Abstract:
A 3-way blind system for windows comprising an upper frame with: internal gearing; internal roller assemblies; a cord system; an upper and lower slat module comprising rotatably-alignable slats; an upper-housing; and a lower valence. The upper and lower slat modules operate either independently or in cooperation depending on the position of the selector to open the upper slat module to allow ambient light entrance and close the lower module for privacy, or to open the lower slat module for visibility and close the upper to limit bright ambient light from entering through the window. A third selector position may cause an internal gearset to work in unison to open or close all modules simultaneously.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION 
       [0001]    The present application is related to and claims priority from prior provisional application Ser. No. 61/443,809, filed Feb. 17, 2011 which application is incorporated herein by reference. 
     
    
     COPYRIGHT NOTICE 
       [0002]    A portion of the disclosure of this patent document contains material which is subject to copyright protection. The copyright owner has no objection to the facsimile reproduction by anyone of the patent document or the patent disclosure, as it appears in the Patent and Trademark Office patent file or records, but otherwise reserves all copyright rights whatsoever. 37 CFR 1.71(d). 
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0003]    The following includes information that may be useful in understanding the present invention(s). It is not an admission that any of the information provided herein is prior art, or material, to the presently described or claimed inventions, or that any publication or document that is specifically or implicitly referenced is prior art. 
       FIELD OF THE INVENTION 
       [0004]    The present invention relates generally to the field of window blinds and more specifically relates to 3-way blinds. 
       DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED ART 
       [0005]    A basic, functional element of virtually any home decor is a window. In modern society, windows can set the tone for a room creating a pleasant mood through bright, sunny light and a direct view of the outdoors. Window blinds are a type of window covering that may be used in modern residential and commercial buildings. Since windows let in sunlight, most consumers find it necessary to attach vertical or horizontal window blinds inside their windows, in order to offer necessary shade. 
         [0006]    The most common window blinds are slat blinds, which consist of multiple horizontal slats, usually of metal, wood or vinyl, connected with string in a way that they can be rotated to allow light to pass between the slats, rotated up to about 170 degrees to hide the light, or pulled up so that the entire window is clear from the blind assembly as an obstruction to view. Additionally window blinds may used to protect the homeowner&#39;s privacy, particularly in the evening hours when light shining from overhead lights and floor lamps illuminate through the window, offering passersby a view into the home. In cities and most densely populated areas, ambient lighting is desirable to reduce electricity costs for lighting but because of the generally close proximity of other people, privacy may be compromised. Other times, a balance may be desired between blocking direct sunlight and retaining some visibility. 
         [0007]    There are many different kinds of window blinds, using different systems and materials. There are also window blinds that use a single piece of material instead of independent slats. Window blinds may come in horizontal and vertical orientations. A typical window blind may be adjusted by rotating from an open position to a closed position by allowing the slats to overlap. Blinds may be opened and closed; however it may be difficult to selectively open different portions of the blind as desired using present embodiments. 
         [0008]    Various attempts have been made to solve the above-mentioned problems such as those found in U.S. Pub. No. 2006/0225844 to Simon Gabriel Gittens et al; U.S. Pat. No. 4,940,070 to Scott L. Warden; and U.S. Pat. No. 6,105,652 to Ren Judkins. This prior art is representative of window blinds. None of the above inventions and patents, taken either singly or in combination, is seen to describe the invention as claimed. 
         [0009]    Ideally, a multiple function window blind should be versatile in use and yet would operate reliably and be manufactured at a modest expense. Thus, a need exists for a reliable 3-way blind system to provide the user with variable options in privacy and natural light and to avoid the above-mentioned problems. 
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0010]    In view of the foregoing disadvantages inherent in the known window blind art, the present invention provides a novel 3-way blind system. The general purpose of the present invention, which will be described subsequently in greater detail is to provide greater functional versatility in such window blinds. 
         [0011]    A 3-way blind system is disclosed herein comprising: an upper-housing with at least one roller assembly and at least one gear assembly which are connected via a shaft (or other suitable connector—direct or indirect); at least two slat-modules each comprising a blind-section of rotatably-alignable slats; a selector that is movable to independently manipulate at least one slat-module via at least one gear assembly (the selector comprising at least three user positions); a removable adjuster wand (manual gear manipulation means or optionally non-manual gear manipulation means may be used such as a motor); a cord system; and a lower valence. 
