Automatic releasable top down shade system and method

Abstract

An automatic releasable top down shade system includes a header. A release mechanism is provided that is conformed to connect with the header. A shade with an upper section and a lower section is provided where the upper section of the shade is connected with both the header and the release mechanism and where the lower section is connected with the release mechanism. A lift cord supports the shade and the lift cord is also connected with the release mechanism such that the lift cord activates the release mechanism.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to an automatic releasable top down shade system and method. In particular, in accordance with one embodiment, the invention relates, to an automatic releasable top down shade system including a header. A release mechanism is provided that is conformed to connect with the header. A shade with an upper section and a lower section is provided where the upper section of the shade is connected with both the header and the release mechanism and where the lower section is connected with the release mechanism. A lift cord supports the shade and the lift cord is also connected with the release mechanism such that the lift cord activates the release mechanism.

BACKGROUND OF TILE INVENTION

Top down covering systems for widow and door treatments are known. Prior art systems, however, are cumbersome and unwieldily. They require, among other things, shade up/shade down cords on one side of the shade and top up/down cords on the other. This requires the user to learn to go to one side or the other depending on what function is desired and the tangle of multiple cords is a constant worry and problem.

Applicants are aware of the following prior art in this field:

U.S. Pat. No. 4,368,771 to Hopper discloses a movable insulation apparatus is disclosed for selectably covering and uncovering an opening, such as a window, to control the amounts of heat energy and light transmitted through the opening. The opening has a foot, a head situated above the foot, and height and width. The movable insulation apparatus comprises at least one sheet having a leading and a trailing end, width at least equal to the width of the opening and length at least equal to twice the height of the opening. A retracting roller is mounted rotatably to span the width of the opening at the foot. The trailing end of the sheet is attached to the roller and the leading end of the sheet is secured in the region of the foot of the opening. A motor urges the roller in one angular direction to roll the sheet thereon. A supporting device for supporting the sheet intermediate its ends, spans the width of the opening, and is mounted for reciprocal movement between an open position in the region of the foot, in which the sheet is retracted onto the roller to uncover the opening, and a closed position in the region of the head of the opening in which the sheet is drawn to cover the opening. The sheet passes around the support device to define two sheet layers extending in spaced relation between the foot and the support rod. Additional sheets may be included, in which case the support device is equipped with structure to space all sheet layers apart, to define a dead air space between each pair of such layers. The support is further mounted for pivoted movement about its horizontal axis to accommodate limited movement of the sheet there around and prevent abrasion of the sheet. A frame is also provided to prevent air flow from occurring past the sheet layers to the opening when the support device is in the closed position. This movable insulation apparatus provides high thermal resistance when fully closed and even when partially opened.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,698,958 Domel et al. discloses a mini-blind actuator that has a motor and a housing that holds the motor and a dc battery. The rotor of the motor is coupled to the baton of the mini-blind for rotating the baton and thereby opening or closing the slats of the mini-blind. Alternatively, the rotor is coupled to the tilt rod of the blind to rotate the tilt rod and thereby open or close the slats of the mini-blind. A control signal generator generates a control signal for completing the electrical circuit between the battery and the motor. The control signal can be generated in response to a predetermined amount of daylight or in response to a user-generated remote command signal. The actuator can be used to rotate the slats of horizontal or vertical blinds, or the sections of a pleated shade. Or, the actuator can be used to rotate the hollow rotatable tube of a roll-up shade. This device has the motor, the motor controls, and the power source in the headrail, outside the tube. It is also limited to requiring a light sensor.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,760,558 to Popat discloses a system for automatic operation of venetian blinds and similar window coverings. The preferred embodiment, system 30, can be retrofitted to any conventional venetian blind without tools, removal of the blind, or installation of wiring (FIG. 10A). System 30 is attached to a blind 15 by a bracket 80, which engages a headrail 16 of blind 15, and is secured by a thumbscrew 84 (FIG. 4C). System 30 includes a gearmotor 85 which drives a coupling tube 91; coupling tube 91 is attached to a tilt-adjustment shaft 18 of blind 15 (FIG. 3A). The mechanical coupling between gearmotor 85 and coupling tube 91 includes a flexible coupling and an extensible coupling, which enable gearmotor 85 to rotate shaft 18 over a wide range of sizes and configurations of blind 15 (FIGS. 5A and 5B). System 30 also includes a photovoltaic source 31 mounted on a flexible member 99. Member 99 provides electrical connections to source 31, and supports it in an advantageous position to receive solar radiation (FIGS. 8B and 8C), regardless of the size and mounting arrangement of blind 15. System 30 also includes four momentary-contact electrical switches 38 to 41 and an actuating body 94, to which a tilt-control wand 19 of blind 15 can be attached. Together, actuating body 94 and switches 38 to 41 enable system 30 to be conveniently controlled by rotary and axial movements of wand 19 (FIG. 10A).

