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RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent application Ser. No. 61/769,019, filed Feb. 25, 2013 and titled LOW PROFILE HEAD RAIL, which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to blinds or coverings for windows or for other similar openings. More particularly, the present invention relates to a window covering having a lower profile head rail than is traditionally used in the industry for use with Venetian-type horizontal blind slats. 
         [0004]    2. Background Information 
         [0005]    Blinds are often used to cover windows and other similar openings to provide privacy and/or to control the level of light that enters a room. A popular type of blind, sometimes called a “Venetian” blind, comprises a series of spaced-apart blind slats assembled parallel to each other. As a type of window covering, Venetian blinds offer versatility in controlling light or view and are easy to use. 
         [0006]    A common, commercially available Venetian blind generally includes a head rail, a bottom rail, a plurality of blind slats, and a means for tilting the blind slats. Some commercially available Venetian blinds further include a means for lifting and gathering the blind slats at a position adjacent the head rail. The slats are generally suspended from the head rail via a system of cords that form a ladder. The ladder comprises forward and rearward rails that are interconnected with a plurality of rungs. Each rung of the ladder is configured to hold a blind slat at a desired distance from an adjacent blind slat. The ladder is further connected to the head rail and the bottom rail. 
         [0007]    Tilting the blind slats causes each slat to pivot about a point on the rung. Tilting is generally accomplished via a tilting drum that is secured to a tilting rod located in the head rail. The ladder is attached perpendicularly to the tilting drum so that as the tilting rod is rotated, the tilting drum is also rotated. The forward and rearward rails of the ladder are coupled to the tilting drum such that as the tilting drum rotates, the vertical positions of the forward and rearward rails are adjusted up and down. This up and down movement tilts the rungs of the ladder, thereby tilting the blind slats supported thereon. 
         [0008]    The components of the tilting means for a traditional Venetian blind can be quite complex, expensive, bulky and heavy. The head rails of traditional Venetian blinds are required to have a minimum size necessary to accommodate the various components to achieve tilting. For example, the tilting drum of a traditional Venetian blind must comprise a diameter with a ratio to the width of a blind slat that is large enough to accommodate complete rotation of the blind slat. Thus, the head rail must have a minimum width and height that is approximately equal to the width of the blind slat. This generally provides a head rail that may be large and bulky. A valance is commonly used to address this issue by covering or disguising the head rail. 
         [0009]    Further, in some instances the components utilized in the traditional tilting mechanism of traditional Venetian blinds can create a limitation or barrier to achieving superior closure of the blind. For example, the minimum width of the tilting drum may prevent complete closure of the upper-most blind slat, i.e. the blind slat that is closest to the head rail. This is due to the inability of the forward and rearward rails of the ladder to close or be brought close together sufficiently due to the required minimum width of the tilting drum. As such, light-leakage commonly occurs between the upper-most blind slat and its adjacent blind slat when the window covering is closed. 
         [0010]    Accordingly, there is a need in the art for improved systems and methods for tilting blind slats of a horizontal blind window covering. Specifically, there is a need for a window covering system that addresses and eliminates the requirements of the complex, expensive, bulky, and heavy components of traditional Venetian blind systems. Such a window covering system is disclosed herein. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The present invention relates generally to blinds or coverings for windows or for other similar openings. More particularly, the present invention relates to a window covering having a low profile head rail for use with Venetian-type horizontal blind slats. The low profile head rail of the present invention eliminates the traditional components of Venetian-type horizontal blinds thereby reducing the cost of production, as well as reduce the amount of metal or other materials required in the head rail. Some implementations of the present invention provide a head rail that does not require the use of a valance. 
         [0012]    Some implementations of the present invention include a window covering having a head rail which includes a plate having a length sufficient to cover, or at least partially cover a window opening. The head rail of the present invention may include a low profile as compared to traditional, Venetian-type horizontal blinds. This is accomplished by altering or eliminating the blind tilting components of traditional Venetian-type horizontal blinds. Traditional blind tilting components are oriented in a generally vertical position thereby requiring a minimum head rail height. In contrast, the tilting components of the present invention are capable of being oriented in a generally horizontal position, thereby reducing the required minimum head rail height. Further, the tilting components of the present invention provide blind closure that is superior to achievable closure by traditional, Venetian-type horizontal blinds. 
         [0013]    Some implementations of the present invention provide a low profile head rail device for use with a Venetian-style horizontal blind slat, the low profile head rail device having a plate having a top surface, a bottom surface, a length, and a width, wherein the plate supports or carries one or more cord drive components that are rotatably coupled to the top surface of the plate in a generally horizontal orientation. The cord drive component is fixedly coupled to an anchor end of a first and second tilt cord. A terminal end of each tilt cord is coupled to a blind slat, thereby suspending the blind slat below the plate of the head rail. In some implementations, the head rail further comprises a lift cord that is coupled to a bottom rail of the horizontal blind to facilitate lifting of the plurality of blind slats. 
         [0014]    The head rail may include a belt drive which is coupled to the cord drive component via a synchronization pulley to rotate the cord drive component in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. In some implementations, the cord drive component comprises a top planar surface on which a synchronization pulley is mounted or otherwise attached. The synchronization pulley comprises an annular groove in which the belt drive is seated. In some instances, the belt drive contacts and interacts with a surface of the cord drive component to rotate the cord drive component. For example, in some embodiments the belt drive contacts and interacts with a second groove located on the cord drive component. In other instances, the belt drive contacts a surface of the cord drive component, that is adjacent the groove. 
