Patent Document

RELATED APPLICATIONS 
       [0001]    This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 61/768,957, filed Feb. 25, 2013 and titled “SYSTEM FOR PIVOTING A BLIND SLAT” which is incorporated herein in its entirety. 
     
    
     BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 
       [0002]    1. Field of the Invention 
         [0003]    The present invention relates generally to blinds or coverings for windows or for other similar openings. More particularly, the present invention relates to a window covering having a blind slat that is rotated clockwise and counter-clockwise by rotating a driving mechanism that is positioned in a horizontal orientation. The present invention further relates to a window covering system that achieves tilting of blind slats without requiring the traditional tilting components of standard Venetian-type blinds. 
         [0004]    2. Background and Related Art 
         [0005]    Blinds are often used to cover windows and other similar openings to provide privacy and/or to control the level of light that enters a room. A popular type of blind, sometimes called a “Venetian” blind, comprises a series of spaced-apart blind slats assembled parallel to each other. As a type of window covering, Venetian blinds offer versatility in controlling light or view and are easy to use. 
         [0006]    A common, commercially available Venetian blind generally includes a head rail, a bottom rail, a plurality of blind slats, and means for tilting the blind slats. Some commercially available Venetian blinds further include means for lifting and gathering the blind slats at a position adjacent the head rail. The slats are generally suspended from the head rail via a system of cords that form a ladder. The ladder comprises forward and rearward rails that are interconnected with a plurality of rungs. Each rung of the ladder is configured to hold a blind slat at a desired distance from an adjacent blind slat. The ladder is further connected to the head rail and the bottom rail. 
         [0007]    Tilting the blind slats causes each slat to pivot about a point on the rung. Tilting is generally accomplished via a tilting drum that is secured to a tilting rod located in the head rail. The ladder is attached to the tilting drum so that as the tilting rod is rotated, the tilting drum is also rotated. The forward and rearward rails of the ladder are coupled to the tilting drum such that as the tilting drum rotates, the vertical positions of the forward and rearward rails are adjusted up and down. This up and down movement tilts the rungs of the ladder, thereby tilting the blind slats supported thereon. 
         [0008]    The components of the tilting means for a traditional Venetian blind can be quite complex, expensive, bulky and heavy. The head rails of traditional Venetian blinds are required to have a minimum size necessary to accommodate the various components to achieve tilting. For example, the tilting drum assembly of a traditional Venetian blind must comprise a diameter with a ratio to the width of the blind slat that is large enough to accommodate complete rotation of the blind slat. Thus, the head rail must have a minimum width and height that is approximately equal to the width of the blind slat. This generally provides a head rail that is large and bulky. A valance is commonly used to address this issue by covering or disguising the bulky head rail. 
         [0009]    Further, in some instances the components of the tilting means for a traditional Venetian blind provide a barrier to achieving superior closure of the blind. For example, the minimum width of the tilting drum may prevent complete closure of the upper-most blind slat, i.e. the blind slat that is closest to the head rail. This is due to the inability of the forward and rearward rails of the ladder to close or be brought close together sufficiently due to the required minimum width of the tilting drum. As such, light-leakage commonly occurs between the upper-most blind slat and its adjacent blind slat when the window covering is closed. 
         [0010]    Thus, while techniques currently exist relating to Venetian blind systems, challenges still exist, including complex, expensive, bulky, and heavy components of the traditional Venetian blind systems. Accordingly, it would be an improvement in the art to augment or even replace current techniques with other techniques. 
       SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION 
       [0011]    The present invention relates generally to blinds or coverings for windows or for other similar openings. More particularly, the present invention relates to a window covering having a blind slat. The present invention further relates to a window covering system that achieves tilting of blind slats without requiring the traditional tilting components of standard Venetian-type blinds. 
         [0012]    Some implementations of the present invention include a window covering having a head rail comprising a plate which includes a top surface, a bottom surface, a front edge, and a rear edge. In some implementations, the head rail comprises a u-channel in which various components of the window covering are concealed. In other implementations, the top surface of the plate is configured to attach to a window opening, and the various components of the window covering are attached to the bottom surface of the plate. In some instances, the window covering further includes an axle that is coupled to the top surface of the head rail and extends between the front edge and the rear edge of the head rail. The axle may be directly or indirectly coupled to the head rail. The axle may further include a front end, a rear end, and a length extending therebetween. In some instances, the window covering further includes at least one guide that is slidably threaded onto the axle and is moveable between the front end and rear end of the head rail along the length of the axle. 
