Vertical shade

Abstract

A window covering or shade for selectively covering, uncovering and providing a light filtering position where visibility is substantially blocked but light is allowed to enter therethrough. The window covering may include, among other components, a head rail and a unitary sheet of material. The window covering is preferably substantially constructed of a supple or non-rigid material.

Description

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to window coverings, and more specifically to vertical window shades that do not utilize louvers and/or vanes to control light transmission.

There are many different types of window coverings and treatments for use in all types of settings. The particular aim of these different window coverings may vary depending upon the setting or the desires of the individual persons dressing their windows. For example, commercial settings that include rather larger windows may require an easy to use window covering for shading light during the more sun intensive periods of the day. Typically, large Venetian blinds or large vertical blinds are utilized in this situation. However, other settings, such as residential homes, having ornate decoration schemes, may require coverings suited to the particular decor of the home. Window coverings including soft and supple fabrics are often employed in this latter situation.

One type of window covering often used in more decorative settings is a curtain assembly. Generally, these types of window coverings include at least two curtain panels constructed of either a translucent or a substantially opaque fabric material coupled to a curtain rod. When closed, the panels may substantially cover the window opening, and when open, the panels are typically disposed on either side of the window. The open position typically allows for both full visibility through the window and full entry of light from the outside. Thus, there is typically no light filtering stage whereby the curtains may be situated to allow at least some light to enter through the covering, while at least partially blocking out visibility. Such an intermediate stage has typically hereto for only been provided by less aesthetically pleasing window coverings. Further, the installation of such curtain assemblies generally requires the mounting of a suitable curtain rod and the fixing of curtain panels thereto, and, the opening and closing of such a design often requires that each curtain panel be moved individually. Thus, there are significant drawbacks related to such designs.

Due to the above drawbacks, less aesthetically pleasing window coverings, such as standard Venetian blind assemblies, are widely utilized to provide total covering or uncovering of windows, as well as the above discussed intermediate stages of covering. For example, certain Venetian blind assemblies, as well as similar vertical blind assemblies, are known that include the use of sheer material in addition to the standard rigid vanes typically present in such coverings. Typically, this sheer material is attached to at least two rigid vanes or slats. This type of design allows for the coverings to completely cover and completely uncover a window, as well as provide a light filtering position that substantially reduces visibility through the window while allowing for light to enter. However, as of yet, the prior art designs have only been limited to designs that include rigid vanes or the like, thereby decreasing the overall aesthetic design of the window covering.

Therefore, there exists a need for a window covering assembly that allows for the versatility in the selective covering of windows, and provides a highly aesthetically pleasing design.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A first aspect of the present invention is a window covering for selectively covering and uncovering a window. The window covering preferably includes a headrail and a unitary sheet of material suspended vertically from the headrail. The unitary sheet preferably is configured so as to define at least two soft vane sections and at least one portion therebetween. The soft vane sections are preferably rotatable between a first position substantially parallel to the window, and a second position substantially perpendicular to the window. The portion is preferably substantially curved when the soft vane sections are in the second position.

Another embodiment of the present invention is another window covering. The window covering according to this embodiment includes a headrail and a unitary sheet of material suspended vertically from the headrail. The unitary sheet is preferably configured to define at least two soft vane sections and at least one non-rigid portion therebetween. The soft vane sections are preferably capable of traversing or translational movement between a closed position where the window is substantially covered by the unitary sheet and an open position where the window is substantially uncovered by the unitary sheet. The soft vane sections are also preferably capable of rotational movement between a first position where the covering at least partially blocks both visibility and light conducted through the window and a second position where the covering at least partially blocks visibility through the window and at least partially allows for light to be conducted therethrough. The window covering, according to this embodiment, preferably does not include a rigid vane.

