Abstract:
A window treatment for an arch-shaped window including a frame having an arch portion and a horizontal portion; at least one shade panel pivotally connected to a central portion of the horizontal portion of the frame; at least one channel formed on an inner surface of the arch portion, wherein the at least one channel forms a longitudinal slot on an inner surface thereof; and a chain at least partially housed within the at least one channel and moveable therein for effectuating arcuate movement of the at least one shade panel between an open and a closed position, wherein the chain is configured and dimensioned to move within the at least one channel without falling out of the longitudinal slot.

Description:
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
     1. Field of the Invention 
     This invention relates generally to the field of blinds for use in windows and more particularly to collapsible blinds for use in arch-shaped windows. 
     2. Description of the Prior Art 
     Many buildings have windows that are arch shaped. Often it is desirable to prevent sunlight from directly entering the building through these arch windows. For these reasons, a number of blinds suitable for arch windows have been developed. Some designs such as are shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,776,380 to Lester use venetian blinds. Venetian blinds have many slats making them relatively difficult to assemble, opaque and of distinctive appearance. 
     Simpler designs employ pleated material rather than venetian blind slats. Some pleated material designs use curved round rods such as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 1,609,877 to Kendall. Other designs require that supports be affixed into the window structure. These supports can be a plurality of hooks as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,825,611 to Basset or a mounting block as shown in U.S. Pat. No. 4,934,436 to Schnebly. 
     Accordingly, there are a large variety of blinds or shades for windows in the marketplace, including both vertical and horizontal types. Their most common characteristic is that they are foldable and that they have a rectangular shape, when they are in an unfolded position. 
     Since also most conventional windows are rectangular in shape, no problem is encountered for this class of windows. There is, however, a better class of windows of higher finesse and elegance, which have at least one arched portion. This class of windows is generally referred to as arched windows. It becomes evident then, that the conventional blinds, having a rectangular shape, may not be used in conjunction with arched windows. 
     Although it might sound as a simple problem to solve, it certainly is not. Mere proof of this is the fact that the applicant has not been able to find such a blind available in the marketplace. 
     A number of attempts have been made, but apparently they have all failed to provide an effective solution, since none of these approaches has been accepted by the public, as the absence of commercially available blinds for arched windows evidences. 
     Representative references describing blinds for arched windows may be found in the patent literature as early as 1891, but after the first quarter of the 20th century, no substantial progress seems to have been made. 
     U.S. Pat. No. 451,068 to Lark, issued Apr. 28, 1891; U.S. Pat. No. 602,967 to Wells, issued Apr. 26, 1893; and U.S. Pat. No. 1,609,877 to Kendall, issued Dec. 7, 1926, disclose blinds for arched windows, which, however, are driven by cumbersome cord mechanisms acting o the outside circumference of the blind, and having serious disadvantages, such as for example the need for hiding these mechanisms within an extended portion of the blind, thus sacrificing useful window area, as well as decorative window aspects. Other serious disadvantages include, but are not limited to, the fact that the complicated cord mechanisms are liable to malfunction, to the fact that no effective way of maintaining the opening of the blind at any desired level is provided, and to the fact that blinds structured to be driven by cord mechanisms at their circumference are not easily controllable, and therefore flimsy in their operation. 
     There is a need for a simplified blind for arch windows that uses pleated blind material and does not have many visible support rods, support hooks, cords or other readily noticeable support structure. Preferably, the blind should have no support rods or support hooks. The blind should be low cost, reliable, easy to assemble and easy to operate. Preferably, the blind should be capable of remote operation such as through use of a pull cord. 
     SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
     It is an object of the present invention to provide an arch shaped window treatment to solve the problems which currently exist in the prior art. More specifically, it is an object of the present invention to provide a window treatment for an arch-shaped window including a frame having an arch portion and a horizontal portion; at least one shade panel pivotally connected to a central portion of the horizontal portion of the frame; at least one channel formed on an inner surface of the arch portion, wherein the at least one channel forms a longitudinal slot on an inner surface thereof; and a chain at least partially housed within the at least one channel and moveable therein for effectuating arcuate movement of the at least one shade panel between an open and a closed position, wherein the chain is configured and dimensioned to move within the at least one channel without falling out of the longitudinal slot. The at least one shade panel may include a first and a second shade panel formed in a pleated or honeycomb configuration. The window treatment further includes a U-shaped removably secured to a central portion of the horizontal portion. A valence may be mounted on the arch portion and the horizontal portion to prevent the intrusion of sunlight around the perimeter of the window treatment. 
     The invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various changes are possible without departing from the principles set forth herein. Furthermore, the embodiments include the invention at various stages, and various inventions can be extracted by properly combining multiple disclosed constructional requirements. There are many applications of this design. 
