Patent Description:
Coverings for architectural openings, such as windows, doors, archways, and the like have assumed numerous forms over the years. Early forms for such coverings consisted primarily of fabric draped across the architectural opening, and in some instances, the fabric was not movable between extended and retracted positions relative to the opening. Some newer versions of coverings may include cellular shades. These shades include horizontally disposed collapsible tubes that are vertically stacked and secured on top of one another to form a panel of tubes. The cellular tubes may trap air to help provide insulation. The stacked configuration provides insulation but can be difficult to manufacture, as rows of cells must be created that are aligned with one another.

Many cellular shades are retracted and extended by lifting or lowering, respectively, the lowermost cell. As the lowermost cell is lifted it compresses against the other cells, collapsing them on top of one another; and, as the lowermost cell is lowered, lowermost cell pulls the cells open. When in a retracted position, typical cellular shades are stored in a stacked configuration, i.e., one cell on top of the other cells in a vertical line. This retracted configuration is required for some cellular shades as wrapping the cells around a head rail may damage the cells and prevent the cells from opening.

Additionally, most cellular shades do not provide for varying light transmission therethrough. Rather, typically a cellular shade has to be retracted or extended in order to vary the light transmission through the covering. However, in some instances, it may be desirable to vary the light, without retracting the panel, e.g., a covering for a bedroom window.

<CIT> discloses a screen that is hung down from a hoisting drum in a head rail, and the hoisting drum is revolved by control of a control cord to raise and lower the screen. A large number of slats are arranged in parallel between curtain cloths opposite to each other in front and rear, at specific intervals, and the slats are supported by supporting members mounting the slats on the curtain cloths. <CIT> describes a curtain which can be rolled up, with adjustable slats. The slats are in this case arranged between two fabric webs. The result is a curtain which is very easy to manufacture and which is capable, even in the case of open or absent window panes, of keeping out flying insects, in addition to the light and visibility protection. The slats can in this case be made as part of the fabric. In particular, <CIT> discloses a covering for an architectural opening, comprising a roller, an end rail and a panel rotatable onto the roller and spanning between the roller and the end rail, the panel including a front sheet, a rear sheet operably coupled to the front sheet and a cell spanning between the front sheet and the rear sheet, wherein when the front sheet is at a first position relative to the rear sheet, the cell is open, wherein the cell is defined by a top vane and a bottom vane interconnected together, wherein, when the cell is open, the top vane is spaced apart from the bottom vane to define a cavity.

According to the present invention, there is provided a covering for an architectural opening as defined in appended claim <NUM>.

Some embodiments described herein may take the form of a covering for an architectural opening including operable vanes that also form insulative cells. The covering includes a front sheet and a rear sheet. One or more cells span between the two sheets, connecting the two sheets together. The covering may be retracted and extended to cover an architectural opening. This may allow the panel, including the cells, to be wound around a roller, reducing a retracted height of the covering. Further, the cells may be opened and closed, and depending on the material(s) used in the covering, opening and closing of the cells may vary the light transmissivity of the covering.

When the cells are closed, each cell may be substantially compressed and the material forming each cell may be substantially parallel with each of the sheets. In some embodiments, a length or body of each of the cells may be adjacent to each other or partially overlap so that the cells may form a pseudo middle sheet positioned between the front and rear sheets. When the cells are open to at least some extent, each cell may be at least partially perpendicular or angled with respect to at least one of the sheets. In an open configuration, the cells may then provide insulation by trapping air in each cell, as well as between adjacent sets of cells. Further, the cells may reduce or diffuse shadows created by the structure of the covering on one side from being as noticeable on the other side of the covering. In other words, shadow lines due to light encountering the shade on the outer side thereof, whether or not at a particular angle of incidence, may be reduced as viewed from the interior side of the covering.

The covering as disclosed herein may be used to cover substantially any type of architectural opening, such as but not limited to, windows, door frames, archways, and the like. Referring generally to <FIG>, the covering <NUM> may include a head rail <NUM>, having a head tube or roller <NUM> (see <FIG>) supporting a top edge of a panel <NUM>, and an end rail110 supported by a bottom edge of the panel <NUM>. For example, the front sheet <NUM> may be connected at connection point <NUM> to the roller and at connection point <NUM> to the end rail and the rear sheet <NUM> may be connected at connection point <NUM> to the roller and at connection point <NUM> to the end rail. The head rail <NUM> may support the panel <NUM> over an architectural opening and thus may generally correspond to the shape and dimensions of the architectural opening. <FIG> is a perspective view of the panel <NUM> of the covering <NUM> extended with the cells in an open configuration. <FIG> is a perspective view of the panel <NUM> of the covering <NUM> extended with the cells in a closed configuration. <FIG> is a perspective view of the panel <NUM> of the covering <NUM> substantially retracted into the headrail <NUM>.

The covering <NUM> may also include a system for controlling the retraction, extension, and vane orientation when extended. The system may include in one example a control cord <NUM> and cord end pendant <NUM> for opening and closing cells <NUM> of the panel <NUM>, as well as retracting and extending the panel <NUM> across the architectural opening. As is known, the system may also include a pulley about which the cord extends, the rotation of the pulley driving the rotation of the head tube. The pulley may be in a direct drive arrangement with the head tube, or may be connected through a gear train and/or clutch mechanism. In one example, the cord end <NUM> may provide weight to the control cord <NUM>, in order to maintain the shape of the control cord <NUM>. The cord end <NUM> may also take up additional material of the control cord <NUM> as the panel <NUM> is extend or retracted, so that the control cord <NUM> may remain at substantially the same length when the panel <NUM> is retracted or extended. Additionally, the system for controlling the rotation of the head tube may include an electric motor which is controlled manually by a user, or through pre-programmed or programmable software control unit.

