Patent Description:
Window treatments, such as, for example, roller shades, draperies, roman shades, and venetian blinds, are normally mounted in front of windows to provide for control of the amount of sunlight entering a space. A typical venetian blind system comprises a number of elongated slats extending along the width of the window and spaced apart vertically between a headrail and a bottom bar. The blind system typically comprises a lift cord that extends from the bottom bar through openings in the slats to the headrail and provides for lifting the bottom bar to raise and lower the slats. In a manual blind system, the end of the lift cord that is not attached to the bottom bar often hangs down from the headrail, such that a user may pull on the lift cord to raise and lower the slats. The blind system also typically comprises a tilt ladder that extends between the headrail and the bottom bar and operates to support and tilt the slats. Typical prior art manual blind systems include a rod that hangs from the headrail and may be rotated to adjust the tilt angle of the slats. The slats may be oriented substantially horizontal (i.e., perpendicular to the window) to allow sunlight to enter the space, and may be oriented substantially vertical (i.e., parallel to the window) to prevent sunlight from entering the space.

Some prior art Venetian blind systems have included a motor to provide for lifting and tilting the slats. Such motorized venetian blind systems typically comprise a single motor coupled to a drive shaft that extends across the width of the headrail. The drive shaft may have at least two drums for winding up the lift cords when the shaft is rotated by the motor. The tilt ladders are typically coupled to the drive shaft through frictional force, such that when the slats have been fully tilted in one direction, the ends of the tilt ladder slip by the drive shaft as the drive shaft is rotated. To adjust the tilt of the slats, the drive shaft may be rotated in the reverse direction, such that the frictional force between the tilt ladder and the drive shaft causes the ends of the tilt ladder to rotate. <CIT> discloses a headrail designed for powered coverings for architectural openings, which comprises a housing defining an interior that conveniently hides a battery holder, a signal-receiving system, and an electric motor used to adjust the configuration of the covering. <CIT> discloses a vertically adjustable bracket for mounting a valance to a headrail, which includes a clip having a tongue and an arm for attachment to a headrail. A slide has a groove which receives the tongue and a twist and lock cam connector which releasably and lockingly engages an elongated groove on the rear of a valance. <CIT> discloses a fixing device for a decorative plate of the top rail of a blind, which includes a hanging block and a fixing member. The hanging block has at least a clamp base which has a hanging member extending upwardly and then downwardly from the upper margin of the rear side of aforesaid clamp base, possible to releasably hang anywhere upon the free margin of the top rail of a blind.

The invention is defined by a blind system according to claim <NUM>. Each of the dependent claims <NUM>-<NUM> defines a further development thereof. As described herein, a motorized window treatment system (e.g., a motorized blind system) may comprise: a headrail; a covering material extending from the headrail; a battery compartment coupled to the headrail; a valance clip comprising a stationary portion coupled to the headrail and a movable portion configured to be coupled to the stationary portion such that the movable portion is movable from a first position to a second position; and a valance configured to be coupled to the movable portion of the valance clip. When the movable portion is in the first position, the valance may cover the battery compartment, and when the movable portion is in the second position, the battery compartment may be at least partially exposed. In addition, the motorized window treatment system may comprise a drive unit located in the headrail adjusting the covering material to control an amount of daylight entering a space (e.g., in which the motorized window treatment system is installed). The battery compartment may be configured to hold at least one battery for powering the drive unit.

For example, the motorized window treatment system may further comprise a bottom bar, and the covering material may comprise a plurality of rectangular slats spaced apart vertically between the headrail and the bottom bar. The motorized window treatment system may comprise a tilt ladder extending from the headrail to the bottom bar and operable to support the slats and to tilt the slats. The drive unit may be operably coupled to the tilt ladder for tilting the slats. The motorized window treatment system may comprise a lift cord extending from the headrail to the bottom bar to provide for raising and lowering the bottom bar. The drive unit may be operably coupled to the lift cord for winding and unwinding the lift cord to respectively raise and lower the bottom bar.

In addition, a valance clip for coupling a valance to a headrail of a window treatment system is disclosed herein. The valance clip may comprise a stationary portion configured to couple to the headrail, and a movable portion configured to couple valance and to the stationary portion such that the valance is movable from a first position to a second position. Further, the stationary portion may comprise a first leg coupled to the headrail and a second leg configured to be coupled to the movable portion.

