Cordless blinds

[0001] The present invention is generally related to window coverings and is more specifically related to cordless blinds for covering window openings.

[0002] Window blinds are typically used for covering window openings. The blinds are usually moveable between an open position so that light may pass through the window and a lowered or closed position in which the window blind at least partially blocks the passage of light. A closed window blind also provides privacy so that individuals outside a building may not look into a building. Most window blinds include a lifting cord which passes through an aperture in each of the slats or through a window covering material such as cellular or pleated shades.

[0003] There have been many improvements related to cordless window blinds. Such improvements attempt to simplify the process of operating a window blind and facilitate cleaning of the blind.

[0004] For example, U.S. Pat. No. 1,798,869 discloses in FIG. 1 a headrail for a Venetian blind including a traversing rod 16 to which there is attached a pair of lift cords 20, 21. U.S. Pat. No. 1,978,152 discloses a blind incorporating a traversing rod 1 from which there is supported a plurality of slats. Referring to FIG. 6 of the '152 patent, the traversing rod may be operated by a hand crank assembly 23 that is coupled via rod 19 to an end of the traversing rod by means of a gear assembly (FIG. 3).

[0005] U.S. Pat. No. 5,318,090 is directed to a roller assembly for a Venetian blind. Referring to FIG. 1 thereof, the roller assembly includes an elongated driving member 62 having a circular axial hole 623 extending through a rectangular shaft section 621. The shaft section is received within the end portion of a rotating rod 50. A guide unit 63 includes a threaded rod 633 extending through the circular axial hole of the driving member and into engagement with a moveable member 61 that is fixed in an intermediate position within the rotating rod. A lift cord is coupled to a portion of the driving member to rotate same in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction. When the lift cord is pulled, the driving member rotates the rotating rod to move the moveable member along the threaded rod of the guide unit, thereby both rotating and moving the rotating rod along the guide unit.

[0006] U.S. Pat. No. RE 35,926 is directed to a Venetian or pleated blind that is adapted to be positioned between a pair of glass panes. Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2 thereof, the blind includes a housing having two corner spacer elements 26, 32 attached to opposite ends of the headrail housing. Each of the corner spacer elements are attached to respective adjacent side spacer elements 60, 62 on each side of the window. The headrail defined by housing elements 4, 8 includes a traversing rod 16 referred to in the claims as a winding shaft.

[0007] U.S. Pat. No. 5,482,100 is directed to a blind including at least one constant variable spring force motor having an elongated spring. The spring has a generally rectangular cross-section which varies in width from one end to the other. The varying spring force is sufficient to maintain the bottom rail in any position with respect to the top rail as the shade material accumulates on the bottom rail when moving the bottom rail towards the headrail.

[0008] U.S. Pat. No. 5,531,257 is directed to a cordless blind having a spring motor coupled to an electronic motor. The electronic motor and the spring motor rotate a cord spool to raise or lower the window covering.

[0009] U.S. Pat. No. 6,234,236 discloses a cordless window covering system incorporating a plurality of spring motors that are coupled together. Referring to the figures, the system includes at least two springs motors 40 in combination with a coupler 62, 62A. The coupler connects the spring motors together to have a combined spring force. In other embodiments, the pair of spring motors are coupled together and attached to the lift cords.

[0010] U.S. Pat. No. 6,079,471 teaches a window covering including a friction imparting member to inhibit movement of the bottom rail. Referring to FIG. 2 thereof, the friction and parting member includes a bracket 55 having a plurality of slots 56 that are used to increase the tension on cord 52 traveling through hole 50 in surface 47 towards the cord spool 30.

[0011] U.S. Pat. No. 6,129,131 is generally directed to a blind system including a traversing rod 32 coupled to a pull system 38 that imparts uni-directional movement to the coupling drive shaft 40. The pull system includes a one-way clutch assembly 50 and a main drive assembly 42 including a single pull tape 46 operative of a drive spool 48. The brake arm 150 is adapted to selectively prevent or permit lowering of the shade by gravity. The traversing assembly includes a compression spring 210 having one end slidably engaged with a disc-shaped end 220 of the cord spool 206. The other end of the compression spring is attached to a spring support spool that is rotatable by the drive shaft. The compression spring is relatively light, but strong enough to push the cord spool to the left when no counterforces exist.

