Abstract:
A hold down device is provided for continuous loop cords or bead chains in a window covering installation. The hold down device engages the cord or chain while the cord or chain is loosely suspended, and prevents operation by encountering the head rail if the cord or chain is operated. Mounting the hold down device in a window covering installation disengages the hold down device from its secured position relative to the cord or chain.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    The present application claims the benefits of, and priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/607,847, entitled “HOLD DOWN DEVICE FOR WINDOW COVERING LOOPED OPERATOR”, filed Mar. 7, 2012, and PCT International Patent Application Serial No. PCT/US2013/029634, entitled “HOLD DOWN DEVICE FOR WINDOW COVERING LOOPED OPERATOR”, filed Mar. 7, 2013, both of which are incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    The present invention generally relates to window coverings that use continuous loop operators such as cords and chains, and, more specifically, to hold down devices that are used with such window coverings for securing the remote end of the looped operator, whether the operator is a cord or beaded chain. 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    Some types of window coverings use a continuous loop operator for opening and closing the window covering or for causing other adjustments of the window covering. Horizontal blinds, Roman shades and other window coverings can be operated with a continuous loop cord or a continuous loop beaded chain that is rotated through operating mechanism in the head rail to cause the desired adjustment of the window treatment. Such continuous loop operators are well known in the industry, having had application and use for many years. 
         [0004]    It is known to use a chain or cord hold down device to control the continuous loop operator of a shade or blind. Uncontrolled continuous loop operators can be unsightly, difficult to use and can pose certain risks. The hold down device is secured to the floor, wall or window frame and captures the remote end of the continuous loop operator, thereby holding the operator substantially flat against the window frame or wall, and keeping the continuous loop operator relatively taut. In the past, the hold down devices have been open, allowing the cord to run freely their through even if the hold down device is not properly mounted or secured to the floor, wall or window frame. More recently, it is known to use hold down devices that securely grasp the cord or chain when not installed, thereby significantly minimizing the distance through which the looped operator can be moved without properly securing the hold down device. The cord or chain will operate only until the hold down device secured thereto advances to and lodges against the head rail. 
         [0005]    Many different designs are known whereby the hold down device is loosened from the cord or bead chain automatically as the hold down device is installed in a proper manner. Springs and crimping mechanisms are known for use in such devices; however, the overall mechanisms therefor can be relatively complex. With numerous parts requiring assembly and significant manufacturing time required, known hold down devices have been expensive to manufacture and assemble. Some are difficult to install, and some are easily defeated whereby the hold down device can be loosened from the cord even when the hold down device is not properly installed. For some, installation can be quite difficult for one installer alone, and installing the hold down device as a retrofit in a pre-existing installation can be difficult. 
         [0006]    To encourage proper use of the hold down device, it is desirable to have a hold down device that can capture a cord or beaded chain securely, and that is not easily defeated. However, the device should be relatively easy to install by an untrained individual. Further, a device easily installed as a retrofit of a continuous loop operator is desirable. Providing the hold down device as a simple construction not requiring assembly of the device itself, only installation on the cord or chain, reduces cost and provides further advantages. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0007]    The hold down device disclosed herein is formed as a monolithic body of suitable injection molded plastic material and utilizes the natural springiness of the material to effect grasping of the cord or chain. A basic clamshell type structure is used whereby the cord or chain is grasped securely by the device when the device is spread wide in its natural, relaxed state, and that can be secured with the two halves closed against one another and the cord or chain loosened therefrom for relatively free operation there through. 
         [0008]    In one aspect of a form thereof, the hold down device is easy to install on the continuous loop operator and easy to mount within the window covering installation by a single individual with minimal skills. 
         [0009]    In another aspect of a form thereof, the hold down device engages a cord or bead chain securely and naturally, and cannot be defeated easily without properly installing the hold down device within the window covering installation. 
         [0010]    In another aspect of a form thereof, the hold down device is provided as a monolithic body of injection molded plastic that is manufactured easily, simply and inexpensively. 