Another embodiment of the present invention is yet another window covering. The window covering according to this embodiment of the present invention includes a headrail and a plurality of unitary sheets of material suspended vertically from the headrail. Each of the unitary sheets are preferably configured to define at least two soft vane sections and a portion therebetween. The soft vane sections are preferably rotatable between a first position substantially parallel to the window, and a second position substantially perpendicular to the window. The portions are preferably substantially curved when the soft vane sections are in the second position.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the subject matter of the present invention and the various advantages thereof can be realized by reference to the following detailed description in which reference is made to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a window covering assembly according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a light filtering position.

FIG. 2 is a plan view of a headrail portion of the window covering according to an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a plan view of a sheet material portion of the window covering, in an unassembled state.

FIG. 4 is a front perspective view of the sheet material portion of FIG. 3 in an assembled state.

FIG. 5 is a rear perspective view of the sheet material portion of FIG. 4.

FIG. 6 is a cross sectional plan view of a portion of the sheet material portion attached to a portion of the headrail portion.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the window covering of FIG. 1, in a closed position.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the window covering of FIG. 1, in an open position.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of an assembled sheet material portion according to a window covering of another embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a plan view of an unassembled individual sheet for use in the sheet material portion shown in FIG. 9.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of a quick connect stem for use with certain embodiments of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of a quick connect hem bar for use with the quick connect stem shown in FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a plan view of a headrail portion of the window covering employing the quick connect stem shown in FIG. 11.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing the preferred embodiments of the subject matter illustrated and to be described with respect to the drawings, specific terminology will be used for the sake of clarity. However, the invention is not intended to be limited to any specific terms used herein, and it is to be understood that each specific term includes all technical equivalents which operate in a similar manner to accomplish a similar purpose.

Referring to the drawings, wherein like reference numerals refer to like elements, there is shown in FIG. 1, in accordance with various embodiments of the present invention, a window covering or shade designated generally by reference numeral 10. In a preferred embodiment, window covering assembly 10 is a vertical shade and includes a headrail portion 12 and a sheet material portion 14. It is noted that the various functions of window covering assembly or shade 10 provides the ability to move between a closed position where the covering substantially covers a window, an open or traversed position where the covering substantially uncovers a window and a position where the window covering at least partially blocks visibility through a window while allowing light to enter therethrough. This latter position will be referred to throughout as a light filtering position and is achieved through the rotation of certain elements of covering 10. Essentially, the light filtering position prevents clear view through window covering 10, but does allow for a large amount of light to beam through. Thus, the benefit of a sunny day may be enjoyed while still maintaining a substantial level of privacy. It is also noted that covering 10 may also be situated such that material portion 14 extends across different amounts of a window.

Headrail portion 12 may be any headrail known in the art that is capable of providing for both traversing and rotational motion to portions of sheet material portion 14 of the vertical shade. Prior art headrails are well known for achieving such operation. For example, suitable headrails are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,214,622, 4,316,493, 5,894,877, 6,755,230 and 6,786,269, the disclosures of which are hereby incorporated by reference herein. Nevertheless, a simplified preferred headrail 12 is shown in FIG. 2. Headrail 12 includes, among other components which are not shown, a housing 16 for supporting and accommodating the various components of the headrail, a wand 18 connected to the other components of the headrail by rotatable extension 20, and a plurality of stems 22 for capturing at least a portion of sheet material portion 14. Wand 18 and extension 20 are capable of traversing or translational movement, as well as rotational movement. Similarly, stems 22 are also capable of traversing and rotational movement, imparted upon them by operation of wand 18. As shown in FIG. 2, traversing movement of wand 18 in a direction depicted by arrow A and rotational movement of wand 18 in a direction depicted by arrow B will necessarily move extension 20 and stems 22 in the same directions. Similarly, movement of wand 18 is the opposite directions will cause extension 20 and stems 22 to move in these opposite directions. Essentially, as will be further discussed below, the traversing movement of wand 18 allows for the selective covering or uncovering of a window by sheet material portion 14 (i.e. movement of covering 10 between the closed position and the open position), while the rotational movement of wand 18 allows for the varying of the amount of light through portion 14 (i.e. movement of covering 10 into and out of the light filtering position).

