without interference from the lower blind carried on the support wall (124). When darkness is required the second panel (138) can be lowered.

(37) FIG. 8 shows another embodiment. In this case the front or first panel is of concertina type blind material (140), typically made from semi translucent material. In this case the head rail (14) has a front wall (143) and a single roller (144) for the second or upper panel (146) similar to FIG. 7 being formed from opaque dark effect material. The front or lower panel is supported by a lower blind attachment, in this case by a horizontal support wall (148). Wall (148) is attachable to front wall of head rail (142), by a slide flange (149) fitting in a channel (150) formed in head rail (142). The support wall (148) is formed with two downwardly extending ridges (152). Ridges (152) are L-shaped with horizontal support portions extending outwardly in opposite directions. A rectangular tubular blind housing (154) is slideably attached to the horizontal support portions. Housing (154) defines a downwardly directed continuous opening (156). A top panel (141) of blind (140) is retained in housing (154), by in turned lips (158) alongside opening (156). The pleated blind (140) extends through the opening (156). In this way the attachment of the lower concertina type blind leaves the rear area of head rail (142) clear of obstruction, and the upper blind panel can hang down freely. Suitable control cords (not shown) are provided (not shown), similar to FIG. 7.

(38) Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 9. In this case the head rail (160) is similar to FIGS. 1 to 5, with guides for the control cords, as already described. In this case the front panel (162) is a simple single panel of semi translucent material, which may, for example be of natural origin, such as bamboo, or other semi translucent fabrics such as are well known. The second panel (166) is of dark effect opaque material, as before. Suitable controls operate the respective first and second panels, as before.

(39) FIG. 10 shows essentially the same embodiment as FIG. 9, but in this case only the one blind panel (168) is shown, on a single roller (170). The head rail is of the same design as FIG. 9, but the space for the front roller, of FIG. 9, is simply unused.

(40) Another embodiment is shown in FIG. 11. This appears to be similar to the FIG. 2 embodiment. However in this case the front or first panel (180) consists of two separate sheets of semi translucent material (182) and (184). The two sheets hang from the same roller (186). The two sheets are in fact adapted to be wound up, or lowered from the one roller (186). Between the two sheets there are a plurality of transverse strips (188) of generally S-shaped configuration. The strips (188) are bonded or joined in other ways, to respective sheets (182) and (184). The roller control mechanism is of a type known per se, and permits the two sheets to be arranged to hang as shown in FIG. 11, so that they are separated from each other, with one sheet wound up on one side of the roller, and the other sheet wound up on the other side of the roller. When in this configuration the transverse strips are displaced apart from each other as shown in FIG. 11. This permits a greater amount of light to pass through the two sheets, into the interior of the building.

(41) By manipulation of the roller, the two sheets (182) and (184) can be displaced relative to one another, so that they will hang from the same side of the roller. This will cause the strips (188) to become rearranged so that they lie in more or less a vertical arrangement. The edges of the strips will register or overlap. This will block passage of more light, giving greater privacy. Channels (190) and (192) are formed in roller (186) and receive the edges of respective sheets (182) and (184). The second panel (194) hangs from upper roller (196), and is formed from opaque dark effect material. In this way the front panel can be manipulated, to provide more or less light, and gives a decorative appearance. Panel (194) can be lowered when light exclusion is required.

(42) FIG. 12 is a side elevation of another embodiment, showing a front blind panel (200), formed into a loop and passing around a roller (202) in the bottom rail (204). The bottom rail has two semi cylindrical walls (206) defining a semi-cylindrical channel (208), with an upwardly directed open mouth (210). The panel (200) fits around roller (202), and is trapped between walls (206), but is free to rotate with roller (202) within channel (208).

(43) FIG. 13 is a side elevation of another embodiment, showing a front blind panel (212) in the form of a loop with its free end (214) secured to on a semicircular wall (216), formed of metal, or extruded thermoplastic. The wall is secured to the interior of a rear portion of the head rail. Its shape enables it to encircle the upper roller and dark blind (218), without contact.

(44) FIG. 14 is a side elevation of another embodiment, showing a front blind panel (220) in the form of a loop, with its free end (222) attached directly to a rear wall of the head rail. In this embodiment the panel (220) will actually contact the dark blind panel (224) on upper and also the front panel (220) on the lower roller. This may result in some wear, if the panels are adjusted frequently, but may be satisfactory for some circumstances.

(45) FIG. 15 is a side elevation of another embodiment, showing a front blind panel (226) in the form of a loop with its free end (228) attached to a front wall of the head rail. In this case the front panel will be in contact itself, where the free end runs around lower roller (230), but will not contact the dark panel on the upper roller.

(46) FIG. 16 is a side elevation of another embodiment, showing a front blind panel (232) in the form of a loop with its free end (234) secured to the top wall of the head rail. In this case there will be some slight contact between the free end (234) and both the dark blind on the upper roller, and with the front panel on the lower roller. However since the two contact areas are relatively small, the wear will be slight.

(47) The foregoing is a description of a preferred embodiment of the invention which is given here by way of example only. The invention is not to be taken as limited to any of the specific features as described, but comprehends all such variations thereof as come within the scope of the appended claims.