A method for installing, removing, or replacing batteries of a window treatment system (e.g., such as a blind system) may comprise: (<NUM>) providing a blind system comprising a headrail, a valance clip having a stationary portion coupled to the headrail and a movable portion engaged with the stationary portion, and a valance coupled to the movable portion; (<NUM>) moving the valance and the movable portion of the valance clip with respect to the headrail and the stationary portion from a first position to a second position, wherein in the first position, the valance covers a battery compartment and, when in the second position, the battery compartment is at least partially exposed; (<NUM>) removing a first battery from the battery compartment; (<NUM>) inserting a second battery into the battery compartment; and (<NUM>) moving the valance and the movable portion of the valance clip from the second position to the first position.

A method of installing a window treatment system (e.g., such as a blind system) may comprise: (<NUM>) mounting a headrail of a window treatment system to structure (e.g., a window frame and/or a wall); (<NUM>) coupling a movable portion to a valance; and (<NUM>) engaging the movable portion with a stationary portion coupled to the headrail.

The features described herein will be more fully disclosed in the following detailed description, which is to be considered together with the accompanying drawings wherein like numbers refer to like parts and further wherein:.

This description of the exemplary embodiments is intended to be read in connection with the accompanying drawings, which are to be considered part of the entire written description. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale and certain features may be shown exaggerated in scale or in somewhat schematic form in the interest of clarity and conciseness. In the description, relative terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," "up," "down," "top" and "bottom" as well as derivatives thereof (e.g., "horizontally," "downwardly," "upwardly," etc.) should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing figure under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and normally are not intended to require a particular orientation. Terms including "inwardly" versus "outwardly," "longitudinal" versus "lateral" and the like are to be interpreted relative to one another or relative to an axis of elongation, or an axis or center of rotation, as appropriate. Terms concerning attachments, coupling and the like, such as "connected" and "interconnected," refer to a relationship wherein structures are secured or attached to one another either directly or indirectly through intervening structures, as well as both movable or rigid attachments or relationships, unless expressly described otherwise. The term "operatively connected" is such an attachment, coupling or connection that allows the pertinent structures to operate as intended by virtue of that relationship.

In one aspect, the blind systems described herein allow for the simple and easy replacement of batteries without the removal of the blind system from the window. The decorative valance of the blind systems are easily movable from a first position in which they cover the batteries to a second position in which the batteries are accessible. This significantly simplifies maintenance of such motorized blind systems for end users. In another aspect, the blind systems described herein are configured to accommodate larger diameter batteries than prior art systems. These larger diameter batteries may have longer effective lives than batteries that are typically used in such systems and may also have the capability of powering larger drive mechanisms.

<FIG> shows one embodiment of a motorized window treatment system, e.g., a Venetian blind system <NUM>, in a lowered configuration (e.g., in a fully-lowered position), and <FIG> show the blind system <NUM> in a raised configuration (e.g., in a fully-raised position). The blind system <NUM> may include a covering material, e.g., a plurality of flat slats <NUM>, disposed between a headrail <NUM> and a bottom bar <NUM> (e.g., a bottom rail). The blind system <NUM> may be configured to be mounted in front of a window. The blind system <NUM> may include mounting brackets (not shown) coupled to the top of the headrail <NUM> for mounting the blind system <NUM> to a ceiling above the window, and side panels (not shown) that may allow for alternatively mounting the blind system <NUM> to walls surrounding the window. In addition, the covering material may comprise a cellular shade fabric, for example, as described in greater detail in commonly-assigned <CIT>.

The blind system <NUM> may also comprise a drive unit <NUM> (e.g., a blind drive unit) located in the headrail <NUM> for adjusting the covering material of the blind system <NUM> to control the amount of daylight entering a space. For example, the drive unit <NUM> may comprise a motor (not shown) configured to raise and lower the bottom bar <NUM> and/or tilting the slats <NUM> to control the amount of daylight entering the space as will be described in greater detail below. In one embodiment, the drive unit <NUM> may be configured to independently control a position of the bottom bar <NUM> and a tilt angle of the slats <NUM>, so as to control the amount of daylight entering the space in which the blind system <NUM> is installed. In other embodiments, the drive unit <NUM> may be configured to only control one or the other of the position of the bottom bar <NUM> or the tilt angle of the slats <NUM>. For example, in various embodiments, the drive unit <NUM> may be configured to only control the tilt angle of the slats <NUM>. In such embodiments, the position of the bottom bar <NUM> may be adjustable manually by a user. The drive unit <NUM> may be configured to receive a supply voltage, e.g., a direct-current (DC) supply voltage from a DC power supply, such as, for example, a battery (e.g., an alkaline battery, a nickel cadmium battery, a nickel metal hydride battery, a lithium ion battery, etc.). The drive unit <NUM> may include a wireless communication circuit, e.g., such as a radio-frequency (RF) receiver or transceiver, for receiving wireless signals (e.g., RF signals). The drive unit <NUM> may be configured to raise and lower the bottom bar <NUM> and/or tilt the slats <NUM> to control the amount of daylight entering a space in response to a command received via the wireless signals.

