Patent Abstract:
A nested multiple panel track system supporting a desired window covering provides for a window covering assembly capable of holding even an extremely heavy window covering, and providing an efficient operation therefor.

Full Description:
This invention relates to a window covering, and more particularly to a multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly, which can be mounted within a window frame. 
   BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
   A typical window covering is a blind or a curtain. When the covering is positioned to be placed over a window, a covering support is mounted in the window frame. The window frame supports the glass or other transparent material used for the window. The covering support supports a blind or a curtain, which can be used to prevent or permit viewing through the window as desired. 
   Major problems exist with window covering supports. Generally, a narrow covering support provides the best mounting capability for within the window frame. However, the narrower covering supports are not always substantial enough to brace heavier weight window coverings. 
   Furthermore, it is difficult to provide a narrow support for window coverings on a large window with a large expanse of glass. The weight of the window covering, needed to traverse a large window, almost always mandates a substantial covering support. However, substantial covering supports may not be narrow enough to be mounted within the window frame. The covering support must be strong and capable of holding the window covering, whatever its weight.  
   With a covering support, width and strength are generally in direct proportion to each other. A sacrifice in width of a covering support usually leads to a corresponding sacrifice in strength. Concentration on strength usually leads to a covering support, which is too wide to be mounted flush within the window frame. 
   Thus, it is very desirable to provide a strong covering support, that is narrow enough to allow mounting within the window frame. This strong covering support must be able to support a heavy window covering, while, at the same time, it must fit flush within the window frame. 
   Even if such a covering support can be developed, the curtain or the blind therein must be operable. In other words, it is very desirable for the window covering support to facilitate the positioning of window treatment to allow or prevent viewing through the window. 
   Thus, the window treatment support also functions as a positioning device for the window treatment. Typical of the prior art positioning devices are the side pull cord devices. These cords are known to be safety hazards, especially for small children. A small child can playfully, accidentally, or purposely wrap that cord around his or her neck. If the cord is then shortened by the mechanism in the positioning device, a strangulation can occur, which can result in death.  
   These positioning devices are typically at the end of the window covering support. Such a location for the positioning device makes it very attractive to a small child. It is very desirable to provide a suitable and durable positioning device for a window covering. 
   Durability is also a required or desired advantage of implements or positioning devices used to cover or uncover a window, as desired. The longer a device will last and function properly, the more acceptable it will be to consumers. 
   It is, therefore, very desirable to provide a positioning device, which minimizes danger, especially for a small child, while at the same time, providing the desired reliability and durability. 
   SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
   Among the many objectives of this invention is the provision of a multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly capable of being efficiently attached to a window frame. 
   A further objective of this invention is the provision of a multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly having sufficient strength to hold a heavy window shade. 
   Yet a further objective of this invention is the provision of a multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly capable of supporting a heavy curtain.  
   A still further objective of this invention is the provision of a multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly with a reduced size to allow mounting within the window frame. 
   Also, an objective of this invention is the provision of a reliable positioning device for a window covering. 
   Another objective of this invention is the provision of a safe positioning device for a window covering. 
   These and other objectives of the invention (which other objectives become clear by consideration of the specification, claims and drawings as a whole) are met by providing a nested multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly capable of holding a desired window covering. The nested multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly has a centrally situated positioning device capable of moving the window covering as desired. 

   
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       FIG. 1  depicts a perspective view of the sole multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly  100  of this invention showing track assembly  158  thereof fully deployed. 
       FIG. 2  depicts a perspective view of the sole multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly  100  of this invention showing track assembly  158  thereof partially deployed. 
       FIG. 3  depicts a perspective view of the sole multiple  panel track system for a window covering assembly  100  of this invention showing track assembly  158  thereof fully retracted. 
       FIG. 4  depicts a perspective view of the sole multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly  100  of this invention with adjustable end cap  200 . 
       FIG. 5  depicts a side view of the sole multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly  100  of this invention with adjustable end cap  200 . 
       FIG. 6  depicts a bottom plan view of the track assembly  158  fully deployed. 
       FIG. 7  depicts a bottom plan view of the track assembly  158  partially deployed. 
       FIG. 8  depicts a bottom plan view of the track assembly  158  completely retracted. 
       FIG. 9  depicts a bottom plan view of catch assembly  150  for carrier  118  of the sole multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly  100  of this invention. 
       FIG. 10  displays exploded perspective view of carrier track  126  with pull cap  160  displayed. 
       FIG. 11  depicts an end, plan, partially cross-sectioned view of the sole multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly  100 . 