[0012] Three related patents, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,813,447; 5,960,846 and 6,047,759 all teach a window shade incorporating an internal spring tensioning mechanism. The spring tensioning mechanism is adapted for tensioning the spring upon rotation of the shade bar in one direction and releasing the spring tension upon opposite shade bar rotation, with the releasing of the spring force accomplished by a manual force rotating the shade bar in the tensioning direction.

[0013] Despite the above improvement, there remains a need for improved cordless blind assemblies.

[0014] In accordance with certain preferred embodiments of the present invention, a window blind assembly includes a headrail having a longitudinal axis, a bottom rail suspended below the headrail and a window covering material extending between the headrail and the bottom rail, the window covering material having an upper end attached to the headrail and a lower end attached to the bottom rail. The assembly also preferably includes a traversable tube disposed in the headrail, the traversable tube having first and second ends, and a threaded support rod secured to the headrail adjacent a first end of the tube, the threaded support rod being threadably coupled with the first end of the tube for providing traversing motion to the tube. A spring motor is desirably secured to the headrail adjacent a second end of the tube, the spring motor is engaged with the second end of the traversable tube for selectively rotating the tube, whereby the drive gears rotate about respective axes that are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the headrail.

[0015] In certain preferred embodiments, the spring motor drive gears are coupled together by a timing belt. In further embodiments, a drive shaft has a first end coupled with a pulley and a second end coupled with the traversable tube. A drive plug may be secured in an opening at the second end of the tube, the drive plug having a drive plug opening adapted to slidably receive the second end of the drive shaft. The drive plug opening desirably has a generally square shape, and the drive shaft has a longitudinal axis with a cross-section of the drive shaft perpendicular to the longitudinal axis having a generally square shape.

[0016] The assembly may also include a tensioning member positioned on the threaded support rod between the first end of the traversable tube and a first end of the headrail, the tensioning member including a compression spring positioned between two collars so that as the traversable tube is rotated, the tube is displaced longitudinally to engage the tensioning member for compressing the compression spring between the two collars.

[0017] In operation, the compressed tension member applies an axial load at the first end of the traversing tube for limiting free rotation of the traversing tube.

[0018] The assembly may also include a lift cord having an upper end secured to the traversing tube and a bottom end secured to the bottom rail. The traversing tube preferably has a longitudinally extending groove and the upper end of the lift cord is captured in the longitudinally extending groove. The assembly preferably includes a C-shaped clip adapted to fit closely over an outer surface of the tube for securing the upper end of the lift cord in the longitudinally extending groove of the tube.

[0019] The assembly may also include a cradle mounted in the headrail for supporting rotational and traversing movement of the tube. In certain preferred embodiments, the cradle has at least one opening and the lift cord passes through the at least one cradle opening. In certain preferred embodiments, the cradle may have a pair of opposing sidewalls and a bottom wall, a first opening in one of the sidewalls and a second opening in the bottom wall, whereby the lift cord extends in a first axial direction between the traversing tube and the first lateral sidewall opening, a second axial direction between the first cradle opening and the second cradle opening and a third axial direction between the second cradle opening and the bottom rail.

[0020] A first headrail end cap may be secured over a first open end of the headrail, and a second headrail end cap may be secured over a second open end of the headrail. The first headrail end cap desirably has an inner surface defining a slot and the threaded support rod has a head adapted to fit into the slot for securing the threaded support rod to the first headrail end cap.

[0021] In certain preferred embodiments, the spring motor includes a threaded anchor post, and a screw is threaded into the anchor post, the screw including a head, whereby the second headrail end cap has an inner surface including a slot and the head of the screw is fit into the slot for securing the spring motor to the second headrail end cap. The spring motor may also include feet adapted to engage the headrail for securing the spring motor to the headrail.

[0022] The assembly may also include a second lift cord spaced from the first lift cord, the first and second lift cords extending through the window covering material in directions that are generally parallel to one another. The window covering material may be selected from the group consisting of cellular fabric, pleated fabric and slats.