         [0013]    In some instances, a window covering is provided which includes a cord support comprising a grommet that is placed in an opening of the head rail and configured to prevent contact between cords and the head rail as the cords passed through the opening. In some embodiments, a window covering is provided comprises one or more openings that are elongated. For example, in some instances a window covering is provided having an elongated opening, wherein the length of the elongated opening is approximately equal to, or slightly less than a width of the head rail. 
         [0014]    The window covering further includes a blind slat having a first edge and a second edge. The blind slat is suspended below the head rail by an anchor cord and a tilt cord. The anchor cord is coupled directly or indirectly to the head rail at one end, and also coupled to the blind slat at an opposite end. In some instances, the distance between the blind slat and the head rail is fixed via the anchor cord. In other words, the length of the anchor cord remains constant throughout the tilting of the blind slat. The tilt cord is coupled to the blind slat at a position opposite the anchor cord through an opening in the head rail. In some instances the tilt cord comprises a first end, a second end, and middle extending therebetween, wherein the middle is positioned on the guide, and the second extends outwardly therefrom. The edge of the blind slat coupled to the tilt cord is raised and lowered with respect to the head rail as the tilt cord is passed over the guide. Thus, tilting of the blind slats is accomplished without requiring the tilting rod and tilting drum of traditional Venetian blind systems. Further, the window covering systems of the present invention allow use of a thin-profile head rail. 
     
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
         [0015]    The foregoing and other objects and features of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the accompanying drawings when considered in conjunction with the following description. Although the drawings depict only typical embodiments of the invention and are thus not to be deemed as limiting the scope of the invention, the accompanying drawings help explain the invention in added detail. 
           [0016]      FIG. 1A  is a cross-section view of a head rail and blind slat in an opened position in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0017]      FIG. 1B  is plan front view of the device shown in  FIG. 1A  in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0018]      FIG. 1C  is a cross-section view of a head rail and blind slat in a partially-closed position in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0019]      FIG. 1D  is a plan front view of the device shown in  FIG. 1C  in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0020]      FIG. 1E  is a cross-section view of a head rail and blind slat in a closed position in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0021]      FIG. 1F  is a plan front view of the device shown in  FIG. 1E  in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0022]      FIG. 1G  is a cross-section view of a head rail having an I-beam cross-section configuration thereby providing a front and rear light shield in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0023]      FIG. 2A  is a cross-section view of a head rail and a blind slat in an open position in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0024]      FIG. 2B  is a plan front view of the device shown in  FIG. 2A  in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0025]      FIG. 2C  is a cross-section view of a head rail and blind slat in a partially-closed position in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0026]      FIG. 2D  is a cross-section view of a head rail and blind slat in a closed position in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0027]      FIG. 3A  is a top view of a head rail having an eyelet and a plurality of blind slats in an open position in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0028]      FIG. 3B  is a top view of a head rail having an eyelet and a plurality of blind slats in a closed position in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0029]      FIG. 4  is a perspective view of a head rail having a lift cord in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0030]      FIG. 5A  is a side view of a head rail having a cord support comprising a grommet in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0031]      FIG. 5B  is a top view of a head rail having a cord support comprising a grommet in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0032]      FIG. 6 , shown in parts A-C, is a cross section view of a head rail having a plurality of openings in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; 
           [0033]      FIG. 7 , shown in parts A-D, shows various views of a head rail incorporating one or more eyelets to assist in movement of one or more cord guides in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention; and 
           [0034]      FIG. 8  is a top view of a head rail incorporating oppositely positioned eyelets to achieve center closure of blind slats in accordance with a representative embodiment of the present invention. 
       
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION 
       [0035]    The following detailed description, in conjunction with the accompanying drawings (hereby expressly incorporated as part of this detailed description), sets forth specific numbers, materials, and configurations in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. The following detailed description, in conjunction with the drawings, will enable one skilled in the relevant art to make and use the present invention. 
