Adjustable mounting system for window blinds and shades

A mounting system for a roller blind includes a tension bar for mounting under pressure between first and second sides of a windows frame. The tension bar may provide both long and short adjustment of mounting system width. The tension bar extends through a hollow roller tube of the roller blind, and through a clutch mechanism of the roller blind, and is coupled to end mounting fixtures. The length of the tension bar may be adjusted as a long adjustment of mounting width. Various mechanisms may be associated with one or both of the end mounting fixtures for short adjustment of mounting width, such as a latch mechanism, wedge mechanism, spring-loaded mechanism, or turn-buckle system. End pads at the ends of the blind provide friction and absorb excess pressure. The mounting mechanism serves as a universal window blind bracket and support rod, which requires no screws or nails to install.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to a window blinds and shades, and more particular to adjustable systems for mounting window blinds and shades within architectural openings.

BACKGROUND

Various blinds are known for selectively covering architectural openings. Many of these include rollers that are rotatably mounted, usually in a horizontal orientation, for instance between the inner walls of an architectural opening, such as a windows recess. To facilitate installation of the roller, an arrangement may be provided whereby a pair of brackets is mounted on opposite inner walls of the architectural opening. The roller is than fitted between the two brackets.

Roller blinds are a popular form of window covering. Roller blinds generally consist of an elongated roller tube upon which the blind is wound. The roller tube has opposite ends and is generally provided with a roller clutch at one end and a plug or idler at the other end. The roller clutch includes a mechanism to raise and lower the blind by engaging a cord or chain (herein sometimes called continuous cord loop). The roller blind is mounted to a window by means of mounting brackets which secure the roller blind to the wall immediately adjacent the window or to the window frame, as the case may be. For example, one mounting arrangement involves a pair of brackets mounted on opposing inner walls of the architectural opening. The mounting brackets generally include a mounting fixture for engaging and mounting the clutch and/or the idler, depending on which end of the roller blind is being supported.

Several ways of fitting a roller between brackets are possible. For example, the ends of the roller may be provided with co-axially extending end plugs with axial holes for receiving a tab-like projection from the brackets. Alternatively the ends of the roller may be provided with co-axially extending end plugs, the end plugs being provided with axially projecting tabs for insertion into an opening in a bracket. These and other installation procedures can be burdensome, requiring careful location and mounting of the brackets and other components, and needing mounting tools and fasteners.

While the combination of a roller blind and mounting brackets is a popular window covering system, there are drawbacks with the design. Firstly, mounting the roller blind to the window (or wall adjacent the window as the case may be) requires careful measurement to ensure that the roller blind and fascia are level. If the roller blind is not exactly level, then the blind will tend to “telescope” on the roller, i.e., roll up in a slanted configuration, as it is wound up and unwound. This is not only unsightly, but it can cause roller blind malfunction. In such cases the user must re-drill the brackets that hold the casing of the blind to make it more level. This is a time consuming and tedious operation involving careful measurements and trial and error.

Additionally, many offices and some residential homes have concrete walls as window frames. This makes it very difficult for consumers to install window blinds via traditional drilling and screws. A specialized drill and installation method must be utilized in order to properly install window blinds in concrete walls.

Other window covering systems includes a bottom rail extending parallel to the headrail, and some form of shade material which might be fabric or shade or blind material, interconnecting the headrail and bottom rail. The shade or blind material is movable with the bottom rail between spread and retracted positions relative to the headrail. For example, as the bottom rail is lowered or raised relative to the headrail, the fabric or other material is spread away from the headrail or retracted toward the headrail so it can be accumulated either adjacent to or within the headrail. Such mechanisms can include various control devices, such as pull cords that hang from one or both ends of the headrail.

For the foregoing reasons, there is a need for a mounting system for window blinds and shades, such as roller blinds, that does not require burdensome installation procedures or mounting tools. There is a need for a mounting system for window blinds and shades that does not require that requires no screws or nails to install, and that can be easily installed on wall or window frame materials such as concrete. There is a need for a mounting system that simplifies leveling a window blind or shade during installation. Further, there is a need for a mounting system that provides safe, secure support for window blinds and shades.