[0023] In operation, rotation of the tube causes the lift cord to wind on the tube in a non-overlapping spiral. The window blind assembly is desirably lowered to a closed position by pulling the bottom rail away from the headrail for unwinding the lift cord and rotating the tube as the lift cord unwinds which traverses the tube toward the tensioning member for causing compression of the tensioning member. The spring motor is coupled with the traversing tube and provides a constant tension. The window blind assembly is desirably raised to an open position by lifting the bottom rail toward the headrail for releasing tension from the spring motor, releasing compression of the tensioning member and winding the lift cord around the traversing tube in a non-overlapping spiral as the tube moves back toward the spring motor. As the blind is lowered, the weight of the fabric decreases and the axial force of the compression member increases so as to counteract the decrease in fabric weight.

[0024] In certain preferred embodiments, a cradle cover may be secured over the cradle, the cradle cover being adapted to prevent bunching up or looping of the lift cord as the lift cord is rewound on the tube.

[0025] In other preferred embodiments, the tensioning member includes a compression spring slidable along the threaded rod between the head of the threaded rod and the threaded plug secured to the first end of the tube, a large diameter collar between the head of the threaded rod and the compression spring, and a small diameter collar between the threaded plug and the compression spring.

[0026] Other preferred embodiments of the present invention disclose a window blind assembly including a headrail having a longitudinal axis, a bottom rail suspended below the headrail, a window covering material extending between the headrail and the bottom rail, the window covering material having an upper end attached to the headrail and a lower end attached to the bottom rail, and a traversable tube mounted in the headrail, the tube having first and second ends and extending in a direction substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the headrail. The assembly also desirably includes a threaded support rod secured to the headrail adjacent the first end of the tube, the threaded support rod being threadably coupled with the first end of the tube for providing traversing motion to the tube along the longitudinal axis of the headrail, and a spring motor secured to the headrail adjacent the second end of the tube, the spring motor having drive gears in communication with the second end of the tube for selectively rotating the tube. The spring motor desirably includes a storage drum, an output drum and an elongated spring connected to the storage and output drums, whereby the storage and output drums rotate along respective axes that are substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the headrail.

[0027] The assembly may also include a drive shaft having a first end coupled with the spring motor drive gears and a second end coupled with the second end of the traversing tube, whereby rotation of the tube causes rotation of the drive shaft which in turn rotates the spring motor drive gears.

[0028] In certain preferred embodiments, the spring motor includes a first power plate having first and second circular openings and a second power plate having first and second openings, the first and second power plates having opposing posts for assembling the first and second power plates together so that the respective first openings of the assembled power plates are aligned with one another and the respective second openings of the assembled power plates are aligned with one another. The storage drum desirably has bearing surfaces on opposite ends thereof engagable with the first openings of the assembled power plates for supporting rotation of the storage drum, and wherein the output drum has bearing surfaces on opposite ends thereof engagable with the second openings of the assembled power plates for supporting rotation of the output drum.

[0029] In certain preferred embodiments, the first power plate has an exterior surface including a stub shaft and the output drum includes one of the drive gears integrally formed therewith, the one of the drive gears passing through the second opening of the first power plate. The assembly may also include a pulley rotatably mounted over the stub shaft of the first power plate, a timing belt coupling the pulley and the one of the drive gears passing through the second opening of the first power plate, and a retainer ring mounted over an outer end of the one of the drive gears passing through the second opening of the first power plate for retaining the timing belt on the one of the drive gears passing through the second opening of the first power plate. The retainer ring desirably has a flat surface and an opposite curved surface, the curved surface of the retainer ring desirably facing the timing belt.

[0030] In other preferred embodiments, the first end of the drive shaft is coupled with the pulley. The first end of the drive shaft may have a generally square shaped cross section and the pulley may have a generally square shaped opening adapted to receive the first end of the drive shaft.

[0031] In other preferred embodiments, a window blind assembly includes a headrail having a longitudinal axis, a bottom rail suspended below the headrail and a window covering material extending between the headrail and the bottom rail, the window covering material having an upper end attached to the headrail and a lower end attached to the bottom rail. The assembly also desirably includes a traversable tube disposed in the headrail, the traversable tube having first and second ends, and a threaded support rod secured to the headrail adjacent a first end of the tube, the threaded support rod being threadably coupled with the first end of the tube for providing traversing motion to the tube along the longitudinal axis of the headrail. The assembly also preferably includes a spring motor secured to the headrail adjacent a second end of the tube, the spring motor having drive gears in communication with the second end of the traversable tube for selectively rotating the tube and a tensioning member positioned on the threaded support rod between the first end of the traversable tube and an end of the headrail, the tensioning member including a compression spring positioned between two collars, whereby as the traversable tube is rotated, the tube is displaced along the longitudinal axis of the headrail and away from the spring motor so that the tube engages the tensioning member for compressing the compression spring between the two collars. The compressed tensioning member desirably applies an axial load on the first end of the traversable tube for limiting free rotation of the traversable tube.

