Adjustable blind

Abstract

An adjustable blind assembly, having a first and a second telescoping tension rod, an adjustable blind, said blind having a plurality of sleeves therein, each of said sleeves arranged to accept a transverse member, each of said transverse members having a first and a second endcap arranged on opposite ends of said transverse members, each of said endcaps arranged to engage one of said telescoping tension rods via an attachment means, and a height adjustment means fixedly secured to each of said telescoping tension rods.

Claims

1. An adjustable blind assembly, comprising: a vertical first telescoping tension rod; a second telescoping tension rod, said second telescoping tension rod arranged parallel to said first telescoping rod; a plurality of transverse members, each transverse member of said plurality of transverse members having a first and a second endcap arranged on opposite ends thereof, each of said endcaps arranged to engage one of said telescoping tension rods via a bungee cord, each of said endcaps comprising: a first end and a second end; an internal cavity, said internal cavity having a first opening at said first end and a second opening arranged proximate to said second end; and, a hook arranged on an external surface of each said endcap and arranged opposite said second opening, said hook forming a void opposite of said second opening, wherein said first end accepts and secures a first end and a second end of said bungee cord within said internal cavity, said bungee cord passing through said second opening and looping around one of said telescoping tension rods, said bungee cord engaging said hook of said endcap at a middle portion of said bungee cord and rest within said void, thereby securing by way of a lateral force said endcap to one of said telescoping tension rods such that said second end of said endcap abuts one of said telescoping tension rods; an adjustable blind, said blind having a plurality of sleeves therein, each of said sleeves arranged to accept one of said plurality of transverse members therein; and, a height adjuster fixedly secured to each of said telescoping tension rods.

2. The adjustable blind assembly recited in claim 1, wherein said first and said second telescoping tension rods each have a top end and a bottom end, said top end of each of said telescoping tension rods having a spring-loaded endcap, said bottom end of each of said telescoping tension rods having a non-spring-loaded endcap.

3. The adjustable blind assembly recited in claim 1, wherein said first and said second telescoping tension rod are arranged to be spaced apart from one another and longitudinally parallel to each other.

4. The adjustable blind assembly recited in claim 1, wherein said plurality of sleeves comprises two sleeves.

5. The adjustable blind assembly recited in claim 1, wherein said plurality of sleeves comprises three sleeves.

6. The adjustable blind assembly recited in claim 1, wherein said plurality of sleeves comprises four sleeves.

7. The adjustable blind assembly recited in claim 1, wherein said plurality of sleeves comprises five sleeves.

8. The adjustable blind assembly recited in claim 1, wherein said first and said second telescoping tension rods are substantially vertical.

9. The adjustable blind assembly recited in claim 1, wherein said transverse members are substantially horizontal.

10. The adjustable blind assembly recited in claim 1, wherein said transverse members are arranged to be substantially perpendicular and between said first and said second telescoping tension rods.

11. An adjustable blind assembly, comprising: a vertical first telescoping tension rod; a second telescoping tension rod, said second telescoping tension rod arranged parallel to said first telescoping rod; a plurality of transverse members, each transverse member of said plurality of transverse members having a first and a second endcap arranged on opposite ends thereof, each of said endcaps arranged to engage one of said telescoping tension rods via a bungee cord, each of said endcaps comprising: a first end and a second end; an internal cavity, said internal cavity having a first opening at said first end and a second opening arranged proximate to said second end; and, a hook arranged on an external surface of each said endcap and arranged opposite said second opening, said hook forming a void opposite of said second opening, wherein said first end accepts and secures a first end and a second end of said bungee cord within said internal cavity, said bungee cord passing through said second opening and looping around one of said telescoping tension rods, said bungee cord engaging said hook of said endcap at a middle portion of said bungee cord and rest within said void, thereby securing by way of a lateral force said endcap to one of said telescoping tension rods such that said second end of said endcap abuts one of said telescoping tension rods; and, an adjustable blind, said blind having a plurality of sleeves therein, each of said sleeves arranged to accept one of said plurality of transverse members therein.