U.S. Pat. No. 5,793,174 to Kovach et al. discloses a wireless battery-operated window covering assembly. The window covering has a head rail in which all the components are housed. These include a battery pack, an interface module including an IR receiver and a manual switch, a processor board including control circuitry, motor, drive gear, and a rotatably mounted reel on which lift cords wind and unwind a collapsible shade. The circuitry allows for dual-mode IR receiver operation and a multi-sensor polling scheme, both of which are configured to prolong battery life. Included among these sensors is a lift cord detector which gauges shade status to control the raising and lowering of the shade, and a rotation sensor which, in conjunction with internal registers and counters keeps track of travel limits and shade position. The patent states that a headrail and a bottom rail is necessary. It requires two operational voltages and IR receiver and transmitter. The Figures show the motor, the motor controls, and the power supply in the headrail outside the storage rod that stores and deploys the curtain or shade.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,983,783 to Carmen, Jr. et al. discloses a motorized shade control system that includes electronic drive units (EDUs) having programmable control units directing a motor to move an associated shade in response to command signals directed to the control units from wall-mounted keypad controllers or from alternate devices or control systems connected to a contact closure interface (CCI). Each of the EDUs, keypad controllers and CCIs of the system is connected to a common communication bus. The system provides for initiation of soft addressing of the system components from any keypad controller, CCI or EDU. The system also provides for setting of EDU limit positions and assignment of EDUs to keypad controllers from the keypad controllers or CCIs. The system may also include infrared receivers for receiving infrared command signals from an infrared transmitter. This addresses the control of multiple curtains using standard tube type motor.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,117,919 to Judkins discloses a cordless blind that contains one or more spring motors, one or more cord collectors and a lock mechanism. The lock mechanism has a button or lever or two buttons or levers which when pressed and released will change the lock from a locked position, wherein the lift cords are restrained from being collected on or released from the cord collector, and has an unlocked position that allows the lift cords and cord collector to freely move when pressed again the button or lever will change the lock mechanism from the unlocked position to the locked position. A cord or wand may be connected to the button or lever. Then the operator can place the bottom rail or moving rail of the blind at any desired location between a fully raised position and a fully lowered position.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,417,397 to Berman et al. discloses automated shade systems that employ one or more algorithms to provide appropriate solar protection from direct solar penetration; reduce solar heat gain; reduce radiant surface temperatures; control penetration of the solar ray, optimize the interior natural daylighting of a structure and optimize the efficiency of interior lighting systems. The invention additionally comprises a motorized window covering, radiometers, and a central control system that uses algorithms to optimize the interior lighting of a structure. These algorithms include information such as: geodesic coordinates of a building; solar position; solar angle solar radiation; solar penetration angles; solar intensity; the measured brightness and veiling glare across a surface; time, solar altitude, solar azimuth, detected sky conditions, ASHRAE sky models, sunrise and sunset times, surface orientations of windows, incidence angles of the sun striking windows, window covering positions, minimum BTU load and solar heat gain.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,438,113 to Pon discloses a window covering that has a headrail, a plurality of lift cords extending from the headrail and a plurality of shade elements positioned sequentially below the headrail. Each shade element has an upper edge and lower edges which edges are substantially parallel to one another and oriented transverse to the lift cords. The shade elements are positioned so that when the shade elements are in a closed position the lower edge of one shade element abuts the upper edge of an adjacent shade element and when the shade elements are in an open position, the lower edge of the at least one shade element is spaced apart from the upper edge of an adjacent shade element. A first cord is attached to the upper edge of each shade element and a second cord is attached to the lower edge of each shade element. These cords extend to or into the headrail and allow the upper edge of one or more shade elements and the lower edge of an adjacent shade element to be moved away from one another to create a gap between adjacent shade elements through which light may pass. In one embodiment these cords are in a common plane. In another embodiment the first cord is spaced apart from the second cord at a distance less than the width of the shade segments. The window covering may be configured for top down, bottom up operation.