         [0036]    A purpose of this detailed description being to describe the invention so as to enable one skilled in the art to make and use the present invention, the following description sets forth various specific examples, also referred to as “embodiments,” of the present invention. While the invention is described in conjunction with specific embodiments, it will be understood, because the embodiments are set forth for explanatory purposes only, that this description is not intended to limit the invention to these particular embodiments. Indeed, it is emphasized that the present invention can be embodied or performed in a variety of ways. The drawings and detailed description are merely representative of particular embodiments of the present invention. 
         [0037]    Reference will now be made in detail to several embodiments of the invention. The various embodiments will he described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings wherein like elements are designated by like numeric characters throughout. 
         [0038]    Referring now to  FIG. 1A , a cross-section end view of a window covering  10  is shown. Generally, window covering  10  includes a window blind that is configured to cover a window opening. Window covering  10  may include any material or combinations of materials as may be desired. Window covering  10  may further include any dimensions desired to cover or partially cover an opening. In some instances, window covering  10  is configured to cover a window that is part of a door, or another non-traditional type of window. Window covering  10  may further be used in combination with another type of traditional window covering, such as a set of curtains or a pull shade. 
         [0039]    In some embodiments, window covering  10  comprises a horizontal window blind, wherein window covering  10  comprises a plurality of horizontal blind slats  50  that span the distance across a desired opening. Horizontal blind slats  50  may comprise any material. For example, horizontal blind slats  50  may include wood, metal, fabric, plastic, thermoplastic, thermoset, and composite materials, as well as any material comprising a combination of the materials stated herein. Horizontal blind slats  50  may further include any structural or ornamental configuration, as may be desired. For example, in some embodiments horizontal blind slats  50  are flat. In other embodiments, horizontal blind slats  50  comprise a crescent cross-section. Other cross-section profiles for horizontal blind slat  50  include wavy, convex, concave, rectangular, ellipsoid, and double convex. Horizontal blind slats  50  may further include other structural or design features. For example, horizontal blind slats  50  may include a painted surface, embossing, a veneer, a texture, a printed design or color, a coating, or a paper covering. 
         [0040]    Horizontal blind slats  50  generally comprise a distal side  52 , and a proximal side  54 , wherein the blind slat is positioned below the bottom surface  16  of head rail  12 . For purposes of describing various embodiments of the present invention, distal side  52  is generally positioned towards a window opening when the window blind  10  is in an open position, and proximal side  54  is generally position opposite the window opening when the window blind  10  is in an opened position. 
         [0041]    In some embodiments, window covering  10  comprises a plurality of horizontally-oriented slats  50  that are suspended from a head rail  12  via a system of tilt cords or ropes  30  which form a ladder. In some instances, head rail  12  comprises a u-channel  28  that is configured to be attached to a surface adjacent a window opening. Head rail  12  comprises a top surface  14 , a bottom surface  16 , a front edge  18  and a rear edge  20 . In some embodiments, front and rear edges  18  and  20  form the walls of u-channel  28  and conceal the contents of window covering  10  positioned therein. In other embodiments, head rail  12  comprises a plate having a top surface that is configured to attach head rail  12  to a window opening, and further comprising a bottom surface that is configured to receive the various components of window covering  10 . Thus, window covering  10  may be used in both regular and inverted configurations. 
         [0042]    Head rail  12  may comprise any material that is compatible for use in supporting horizontal blind slats  50 . For example, in some embodiments head rail  12  comprises a metallic material, such as steel or aluminum. Head rail  12  may further include a polymer material, such as polystyrene, polyethylene, polyurethane, polycarbonate, and polyvinylchloride, ABS or a combination thereof. Head rail  12  may be formed by bending the metallic material into a desired shape, or may be provided by an extrusion or molding process. 