       FIG. 12  depicts an exploded view of the sole multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly  100  of this invention.  
       FIG. 13  depicts a perspective view of carrier  122  for the sole multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly  100  of this invention. 
       FIG. 14  depicts an exploded perspective view of carrier  118  for the multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly  100  of this invention. 
       FIG. 15  depicts a perspective view of carrier  118  with a curtain rod therein for sole multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly  100  of this invention. 
       FIG. 16  depicts a front plan view of curtain panel  134  with weight  192  therein for sole multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly  100  of this invention. 
       FIG. 17  depicts an exploded view of left side of pulley system  314  of the sole multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly  300  of this invention. 
       FIG. 18  depicts an exploded view of the pulley system  314  with pulleys  316  mounted on the adjustable end caps  200  with cord  318  strung between. 
       FIG. 19  depicts an exploded view of right side of pulley system  314  of the multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly  300  of this invention. 
       FIG. 20  depicts an end partially cross-sectioned view of center pull cord sleeve  320 . 
       FIG. 21  depicts a top plan view of pulleys  316  moving toward the deployed position of  FIG. 23 .  
       FIG. 22  depicts a top plan view of pulleys  316  moving toward the retracted position of  FIG. 25 . 
       FIG. 23  depicts a perspective view of the dual multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly  300  of this invention showing six curtain panels  134  fully deployed. 
       FIG. 24  depicts a perspective view of the dual track window covering assembly  300  of this invention showing six panels  134  partially deployed. 
       FIG. 25  depicts a perspective view of the dual multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly  300  of this invention showing six panels  134  completely retracted. 
       FIG. 26  depicts a perspective view of shaded multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly  400  of this invention, with the blind  402  mounted thereon in an up position. 
       FIG. 27  depicts a close-up perspective view of shaded multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly  400  of this invention, with the blind  402  mounted thereon. 
       FIG. 28  depicts a perspective view of shaded multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly  400  of this invention, with the blind  402  mounted thereon in a down position. 
   

   Throughout the figures of the drawings, where the same part appears in more than one figure of the drawings, the same  number is applied thereto. 
   DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS 
   With the multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly having nested tracks in the covering assembly, which covering support is, in turn, mounted in the window frame, great advantages are obtained. By window frame is meant the area around a window or other architectural opening in a building. By building is meant a commercial or residential building. The window frame or the vicinity thereof is customarily the location of window covering assembly. 
   Several sets of window coverings may be set in the multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly, while the support remains narrow enough to be mounted within the window frame as opposed to being mounted upon the face of it. 
   The multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly has three carrier receivers, which are nested. Such a nesting structure permits the window covering assembly to be narrower. In each track is mounted a carrier, which permits panels to be positioned to be positioned either to cover a window in order to prevent viewing therethrough, that is a deployed position; or be pulled to the side of a window in order to permit viewing therethrough, which is to say a retracted position is thus provided.  
   Within each track of the multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly is mounted a carrier. To each carrier, may be attached a suitable type of the covering material in any appropriate shape. The covering material in the carrier may be any suitable curtain material, whether the material is opaque, translucent, or transparent. In this fashion, the window covering assembly is used efficiently. 
   Each carrier in a track of the multiple panel track system may have the same type of material or a different type of material. Preferably, the material is the same type of material for each carrier in the multiple panel track system. Each covering material in the carrier may be opaque, translucent, or transparent; or even combinations thereof. 
   Each carrier is adapted to fit within a track of the multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly. With the nesting configuration of the tracks, such a structure is very compact. Within a carrier, are a guide cam and a locking cam to limit the movement thereof in order to permit appropriate use of the carrier, within the multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly. In this fashion, the covering, as mounted on or in the carrier, will remain in the proper position as set by the homeowner. 
   If desired, a center pull unit may be used with the multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly. The center pull unit can permit movement of each carrier  within its respective track. The fixed reel and the movable wheel of the center pull unit combine with the carrier; and permit operation and assembly of the window covering in the multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly, an appropriately movable fashion. 
   The carrier has a track mount, and a curtain receiver cooperating to form the carrier. The track mount fits within a track of the multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly. The curtain holder extends from the track mount and receives any desired covering. Caps, which are releasably secured within each track of the multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly, secure the curtain panel within the curtain holder. 
   If desired, an end cap can be slidably mounted in the end of the multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly and permit extension thereof. Such extension permits the carrier to be customized to fit an odd-sized window by a typical homeowner in a do-it-yourself fashion. 