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,673,665 to Rossato discloses a window covering that comprises a flexible panel having a top edge and a bottom edge. At least one lift cord is provided for raising and lowering the bottom edge. Each lift cord is connected to one end of a stiffener at a first point and the opposite end of the stiffener is connected to approximately the bottom edge of the flexible panel. The stiffener prevents the folding of the flexible panel between the bottom edge and the first point. The top edge may be connected to a head rail and the bottom edge may be connected to a bottom rail. A motor may be located adjacent the top rail where the lift cord is connected to the motor.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,686,059 to Jaronsinski discloses a control system for a top down/bottom up covering for an architectural opening that includes a head rail and an independently moveable bottom rail and middle rail. A shade material extends between the middle rail and the bottom rail and control systems are provided at opposite ends of the head rail for operating the middle rail independently of the bottom rail. Each control system includes lift spools associated with lift cords that are secured to the bottom rail or middle rail with the lift spools being seated in cradles and rotated by a drive shaft connected to manually operated control elements. Each drive shaft is operatively connected to a braking system in the form of a two-way clutch so the drive shafts can be rotated in either direction to raise or lower a bottom or middle rail, but locked in any selected position.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,740,045 to Anderson et al. discloses a spring motor and drag brake for use in coverings for architectural openings. In the typical top/down product, the raising and lowering of the covering is done by a lift cord or lift cords suspended from the head rail and attached to the bottom rail (also referred to as the moving rail or bottom slat). The opening and closing of the covering is typically accomplished with ladder tapes (and/or tilt cables) which run along the front and back of the stack of slats. The lift cords usually run along the front and back of the stack of slats or through holes in the slats. In these types of coverings, the force required to raise the covering is at a minimum when it is fully lowered (fully extended), since the weight of the slats is supported by the ladder tape so that only the bottom rail is being raised at the onset. As the covering is raised further, the slats stack up onto the bottom rail, transferring the weight of the slats from the ladder tape to the lift cords, so progressively greater lifting force is required to raise the covering as it approaches the fully raised (fully retracted) position. Some window covering products are built in the reverse (bottom up), where the moving rail, instead of being at the bottom of the window covering bundle, is at the top of the window covering bundle, between the bundle and the head rail, such that the bundle is normally accumulated at the bottom of the window when the covering is retracted and the moving rail is at the top of the window covering, next to the head rail, when the covering is extended. There are also composite products which are able to do both, to go top down and/or bottom up. In horizontal window covering products, there is an external force of gravity against which the operator is acting to move the expandable material from one of its expanded and retracted positions to the other. In contrast to a blind, in a top down shade, such as a shear horizontal window shade, the entire light blocking material typically wraps around a rotator rail as the shade is raised. Therefore, the weight of the shade is transferred to the rotator rail as the shade is raised, and the force required to raise the shade is thus progressively lower as the shade (the light blocking element) approaches the fully raised (fully open) position. Of course, there are also bottom up shades and composite shades which are able to do both, to go top down and/or bottom up. In the case of a bottom/up shade, the weight of the shade is transferred to the rotator rail as the shade is lowered, mimicking the weight operating pattern of a top/down blind.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,832,450 to Brace et al. discloses a lift cord system for operating a retractable covering for architectural openings that includes at least one cord loop which extends from a tassel through a fabric for the covering where it is slidably connected to the bottom rail for adjustment of the desired maximum spacing of the top rail and bottom rail and the orientation of the bottom rail relative to the top rail so the rails can be easily maintained in a parallel relationship. The cord loop is also anchored to the bottom rail at a separate location in a manner so as to fix the maximum separation between the top and bottom rails so the covering desirably fits the size of the architectural opening in which it is mounted. Alternative embodiments include top down/bottom up coverings and coverings including a middle rail in addition to top and bottom rails.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,836,937 to Anderson et al. discloses a shade for architectural openings incorporating a single cord drive featuring automatic braking of the shade when the user releases the drive cord. In a preferred embodiment, an automatic tilt-open mechanism is provided to tilt the shade open when the shade is in the fully extended down position.