FIG. 2 visualizes the very basic components of a preferred headrail 12 for providing the manipulation of portion 14 in accordance with the present invention. It is noted however, that other components, which are not shown, may be necessary, but may vary in different embodiments. For example, the above incorporated patents disclose several headrails suitable for use with the present invention. As discussed and shown in certain of those patents, the headrail may further include gear assemblies, tracks and other components. It is envisioned that such may be used in conjunction with the present invention. Additionally, while FIG. 2 shows specific preferred components, it is contemplated to vary each of them. For example, stems 22 may be of any size or configuration in order to connect portion 14 to headrail 12. Similarly, it is also contemplated to provide a cord assembly as opposed to wand 18. Such cord assemblies are also well known to those of ordinary skill in the art. For example, a single continuous cord or the like would be operated to impart traversing movement to portion 14, while another continuous cord or the like would be operated to impart rotational movement.

Sheet material portion 14, in accordance with a first preferred embodiment, is more particularly shown in FIGS. 3, 4 and 5. As best shown in FIG. 3, portion 14 is constructed of a single sheet of material 30 having an alternating pattern of relatively opaque or vane sections 32 and relatively sheer sections 34. Opaque sections 32 further include a first opaque panel 32a and a second opaque panel 32b separated by a fold line 33. Sheer sections 34 are disposed between two opaque sections 32, such that one side of the sheer section is connected to panel 32b of a first opaque section 32 and the other side of the sheer section is connected to panel 32a of a second opaque section 32. Preferably, the connection between sheer section 34 and the respective panels is similar to fold line 33, albeit preferably not as sharply defined. In the preferred construction, sheet portion 14 includes several opaque sections 32 and sheer sections 34. However, it is contemplated to provide any number of such areas, as well as to vary the dimensions of such areas. Thus, the size and configuration of sheet portion 14 may be varied accordingly.

It is contemplated that the construction of sheet of material 30 may include, among other designs, providing a continuous sheet of opaque material and thereafter removing stitches or the like to provide sheer sections. Thus, the sheer sections would preferably have a lower thread count than the opaque sections. Alternatively, it is also contemplated to provide individual opaque and sheer sections that are bonded together to form a continuous sheet 30. Yet another mode of manufacturing a suitable sheet of material 30 includes weaving a fabric with alternating shear and opaque sections. In this method, sections of the continuous sheet may be weaved to include a higher thread count and thus be more opaque, while sections in between may be weaved to include a lower thread count and thus be more sheer.

A fully constructed sheet portion 14 is shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. To achieve this fully assembled state, panels 32a and 32b of each opaque section 32 are folded along fold line 33. This necessarily creates a single opaque section 32 of fabric having a double panel construction. In a preferred embodiment, panels 32a and 32b of each opaque section 32 may be ultrasonically welded, glued or otherwise attached together in this fully assembled state. For example, as best shown in FIG. 5, each combination of panels 32a and 32b, which make up opaque section 32, may be ultrasonically welded along weld lines 36, 38, 40 and 42. In the embodiment shown in the figure, these weld lines are each L-shaped, with two extending along the top portion and opposing sides and two extending along the bottom portion and opposing sides. Thus, weld lines 36 and 38 create a pocket 44 along the top of opaque section 32, and weld lines 40 and 42 create a pocket 46 along the bottom of opaque section 32. Also in the fully assembled state, sheer sections 34 extend between each double paneled opaque section 32. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the opaque sections are preferably disposed and spaced with respect to each other so as to cause sheer sections 34 to retain a curved, semi-circular or scalloped shape, when in the light filtering position. Typically, the size and shape of the various sections dictate the configuration required to provide the scalloped appearance of window covering 10. Finally, it is also contemplated that the construction of portion 14 may include, as shown in FIG. 5, end sections 47 that are curved sections at either end of portion 14. These sections may be created by folding specifically designed opaque sections or the like. End sections 47 provide for a more aesthetically pleasing shape to be presented on either side of portion 14. While it is contemplated that various other configurations of the weld lines, as well as the opaque and sheer sections, may be employed, the configuration shown in the figures will be further discussed below. However, in other embodiments in accordance with the present invention, it is also envisioned that sheet portion 14 may be constructed of a sheet of material (or multiple sheets of material as will be discussed below) that do not include fold lines or the like. Rather, in these embodiments, the tops and bottoms of the different sections of these sheets may be bonded by any means, like that discussed above with regard to weld lines 36, 38, 40 and 42 without relying upon a fold line to define the different sections. Such a configuration may provide different finished properties than those including folds.