The blind system <NUM> may comprise two lift cords <NUM> positioned at the left and right ends of the slats <NUM> to provide for lifting the bottom bar <NUM>. The blind system <NUM> may further comprise two tilt ladders <NUM> positioned at the left and right ends of the slats <NUM> to provide for tilting the slats <NUM>. The slats <NUM> may extend across the width of the window that the blind system <NUM> (e.g., such that the blind system <NUM> may be capable of covering the window) and the slats <NUM> may be spaced apart equally between the headrail <NUM> and the bottom bar <NUM>. Alternatively, the slats <NUM> may comprise curved slats rather than flat slats. The lift cords <NUM> may each extend from the headrail <NUM> to the bottom bar <NUM> through respective lift cord openings <NUM> in each of the slats <NUM>. In embodiments that include motorized raising and lowering of the bottom bar <NUM>, the drive unit <NUM> may be configured to wind and unwind the lift cords <NUM> to respectively raise and lower the bottom bar <NUM> between a fully-raised position PFR (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) and a fully-lowered position PFL (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). In such embodiments, as the drive unit <NUM> raises the bottom bar <NUM>, the slats <NUM> may each contact the bottom bar one-by-one and may be raised up with the bottom bar. In addition, the drive unit <NUM> may control the bottom bar <NUM> to a specific intermediate position between the fully-raised position and the fully-lowered position.

The tilt ladders <NUM> may each have a front band <NUM> (e.g., a front ribbon) and a rear band <NUM> (e.g., a rear ribbon) that extend parallel to each other from the headrail <NUM> to the bottom bar <NUM> adjacent to the lift cords <NUM>. The front band <NUM> of the tilt ladders <NUM> may typically be positioned in front of the lift cords <NUM>. Each tilt ladder <NUM> may also comprise a plurality of rungs (not shown) (e.g., bands or ribbons) that extend from the front band <NUM> to the rear band <NUM> between each pair of adjacent slats <NUM> of the blind system <NUM> to thus form a ladder. Accordingly, each of the slats <NUM> may rest on one of the rungs in each of the tilt ladders <NUM>, such that the slats may be equally spaced apart vertically when the bottom bar <NUM> is in the fully-lowered position PFL. In embodiments in which the position of the bottom bar <NUM> is controlled by the drive unit <NUM>, the front and rear bands <NUM>, <NUM> may be coupled to the drive unit <NUM> in the headrail <NUM>. As the drive unit <NUM> winds up the lift cord <NUM> to raise the bottom bar <NUM>, the portions of the tilt ladders <NUM> between adjacent rungs may become slack as the raising bottom bar and accumulating slats <NUM> meet the next slat.

In some embodiments, the blind drive unit <NUM> may be configured to tilt the slats <NUM> by vertically moving the front and rear bands <NUM>, <NUM> with respect to each other, such that the rungs, and thus the slats <NUM>, are tilted at an angle with respect to the front and rear bands (e.g., a tilt angle θBLIND). In such embodiments, the drive unit <NUM> may be configured to control the slats <NUM> to each be in a horizontal orientation to allow daylight to enter the space in which the blind system <NUM> is installed when the bottom bar <NUM> is at the fully-lowered position PFL or any intermediate positions between the fully-raised position PFR and the fully-lowered position PFL. The drive unit <NUM> may be configured to tilt the slats <NUM> approximately <NUM> degrees in each direction from the horizontal orientation, e.g., towards the front and towards the rear of the blind system <NUM>, to control the slats <NUM> to a fully front-tilted position or to a fully rear-tilted position, respectively, to thus limit the amount of daylight entering the space. Alternatively, the front and rear bands <NUM>, <NUM> and the rungs of the tilt ladders <NUM> could comprise cords. In addition, the motorized venetian blind system <NUM> could comprise additional lift cords <NUM> and tilt ladders <NUM> to accommodate longer slats <NUM> and bottom bars <NUM>.

The drive unit <NUM> can include any appropriate components and, as mentioned above, can be configured to control the position of the bottom bar <NUM>, the tilt angle of the slats <NUM>, or both. For example, the drive unit <NUM> can be configured as described in <CIT>; <CIT>; and <CIT> and <CIT>.