Further, US patent publication 2010/0288446 by Foley et al. discloses a system in which the window covering and shade panel comprise a head rail that supports a shade panel and that may be mounted to a wall, window frame, door or other architectural feature. A layer of film is used with the panel to provide a barrier to air flow and heat insulation. The film may be clear to allow light to penetrate the panel. The clear film allows the heat energy of the sun to pass through the panel while blocking cold air from entering the room. In one embodiment a polyester clear film is chemically adhered to the panel.

US patent publication 2010/0319860 by DeWard et al. discloses a system in which the lift motor comprises at least one motor unit releasably connected to at least one spool unit. The spool unit comprises a spool for winding a cord and a gear operatively connected to the spool. The motor unit comprises a spring motor having a gear for engaging the gear of the spool. A window covering comprises a head rail supporting a motor as set forth above that supports a shade panel by the cord. A method of assembling a window covering comprises constructing a head rail having an internal space for receiving a motor. A motor is assembled based on the shade panel to be supported. The motor is inserted into the head rail and the cord is attached to or near the bottom or top of the shade panel.

What is still missing in the art is a top down shade system that is not cumbersome or difficult to use. More importantly, what is needed is a top down system that is automatic, that functions quickly and easily, that is simple to reset after the top down feature is engaged and that does not require additional confusing, cumbersome and potentially hazardous hanging cords.

Thus, it is an object of this invention to provide a top down shade system that is easy to install and use and that provides an automatic top down mechanism that operates without manipulation of separate cords or other complicated systems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Accordingly, the automatic releasable top down shade system of the present invention, according to one embodiment includes a header. A release mechanism is provided that is conformed to connect with the header. A shade is provided. The shade includes an upper section and a lower section where the upper section of the shade is connected with both the header and the release mechanism and where the lower section is connected with the release mechanism. A lift cord supports the shade and the lift cord is also connected with the release mechanism such that it is the lift cord that activates the release mechanism.

All terms used herein are given their usual and customary meaning as known in the art. Thus, “header” identifies a device that connects with the space to be covered by the shade, such as a window opening for example only and not by way of limitation. The header provides a supporting structure for other elements of a shade system. As shown and described herein, the header supports, among other things, the shade. “Shade” is used to identify a covering material for use in deployment in the space to be covered. In particular, for use as disclosed herein the shade is a flexible material that may be transparent or non-transparent. Likewise, “lift cord” is a cord that is connected with the shade such that manipulation of the cord manipulates the shade. That is, the shade is raised and lowered by means of the lift cord. Further, “release mechanism” as will be more fully described hereafter, identifies a device that is conformed to connect with the header and then be released from connection with the header as desired and, when desired, be re-connected with the header also as desired.

In another aspect of the invention, the release mechanism further consists of an inner latching component and an outer latching component where the inner latching component is contained within the outer latching component and the lift cord connects with both the outer latching component and the inner latching component. In one aspect, the inner latching component fits within an operating space in the outer latching component. The operating space is larger than the inner latching component such that the inner latching component is moveable within the operating space.

In one aspect, the release mechanism includes a biasing device conformed to automatically operate upon activation by the lift cord. Here again, the term “biasing device” is used to identify a device, such as a spring, for example only and not by way of limitation, that seeks to return to a resting position when compressed or stretched and thus, in combination with a moveable structure, is useful in moving the structure to a desired position, all as will be more fully described hereafter.

In another aspect, a biasing device is provided that is connected with the inner latching component such that the biasing device forces the inner latching component to move within the operating space in the outer latching component.

In a further aspect, the header includes a front leg and a back leg. A ledge is provided in the front leg of the header and a latching pawl is provided in the inner latching component. The latching pawl is conformed to connect with the ledge.

In another aspect, the outer latching component includes a lift cord opening through the outer latching component and the inner latching component also includes a lift cord opening that passes through the inner latching component. The lift cord passes through the lift cord openings in the outer latching component and the inner latching component. In one aspect, the lift cord openings in the outer latching component and the inner latching component are aligned when the inner latching component is in a first position but the lift cord openings are misaligned when the inner latching component moves from the first position.

In another aspect, a tether cord is connected with the header and the shade. Preferably, the tether cord is shorter than the lift cord, or includes stops that effectively make it shorter than the lift cord, such that the tether cord activates the release mechanism by removing tension from the lift cord when extended to the tether cord limit.

According to another embodiment of the invention, an automatic releasable top down shade system consists of a header with a front guide leg and a back guide leg. A release mechanism is provided that is conformed to fit within the header between the front guide leg and the back guide leg. The release mechanism includes an inner latching component and an outer latching component and the inner latching component is contained within the outer latching component. A shade is provided and the shade includes an upper section and a lower section. The upper section of the shade is connected with the header and the release mechanism and the lower section of the shade is connected with the release mechanism and a bottom bar. A lift cord is connected with the header and the shade and supports the shade. The lift cord connects with both the outer latching component and the inner latching component such that removal of tension on the lift cord activates the release mechanism.

It is to be understood that the lift cord of the present invention is connected with, and supports, the shade. The shade hangs from the lift cord and, thus, the lift cord is under tension from the supported weight of the shade. “Removal” of tension in the lift cord may be accomplished in many ways such as by lifting the shade by hand, for example only and not by way of limitation. Any movement or manipulation of the shade that removes or releases tension on the lift cord, even temporarily, is included within the meaning of the term “removal”.

“Bottom bar” describes a device attached to the lower edge of a shade, as is known in the art. The bottom bar adds weight to the shade to prevent unwanted movement of the shade and the bottom bar also provides a defined interface with the window sill, for example only.

In one aspect of this invention, the inner latching component fits within an operating space in the outer latching component where the operating space is larger than the inner latching component such that the inner latching component is moveable within the operating space.