     The above is a brief description of some deficiencies in the prior art and advantages of the present invention. Other features, advantages and embodiments of the invention will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the following description, drawings. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       The invention will become more clearly understood from the following detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which: 
         FIG. 1  is a front view illustrating a window treatment for an arch-shaped window in a closed position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 2  is a front view illustrating a window treatment for an arch-shaped window in an open position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 3  is a front view illustrating a valence associated with the window treatment for an arch-shaped window, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 4  is a cross-sectional front view illustrating a chain route for a window treatment for an arch-shaped window, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional front view illustrating a portion of a chain route for a window treatment for an arch-shaped window, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 6  is a cross-sectional view from the bottom looking up illustrating a portion of a chain route for a window treatment for an arch-shaped window, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 7  is a side view of a dolly for use with a window treatment for an arch-shaped window, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional end view illustrating a track for use with a window treatment for an arch shaped window, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 9  is a side view illustrating a roller for use with a window treatment for an arch-shaped window in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of a base in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 11  is a side view of the base illustrated in  FIG. 10  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention; and 
         FIG. 12  is a prospective view illustrating chain locks for use with an embodiment of the present invention. 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
     The following description is presented to enable one of ordinary skill in the art to make and use the invention and is provided in the context of a patent application and its requirements. Various modifications to the preferred embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art and the generic principles herein may be applied to other embodiments. Thus, the present invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiment shown but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and features described herein. 
     Referring now to the drawings in detail, and first to  FIG. 1 , a window treatment for an arch-shaped window in a closed position is illustrated, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The window treatment  10  comprises a frame built up of wood and including an outer frame arch or bow  12  and a horizontal base  14 . The horizontal base  14  has a downward-facing surface for resting the device on a window sill or similar horizontal surface  16  adjacent to a window to be shaded. The window treatment frame may also be constructed of a molded plastic or any other construction material known to one having ordinary skill in the art. The window treatment frame may be a monolithic unit and may be secured to the surrounding structure by any portion of the frame. For example, holes may be defined in the window treatment frame for receiving screws and/or nails to secure the window treatment frame to the surrounding structure. 
     The inner space defined by arch  12  and horizontal base  14  is filled with a first and second shade panel  20  and  22 . It is also contemplated that the shade panel for filling the inner space defined by arch  12  and horizontal base  14  may be formed of a single panel. The shade panel is preferably formed in a pleated or honeycomb configuration. Alternatively, the shade panel may be formed of a plurality of louvers configured and dimensioned to occupy at least a majority of the space defined by arch  12  and horizontal base  14 . 
     Referring now to  FIG. 2 , the first and second shade panels are illustrated in the fully retracted position. In other words, the window treatment for an arch-shaped window is illustrated in an open position, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. The configuration of the shade panels according to the present invention advantageously provides for a low profile of approximately one inch, thereby maximizing the amount of light which is capable of entering the room through the window. A pivot bar  26  is positioned in the middle of horizontal base  14  and is configured in a U-shape. Pivot bar  26  permits first and second shade panels  20  and  22  to move between the open position illustrated in  FIG. 2  to the closed position illustrated in  FIG. 1 . Pivot bar  26  may be secured to horizontal base  14  by means of locking nuts  30  secured to a lower threaded portion of pivot bar  26 . Preferably, pivot bar  26  is removably secured in place by means of a pair of set screws and  32 . Alternatively, pivot bar  26  may be welded in place or secured by any other means known to one having ordinary skill in the art. 
     Locking clips  28  are positioned and configured to provide a means for securing a chain which is used for opening and closing first and second shade panels  20  and  22 , as will be discussed below. The first and second shade panels  20  and  22  are configured to be easily removed for cleaning and/or replacement. A plurality of shade clips and base clips are provided to maintain the first and second shade panels  20  and  22  within a predetermined position in window treatment  10 , as will be discussed in further detail below. To remove first and second shade panels  20  and  22 , begin by moving the shade panels  20  and  22  into their fully open position as illustrated in  FIG. 2 . Next, loosen the set screws  32  and remove pivot bar  26 . Once pivot bar  26  is removed, loosen the base clips that hold the shades to the horizontal base  14  and remove the shade  20  and/or  22  from the clip. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a valence  40  associated with the window treatment  10  for an arch-shaped window, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention is illustrated. The valence  40  serves the function of hiding portions of the window treatment which detract from the aesthetic features thereof. The valance  40  comprises an arch-shaped portion  42  and a horizontal portion  44 . The valance  40  may be formed of the same material and texture as is used for the first and second shade panels  20  and  22 . 