12. The adjustable blind assembly recited in claim 11, wherein said first and said second telescoping tension rods each have a top end and a bottom end, said top end of each of said telescoping tension rods having a spring-loaded endcap, said bottom end of each of said telescoping tension rods having a non-spring-loaded endcap.

13. The adjustable blind assembly recited in claim 11, wherein said first and said second telescoping tension rod are arranged to be spaced apart from one another and longitudinally parallel to each other.

14. The adjustable blind assembly recited in claim 11, wherein each of said telescoping tension rods comprise at least a first member and a second member, said second member arranged to be inserted within said first member and translate therein.

15. The adjustable blind assembly recited in claim 14, where said height adjuster is arranged to substantially prevent translation of said second member within said first member when rotated in a first direction and allows translation of said second member within said first member when rotated in a second direction.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

(1) Various embodiments are disclosed, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts, in which:

(2) FIG. 1A is a rear view of an adjustable blind assembly;

(3) FIG. 1B is a front perspective view of the adjustable blind assembly;

(4) FIG. 1C is front, partial exploded view of the adjustable blind assembly;

(5) FIG. 2 is a front view of the adjustable blind assembly;

(6) FIG. 3 is a front view of the adjustable blind assembly after adjustment of the adjustable blind;

(7) FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the adjustable blind assembly after adjustment of the adjustable blind;

(8) FIG. 5A is a front view of an endcap of the assembly;

(9) FIG. 5B is a right side view of the endcap shown in FIG. 5A;

(10) FIG. 5C is a rear view of the endcap shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B;

(11) FIG. 5D is a cross sectional view of the endcap shown in FIGS. 5A-5C taken generally along line 5D of FIG. 5C;

(12) FIG. 6A is a top view of the endcap shown in FIGS. 5A-5D as it would be appear partially assembled to the adjustable blind assembly; and,

(13) FIG. 6B is a top view of the endcap shown in FIGS. 5A-6A as it would be appear fully assembled to the adjustable blind assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

(14) At the outset, it should be appreciated that like drawing numbers on different drawing views identify identical, or functionally similar, structural elements. It is to be understood that the claims are not limited to the disclosed aspects.

(15) Furthermore, it is understood that this disclosure is not limited to the particular methodology, materials and modifications described and as such may, of course, vary. It is also understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects only and is not intended to limit the scope of the claims.

(16) Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure pertains. It should be understood that any methods, devices or materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the example embodiments.

(17) It should be appreciated that the term substantially is synonymous with terms such as nearly, very nearly, about, approximately, around, bordering on, close to, essentially, in the neighborhood of, in the vicinity of, etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims. It should be appreciated that the term proximate is synonymous with terms such as nearby, close, adjacent, neighboring, immediate, adjoining, etc., and such terms may be used interchangeably as appearing in the specification and claims.

(18) It should also be appreciated that directional terms used herein are relative to the corresponding Figure being described. For example, leftward or rightward, top or bottom, are relative to the Figure as illustrated on a particular sheet, therefore leftward is referring to the left side of an illustration as depicted.

(19) Referring now to the figures, FIG. 1A is a rear view of adjustable blind assembly 100. Adjustable blind assembly 100 comprises first telescoping tension rod 101, second telescoping tension rod 102, transverse members 30, 32, 34, and 36, and adjustable blind 70. First telescoping tension rod 101 comprises spring-loaded top endcap 40, non-spring-loaded foot endcap 50, height adjuster 60, top member 10, middle member 12, and bottom member 14. Second telescoping tension rod 102 comprises spring-loaded top endcap 42, non-spring-loaded foot endcap 52, height adjuster 62, top member 20, middle member 22, and bottom member 24.