FIG. 6 depicts a cross sectional view of a single opaque section 32, in the aforementioned fully assembled state. As shown in the figure, pockets 44 and 46 are configured to capture and hold a hem bar 48 and a weight 50, respectively. Essentially, the L-shaped configuration of weld lines 36 and 38 prevent hem bar 48 from being pulled away from portion 14, and the similar configuration of weld lines 40 and 42 prevent weight 50 from falling from portion 14. In the embodiment shown, hem bar 48 is a rigid rectangular portion, preferably being constructed of a polymeric or metallic material. Hem bar 48 provides a rigid connection between opaque sections 32 and stems 22 of headrail 12. As shown in FIG. 6, hem bar 48 may include an aperture or the like 49 for receiving a portion of stem 22. This ensures a relatively fixable connection between the components. Further, hem bar 48 may also cause the double panel construction of each opaque section 32 to retain a substantially similar shape. For example, the rectangular shaped hem bar shown in the drawing will cause each opaque section 32 to retain a straight shape along its width. However, it is contemplated to provide other shaped hem bars for causing the opaque sections to conform thereto.

In a similar fashion, weight 50 is retained in the bottom pocket 46. In a preferred embodiment, like that of hem bar 48, weight 50 is preferably of a rectangular shape and is preferably constructed of a relatively dense or heavy material, so as to cause each opaque section 32 to extend in a straight fashion from headrail 12. This provides a uniform length across portion 14, which is aesthetically pleasing and desirable. It is noted that depending upon the type of material utilized in portion 14, heavier or lighter weights 50 may be usable. Further, it is also contemplated that the present invention may utilize specific configurations that do not require such weights. For example, it is contemplated to provide a sheet material portion 14 constructed of a material that would not require a weight or the like to be placed in a bottom pocket 46, in order to force such a straight extension. Additionally, it is also contemplated to insert a substantially rigid vane between pockets 44 and 46 created in opaque section 32. In this type of design, a first end of a rigid vane would be inserted into pocket 44 and a second opposite end would be inserted into pocket 46. The rigid vane would extend along the length of opaque section 32, and may provide further light blocking capabilities, as well as provide further rigidity to sheet 30.

As mentioned above, window covering 10 is useful in selectively covering and uncovering a window. FIG. 1 best shows window covering 10 in the aforementioned light filtering position suitable for blurring visibility through a window, while allowing for light to enter therethrough. Here, opaque sections 32 of sheet material portion 14 are disposed substantially perpendicular to a window surface and sheer areas 34. In this position, sheet material portion 14 is connected to headrail 12 in order to appropriately space each opaque section 32 so that sheer sections 34 are capable of retaining a substantially curved or scalloped outward shape. This configuration allows for sheer sections 34 to be the portions which extend in a substantially parallel direction across the window surface. The sheer nature of these areas allows for light to be conducted therethrough, while visibility is, at the very least, substantially blurred. It is noted that the amount of visibility, as well as the amount of light conductance depends upon the particular material utilized. For example, certain materials may be utilized that are more or less sheer in nature.

FIG. 7, depicts window covering 10 in the aforementioned closed position, thereby substantially covering a window. To achieve this position, wand 18 is rotated completely in either the direction depicted by arrow B, or completely in the opposite direction. In this position, opaque sections 32 are rotated so that they are disposed substantially parallel to a window surface. Sheer sections 34 are, in turn, folded over such that portion 14 provides at least three layers of material at all positions thereon. Depending upon the direction in which wand 18 is rotated, sheer sections 34 may fold to the left or right. Clearly, depending upon the material utilized, providing a covering consisting of three layers may substantially block both light and visibility through the window.