         [0015]    One having skill in the art will appreciate that the cord drive components of the instant invention may be driven by any method and/or device known in the art. For example, in some instances the cord drive components are driven directly, such as by a worm gear that contacts a complementary set of gear teeth on the cord drive component. As the worm gear is rotated by the user, the cord drive component is also rotated. Alternatively, in some instances the cord drive components are driven indirectly, such as by a belt or chain that interconnects the cord drive component to a separate gear or drive component that is rotated directly by the user. Thus, as the user rotates the separate gear or drive component, the cord drive component is rotated via the belt or chain. Some implementations further include an opening or openings in the plate through which the first and second tilt cords are fed. In some instances, an axle is further provided to direct the first and second tilt cords through the opening without contacting a periphery of the opening. Some implementations of the present invention provide a lift cord that passes through an opening in the plate and passes through or adjacent to the blind slats and then couples to the bottom rail. 
         [0016]    As the cord drive component is rotated in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction, the first and second tilt cords are either wound onto the cord drive component, or are wound off. As such the length of the tilt cords is adjusted thereby causing the blind slat to tilt in a clockwise or counter-clockwise rotation. In some instances, this movement of the first and second tilt cords allow for the cord drive component to over-rotate the blind slats in the clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. The over-rotation of the blind slats is characterized by one tilt cord being overly wound onto the cord drive component while the other tilt cord is unwound from the cord drive component, thereby resulting in the unwound tilt cord assuming a flaccid or slack state, while the overly wound tilt cord is taut. Further, the overly wound tilt cord lifts the upper edge of the blind slat towards the head rail, thereby reducing and/or eliminating a gap between the blind slat and the head rail. Thus, superior closure of the blind slats may be accomplished without requiring the tilting components of traditional Venetian-type horizontal blind window coverings. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0017]    The foregoing and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the accompanying drawings when considered in conjunction with the following description. Although the drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are thus not to be deemed as limiting the scope of the invention, the accompanying drawings help explain the invention in added detail. 
           [0018]      FIG. 1 , shown in parts A-C, shows various views of a low profile head rail and system for tilting Venetian-style horizontal blind slats, the blind slats shown in a fully-opened position in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIGS. 1D and 1E  show various configurations of a cord drive component having a second groove or surface to receive or support a belt drive in accordance with representative embodiments of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 1F  is a top plan view of a low profile head rail having a cord drive component comprising a worm gear and a worm in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention 
           [0021]      FIG. 2 , shown in parts A-C, shows various views of a low profile head rail and system for tilting Venetian-style horizontal blind slats, the blind slats shown in a partially closed position in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 3 , shown in parts A-C, shows various views of a low profile head rail and system for tilting Venetian-style horizontal blind slats, the blind slats shown in a closed position in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 4 , shown in parts A-C, shows various views of a low profile head rail and system for tilting Venetian-style horizontal blind slats, the blind slats shown in an over-rotated position thereby providing superior closure of the blind slats in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 5  shows a plan top view of a low profile head rail and system for tilting Venetian-style horizontal blind slats, the system for tilting incorporating cord guides to maintain the position of the tilt cords over the axle in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 6 , shown in parts A and B, shows various views of a low profile head rail and system for tilting Venetian-style horizontal blind slats, the head rail comprising a plurality of cord drive components, axles, belt drives, cord supports, and tilt cords in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 6C  shows a plan top view of a low profile head rail having a plurality of cord drive components interconnected via a single cam arm in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 6D  shows a side view of a low profile head rail having a plurality of cord drive components attached thereto in an inverted configuration in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 7  shows a low profile head rail having front and rear sidewalls having a height that is approximately equal to a height of the cord drive component in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 8  shows a plan top view of a low profile head rail comprising a belt drive in a figure-eight configuration in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIGS. 9A and 9B , show a low profile head rail having a plurality of cord drive components interconnected via a plurality of belt drives and tilt cords in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 9C  is a side view of a low profile head rail in an inverted configuration in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 10  is a plan top view of a low profile head rail having a single cord drive component and a plurality of tilt cords and cord supports in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIGS. 11A and 11B  illustrate a low profile head rail utilizing a grommet as a cord support in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0034]      FIGS. 12A and 12B  illustrate a low profile head rail with multiple openings which the cords pass through in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0035]    The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings (hereby expressly incorporated as part of this detailed description), sets forth specific numbers, materials, and configurations in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. The following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings, will enable one skilled in the relevant art to make and use the present invention. 
         [0036]    A purpose of this detailed description being to describe the invention so as to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the present invention, the following description sets forth various specific examples, also referred to as “embodiments,” of the present invention. While the invention is described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it will be understood, because the embodiments are set forth for explanatory purposes only, that this description is not intended to limit the invention to these particular embodiments. Indeed, it is emphasized that the present invention can be embodied or performed in a variety of ways. The drawings and detailed description are merely representative of particular embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0037]    As used herein, the term “cord drive component” is understood to include any device or combination of devices which are configured to facilitate movement of tilt cords to rotate a blind slat. For example, a cord drive component may include a pulley, a cam, a lever arm, a gear, a gear box, a bar, a friction device, a spring or cord lock and combinations thereof. 