SUMMARY

The embodiments described herein include a mounting system for a roller blind including a roller tube with a windows covering rolled around the tube, and a clutch mechanism for raising and lowering the window covering. The mounting system includes a tension bar, which provides a long and short adjustment of mounting system width for mounting under pressure between first and second sides of an architectural opening, such as a windows frame, to hold up the roller blind. The tension bar extends through a hollow roller tube of the roller blind, through a central recess in the clutch mechanism. Additionally, the tension bar may extend through an idler mechanism located at the opposite end of the roller tube from the clutch mechanism.

The length of the tension bar may be adjusted as a long adjustment. The mounting system also provides short adjustment of mounting width. Various mechanisms may be provided for short adjustment of mounting width, such as a latch mechanism, wedge mechanism, spring-loaded mechanism, or a turn-buckle system.

In one embodiment, a mounting system for a roller blind, the roller blind including a roller tube with a window covering rolled around the roller tube, and a mechanism associated with the roller tube for raising and lowering the window covering and including a first clutch and a continuous cord loop engaged by the first clutch, wherein the roller tube is hollow and the first clutch includes a central recess, comprises a first mounting fixture including a first end member mountable to a first side of a window frame; a second mounting fixture including a second end member mountable to a second side of a window frame; and a tension bar extending through the hollow roller tube and the central recess of the first clutch, and coupled to the first mounting fixture and to the second mounting fixture.

In another embodiment, a roller blind comprises a roller tube with a window covering rolled around the roller tube; a mechanism associated with the roller tube for raising and lowering the window covering including a clutch and a continuous cord loop having a loop end adjacent the clutch, wherein the roller tube is hollow and the clutch includes a central recess; a first mounting fixture including a first end member mountable to a first side of a window frame; a second mounting fixture including a second end member mountable to a second side of a window frame; and a tension bar extending through the hollow roller tube and the central recess of the first clutch, and coupled to the first mounting fixture and to the second mounting fixture

In another embodiment, a window covering system comprises a headrail including a mechanism for extending and retracting a window covering; a clutch associated with the mechanism for extending and retracting the window covering, wherein the clutch includes a central recess; a tension bar extending through the headrail and the central recess of the clutch; a first mounting fixture including a first end member coupled to the tension bar for mounting under pressure to a first side of a window frame, wherein the first end member frictionally engages the first side of the window frame; a second mounting fixture including a second end member coupled to the tension bar for mounting under pressure to a second side of a window frame, wherein the second end member frictionally engages the second side of the window frame; and a mechanism associated with at least one of the first mounting fixture and the second mounting fixture for adjusting a width between the first end member and the second end member.

Additional features and advantages of an embodiment will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be apparent from the description. The objectives and other advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by the structure particularly pointed out in the exemplary embodiments in the written description and claims hereof as well as the appended drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present disclosure is here described in detail with reference to embodiments illustrated in the drawings, which form a part here. Other embodiments may be used and/or other changes may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present disclosure. The illustrative embodiments described in the detailed description are not meant to be limiting of the subject matter presented here. Furthermore, the various components and embodiments described herein may be combined to form additional embodiments not expressly described, without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention.

The present disclosure describes various embodiments of a roll-up window covering (or roller blind) system. As used in the present disclosure, a roller blind system is a system for raising and lowering a window covering including an elongated roller tube upon which the blind is wound. In the present disclosure, “window covering” includes any covering material or fabric that may be lowered or spread to cover a window or other architectural opening using a roller blind system. Window covering embodiments described herein will refer to fabric, blind or blinds, it being understood that these embodiments are illustrative of other forms of window coverings.

In another embodiment, the tension bar may extend through a headrail of a window covering system, and through a central recess in a clutch mechanism that is part of a mechanism in the headrail for extending and retracting window coverings. In this embodiment, the tension bar does not extend through a hollow roller tube.

As used in the present application, the term “window frame” also encompasses other architectural openings such as archways, and the term “casement” is sometimes used herein in lieu of “window frame”. References to a “side” or to an “inner surface” of a “window frame” also encompass sides or inner surfaces of other architectural openings.