As shown, for example, in <FIG>, in various embodiments, the headrail <NUM> may include a front upright <NUM>, a rear upright <NUM>, and a base <NUM> extending between the front upright <NUM> and the rear upright <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the front upright <NUM> may include an aperture <NUM> for receiving a battery compartment <NUM>. The battery compartment <NUM> may be coupled to the headrail <NUM> using any appropriate method. For example, the battery compartment <NUM> may be coupled to the headrail <NUM> using screws, clips, adhesive, or any other means. The battery compartment <NUM> may include electrical connections to electrically couple batteries <NUM> disposed in the battery compartment <NUM> to the drive unit <NUM>. Because the headrail <NUM> includes the aperture <NUM>, when installed in the battery compartment <NUM>, the batteries <NUM> may extend through the aperture <NUM> such that a portion of the battery is on each side of the front upright <NUM>. As a result, the blind system <NUM> may accommodate larger batteries than prior art systems. In some embodiments, the batteries <NUM> may be positioned such that the batteries are centrally located with respect to the front upright <NUM>. In other embodiments, the batteries <NUM> may be positioned such that the batteries are off-center with respect to the front upright <NUM>. For example, a larger portion of the batteries <NUM> may be between the front upright <NUM> and the rear upright <NUM> than the portion that is in front of the front upright <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the blind system <NUM> may be configured to accommodate D-cell batteries, whereas prior art systems typically used, and could only accommodate, AA batteries. The larger D-cell batteries may provide a longer effective life than the smaller AA batteries. In addition, the D-cell batteries may be capable of powering larger drive components, such as motors.

As shown in <FIG>, the blind system <NUM> may include one or more valance clips <NUM> coupled to the headrail <NUM>. For example, the blind system <NUM> may include two valance clips 132a, 132b spaced along the headrail <NUM>. Turning to <FIG>, each valance clip <NUM> may comprise a stationary portion <NUM> and a movable portion <NUM>. The moving portion <NUM> of each valance clip <NUM> may be engaged with the movable portion <NUM>. The blind system <NUM> may include a valance <NUM> coupled to the movable portions <NUM> of the valance clips <NUM>. As will be described in more detail herein, the valance clips <NUM> may allow the valance <NUM> to be moved from a first position (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) to a second position (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). In the first position, the valance <NUM> may at least partially cover the headrail <NUM>, and specifically, the battery compartment <NUM> to hide the battery compartment <NUM> from view. In the second position, the battery compartment <NUM> may be at least partially exposed to allow a user to access, remove and replace the batteries <NUM> held in the battery compartment <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the stationary portion <NUM> may include a first leg <NUM> and a second leg <NUM>. An angle <NUM> (shown in <FIG>) may be defined between the first leg <NUM> and a surface <NUM> (e.g., shown in <FIG>) of the second leg <NUM>. The angle <NUM> may be any appropriate angle. For example, in one embodiment, the angle <NUM> may be greater than <NUM> degrees such that, when the stationary portion <NUM> is coupled to the headrail <NUM>, the surface <NUM> of the second leg <NUM> may extend away from the headrail <NUM> at an oblique angle (e.g., the surface <NUM> may not be parallel to the front upright <NUM> when viewed from the end of the headrail <NUM>). Because the surface <NUM> may not be parallel to the front upright <NUM>, the valance <NUM> may move away from the window and/or wall to which the blind system <NUM> is mounted as the movable portion <NUM> and the valance <NUM> are moved to the second position. This may provide significant advantages in applications in which the blind system <NUM> is installed in front of a window and the valance <NUM> includes returns extending back to cover the ends of the headrail <NUM>. Moving the valance <NUM> away from the wall may ensure that the valance <NUM> does not scrape against the wall as the valance <NUM> is moved between the first and second positions.

The first leg <NUM> of the stationary portion <NUM> may be configured to couple to the headrail <NUM>. For example, in one embodiment, the first leg <NUM> may include a first prong <NUM> and a second prong <NUM>. The first <NUM> and second <NUM> prongs may define a cavity between them. The cavity may be configured to receive an inwardly curved portion <NUM> at the top of the rear upright <NUM> of the headrail <NUM>. When the stationary portion <NUM> is assembled to the headrail <NUM>, the cavity may receive the inwardly curved portion <NUM> to secure the stationary portion <NUM> to the headrail <NUM>.

Further, in some embodiments, the first leg <NUM> may include a first portion <NUM> from which the prongs <NUM>, <NUM> extend and a second portion <NUM>. The second portion <NUM> may be vertically offset from the first portion <NUM> by a distance <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). The first <NUM> and second <NUM> portions may be connected by an angled portion <NUM>. When the stationary portion <NUM> is assembled to the headrail <NUM>, an inwardly curved portion <NUM> at the top of the front upright <NUM> of the headrail <NUM> may contact the second portion <NUM> and/or the angled portion <NUM>. This contact, in conjunction with the engagement of the first and second prongs <NUM>, <NUM> with the inwardly curved portion <NUM>, may retain the stationary portion <NUM> in position on the headrail <NUM>.