         [0043]    The u-channel  28  of head rail  12  may be useful for coordinating and concealing various working components of window covering  10 . In contrast to the dimensional limitations of traditional head rails for Venetian blind systems, head rail  12  of the present invention may include a low-profile head rail, thereby obviating the need for a valance or other means for disguising the head rail. In some embodiments, a low-profile head rail is possible due to the elimination of the tilt drum and tilt rod components of the traditional Venetian blind systems. Some embodiments of the present invention utilize an axle and guide system, or another form of a cord support which may be accomplished with minimal dimensional limitations. Accordingly, a head rail of the present invention may be minimized by providing a cord support having a minimum height. For example, in some instance a head rail is provided having height that is less than 0.5 inches. In other instance, a head rail is provided having a height that is greater than, or equal to 0.5 inches. 
         [0044]    In some embodiments, head rail  12  comprises a cord support that is configured to support a middle portion of a tilt cord or string used to manipulate a pivoted angle of blind slat  50 . In some instances, a cord support is provided comprising an axle  40  having a front end  42 , a rear end  44 , and a length  46  extending therebetween. In some instances, head rail  12  comprises a plurality of axles, wherein each axle is configured to support one or more tilt cords and/or lift cords. Axle  40  may be directly or indirectly coupled to head rail  12 . For example, in some instances front end  42  and rear end  44  of axle  40  are directly coupled to head rail  12  via holes provided in head rail  12 . In other instances, axle  40  is indirectly coupled to head rail  12  via a bracket or housing that is directly coupled to head rail  12 . 
         [0045]    In some embodiments, axle  40  is coupled to top surface  14  and extends between front edge  18  and rear edge  20  of head rail  12 . In some instances, axle  40  is fixedly coupled to head rail  12 . In other instances, axle  40  is coupled to head rail  12  such that axle  40  is able to rotate about its linear axis. For example, a bearing (not shown) may be interposedly positioned between front and rear ends  42  and  44  of axle and front and rear edges  18  and  20  of head rail  12 , respectively. 
         [0046]    Axle  40  is generally provided as a representative example for means for facilitating movement of tilt cords  30  to assist in rotating blind slats  50  of window covering  10 . In some embodiments, tilt cords  30  are placed directly in contact with axle  40  across length  46 . In this manner, tilt cords  30  travel through head rail  12  in direct contact with axle  40 . In other embodiments, axle  40  further comprises one or more guides  60  which are slidably threaded onto axle  40  and moveable between front and rear ends  42  and  44  along the length  46  of axle  40 . In some instances, one or more guides  60  further comprise a cord guard that prevents displacement of tilt cords  70  and/or  80  from guides  60 . For example, guides  60  may include a cap or a keeper (not shown) that is positioned over a groove in guides  60  to prevent tilt cords  70  and  80  from being displaced from the groove during use of the window covering. 
         [0047]    Guides  60  may include any material that is compatible for use in a window covering. For example, in some embodiments guides  60  comprise a nylon polymer material, ABS, PVC or other polymer material. In other embodiments, guides  60  comprise a metallic material, such a steel or brass. Guides  60  may further include a wood material or a composite material, as may be desired. 
         [0048]    Tilt cords  30  are generally provided to suspend blind slats  50  at a position beneath head rail  12 . Tilt cords  30  are further provided to assist a user in articulating or rotating blind slats  50  between open and closed positions. Generally, a user may manipulate one or more tilt cords  30  to select a desired rotated position of blind slats  50  relative to the constant position of head rail  12 . Tilt cords  30  may further include a lift cord  120  whereby a user may gather all of the blind slats  50  in a compact group at a position adjacent to bottom surface  16  of head rail  12 . 
         [0049]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1A-1F , in some embodiments tilt cords  30  include a first tilt cord  70  having a second end  72  coupled to a proximal side  54  of blind slat  50  through an opening  22  (see  FIG. 3 ) of head rail  12 . Opening  22  may comprise any width and length as may be desired. For example, in some instances opening  22  comprises a circular opening having a diameter that is larger or slightly larger than a diameter of tilt cords  30 , as shown in  FIGS. 6A and 6B . In other instances, opening  22  comprises an elongated opening having a length that is approximately equal to, or slightly less than a width of head rail  12 , as shown in  FIGS. 1A-5B  and  7 A- 8 . In some embodiments, head rail  12  comprises a plurality of openings  22  having various dimensions. 