As used in the present disclosure, a “continuous cord loop” is an endless loop of flexible material, such as a rope, cord, beaded chain and ball chain. Continuous cord loops in the form of loops of cord are available in various types and ranges of diameter including for example D-30 (1⅛″-1¼″), C-30 (1 3/16″-1 7/16″), D-40 (1 3/16″-1 7/16″), and K-35 (1¼″-1½″). Additionally, various types of beaded chain and ball chain are commonly used as continuous cord loops for roller blinds.

Roller blinds are generally controlled by a roller clutch assembly that is used to raise and lower the blind, manually or under motor control. These clutch assemblies generally consist of a housing having a barrel portion to which a roller tube support structure is rotatably mounted. The blind is coupled to a roller tube which is in turn coupled to the roller tube support structure. A clutch assembly is rotatably mounted to the barrel portion of the housing and is coupled to the roller tube support member. A looped cord or chain is in turn coupled to the clutch assembly to permit the user to rotate the clutch (and thereby the roller tube) by pulling on the cord. This permits the user to raise and/or lower the blind by pulling on the cord to rotate the roller tube in the desired direction.

The present disclosure provides a mounting system for a roller blind, in which a mechanism for raising and lowering a window covering rolled around a roller tube includes a clutch. The roller tube is hollow and the clutch includes a central recess, i.e., the clutch includes a hollow center. A tension bar extends through the hollow roller tube and the central recess of the clutch. As the term “extends through” is used in the present disclosure, a tension bar extends through the hollow roller tube and the central recess of the clutch either by extending completely through these structures, or by extending partially through these structures. In an alternative embodiment, a tension bar extends through a headrail and a central recess of a clutch associated with the headrail.

The mounting system includes a first mounting fixture with a first end member, and a second mounting fixture with a second end member, mountable respectively at first and second sides of a window frame. The tension bar is coupled to the first mounting fixture and the second mounting fixture.

In an embodiment, at least one of the first mounting fixture and second mounting fixture includes an adjustment mechanism for adjusting a width between the first and second end member. In an embodiment, the adjustment mechanism for adjusting a width between the first and second end member is a short adjustment mechanism for adjusting the width between the first and second end member over a short distance. In an embodiment, adjustment of the width between the first and second end member over a short distance calibrates the width of the mounting system to the width of the window frame, and adjusts the pressure exerted by the first end member and the second end member to mount the roller blind using pressure mounting.

Various embodiments of short adjustment mechanism may be employed, including for example spring-loaded mechanisms in which the mounting system exerts a substantially constant pressure against the window frame, and arrangements in which the user adjusts the width of between the first and member and second end member, and calibrates the pressure exerted by first end member and second end member against the window frame. Exemplary short adjustment mechanisms include, without limitation, short adjustment through a spring-loaded mechanism, a latch mechanism, a wedge mechanism, a sprocket mechanism, or a turn-buckle mechanism. In some embodiments, the user effects the short adjustment mechanism without tools. The short adjustment mechanism may incorporate an adjustment dial that can be adjusted manually by a user, or a system such as a worm gear system that may be adjusted using a tool. In another embodiment of a short adjustment mechanism, an end pad mounted to an adjustment sprocket is screwed onto a threaded shaft, and is tightened by a user using a tool to rotate the sprocket.

In an embodiment, a short adjustment mechanism is located at a clutch side of the adjustable mounting system. In another embodiment, the short adjustment mechanism is located at an idler side of the adjustable mounting system.

In an embodiment, the mounting system incorporates a tension bar with a length that is adjustable over a significant length, sometimes herein referred to as a long adjustment mechanism. In an embodiment, the long adjustment mechanism includes a female tension bar and a male tension bar adjustably mounted within the female tension bar. In an embodiment, the long adjustment mechanism includes a mechanism for displacing the male tension bar relative to the female tension bar, and a mechanism for locking the male tension bar within the female tension bar.

In an embodiment of long adjustment mechanism, the female tension bar includes slots at a plurality of stop positions spaced along the female tension bar, and the male tension bar includes a compressible member that may expand within slots at one or more of the stop positions.

In another embodiment, a male tension bar includes a pull rod mounted for displacement within the male tension bar, and a conical expander mechanism that expands to wedge against an inner wall of a female tension bar. In a further embodiment, a female tension bar includes a plurality of ridges defining detent positions spaced along an inner wall of the female tension bar. The male tension bar is a profiled push bar that supports ball bearings that engage the female tension bar in the detent positions, and that includes locked and unlocked configurations.

