Abstract:
A window covering specially designed and attached to indoor residential shutters is disclosed. The window cover is removably attached by various means in various embodiments and provides a user with more control over light transmission, solar transmission and view through properties, as desired. In a preferred embodiment, holes are drilled into as shutter at respective corner. Subsequently, circular magnets are provided to each of the holes to mate with ferromagnetic material configured to the window covering. A variety of fabrics and color options are additionally provided to the window covering.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0001]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0002]    The present invention pertains generally to devices and methods for improving comfort and ambiance in domestic homes in addition to saving energy. More particularly, the invention relates to novel devices for solar screening to indoor shutters providing optimum lighting, privacy and climate control. 
         [0003]    2. Description of the Prior Art 
         [0004]    Window coverings for privacy and light control have been known in various forms and designs. One relatively common form of window covering consists of vertical or horizontal slats usually made from metal or vinyl, also referred to as “blinds.” More specifically, Venetian blinds are a well liked design for regulating light and air in which horizontal (or vertical) slats are coupled by a chord and can rotate in unison nearly 180 degrees. 
         [0005]    Several designs for window coverings have been proposed by Toti including U.S. Pat. No. 7,222,655, entitled “Window Covering System,” which was awarded patent protection in 2006. According to Toti, over the past several years, pleated shade system have become popular form of window treatment. One version of a pleated shade system is made available from Versol USA, Inc. under the trademark RIDEAU, utilizes a prepleated fabric with strong, permanently set pleats that pack very tightly. Toti further suggests that this and related designs are problematic in that the pleats retain residual tension much like a spring. 
         [0006]    A more recent example employs a suction means to a window covering for attachment directly to a window, according to U.S. Pat. App. No. 2010/0116447, entitled “Blind for A Window,” to Thompson. In this example, the inventor seems to be most concerned with convenience and less concerned about whether the solution is aesthetically pleasing. Another example was set forth in U.S. Pat. No. 7,059,482, entitled “Window Covering Sample Display Device and Method,” to Reid et al, that was also awarded patent protection in 2006. Therein, window coverings are attached directly to their windows via suction cups mounted to a rear of the device. Further according to Reid and his co-inventors, the past several decades have been marked by tremendous growth in the types of window covering materials that are available to purchasers. Starting with roller shades and slatted horizontal blinds, the field of window coverings has blossomed to include a wide array of different types of coverings. These have included pleated shades, Roman shades, cellular shades and many others. 
         [0007]    Also known to window coverings are shutters, or interior shutters more particularly. Interior shutters have horizontal louvers or slats to control sun light, air flow, visibility etc. Typically, the louvers or slats have their collective angle controlled by a tilt bar. Additionally, interior shutters may hinge on either side of a window so that they can be opened to allow full light access. Most interior designers would consider these shutters to be aesthetically pleasing to the inside environment providing a plantation or European style atmosphere. 
         [0008]    One problem with indoor shutters is that they can provide an annoying glare even when fully closed due to light rays through cracks. Also, as with some other forms of window coverings, lines of glare, such as that on a television or computer screen, can be annoying even when sun light is less than its peak intensity. 
         [0009]    Accordingly, it is an object of the present invention to provide a window covering system to shutters that artfully combines the hard look of a shutter with the soft elegance of fabric. It is a further object of the present invention to provide a window covering system wherein many different fabrics could be chosen to provide a variety of pattern/color options as well as different light and solar transmission, and view through properties. It is still further an object of the present invention to provide a window covering system that can be easily manipulated and changed based on the particular desires of a user at a particular time. It is yet further an object of the present invention to provide a window covering for interior shutters that is relatively easy to manufacture and comparatively cost effective. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    The present invention specifically addresses and alleviates the above mentioned deficiencies associated with the prior art. More particularly, the present invention in a first aspect, is directed to an improved window shutter comprising: a four-sided frame for positioning about a window frame; a plurality of slats rotatably coupled to the frame, the plurality of slats having an open position and a closed position; and a covering fabric, removably coupled to the frame, the covering fabric providing at least a partial filter for light transmission through the window shutter. 
         [0011]    The invention in the first aspect is additionally characterized wherein the four-sided frame comprises an outer frame and an inner frame, wherein the inner frame is hingedly connected to the outer frame and wherein the covering fabric is removably coupled to the inner frame. Also, when the plurality of slats are in the fully open position then the covering fabric is taut; and further when the plurality of slats are in the closed position then the covering fabric is slacked. 
         [0012]    Further in a preferred embodiment, hook and loops fasteners are provided across a top and a bottom edge of the covering fabric to secure the fabric to the top and bottom of the four-sided frame. Alternatively, just the top portions of each have the hook and loop fasteners and the bottom fasteners are omitted. In a separate preferred embodiment, magnetic material is coupled to the frame; and corresponding material attracted to the magnetic material at a top (and optionally at bottom) edge of the covering fabric. In still another preferred embodiment, four holes are drilled at respective corners of the frame; four circular magnets each at a respective of the four holes; and a pair of ferromagnetic hem bars sewn into a respective top and a bottom of the covering fabric, wherein each of the pair corresponds to two of the four circular magnets. (or alternatively, four corresponding ferromagnetic pieces coupled to the covering fabric, or just two magnets are needed at approximately upper corners of the frame). 