In addition, in some embodiments, the stationary portion <NUM> (e.g., the angled portion <NUM>) may further include an aperture configured to receive a fastener <NUM> (e.g., a screw). For example, the fastener <NUM> may be inserted through an aperture in the angled portion <NUM> such that the fastener <NUM> passes under the inwardly curved portion <NUM>. In this way, the stationary portion <NUM> may be locked in place with respect to the headrail <NUM>.

The second leg <NUM> of the stationary portion <NUM> may include a first notch <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) and a second notch <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). As will be described in more detail herein, the notches <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to retain the movable portion <NUM> in either the first position or the second position. The first leg <NUM> may further include a first curb <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) adjacent to and below the first notch <NUM> and a second curb <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) adjacent to and below the second notch <NUM>. The curbs <NUM>, <NUM> may be configured to maintain the engagement of the movable portion <NUM> with the stationary portion <NUM>. In some embodiments, the second curb <NUM> may be larger than the first curb <NUM>. This may prevent the inadvertent removal of the movable portion <NUM> from the stationary portion <NUM>.

As shown best in <FIG>, the movable portion <NUM> may include a body <NUM> having a first surface <NUM>, a second surface <NUM>, and sides <NUM> extending between the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>. The first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM> may be oriented at an oblique angle such that the valance <NUM> may be oriented horizontally when mounted to the movable portion <NUM>. A first tooth <NUM> may extend from the second surface <NUM>. When in the first position (e.g., as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>), the first tooth <NUM> may engage the first notch <NUM>. When in the second position (e.g., as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>), the first tooth <NUM> may engage the second notch <NUM>. In various embodiments, the movable portion <NUM> may further include a second tooth <NUM> spaced apart from the first tooth <NUM>. In such embodiments, the second tooth <NUM> may engage the second notch <NUM> when the movable portion <NUM> is in the first position, as shown, for example, in <FIG>. This may provide more secure engagement of the movable portion <NUM> with the stationary portion <NUM>.

In some embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the movable portion <NUM> may include a rocker <NUM>, and the first tooth <NUM> may be a portion of the rocker <NUM>. The rocker <NUM> may be pivotably coupled to the body <NUM> of the movable portion <NUM> and biased toward the second surface <NUM>. For example, the rocker <NUM> may be coupled to the body <NUM> by a living hinge. In other embodiments, the rocker <NUM> may be coupled to the movable portion <NUM> by one or more pins (not shown) and a biasing member such as a spring. In some embodiments, the rocker <NUM> may include a contoured end <NUM> that may allow a user to comfortably engage the rocker <NUM> with the user's finger. The user may pivot the rocker <NUM> away from the second surface <NUM> to disengage the first tooth <NUM> from the first notch <NUM> to allow the movable portion <NUM> and valance <NUM> to be adjusted from the first position (shown in <FIG>) to the second position (shown in <FIG> and <FIG>). Additionally, or alternatively, pivoting the rocker <NUM> away from the second surface <NUM> may allow a user to disengage the first tooth <NUM> from the second notch <NUM> to allow for removal of the movable portion <NUM> and valance <NUM> from the stationary portion <NUM>. This may allow the user to remove the valance <NUM> for cleaning, for example.

While in the illustrated embodiment the stationary portion <NUM> includes notches <NUM>, <NUM> and the movable portion <NUM> includes teeth <NUM>, <NUM> configured to engage the notches <NUM>, <NUM>, in other embodiments this arrangement may be reversed (e.g., the stationary portion <NUM> may include teeth and the movable portion <NUM> may include notches). In addition, in various embodiments, other forms of engagement (e.g., detents) may be used.

As shown, for example, in <FIG>, the movable portion <NUM> may further include a male dovetail pin <NUM> extending from the first surface <NUM>. As will be described in more detail herein, the pin <NUM> may be configured to engage a female tail in the valance <NUM> to couple the movable portion <NUM> and valance <NUM>. While the illustrated embodiment of the movable portion <NUM> includes a male pin <NUM>, in other embodiments (not shown), the movable portion <NUM> may include a female tail configured to receive a male pin of the valance <NUM>.

In various embodiments, as shown in <FIG>, the movable portion <NUM> may further include a first arm <NUM> and a second arm <NUM> extending away from the body <NUM> and toward the headrail <NUM>. The first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> may each include an inwardly extending protrusion <NUM> (shown in <FIG>). The arms <NUM>, <NUM> and protrusions <NUM> may be configured to engage a back face of the stationary portion <NUM> to maintain the engagement of the movable portion <NUM> with the stationary portion <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the valance <NUM> may include a decorative front face <NUM> and an opposing rear face <NUM>. The valance <NUM> may further include a female tail <NUM> configured to receive the pin <NUM> of the movable portion <NUM>. As noted above, in other embodiments (not shown), the valance <NUM> may include a pin configured to engage a female tale of the movable portion <NUM>.