In an embodiment, the mounting system includes an end member such as an end pad for frictionally engaging the window frame, and for dampening the force of the mounting system against the window frame.

In various embodiments, a mounting system for a roller blind incorporates an adjustable length tension bar based upon any of the long adjustment mechanisms, in combination with any of the short adjustment mechanisms. In other embodiments, a mounting system for a roller blind incorporates a fixed length tension bar, in combination with any of the short adjustment mechanisms.

The disclosure further provides various embodiments of roller blinds incorporating the mounting systems described herein.

Various roller blinds adjustable mounting systems incorporating a long adjustment mechanism to adjust the length of a tension bar are described below with reference to the following embodiments:

(a) a lever assembly for long adjustment is illustrated atFIGS. 1-6;

(b) a detent assembly with button for long adjustment is illustrated atFIGS. 12, 13A, 13B, 14, 19, and 20;

(c) a cone-expander for long adjustment is illustrated atFIG. 21.

Various roller blinds adjustable mounting systems incorporating a short adjustment mechanism to adjust over a short distance the width between end members coupled to a tension bar, are described below with reference to the following embodiments:

(a) a spring-loaded button assembly for short adjustment is illustrated atFIGS. 8-11;

(b) a spur gear assembly with dial for short adjustment is illustrated atFIGS. 15-18;

(c) a worm gear assembly for short adjustment is illustrated atFIG. 22.

In other embodiments, a roller blinds adjustable mounting system incorporates a fixed length tension bar, as illustrated inFIG. 7, wherein the fixed length tension bar may be deployed in combination with any of the short adjustment mechanisms.

The roller blinds mounting systems described below include examples of a particular long adjustment mechanism in combination with a particular short adjustment mechanism. The lever assembly for long adjustment ofFIGS. 1-6is described as usable in combination with the spring-loaded button assembly for short adjustment ofFIGS. 8-11. The detent assembly with button for long adjustment ofFIGS. 12, 13A, 13B, 14, 19, and 20is described as usable in combination with the a spur gear assembly with dial for short adjustment is illustrated atFIGS. 15-18. However it should be noted, advantageously, that various long adjustment mechanisms are interchangeable, and various short adjustment mechanisms are interchangeable. For example, the cone-expander long adjustment mechanism ofFIG. 21may be easily interchanged with the lever assembly long adjustment mechanism ofFIGS. 1-6. In another example, the spur gear assembly with dial for short adjustment ofFIGS. 15-18may be easily interchanged with the worm gear assembly for short adjustment ofFIG. 22.

Various long adjustment mechanisms disclosed herein incorporate external actuating implements; similarly various short adjustment mechanisms incorporate external actuating implements. In the present disclosure, an external actuating implement refers to an external component of the adjustable window blinds or shades that can be manipulated or otherwise operated by a user to actuate a long adjustment mechanism, or to actuate a short adjustment mechanism. Examples of external actuating implements for long adjustment mechanisms are the unlock handle108of lever assembly115(FIG. 2), and the detent push button220of detent assembly200. Examples of external actuating implements for short adjustment mechanisms are the button167of locking pin164in the spring-loaded button assembly150(FIGS. 9, 11), and the adjustment dial238of spur gear assembly with dial225. In various embodiments, the external actuating mechanism may be manipulated by a user without requiring tools. In an alternative embodiment, such as the worm gear350of the worm gear assembly for short adjustment ofFIG. 22, an external actuating mechanism be manipulated by a user using a tool360.

FIGS. 1-6show an adjustable-length tension bar assembly of an adjustable and portable blind assembly100, which permits easy installation on various window frame sizes without any tooling. Adjustable length blind assembly100incorporates an internal adjustable tension bar to accommodate a range of window sizes.FIG. 1is a perspective view of disassembled components of an adjustable blind assembly, including a male tension bar116and a female tension bar118. In the fully assembled adjustable blinds assembly100, the male tension bar116and a female tension bar118are secured together at a selected length, and extend through male fabric tube110and female fabric tube112. A clicker122is located at the male tension bar116. Components at a clutch end of the adjustable length blind assembly include a clutch assembly150engaged by a chain or continuous cord loop128. The other, idler, end of the blind assembly includes an idler104, retaining ring120, and an unlock handle108. At both ends of adjustable length blind assembly100, end plates102and rubber end pads106serve as mounting structures for mounting assembly100to a window frame under pressure. Other components include a male fabric tube110and female fabric tube112coupled in an adjustable length telescoping structure. In an embodiment, male fabric tube110and female fabric tube112respectively support first and second blinds fabrics (not shown). Male blind housing124and female blind housing126provide an adjustable-length housing for blind assembly100, and support other components of adjustable blinds assembly100during installation.