It should be noted that the control cord <NUM> and/or cord wand <NUM> may be operably associated with the panel <NUM> and may be substantially any type of controlling mechanism, e.g., endless loop cord, single cord, rotating wand, and so on. In many embodiments, the control cord <NUM> and/or the wand <NUM> are configured to move the panel <NUM> so as to open and close the cells <NUM> and move the end rail <NUM> upward and downward.

The panel <NUM> may include a front sheet <NUM>, a rear sheet <NUM>, and cells <NUM> that span between the two sheets <NUM>, <NUM>. The cells <NUM> in the panel <NUM> are at least in part defined by a top vane <NUM> and a bottom vane <NUM>. The top vane <NUM> and the bottom vane <NUM> are interconnected together, and may each be connected to a front sheet <NUM> and a rear sheet <NUM>. The interconnection between vanes <NUM>, <NUM> and the front and rear sheets <NUM>, <NUM> is discussed in more detail below with respect to <FIG>. Each cell then includes at least in part a set of coordinated vanes that move along with movement of either or both the front and rear sheets.

The front sheet <NUM>, the rear sheet <NUM>, and the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> may be substantially any type of material, such as but not limited to, knits, wovens, non-wovens, and so on. Additionally, the sheets <NUM>, <NUM> and the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> may have varying translucent properties, varying from blackout, opaque, to partially opaque, or clear. In some instances the sheets <NUM>, <NUM> may have an increased light translucence as compared with the vanes, so that when the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> are closed the light translucence of the covering may be varied.

To open and close the cells <NUM>, the sheets <NUM>, <NUM> are displaced relative to one another in a direction orthogonal to the length of the vane (i.e. vertically relative to <FIG>), the interior volume or cavity <NUM> of the cell changes. In other words, the sheets may be moved by a force that may be generally parallel to each of the sheets, such as an upward vertical force provided as the roller changes position. For clarity herein, as described, the interior volume, or cavity, of the cell is represented by the cross-sectional area of the interior of the cell. For instance, when the covering is in the fully extended configuration, such as in <FIG>, the cell defines a larger interior volume. As sheets <NUM>, <NUM> are moved relative to one another, the connected portions of each vane <NUM>, <NUM> with the respective sheet are moved, and the internal volume of the cell decreases. As the sheets <NUM>, <NUM> are moved further relative to each other, the internal volume is reduced to a minimal size (See <FIG>), at which point the cell is considered "collapsed" or closed, and the panel is prepared for retraction into the head rail (See <FIG>). <FIG> is an elevation view of the covering of <FIG> with the end cap removed to illustrate the roller, with the cells <NUM> in the open position. In these instances, although the motion of the sheets may be substantially parallel to one another (due to the force applied upwards by the roller), as the cells <NUM> collapse, the sheets <NUM>, <NUM> may be moved horizontally closer together (See <FIG>). When the cells <NUM> are in an open configuration, the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced apart from one another to define a cavity <NUM> therebetween. In this position, the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> may extend so that portion of each vane <NUM>, <NUM> may be at least partially perpendicular or angled to the front sheet <NUM> and the back sheet <NUM>. In this configuration, the cell volume is relatively large.

When the cells <NUM> are in the open configuration, the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> may be spaced apart from the other group, or sets, of vanes <NUM>, <NUM> to define gaps <NUM> between each cell <NUM>. These gaps <NUM> may allow light to be transmitted uninterrupted through the gaps from the rear sheet <NUM> to the front sheet <NUM>, especially in embodiments where the front sheet <NUM> and rear sheet <NUM> are both translucent.

<FIG> is a side elevation of the covering of <FIG> with the end cap removed to illustrate the roller. In <FIG> the cells <NUM> are in an intermediate configuration between being fully open and fully closed, such as when transitioning from an open position to a closed position. In the example illustrated in <FIG>, the panel <NUM> may be oriented to extend from a front side of the roller <NUM> and thus may wind around a front side of the roller. As the front sheet <NUM> and/or rear sheet <NUM> is vertically displaced with respect to the other sheet, the interior volume of the cells <NUM> decrease in size, as shown in <FIG>. In this configuration, the height gap <NUM> is reduced since the bottom edge <NUM> of an upper cell <NUM> is brought closer to a top edge of the adjacent lower cell. This is described in more detail below.

<FIG> is a side elevation view of the covering of <FIG> with the end cap removed to illustrate the position of the roller. When the rear sheet <NUM> or the front sheet <NUM> continues to be displaced with respect to the other, the cells <NUM> will continue to collapse until the interior volume <NUM> between the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> in each cell is in its smallest configuration. In this configuration, the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> of each cell <NUM> may be substantially parallel to the front sheet <NUM> and the rear sheet <NUM>. When cells <NUM> are in this closed configuration, the cavity <NUM> defined by the top vane <NUM> and the bottom vane <NUM> may be substantially eliminated.