       FIG. 4  is a front view illustrating a route for a chain  50 . Very often, the windows that are arch-shaped are positioned above existing windows and/or doors. Therefore, the length of chain  50  may be varied to permit easy access to a user. Chain  50  may be moved in the directions indicated by arrows A and B to cause movement of first and second shade panels  20  and  22  between an open and a closed position. Dollys  18  are configured and dimensioned for moving first and second shade panels  20  and  22  between an open and a closed position. A string  23  is connected to shade panels  22  and  23  to assist in maintaining shade panels  22  and  23  in a uniform configuration. A first end of dolly  18  is secured to chain  50  and a second end of dolly  18  is secured to a portion of the shade panel. Accordingly, as chain  50  is moved in a direction of either of arrows A and B, that motion will be translated through a dolly  18  to the shade panels  20  and  22 . Importantly, due to the configuration of the route of the chain  50 , each of first and second shade panels  20  and  22  will move in the same direction. Locking clips  28  are provided to lock chain  50  in a desired position to prevent further movement of the first and second shade panels  20  and  22 . 
     Rollers  34  and  36  are provided to guide chain  50  within a chain channel  52 . Roller  34  is centrally located at the top of arch-shaped portion  12  of the frame and roller  36  is located at the end of the chain  50  at an end of base  14  opposite to the end of base  14  wherein the chain  50  leaves and enters. 
     At least a portion of the route of chain  50  is shown more clearly in  FIG. 5 . First, as shown in  FIG. 5 , chain channel  50  is divided into two separate channels—a chain return channel  54  and a dolly channel  56 . Chain  50  travels in the chain return channel  54  until it hits roller  34 . At this point, as shown in  FIGS. 5 and 6 , chain  50  crosses over and begins to travel within dolly channel  56 . In accordance with an embodiment of the present invention, chain  50  is prevented from falling out of the longitudinal slot  61  defined in the lower portion of dolly channel due to the size of the beads  58  on chain  50 . 
     As shown more clearly in  FIG. 6 , the diameter of each of the beads  58  along the length of chain  50  is greater than the width of the slot  61 , thus allowing the dolly  18  to travel along the slot  61  while chain  50  is maintained within the dolly channel  56  as it is pulled through the arched frame. The width x of slot  61  is maintained relatively narrow to allow shade clip arm  62  ( FIG. 7 ) to be guided along the channel. 
       FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional side view of dolly  18  for use with a window treatment  10  for an arch-shaped window, in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.  FIG. 8  is a cross-sectional end view of the dolly  18  illustrated in  FIG. 7 . Thus, with reference to  FIGS. 7 and 8 , dolly  18  includes a shade clip  60 , a shade clip arm  62 , a set screw  64  and a dolly housing  68 . The shade clip  60  extends from a lower surface of dolly housing  68  via shade clip arm  62 . The shade clip  60  is configured to attach to the shade  20 ,  22 . Preferably, shade clip  60  is connected to the top one-fifth portion of shade panels  20 ,  22 . The shade clip  60  location assists in preventing light from shining through a gap between the first and second shade panels  20 ,  22  when they are in a closed position. Set screw  64  is configured to secure housing  68  to the chain  50  by tightening the set screw  64  against a portion of the chain  50 , such as, for example, a chain bead  58  as illustrated in  FIG. 7 . Wheels  66  are provided to assist movement of housing  68  along the dolly channel  54 . 
     As best illustrated in  FIG. 8 , the dolly  18  travels in dolly channel  56  which is located adjacent to chain return channel  54 . A guide pin chamber  72  is positioned adjacent to each of dolly channel  56  and chain return channel  54 . Guide pin chamber  72  houses a plurality of guide pins  70 . Guide pins  70  are positioned to support the shade panel  20 ,  22  from being blown out of the frame by a wind coming in through the window. The guide pins  70  are preferably attached to every third pleat of shade panel  20 ,  22  and move within guide pin chamber  72 . Also shown in  FIG. 8  is a clip  74  for attaching the valence (not shown) to the window treatment. 
     Referring now to  FIG. 9 , a side view of roller  36  is illustrated. As illustrated, a bracket  38  is secured to base  14 . Roller  36  is rotationally attached to a portion of the bracket  38  to transfer the chain  50  from one of chambers  54  and  56  to the other of chambers  54  and  56 . Roller  36  defines a plurality of indentations which are configured and positioned to engage beads  58  on chain  50 . Roller  36  may also be connected to a motor for automatic operation of the window treatment. 
       FIGS. 10 and 11  are top and side views of a base  14  in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in  FIG. 10 , a plurality of base clips  24  are positioned on base  14  for providing support to shade panels  20 ,  22 . Set screws  48  are provided for each of the base clips  24 . Set screws  48  may be loosened or removed to facilitate removal of the shade panels  20 ,  22  from the frame. 
       FIG. 12  is a prospective view illustrating chain locks  28  for use with an embodiment of the present invention. Chain locks  28  are designed to engage the chain  50  between two chain beads  58  to secure the chain from moving from a desired position. 
     Although the present invention has been described in accordance with the embodiments shown, one of ordinary skill in the art will readily recognize that there could be variations to the embodiment and these variations would be within the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, many modifications may be made by one of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.