         [0050]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 1A-1F , in some instances second end  72  is coupled to blind slat  50  via a ladder having a top portion of strings comprising a rung  78  and a bottom portion of strings comprising a rung  86 , such that blind slat  50  secured between the two. In other embodiments, second end  72  is coupled to blind slat  50  via a clip, knot, bead stop or other compatible feature (not shown). Top and bottom rungs  78  and  86  maintain the axial position of blind slat  50  when tilted. In some instances, top and bottom rungs  78  and  86  permit movement of proximal side  54  in upward and downward directions as tilt cords  30  are adjusted. In other embodiments, blind slat  50  is coupled to tilt cords  30  via a retention clip (not shown) thereby securing blind slat  50  to tilt cords  30  without top rung  78 . 
         [0051]    In  FIGS. 1A and 1B , first tilt cord  70  further comprises a middle portion  74  that that is positioned over guide  60 , wherein guide  60  comprises a surface configured to receive first tilt cord  70 . For example, in some instances guide  60  comprises a groove configured to receive middle portion  74  of first tilt cord  70 . As the first or free end  76  of first tilt cord  70  is pulled and released, middle portion  74  of cord  70  travels over guide  60  to lower and/or raise second end  54  of blind slat  50  relative to bottom surface  16  of head rail  12 . This pivoting motion of blind slat  50  opens and closes blind slat  50  of window covering  10 . In some embodiments, window covering  10  further comprises a cord retention device  36  which is configured to lock and maintain a desired position of second end  76 . Cord retention device  36  may include any component compatible for use with a window covering. For example, in some embodiments cord retention device  36  comprises a cord cleat, a cord lock, or a spring recoil pulley, motor, friction device, counter-weight, worm gear, cogs, pulley or other similar devices. 
         [0052]    With continued reference to  FIGS. 1A and 2A , tilt cords  30  further include an anchor cord  80 . Anchor cord  80  comprises a first end  82  that is fixedly coupled to head rail  12 , and a second end  84  that is coupled to the distal side  52  of blind slat  50 . The distance between second end  84  and head rail  12  is fixed and maintained such that proximal side  54  pivots upward and downward about the fixed position of distal side  52 , as shown in  FIGS. 1C-1G . 
         [0053]    Referring now to  FIGS. 1C and 1D , window covering  10  is shown in a partially-closed position. As second end  76  is release from cord retention device  36 , first tilt cord  70  simultaneously moves in a distal direction  90  and a downward direction  92  thereby lowering proximal side  54  of blind slat  50 . The position of first edge  52  remains constant as blind slat  50  is rotated in a clockwise direction about first edge  52 . Accordingly, proximal side  54  is drawn inwardly towards the window opening and/or rear edge  20  of head rail  12 . As proximal side  54  moves towards the window opening, guide  60  slides along axle  40  in distal direction  90  towards rear edge  20  of head rail  12 . 
         [0054]    Upon further release of first tilt cord  70 , first tilt cord  70  is further relaxed, proximal side  54  is completely release, and allowed to hang from distal side  52  with anchor cord  80  in an approximate vertical position, as shown in  FIGS. 1E and 1F . In this position, guide  60  is further slid inwardly  90  on axle  40  to a position that is approximately in the same vertical plane as proximal side  54 . 
         [0055]    In some embodiments, window covering  10  comprises a plurality of blind slats, as is common with traditional horizontal blinds. Window covering  10  further comprises a plurality of axles and guides which are spaces along the length of the blind slats within u-channel  46  of head rail  12 . Further still, in some embodiments window covering  10  comprises a plurality of top rungs and bottom rungs forming a ladder system that holds and coordinates the plurality of blind slats with a desired spacing. Generally, a desired spacing between adjacent blind slats is selected such that when the blind slats are in a closed position the proximal side  54  of an upper blind slat overlaps a distal side  52  of a lower blind slat, as is common with traditional horizontal blinds. 