When the cells <NUM> are closed, the gaps <NUM> may also be reduced and/or eliminated. This occurs because the open distance, Gopen (defined below with respect to <FIG>) between a lower edge <NUM> of an adjacent upper cell and the upper edge <NUM> of a lower cell is eliminated, with the two edges <NUM>, <NUM> possibly overlapping. Thus, the cells <NUM> may form a pseudo multilayer middle sheet positioned between the front and rear sheets <NUM>, <NUM>. Depending on the transmissivity of the vane materials, in the closed configuration the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> may block light at least partially or substantially from being transmitted through the rear sheet <NUM> to the front sheet <NUM>. A more detailed description of the movement of the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> and configuration of the cells <NUM> while the panel <NUM> is retracted or extended is discussed below with respect to <FIG>.

Referring briefly to <FIG> and <FIG>, when the covering <NUM> is retracted, the panel <NUM> may be wrapped around a roller <NUM>. As the roller <NUM> rotates in a particular direction, the panel <NUM> is wound around the outer surface of the roller <NUM>. To retract the panel <NUM>, the roller <NUM> may wind in the opposite direction, unwrapping the panel <NUM>.

To open or close the cells <NUM>, the roller <NUM> may turn a partial rotation, e.g., a quarter turn in order to sufficiently vertically displace the one of the sheets <NUM>, <NUM> with respect to the other. For example, the two sheets <NUM>, <NUM> may be connected to the roller <NUM> and be spaced apart from one another, so as the roller <NUM> rotates, the sheets <NUM>, <NUM> may be displaced with respect to each other because a height of one sheet <NUM>, <NUM> may be varied with respect to the other sheet <NUM>, <NUM> as the roller <NUM> is rotated. As can be seen in <FIG>, as the roller rotates, the connection points <NUM>, <NUM> of the front sheet and rear sheet to the roller may change in position relative to one another. In <FIG> the connection points <NUM>, <NUM> may both be positioned at a bottom edge of the roller which is exposed through the headrail. In <FIG> the connection points <NUM>, <NUM> may be partially offset from one another, with the front sheet <NUM> connection point <NUM> being located on a portion of the roller received within the head rail and the rear sheet <NUM> connection point <NUM> being positioned on the portion of the roller exposed in an aperture of the headrail. And, in <FIG> the front sheet connection point <NUM> may located further within the headrail, and the rear sheet connection point <NUM> may be closer towards a right side (relative to <FIG>) of the headrail.

The front sheet <NUM> and the rear sheet <NUM> may function as the operating elements to open and close the cells <NUM>. Thus, the manufacturing process for the covering <NUM> may be simpler than conventional coverings including operable vanes. For example, in creating the panel <NUM>, the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> may be attached to the sheets <NUM>, <NUM> without requiring placement of operating elements between the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> and the sheets <NUM>, <NUM>.

It should be noted that the front sheet <NUM> and the rear sheet <NUM> may be displaced relative to each other in many other manners, and the aforementioned embodiments are meant as exemplary only. Similarly, the panel <NUM> may be retracted and extending in substantially any manner.

As briefly described above, the cells <NUM> for the covering <NUM> are formed at least in part by a set of two vanes, such as an upper, or top, vane <NUM> and a lower, or bottom, vane <NUM>. <FIG> is an enlarged side elevation view of the covering <NUM> of <FIG>. Each cell <NUM> is a tube having sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> that define a cavity <NUM>, the cell <NUM> extending across the width of the covering <NUM>. Each cell <NUM> is generally parallel to the cell adjacent above it and adjacent below it. Each cell <NUM> may be constructed of one piece of material integrally formed to define the sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> of a tube, separate strips, such as vanes <NUM>, <NUM>, attached together to define sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> of a tube, separate strips or vanes attached to the front and/or back sheets <NUM>, <NUM> which together define sidewalls <NUM>, <NUM> of a tube, or one piece of material attached to the front or back sheet which together define sidewalls of a tube.

<FIG> shows an example of a panel construction where the cell <NUM> is positioned between a front sheet <NUM> and a rear sheet <NUM>. The cell <NUM> defines an enclosed tube without requiring any portion of the front or rear sheets. Thus the cell <NUM> may be constructed by one integral sheet of material formed into a tube, or two or more separate vanes attached together to form a tube. The cell <NUM> in this example is two vanes <NUM>, <NUM> attached together, and defines two opposing apexes <NUM>, <NUM>, one adjacent the front sheet <NUM>, and one adjacent the rear sheet <NUM>. With continued reference to <FIG>, the top vane <NUM> spans between the front sheet <NUM> and the rear sheet <NUM>. As the top vane <NUM> approaches the front sheet <NUM>, it may extend substantially parallel to a back surface of the front sheet <NUM>. The top vane <NUM> may have a crease <NUM> beak, apex, or tip at the top of the parallel portion to the front sheet <NUM>. The top vane <NUM> may extend downward from the crease <NUM> and may be operably connected the front sheet <NUM> at a first front connection member <NUM>. The first connection member <NUM> may be located either coextensively with the crease <NUM> or at a position below or above the crease <NUM>.

After the location of the first connection member <NUM>, the top vane <NUM> extends downward to form a sidewall <NUM> that may be partially or substantially parallel to the front sheet <NUM>. The sidewall <NUM> bends outwards towards the rear sheet <NUM> and is connected via a second front connection member <NUM> to the rear face <NUM> of the front sheet <NUM>. The second front connection member <NUM> may be aligned with a bottom curve or bend point of the bottom vane <NUM>. In one example, the sidewall <NUM> may have a slight curve such as an "S" shape as it transitions from the location of the first front connection member <NUM> to the location of the second front connection member <NUM>. Further, as shown in <FIG>, the top vane <NUM> sidewall <NUM> transitions to form the bottom vane <NUM> at or after the location of the second front connection member <NUM>.