         [0012]    The upper-housing houses preferably at least one roller assembly (or other cord storing/manipulating means) and at least one gear assembly. The gear assembly comprises a first gear set and a second gear set for adjusting the slat angle of each of the preferably two slat modules within the 3-way blind system. The upper-housing and the lower valence define the outer limits (vertically) of the plurality of slat-modules. The two slat-modules, may include an upper slat-module and a lower slat-module in which the upper and lower slat-modules are independently manipulatably-operable. In certain embodiments the first gear set is in operable communication with the upper slat-module via the cord system which is manipulated by the roller assembly that is mounted on the shaft and driven by the gear assembly such that the rotatably-alignable slats may be rotated between open and closed positions. In the same way, the second gear set is also in operable communication with the lower slat-module via the cord system which is manipulated by the roller assembly that is mounted on the shaft and driven by the gear assembly such that the rotatably-alignable slats may be rotated between open and closed positions. The roller assembly may be manually or non-manually operated/manipulated. 
         [0013]    The selector is preferably slidably-movable to independently manipulate a particularized first gear set and/or a second gear set to be engaged to rotate open and/or close the upper slat-module and lower slat-modules. The selector is slidably-movable to manipulate the upper slat-module independently or dependently either from or with the lower slat-module. The selector is slidably-movable to independently manipulate the rotatably-alignable slats within the upper slat-module to the open position and the rotatably-alignable slats in the lower slat-module to the closed position, or to independently manipulate the rotatably-alignable slats within the upper slat-module to the closed position and the rotatably-alignable slats in the lower slat-module to the open position. The selector may also be slidably-moved (or non-slidably moved in alternate embodiments) to dependently manipulate the rotatably-alignable slats within the upper slat-module to an open position and the rotatably-alignable slats in the lower slat-module to the open position, or to dependently manipulate the rotatably-alignable slats within the upper slat-module to the closed position and the rotatably-alignable slats in the lower slat-module to the closed position during a single time increment. The rotatably-alignable slats are horizontally aligned with an upper and lower sash of a window in a preferred embodiment and may be vertically aligned in alternate embodiments. 
         [0014]    The cord system may be windably spooled and unspooled by at least one roller assembly such that a relative distance between each of the plurality of rotatably-alignable slats is able to be increased or decreased into a bunched (wherein the slats are gathered such as when opened to the top) or unbunched condition. At least one gear assembly is designed to receive the removable adjuster wand such that when the removable adjuster wand is rotated, that one gear assembly is manually manipulatable causing the rotatably-alignable slats to be oriented according to user preference. The selector is able to independently manipulate the at least one slat-module via the at least one gear assembly such that the 3-way blind system is oriented according to user preference to block or allow light to enter an interior space. The cord system also comprises pull cords to raise and lower the slats in all modules simultaneously to provide an unobstructed view or to provide maximum ambient light. 
         [0015]    The 3-way blind system may comprise a kit having a 3-way blind system; a cleaner; and a set of user instructions. 
         [0016]    A method of use for a 3-way blind system is described herein comprising the steps of: installing the 3-way blind system; selecting an upper slat-module or a lower slat-module or both slat-modules to be opened or closed according to user preference via a selector that is slidably-movable; and rotating a removable adjuster wand to open either the upper slat-module and/or the lower slat-module as desired by the user with the optional step of changing positioning of the upper slat-module and/or the lower slat-module as desired. 
         [0017]    The present invention holds significant improvements and serves as a 3-way blind system. For purposes of summarizing the invention, certain aspects, advantages, and novel features of the invention have been described herein. It is to be understood that not necessarily all such advantages may be achieved in accordance with any one particular embodiment of the invention. Thus, the invention may be embodied or carried out in a manner that achieves or optimizes one advantage or group of advantages as taught herein without necessarily achieving other advantages as may be taught or suggested herein. The features of the invention which are believed to be novel are particularly pointed out and distinctly claimed in the concluding portion of the specification. These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings and detailed description. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
       [0018]    As discussed above, embodiments of the present invention relate to a window blind system and more particularly to a 3-way blind system as used to provide the user with variable options in privacy and natural lighting. 
         [0019]    Referring to the drawings by numerals of reference there is shown in  FIG. 1 , a perspective view illustrating an in-use condition  160  of 3-way blind system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention. 3-way blind system  100  preferably comprises an upper-housing  400  with at least one roller assembly  260  and at least one gear assembly  300  contained therewithin; with roller assembly  260  and gear assembly  300  being connected via shaft  410 . 3-way blind system  100  also preferably comprises a plurality of slat-modules  222  each comprising a plurality of rotatably-alignable slats  210 . The present invention may further comprise selector  420  that is movable to independently manipulate at least one slat module  222  via at least one gear assembly  300 ; at least one removable adjuster wand  110 ; cord system  120 ; and lower valence  130 . 