Finally, FIG. 8 depicts the aforementioned opened position. Here, wand is translated or traversed in the direction of arrow A shown in FIG. 2, such that a window may be substantially uncovered, thus allowing for both complete visibility and light to enter therethrough. In a preferred embodiment, wand 18 and portion 14 are capable of being translated to the position shown in FIG. 8 beginning from either the closed position or the light filtering position. In this opened position, stems 22 are moved in either the left or right direction such that they bunch up next to each other. Clearly, the material of portion 14 is designed so that it also bunches up into and around either side. Depending on the length of headrail 12, a small portion of a window may still be covered, as stems 22 and portion 14 can only move so far. However, it is contemplated to provide a headrail that extends in a direction either left or right of the width of a window, thereby allowing stems 22 and portion 14 to gather there and allowing for the complete uncovering of the window. It is contemplated that wand 18 and portion 14 may be translated to positions between the aforementioned opened and closed position, thereby providing a portions of the window covered and uncovered by portion 14.

In addition to the above, other embodiments of the present invention are envisioned. For example, instead of providing a sheet material portion 14 (as shown in FIG. 5) consisting of both opaque sections 32 and sheer sections 34, it is contemplated to provide window covering 10 having portion 14 consisting entirely of a single material (i.e.—either an opaque material, a sheer material, or a material therebetween). In such a design, the above discussed construction would still adhere, as would the above described operation. However, it is noted that depending upon the material chosen, the amount of light filtered out by the covering will vary. For example, a window covering 10 having a portion 14 constructed of substantially opaque material would block much of the light shining through a window, in all positions, while a covering 10 having a portion 14 constructed of substantially sheer material would allow some light to shine through the covering in all positions. Certain materials having an intermediate level of opacity would allow a portion 14 constructed entirely of such material to allow for light to enter while in the light filtering position, but where substantially all light would be blocked while in the closed position. Preferably, the material being folded into three layers, in the covered position would provide just enough light blocking to substantially cover the window. Nevertheless, it is noted that even a portion 14 being constructed of substantially sheer material may become a substantially opaque portion 14 in the closed position. For example, in the closed position, multiple layers of sheer material may be folded upon one another to form a substantially light blocking opaque section. It is also contemplated to provide a portion 14 that includes sections, either opaque or sheer, that include prints, burnouts or other designs incorporated thereon. Such designs may include any indicia, which may or may not aid in blocking or allowing light to shine therethrough. It is also contemplated to provide a portion 14 having a sheet of material with printing or painting in order to achieve the same effects. Such may also allow for more aesthetically pleasing designs or the like on sheet of material 30.

Yet another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIGS. 9 and 10. Essentially, this embodiment includes, as an alternative to a single continuous sheet of material 30, several individual sheets 130. Each individual sheet 130 includes a single sheer section 134 flanked on either side by a substantially opaque sections 132 (best shown in FIG. 10). In the fully constructed state shown in FIG. 9, these individual sheets 130 are arranged so as to have a general U-shape when in the light filtering position. As described above with respect to the continuous sheet embodiment, this multiple sheet embodiment includes a similar construction and operation. For example, each of the individual sheets 130 are arranged so that they may move between a closed position (upon complete rotation of a wand or the like), an opened position (upon traversing movement of a wand or the like), and a light filtering position. These positions are similar to those discussed above, as is the operation of the window covering.