[0032] In other preferred embodiments, the spring motor drive gears are coupled together using a timing belt, and the assembly further includes a drive shaft having a first end coupled with one of the spring motor drive gears and a second end coupled with the traversable tube. The spring motor may include a first power plate having first and second circular openings, and a second power plate having first and second openings, the first and second power plates having opposing posts for assembling the first and second power plates together so that the respective first openings of the assembled power plates are aligned with one another and the respective second openings of the assembled power plates are aligned with one another.

[0033] In other preferred embodiments, a storage drum having bearing surfaces on opposite ends thereof is engagable with the first openings of the power plates for supporting rotation of the storage drum and an output drum having bearing surfaces on opposite ends thereof is engagable with the second openings of the power plates for supporting rotation of the output drum. The first power plate desirably has an exterior surface including a stub shaft and the output drum includes one of the drive gears integrally formed therewith, the one of the drive gears passing through the second opening of the first power plate.

[0034] These and other preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in more detail below.

[0086] FIG. 1 shows an exploded view of a cordless blind assembly, in accordance with certain preferred embodiments of the present invention. The assembly includes a headrail 102, a left hand headrail end cap 104 and a right hand headrail end cap 106. The left hand and right hand end caps 104, 106 cover the respective left and right ends of headrail 102. The assembly also preferably includes a tensioning member 108 including a large diameter collar 110, a compression spring 112 and a small diameter collar 114.

[0087] The cordless blind assembly 100 desirably includes a first cradle 116 and a second cradle 118 assembled with headrail 102. The assembly 100 also includes a central cradle 120. In certain preferred embodiments, however, the central cradle 120 is not required. The first and second cradles 116, 118 are adapted to support rotational and traversing movement of tube 122. The cellular shade 100 also includes threaded rod 124 and threaded plug 126 insertable into an opening at a first end of tube 122. Cordless blind assembly 100 also includes a first cradle cover 128 for assembly with first cradle 116 and a second cradle cover 130 for assembly with second cradle 118. Although not limited by any particular theory of operation, it is believed that, if the blind is raised slightly off-center, the cradle covers 128, 130 prevent lift cord slack from developing on one side of tube 122 as opposed to the other side of tube 122.

[0088] The cordless blind assembly 100 also includes clips 132 attachable over the outer surface of tube 122 for holding ends of lift cord 134 in place.

[0089] The assembly 100 also includes a drive plug 136 insertable into an opening at a second end of tube 122, and a drive shaft having 138 having a first end 140 adapted to engage an opening in drive plug 136. Drive shaft 138 has a second end. 142 engageable with a power assembly 144, such as a spring motor. The drive shaft is adapted to translate rotational movement to the drive plug, however, the drive plug is able to slide along the drive shaft to facilitate traversing movement of tube 122.

[0090] The cordless blind assembly 100 also preferably includes a mounting bracket 146 and mounting screws 148 for mounting the headrail 102 over a window opening. The assembly 100 also preferably includes a dust cover 150 adapted to cover the upper side headrail 102, as well as the traversing tube 122 and power assembly 144 disposed within headrail 102. The assembly 100 also includes a slat 152 assembled with an underside of headrail 102. The slat 152 engages an upper end of a window covering material 154, such as cellular fabric for attaching the window covering material 154 with headrail 102. The assembly 100 includes a second slat 156 inserted into the bottommost cell of window covering material 154. The second slat 156 engages an upper face of bottom rail 158 for connecting bottom rail 158 with the window covering material 154. The bottom rail 158 includes openings at both ends adapted to receive bottom rail end caps 160. The lift cord 134 has a lower end that is passed through window covering material 154, bottom rail 158 and washer 162 for tying off the bottom end of lift cord 134 and securing the bottom end against an underside of bottom rail 158. The assembly also includes a handle 164 attached to bottom rail 158.