         [0038]    As used herein, the term “cord support” is understood to include any device or combination of devices configured to prevent contact between a tilt cord and the plate of a low profile head rail. For example, a cord support may include a grommet, an axle, a pulley, a post, an eyelet, a guide wheel, and combinations thereof. In some instances, a cord support may be placed directly in contact with an opening in the plate to serve as a barrier between a tilt cord and the plate. 
         [0039]    One having skill in the art will appreciate that the embodiments shown and discussed herein comprise various components that may be scaled and adjusted as needed to accommodate blind slats of desired widths, lengths and thicknesses. For example, the embodiments shown and discussed herein may be scaled for use with a 0.5 inch blind slat, a 1.0 inch blind slat, a 1.5 inch blind slat, a 2.0 inch blind slat, and/or a 3.0 inch blind slat. Alternatively, the embodiments shown and discussed herein may be scaled to any desired dimensions. Further, the embodiments shown and discussed herein may comprise any length sufficient to cover or partially cover a window opening, as may be desired. One having skill in the art will further appreciate that the embodiment shown and discussed herein may include any number of cord drive components, cord supports, belt drives, ladders, lift cords, and other components that may be desired or required to accommodate a blind slat having a desired shape, width and/or length. 
         [0040]    Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the invention. The various embodiments will be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like elements are designated by like numeric characters throughout. 
         [0041]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1A-1C , a low profile head rail  10  is shown. Low profile head rail  10  generally comprises a plate  20  having a width  22  and a length  24  sufficient to support a blind slat  40  having approximately equal dimensions. In some instances, length  24  is selected to be approximately equal to the width of a window opening, such that head rail  10  spans the distance across the width of a window opening. However, length  24  may comprise any value. In some instances, length  24  is selected to partially span a window opening. In other embodiments, length  24  is selected to be greater than the width of a window opening, wherein plate  20  is secured to the window opening with an outside mount. In other instances, length  24  is selected to cover a window that is part of a door, or another non-traditional type of window. Head rail  10  may further be used in combination with another type of traditional window covering, such as a set of curtains or a pull shade. 
         [0042]    Plate  20  may further comprise any material that is compatible for use in supporting horizontal blind slats  40 . For example, in some embodiments plate  20  comprises a metallic material, such as steel or aluminum. Plate  20  may further include a polymer material, such as polystyrene, polyurethane, polycarbonate, and polyvinylchloride. In some instances, plate  20  comprises a wood material. In some instance, plate  20  comprises a combination of materials. Where plate  20  comprises front and rear sidewalls, plate  20  may be formed by bending the metallic material into a desired shape, or may be provided by an extrusion or molding process (see  FIG. 7 , below). One having skill in the art will appreciate that the teachings of the present invention are not limited to any specific material or manufacturing process, and therefore may be applied and incorporated into any compatible material and its respective manufacturing process. 
         [0043]    Blind slat  40  generally comprises a horizontal blind slat, similar to blind slats that are traditionally used in Venetian-type blinds. Blind slat  40  may comprise any material. For example, blind slat  40  may include wood, metal, fabric, plastic, thermoplastic, thermoset, and composite materials, as well as any material comprising a combination of the materials stated herein. Blind slat  40  may further include any structural or ornamental configuration, as may be desired. For example, in some embodiments blind slats  40  are flat. In other embodiments, blind slats  40  comprise a crescent cross-section. Other cross-section profiles for horizontal blind slat  40  include wavy, convex, concave, rectangular, ellipsoid, and double convex. Horizontal blind slats  40  may further include other design or structural features. For example, horizontal blind slats  40  may include a painted surface, embossing, a veneer, a texture, a printed design or color, a coating, or a paper covering. 
         [0044]    Horizontal blind slats  40  generally comprise a distal edge  42 , and a proximal edge  44 , wherein the blind slat is positioned below the bottom surface  26  of plate  20 . For purposes of describing various embodiments of the present invention, distal edge  42  is generally positioned towards a window opening when the blind slat  40  is in an open position, and proximal edge  44  is generally positioned opposite the window opening when the blind slat  40  is in an opened position. 
         [0045]    In some embodiments, a plurality of horizontally-oriented blind slats  40  are suspended from plate  20  via a first tilt cord  50  and a second tilt cord  60 . First and second tilt cords  50  and  60  may comprise any length necessary to support the suspended blind slats  40  beneath plate  20 . Further, first and second tilt cords  50  and  60  may comprise any material compatible for use in a window covering. For example, in some embodiments first and second tilt cords  50  and  60  comprises a braided rope cord. 
         [0046]    First and second tilt cords  50  and  60  each have an anchor end  52  and  62 , respectively, which is fixedly coupled to an annular groove  72  of a cord drive component  70 . In some embodiments, the positions at which anchor ends  52  and  62  are attached to groove  72  facilitates a desired tilting motion of blind slats  40 . In some instances, the positions of anchor ends  52  and  62  within groove  72  allow for superior closure of the blind slats when the tilt cord is over-rotated in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. 
         [0047]    In some embodiments, anchor end  52  of tilt cord  50  enters groove  72  on the distal side of cord drive component  70 , passes around the backside of cord drive component  70 , and is coupled to groove  72  on the proximal side of cord drive component  70 . Similarly, anchor end  62  of tilt cord  60  enters groove  72  on the proximal side of cord drive component  70 , passes around the backside of cord drive component  70 , and is coupled to groove  72  on the distal side of cord drive component  70 . This configuration results in a portion of tilt cord  50  adjacent to a portion of tilt cord  60  at the backside of cord drive component  70 . 