FIG. 2is a front side exterior perspective view of the adjustable blinds assembly100, including adjustably coupled female blinds housing126and male blinds housing124. The detail view of the end of female blinds housing126includes unlock handle108and left end plate101. Unlock handle is shown in a raised, locked position. The detail view of the end of male blinds housing124includes chain128and right end plate102.FIG. 3is a back side perspective view of the adjustable blinds assembly100with blinds housing removed. The center detail shows the adjustable length telescoping structure of male fabric tube110and female fabric tube112. At the end of the male fabric tube, the unlock handle108is shown in a lowered, unlocked position.

FIG. 4is a perspective view of an adjustable length tension bar assembly, or lever assembly,115. Lever assembly115includes a male tension bar116and a slotted female tension bar118. A clicker122with outwardly biased ears122a,122bis attached to one end of the male tension bar. A lever (unlock handle108) is attached at the other end of the male tension bar, and controls the configuration of the adjustable length tension bar assembly115. When fully assembled, the female tension bar118is fixed and the male tension bar116is mounted to slide, and rotate, within the female tension bar. As the unlock handle108is rotated, the clicker122rotates with the male tension bar116. In one configuration, the ears122a,122bof clicker122compress against the inner wall of the female tension bar118, permitting the male tension bar to slide within the female tension bar. In the other configuration, the ears122a,122bof clicker122decompress when released within one of the slots of female tension bar118.

Internal adjustable tension bar assembly115has two configurations, open and locked, depending on the position of unlock handle108(cf.FIGS. 2, 3). The tension bar assembly115is open when the clicker122is compressed. This configuration allows the male tension bar116and the female tension bar to slide freely, extending or contracting the length of the adjustable blinds. This open configuration is shown schematically inFIG. 5. In contrast, when the unlock handle is rotated to the locked position (e.g., 90 degrees), the clicker122decompresses at one of the sets of slots of female tension bar118. In one embodiment, when in this locked configuration, the tension bar can be extended but cannot be contracted. This locked configuration is shown inFIG. 6.

FIG. 7illustrates a fixed-length tension bar assembly140. Fixed length tension bar assembly140includes a fixed length tension bar142, such as an extruded bar. A clutch assembly148is located at a clutch end of the tension bar. The clutch assembly148includes a central recess (not shown) and the fixed length tension bar extends through the central recess. An idler144and idler end plate146is located at the other end of fixed length tension bar142. In an embodiment, fixed length blinds incorporating fixed-length tension bar assemblies may be provided in various fixed sizes, which may be selected to fit specific window frame standards. As compared with the adjustable length tension bar assembly ofFIGS. 1-6, the fixed-length tension bar assembly140ofFIG. 7does not require a telescoping housing or other window blinds structures such as adjustable width bottom bars (at the bottom of the blinds fabric); two sets of fabric; or internal adjustable tension rods with control mechanism. Hence, fixed length tension bar assemblies are amenable to lower cost manufacture. A fixed length tension bar assembly may include a short adjustment mechanism to facilitate mounting to a windows frame or casement. For example, the clutch assembly148may be based upon the short adjustment clutch assembly150ofFIGS. 8-11.

FIGS. 8-11show a clutch assembly, also herein called spring-loaded button assembly, for an adjustable blind assembly, incorporating a clutch assembly with a spring-loaded mechanism for short adjustment of mounting to a window frame. As seen in the exploded view ofFIG. 8, the clutch assembly150serves two functions. Clutch assembly150, including clutch168and clutch rotor162, allows the fabric tubes of the blinds (not shown) to rotate freely while pulling on chain170, while preventing rotation of the fabric tubes in other circumstances, as is conventional. Secondly, the clutch assembly incorporates a spring loaded short adjustment mechanism, which applies a continuous load to the window frame following a push of a button. Clutch assembly150, including clutch168and clutch rotor162, include a central recess, and a tension bar (not shown) extends through the central recess and is coupled to clutch and spring release body152as subassemblies of an adjustable-width mounting assembly for a roller blind. Roller blind clutches of this type are supplied, for example, by Ciera Industries, Inc. of Valencia, Calif.