   It is also possible to provide for a center pulling device for the multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly. With a centrally located cord assembly fully adapted to fit within the track, the problems of an end pull device are avoided. The cord from the first carrier travels freely to the cord on the second carrier and then to the third carrier. The central pulling of the multiple panel  track system for a window covering assembly is easily permitted. A cord is attached to a carrier and fixed to a cord sleeve in order to achieve the central pulling for opening and closing the curtain. 
   Also, such a structure permits a number of the panels to be used. For example, with the pulling of a six panel blind and separating of the center by pulling on the center, the carrier structure permits such a structure for moving the covering from deployed position to retracted position on the window, and the reverse thereof. It is also possible to supplement the multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly, with a blind thereon in the window frame in order to provide for an opaque situation, which can prevent viewing through the window, if desired. 
   In the six panel blind, the six panels may separate into two sets of three. For example, three adjacent panels may be retracted to one side of the window, while the other three panels are retracted to an opposing side of the window. Thus, two of the panels move within the same track, but in oppositely, generally horizontal direction with their respective tracks. 
   Referring now to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 , sole multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly  100  is mounted within window frame  112 . Window frame  112  serves to support window glass  114  therein.  Multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly  100  has a track support  120  therein adapted to receive track assembly  158 . Two adjustable end caps  200 , enclose the track assembly  158  within track support  120 . Track assembly  158  comprises first carrier track  122 ; second carrier tract  124  and third carrier track  126 . Positioned at the end of third carrier track  126  is pull cap  160 , which is used as a hand grip in deploying and retracting the window covering.  FIG. 1  portrays track assembly  158  completely deployed.  FIG. 2  displays track assembly  158  partially deployed.  FIG. 3  displays track assembly  158  completely retracted. From each of first carrier track  122 , second carrier track  124  and third carrier track  126  is suspended a curtain panel  134 . 
     FIG. 4  is an exploded view of track support  120  with adjustable end caps  200 . Each end cap  200  has a bottom base  166  with substantially rectangular arms  162  extending therefrom, which arms  162  are perpendicular to the base  166  and inserted into the track support  120 . Positioned in the center of the outside of each arm is a generally triangular shaped wing  164 , whose base is attached to bottom base  166 . Wing  164  has a shape similar to an isosceles triangle and provides rigidity for the arm  162 . Near the top of each arm is a small orifice  168 , which lock arm screw  170  is inserted into to lock the position of the adjustable end cap  200  in  track support  120 . 
     FIG. 5  demonstrates how the adjustable end cap  200  allows the sole multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly  100  to be customized for odd-sized windows. 
     FIG. 6  shows a bottom view of track assembly  158  fully deployed. Track assembly  158  includes first carrier track  122 , second carrier track  124 , and third carrier track  126 . Situated at the right ends of carrier track  122  and carrier track  124  is catch assembly  150 . Catch assembly  150  contains a rectangular shaped catch block  152  with a screw aperture, into which catch screw  154  is inserted. The catch assembly  150  protrudes out and butts against catch cap  172 . Catch cap  172  is located on both ends of carriers  122  and  124  and on the left end of carrier  126 . 
   When the track assembly  158  is completely deployed, the catch assembly  150  located on the second carrier track  124  buts up against catch cap  172 , which is positioned at the right end of first carrier track  122 . In the same manner, the catch assembly  150  located on third carrier  126  protrudes out and butts against the catch cap  172  which is positioned on the right end of second carrier track  124 . Positioned at the right end of third carrier track  126  is pull cap  160 . 
     FIG. 7  shows track assembly  158  partially deployed. The catch assembly  150  located third carrier  126  butts up against the catch cap  172  located on the right of second  carrier  124 . The catch assembly  150  located on third carrier  126  protrudes out and butts against the catch cap  172  which is positioned on the right end of second carrier track  124 . 
     FIG. 8  displays track assembly  158  completely retracted. The catch assembly  150  located second carrier  124  butts up against the catch cap  172  located on the left of first carrier  122 . The catch assembly  150  located on third carrier  126  protrudes out and butts against the catch cap  172 , which is positioned on the left end of second carrier track  124 . 
   In another modification, the positions of the catch caps  172 , catch assembly  150  and pull cap  160  may be reversed to the other ends of the track assemblies to allow movement to the left to deploy the track assembly and movement to the right to retract it. 
     FIG. 9  shows an enlarged view of catch assembly  150  located on second track carrier  124  butting up against catch cap  172  located on the right end of first track carrier  122 . 
