Flexible or portable closure – partition – or panel – Plural and/or with rigid closure – Diverse types
Reexamination Certificate
2000-03-24
2001-02-27
Lev, Bruce A. (Department: 3634)
Flexible or portable closure, partition, or panel
Plural and/or with rigid closure
Diverse types
C160S17810V, C160S232000, C160S236000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06192961
ABSTRACT:
STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT
Not Applicable
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
(1) Field of the Invention.
This invention relates to window coverings, and more particularly, to a removable slipcover for window blinds.
(2) Description of Related Art including information disclosed under 37 CFR 1.97 and 37 CFR 1.98.
The use of decorative blinds and shades to cover windows is well known. Examples of Roman style shades and Venetian, louvered, horizontal and vertical blinds and the like are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,988,254; 5,787,951; 5,765,620; 5,566,735; 5,533,559 5,313,998; 5,129,440; 4,928,743; 4,921,032; 4,899,796; and 4,542,602.
When a homeowner desires to change the aesthetic appearance of preexisting louvered blinds and shades, the choices are limited. The prior art means to change the appearance of louvered blinds includes the use of multiple decorative covers for each individual louver. Typically, these covers are reusable cloth or plastic sheaths and decals. Examples of these covers are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,775,399; 5,655,589; 5,271,447; and 4,911,220.
There are no known prior art teachings of a means for substantially changing the appearance of a louvered blind to a shade. In addition, the prior art requires the user to repeat the tedious process of changing individual slat covers and decals each time a new look, design, or seasonal decoration is desired. The present invention provides a means for rapidly and inexpensively changing the appearance of preexisting blinds without impeding the operation of the blind, and permits easy removal for hassle free seasonal decoration, cleaning and maintenance.
BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The present invention is a removable slipcover for altering the appearance of preexisting window blinds and shades such as horizontal louvered blinds. The slipcover includes a tubular body section having front and back panels. The panels are joined together at the sides and top. In one embodiment, the panels may be detachably joined with a fastener such as velcro. The slipcover further includes a means for permitting access to the mounting hardware on the upper member of the window blind and a means for securing the tubular body section to the window blind, proximal to the blind's bottom member.
In one embodiment, the means for securing the tubular body proximal to the bottom of the blind includes an aperture in each panel and a retaining tab. When installed, the retaining tab is threaded through the apertures, wrapped around a bottom section of the blind and fastened. In one aspect, the retaining tab includes a button and buttonhole at distal ends. In another aspect, the retaining tab is a decorative cord.
In another embodiment, the means for securing the tubular body to the bottom of the blind includes a hidden retaining mechanism attached to the interior surface of the cover, proximal to the bottom of the front and back panels. In one aspect, the retaining mechanism is a plastic ring sewn on each panel, and a string threaded through each ring, tied around the bottom member of the blind.
In yet another embodiment of the invention, the means for permitting access to the mounting hardware of the upper member includes at least two apertures in the back panel of the tubular body, proximal to the top and sides. In still another embodiment, the top of the tubular body includes diagonal corners which form apertures proximal to the top of the body when the sides and top are joined.
In still another embodiment of the invention, the front panel includes at least one aperture for permitting access to an operating mechanism such as a draw cord for raising and lowering the blind and a tilt wand for opening and closing the louvers.
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Catlett Charlotte W.
Lev Bruce A.
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