As the top and bottom vanes <NUM>, <NUM> in this example are formed from a single piece of material, the bottom vane <NUM> may be connected at the location of the second front member <NUM> and may curve outward and transition away from the front sheet <NUM> at the bend point <NUM>. The bottom vane <NUM> extends horizontally from the front sheet <NUM> to connect to the rear sheet <NUM>. As the bottom vane <NUM> approaches the rear sheet <NUM>, it curves upward towards the head rail <NUM> at bend point <NUM>, in an opposite direction from the bend point <NUM>. In one example, the bottom vane <NUM> may have two bends or curves <NUM>, <NUM> that are curved in opposite directions. In other words, the first bend point <NUM> extends the bottom vane <NUM> downward towards the end rail <NUM> and the second bend point <NUM> extends the bottom vane <NUM> upward towards the head rail <NUM>. In this manner, the bottom vane <NUM> may be shaped as an "S" or other curved shape.

At the bottom portion of the second bend point <NUM>, the bottom vane <NUM> transitions into the bottom crease <NUM>, or point. The bottom crease <NUM> may be directed towards the end rail <NUM>, and may be oppositely positioned with respect to the crease <NUM> of the top vane <NUM>. Similar to the crease <NUM> of the top vane <NUM>, the bottom vane <NUM> may be connected to the rear sheet <NUM> (via a second rear connection member <NUM>) adjacent to or coextensive with the crease <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, the bottom vane <NUM> transitions upwards from the crease <NUM>, forming a rear sidewall <NUM>. The rear sidewall <NUM> may be substantially parallel to the rear sheet <NUM> and may have a corresponding shape to the front sidewall <NUM>. The rear sidewall <NUM> is operably connected to the inner surface <NUM> of the rear sheet <NUM> via a first rear connection member <NUM>. The first rear connection member <NUM> may be located near a transition between the bottom vane <NUM> and the top vane <NUM>.

After the location of the first rear connection member <NUM>, the bottom vane <NUM> curves at bend point <NUM>, transitioning into the top vane <NUM>. The top vane <NUM> extends between the two sheets <NUM>, <NUM> and curves at a second bend point <NUM> to transition to the crease <NUM>.

It should be noted that the top vane <NUM> and the bottom vane <NUM> may be complementarily shaped, and the two vanes <NUM>, <NUM> may generally trace the overall shape of each other. In this manner the bend or inflection points of each vane <NUM>, <NUM> may be aligned and curved in the same direction. This complementary structure may allow the top vane <NUM> and the bottom vane <NUM> to be compressed into each other, e.g., when the cells <NUM> are closed as shown in <FIG>. In one example the vanes may be <NUM>, <NUM> heat set and folded, which may determine the open shape of the cell <NUM>. For example, the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> may extend away from the attachment locations to the sheets <NUM>, <NUM> at large or narrow departure angles, depending on whether the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> include creases are heat set and folded or just attachment points without a separate heat set or otherwise permanent or semi-permanent crease formed therein. Furthermore, the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> may include fabric stiffeners to provide for a desired cell <NUM> shape substantially without sag in the open configuration. In other examples, the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> may include fibers, or may be an at least partially rigid material that may maintain its shape or may be at least partially resilient so that it may return to its original shape after deformation.

The connection members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> operably couple the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> to the sheets <NUM>, <NUM> so that as the sheets <NUM>, <NUM> move the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> may move correspondingly. The connection members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be substantially any type of connecting component, such as but not limited to, adhesive, fasteners, sewing, hook and loop, and so on. In some examples, the connection members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may extend across the entire width of the respective front sheet <NUM> or rear sheet <NUM>. In this manner, the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> may be operably connected to the sheets <NUM>, <NUM> substantially along their entire width.

The connection members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other at varying distances. The distance each connection member <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> is spaced apart may determine the opening and closing characteristics of the cells <NUM>, as well as the shape of the cells <NUM>. For example, the spacing may determine the size of the cavity of the cells, as well as the size of the gaps defined between each of the cells.

As shown in <FIG>, in one example, the first front connection member <NUM> and the second front connection member <NUM> may be positioned on the back surface <NUM> of the front sheet <NUM> at a height of H1 from each other. Similarly, the first rear connection member <NUM> and the second rear connection member <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other on the back sheet <NUM> by a height of H2 from each other. The heights H1 and H2 may be substantially the same so that the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> in the open position may span substantially horizontally between the two sheets <NUM>, <NUM> or the heights H1 and H2 may be different and the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> may be angled in spanning between the front sheet <NUM> and the rear sheet <NUM>.

The heights H1 and H2 may be varied depending on the desired volume of the cavity <NUM> of the cell <NUM> and/or the height of the cells <NUM>. Further, in some embodiments, the top vane <NUM> and/or the bottom vane <NUM> may be interconnected to a respective sheet <NUM>, <NUM> along the entire heights H1 and H2. In other words the first and second connection members may be combined forming a single connection member. However, in these embodiments, the cell <NUM> may be more rigid than in embodiments with two separate connection locations.

Additionally, when the cells <NUM> are open, the first front connection member <NUM> may be spaced apart from the second rear connection member <NUM> by a height of H3. The height H3 varies as the cells <NUM> are opened and closed. This transition and height variation will be discussed in more detail below with respect to <FIG>.