     FIG. 10  displays third track carrier  126  with pull cap  160 . Pull cap  160  serves the dual purpose of budding up against the catch cap  172  located on the right end of carrier track  124  when carrier track  126  is completely retraced and provides a place for the homeowner to grasp when the multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly  100  is  being deployed and retracted. 
     FIG. 11  displays a cross-sectional view of track support  120  with track carriers  122 ,  124  and  126  positioned within. The second carrier track  124  is nested between first carrier track  122  and third carrier track  126 . 
   The track support  120  has a flat top portion  128 . Each carrier track has a carrier horizontal oblong rectangular receiver portion  130  adjacent and perpendicular to a vertical, oblong, rectangular, slotted portion  132 . With the second carrier track  124 , the carrier receiver portion  130  is adjacent to the top portion  128 . With first carrier track  122  and third carrier track  126 , a slotted portion  132  is adjacent to flat top portion  130 . The structure permits the carrier receiver portion  130  of each to be adjacent to slotted portion  132 , of second carrier track  124 . 
   Thus, second carrier track  124  is nested between first carrier track  122  and third carrier track  126 . Located adjacently to slotted portion  132  on the sides of the track support  120  are two C-shaped arm openings  192  which accept the arms  162  of the end cap  200 . 
   From each of first carrier track  122 , second carrier track  124  and third carrier track  126  is suspended a curtain panel  134 . Positioned on the bottom of and within first carrier track  122  is first panel holder  136 . Likewise, second carrier track  124  contains second panel holder  138  and third  carrier track  126  contains third panel holder  140 . 
   Each of first panel holder  136 , second panel holder  138  and third panel holder  140  supports a curtain panel  134 , also shown in  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 2  and  FIG. 3 . As first carrier track  122 , second carrier track  124  and third carrier track  126  move within track support  120 , curtain panel  134  is in a deployed position as shown in  FIG. 1 . The curtain panels  134  on second panel holder  138  and third panel holder  140  move within track support  120  and the respective carrier tracks from a deployed position to a retracted position and points therebetween. 
   Adding  FIG. 12 ,  FIG. 13  and  FIG. 14  into consideration, the carrier tracks  122 ,  124  and  126  include a rectangular plane spine  174 . On the bottom of the carrier tracks are curtain panel holders  136 ,  138  and  140  respectively with curtain cap  176 . Panel holders  136 ,  138  and  140  are square u-shapes with the ends pinched together. The base of the panel holder is connected to and perpendicular to the spine  174  of the carrier track. Catch assembly  150  is located directly above the panel holder with the catch screw  154  inserted into an orifice  190  within the spine  174 , then block aperture  151  in catch block  152 . 
   In the first carrier track  122  and third carrier track  126 , the orifice  190  is a slot that allows for the carrier to extend beyond the end of the track support  120  to  facilitate the use of the sole multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly  100  in an odd-sized window. In the second carrier track  124 , the orifice  190  is a circular opening. 
   On the spine directly above the catch assembly  150  is the carrier ridge  178  which is positioned directly below the bottom of the track support  120  when the track assembly is inserted into the track support. The carrier ridge  178  has two rectangular protrusions  179  extending from the sides of the carrier spine  174  at the same position on the spine  174 . 
   Located at each end of the carrier tracks are wheel mount apertures  180  which comprises a smaller circular orifice in the rectangular spine  174  located close to the end of the carrier track with a larger circular orifice located more toward the center of the carrier intersecting the smaller orifice. Inserted into the wheel mount aperture  180  is wheel unit  182 , which comprises two wheels  184  held in position by wheel axle shaft  186 . The wheel unit  182  of the carrier tracks traverses the receiver portion  130  of the track assembly  120 . 
   The spine  174  of the carrier tracks traverses the slotted portion  132  of the track assembly  120 . Located in the center of the carrier track is glide pin  188  which is a small circular protrusion from the spine of the carrier track at the same height as the bottom of the wheel unit. Glide pin  188  in  cooperation with the carrier ridge  178  prevents vertical movement of the carrier tracks within the track support  120 . 
     FIG. 15  shows curtain rod  194  placed within the sleeve of curtain panel  134 , and inserted into first panel holder  134  on first track carrier  122 . Curtain cap  176  is then inserted into the end of first panel  134  to lock curtain rod  194  within. Combined with  FIG. 16 , curtain panel  134  has a weight  192  placed in the bottom hem to force the curtain panel  134  to hang in a desired fashion or rigidly. 