         [0056]    One having skill in the art will recognize that locations of first tilt cord  70  and anchor cord  80  may be reversed, whereby anchor cord  80  is coupled to proximal side  54  of blind slat  50 , and first tilt cord  70  is coupled to distal side  52  of blind slat  50 . As such, the process of closing window covering  10  will result in distal side  52  moving away from the window opening as guide  60  slides along axle  40  outwardly towards front edge  18  of head rail  12 . Once completely closed, distal side  52  is completely released and allowed to hang from proximal side  54  in a vertical position approximately within the same plane as front edge  18 . 
         [0057]    In some embodiments, the closed position of window covering  10  may provide a small gap  66  between distal side  52  of blind slat  50  and bottom surface  16  of head rail  12 . Light from the window opening may then be seen through gap  66  when observing window covering  10 . Accordingly, in some embodiments window covering  10  further comprises a light shield  94  that is coupled to rear edge  20  of head rail  12 , as shown in  FIG. 1E . Light shield  94  overlaps gap  66  to block light from leaking through gap  66 . In some embodiments, head rail  12  is molded to include light shield  94  as an integrated part of head rail  12 . In other embodiments, light shield  94  comprises a separate component that is capable of being added to head rail  12 . 
         [0058]    Further, in some embodiments, head rail  112  comprises an I-beam cross-section configuration, as shown in  FIG. 1G . The I-beam configuration provides a front light shield  114  and a rear light shield  116 , as shown. Alternatively, a removable light shield may be added to either front edge  18  or rear edge  20  of head rail  12 , as may be desired. 
         [0059]    In some embodiments, a window covering is provided which is capable of tilting and closing the blind slats in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. As such, a user may adjust the window covering to achieve a desired amount of light blocking and an overall appearance of the window covering. 
         [0060]    Referring now to  FIGS. 2A-2D , a window covering  100  is shown comprising a head rail  12  having a first guide  60  coupled to first tilt cord  70 , and further having a second guide  160  coupled to a second tilt cord  180 . First and second guides  60  and  160  are slidably and rotatably threaded onto axle  40  and moveable between proximal end  42  and distal end  44  of axle  40 . First and second guides  60  and  160  are slid along the length of axle  40  as blind slat  50  is tilted and closed in either a clockwise or counter-clockwise direction. The clockwise and counter-clockwise tilting directions are achieved by adjusting tilt cords  70  and  180  via first and second cord retention devices  36   a  and  36   b , as described below. 
         [0061]    In some embodiments, blind slat  50  is tilted in a counter-clockwise direction by releasing the position of second tilt cord  180  while maintaining the fixed position of first tilt cord  70 . In this way, the fixed position of first tilt cord  70  provides an equivalent function of anchor cord  80  of window device  10 . Upon releasing rear tilt cord  180 , blind slat  50  is pivoted about proximal side  54 , as shown in  FIG. 2C . Upon complete release of rear tilt cord  180  from second cord retention device  36   b , distal side  52  of blind slat  50  is allowed to hang from proximal side  54  in a vertical position in proximity to the same vertical plane as front edge  18 . 
         [0062]    Conversely, blind slat  50  may be tilted and closed in a clockwise direction by releasing the position of first tilt cord  70  from the first cord retention device  36   a  while maintaining the position of rear tilt cord  180 , as shown in  FIG. 2A . In this way, the fixed position of rear tilt cord  180  provides an equivalent function of anchor cord  80  of window device  10 . Upon releasing first tilt cord  70 , blind slat is pivoted about distal side  52  on rear tilt cord  180 . Upon complete release of first tilt cord  70 , proximal side  54  of blind slat  50  is allowed to hang from distal side  52  in a vertical position in proximity to the same vertical plane as rear edge  20 . 
         [0063]    In some embodiments, window covering  100  comprises a first cord retention device  36   a  configured to control movement of first tilt cord  70 , and a second cord retention device  36   b  configured to control movement of second tilt cord  180 , as shown in  FIG. 2B . Generally, first and second cord retention devices  36   a  and  36   b  are configured to control their respective tilt cords independent of the other cord retention device. As such, a user may selectively adjust one tilt cord independent of the other cord. 