<FIG> shows the valance clip <NUM> and the valance <NUM> assembled to the headrail <NUM>. The inwardly curving portion <NUM> of the rear upright <NUM> of the headrail <NUM> may be disposed in the cavity between the first and second prongs <NUM>, <NUM> of the stationary portion <NUM>. The inwardly curving portion <NUM> of the front upright <NUM> of the headrail <NUM> may be in contact with the angled portion <NUM> of the stationary portion <NUM>. The fastener <NUM> may be engaged with the inwardly curved portion <NUM>. The second leg <NUM> of the stationary portion <NUM> may extend downward toward the bottom bar <NUM>.

The movable portion <NUM> may be coupled to the stationary portion <NUM> with the first tooth <NUM> of the movable portion <NUM> engaged with the first notch <NUM>. The protrusions <NUM> of the first and second arms <NUM>, <NUM> may engage the rear face of the second leg <NUM> of the stationary portion <NUM> to maintain the engagement of the movable portion <NUM> and stationary portion <NUM>.

The valance <NUM> may be coupled to the movable portion <NUM>. The pin <NUM> of the movable portion <NUM> may be disposed in the tail <NUM> of the valance <NUM>. As shown in the transition from <FIG>, the movable portion <NUM> and valance <NUM> may be movable from a first position (shown in <FIG>) to a second position (shown in <FIG>). In the first position, the valance <NUM> may cover the battery compartment <NUM> such that the battery compartment <NUM> and the batteries <NUM> are not seen from within the room in which the blind system <NUM> is installed. In the second position, the battery compartment <NUM> may be at least partially exposed to allow a user to remove and replace the batteries in the battery compartment <NUM>. The vertical distance between the valance <NUM> in the first position and the second position may be any appropriate distance to allow access to the battery compartment <NUM>. For example, in one embodiment, the distance between the valance <NUM> in the first position and the second position may be about <NUM>,<NUM> (<NUM>,<NUM> inches).

In some embodiments, the valance clips <NUM> and the valance <NUM> may be shipped as an assembled unit. In other embodiments, the blind system <NUM> may be provided as a kit and assembled by a consumer or technician at the time of installation of the blind system <NUM>. While the movable portion <NUM> of the valance clip <NUM> and the valance <NUM> are described as being separate components that are joined together (e.g., via a dovetail connection), in other embodiments, the movable portions <NUM> may be integrated aspects of the valance <NUM> and the valance <NUM> and the movable portions <NUM> may be manufactured in one piece.

Another embodiment of a blind system is shown in <FIG>. This embodiment is similar in many aspects to the embodiment shown in <FIG>. The first digit of the reference numerals for like components is incremented by one (e.g., from <NUM> to <NUM>). Unless otherwise specified herein or shown in the drawings, such components may be substantially similar to those described above.

The blind system <NUM> shown in <FIG> may include valance clips <NUM> and a valance <NUM>. The valance clips <NUM> may each comprise a stationary portion <NUM> and a movable portion <NUM>. As described above with reference to the blind system <NUM>, the valance may be movable from a first position (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) to a second position (e.g., as shown in <FIG>).

The valance clips <NUM> and the valance <NUM> are shown in more detail in <FIG>. As shown, for example, in <FIG>, the first leg <NUM> of the stationary portion <NUM> may be substantially similar to the first leg <NUM> of the stationary portion <NUM> described above. The stationary portion <NUM> may additionally include a rib <NUM> extending between the angled portion <NUM> and the first prong <NUM>. The rib <NUM> may stiffen the stationary portion <NUM> to assist in maintaining the position of the stationary portion <NUM> with respect to the headrail <NUM>. The stationary portions <NUM> may also stiffen the headrail <NUM>. This may help prevent deformation of the headrail <NUM> (e.g., front upright <NUM> and/or rear upright <NUM>) during shipment and storage. The rib <NUM> may comprise a notch <NUM> for holding an antenna (not shown) of the wireless communication circuit of the drive unit <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the second leg <NUM> of the stationary portion <NUM> may rest against the front upright <NUM> of the headrail <NUM>. In this embodiment, the second leg <NUM> may include a single curb <NUM> extending from the surface of the second leg <NUM>. In the first position, as shown in <FIG>, the second tooth <NUM> is in contact with the curb <NUM>. In the second position, as shown best in <FIG>, the first tooth <NUM> may be in contact with the curb <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the second leg <NUM> may include a first surface <NUM> that may be configured to contact the front upright <NUM> of the headrail <NUM> and a second surface <NUM> configured to face toward the valance <NUM>. In some embodiments, the second surface <NUM> may be oriented at an angle with respect to the front upright <NUM> such that the valance <NUM> may move away from the wall as the valance <NUM> is moved to the second position, as described above. The second leg <NUM> may further include sides <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) extending between the first surface <NUM> and the second surface <NUM>. The second leg <NUM> may further include grooves <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) in the sides <NUM>. As shown in <FIG>, the movable portion <NUM> may include one or more inwardly-extending protrusions <NUM> configured to engage the grooves <NUM>. The grooves <NUM> may be configured to receive the protrusions <NUM> of the movable portion <NUM> to maintain engagement of the movable portion <NUM> with the stationary portion <NUM>.