         [0048]    The precise positions of anchor ends  52  and  62  may be adjusted within groove  72  as desired. The positions may be varied based upon the circumference, shape and position of the cord drive component. In some embodiments, the positions of anchor ends  52  and  62  within groove  72  are selected to maintain a constant distance  53  between tilt cords  50  and  60  when cord drive component  70  is rotated in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. In some embodiments, distance  53  is approximately equal the width of groove  72  as measured across pivot point  85  of cord drive component  70 . Thus, when cord drive component  70  is maximally over-rotated in a clockwise direction, anchor end  52  is repositioned to the proximal side of cord drive component  70 , but does not rotate to the front-side of cord drive component  70 . The clockwise over-rotation of cord drive component  70  further winds additional lengths of tilt cord  60  onto groove  72 , thereby drawing blind slat upwards towards plate  20  to provide superior closure of the blind. 
         [0049]    In some embodiments, the annular shape of groove  72  comprises a circle, such that distance  53  is constant for all positions of measurement across pivot point  85 . In other embodiments, the annular shape of groove  72  comprises a non-circular shape whereby distance  53  varies for various positions of measurement across pivot point  85 . For example, in some embodiments the annular shape of groove  72  is an oval. In other embodiments, the annular shape of groove  72  is rectangular. Further, in some embodiments the annular shape of groove  72  is triangular or another polygon shape. Thus, as cord drive component  70  is rotated and distance  53  is measured across pivot point  85  from a constant position, distance  53  may vary dependent upon the annular shape of groove  72 . 
         [0050]    A non-circular shape for groove  72  may be desirable to control the speed and timing for rotating blind slats  40  in response to rotating cord drive component  70 . A non-circular shape for groove  72  may also be desirable achieve a smaller value for distance  53  when blind slats  40  are in a closed position, and achieve a larger value for distance  53  when blind slats  40  are in an open position. Thus, one having skill in the art will appreciate that the shape of groove  72  and/or the shape of cord drive component  70  may be adjusted to assist in achieving a desired movement of blind slats  40 . 
         [0051]    In some embodiments, the positions of anchor ends  52  and  62  are selected so that when cord drive component  70  is maximally over-rotated in a clockwise direction, anchor end  52  is repositioned to the front-side of cord drive component, thereby resulting in a flaccid or slack state of tilt cord  50 . Similarly, the position of anchor end  62  may be selected so that when cord drive component  70  is maximally over-rotated in a counter clockwise direction, anchor end  62  is repositioned to the front-side of cord drive component  70 , thereby resulting in a flaccid or slack state of tilt cord  60 . The non-flaccid tilt cord is simultaneously pulled taut thereby lifting the uppermost edge of the tilted blind towards to head rail to provide superior closure of the blind. 
         [0052]    Cord drive component  70  is directly or indirectly coupled to plate  20  in a rotatable manner, and is positioned on plate  20  in a generally horizontal orientation. In some embodiments, cord drive component  70  is coupled to a top surface of plate  20 , as shown. In other embodiments, cord drive component  70  is coupled to a bottom surface of plate  20 , wherein all of the components of the low profile head rail  10  are located beneath plate  20  in an inverted configuration, as shown and discussed in connection with  FIGS. 6D and 9C , below. Further, in some embodiments plate  20  comprises a U-channel, wherein the various components are positioned within the U-channel, as shown in  FIG. 7 . In some instances, the U-channel further comprises a lid or cover (not shown), whereby the various components are enclosed within the U-channel. 
         [0053]    In some embodiments, anchor end  52  is secured at a first position within groove  72 , and anchor end  62  is secured at a second position within groove  72 , wherein tilt cords  50  and  60  are adjacent to one another within groove  72  at a position around the backside of cord drive component  70 , wherein the first and second positions are approximately 180° apart, or positioned on approximately opposite sides of groove  72 . In some instances, anchor end  52  and  62  are secured at the same position. This may be dependent upon the cord size, diameter of the drive device, and number of time the cord has been coiled around the drive device. In other instances, anchor ends  52  and  62  are positioned at any location that best allows for the management of tilt cords. 
         [0054]    In some embodiments, tilt cord  50  abuts tilt cord  60  within groove  72 . Further still, in some embodiments tilt cords  50  and  60  are independently positioned within adjacent grooves on cord drive component  70 . One having skill in the art will appreciate that the diameter of the cord drive component  70  will influence the rate of tilt and number of revelations in either the clockwise or counter clockwise direction to tilt the blind slats to an open or closed position. 
         [0055]    In some instances, anchor ends  52  and  62  are set in a neutral position when blind slats  40  are in a fully-opened orientation, as shown. A fully-opened orientation is understood to describe a tilted position of blind slat  40  wherein the plane of blind slat  40  is approximately parallel with the plane of head rail  20 , and approximately perpendicular with a plane of the window opening. A neutral position of anchor ends  52  and  62  is further understood to describe a rotational position of cord drive component  70  wherein additional rotation of cord drive component  70  in either a clockwise or a counter-clockwise direction results in tilting of blind slats  40  to an orientation other than a fully-opened. 