In a further aspect, a biasing device is connected with the inner latching component such that, when extended, the biasing device forces the inner latching component to move within the operating space in the outer latching component.

In another aspect, a ledge is provided in the front leg of the header and a latching pawl is provided in the inner latching component such that the latching pawl is conformed to connect with the ledge.

In one aspect, the outer latching component includes a top and a bottom with a lift cord opening in both the top and the bottom of the outer latching component. Likewise, the inner latching component includes a hole through the inner latching component and the lift cord passes through the holes in top and the bottom of the outer latching component and also through the hole in the inner latching component. In a further aspect, a tether cord is connected with the header and the shade.

In one aspect, the upper section of the shade and the bottom section of the shade are selected from a group of shades consisting of: transparent shades and non-transparent shades.

In another embodiment of the invention, an automatic releasable top down shade method consists of the steps of:

a. providing a header; a release mechanism releasably connectable with the header; a shade with an upper section and a lower section where the upper section of the shade is connected with the header and the release mechanism and where the lower section is connected with the release mechanism; and a lift cord supporting the shade where the lift cord is also connected with the release mechanism such that the lift cord activates the release mechanism; and

b. raising the shade such that the release mechanism connects with the header.

In one aspect of this invention, the method further includes the step of lowering the lower section of the shade. In another aspect, the method further includes lifting the shade so as to release tension on the lift cord which activates the release mechanism to release the connection of the release mechanism with the header. In another aspect, the method then further includes lowering the upper section of the shade.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Other objects, features and advantages of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following detailed description of the preferred embodiment, the appended claims and the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the automatic releasable top down shade system of the invention with the lower section of the shade extended;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the invention of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a front view of the invention of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is an enlarged side view of the invention of FIG. 1 with the release mechanism in the locked, first, position with the header;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view of the invention of FIG. 1 with the release mechanism in the unlocked position with the header;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the invention of FIG. 1 with the release mechanism in the unlocked position;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the invention of FIG. 1 with the upper section of the shade extended and the lower section of the shade partially extended with the release mechanism in between;

FIG. 8 is a side view of FIG. 7;

FIG. 9 is a front view of FIG. 7;

FIG. 10 is a side view showing a tether cord collected within the release mechanism;

FIG. 11 is a perspective view of the tether cords of FIG. 10 fully extended and tension removed from the lift cords;

FIG. 12 is a perspective, partial cut away view of a tether collected on a tether spool in the header of a shade system; and

FIG. 13 is front, partial cut away view of the tether cord of FIG. 12 fully extended and tension removed from the lift cords.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The preferred embodiment of the present invention is illustrated by way of example in FIGS. 1-13. With specific reference to FIGS. 1, 2 and 3, automatic releasable top down shade system 10 includes a header 12. Header 12, as is known in the art, includes brackets 14 that are used to connect header 12 in an opening, such as a window, for example, not shown. Header 12 also includes front cover 16 and end caps 18 and generally serves to support and conceal within it shade 20 and other devices and systems such as motors, batteries, electronics and the like that are also known in the art and not shown.

Shade 20 is any type of covering now known or hereafter developed that is capable of repetitive deployment and which may be transparent or partially transparent or non-transparent as the situation requires and the user desires. Importantly, according to the present invention, shade 20 includes an upper section 22 and a lower section 24, as will be described more fully hereafter. Upper section 22 and lower section 24 may be made of the same shade material or not. One section may be transparent and one may be non-transparent or not, all according to need and user preference. FIGS. 1, 2 and 3 show the shade 20 with the lower section 24 deployed and the upper section 22 contained within header 12.

Upper section 22 is connected to header 12 on one end and to the release mechanism 26 on the other as more clearly shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. Lower section 24, however, is connected only to release mechanism 26. In one embodiment, however, lower section 24 is connected on the opposite end with bottom bar 28, as shown in the figures.

FIGS. 1 and 2 also show front guide leg 30 and back guide leg 32. Front guide leg 30 and back guide leg 32 are connected with header 12 and extend, as shown, downward from header 12 to create an opening 34 in between, as will be described more fully hereafter, into which release mechanism 26 fits and is contained when the release mechanism 26 is in the raised position shown in FIGS. 1, 2 and 3.

FIG. 2 shows lift cord 36. Lift cord 36 is connected on one end with bottom bar 28, when present, or the bottom of the lower section 24 of shade 20. The other end of lift cord 26 is connected with header 12 (see e.g. FIGS. 4 and 5) and passes through release mechanism 26 and inside, in this example, of shade 20 all as shown and as will be described more fully hereafter. As a result, however, the weight of the shade 20 is supported by lift cord 36.