         [0011]    Other features and advantages of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the art upon review of the following detailed description, claims and drawings in which like numerals are used to designate like features. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0012]      FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a window covering installation using a hold down device according to a first embodiment; 
           [0013]      FIG. 2  is a side elevational view of the window covering installation shown in  FIG. 1 ; 
           [0014]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view of the first embodiment for a hold down device suitable for use on a continuous loop bead chain operator; 
           [0015]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of the hold down device shown in  FIG. 3 , illustrating the hold down device installed on a bead chain; 
           [0016]      FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of the hold down device and bead chain shown in  FIG. 4 , taken along line  5 - 5  of  FIG. 4 ; 
           [0017]      FIG. 6  is an elevational view of the hold down device shown in the previous views, and shown from an angle to illustrate the side opposite the side shown in  FIG. 3 ; 
           [0018]      FIG. 7  is a top view of the hold down device in an open, uninstalled condition; 
           [0019]      FIG. 8  is a side elevational view of the hold down device in an installed condition, but without the chain being illustrated for clarity; 
           [0020]      FIG. 9  is a top view similar to that of  FIG. 7 , but illustrating the hold down device in the installed condition as shown in  FIG. 8 ; 
           [0021]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of a window covering installation using a hold down device according to a second embodiment; 
           [0022]      FIG. 11  is a perspective view of the second embodiment for a hold down device suitable for use on a continuous loop cord; 
           [0023]      FIG. 12  is a perspective view of the hold down device shown in  FIG. 11 , illustrating the hold down device installed on a cord; 
           [0024]      FIG. 13  is a cross-sectional view of the hold down device and cord shown in  FIG. 12 , taken along line  13 - 13  of  FIG. 12 ; 
           [0025]      FIG. 14  is an elevational view of the hold down device according to the second embodiment, and shown from an angle to illustrate the side opposite the side shown in  FIG. 11 ; 
           [0026]      FIG. 15  is a top view of the hold down device according to the second embodiment, the device being shown in an open, uninstalled condition; 
           [0027]      FIG. 16  is a side elevational view of the hold down device according to the second embodiment shown in an installed condition, but without the cord being illustrated for clarity; 
           [0028]      FIG. 17  is a top view similar to that of  FIG. 15 , but illustrating the hold down device in the installed condition shown in  FIGS. 16 ; and 
           [0029]      FIGS. 18 ,  19  &amp;  20  are sequential illustrations showing the manner in which the hold down device according to the second embodiment can be installed as a retrofit upgrade on a pre-existing, continuous loop cord installation. 
       
    
    
       [0030]    Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited in its application to the details of construction and the arrangements of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention is capable of other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in various ways. Also, it is understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use herein of “including”, “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof, as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. 
       DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT 
       [0031]    Referring now more particularly to the drawings and to  FIG. 1  in particular, a window covering installation  50  is shown, which includes a hold down device  100 . Window covering installation  50  further includes a head rail  52  and a continuous loop operator  54  provided as a continuous loop bead chain. Rotation of bead chain continuous loop operator  54  operates mechanisms in head rail  52  for lifting and lowering a window shade panel  56 . While a Roman shade panel  56  is illustrated, it should be understood that the hold down device disclosed herein can be used with looped operators supplied on various types of window coverings. The Roman shade depicted herein is merely one example of a well-known structure for which the hold down device is suitable. 
         [0032]    Hold down device  100  has a generally overall clamshell or V-shaped configuration including first and second arms  102 ,  104  interconnected by an integral connecting web  106 . Hold down device  100  is made of molded plastic that is rigid and firm, yet yielding for providing spring-like characteristics in connecting web  106  such that, in a relaxed state of hold down device  100 , arms  102 ,  104  are remote from one another as depicted in  FIGS. 3 &amp; 6 , but can be pushed toward one another for mounting as depicted in  FIG. 8 . 
         [0033]    Arms  102 ,  104  include confronting mounting blocks  108 ,  110  on the inwardly facing surfaces of arms  102 ,  104  respectively. Mounting blocks  108 ,  110  are positioned to be aligned with one another when the hold down device is fully mounted and installed within window covering installation  50 . Mounting blocks  108 ,  110  define holes  112 ,  114 , respectively, for receiving a mounting screw  116  for the final mounting of hold down device  100  within window covering installation  50 , as will be described subsequently herein. 
         [0034]    Arms  102 ,  104  further include offset heads  118 ,  120 , respectively, also on the inwardly facing surfaces of arms  102 ,  104  at the distal ends of arms  102 ,  104 . Heads  118 ,  120  are offset relative to one another, to slide past one another and overlie one another in the final mounting depicted in  FIG. 8 . Heads  118 ,  120  define apertures  122 ,  124  there through transverse to the directions that arms  102 ,  104  move toward one another. Apertures  122 ,  124  further define notches  126 ,  128 , respectively, along the perimeters thereof Notches  126 ,  128  are located along the inward edge portions of apertures  122 ,  124  in regions of the perimeters of apertures  122 ,  124  that are near one another in the relaxed condition of hold down device  100 . Notches  126 ,  128  are positioned within depressions  130 ,  132  surrounding the notches. 