Key components in the spring loaded mechanism include a clutch and spring release body152, compression spring158, locking pin164, launch pin154, and locking pin compression spring166. The clutch assembly150has two modes of operation: closed and extended. To close the spring loaded assembly, as shown inFIG. 9, the end plate160and the launch pin154are pushed into the clutch and spring release body152. Enough force must be applied to overcome the compression spring158. When the end plate160and the launch pin154are pushed into the clutch and spring release body152, the locking pin164is free to push upwards under the force of locking pin compression springs166. A profiled aperture165of the locking pin164engages the launch pin154, locking the clutch assembly150in closed configuration.

The locking pin164terminates at a button167(FIG. 11). To extend the clutch assembly150, the user presses the locking pin164into the clutch and spring release body152via button165. The movement of locking pin164disengages the launch pin154, allowing the compression spring158to decompress. The potential energy stored in compression spring158is released, forcing the launch pin154and the end plate160out of the clutch and spring release body152. In this locked configuration, the adjustable blind assembly is fully extended to the width of a window frame.

In an embodiment, while in the locked configuration the clutch assembly150applies sufficient force to the window frame to hold up the entire adjustable blind assembly. In an embodiment, the clutch assembly150applies approximately 40 pounds of force to the window frame when in the locked configuration through metal end cap160and rubber end pad156(FIG. 11). Rubber end pad156provides friction and absorbs excess pressure when engaging a window frame or casement.

The adjustable blind assembly ofFIGS. 8-11uses a tension bar as a load-bearing bar in conjunction with to load applied to a window frame by the clutch assembly150. The tension bar assembly coupled to the clutch assembly150may have a fix width, such as the tension bar assembly140ofFIG. 7. Alternatively the tension bar assembly coupled to assembly150may allow a long adjustment of width, such as the adjustable tension bar115ofFIGS. 1-6.

In an example, a user installed an adjustable length blind assembly100incorporating the long-adjustable tension bar115ofFIGS. 1-6and the short-adjustable clutch assembly150ofFIGS. 8-11. The user compressed the clutch assembly150so that it was in its closed position, pushing the end plate160against the clutch body152. The user placed the unlock handle108in its locked position, then extended the housing of adjustable length blind assembly100to a length approximately corresponding to the width of the windows frame targeted for installation. The user then positioned the adjustable length blind assembly100within the windows casement at the intended mounting location, and pushed the release button to extend the clutch assembly.

To uninstall the adjustable length blind assembly100, a user pulled the unlock handle108to its open position, disengaging internal tension bar115(FIG. 3). Two persons may support the adjustable length blind assembly100to prevent it from falling, before disengaging the internal tension bar115.

FIG. 12is a side sectional view of a detent assembly200, which provides an alternative mechanism for long length adjustment of a tension bar, via a detent mechanism. Detent assembly200includes a corrugated tube204housing a detent202. A detent push button220controls operation of the detent mechanism.

FIGS. 13A and 13Bare side sectional views corresponding to details13A,13B respectively of the detent assembly200ofFIG. 12. In order to engage the long adjustment detent assembly200, the user pushes down the detent button220to apply a tangential force to the push rod214within clutch rotor218, at the applied force contact point. The movement of push rod214in turn moves the profiled head208to the left. Traversal of the profile head208to the left allows the ball bearings212to move towards the interior of the head casing210. The inward displacement of ball bearings212provides clearance between corrugations at interior profile of the corrugated tube204, and the ball bearings. In this configuration, since the ball bearings212are no longer held in place within corrugated tube204, the detent202of detent assembly200is free to move as indicated by the arrow, compressing the compression spring206.