Referring now to FIG. 4, it can be clearly seen that upper section 22 of shade 20 is connected on one end 38 with header 12 and on the other end 40 with release mechanism 26. Likewise the connection of lower shade section 24 on one end 42 with release mechanism 26 is illustrated.

Also, the connection of lift cord 36 with header 12 at connection 44 is shown and the partial cut away shows that lift cord 36 from connection 44 passes down through release mechanism 26.

FIG. 4 illustrates a preferred embodiment of the invention in which release mechanism 26 includes an inner latching component 46 and an outer latching component 48. Inner latching component 46 is located within outer latching component 48 in an operating space 50. Operating space 50 is bigger than inner latching component 46 and enables inner latching component 46 to move within it, back and forth as will be described more fully hereafter. As used herein, the term “bigger” is used to describe a space within which inner latching component 46 can move. As shown, the space is bigger longitudinally and, therefore, allows inner latching component 46 to move in a back and forth motion, from left to right, for example only. Operating space 50, however, does not enable movement in any other direction in any significant amount. That is, operating space 50 is large enough to allow non-binding left to right movement but no significant vertical, or up and down, movement.

Preferably, operating space 50 is created in outer latching component 48 by the combination of a top 52 and a bottom 54 section. Top 52 and bottom 54 are oppositely positioned and, again, form operating space 50 between them. Importantly, top 52 and bottom 54 include a lift cord hole 56. Lift cord hole 56 in top 52 is, preferably, directly aligned with lift cord hole 56 in bottom 54 as shown.

FIG. 4 shows inner latching component 46 in the locked or “first” position, as will be discussed more fully hereafter. Importantly, inner latching component 46 also includes a lift cord hole 56. When inner latching component 46 is in this first position, all three lift cord holes 56 are directly aligned, as illustrated. This shows the position of the present invention when there is tension on lift cord 36.

Still referring to FIG. 4, in one aspect of the invention, inner latching component 46 includes a latching pawl 58. Latching pawl 58 provides a contact for ledge 60 in front guide leg 30, such that when release mechanism 26 is in the locked, first, position, it is held there by the combination of latching pawl 58 and ledge 60 as illustrated. As will be made clear with reference to FIG. 5 hereafter, it is the tension on lift cord 36 that holds inner latching component 46, and thus latching pawl 58, in the locked first position.

Referring now to FIG. 5, biasing device 62 is illustrated. Biasing device 62 may be a spring, as shown, or any other desired device now known or hereafter developed. FIG. 5 shows the effect of removing tension on lift cord 36. When tension is removed, even temporarily, as by a user lifting bottom bar 28, for example only, biasing device 62 is allowed to extend and press against the interior of release mechanism 26. Because biasing device 62 is connected with interior latching component 46, interior latching component 46 moves within operating space 50 away from the first, locked position shown in FIG. 4 to the unlocked position shown in FIG. 5. The movement of inner latching component 46, again, is enabled by the introduction of slack in the lift cord 36 which results in the misalignment of the inner latching component lift cord hole 56 and the two lift cord holes 56 in the top 52 and bottom 54 of outer latching component 48 as well as automatically releasing them from connection with the header 12.

Referring to FIG. 6, a perspective view shows the biasing device 62, having been allowed to extend by the removal of tension on lift cord 36, having moved inner latching component 46 within operating space 50 so as to release latching pawl 58 from connection with ledge 60. The resulting misalignment of lift cord hole 56 in the top 52 of outer latching component 48 and the lift cord hole 56 in inner latching component 46 is also illustrated.

Referring to FIGS. 7, 8 and 9, the effect of the removal of tension on the lift cord 36 as just described is further illustrated. Release mechanism 26, having been released from connection with header 12 is free to drop out from between front guide leg 30 and back guide leg 32. With tension and weight returned to lift cord 36, upper section 22 of shade 20 may now be deployed by means of shade manipulation cord 64, for example only and not by way of limitation.

Also shown are latching pawl openings 66 in release mechanism 26 as previously illustrated in FIG. 6. Two latching pawl openings 66 are shown, for example only, and at least one is required.

It should be understood now that once tension is returned to lift cord 36, inner latching component 46 is forced back into the first position as shown in FIG. 4. Thus, release mechanism 26 once automatically released from header 12 by the removal of tension on lift cord 36, is automatically armed or ready for re-connection with header 12 by the return of tension to lift cord 36. It may be that the weight of bottom bar 28 and shade 20 is sufficient tension. If so, then in order to reconnect release mechanism 26 with header 12, all that is required is that shade manipulation cord 64, or the like, be used to move the release mechanism 26 up between front guide leg 30 and rear guide leg 32. Or it may be that release mechanism 26 is reset when pulled into and held in place in header 12 as tension is applied to lift cord 36 so as to compress biasing device 62 and extend latching pawl 58. In either case, latching pawl 58 will then re-engage ledge 60 and release mechanism 26 will be held in the first, locked, position for automatic redeployment as described above and shown in FIG. 4.