         [0013]    In yet still another preferred embodiment, the covering fabric removably coupled to the frame comprises: a first rigid, yet bendable rod configured a top of the covering fabric; an elongated sleeve configured snugly over the first rod, the elongated sleeve having a pair of loops at an upper portion thereof; and a pair of hooks coupled to an upper frame portion, the pair of hooks corresponding to the pair of loops on the elongated sleeve. In still further another preferred embodiment, the covering fabric removably coupled to the frame further comprises: first and second rigid, yet bendable rod configured to a top and a bottom of the covering fabric, respectively, the first and second rods each having loops approximately at opposing ends thereof; and four hooks corresponding to the loops at opposing ends of the first and second rigid, yet bendable rods. 
         [0014]    In still another way of attaching the fabric to the shutter frame, a plurality of groves are configured to an edge of each of the plurality of slats; and a plurality of spline teeth are coupled to the covering fabric and each of the plurality of spline correspond to one of each of the plurality of grooves. 
         [0015]    In a second aspect, the invention may be characterized as a method for enhancing and adding versatility to a window shutter comprising the steps of: providing a window shutter having a four-sided frame and including a plurality of slats; choosing a fabric based on a desired light transmission specification and aesthetically pleasing pattern and color; removably attaching the fabric to an upper area of the four-sided frame, wherein the fabric is taut when the plurality of slats are in an open position. 
         [0016]    The method herein for enhancing and adding versatility to a window shutter is additionally characterized wherein the step of removably attaching the fabric to an upper area of the four-side frame further comprises the additional steps of: drilling two holes to the upper area of the four-sided frame; screwing in ferromagnetic material to each of the two holes; folding over a top of the fabric to form a sleeve at said top; sliding a magnetic hem bar into the sleeve; and attaching the magnetic hem bar in the sleeve to the ferromagnetic material in each of the two holes. 
         [0017]    In a separate preferred embodiment the step of removably attaching the fabric to an upper area of the four-side frame further comprises the additional steps of: attaching a plastic magnetic holder having a magnet to the upper area of the four-sided frame; folding over a top of the fabric to form a sleeve at said top; sliding a ferromagnetic hem bar into the sleeve; and attaching the ferromagnetic hem bar in the magnet in the upper area of the four sided frame. 
         [0018]    In still another separate preferred embodiment the step of removably attaching the fabric to an upper area of the four-side frame further comprises the additional steps of: attaching two hooks to the upper area of the four-sided frame; providing a long cylindrical drapery rod at a top of the fabric folding over the top of the fabric over the drapery rod; sliding an elongated sleeve over the over the top of the fabric and over the top of the drapery rod; and providing two loops at a top of the elongated sleeve corresponding to the tow hooks; and attaching said two loops to said two hooks. 
         [0019]    These, as well as other advantages of the present invention will be more apparent from the following description and drawings. It is understood that changes in the specific structure shown and described may be made within the scope of the claims, without departing from the spirit of the invention. 
         [0020]    While the apparatus and method has or will be described for the sake of grammatical fluidity with functional explanations, it is to be expressly understood that the claims, unless expressly formulated under 35 USC 112, are not to be construed as necessarily limited in any way by the construction of “means” or “steps” limitations, but are to be accorded the full scope of the meaning and equivalents of the definition provided by the claims under the judicial doctrine of equivalents, and in the case where the claims are expressly formulated under 35 USC 112 are to be accorded full statutory equivalents under 35 USC 112. The invention can be better visualized by turning now to the following drawings wherein like elements are referenced by like numerals. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0021]    The novel features of this invention, as well as the invention itself, both as to its structure and its operation, will be best understood from the accompanying drawings, taken in conjunction with the accompanying description, in which similar reference characters refer to similar parts, and in which: 
           [0022]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a window cover configured to a hinged interior shutter of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2  is a profile view thereof; 
           [0024]      FIG. 3  is a front plan view of the first preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 4  is a rear plan view of the first preferred embodiment; 
           [0026]      FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the preferred embodiment shown with the window covering partially removed; 
           [0027]      FIG. 6  is a perspective illustration of a hinged interior shutter employing a window covering of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 7A  is an additional perspective illustration of a shutter without an optional hinge; 
           [0029]      FIG. 7B  is a profile view of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 7C  is an enlarged and exploded view thereof; 
           [0031]      FIGS. 8A through 8F  illustrate an additional embodiment showing its construction and intended use; and 
           [0032]      FIGS. 9A through 9C  illustrate an alternative embodiment of the window covering. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
       [0033]    Various inventive features are described below that can each be used independently of one another or in combination with other features. 
         [0034]    Initially, with reference to  FIG. 1 , a preferred device and system of the present invention is illustrated in perspective. Illustrated is a window shutter  10  having a four-sided frame  11  configured to position a window frame  12 , a plurality of slats  13  rotatably coupled to the window frame  12 . As shown the slats  13  are fully open and light is filtered through a window covering  14  of the present invention. With regard to  FIG. 2  a profile view is shown with the louvers/slats  13  fully open. Importantly, the slats  13  touch the window covering  14  such that they cause the covering  14  to be taut in the open position. If not for this, the covering  14  would be more difficult to see through. Further, the window covering  14  does not impede shutter  10  operation to any degree. The coverings  14  comprise high quality textured fabric providing a soft elegance to the traditional hard look of an interior shutter. 