         [0035]    Bead chain continuous loop operator  54  is a common configuration, well-known to those skilled in the art, and includes beads  58  connected in a continuous strand by links  60 . Bead chain continuous loop operator  54  further includes a connector of well-known configuration by which an elongated strand of interconnected beads  58  and links  60  can be connected end to end to form a continuous loop bead chain. Accordingly, the continuous loop can be disconnected such that bead chain continuous loop operator  54  can be threaded through apertures  122 ,  124  as depicted in  FIG. 4 . The springiness of connecting web  106  urges arms  102 ,  104  outwardly such that hold down device  100  in its relaxed state engages continuous loop operator  54  via notches  126 ,  128  receiving a link  60  therein, with adjacent beads  58  on opposite sides thereof held within depressions  130 ,  132 . Hold down device  100  thereby securely captures bead chain continuous loop operator  54  and is not easily dislodged there from. Hold down device  100  renders the shady inoperable in that continuous loop operator  54  can be advanced only until hold down device  100  encounters head rail  52  until such time as hold down device  100  is properly mounted within window covering installation  50 . 
         [0036]    Hold down device  100  is mounted in window covering installation  50  after head rail  52  is installed in the window opening. Arms  102 ,  104  are urged toward one another so that mounting blocks  108 ,  110  engage one against the other. Heads  118 ,  120  slide past one another such that the heads overlie one another and apertures  122 ,  124  align. Mounting screw  116  is inserted through aligned holes  112 ,  114  and secured within a base  70  that can be a portion of a window frame on which window covering installation  50  is installed, a wall adjacent the window or some suitable structure nearby. Fastening screw  116  to base  70 , with screw  116  inserted from the outside arm  102 ,  104  through the inside arm  102 ,  104  draws the arms together and against base  70 . Blocks  108 ,  110  are drawn against one another when heads  118 ,  120  are positioned adjacent one another, and apertures  122 ,  124  align. In this position, which may be considered a “closed” position of hold down device  100 , notches  126 ,  128  are no longer exposed, each being covered along one side by solid portions of the now adjacent head  118  or head  120 . Accordingly, bead chain continuous operator  54  can slide freely through aligned apertures  122 ,  124  without catching on notches  126 ,  128 . The position at which hold down device  100  is mounted is such as to hold bead chain continuous loop operator  54  in a relatively taut condition. With hold down device  100  thus installed, apertures  122 ,  124  aligned one with the other and notches  126 ,  128  no longer exposed, bead chain continuous loop operator  54  can rotate freely through hold down device  100  for adjusting shade panel  56  by operating apparatus within head rail  52  well known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0037]    A hold down device also can be provided suitable for use with a cord instead of a bead chain used as the continuous operator in a window covering.  FIG. 10  depicts a window covering installation  150 , which includes a hold down device  200 . Window covering installation  150  further includes a head rail  152  and a continuous loop operator  154  provided as a continuous loop cord. Rotation of cord continuous loop operator  154  operates mechanism in head rail  152  for lifting and lowering a window shade panel  156  by way of mechanisms in head rail  152  well known to those skilled in the art. While a Roman shade panel  156  is illustrated, it should be understood that the hold down device disclosed herein can be used with looped operators supplied on various types of window coverings. The Roman shade depicted is merely one example of a well-known structure that is suitable. 
         [0038]    Hold down device  200  has a generally overall clamshell or V-shaped configuration including first and second arms  202 ,  204  interconnected by an integral connecting web  206 . Hold down device  200  is made of molded plastic that is rigid and firm, yet yielding for providing spring-like characteristics in connecting web  206  such that, in a relaxed state, arms  202 ,  204  are remote from one another as depicted in  FIGS. 11 &amp; 14 , but can be pushed toward one another for mounting as depicted in  FIG. 16 . 
         [0039]    Arms  202 ,  204  include confronting mounting blocks  208 ,  210  respectively that are positioned to abut one against the other when hold down device  200  is in its mounted condition. Mounting blocks  208 ,  210  are provided on the inwardly facing surfaces of arms  202 ,  204 . Arms  202 ,  204  also define holes  212 ,  214  there through, respectively, for receiving a mounting screw  216 . Arms  202 ,  204  further include offset heads  218 ,  220 , respectively, on the inwardly facing surfaces, at the distal ends thereof. Heads  218 ,  220  slide past one another so as to overlie one another in the final installation depicted in  FIG. 16 . Heads  218 ,  220  define apertures  222 ,  224  there through, transverse to the direction of movement of arms  202 ,  204  toward one another. Apertures  222 ,  224  further define inwardly facing serrated portions  226 ,  228 , respectively, along the perimeters thereof. Serrated portions  226 ,  228  are positioned in regions of the perimeters of apertures  222 ,  224  that are near one another in the relaxed condition of hold down device  200 . 