FIG. 14is an exploded view of components at the clutch end of the long adjustment detent assembly200ofFIG. 12, showing a mechanism for disengagement of long adjustment. When a user presses and releases the detent push button220, a plastic fin228held in compression retracts the push button220. The fin228is located on the ABS plastic casing216. As an alternative to the plastic fin228, the long adjustment detent assembly could incorporate a spring to retract the push button220. Once the push button is retracted, the force applied onto the push rod214is removed. The release of compression spring206returns the detent assembly200into its locked configuration in which the ball bearings212are held in place within corrugated tube204.

FIG. 15is an exploded view of components at the clutch end of an adjustable blinds assembly that provides short adjustment of the width between the first and second end plates, using a dial-actuated adjustment mechanism, spur gear assembly with dial225. Components of the adjustable blind assembly seen inFIG. 14include corrugated tube204joined to a threaded nut248. Threaded pin or screw242is mounted within threaded nut248, and is keyed to a bronze radial slip clutch240by a square key244.

A casing230, together with end cap256, acts as a housing for components of the short adjustment assembly. These components includes a slip clutch240and plunger adapter246, i.e., radial clutch gear. Other components include spur gear system232,234, and an adjustment dial238that is coupled to spur gear232by pinion adaptor236. End cap256covers working components of the short adjustment assembly, and is secured to casing230via screws226. A resilient end pad224secured to metal end cap256provides friction and dampens the force of the short adjustment mechanism against the window frame. In an embodiment, the end cap256is formed of a metal, the casing230is formed of an engineering plastic, and the end pad224is formed of rubber, it being understood these materials are merely exemplary.

The dial adjustment system ofFIGS. 16 and 17provides small, continuous length adjustments (e.g., ±0.25 in) of the adjustable blinds assembly ofFIG. 15.FIG. 16is an interior view of a dial adjustment assembly for short adjustment of the adjustable blinds assembly, andFIG. 17is a side sectional view of the short adjustment end. The mechanism uses a spur gear system232,234to transfer torque from the adjustment dial238to the ACME screw242. Rotation of the screw242within the ACME threaded nut248provides linear displacement of the corrugated tube204. The torque transferred from an adjustment dial238to the ACME screw242is limited by a radial slip clutch240. The dial adjustment system ofFIGS. 16 and 17permits short adjustment of the detent assembly200manually, without requiring tools.

FIG. 18provides a detail schematic of a radial slip clutch system for the dial adjustment assembly ofFIG. 16. The radial clutch system is comprised of a bronze radial slip clutch240, and a plunger adapter246. The system utilizes ball plungers housed within the plunger adapter246, to provide a gripping force onto the radial clutch240. When a desired overload force is reached, the ball plunger compresses thereby allowing the bronze radial clutch to slip. This system is used to prevent any wall or window frame damage caused by high normal force loading.

In an embodiment, as a pivot compensation mechanism to compensate for wall misalignment and mounting error, an ABS plastic casing230at the short adjustment end has been designed with an allowance, e.g., ±2° allowance. This allowance may be achieved through use of flexible plastic prongs (not shown) attached to the corrugated tube204, and through a minor differential slip between the bronze slip clutch240and the plunger adapter246.

FIG. 19is a perspective view, andFIG. 20is a side sectional view, of a bushing-spring assembly from the adjustable blinds assembly with detent mechanism ofFIGS. 15-18. To provide added bearing support to the assembly including detent202, and corrugated tube204with corrugated tube end cap258, a bushing-spring “splint” casing is utilized. The mechanism is made of two bushings260,266, including a corrugated tube bushing266placed around corrugated tube204, and a detent bushing260around the detent assembly202. These bushings are held together by three aluminum rods264with screws268,270at either end. The detent bushing260is held fixed to the aluminum rods, but allowed to slide through the corrugated tube bushing266. However, the travel is restricted by screws268, and by compression springs262on the other side. This creates a support structure with slight play along the travel axis, dampening intermittent forces exerted on the assembly during operation.

FIG. 21is a side sectional view of an adjustable blinds assembly300that provides long adjustment of the tension bar using a conical wedging mechanism. Adjustable blinds assembly300incorporates a cone312and an expander314, which provide a frictional engagement mechanism for long adjustment of a tension bar that includes a female tension bar308and a male tension bar306.