         [0064]    In some embodiments, first and second cord retention device  36   a  and  36   b  may be simultaneously adjusted to adjust the tilt cords in opposing directions to pivot the blind slat. For example, in some instances first and second tilt cords are coupled to a single device that is rotated or otherwise manipulated to shorten one tilt cord while simultaneously lengthening the other tilt cord, thereby tilting the blind slat. For example, first and second tilt cords may be coupled to a single cord retention device comprising a pulley having one or more surfaces to receive the tilt cords. By rotating the pulley, the first tilt cord is lengthened and the second tilt cord is shortened, thereby tilting the blind slat. Further, in some instances first and second tilt cords may be independently and adjustably retained within a single cord retention device that is configured to permit independent adjustment of the tilt cords to achieve tilting of a blind slat. 
         [0065]    This feature of independent adjustability may be useful for situations where it is desirable to have the tilt cords at different positions. For example, once window covering  100  has been closed, as shown in  FIG. 2D , it may be desirable to close gap  66  by further withdrawing first tilt cord  70  using cord retention device  36   a . As discussed previously, first guide  60  and rearward guide  160  slide inwardly  90  and outwardly  94  along axle  40  as blind slat  50  is tilted in clockwise and counter-clockwise directions, respectively. 
         [0066]    In some embodiments, head rail  12  further comprises an eyelet  190  which is coupled to the top surface of head rail  12  at a generally centered position across the width of head rail  12 , as shown in  FIGS. 3A and 3B . Eyelet  190  may comprise any structure or design that is capable of controlling the position of tilt cords  70  and  180  within head rail  12 . For example, eyelet  190  may include a cord guide, a pulley, a retainer, a post, a pin, a grommet, a stringer, a hook, a loop, a tube, or a similarly compatible structure. 
         [0067]    In some instances, eyelet  190  comprises an opening through which first and second tilt cords  70  and  180  are threaded prior to being supported or contacting the cord support element, such as guides  60  and  160 . The position of eyelet  190  on head rail  12  determines the relative alignment of blind slats  50  when rotated to a closed position. For example, if eyelet  190  is centrally positioned on head rail  12 , then blind slats  50  will align centrally under head rail  12  when rotated to a closed position. If eyelet  190  is positioned adjacent to front edge  18  or rear edge  20 , blind slats  50  will align proximate to front edge  18  or rear edge  20 , respectively. 
         [0068]    Prior to being rotated into a closed position, the rigid nature of blind slats  50  causes first and second guides to be held in proximal and distal positions with a space between the guides that is approximately equal to the width of blind slats  50 , as shown in  FIG. 3A . The central location of eyelet  190  provides central alignment of blind slats under head rail  12  when in an opened position. Further, when blind slats  50  are rotated to a closed position, blind slats  50  are aligned centrally beneath head rail  12 , as shown in  FIG. 3B . Accordingly, proximal, distal or central alignment of blind slats  50  may be accomplished by selecting the position of eyelet  190 . Eyelet  190  further permits the first ends of first and second tilt cords  70  and  180  to exit head rail  12  at any position without altering the alignment of blind slats  50  in open or closed positions. 
         [0069]    Referring now to  FIG. 4 , a perspective top view of window covering  100  is shown. Generally, tilt cords  70  and  180  pass through head rail  12  via an opening  22 . In some embodiments, first lift cord  70  passes through head rail  12  via a first opening, and rear tilt cord  180  passes through head rail  12  via a second opening (not shown). Further, in some embodiments window covering  100  comprises a lift cord  120  having a middle portion  122  that passes through an opening  24  in each blind slat. A bottom rail  150  is coupled to a terminal end  124  of lift cord  120 . As lift cord  120  is withdrawn in distal direction  96 , the bottom rail  150  is lifted by lift cord  120  to gather the blind slats to a final position that is proximate to bottom surface  16  of head rail  12 , as is commonly accomplished on traditional horizontal blind window coverings. 
         [0070]    In some embodiments, window covering  100  further comprises a second axle  140  that is configured to assist the movement of lift cord  120 . Window covering  100  may further include a third opening (not shown) to facilitate passage of lift cord  120  through head rail  12 . In other embodiments, second axle  140  is position proximate to opening  22  to permit passage of lift cord  120  through opening  22 . 