(20) Transverse members 30, 32, 34, and 36 cannot be seen in FIG. 1A as they are contained within sleeves 33, 35, 37, and 39 when adjustable blind assembly 100 is fully assembled. Transverse member 30 comprises first attachment means 30a, and second attachment means 30b. Transverse member 32 comprises first attachment means 32a, and second attachment means 32b. Transverse member 34 comprises first attachment means 34a, and second attachment means 34b. Transverse member 36 comprises first attachment means 36a, and second attachment means 36b.

(21) Adjustable blind 70 comprises top section 72, top middle section 74, lower middle section 76, lower section 78, and sleeves 33, 35, 37, and 39. Transverse members 30, 32, 34, and 36 fit tight into the respective sleeves 33, 35, 37, and 39 (shown more clearly in FIG. 1C). Attachment means 30a-36a and 30b-36b removably secure transverse members in a static position along first and second telescoping tension rods 101 and 102 (shown in detail in FIGS. 6A and 6B) and may be removably secured to any position along telescoping tension rods 101 and 102.

(22) Bottom member 14 of telescoping tension rod 101 has a slightly smaller circumference than middle member 12, this allows bottom member 14 to insert into middle member 12 and facilitate the telescoping effect of first telescoping tension rod 101. Notwithstanding one end of top member 10, middle member 12 and top member 10 have the same circumference. One end of top member 10 has a slightly smaller circumference compared to the remainder of top member 10 and middle member 12 such that the smaller circumference of top member 10 allows it to insert into an end of middle member 12, wherein the location where top member 10's circumference changes rests on the end of middle member 12. The differences in circumferences of each member facilitate the telescoping element. Both first telescoping tension rod 101 and second telescoping tension rod 102, and its respective top 20, middle 22, and bottom 24 members, telescope in an identical manner.

(23) Once the desired vertical length is found height adjusters 60 and 62 are then used to secure middle members 12, 22 and bottom members 14, 24 in place simply by twisting the height adjuster clockwise. If a different vertical length is desired, twist height adjusters 60 and 62 in a counterclockwise direction to allow middle members 12, 22 to telescope with bottom members 14, 24 and find the desired vertical length.

(24) Spring-loaded top endcaps 40 and 42 are fixedly secured to the top of top members 10 and 20, respectively. Additionally, non-spring-loaded foot endcaps 50 and 52 are threadably secured to the bottom of bottom members 14 and 24, respectively. The compression spring within endcaps 40 and 42 provide the tension in telescoping tension rods 101 and 102 by pressing outwardly causing non-spring-loaded foot endcaps 50 and 52 to press against a floor surface, and spring-loaded top endcaps 40 and 42 to press against the ceiling surface. This tension causes telescoping tension rods 101 and 102 to remain in a substantially vertical and stable position.

(25) FIG. 1B is a front perspective view of adjustable blind assembly 100. Notably, from a front view sleeve 33 is fully visible at the top of the blind 70, but sleeves 35, 37, and 39 are only slightly visible due to the perspective view. The seams which create sleeves 33, 35, 37, and 39 can be seen and extend across the entirety of blind 70 transversely.

(26) FIG. 1C is a front, partially exploded view of adjustable blind assembly 100. This view illustrates the interaction between transverse members 30, 32, 34, and 36, sleeves 33, 35, 37, and 39, second attachment means 30b, 32b, 34b, and 36b, and telescoping tension rod 101. Transverse members 30, 32, 34, and 36 fit snuggly into sleeves 33, 35, 37, and 39, respectively. As explained supra, from a front view sleeve 33 is visible at the top of adjustable blind 70, but sleeves 35, 37, and 39 cannot be seen aside from the stitching/seams that create the sleeves. When fully assembled, first attachment means 30a, 32a, 34a, and 36a will be partially inserted into an end of its respective transverse member 30, 32, 34, and 36, threaded through endcaps 80a-86a and will be removably secured to telescoping tension rod 101. (Shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B).

(27) FIG. 2 is a front view of adjustable blind assembly 100. Again, in this front view, sleeve 33 is visible at the top of blind 70, meanwhile only the seams/stitching that create sleeves 35, 37, and 39 are visible transversely across blind 70. The seams, and ultimately sleeves 35, 37, and 39, divide blind 70 into four sections 72, 74, 76, and 78. Top section 72 is located between sleeves 33 and 35, top middle section 74 is located between sleeves 35 and 37, bottom middle section 76 is located between sleeves 37 and 39, and bottom section 78 is located below sleeve 39.