The interconnection of the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> and the connection of the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> to the sheets <NUM>, <NUM> forms the cells <NUM> for the panel <NUM>. The cell <NUM> structure of the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> provides insulation from a first side of the covering <NUM> to a second side of the covering <NUM>. The cells <NUM> trap pockets of air in the cavities <NUM>, which acts as a buffer to provide insulation. Thus, a temperature of an environment on the rear side of the panel <NUM> may not affect the temperature of an environment on the front side of the panel <NUM>. For example, with a window as the architectural opening, the cells <NUM> may trap air preventing cold air from a first side of the window that may be exposed to outside elements from decreasing the temperature of air on the front side of the window.

Additionally, the cells <NUM> may be positioned apart from each other by a gap <NUM>. The gaps <NUM> formed between cells <NUM> may also act to trap air and provide further insulative properties to the covering <NUM>. When the cells <NUM> are fully open, the gaps <NUM> may have a height Gopen (e.g., when the panel is in the open configuration shown in <FIG>). The height Gopen may be defined as the height between the bottom apex or crease <NUM> or lowermost point of an upper cell and the upper apex of crease <NUM> of an adjacent lower cell or the upper most point of the lower cell. The height Gopen may define the height of light rays which may be transmitted through the front sheet <NUM> and rear sheet <NUM> between the cells <NUM>. Accordingly, as the height Gopen between the cells changes, so does the amount of light rays which can be transmitted through the covering <NUM> without encountering the material of the cells, i.e., pass only through the front sheet <NUM> and rear sheet <NUM>.

The insulative characteristics of the covering <NUM>, in addition to the operable nature of the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> for varying light transmission, provide multiple features from a single covering. When the cells <NUM> are open, the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> are spaced apart from each to define a cavity <NUM> therebetween, see, e.g., <FIG>. Also, each cell <NUM> defined by the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> is spaced apart from adjacent cells <NUM>, defining gaps <NUM> between each row of cells <NUM>. When the cells <NUM> are closed, the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> are substantially adjacent one another and may be in contact with a portion of the other vane <NUM>, <NUM>. In this manner, the cavity <NUM> may be substantially reduced, as well as the gaps <NUM> between the cells <NUM>, in some instances the height Gopen may be completely reduced so that there may be very little (if any) distance between the bottom apex <NUM> or lowermost point of an upper cell and the upper apex <NUM> or uppermost point of an adjacent lower cell, see for example, <FIG>.

The vanes <NUM>, <NUM> are strips of an at least partially flexible material interconnected to the sheets <NUM>, <NUM> horizontally along a width of the panel <NUM>. The vanes <NUM>, <NUM> are flexible yet rigid. The vanes <NUM>, <NUM> are flexible enough so that they may be compressed to a substantially flat position without being damaged, e.g., see <FIG>; yet are rigid enough so that they may maintain their shape when the cells <NUM> are open, see, e.g., <FIG>.

Furthermore, the cell <NUM> structure of the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> also diffuses shadows formed from light transmitted through the covering at a non-perpendicular angle thereto. In this manner, the shadows may be substantially prevented from being transmitted through the panel <NUM>. This may be especially apparent in examples where the front sheet <NUM> and the rear sheet <NUM> are a sheer or otherwise have a high light transmissivity. <FIG> is a side elevation view of a covering <NUM> including only a single vane <NUM>. The vane <NUM> is connected to the front sheet <NUM> at via a first adhesive <NUM> and to the rear sheet <NUM> via a second adhesive <NUM>. The adhesive <NUM>, <NUM> secures the vane <NUM> to the two sheets <NUM>, <NUM>.

With continued reference to <FIG>, as light encounters the rear sheet <NUM> (e.g., if the covering is positioned over a window), the light may be transmitted through the rear sheet <NUM> and the adhesive <NUM> blocks part of the light; however, other light rays may pass through the rear sheet <NUM> without be blocked. Thus, the light blocked by the adhesive <NUM> may form a shadow <NUM>. As the vane <NUM> is positioned above the shadow <NUM>, the shadow <NUM> may be transmitted to the front sheet <NUM> and may be visible on the front side of the covering.

The shadow <NUM> may appear black or and darkened portions or spots of the front side of the covering <NUM>, which may be aesthetically unpleasing. Additionally, the spots may cause the material of the front sheet <NUM> to fade unevenly due to light exposure.

In contrast, the covering <NUM> of the present disclosure may eliminate darkened spots due to shadows. <FIG> is an enlarged side elevation view of the covering <NUM> being exposed to light. Although a shadow <NUM> may be created as light is blocked by the first rear connection member <NUM>, which may include adhesive, the shadow <NUM> may be diffused by the bottom vane <NUM>. The bottom vane <NUM> may substantially reduce the appearance of the shadow <NUM> and may therefore create a diffused shadow <NUM>. The diffused shadow <NUM> may not reach the front sheet <NUM>, thus preventing darkened spots or portions to appear on the front sheet <NUM>. In instances where the shadow may reach the front sheet <NUM>, the shadow may be so attenuated that it may not create a darkened spot on the front side of the covering <NUM>. Hence, the covering <NUM> may have substantially even fading, as compared with the covering <NUM> of <FIG>, as well as may be more aesthetically appealing.