         [0056]    In some instances, groove  72  comprises a depth sufficient to receive tilt cords  50  and  60  when cord drive component  70  is rotated in a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. Further, in some implementations, groove  72  comprises a depth sufficient to receive both tilt cords  50  and  60  in an overlapped configuration. For example, in some instances cord drive component  70  is over-rotated such that the anchor ends  52  and  62  are rotated more than 180° from their initial, neutral position. As such, one of the anchor ends is rotated under the middle of the other tilt cord within groove  72 . Accordingly, some pulleys of the present invention comprise a groove having a sufficient depth to receive both tilt cords in an overlapped configuration. In other embodiments, groove  72  comprises a width sufficient to receive tilt cords  50  and  60  in an abutted manner, whereby tilt cords  50  and  60  are prevented from overlapping when cord drive component  70  is rotated. 
         [0057]    Cord drive component  70  may comprise any material that is compatible for use in a window covering. In some embodiments, cord drive component  70  comprises a plastic material, such as nylon. In other embodiments it may be comprised by other thermoplastic materials or out of metals. Some implementations of cord drive component  70  comprise a top planar surface  74  and a bottom planar surface  76  with groove  72  being positioned therebetween. Cord drive component  70  is oriented in a horizontal configuration such that bottom planar surface  76  is oriented towards top surface  28  of plate  20 , and cord drive component  70  is capable of being rotated in a plane that is parallel to the plane of top surface  28 . Cord drive component  70  is rotatably coupled to plate  20  via a pivot point or bearing  85 , such that cord drive component  70  may be rotated about a center axis of cord drive component  70  in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions. 
         [0058]    Tilt cords  50  and  60  further comprise terminal ends  54  and  64 , respectively, which are positioned below plate  20  and coupled to a bottom rail  80 . In some instances, plate  20  comprises an opening  21  through which tilt cords  50  and  60  are passed. Opening  21  generally comprises a width and length sufficient to permit unencumbered passage of tilt cords  50  and  60 . In some embodiments, plate  20  further comprises a cord support, such as an axle  23  which is positioned approximate to opening  21  and comprises a surface over which tilt cords  50  and  60  pass. Axle  23  may be positioned near opening  21  such that tilt cords  50  and  60  are passed over axle  23  and through opening  21  without contacting the periphery of opening  21 . In this manner, damage to tilt cords  50  and  60  due to contact with opening  21 , is prevented. Alternatively, in some embodiments plate  20  comprises a cord support comprising a grommet that is inserted into opening  21  and is provided to support tilt cords  50  and  60  as they pass through opening  21 , in either a single opening as shown in  FIGS. 11A and 11B , or through multiple openings as is illustrated in  FIGS. 12A and 12B . In some instances, a grommet is provided that comprises a low-friction material, such as nylon or Teflon®. Also, in some embodiments it may include more than one cord support per opening. 
         [0059]    In some embodiments, tilt cords  50  and  60  further comprise middle portions forming ladders on which blind slats  40  are supported. In some embodiments, the ladders comprise a top rung  56  and a bottom rung  66 , wherein blind slat  40  is positioned between the top and bottom rungs. In other embodiments, the ladder comprises a single rung, wherein blind slat  40  is secured to the ladder via a retainer clip  67 , as shown in  FIG. 7 . Generally, ladders are spaced along the middle portions of tilt cords  50  and  60  to accommodate a plurality of blind slats. In some instances, ladders are spaced so that the edges of adjacent blind slats overlap when the blind slats are tilted into a closed orientation. In this way, the closed positions of blind slats  40  prevent light from passing through the window covering, as is common with traditional Venetian-type horizontal blinds. 
         [0060]    In some instances, cord drive component  70  further comprises a means for rotating cord drive component  70  in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions  78 . This means for rotating may include any device or combination of devices capable of rotating cord drive component  70 . For example, in some embodiments cord drive component  70  comprises a synchronization pulley  90  coupled to the top planar surface  74  of cord drive component  70 . Synchronization pulley  90  comprises a groove  92  in which is seated a belt drive  94 . In some embodiments, cord drive component  70  further comprises a second groove  102  that is adjacent groove  72  and configured to receive belt drive  94 , as shown in  FIG. 1D . In other embodiments, cord drive component  70  comprises a surface  104  that is adjacent groove  72  and configured to support or receive belt drive  94 , as shown in  FIG. 1E . 
         [0061]    Belt drive  94  is further coupled to a rotating device  96 . In some embodiments, rotating device  96  comprises a gear box. In other embodiments, rotating device  96  comprises a spring recoil pulley. Further, in some embodiments rotating device  96  comprises a third pulley around which belt drive  94  is further looped on an adjacent cord drive component. Further still, in some instances rotating device  96  is merely a cord that is grasped and manipulated by a user. 
         [0062]    In some embodiments, an exposed, circumferential surface of cord drive component  70  comprises a set of teeth  71  forming a worm gear, as shown in  FIG. 1F . The worm gear is configured to mesh with a worm  97  that is operatively connected to rotating device  96 . In some instances, a wormshaft  99  of the worm is coupled to a wand  96 , whereby a user rotates the wand  96  to turn the worm  97  thereby rotating the worm gear (i.e. cord drive component  70 ) in a clockwise and/or counter-clockwise direction. Alternatively, the wormshaft  99  of the worm  97  may be coupled to a pulley and a drive belt, drive chain, or other cord, whereby a user may turn the worm  97  and rotate the worm gear by rotating the pulley. One having skill in the art will recognize that rotating device  96  may include any number of variations within the spirit of the teachings disclosed herein. One having skill in the art will also appreciate that rotating cord drive component  70  can be accomplished in any number of variations either through direct or indirect connection with rotating device  96 , as discussed above. 