     FIG. 17 ,  FIG. 18 ,  FIG. 19 ,  FIG. 20 ,  FIG. 21  and  FIG. 22  combine to show a preferred embodiment of the dual multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly  300 . This version contains six track assemblies, with three track assemblies mounted on each end of the track. The track assemblies deploy toward the center from each side, meeting in the middle when the track assemblies are completely deployed. Track assemblies  302 ,  304  and  306  deploy from the right end of the track support  120  with track assembly  306  deploying close to the center. Carrier tracks  308 ,  310  and  312  deploy from the left side of track support  120  with carrier track  312  deploying close to the center. 
   To assist the dual multiple panel track system for a window covering assembly  300  in the deployment of the six track assemblies, a pulley system is enclosed within the track support  120 . The pulley system contains a pulley  316 ; a  pulley cord  318 ; cord sleeves  320  and a locking screw  322 . Pulley cord  319  preferably has a cross-over point  319  centrally located between each pulley  316 , which pulleys  316  are on oppositely disposed ends of dual triple track window covering assembly  300 . 
   The cord sleeves  320  are rectangular blocks with two apertures centered on the block that allow the cord to pass through. Two cord sleeves  320  are mounted on track assembly  306  and carrier  312 . The cord sleeves  320  are placed on each end of the carrier tracks  308 ,  310  and  312  directly above the wheel mount unit aperture  180 . 
   To facilitate the placement of the track assembly  306  and corresponding carrier  312  into the track support  120 , all three receiver portions  130  of the track support  120  are enlarged. To make track carriers  302  and  308  sit snugly into the track with the elongated receiver portion  130 , spacing blocks  324  having the same diameter as the cord sleeve  320  are placed on the corresponding positions on carrier track  302  and  308  as the cord sleeves  320  are placed on track carriers  306  and  312 . 
   Spacing blocks  324  are also placed on the top of track carriers  304  and  310  directly above the wheel mount unit aperture  180 . These spacing blocks compensate for the elongated receiver portion  130  in the center of the track support  120 . Cord  318  is secured to the bottom aperture of  the cord sleeve  320  that is mounted on the right end of the carrier track  306 . 
   Cord  318  travels through the receiver portion  130  of track support  120  to the cord sleeve mounted on the left-hand side of carrier track  312 . The cord  318  passes through the top aperture  326  of this cord sleeve  320  to the adjacent cord sleeve  320  mounted on the right side of carrier track  312 . Cord  318  then passes the top aperture  326  of this cord sleeve  320 , and through the top receiver portion  130  of the carrier track to pulley  316  which is located in the right adjustable end cap  200 . 
   After passing though the pulley  316 , the cord  318  travels back through the receiver portion  130 ; through the right bottom apertures  328  of the cord sleeves  320  mounted on the carrier track  312 , through a locking screw  322  mounted on the center of carrier track  312  and then through the bottom aperture  328  of the cord sleeve  318  mounted on the left side of the carrier track  312 . From here the cord  318  travels through receiver portion  130  to the top aperture on the cord sleeve  320  mounted on the right side of the carrier track  306 . 
   The cord  318  travels passes through receiver portion  130  to the cord sleeve  318  mounted on the left side of carrier track  306 ; through the top aperture of cord sleeve  320 ; travels further down the receiver portion  130  to the left end cap  200 .  
   The cord  318  passes through a cord pulley  314  mounted on the left end cap  200  and back through the other receiver portion  130  of the track carrier  120 , and then to the bottom aperture  328  of the sleeve cord mounted on the left side of carrier track  306 . From here the cord travels to the bottom aperture  328  of the sleeve cord  318  mounted on the right side of carrier track  306 , where it is secured. 
     FIG. 23  shows dual multiple panel track system for a window covering support  300  with the carrier tracks fully deployed.  FIG. 24  displays dual multiple panel track system for a window covering support  300  with the carrier tracks partially deployed.  FIG. 25  displays dual multiple panel track system for a window covering support  300  completely retracted. 
     FIG. 26 ,  FIG. 27  and  FIG. 28  combine to depict a shaded multiple panel track system for a window covering support preferred embodiment  400 . This embodiment features the mounting of a shade  420  in brackets  402 .  FIG. 27  shows shade mounting brackets  402  mounted at each end of shaded multiple panel track system for the window covering support preferred embodiment  400 .  FIG. 28  shows shaded multiple panel track system for a window covering  400  with shade  420  fully deployed. 
   This application—taken as a whole with the abstract, specification, claims, and drawings being combined—provides  sufficient information for a person having ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention as disclosed and claimed herein. Any measures necessary to practice this invention are well within the skill of a person having ordinary skill in this art after that person has made a careful study of this disclosure. 
   Because of this disclosure and solely because of this disclosure, modification of this method and device can become clear to a person having ordinary skill in this particular art. Such modifications are clearly covered by this disclosure.

Technology Classification (CPC): 0