         [0020]    Upper-housing  400  within this particular embodiment houses at least one roller assembly  260  and at least one gear assembly  300  connected preferably via shaft  410  (or other suitable direct or indirect connection means.) Upper-housing  400  and lower valence  130  define outer limits (vertically) of the plurality of slat module(s)  222 . Cord system  120  is windably spooled and unspooled by at least one roller assembly  260  such that a relative distance between each of the plurality of rotatably-alignable slats  210  is able to be increased or decreased. 
         [0021]    3-way blind system  100  preferably comprises simple pull cords  124  in order to raise and/or lower the entire set of blinds  270  (upper slat-module  220  and lower slat-module  230 .) Gear assembly  300  receives removable adjuster wand  110  such that when removable adjuster wand  110  is rotated, at least one gear assembly  300  is manually manipulated causing rotatably-alignable slats  210  slats to be oriented according to user preference. Rotatably-alignable slats  210  are preferably horizontally aligned (parallel to—as shown) with upper sash  310  and lower sash  320  of a window  340  and in other embodiments; rotatably-alignable slats are perpendicularly-aligned with an upper and lower sash of a window  340  (as in vertical versions.) 
         [0022]    Referring now to  FIG. 2 , showing a perspective view illustrating 3-way blind system  100  with lower slat-module  230  rotated substantially downwardly (towards a closed position) and upper slat-module  220  adjusted for maximum visibility (horizontally-planar-orientation) according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . With a preferred embodiment 3-way blind system  100  comprises an upper slat-module  220  and lower slat-module  230  (other alternate embodiments may comprise more than two slat modules.) 3-way blind system  100  comprises at least two slat module(s)  222  (as shown) to allow the user maximum versatility in finding a comfortable balance between ambient light, visibility, and privacy due to slat module(s)  222  that are independently, manipulatably-operable. 
         [0023]    Operation of upper slat-module  220  and lower slat-module  230  may be achieved by gear assembly  300  which preferably comprises first gear set  240  and second gear set  242  wherein first gear set  240  is in operable communication with upper slat-module  220  via cord system  120  manipulated by roller assembly  260 , gear assembly  300 , and shaft  410 , such that rotatably-alignable slats  210  may be rotated between open and closed positions. Second gear set  242  may be in operable communication with lower slat-module  230  via cord system  120  manipulated by roller assembly  260 , gear assembly  300 , and shaft  410  such that rotatably-alignable slats  210  may be rotated between open and closed positions. First gear set  240  and second gear set  242  may be operable when the system is used in a dependant mode—wherein both upper slat-module  220  and lower slat-module  230  are operated simultaneously and cooperatively. 
         [0024]    To accomplish variably selected modes of operation, selector  420  may be slidably-movable to independently manipulate rotatably-alignable slats  210  within upper slat-module  220  to an open position and rotatably-alignable slats  210  in lower slat-module  230  to a closed position during a single time increment. Alternately, selector  420  may be slidably-movable to dependently manipulate rotatably-alignable slats  210  within upper slat-module  220  to a closed position and rotatably rotatably-alignable slats  210  in lower slat-module  230  to a closed position during a single time increment according to user preference. 
         [0025]    Referring now to  FIG. 3 , a perspective view illustrating 3-way blind system  100  with upper slat-module  220  rotated substantially downwardly and lower slat-module  230  adjusted for maximum outward visibility according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . As discussed, selector  420  is able to independently manipulate at least one slat module(s)  222  via engaging at least one gear assembly  300  (or via other ratio rotatable/linear means) such that 3-way blind system  100  is selectively oriented according to user preference to block or allow light to enter an interior space. 
         [0026]    Selector  420  is slidably-movable to independently manipulate rotatably-alignable slats  210  within upper slat-module  220  to a closed position and rotatably-alignable slats  210  in lower slat-module  230  to an open position during a single time increment or selector  420  is slidably-movable to dependently manipulate rotatably-alignable slats  210  within upper slat-module  220  to an open position and rotatably-alignable slats  210  in lower slat-module  230  to an open position during a single time increment according to user preference. In these ways light may be introduced or substantially prevented from entering an interior room or space. 