(28) FIG. 3 is a front view of adjustable blind assembly 100 after adjustment of the adjustable blind 70. Attachment means 30a-36a and 30b-36b may be adjusted along the length of telescoping tension rods 101 and 102, respectively. The adjustment of attachment means 30a and 30b, and necessarily sleeve 33 and transverse member 30, adjusts the top of adjustable blind 70 and top of top section 72. The adjustment of attachment means 32a and 32b, and necessarily sleeve 35 and transverse member 32, adjusts the bottom of top section 72 and top of top middle section 74. The adjustment of attachment means 34a and 34b, and necessarily sleeve 37 and transverse member 34, adjusts the bottom of top middle section 74 and top of bottom middle section 76. The adjustment of attachment means 36a and 36b, and necessarily sleeve 39 and transverse member 36, adjusts the bottom of bottom middle section 74 and top of bottom section 78. The adjustments cause adjustable blind 70 to cover a smaller space. This can be helpful if some light or visibility is wanted but not full light or visibility. For example, as the sun moves across the sky and/or gets lower, direct sunlight can be more of a nuisance. The adjustments can be used to block the direct light/rays while still allowing some natural light to illuminate a space. Notably, the excess material from blind 70 is pushed to the rear and is not visible from a front view.

(29) FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of adjustable blind assembly 100 after adjustment of the adjustable blind 70 as shown in FIG. 3. Notably, the excess material of blind 70 is visible from the rear. A portion of top section 72 is positioned behind sleeve 35 and top middle section 74. A portion of top middle section 74 is positioned behind sleeve 37 and bottom middle section 76. A portion of bottom middle section 76 is positioned behind sleeve 39 and bottom section 78. In this view you can see sleeve 33 and one end of sleeves 35, 37, and 39 and how they wrap around transverse members 30, 32, 34, and 36 and attachment means 30b, 32b, 34b, and 36b, respectively. Attachment means 30b, 32b, 34b, and 36b connect transverse members 30, 32, 34, and 36 to telescoping tension rod 102 (Shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B). Likewise, attachment means 30a, 32a, 34a, and 36a connect transverse members 30, 32, 34, and 36, respectively, to telescoping tension rod 101 (Shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B).

(30) FIG. 5A is a front view of endcaps 80a and 80b of adjustable blind assembly 100. Endcaps 80a and 80b comprise mating end 81a, external end 81b, internal cavity 83 (shown in FIG. 5D), opening of mating end 84 (shown in FIG. 5D), opening of external end 85, and hook 90 (shown in FIGS. 5B-5D). Endcaps 80a and 80b facilitate the connection of transverse member 30 to attachment means 30a and 30b, respectively (shown more clearly in FIGS. 6A and 6B). Notably, mating end 81a has a slightly smaller circumference than the remainder of endcaps 80a and 80b. This will allow mating end 81a to insert into an end of transverse member 30 which has a circumference substantially similar to the remainder of endcaps 80a and 80b.

(31) FIG. 5B is a right-side view of endcaps 80a and 80b shown in FIG. 5A. This view shows how hook 90 is arranged opposite opening of external end 85.

(32) FIG. 5C is a rear view of endcaps 80a and 80b shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B. This view shows the structure of hook 90 more closely.

(33) FIG. 5D is a cross sectional view of endcaps 80a and 80b shown in FIGS. 5A-5C taken generally along line 5D of FIG. 5C. This view shows the internal cavity 83 extending from opening of mating end 84 to opening of external end 85. This will allow attachment means 30a and/or 30b to enter through the opening of mating end 84, through internal cavity 83 and exit the opening of external end 85 (shown more clearly in FIGS. 6A and 6B).