         [0063]    Some embodiments of the present invention further include a lift cord  51  that is passed through opening  21  and is attached to the bottom most blind slat and/or a bottom rail of the blind assembly. In some instances, plate  20  further comprises an axle  123  positioned proximate to opening  21  to facilitate passage of lift cord  51  through opening  21 . Plate  20  may alternatively comprise a separate opening for lift cord  51 . In some embodiments, lift cord  51  comprises a free end that is coupled to a retaining mechanism, such as a cord lock or other retention device as is commonly used in the art. 
         [0064]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2A-2C , low profile head rail  10  is shown with blind slats  40  in a partially-closed orientation, wherein cord drive component  70  has been rotated approximately 90° in a clockwise direction  79 . As cord drive component  70  is rotated in clockwise direction  79 , anchor end  62  is moved from a distal position (as shown in  FIGS. 1A-1C ) to a right-hand position, as shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C . Similarly, anchor end  52  is moved from a proximal position to a left-hand position, as shown. With anchor end  52  in a left-hand position, tilt cord  50  is partially displaced from groove  72  thereby increasing the distance between distal edge  42  and plate  20 . Conversely, the right-hand position of anchor end  62  results in a portion of tilt cord  60  being wound further onto cord drive component  70  thereby shortening the distance between proximal edge  44  of blind slat  40  and plate  20 . The simultaneous displacement of proximal and distal edges  42  and  44  results in a partially-closed, tilted orientation of blind slats  40 . 
         [0065]    The abutted configuration of tilt cords  50  and  60  within groove  72  results in the tilt cords being spaced from one another a distance  53  which is equal to the distance between the distal and proximal apexes of groove  72  or approximately the diameter of groove  72  as measured across pivot point  85 . As cord drive component  70  is rotated in clockwise direction  79 , anchor end  52  is rotated to the left-hand position, and anchor end  62  is rotated to the right-hand position, as described above. In some instances, the left-hand and right-hand positions of anchor ends  52  and  62  are approximately centered between the proximal and distal apexes of groove  72 . In other instances, the left-hand and right-hand positions of anchor ends  52  and  62  determined based upon different variables, such as the size of cord drive component  70  in relation to blind slat  40 , and the number of times tilt cords  50  and  60  are wrapped around cord drive component  70 . Thus, the following is provided merely as a non-limiting representative embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0066]    As shown in  FIGS. 2A-2C , the middle portions of tilt cords  50  and  60  remain in contact with the apexes of groove  72  when cord drive component  70  is rotated. In particular, the middle portions of tilt cords  50  and  60  remain in contact with the distal apex of groove  72 , and the middle portion of tilt cord  60  also remains in contact with the proximal apex of groove  72 . When anchor end  52  is rotated to the left-hand position, a portion of tilt cord  50  is released from groove  72  and a portion of tilt cord  60  is drawn into groove  72  thereby resulting in the simultaneous lowering of distal edge  42  and the raising of proximal edge  44  of blind slat  40 . In other words, blind slat  40  is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction. As proximal edge  44  is raised, distal edge  42  is lowered and swings in proximal direction  77  to a position approximately under the proximal position of proximal edge  44 . This repositioning of distal edge  42  causes tilt cord  50  to slide in proximal direction  77  across axle  23 . 
         [0067]    Upon further rotation of cord drive component  70  in clockwise direction  79 , anchor end  62  is positioned at the proximal apex of groove  72 , and anchor end  52  is positioned at the distal apex of groove  72 , as shown in  FIGS. 3A-3C . In this configuration, tilt cords  50  and  60  are maximally slid in distal direction  77  on axle  23  and blind slats  40  are in a closed configuration. As such, blind slat  40  is fully positioned under the distal edge of plate  20 . Further, distal edge  42  of blind slat  40  is maximally distanced from plate  20 , and blind slat  40  is in a generally vertical orientation with respect to the generally horizontal orientation of plate  20 . 
         [0068]    In some embodiments, the position of blind slat  40  in  FIGS. 3A-3C  results in a small gap  41  between proximal edge  44  and the underside of plate  20 . Gap  41  may be undesirable due to light-leakage from the window opening when blind slats  40  are in the closed configuration. Accordingly, in some embodiments gap  41  may be closed by further rotating cord drive component  70  in clockwise direction  79 , as shown in  FIGS. 4A-4C . 
         [0069]    Referring now to  FIGS. 4A-4C , head rail  10  is shown with cord drive component  70  in an over-rotated configuration. Upon over-rotation of cord drive component  70  in clockwise direction  79 , anchor end  62  is rotated past the proximal apex of groove  72  and to a position between the proximal apex and the left-hand position. Similarly, upon over-rotation of cord drive component  70  in clockwise direction  79 , anchor end  52  is rotated past the distal apex of groove  72  and to a position between the distal apex and the right-hand position. This over-rotation results in an additional length of tilt cords  50  being unwound from groove  72 , and an additional length of tilt cord  60  being wound onto groove  72  of cord drive component  70 . At the point in which anchor end  62  is rotated past the proximal apex of groove  72 , proximal edge  44  of blind slat  40  is raised towards plate  20 , thereby closing gap  41 . Further, at the point in which anchor end  52  is rotated past the distal apex of groove  72 , tilt cord  50  becomes flaccid as proximal edge  44  is raised towards plate  20 . The flaccid status of tilt cord  50  permits distal edge  42  of blind slat  40  to hang freely and assume a maximally closed position. This over-rotation thereby results in superior closure of the blind slats. 
