Flexible or portable closure – partition – or panel – Pleating type
Reexamination Certificate
1999-05-06
2001-07-10
Johnson, Blair M. (Department: 3634)
Flexible or portable closure, partition, or panel
Pleating type
C160S084040, C160S264000
Reexamination Certificate
active
06257300
ABSTRACT:
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a roman shade fold forming batten.
BACKGROUND TO THE INVENTION
Traditionally roman shades have been formed by providing integrally located transverse battens at predetermined distances down a length of material. By attaching drawing cords to the material or battens it is possible to give the appearance of discrete lengths of material which can be drawn successively. This is essential to the roman shade style of window covering.
However the traditional roman shade is very labour intensive to manufacture. It requires the formation of batten pockets and stitching to connect the cords. As such roman shades are usually manufactured in standard drops designed for the more common window length.
When the drop of a window is unconventional it is necessary to have the roman shade especially made. This is expensive and there are significant delays in the delivery times of such shades.
Accordingly it is an object of the present invention to simplify the manufacture of roman shades.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
According to one form of the invention a roman shade fold forming batten comprising
(a) retaining means having (i) a front portion to receive and releasably retain a fold of material formed transversely in a length of material and (ii) a rear portion; and
(b) suspension mounting means having (i) a first end connected to at least one predetermined location on the rear portion of the retaining means and (ii) a second end remote from the first end having an aperture formed therein to receive the suspension means.
In a first preferred embodiment of the invention, the suspension means has a first end which is a removable clip. Preferably the suspension means has a second end which is a ring defining the aperture and having an internal diameter substantially greater than the diameter of the suspension means passing through the ring.
In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the retaining means is an elongated member having at least one longitudinal open mouthed cavity to receive and releasably retain the fold of material. Typically the open mouth of the or each cavity has a width approximately equal to the width of the fold of material.
In a further preferred embodiment, the retaining means further comprises locking means to retain the fold of material in the or each cavity. Typically the locking means comprises at least one locking member locatable in the or each cavity and sandwiching the fold of material between the locking member and the or each cavity. Preferably the or each locking member has a cross-sectional profile which approximates the cross-sectional profile of the or each cavity. For example the cross-section may be circular.
Preferably the suspension mounting means is a clip or ring to receive the suspension means.
With this type of batten it is possible to quickly and easily manufacture the roman shade or provide a kit for doing so. It is also possible for consumers to create such a shade themselves without specialist assistance.
REFERENCES:
patent: 5273096 (1993-12-01), Thomsen et al.
patent: 5862850 (1999-01-01), Yang
patent: 74080/91 (1991-10-01), None
patent: 296 09 273 U1 (1996-10-01), None
patent: 0 482 794 A1 (1992-04-01), None
patent: 0 518 761 A1 (1992-12-01), None
patent: 2 283 278 (1976-03-01), None
patent: 1436957 (1976-05-01), None
patent: 283924 (1996-08-01), None
patent: WO 90/15913 (1990-12-01), None
patent: WO 97/32105 (1997-09-01), None
Frenchick Grady J.
Johnson Blair M.
Michael & Best & Friedrich LLP
Sbriggs PTY LTD
LandOfFree
Roman shade fold forming batten does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this patent.
If you have personal experience with Roman shade fold forming batten, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Roman shade fold forming batten will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFUS-PAI-O-2521757