         [0071]    In some embodiments, window covering  100  further includes a cord support comprising a grommet  200  that is fitted into opening  22  to prevent contact between cords  70 ,  180  and  120 , and head rail  12 , as shown in  FIGS. 5A and 5B . Grommet  200  may comprise any compatible material. In some embodiments grommet  200  comprises a nylon, metal, plastic polymer or Teflon® material. 
         [0072]    Grommet  200  is provided in place of the axle and guides of the previous embodiments. Accordingly, grommet  200  may be incorporated into any of the previous embodiments or other adaptations of the present invention, within the purview of one having ordinary skill in the art. By eliminating the axles and guides of the previous embodiments, grommet  200  allows cords  70  and  180  to completely close and contact each other when blind slats  50  are rotated or pivoted to a closed position. Further, grommet  200  provides a simplified blind closure system that may be desirable to reduce costs associated with manufacturing window covering  100 . 
         [0073]    Referring now to  FIGS. 6A and 6B , in some embodiments a head rail  300  is provided comprising a plurality of openings  322 , each opening being configured to receive and permit passage of a tilt cord through the head rail. In some instances, pivoting of blind slat  50  is accomplished as tilt cord  180  is released or lengthened while the position of tilt cord  70  remains constant. In some embodiments, tilt cord  70  is further shortened to reduce a distance between blind slat  50  and head rail  300 . Further, in some instances pivoting of blind slat  50  is accomplished as tilt cords  70  and  180  are simultaneously adjusted in opposing directions. 
         [0074]    Upon complete release of tilt cord  180 , blind slat  50  is permitted to hang from tilt cord  70  in a generally vertical position, as shown in  FIG. 6C . Tilt cord  180  assumes a flaccid state and branches diagonally from the distal opening to blind slat  50  which is generally positioned under the proximal side of head rail  300 . In some instances, each opening comprises a grommet  200  which is provided to protect tilt cords  70  and  180  as they pass through their respective openings. Tilting of blind slat  50  in a clockwise direction may be accomplished by reversing the movement of the tilt cords, i.e. shortening tilt cord  180  while simultaneously lengthening tilt cord  70 . Head rail  300  may further include an axle  40  and guides  60  to further facilitate movement of tilt cords  70  and  180 . 
         [0075]    In some embodiments, a head rail  400  is provided which comprises an eyelet  450  that is configured to assist movement of guide  60   a  in distal direction  90  when pivoting blind slat  50  from a closed configuration to an open configuration, as shown in  FIGS. 7A-7D . Eyelet  450  is positioned on head rail  400  at a position between opening  22  and the cord retention devices (not shown). Eyelet  450  is generally positioned at the distal side of head rail  400 . Tilt cord  80  passes through eyelet  450  prior to exiting head rail  400  via opening  22 . 
         [0076]    Upon releasing tilt cord  180  from its respective cord retention device, the distal edge of blind slat  50  is rotated in a counter-clockwise direction thereby causing guide  60   a  to slide in proximal direction  92 , as shown in  FIG. 7D . As tilt cord  180  is pulled, eyelet  450  assists in moving or directing guide  60   a  in distal direction  90 , thereby reducing the amount of force required to retract or shorten tilt cord  180 . Some embodiments further comprise a second eyelet  452  that is intended for use with tilt cord  70  in a similar manner to eyelet  450  and tilt cord  180 . Thus, clockwise and counter-clockwise closure of blind slat  50  may be accomplished with minimal pulling force. 
         [0077]    Referring now to  FIG. 8 , a top view of a head rail  500  is shown having a blind slat in a closed configuration. In some embodiments, center alignment of a closed blind slat may be accomplished by passing tilt cords  70  and  180  through eyelets  536  that are located on opposite sides of head rail  500  at a distance  560  from opening  22  and axle  40 . Distance  560  may include any distance that permits guides  60  naturally draw center when blind slat  50  is pivoted to a closed position. Distance  560  will vary based upon the characteristics of blind slat  50 . For example, the weight and width of blind slat  50 , as well as the overall weight of the blinds and bottom rail may allow for a shorter or longer distance  560  between eyelets  536  and opening  22 . 
         [0078]    It is underscored that the present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments herein should be deemed only as illustrative.

Technology Category: 0