         [0070]    By winding additional tilt cord  60  onto groove  72 , the distance between proximal edge  44  and plate  20  is decreased, thereby closing gap  41 . In some embodiments, belt drive  94  and rotating device  96  further comprise a cord retention mechanism to maintain a desired degree of rotation for cord drive component  70 . 
         [0071]    One having skill in the art will appreciate that low profile head rail  10  may work in the opposite direction by simply rotating cord drive component  70  in a counter-clockwise direction. Thus, in some embodiments blind slats  40  may be tilted in a clockwise direction by rotating cord drive component  70  in a counter-clockwise direction. The specifics regarding the motion of tilt cord  50 , tilt cord  60 , anchor end  52 , and anchor end  62  are thus reversed thereby resulting in a closed orientation for blind slats  40  where distal edge  42  abuts the underside of plate  20 , and tilt cords  50  and  60  are slid in a distal direction on axle  23  to align in a closed configuration generally under the distal edge of plate  20 . Thus, by rotating cord drive component  70 , blind slats  40  are simultaneously tilted and slid along axle  23  to reside at either a proximal position or a distal position under plate  20  of the head rail  10 . 
         [0072]    Some embodiments of the present invention further includes a cord support comprising a set of guides  95  which are rotatably threaded onto axle  23 , as shown in  FIG. 5 . Guides  95  each comprises an annular groove that is configured to receive a middle portion of tilt cords  50  and  60 . Guides  95  assist in movement of tilt cords  50  and  60  over axle  23  in forward and rearward directions  81  during rotation of cord drive component  70 . Guides  95  further assist in movement of tilt cords in distal  77  and proximal  75  directions as the angular positions of anchor ends  52  and  62  change during rotation of cord drive component  70 . Guides  95  may comprise any material compatible for use with a window covering. For example, in some embodiments wheels  95  comprise a polymer material, such as nylon or other suitable thermoplastic. In other embodiments wheels  95  comprise a metallic material. Further, in some instances wheels  95  comprises a combination of polymer and metallic materials. 
         [0073]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , in some embodiments a head rail  100  is provided comprising a plate  120  having a plurality of pulleys interconnected via a plurality of belt drives. For example, in some embodiments a low profile head rail  100  is provided comprising a first cord drive component  70   a  is coupled to a first and second tilt cord  50   a  and  60   a  which are seated on wheels  95  of a first axle  23   a . The first and second tilt cords  50   a  and  60   a  are fed through a first opening  21   a  in plate  120  and are coupled to a set of blinds (not shown) suspended below plate  120 . Plate  120  further comprises a second cord drive component  70   b  that is coupled to a third and fourth tilt cord  50   b  and  60   b  which are similarly seated on wheels  95  of a second axle  23   b . The third and fourth tilt cords  50   b  and  60   b  are fed through a second opening  21   b  in plate  120 . 
         [0074]    The independent rotations of first and second pulleys  70   a  and  70   b  are coordinated via a second belt drive  94   b  which is coupled to a first and second synchronizing pulley  90   a  and  90   b . In some embodiments, cord drive component  70  may comprise a first synchronizing pulley  90   a  having a first groove  91   a  and a second groove  93   a  to facilitate in coordinated rotation of adjacent pulleys. Thus, as belt drive  94   a  is turned to rotate cord drive component  70   a , belt drive  94   b  is also rotated thereby synchronizing the rotations of the pulleys  70   a  and  70   b . In some embodiments, synchronizing pulley  90   b  further comprises a third belt drive  94   c  that is coupled to a synchronizing pulley of a downstream pulley (not shown). Thus, some embodiments of the present invention may include any number of components desired to provide a window covering. 
         [0075]    In some embodiments, additional belt drives may be replaced with a single cam arm  130 , as shown in  FIG. 6C . Cam arm  130  may include pivot points  132  and  134  to permit full synchronized rotation of pulleys  70   a  and  70   b . Additional pulleys may be coupled together by extending and coupling cam arm  130  to the additional pulleys. 
         [0076]    In some implementations, a low profile head rail  250  is provided comprising a plate  20  having a bottom surface  26  on which the various components of the head rail are coupled and oriented to provide an inverted head rail configuration, as shown in  FIG. 6D . For example, in some embodiments bottom surface  26  comprise one or more cord drive components  70  rotatably coupled to plate  20  in a horizontal configuration. Tilt cords  50  and  60  are supported via a cord supports  123  that also suspended from bottom surface  26 . Cord drive components  70  are rotated via belt drives  94  to change the distance between the cord drive component  70  and a second end of the tilt cords which are attached to blind slats suspended beneath plate  20 . 
         [0077]    Referring now to  FIG. 7 , a low profile head rail  270  is shown. In some embodiments, head rail  270  comprises a plate  220  having a distal face  222  and a proximal face  224  thereby providing a u-channel cross sectional profile. Distal and proximal faces  222  and  224  are provided to conceal the various components of the head rail  270 . In some embodiments, the horizontal orientation of cord drive component  70  permits head rail  270  to have an overall height that is less than 0.5 inches. As such, low profile head rail  270  may be installed without requiring a valance or other device to conceal head rail  270 . 