By way of further explanation, during normal operation of opening (raising) and closing (lowering) the lower section 24 of shade 20, the release mechanism 26 is positioned in between front guide leg 30 and back guide leg 32 of the header 12 and the weight of the shade 20, and the bottom bar 28 if present, exert a force on the lift cord(s) 36 causing it to extend straight through the lift release mechanism 26, outer latching component 48 and inner latching component 46, compressing biasing device 62 and locking latching pawl 58 onto ledge 60 as shown in FIG. 4. When, for example, the bottom bar 28 comes in contact with a window sill, for example, tension is removed from lift cord 36 and biasing device 62 moves the latching pawl 58 from ledge 60 and folding or kinking lift cord 36 as shown in FIG. 5. This effect can also be obtained by lifting the bottom bar 28 slightly which also removes tension on the lift cord 36.

To reset the release mechanism 26 to the fully open or up position, the entire shade 20, upper section 22 and lower section 24 must be raised to the full up position which automatically engages the latching pawl 58 with ledge 60 as described above and shown in FIG. 4.

Other operational features may be included such as adding a motor to the system. When motorized, a setup procedure includes setting the upper limit, when both the upper and lower sections of shade 20 are raised and resetting the release mechanism 26. A lower limit is set just before the bottom bar 28 contacts the window sill, for example. This allows the full operational range of the lower section 24 of shade 20. Again, release of the release mechanism 26 enables deployment of the upper section 24 of shade 20.

In one embodiment of the invention, lower section 24 is made of an opaque material that provides a black out effect and total privacy when only lower section 24 of shade 22 is deployed. Further, upper section 22, in one embodiment, is made of a translucent or transparent material such that when it is deployed light is admitted to the space while still maintaining privacy. Obviously, any combination of shade materials and transparencies is included within the scope of the invention as disclosed and described herein.

It should be understood, that many variations and permutations of this system are included within the scope of the present invention. By way of continued explanation, the important requirement of the activation of the release mechanism 26 by the removal of tension on the lift cord 36 may be accomplished as described above. Referring now to FIGS. 10 and 11, in another aspect of the invention, however, tension is removed from the lift cord 36 by tether cord 68. Tether cord 68 is connected with header 12 at connection 70 (as shown in FIG. 10) and with shade 20, as with bottom bar 28 when present, at connection 72 (as shown in FIG. 12). Tether cord 68 in this aspect of the invention is stored within release mechanism 26, as illustrated, and pays out from and is collected within release mechanism 26 depending on the operation of the shade 20.

The function of tether cord 68 is to cause tension to be removed from lift cord 20 so as to activate release mechanism 26 as described above. This can be achieved by means of tether cord 68 being shorter than lift cord 36 or by adding “stops” such as knots or beads attached to the tether cord 68 (not shown). Such stops are well within the ordinary skill level of those in the art and are not disclosed further herein. Regardless of whether stops or beads are used, they effectively result in a tether cord 68 that is shorter than the lift cord 36.

FIG. 11 illustrates the effect of the “shorter” tether cord(s) 68, once having reached their limit, releasing or removing tension on lift cord(s) 36. Again, as described above, this removal of tension on the lift cord(s) 36 results in the activation of the release mechanism 26 in preparation for deployment of the upper section 22 of shade 20.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, another aspect of the system when including a tether cord 68 is illustrated. In this aspect, tether cord 68 is connected with tether spool 74 which is connected with header 12 as shown particularly in FIG. 12. Tether cord 68 functions as described above to remove tension from lift cord 36. In this aspect, the tether cord 68 is wrapped around tether spool 74 and unwound from tether spool 74 according to the operation of shade 20.

In either aspect, tether cord 68 provides the structure to effectively operate the release mechanism 26 in situations in which there is no bottom sill for the bottom bar 28 to contact or when circumstances require earlier activation of the release mechanism 26. Further, tether cord 68 is, as described, adjustable, such that the operation of release mechanism 26 may be adjusted to occur precisely when and where desired.

Because tether cord 68 is connected with header 12 at connection 70 and both upper section 22 and lower section 24 of shade 20, such that the weight of shade 20 is supported by tether cord 68 when fully extended or at a stop, tether cord 68 may control the distance the lower section 24 of shade 20 may travel before triggering the release mechanism 26. Likewise, tether cord 68 may also control the amount of upper section 22 of shade 20 that may be deployed.