The operations of opening and closing the cells <NUM> will now be discussed. The cells <NUM> may be opened and closed by varying a spacing distance D1 between the front sheet <NUM> and the rear sheet <NUM>, as well changing the relative heights or orientation of the sheets <NUM>, <NUM> with respect to each other. For example, as shown in <FIG>, when the cells <NUM> are completely open the sheets <NUM>, <NUM> may be spaced apart from each other by a distance D1. The distance D1 may correspond to a horizontal width of the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> that spans between the two sheets <NUM>, <NUM>.

As briefly describe with respect to <FIG>, movement of the sheets <NUM>, <NUM> relative to each other may be accomplished by the control cord <NUM> and the head rail <NUM> and/or end rail <NUM>. The sheets <NUM>, <NUM> may move vertically generally parallel with respect to the second sheet, which may be accomplished in substantially any manner. The opening and closing of the cells <NUM> will be described herein as moving the front sheet <NUM> with respect to the rear sheet <NUM>. However, it should be noted that other embodiments are possible. Specifically, the rear sheet may be moved as well or instead of moving the front sheet, see, for example, <FIG>. Accordingly, the foregoing discussion is meant as exemplary only.

As shown in <FIG>, when the cells <NUM> are in the fully open position, the first front connection member <NUM> and the second front connection member <NUM> may be separated by a vertical height (with respect to the length of the covering <NUM>) of a height H3. <FIG> is a side elevation view of the cells <NUM> in a mostly open configuration as the cells <NUM> transition from open to closed. As the rear sheet <NUM> experiences a force downward, the front sheet <NUM> may remain substantially in its original position. Thus, the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> are pulled downwards with the rear sheet <NUM>, pulling the sheets <NUM>, <NUM> closer to each other because the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> are connected to each sheet <NUM>, <NUM>. For example, the distance D2 that separates the sheets <NUM>, <NUM> when the cells <NUM> are mostly open is less than the distance D1 separating the sheets <NUM>, <NUM> when the cells <NUM> are fully open. Although the force downward may be applied generally parallel to the two sheets, as the sheets shift vertically relative to one another, the vanes provide a horizontal force pulling the sheets closer together. This horizontal force is due to the vertical shifting of the connection points of the vanes, discussed in more detail below.

Further, the height between the first front connection member <NUM> and the second rear connection member <NUM> is extended to a height H4. The height H4 may be larger than the height H3, as the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> transition from a relatively perpendicular orientation with respect to the sheets <NUM>, <NUM> to an angled orientation.

<FIG> is a side elevation view of the cells <NUM> in a partially closed configuration as the cells <NUM> transition from open to closed. If the rear sheet <NUM> continues to experience a downwards force F, the distance between the sheets <NUM>, <NUM> reduces to distance D3. Additionally, the height between the first front connection member <NUM> and the second rear connection member <NUM> increases to a height of H5. The vanes <NUM>, <NUM> thus transition so as to be substantially parallel to the sheets <NUM>, <NUM>, and the cavity <NUM> reduces in volume as the cells <NUM> collapse.

As the rear sheet <NUM> continues to experience a downwards force F and the front sheet experiences an upward force, the cells <NUM> close. <FIG> is a side elevation view of the cells <NUM> in a substantially closed configuration. The sheets <NUM>, <NUM> may then be positioned substantially adjacent each other and separated by a distance D4, which may be significantly less than the open distance D1. In some examples the distance D4 may be substantially zero, that is the sheets <NUM>, <NUM> may be substantially in contact with each other. Additionally, the first front connection member <NUM> may be separated from the second rear connection member <NUM> by a height H6, which may be larger than the other heights separating the two connection members <NUM>, <NUM>. In this configuration, the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> may be positioned substantially parallel to the sheets <NUM>, <NUM>, as shown in <FIG>. Further, as the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> are substantially parallel with the sheets <NUM>, <NUM>, the cell cavities <NUM> may be substantially collapsed, collapsing the cells <NUM>. In the configuration shown in <FIG>, the height Gopen between the lowermost apex <NUM> of the upper cell and the uppermost apex <NUM> of the adjacent lower cell may be substantially, if not completely, reduced, so that little to no light may be transmitted through the panel <NUM> without being transmitted through the material of the cells <NUM>.

Once the cells <NUM> are closed as shown in <FIG>, the panel <NUM> may be retraced around the roller <NUM>. The collapsed or closed configuration of the cells <NUM> allows the panel <NUM> to be rolled without damaging the shape of the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> and thus the cells <NUM>. Thus, unlike conventional cellular shades, the covering <NUM> provides insulation, varying light transmission, as well as a rolled storage or retracted configuration.

The cells <NUM> of the covering <NUM> may be formed in different shapes, and the connection members and locations between the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> and the sheets <NUM>, <NUM> may be altered. As discussed above, the cells <NUM> are formed of two interconnected vanes, and may be formed of a single piece of material folded and interconnected to itself, or multiple sheets of material. In one example, the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> may be connected to each sheet <NUM>, <NUM> at a single location. <FIG> is a side elevation view of an exemplary cell <NUM> where the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> are connected to the front sheet <NUM> and the rear sheet <NUM>, respectively, by a connection member <NUM>, <NUM>. In this example, the creases <NUM>, <NUM> forming the upper and bottom tips of the vanes <NUM>, <NUM>, receptively, may be free or unattached from the sheets <NUM>, <NUM>. In this embodiment, the creases <NUM>, <NUM> may be set into the material forming the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> (e.g., heat or chemically folded) so that they may be at least partially rigid to retain the bend point. In this example, the cells <NUM> may be substantially more flexible that in other embodiments.