         [0078]    Some embodiments of the present invention include various belt drive configurations that provide benefits over other belt drive configurations. For example, with reference to  FIG. 8 , in some embodiments a drive belt  194  is provided in a figure-eight configuration to accommodate left and right placement of cord drive components  70  on plate  20 , with respect to the relative placement and orientation of openings  21 . The figure-eight configuration of drive belt  194  permits cord drive component  70   a  to be rotated in a clockwise direction while simultaneously rotating cord drive component  70   b  in a counter-clockwise direction, thereby simultaneously releasing tilt cords  50  and retracting tilt cords  60  to coordinate the counter-clockwise rotation of blinds slats suspended below. 
         [0079]    In  FIGS. 9A and 9B , drive belt  294  shares groove  72  with tilt cords  50  and  60 , thereby eliminating the need for a synchronizing pulley. In some instances, tilt cords  50   a  and  60   a  are attached to positions on cord drive device  70   a  adjacent opening  21   a , wherein tilt cords  50   a  and  60   a  pass through opening  21   a  and are coupled to blind slats  40  suspended beneath plate  20 . Further, in some embodiments tilt cords  50   b  and  60   b  are coupled to positions on cord drive device  70   b  at positions  73   a  and  73   b , which positions are proximate to the distal and proximal apexes of cord drive component  70   b  when blind slats  40  are oriented in a neutral position. A second end of tilt cords  50   b  and  60   b  pass through opening  21   b  and are attached to the blind slats  40 . Thus, drive belt  294  synchronizes the rotations of cord drive components  70   a  and  70   b  thereby simultaneously changing the distance between the cord drive components and the second ends of the tilt cords to rotate the blind slats. With reference to  FIG. 9C , a low profile head rail is shown in an inverted configuration, wherein the head rail, cord drive components, drive belts and tilt cords function in a similar to the function of the device shown and described in  FIGS. 9A and 9B . 
         [0080]    Referring now to  FIG. 10 , in some embodiments a low profile head rail  300  is provided which comprises a single cord drive component  70  that is configured to simultaneously adjust a plurality of tilt cords ( 50 ,  50   a ,  50   b ,  60 ,  60   a , and  60   b ) in a synchronized manner to achieve blind rotation. In some embodiments, head rail  300  comprises a single cord drive component  70  that turned in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions via a drive belt and a tilting mechanism. Cord drive component  70  further comprises a groove or other surface that is configured to receive and retain anchor ends of tilt cords  50  and  60 . 
         [0081]    Tilt cords  50  and  60  extend outwardly from cord drive component  70  and along the length of plate  20  in a plane that is approximately parallel the top surface of plate  20 . Extension tilt cords are coupled to tilt cords  50  and  60  at various locations along the length of the respective tilt cords. For example, in some embodiments tilt cord  50  comprises two extension tilt cords; one extension tilt cord being coupled to tilt cord  50  at point  50   a  and a second extension tilt cord being coupled at point  50   b . Similarly, tilt cord  60  comprises two extension tilt cords coupled at points  60   a  and  60   b . The extension tilt cords branch off of their respective tilt cords and pass over cord supports or guides  95  and exit through openings  21   a  and  21   b  in plate  20 . The terminal ends of tilt cords  50  and  60  continue past openings  21   a  and  21   b  thereby passing over addition cord supports and exiting through opening  21   c . The terminal ends of tilt cords  50  and  60 , as well as the terminal ends of extension tilt cords  50   a ,  50   b ,  60   a , and  60   b  are coupled to a blind slat positioned under plate  20  to achieve synchronized tilting, pivoting or rotating of the blind slat as cord drive component  70  is rotated. In some embodiments, a series of extension tilt cords are coupled directly to the terminal ends of the ladders that are configured to support a plurality of blind slats suspended under the plate of the low profile head rail. Thus, a single cord drive component may be utilized to provide synchronized tilting of a plurality of tilt cords on a single plate. In other embodiments tilt cords  50   a ,  50   b ,  50   c ,  60   a ,  60   b , and  60   c  are all directly connected to a single cord drive component  70 . One having skill in the art will also recognize that there are many connection configurations that allows for tilt cords  50  and  60  to be coupled either directly or indirectly to rotating cord drive component  70 . 
         [0082]    Referring now to  FIGS. 11A and 11B , in some embodiments a grommet  210  is inserted into opening  21 . Grommet  210  is used as a cord support for cords  50  and  60 , thereby permitting cords  50  and  60  to pass through plate  20  in a protected manner. As such, contact between cords  50  and  60  and plate  20  is prevented. 
         [0083]    Referring now to  FIGS. 12A and 12B , in some embodiments plate  20  further comprises a grommet  211  having multiple openings. Grommet  211  is inserted into opening  21  and is used as a cord support for cords  50  and  60  to pass through plate  20  in a protected manner. Tilt cords  50 , and  60  and lift cord  51  pass through individual openings in grommet  211 , as shown. 
         [0084]    It is underscored that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments herein should be deemed only as illustrative.

Summary:
Various systems and methods for tilting a horizontal blind slat. More particularly, the present invention relates to a window covering having a lower profile head rail than is traditionally used in the industry for use with Venetian-type horizontal blind slats.