         [0027]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , is a perspective view illustrating 3-way blind system  100  wherein selector  420  may be movable to independently manipulate at least one slat module(s)  222  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0028]    3-way blind system  100  selector  420  is slidably-movable to independently engage first gear set  240  and/or second gear set  242  to rotate open and/or close upper slat-module  220  and lower slat-module(s)  230 . Selector  420  is slidably-movable to independently engage upper slat-module  220  from lower slat-module  230  and selector  420  is slidably-movable to dependently engage upper slat-module  220  and lower slat-module  230  to operate both (or all) modules together if desired by the user. In other embodiments, selector  420  may be non-slideable (such as in rheostat versions, motorized, rotation versions, other linear formations, and the like.) 
         [0029]    3-way blind system  100  may be sold as kit  440  comprising the following parts: at least one 3-way blind system; a cleaner; and a set of user instructions. 3-way blind system  100  may be manufactured and provided for sale in a wide variety of sizes and shapes for a wide assortment of applications. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other kit contents or arrangements such as, for example, including more or less components, customized parts, different color combinations, parts may be sold separately, motorized or manual versions, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0030]    Referring now to  FIG. 5 , is a flowchart illustrating a method of use  500  for 3-way blind system  100  according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4 : (1) installing 3-way blind system  100 ; (2) selecting an upper slat-module  220  or lower slat-module  230  or both slat module(s)  222  to be opened or closed (according to user preference) via selector  420  that is preferably slidably-movable; and (3) rotating removable adjuster wand  110  to open desired upper slat-module  220  and/or lower slat-module  230  to open or close; and optionally (4) pulling pull cords  124  to raise or lower all slat module(s)  222  to cover window  340  or leave an unobstructed view. 
         [0031]      FIG. 6  is a front plan view of a second embodiment of the invention. In this embodiment upper front panel  610  to is in place. Slidable selector arm  606  is separate from adjuster wand  606 . The selector arm  606  is shown in the center position of the three positions “Bottom”, “Both”, “Top” indicated by selection labels  604 . Slat orientation cords  612 ,  642  control the angularity of the top group of slats  616 . Slat orientation cords  614 ,  640  control angularity of the bottom group of slats  618 . Adjustor wand  602  is partially covered by a selector extension tube  606  which slidably engages the adjustor wand  602  and is removably retained by standard means such as a magnet located on the adjustor wand and ferrous metal plate mounted to the selector extension tube  606 , or a standard snap type connector. 
         [0032]      FIG. 7  shows a front plan view of the second embodiment of the invention with the front panel  610  removed. A horizontal main rod  622  extends the length of the top housing 
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       [0033]    The figures which accompany the written portion of this specification illustrate embodiments and method(s) of use for the present invention, 3-way blind system, constructed and operative according to the teachings of the present invention. 
         [0034]      FIG. 1  shows a perspective view illustrating an in use condition of a 3-way blind system according to an embodiment of the present invention. 
         [0035]      FIG. 2  is a perspective view illustrating the 3-way blind system with a lower slat module rotated substantially downwardly (to a semi-closed position) and an upper slat module adjusted for maximum visibility according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0036]      FIG. 3  is a perspective view illustrating the 3-way blind system with the upper slat module rotated substantially downward and the lower slat module adjusted for maximum visibility according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIG. 1 . 
         [0037]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view illustrating the 3-way blind system selector that is movable to independently manipulate at least one slat-module according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-3 . 
         [0038]      FIG. 5  is a flowchart illustrating a method of use of the 3-way blind system according to an embodiment of the present invention of  FIGS. 1-4 . 
         [0039]      FIG. 6  is a front plan view of an alternate embodiment of the invention, 
         [0040]      FIG. 7  Is a front plan view of the alternate embodiment of the invention with the front cover plate removed. 
         [0041]      FIG. 8  is a front plan view of the alternate embodiment of the invention with the slider extension tube in place on the slide selector arm. 
         [0042]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of the selector slide tube. 
         [0043]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of the gear drive assembly. 
         [0044]      FIG. 11  is a section view of the gear drive assembly with the drive gear to the left. 
         [0045]      FIG. 12  is a section view of the gear drive assembly with the drive gear in the middle. 
         [0046]      FIG. 13  is a section view of the gear drive assembly with the drive gear to the right. 