In certain embodiments, adjacent opaque sections 132 may be ultrasonically welded or the like, as described above in the first embodiment. For example, similar L-shaped welds may be provided between adjacent opaque sections to create a top pocket and a bottom pocket, like that described above. Such pockets may similarly be utilized to capture a hem bar, weight or the like. Nonetheless, each sheet 130 would preferably remain unconnected along a substantial portion of its length. It is also envisioned to only ultrasonically weld either a top or bottom portion of adjacent opaque sections 132. Similarly, it is clearly envisioned to allow each sheet 130 to remain unconnected to an adjacent sheet. Further, it is also contemplated that in this embodiment, a full length rigid vane (not shown) may be introduced between adjacent opaque sections 132, such that a first end of the vane extends into the top pocket and a second end of the vane extends into the bottom pocket. These vanes may provide further light or visibility blocking capabilities. In addition, as discussed above, it is similarly contemplated to provide sheets 130 that are comprised of a single material, without individual opaque and sheer sections.

All of the above discussed embodiments of the present invention offer the consumer a highly aesthetically pleasing design with the ease and variation of operation of a standard window covering assembly. Essentially, the present invention provides the user with the benefits of both curtain assemblies and blind assemblies. One such benefit not discussed heretofore is the fact that, in addition to the aforementioned blind assembly-like operation of covering 10, it is also possible to utilize the covering in association with standard drapery hardware hold-backs. These hold-backs are well known in the art, and are typically utilized to pull and hold opposing panels of a curtain assembly or the like to opposing sides of a window frame. In accordance with the present invention, the supple nature of sheet material portion 14 allows for such to be pulled to the side of a window frame and held by a hold-back or the like. In situations where individual sheets 130 are utilized, it is possible to pull certain of the U-shaped sheets to one side while other of the sheets is pulled to the other side. Clearly, this adds versatility to the already versatile design.

FIGS. 11 and 12 depict a quick connection assembly for use in connecting portion 14 to headrail 12, in certain embodiments. As shown in FIG. 11, a male portion 200 is utilized in the place of the above described stems 22. As shown in FIG. 12, a female portion 202 is utilized in the place of the aforementioned hem bars 48. Essentially, the structure of this quick connect device is similar to that shown in U.S. Design Pat. No. 343,144, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein. However, male portion 200 has been modified to include a gear portion 204, for cooperating with the above mentioned other components of headrail 12, and female portion 202 has been modified to include a hem bar body 206 (preferably similarly to the above mentioned hem bar 48) for cooperating with a pocket 44 or the like. In operation, upon insertion of male portion 200 into female portion 202, legs 208 and 210 (and more particularly offsets 208a and 210a of legs 208 and 210 respectively) are captured by deflectable plate 212 of female portion 202. This provides the means for attachment between male portion 200 and female portion 202. In order to separate the two portions, button 214 of female portion 202 is actuated to apply a force to finger 216 of male portion 200. This in turn deflects plate 212, and allows offsets 208a and 210a to be released. Thus, male portion 200 can be removed from female portion 202.

The aforementioned quick connection assembly is useful in allowing the easy and fast removability of portion 14 from headrail 12. Among other benefits, the quick connection assembly may allow for the easy cleaning of portion 14, as the portion may be removed and cleaned in a washing machine or the like. Similarly, the removability of portion 14 from headrail 12 may allow for different types of portions 14 to be utilized. For example, different colored portions 14 may be employed depending upon different times of the year or moods of the user. Additionally, different patterns or combinations of sheer and opaque sheets may be changed. Yet still, different embodiment portions 14 may be interchanged, for example, a user may switch between the portion shown in FIG. 5 and the multiple sheet embodiment depicted in FIGS. 9 and 10. Finally, while one preferred embodiment of the quick connection assembly is shown and described herein, it is contemplated that other similar quick connections may be utilized. Those of ordinary skill in the art would recognize the adaptability of such a quick connection assembly.

Although the invention herein has been described with reference to particular embodiments, it is to be understood that these embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and applications of the present invention. It is therefore to be understood that numerous modifications may be made to the illustrative embodiments and that other arrangements may be devised without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A window covering for covering a window comprising:

a headrail; and

a unitary sheet of material suspended vertically from said headrail, said unitary sheet being configured so as to define at least two soft vane sections and at least one portion therebetween, said soft vane sections being rotatable between a first position substantially parallel to said window, and a second position substantially perpendicular to said window, said portion being substantially curved when said soft vane sections are in said second position.