Additionally, the shape of the cells <NUM> may be differently configured. <FIG> illustrate alternative cell shapes. In the cell <NUM> illustrated in <FIG>, the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> may be less "S" shaped and have a more "C" shape, in other words, the curves may be less defined than the cell <NUM> of <FIG>. In the <FIG> example the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> may have an increased departure angle away from the sheets <NUM>, <NUM>. Also, the cavity <NUM> may be larger, trapping more air and providing increased insulation as compared with the cells <NUM> of <FIG>. However, as the cell <NUM> has an increased cavity volume <NUM>, the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> may block more light that may be transmitted through the gaps <NUM>, as the gaps <NUM> may be smaller.

As shown in <FIG>, the cell <NUM> may have a narrower cavity <NUM> formed from a small departure angle as the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> transition away from connection points to the sheets <NUM>, <NUM>. In the <FIG> examples, the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> may provide less insulation than the cell shape of <FIG>. However, in the <FIG> example, more light may be transmitted through the covering <NUM> (if clear or high transmissive materials are used for the sheets <NUM>, <NUM>) because the cells <NUM> may have a reduced height compared with the cells of <FIG>.

In some examples, the cells <NUM> may be created by a single piece of material or by multiple pieces of material connected together. <FIG> illustrates an exemplary cell <NUM> formed by a material overlapped on itself and connected together. The bottom vane <NUM> partially overlaps a terminal edge <NUM> of the top vane <NUM>. Rather than being connected together, the terminal edge <NUM> of the top vane <NUM> is received within a tab <NUM> of the bottom vane <NUM>. The top vane <NUM> is connected to the bottom vane via a connection member <NUM>. The vane connection member <NUM> may be substantially similar to the connection members <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM>, <NUM> and the vane connection member <NUM> may be adhesive, hook and loop, or other fastener.

The tab <NUM> may be operably connected to the inner surface <NUM> of the rear sheet <NUM> by the connection member <NUM>. A free end <NUM> of the tab <NUM> may extend past both the connection member <NUM> and the vane connection member <NUM>.

In another example, the cells <NUM> may include multiple layers. In these examples, the insulation properties of the panel <NUM> may be increased as air may be more securely received within the cavity <NUM>. <FIG> is an enlarged view of a single cell <NUM> formed by overlapping material over itself and connected. In this manner, the top vane <NUM> and the bottom vane <NUM> may each have a first or outer layer <NUM> and a second or inner layer <NUM>. The two layers combine to form each vane <NUM>, <NUM>. The material is connected together by the connection member <NUM>. The connection member <NUM> location is shown as being located at the bottom crease <NUM>; however, it may be positioned at substantially any other location.

In other examples, the two layers <NUM>, <NUM> may be formed by connecting two separate pieces of material to each other. <FIG> is an enlarged side elevation view of the cell <NUM> including the two layers <NUM>, <NUM>. The two layers are connected by a second connection member <NUM> in addition to the connection member <NUM> shown in the cell <NUM> of <FIG>. In this example the second connection member <NUM> is located in the crease <NUM>. Thus, the cell <NUM> may be connected together by the first connection member <NUM> in the crease <NUM> and by the second member <NUM> at the crease <NUM>. It should be noted that other connection locations are possible as well, and the locations illustrated in <FIG> and <FIG> are exemplary only.

In yet other examples, the cells <NUM> may be formed from two separate pieces of material that are connected to the sheets <NUM>, <NUM>. <FIG> is an enlarged side elevation view of a cell <NUM> formed by two disconnected vanes <NUM>, <NUM>. In this example, the cell <NUM> may not be fully enclosed, as the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> may be not directly connected together, and the sheets <NUM>, <NUM> may form a portion of a front and rear wall of the cells <NUM>. With reference to <FIG>, the top vane <NUM> may have a first free end <NUM> operably connected to the first front connection member <NUM> and a second free end <NUM> that extend downwards past the first rear connection member <NUM> forming a flap <NUM> or tab. The flap <NUM> may at least partially extend downwards from the first rear connection member <NUM> towards the second rear connection member <NUM>. The flap <NUM> may be at least partially parallel to a portion of the rear sheet <NUM> or may be otherwise angled to extend downwards towards the second front connection member <NUM>.

The bottom vane <NUM> may be substantially similar to the top vane <NUM>, but may positioned in an opposite manner. That is, the bottom vane <NUM> may include two free ends <NUM>, <NUM>, with the first free end <NUM> extending upwards from the second front connection member <NUM> towards the first front connection member <NUM>. In this manner, the bottom vane <NUM> may include a flap <NUM> or tab that may form a portion of a front wall of the cell <NUM>. The second free end <NUM> may be operably connected to the rear sheet at the second rear connection member148.

With reference to <FIG>, the two flaps <NUM>, <NUM> of the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> may substantially form the rear and front walls of the cell <NUM>, as they extend substantially the entire length of the sheets <NUM>, <NUM> between the first connection members <NUM>, <NUM> and the second connection members <NUM>, <NUM>. In other words, there may be a minimal distance, if any, between the flap <NUM> of the top vane <NUM> and the second rear connection member <NUM> and the flap <NUM> of the bottom vane <NUM> and the first front connection member <NUM>. The flaps <NUM>, <NUM> may be at an at least partially rigid material or may include a component such as fibers or pressure sensitive adhesive that may provide additional rigidity to allow the flaps <NUM>, <NUM> to support themselves and maintain a desired shape. Since the flaps <NUM>, <NUM> extend towards the opposite vane <NUM>, <NUM>, the cell <NUM> may be substantially enclosed by the vanes <NUM>, <NUM>. However, in other instances, the flaps <NUM>, <NUM> may define a gap and terminate prior to the first front connection member <NUM> or the second rear connection member <NUM>, respectively. In these instances, the cell <NUM> may be at least partially defined by the front and rear sheets <NUM>, <NUM>. That is, the front and rear sheets <NUM>, <NUM> may form a portion of the front and rear walls of the cells.