         [0047]    The various embodiments of the present invention will hereinafter be described in conjunction with the appended drawings, wherein like designations denote like elements.  650 . A gear  626  is connected to top pulley member  628  by inner tube member  646  shown in the section view in  FIG. 11 . Both the gear  626  and the pulley member  628  are centrally and fixedly attached to the outer ends of inner tube member  646 . Cord  614  is pinned to the top most portion of gear  626 . Cord  640  is pinned to the top most portion of pulley member  630 . Gear  624  is connected to bottom pulley member  630  via outer tube  632 . Both the gear  624  and the bottom pulley member  630  are centrally and fixedly attached to the ends of outer tube  632 . Drive gear  636  is centrally and slidably engaged with hex shaft  634  which horizontally extends the length of the housing  650 . Selector arm  606  is fixedly attached to selector tube  622 . The selector tube  622  can slide the drive gear  636  to the left or right as needed as the user slides selector arm  606  to the left or right. Hex shaft  634  is attached to standard right angle drive box  652  which is in turn attached to angle adjustment wand  602 . By sliding the selector arm  606  to the left, the drive gear  636  engages bottom gear  624  and attached pulley member  630 . By rotating the wand  602 , the cords  614 ,  640  are caused to move up or down as desired, causing the bottom slat set  618  to rotate angularly in one direction or another. When drive gear  636  is positioned half way onto to gear  624  and half way onto gear  626 , both the top gear  626  and bottom gear  624  are caused to rotate together when the user rotates wand  602 , which in turn causes both cord sets  612 ,  614 ,  640 ,  642  and both upper and lower slat sets  616 ,  618  to angularly rotate simultaneously. By sliding the selector arm  606  to the right, the drive gear  636  engages top gear  626  and attached pulley member  628 . By rotating wand  602 , the cords  612 ,  642  are caused to move up or down as desired, causing the top slat set  616  to rotate angularly in one direction or another. 
         [0048]      FIG. 8  is a front plan view of the invention with slide extension tube  608  removed from adjuster wand  602  and engaged, via U shaped cutout  620  with selector arm  606 . In this way, a person can easily reach the selector arm  620  even though it may be located higher than the normal reach of the user. After the slat angle is selected, the user can replace the tubular extension tube  608  back onto adjustment wand  602 . 
         [0049]      FIG. 9  is a perspective view of selector arm  606  attached  644  to slide selector tube  638 . Connector plate  646  attaches both sides of selector tube  638  so that the user can slide drive gear  636  to the left or to the right as needed. Drive gear  636  can clearly be seen as slidably engaged with hex shaft  634  so that the drive gear  636  is forced to rotate as hex shaft  634  is rotated by the user. 
         [0050]      FIG. 10  is a perspective view of drive gear  636  and its relation to top gear  626  and bottom gear  624 . Cords  614  and  612  are shown being pinned  670 ,  672  on the top most portion of gears  624 ,  626  respectfully. 
         [0051]      FIG. 11  is a section view that bisects the gear assembly. In this view drive gear  636  is shown to the right and engaged with bottom slat set gear  624 . In  FIG. 12 , drive gear  636  is shown engaged with both bottom slat set gear  624  and top slat set gear  626  thereby allowing both slat sets  616 ,  618  to be angularly rotate at the same time.  FIG. 13  shows drive gear  636  engaged with top slat set gear  626 . In this way, a user can easily and quickly select and change the angular rotation of the top set of slats  616 , the bottom set of slats  618  or both together. It should be noted that the slat sets can be divided further, for example a top set, a middle set and a bottom set, by adding another gear and pulley set attached by another horizontally disposed tubular member. 
         [0052]    It should be noted that steps  502 - 504  are optional steps and may not be implemented in all cases. Optional steps of method of use  500  are illustrated using dotted lines in  FIG. 5  so as to distinguish them from the other steps of method of use  500 . 
         [0053]    It should be noted that the steps described in the method of use  500  can be carried out in many different orders according to user preference. Upon reading this specification, it should be appreciated that, under appropriate circumstances, considering such issues as design preference, user preferences, marketing preferences, cost, structural requirements, available materials, technological advances, etc., other methods of use arrangements such as, for example, different orders within above-mentioned list, elimination or addition of certain steps, including or excluding certain maintenance steps, etc., may be sufficient. 
         [0054]    The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention. Further, the purpose of the foregoing abstract is to enable the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office and the public generally, and especially the scientist, engineers and practitioners in the art who are not familiar with patent or legal terms or phraseology, to determine quickly from a cursory inspection the nature and essence of the technical disclosure of the application.