As shown best in <FIG>, the first and second teeth <NUM>, <NUM> may extend from the rocker <NUM>. The rocker <NUM> may be configured to pivot about an axis that is substantially parallel to the long axis of the headrail <NUM>. This may allow a user to disengage the first tooth <NUM> and/or the second tooth <NUM> from the curb <NUM>. As described above, this may permit the user to remove the movable portion <NUM> and the valance <NUM> from the stationary portion <NUM> to, for example, clean the valance <NUM>. The rocker <NUM> may include a flared portion 288a extending away from the valance <NUM> such that a user can insert a finger between the valance <NUM> and the rocker <NUM> to pivot the rocker <NUM> to disengage the first tooth <NUM> from the curb <NUM>.

As shown in <FIG>, the pin <NUM> of the movable portion <NUM> may be tapered on all sides. Further, the width 291a of the pin <NUM> may be less than the height 291b of the pin <NUM>. As a result, the movable portion <NUM> may be assembled to the valance <NUM> by orienting the movable portion <NUM> horizontally with respect to the valance <NUM>. In such embodiments, the width 291a of the pin <NUM> may be less than the height of the tail <NUM> in the valance <NUM>. After insertion of the pin <NUM> in the tail <NUM>, the movable portion <NUM> may be rotated to the orientation shown, for example, in <FIG> such that the movable portion <NUM> may be secured with the valance <NUM>.

In some embodiments, the movable portion <NUM> may further include a detent <NUM> positioned next to the pin <NUM>. The detent <NUM> may be configured to engage the tail <NUM> to prevent inadvertent rotation of the movable portion <NUM> with respect to the valance <NUM>. In some embodiments, the detent <NUM> may extend from a flex arm <NUM> such that as the movable portion <NUM> is inserted in a horizontal orientation the flex arm <NUM> may flex backward. As the movable portion <NUM> is rotated, the flex arm <NUM> may return toward its natural, unstressed position such that the detent <NUM> may engage the tail <NUM>. In some embodiments, the flex arm <NUM> may include a finger tab 299a extending back away from the valance <NUM>. The user may use the finger tab 299a to flex the flex arm <NUM> and remove the detent <NUM> from the tail <NUM> such that the movable portion <NUM> may be rotated with respect to the valance <NUM> to remove the movable portion <NUM> from the valance <NUM>.

In another embodiment, shown in <FIG>, the valance and the movable portion of the valance clip may pivot with respect to the stationary portion and the headrail, as described herein. As shown in <FIG>, a blind system may include a valance clip <NUM> configured to be coupled to the headrail <NUM>. The valance clip <NUM> may comprise a stationary portion <NUM> and a movable portion <NUM>. The stationary portion <NUM> may include a body <NUM> and a hook <NUM>. The body <NUM> may be configured to contact the front upright <NUM> of the headrail <NUM> and the hook <NUM> may be configured to engage the inwardly curved portion <NUM> of the front upright <NUM> of the headrail <NUM>. The stationary portion <NUM> may further include a cavity <NUM> (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) configured to receive a magnet to further secure the stationary portion <NUM> to the headrail <NUM>. The stationary portion <NUM> may further include a pin <NUM>, a detent <NUM>, and an angled face <NUM>. In some embodiments, the angled face <NUM> may include a ledge <NUM>.