In some examples, the covering <NUM> may be oriented to allow light to be admitted through the gaps <NUM> or spaces between the cells <NUM>. <FIG> is a side elevation view of another example of the covering of <FIG> with an end cap removed from the head rail. <FIG> is a side elevation view of another example of the covering of <FIG> as the cells transition from open to closed. <FIG> is a side elevation view of another example of the covering of <FIG> with the end cap removed. With reference to <FIG>, in these examples, the panel <NUM> may extend off of a rear side of the roller <NUM>. In these examples, the rear sheet <NUM> may support the top end of the cells <NUM> whereas the front sheet <NUM> may support the bottom end of the cells <NUM>.

In examples where the architectural opening may be a window, the orientation of the panel <NUM> onto the roller <NUM> as shown in <FIG>, allows light (e.g., from the sun) to enter through the front sheet <NUM> through the gaps <NUM>. On the contrary, with brief reference to <FIG>, light entering through the rear sheet <NUM> may be blocked from exiting through the front sheet <NUM> by the vanes <NUM>, <NUM>. This is because in the example illustrated in <FIG>, as the cells <NUM> are closed, the top end of the cells <NUM> may be operably connected to the front sheet <NUM>, such that the cells <NUM> extend from the front sheet <NUM> downward towards the rear sheet <NUM>. Accordingly, light entering the panel <NUM> through the rear sheet <NUM> may encounter the cell <NUM> material for one or more cells <NUM>, which as discussed with respect to <FIG> may diffuse light.

However, with reference to <FIG>, as the roller <NUM> is actuated to close the cells <NUM>, the rear sheet <NUM> may be vertically displaced with respect to the front sheet <NUM>. As this occurs, the interior volume of the cells <NUM> decrease in size, as shown in <FIG>. The ends of each of the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> connected to the rear sheet are moved upwards relative to the front sheet <NUM> and the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> extend downwards from the rear sheet <NUM> to connect with the front sheet <NUM> (opposite of the example illustrated in <FIG>). This vane orientation allows light from a light source (such as the sun) to be transmitted through the gaps <NUM> without substantially being blocked.

When the panel <NUM> extends from the rear side of the roller, as shown in <FIG>, the cells <NUM> may allow light through the panel <NUM> even as they transition from an open position to a closed position. Although light may be admitted through the gaps <NUM>, as the cells <NUM> transition to the closed position, the vane material may provide privacy. For example, in some implementations the front and rear sheets may be translucent or sheet material, whereas the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> may be a non-translucent or less translucent material. As the cells <NUM> are closed, the vanes <NUM>, <NUM> may be oriented vertically to reduce visibility through the panel <NUM>. Due to the orientation of the top ends of the cells <NUM>, the cells <NUM> may still allow light to be transmitted through the gaps <NUM>. Thus, in a partially closed position, privacy may be enhanced as compared to an open position, but the amount of light transmitted through the panel <NUM> may be substantially the same or only slightly attenuated.

In instances where more light may be desired to be admitted through the panel <NUM>, the panel <NUM> may be oriented such that the rear sheet <NUM> may increase vertically relative to the front sheet <NUM> to close the cells <NUM>. This orientation and cell transition may allow light to be transmitted through gaps <NUM> defined between the cells <NUM>, but may still provide for privacy as the vanes may block (or obscure) visibility through the panel <NUM>.

Claim 1:
A covering for an architectural opening, the covering comprising:
a roller (<NUM>);
an end rail (<NUM>); and
a panel (<NUM>) rotatable onto the roller (<NUM>) and spanning between the roller (<NUM>) and the end rail (<NUM>), the panel (<NUM>) including
a front sheet (<NUM>);
a rear sheet (<NUM>) operably coupled to the front sheet (<NUM>); and
a cell (<NUM>) spanning between the front sheet and the rear sheet;
wherein when the front sheet (<NUM>) is at a first position relative to the rear sheet (<NUM>), the cell (<NUM>) is open and when the front sheet (<NUM>) is at a second position relative to the rear sheet (<NUM>), the cell (<NUM>) is closed;
wherein the cell (<NUM>) is defined by a top vane (<NUM>) and a bottom vane (<NUM>) interconnected together;
wherein, when the cell (<NUM>) is open, the top vane (<NUM>) is spaced apart from the bottom vane (<NUM>) to define a cavity,
wherein, when the cell (<NUM>) is closed, the top vane (<NUM>) is positioned substantially adjacent to the bottom vane (<NUM>); and wherein
the top and bottom vanes (<NUM>, <NUM>) are strips of an at least partially flexible material interconnected to the front and rear sheets (<NUM>, <NUM>) horizontally along a width of the panel (<NUM>) and the top and bottom vanes (<NUM>, <NUM>) are flexible, yet rigid, the top and bottom vanes (<NUM>, <NUM>) being flexible enough so that they may be compressed to a substantially flat position without being damaged, yet be rigid enough so that they may maintain their shape when the cell (<NUM>) is open.