2. The window covering according to claim 1, wherein said soft vane sections are substantially opaque and said portions are substantially sheer.

3. The window covering according to claim 1, wherein said soft vane sections are slideably and rotatably engaged with said headrail so as to allow for both traversing and rotational movement of said soft vane sections with respect to said headrail.

4. The window covering according to claim 3, wherein said window covering at least partially blocks both visibility and light conducted through said window, when said soft vane sections are in said first position.

5. The window covering according to claim 4, wherein said window covering at least partially blocks visibility through said window and at least partially allows for light to be conducted therethrough, when said soft vane sections are in said second position.

6. The window covering according claim 5, further including at least one hem bar attached to a top portion of at least one said soft vane section and said headrail.

7. The window covering according to claim 1, wherein said headrail further includes means for rotating and slideably moving said soft vane sections.

8. The window covering according to claim 1, wherein said window covering includes at least two unitary sheets of material, each of said sheets being configured so as to define at least two soft vane sections and at least one portion.

9. The window covering according to claim 8, wherein said unitary sheets are attached together at least partially along adjacent soft vane sections.

10. The window covering according to claim 9, further including a rigid slat placed between said adjacent soft vane sections.

11. The window covering according to claim 1, wherein said unitary sheet of material is removably attached to said headrail.

12. A window covering comprising:

a headrail; and

a unitary sheet of material suspended vertically from said headrail, said unitary sheet being configured to define at least two soft vane sections and at least one non-rigid portion therebetween, said soft vane sections being capable of traversing movement between a closed position where said window is substantially covered by said unitary sheet and an open position where said window is substantially uncovered by said unitary sheet, said soft vane sections being capable of rotational movement between a first position where said covering at least partially blocks both visibility and light conducted through said window and a second position where said covering at least partially blocks visibility through said window and at least partially allows for light to be conducted therethrough.

13. The window covering according to claim 12, wherein said soft vane sections are substantially opaque and said portions are substantially sheer.

14. The window covering according to claim 13, wherein said soft vane sections are disposed substantially parallel to said window in said first position.

15. The window covering according to claim 14, wherein said soft vane sections are disposed substantially perpendicular to said window and said portion being substantially curved when said soft vane sections are in said second position.

16. The window covering according to claim 12, wherein said headrail includes means for translating and rotating said soft vane sections.

17. The window covering according to claim 12, wherein said unitary sheet of material is removably attached to said headrail.

18. A window covering comprising:

a headrail; and

a plurality of unitary sheets of material suspended vertically from said headrail, each of said unitary sheets being configured to define at least two soft vane sections and a portion therebetween, said soft vane sections being rotatable between a first position substantially parallel to said window, and a second position substantially perpendicular to said window, said portions being substantially curved when said soft vane sections are in said second position.

19. The window covering according to claim 18, wherein said soft vane sections are substantially opaque and said portions are substantially sheer.

20. The window covering according to claim 18, wherein said soft vane sections are slideably and rotatably engaged with said headrail so as to allow for both traversing and rotational movement of said soft vane sections with respect to said headrail.

21. The window covering according to claim 20, wherein said window covering at least partially blocks both visibility and light conducted through said window, when said soft vane sections are in said first position.

22. The window covering according to claim 21, wherein said window covering at least partially blocks visibility through said window and at least partially allows for light to be conducted therethrough, when said soft vane sections are in said second position.

23. The window covering according claim 18, further including at least one hem bar attached to a top portion of at least one said soft vane section and said headrail.

24. The window covering according to claim 23, wherein said headrail further includes means for rotating and slideably moving said soft vane sections.

25. The window covering according to claim 18, wherein said unitary sheets are attached together at least partially along adjacent soft vane sections.

26. The window covering according to claim 25, further including a rigid slat placed between said adjacent soft vane sections.

27. The window covering according to claim 18, wherein each of said plurality of unitary sheets are removably attached to said headrail.