The movable portion <NUM> may include a slot <NUM>. When the movable portion <NUM> and valance <NUM> are in the first position (e.g., as shown in <FIG>), the slot <NUM> may be oriented substantially vertically. The slot <NUM> may be configured to receive the pin <NUM> of the stationary portion <NUM> such that the movable portion <NUM> may be rotatable about the pin <NUM> from the first position (e.g., as shown in <FIG>) to the second position (e.g., as shown in <FIG>). The movable portion <NUM> may further include an angled face <NUM> with a ledge <NUM> configured to engage the ledge <NUM> of the stationary portion <NUM>. With the movable portion <NUM> and the valance <NUM> in the first position, the ledges <NUM>, <NUM> may be engaged to maintain the relative positions of the movable portion <NUM> and the stationary portion <NUM>. The movable portion <NUM> may further include a face <NUM> vertically above the slot <NUM>. In some embodiments, the face <NUM> may be disposed at an oblique angle with respect to the longitudinal axis of the slot <NUM>. In the second position (e.g., as shown in <FIG>), the face <NUM> may be in contact with the detent <NUM> of the stationary portion <NUM> to maintain the movable portion <NUM> and the valance <NUM> in the second position. As shown in the transition from <FIG>, the movable portion <NUM> may allow for the downward movement of the movable portion <NUM> as the movable portion <NUM> is moved from the first position to the second position. This may ensure that rotation of the movable portion <NUM> does not cause the movable portion <NUM> or the valance <NUM> to contact the ceiling when the movable portion <NUM> is moved from the first position to the second position.

Like the movable portion <NUM> described above, the dovetail pin <NUM> may have a width less than the height of the tail <NUM> in the valance <NUM> such that the dovetail pin <NUM> may be inserted with the movable portion <NUM> oriented parallel to the longitudinal axis of the valance <NUM> and then rotated to lock the movable portion <NUM> in place with the valance <NUM>.

In another aspect, illustrated in <FIG>, a method of installing, removing, or replacing batteries in a window treatment system, such as a blind system, may be provided. The method may include, at step <NUM>, providing a blind system (e.g., the blind system <NUM>, <NUM>) according to any of the embodiments described herein. The method may further include, at step <NUM>, moving a valance (e.g., the valance <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) and a movable portion (e.g., the movable portion <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) from a first position (e.g., as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>) to a second position (e.g., as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>). The method may further include, at step <NUM>, removing a first battery (e.g., one or more of the batteries <NUM>, <NUM>) from the battery compartment (e.g., the battery compartment <NUM>, <NUM>). The method may further include, at step <NUM>, inserting a second battery into the battery compartment. The method may further include, at step <NUM>, moving the valance and the movable portion from the second position to the first position.

In another aspect, as shown in <FIG>, a method of installing a window treatment system, such as a blind system, may be provided. The method may include, at step <NUM>, mounting a headrail (e.g., the headrail <NUM>, <NUM>) of a blind system (e.g., the blind system <NUM>, <NUM>) according to any of the embodiments described herein to structure (e.g., such as a window frame and/or a wall). The method may further include, at step <NUM>, coupling a movable portion (e.g., the movable portion <NUM>, <NUM>) to a valance (e.g., the valance <NUM>, <NUM>). The method may further include, at step <NUM>, engaging the movable portion with a stationary portion (e.g., the stationary portion <NUM>, <NUM>) coupled to the headrail. In some embodiments, the method may include coupling the movable portion and valance via a dovetail joint. In some embodiments, the method may further include coupling the stationary portion to the headrail. Further, in some embodiments, the method may further include, at step <NUM>, inserting a battery (e.g., one or more of the batteries <NUM>, <NUM>) into a battery compartment (e.g., the battery compartment <NUM>, <NUM>) of the blind system. In such embodiments, the method may further include, at step <NUM>, moving the valance and movable portion from a position in which the battery and battery compartment are at least partially exposed (e.g., as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>) to a position in which the valance covers the battery compartment and the battery (e.g., as shown in <FIG>, <FIG>, and <FIG>).

Claim 1:
A blind system (<NUM>), comprising:
a headrail (<NUM>);
a bottom bar (<NUM>);
a plurality of rectangular slats (<NUM>) spaced apart vertically between the headrail (<NUM>) and the bottom bar (<NUM>);
a lift cord (<NUM>) extending from the headrail (<NUM>) to the bottom bar (<NUM>) to provide for raising and lowering the bottom bar (<NUM>);
a tilt ladder (<NUM>) extending from the headrail (<NUM>) to the bottom bar (<NUM>) and operable to support the slats (<NUM>) and to tilt the slats (<NUM>);
a battery compartment (<NUM>) coupled to the headrail (<NUM>);
a clip;
characterized in that said clip is
a valance clip (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) comprising a stationary portion coupled to the headrail (<NUM>) and a movable portion configured to be coupled to the stationary portion such that the movable portion is movable from a first position to a second position; the blind system further comprising
a valance (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) configured to be coupled to the movable portion of the valance clip (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>);
wherein, when the movable portion is in the first position, the valance (<NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>) covers the battery compartment (<NUM>), and wherein, when the movable portion is in the second position, the battery compartment (<NUM>) is at least partially exposed.