Customizable row assembly and method of manufacturing a window covering

Abstract

A customizable width panel and anchor member for a window covering. The panel is customizable in width and preferably comprises a plurality of spaced openings along a longitudinal portion thereof. The anchor member, which is restrainedly positionable with a control member has a selectable width and is restrainedly positioned with the longitudinal portion of the panel.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION [0001] This invention relates to a customizable row assembly and method of manufacturing a window covering. More particularly, this invention relates to panel and anchor members for rows in a window covering that may be customized in size to fit a variety of window spaces. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0002] Decorative window coverings are popular items for providing privacy and blocking light. These window coverings take on various forms, such as Roman shades, Venetian blinds, vertical blinds, honeycomb shades, and the like. Typically, window coverings include a panel or plurality of rows of panels that cover an opening, which are connected to an adjustment mechanism in a headrail with one or more control members, such as cords. [0003] For example, one popular type of window covering is known as a Roman shade. This type of shade consists of a fabric material suspended along its top edge from a head rail and is gathered at spaced intervals to provide ...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0012] The anchor members can be configured in various different manners. In several embodiments, the anchor members can include interconnected tube and rod members. These tube and rod members can be secured in position with one another by frictional engagement, threaded engagement, or the like. The width of the anchor members which preferably extends across all or most of the width of the panel may be are selected by sliding the tube over the rod to shorten the overall width, or by threading the tube onto the rod. Alternatively, the anchor members may be adjusted by trimming portions of the tube. In another embodiment, the anchor member can be formed from a plurality of elongated members, such as rods, operatively connected by a mounting sleeve. The overall width of the elongated members can be adjusted by sliding one member relative to another. In yet another embodiment, the anchor member may be formed of a trimmable material, such that adjustment of the anchor member is accomplished by cutting. Anchor members can also be provided in various stock widths, such that the appropriate width anchor members are selected and utilized. To further facilitate the shortening of the anchor member, scoring lines may be provided to aid in cutting or breaking of the extra width. It should be noted that for the sake of consistency in terminology, the foregoing description of the width of the anchor member denotes the axial measure of the anchor member.

[0013] The plurality of spaced openings enables stock widths of panels for window coverings to be sold that can be easily narrowed to custom widths at the point of sale or by the customer. Alternatively, an entire roll of panel material can be provided and appropriate mounting widths, i.e., the size of panel for a particular window space, cut as desired. The plurality of spaced openings enables stock widths of panels to be narrowed or a desired width of material to be selected from a fabric roll, and the control members of the window covering to be restrainedly positioned with the panels through whichever one of the spaced openings corresponds to the control hardware found in the headrail of the window covering. For example, a head rail may have hardware that suspends a pair of control cords from positions 5 inches from opposite edges of the head rail. A stock width panel can be trimmed to fit within the window space and secured with the control cords at the openings positioned approximately 5 inches from the edges of the panel.

[0014] In the case of stock width panels, narrowing the width of the panels may be accomplished in a number of ways. One method is to trim the extra width of material with shears or other mechanical cutting implement. Another is to fold excess material over the main portion of the panel and adhere the folded over material to the main portion. Yet another alternative is to include perforations extending from top to bottom across the panel that enable easy and controlled tearing of marginal portions of the panel. The same trimming or cutting methods may be employed where the panel material is provided as a roll of fabric.

[0015] One particular advantage of such a row of a window covering is that stock widths of panels or an entire roll of material and anchor members may be obtained, and rather than requiring the customer to place an order for special width panels and anchor members and wait for their completion, the widths of the panels and anchor members can be customized quickly at the store or by the customer at home. It should be noted that rather than customize the anchor members a supply of anchor members of various widths can be provided such that no trimming of the anchor members is required. Instead, suitable width anchor members may be chosen. As such, selecting the suitable anchor member can be done by adjusting the width of an anchor member or simply choosing an appropriate width anchor member. It should be noted that the width of the anchor member does not necessarily have to exactly or even substantially match the width of the panel.

[0016] The present invention is particularly advantageous in that it allows easy replacement of rows of a window covering. For example, if a panel of a window covering requires replacement due to damage, wear, or staining, an appropriate width of panel may be purchased and installed into the existing window covering without requiring a special order for the replacement. Other advantages are readily apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art.

Problems solved by technology

With any of the aforementioned window coverings, a problem that exists is a result of the fact that window spaces come in many different widths.

This custom process requires a substantial amount of time to custom build blinds for each particular window because an order must be placed with a retailer, which then sends the customer order to the manufacturer for assembly of the blind.

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