The adjustable blinds assembly300activates a mechanism (not shown) on the end of the male tension bar306adjacent a clutch end plate316, to move the pull-rod310in and out of the male tension bar306. For example, the pull-rod activation mechanism may be a threaded dial, a lever, a gear assembly, or a button. Inward motion of the pull-rod310pulls the cone312into the expander314, creating a wedge. As best seen in the detail view ofFIG. 21, this wedge increases the friction between the outer surface of the expander314and the internal wall of female tension bar308. This friction will hold the male and female tension bar at a set distance, and allow the blinds assembly300to be tensioned without retracting. In an embodiment, this conical wedging mechanism applies a high level of friction between the female tension bar308and the expander314. The friction between the cone312and expander314is relatively low, allowing the cone312to move freely within the mechanism.

An advantage of this wedge-based method of long adjustment is that the blinds can be expanded continuously to any length within the mechanism's range. That is, this long adjustment mechanism is not limited to discreet lengths, unlike the detent long adjustment mechanism ofFIGS. 15-18, or the lever long adjustment mechanism ofFIGS. 4-6.

FIG. 22is a side sectional view of the clutch side of an adjustable blinds assembly with a short adjustment mechanism330including a worm set. A worm set348,350is used to extend an end plate332, in order to close off small gaps and to and apply pressure against a window casement (not shown). The worm set includes a worm350, which can be rotated manually by a user using a tool360such as a torque knob, an Allen key, or a hex key. As the worm is rotated, the input torque is multiplied through the worm set348,350by a gear ratio, for example of 7.5, allowing the user to apply large amount of force through the assembly with very little effort. As the worm gear348rotates, it turns a slip clutch354along with it which causes the threaded shaft338and end plate332to displace outwards, applying force against the window casement. The worm set is contained between a housing346adjacent end plate332, and a clutch end352.

As the blind is tensioned using this method, the load from the end plate332is transferred through the threaded shaft338, through the slip clutch354, through to a steel nut342, then bronze bushing344. These mechanisms are contained within a clutch housing336. Finally, the load from end plate332is transferred through the tension bar334to another end plate (not shown), pressing against an opposing window casement at the idler end of the mounting system.

As the short adjustment mechanism is tightened through the worm, the normal force of the assembly330may increase to a point that will cause the slip clutch354to slip at a pre-determined force. This feature protects the blinds or window casement from any damage due to excessive tensioning of the blinds system. The operation of the slip clutch also will signal to the user to stop tensioning the short adjustment mechanism330. A spring340is included to absorb axial play from temperature changes and vibrations. In an embodiment, the end-plate332swivels around a joint, to accommodate uneven window casements.

The above disclosed embodiments provide a mounting system for a roller blind, in which a mechanism for raising and lowering a window covering rolled around a roller tube includes a clutch. The roller tube is hollow and the clutch includes a central recess, i.e., the clutch includes a hollow center. A tension bar extends through the hollow roller tube and the central recess of the clutch. In alternative embodiments, the mounting system with tension bar can be used with other window covering systems, i.e., systems for spreading and retracting a window covering. In one embodiment, in lieu of a hollow roller tube, the window covering system includes a headrail, and a mechanism associated with the headrail for spreading and retracting a window covering. The window covering system includes a continuous cord loop extending below the headrail for actuating the mechanism to spread and retract the window covering, wherein this mechanism includes a clutch that engages the continuous cord loop. Rather than extending through a hollow roller tube, the tension bar extends through the headrail, and through a central recess of the clutch. End members are coupled to opposite ends of the tension bar, to frictionally engage first and second sides of the window frame. The window covering system with headrail may incorporate a long adjustment mechanism for adjusting the length of the tension bar, and/or may incorporate a short adjustment mechanism for adjusting the width between the end members over a short distance, as described above.

While various aspects and embodiments have been disclosed, other aspects and embodiments are contemplated. The various aspects and embodiments disclosed are for purposes of illustration and are not intended to be limiting, with the true scope and spirit being indicated by the following claims. The foregoing method descriptions are provided merely as illustrative examples and are not intended to require or imply that the steps of the various embodiments must be performed in the order presented. As will be appreciated by one of skill in the art the steps in the foregoing embodiments may be performed in any order. Words such as “then,” “next,” etc. are not intended to limit the order of the steps; these words are simply used to guide the reader through the description of the methods.