FIG. 13 illustrates the case where one tether cord 68 is used to remove tension from two lift cords 36 whereas FIG. 11 shows two lift cords 36 and two tether cords 68, all as desired and deemed most useful to the user.

The description of the present embodiments of the invention has been presented for purposes of illustration, but is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the form disclosed. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art. As such, while the present invention has been disclosed in connection with an embodiment thereof, it should be understood that other embodiments may fall within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the following claims.

Claims

1. An automatic releasable top down shade system comprising:

a. a header;

b. a release mechanism conformed to connect with said header;

c. a shade with an upper section and a lower section wherein said upper section of said shade is connected with said header and said release mechanism and wherein said lower section is connected with said release mechanism; and

d. a lift cord supporting said shade wherein said lift cord is also connected with said release mechanism such that said lift cord activates said release mechanism.

2. The system of claim 1 wherein said release mechanism further comprises:

a. an inner latching component; and

b. an outer latching component wherein said inner latching component is contained within said outer latching component and said lift cord connects with both said outer latching component and said inner latching component.

3. The system of claim 2 wherein said inner latching component fits within an operating space in said outer latching component wherein said operating space is larger than said inner latching component such that said inner latching component is moveable within said operating space.

4. The system of claim 1 wherein said release mechanism includes a biasing device conformed to automatically operate upon activation by said lift cord.

5. The system of claim 3 further including a biasing device connected with said inner latching component wherein said biasing device forces said inner latching component to move within said operating space in said outer latching component.

6. The system of claim 2 wherein:

a. said header includes a front guide leg and a back guide leg and wherein said front guide leg includes a ledge and wherein said release mechanism is conformed to fit between said front guide leg and said back guide leg; and

b. a latching pawl in said inner latching component wherein said latching pawl is conformed to connect with said ledge.

7. The system of claim 2 wherein said outer latching component includes a lift cord opening through said outer latching component and wherein said inner latching component includes a lift cord opening through said inner latching component and wherein said lift cord passes through said lift cord opening in said outer latching component and said inner latching component.

8. The system of claim 7 wherein said lift cord openings in said outer latching component and said inner latching component are aligned when said inner latching component is in a first position and wherein said lift cord openings are misaligned when said inner latching component moves from said first position.

9. The system of claim 1 further including a tether cord connected with said header and said shade.

10. An automatic releasable top down shade system comprising:

a. a header with a front guide leg and a back guide leg;

b. a release mechanism conformed to fit within said header between said front guide leg and said back guide leg wherein said release mechanism includes an inner latching component and an outer latching component wherein said inner latching component is contained within said outer latching component;

c. a shade with an upper section and a lower section wherein said upper section of said shade is connected with said header and said release mechanism and wherein said lower section is connected with said release mechanism and a bottom bar; and

d. a lift cord connected with said header and supporting said shade wherein said lift cord connects with both said outer latching component and said inner latching component such that removal of tension on said lift cord activates said release mechanism.

11. The system of claim 10 wherein said inner latching component fits within an operating space in said outer latching component wherein said operating space is larger than said inner latching component such that said inner latching component is moveable within said operating space.

12. The system of claim 11 further including a biasing device connected with said inner latching component wherein when extended said biasing device forces said inner latching component to move within said operating space in said outer latching component.

13. The system of claim 10 further comprising:

a. a ledge in said front leg of said header; and

b. a latching pawl in said inner latching component wherein said latching pawl is conformed to connect with said ledge.

14. The system of claim 10 wherein said outer latching component includes a top and a bottom with a lift cord opening in said top and said bottom and wherein said inner latching component includes a hole through said inner latching component and wherein said lift cord passes through said holes in said outer latching component and said inner latching component.

15. The system of claim 10 further including a tether cord connected with the header and the shade.

16. The system of claim 10 wherein when said upper section of said shade and said bottom section of said shade are selected from a group of shades consisting of transparent shades and non-transparent shades.

17. An automatic releasable top down shade method comprising:

a. providing a header; a release mechanism releasably connectable with said header; a shade with an upper section and a lower section wherein said upper section of said shade is connected with said header and said release mechanism and wherein said lower section is connected with said release mechanism; and a lift cord supporting said shade wherein said lift cord is also connected with said release mechanism such that said lift cord activates said release mechanism; and

b. raising said shade such that said release mechanism connects with said header.

18. The method of claim 17 further including lowering said lower section of said shade.

19. The method of claim 18 further including lifting said shade so as to release tension on said lift cord wherein said release mechanism operates to release the connection of said release mechanism with said header.

20. The method of claim 19 further including lowering said upper section of said shade.