         [0040]    Cord continuous loop operator  154  is of a common configuration, such as a braided cotton cord. Cord continuous loop operator  154  does not need to be disassembled, cut or otherwise disrupted to install hold down device  200  thereon. One-way channels  230 ,  232  are provided from the perimeters of heads  218 ,  220  through to apertures  222 ,  224  in heads  218 ,  220 . One-way channels  230 ,  232  are wider at the outer ends thereof and narrower at the inner ends thereof than the diameter of cord continuous loop operator  154 . The innermost ends of one-way channels  230 ,  232  are provided with pairs of inwardly angled projections into apertures  222 ,  224 ; including projections  234  at opposite sides of one-way channel  230  and projections  236  at opposite sides of one-way channel  232 . Accordingly, cord continuous loop operator  154  passes easily from outside apertures  222 ,  224  to inside apertures  222 ,  224  by compressing the cord in the progressively narrowing channel, and/or by deflecting inwardly angled projections  234 ,  236 .. However, moving continuous cord operator  154  from inside apertures  222 ,  224  is obstructed first by the inwardly angled projections  234 ,  236 , and thereafter by the narrow ends of channels  230 ,  232 . 
         [0041]    Hold down device  200  is installed on cord continuous loop operator  154  as shown in  FIGS. 18 ,  19  &amp;  20 . With arms  202 ,  204  in their outwardly angled, relaxed states, or perhaps urged even yet further outwardly, cord continuous loop operator  154  is passed between heads  218 ,  220  into the open area having heads  218 ,  220  there above and mounting blocks  208 ,  210  there below. Arms  202 ,  204  are then urged toward one another so that heads  218 ,  220  slide past one another. One-way channels  230 ,  232  will then overlie one another, and cord continuous loop operator  154  is pulled into the then overlying one-way channels  230 ,  232 , as depicted in  FIG. 19 . Cord continuous loop operator  154  is pulled further and completely into apertures  222 ,  224 . With projections  234 ,  236  angling into apertures  222 ,  224 , and the inner ends of one-way channels  230 ,  232  being narrower than the diameter of cord continuous loop operator  154 , the cord is held securely in apertures  222 ,  224  and cannot pass back easily through one-way channels  230 ,  232 . 
         [0042]    With hold down device  200  installed on cord continuous loop operator  154 , and inward pressure against arms  202 ,  204  subsequently being released, cord continuous loop operator  154  angles between the then misaligned apertures  222 ,  224  and against serrated portions  226 ,  228 . Serrated portions  226 ,  228  engage and embed into cord continuous loop operator  154  such that hold down device  200  is held securely at its position along the length of cord continuous loop operator  154 . Hold down device  200  securely engages cord continuous loop operator  154  and is not easily dislodged there from. Hold down device  200  renders the window covering inoperable in that the continuous loop operator  154  can be advanced only until hold down device  200  encounters head rail  152 . 
         [0043]    Hold down device  200  is mounted in its final position within window covering installation  150  after head rail  152  is installed in the window opening. Arms  202 ,  204  are urged toward one another so that mounting blocks  208 ,  210  engage one against the other. Heads  218 ,  220  slide past one another such that the heads overlie one another and apertures  222 ,  224  align. Mounting screw  216  is inserted through aligned holes  212 ,  214  and secured within a base  170  that can be a portion of a window frame on which window covering installation  150  is installed, a wall adjacent the window or some suitable structure nearby. 
         [0044]    Fastening screw  216  to base  170 , with screw  216  inserted from the outside arm  202 ,  204  through the inside arm  202 ,  204  draws the arms together and against base  170 . Blocks  208 ,  210  are drawn against one another when heads  218 ,  220  are positioned adjacent one another, and apertures  222 ,  224  align. In this position, which may be considered a “closed” position of hold down device  200 , serrated portions  226 ,  228  are no longer exposed, each being covered along one side by solid portions of the now adjacent head  218  or head  220 . Accordingly, cord continuous loop operator  154  can slide freely through aligned apertures  222 ,  224  without catching on serrated portions  226 ,  228 . The position at which hold down device  200  is mounted is such as to hold cord continuous loop operator  154  in a relatively taut condition, away from projections  234 ,  236 . With hold down device  200  thus installed, apertures  222 ,  224  aligned one with the other and serrated portions  226 ,  228  no longer exposed, cord continuous loop operator  154  can rotate freely through hold down device  200  for adjusting shade panel  156  by operating apparatus within head rail  152  well known to those skilled in the art. 
         [0045]    Variations and modifications of the foregoing are within the scope of the present invention. It is understood that the invention disclosed and defined herein extends to all alternative combinations of two or more of the individual features mentioned or evident from the text and/or drawings. All of these different combinations constitute various alternative aspects of the present invention. The embodiments described herein explain the best modes known for practicing the invention and will enable others skilled in the art to utilize the invention. The claims are to be construed to include alternative embodiments to the extent permitted by the prior art. 
         [0046]    Various features of the invention are set forth in the following claims.