(34) FIG. 6A is a top view of the endcaps 80a and 80b shown in FIGS. 5A-5D as partially assembled to adjustable blind assembly 100. The dashed lines in FIG. 6A show that which would not be visible in this view and are only shown to more clearly illustrate the relationship of certain elements of the invention. In a preferred embodiment, attachment means 30a-36a and 30b-36b are an elastic material such as a bungee cord. Attachment means 30a, 30b is inserted into opening of mating end 84, pushed through cavity 83, and pulled out through opening of external end 85. Knot 30a, 30b is tied large enough so that it cannot fit through cavity 83. Loop 30a, 30b is pulled out through opening of external end 85 such that it can be pulled further around top members 10, 20 of telescoping tension rods 101, 102.

(35) FIG. 6B is a top view of endcaps 80a and 80b shown in FIGS. 5A-6A fully assembled to attachment means 30a, 30b of adjustable blind assembly 100. The dashed lines in FIG. 6B show that which would not be visible in this view and are only shown to more clearly illustrate the relationship of certain elements of the invention. As loop 30a, 30b is pulled tightly around top members 10, 20 external end 81b comes into contact with top members 10, 20. Loop 30a, 30b is then secured around hook 90 as knot 30a, 30b prevents attachment means 30a, 30b from pulling through cavity 83. As shown in FIG. 6B, loop 30a, 30b is secured around hook 90 such that it rests on surface 90a within space or void 90b. When fully assembled, mating end 81a will be inserted into an end of transverse member 30 and an identical endcap 80a or 80b and attachment means 30a or 30b will be used to secure the other end of transverse member 30 to the opposite top member 10 or 20 of telescoping tension rod 101 or 102.

(36) It should be appreciated that the embodiment as shown is only one of a variety of possible embodiments of the claimed invention. For example, another embodiment could have more than four (4) blind sections, or less than four (4) blind sections, the telescoping tension rods could have more than a three (3) members, or less than three (3) members. The attachment means could be any material similar to a bungee. The transverse members may be telescoping.

(37) It will be appreciated that various aspects of the disclosure above and other features and functions, or alternatives thereof, may be desirably combined into many other different systems or applications. Various presently unforeseen or unanticipated alternatives, modifications, variations, or improvements therein may be subsequently made by those skilled in the art which are also intended to be encompassed by the following claims.

REFERENCE NUMERALS

(38) 10 Top member of first telescoping tension rod 12 Middle member of first telescoping tension rod 14 Bottom member of first telescoping tension rod 20 Top member of second telescoping tension rod 22 Middle member of second telescoping tension rod 24 Bottom member of second telescoping tension rod 30, 32, 34, 36 Transverse members 30a, 32a, 34a, 36a First attachment means of Transverse members 30, 32, 34, 36 30b, 32b, 34b, 36b Second attachment means of Transverse members 30, 32, 34, 36 30a-36a Knot of attachment means 30a-36a Loop of attachment means 33, 35, 37, 39 Sleeves for Transverse members 30, 32, 34, 36 40 Spring-loaded top endcap of first telescoping tension rod 42 Spring-loaded top endcap of second telescoping tension rod 50 Non-spring-loaded foot endcap of first telescoping tension rod 52 Non-spring-loaded foot endcap of second telescoping tension rod 60 Height adjustor of first telescoping tension rod 62 Height adjustor of second telescoping tension rod 70 Adjustable blind 72 Top section of Adjustable blind 70 74 Top middle section of Adjustable blind 70 76 Lower middle section of Adjustable blind 70 78 Lower section of Adjustable blind 70 80a-86a, 80b-86b Endcaps 81a Mating end of Endcaps 80a and/or 80b 81b External end of Endcaps 80a and/or 80b 83 Internal cavity of Endcaps 80a and/or 80b 84 Opening of Mating end 81a 85 Opening of External end 81b 90 Hook of Endcaps 80a and/or 80b 90a Surface 90b Space or void 100 Adjustable blind assembly 101 First telescoping tension rod 102 Second telescoping tension rod