         [0035]      FIG. 3  illustrates a frontal view of the first preferred invention embodiment of the window shutter  10 . As further shown herein, various coverings  14  having different colors and screening properties are optional to a user. For example, a minimum or maximum solar transmission may be optimal depending upon summer or winter seasonal weather conditions. Further, light transmission properties would depend on the amount of natural light desired by the user based on subjective preference.  FIG. 3  along with  FIG. 4  additionally show the visual pass though properties of a particular window covering  14 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 5  is a rear perspective view of the preferred embodiment shown with the window covering  14  partially removed. A means for attachment is provided comprising hook and loop fasteners  51  (such as VELCRO®) on the inner frame  12 . The window covering  14  has a corresponding hook and loop fastener  52  to couple with the hook and loop fasteners  51  on the inner frame  12 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 6  is an additional perspective view illustrating how a covering  14  of the present invention will not affect indoor shutter operation of the present invention. Further as shown, the cover  14  could be easily removed and replaced with another having a different color, pattern, light, or solar transmission properties. The solar shutter system comprises an indoor shutter  10  to be configured to a window frame  11 , the indoor shutter  10  further comprising an outside frame  10   11  hingedly coupled to an inside frame  12 , the inside frame  12  comprising louvers  13 , and a window covering  14  removably attached to upper and lower portions of the inside frame  12 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 7A  shows an additional perspective illustration of a shutter  10  without an optional hinge; while  FIG. 7B  is a profile view of a second preferred embodiment of the present invention. Herein, the window covering fabric  14  is coupled to upper and lower portions of the shutter inside frame  12 , and additionally to each of the louvers  13  along an edge thereof. One method of attachment illustrated in  FIG. 7C  involves providing grooves to an edge of the plurality of louvers  13 . Next, the grooves are mated to a plurality of spline teeth configured to the fabric  14 , as shown. 
         [0039]    With regard to  FIG. 8A  through  FIG. 8F , an additional solar shutter embodiment is illustrated in its construction and use. Initially, a rigid yet bendable clear plastic rod  81  is provided to a filter fabric  14 . Closer inspection of the filter fabric  14  in this embodiment reveals that it comprises wide bands separated by thin lines, the wide bands and thin lines further comprise different filtering properties. It is specifically contemplated that providing different patterned filters would be visually pleasing to a user. 
         [0040]    Further to the solar shutter construction, the patterned filter fabric  14  is folded over the clear plastic rod  81  as shown in  FIG. 8B . Next a sleeve  82  is provided slidingly over the rod  81  as illustrated in  FIG. 8C . This particular arrangement allows for adjustability so that the exact size is not fixed. Additionally, rings  83  are provided to the sleeve  82  to be coupled to hooks  84  of the present invention as shown in  FIG. 8D  through  FIG. 8F . Yet further, the sleeve  82  has a groove in a top portion thereof wherein the rings  83  slide within the grove, also providing adjustability to the present invention.  FIG. 8F  shows this particular embodiment in use coupled to an inner frame  12 . 
         [0041]    With reference to  FIGS. 9A through 9C , an alternative embodiment of the present invention is depicted. The pre-sized fabric  14  could be folded over and sewn forming a sleeve  93  for a spline  91 , the spline  91  comprising magnetic material configured to be attracted to complementary metal material  92  replacing the hook and loop fasteners  51 . The metal material  92  could also be magnetic material of opposite polarity of the spline  91  magnetic material. Also, alternatively, a drapery rod and complementary hooks could be used in this manner as desired by a user contributing to an aesthetically pleasing design. Referring to  FIG. 9C , a plastic magnet holder  94  is depicted. The plastic magnet holder  94  holds a metal material or a magnetic material  92  to magnetically couple to the spline  91 . 
         [0042]    It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 
         [0043]    Many alterations and modifications may be made by those having ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Therefore, it must be understood that the illustrated embodiments have been set forth only for the purposes of example and that it should not be taken as limiting the invention as defined by the following claims. For example, notwithstanding the fact that the elements of a claim are set forth below in a certain combination, it must be expressly understood that the invention includes other combinations of fewer, more or different elements, which are disclosed in above even when not initially claimed in such combinations. 
         [0044]    While the particular Solar Shutter as herein shown and disclosed in detail is fully capable of obtaining the objects and providing the advantages herein before stated, it is to be understood that it is merely illustrative of the presently preferred embodiments of the invention and that no limitations are intended to the details of construction or design herein shown other than as described in the appended claims. 
         [0045]    Insubstantial changes from the claimed subject matter as viewed by a person with ordinary skill in the art, now known or later devised, are expressly contemplated as being equivalently within the scope of the claims. Therefore, obvious substitutions now or later known to one with ordinary skill in the art are defined to be within the scope of the defined elements.