[0091] Referring to FIG. 1, the cordless blind assembly 100 also includes a screw 166 connectable with the power assembly 144. The screw 166 includes a head shaped to engage a notch formed in right hand headrail end cap 106, so as to reliably secure power assembly 144 to headrail 102 and right hand headrail end cap 106.

[0092] FIGS. 2A-2C show right hand headrail end cap 106 including outer face 168, inner face 170 and projections 172 engageable with slots formed at an end of the headrail shown in FIG. 1. The inner face 170 of right hand headrail end cap 106 includes a notch 174 adapted to receive and secure a head of screw 166 (FIG. 1), which in turn secures the power assembly 144 to the headrail 102 (FIG. 1).

[0093] FIG. 3A shows the left hand headrail end cap 104 of FIG. 1 including outer face 176, inner face 178 and projections 180 extending from inner face 178. The projections 180 are adapted to engage slots formed in a left hand side of the headrail 102 of FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 3B and 3C, the left hand headrail end cap 104 includes a notch 182 adapted to receive an end of threaded rod 124 (FIG. 1).

[0094] FIG. 4 shows an end view of headrail 102 including an opening 184 having slots 186 formed therein adapted to receive the projections 172 of right hand headrail end cap 106.

[0095] FIG. 5 shows an end view of bottom rail 158 including slots 188 formed therein. Referring to FIG. 6, the assembly includes bottom rail end caps 160. Each bottom rail end cap 160 has projections 190 adapted to be inserted into the slots 188 of bottom rail 158.

[0096] Referring to FIG. 7, a tensioning member 108 is inserted between a headrail end cap (not shown) and the end of tube 122 remote from power assembly 144 (FIG. 1). The tube 122 has an opening at an end thereof adapted to receive threaded plug 126. The threaded plug includes a central threaded opening 190 (FIG. 8B) adapted to receive threaded rod 124 having a head 125. The periphery of threaded plug 126 has projections 127 adapted to engage internal notch 109 of large diameter collar 110. The tensioning member is assembled about the exterior of threaded rod 124. Tensioning member 108 includes large diameter collar 110, small diameter collar 114 and compression spring 112 assembled between collars 110, 114. The compression spring 112 is wound about threaded rod 124. Although not limited by any particular theory of operation, it is believed that the tensioning member will place more holding force on the tube 122 as the bottom rail and the cellular fabric 154 are lowered down over the window opening. As the cellular fabric 154 is pulled down, the tube 122 will rotate for unwinding the lift cords and traverse to the left.

[0097] Referring to FIG. 7, in certain preferred embodiments, the tensioning member 108 includes a large diameter collar 110, a small diameter collar 114 and a compression spring 112 assembled therebetween. The large diameter collar 110 includes a central opening 192 extending therethrough for receiving threaded rod 124 of FIG. 7. The larger diameter tubular cover 110 also includes an outer notch 194 formed at an end thereof adapted to engage head 125 of threaded rod l24 and an inner notch 109. The tensioning member 108 also includes the small diameter collar 114 having a central opening 196 adapted to receive threaded rod 124 (FIG. 7). The compression spring 112 is preferably a helically wound compression spring.

[0098] FIG. 8B shows tensioning member in an uncompressed position. As tube 122 traverses to the left, the threaded plug 126 of tube 122 engages small diameter collar 114 for compression spring 112 between large diameter collar 110 and small diameter collar 114. Although not shown in FIGS. 8B and 8C, the outer end of large diameter collar includes a notch 194 that engages head 125 of threaded rod 124 for preventing rotational movement of large diameter collar 110. The increasing force provided by the compression spring 112 increases the axial force at the end of the tube 122 for resisting axial movement of tube 122.

[0099] Referring to FIGS. 9A-9C, large diameter collar 110 includes an opening 198 sized to receive the compression spring 112 (FIG. 8 A-C), an outer wall 200 defining the central opening 198 and a central hub 202. The central hub 202 includes a central bore 204 adapted to receive threaded rod 124, so that threaded rod 124 (FIG. 1) may pass therethrough. The large diameter collar 110 also includes an outer notch 194 and an inner notch 109. During compression of the tensioning member, the outer notch 194 engages the end cap and the inner notch 109 engages the end of tube 122 for preventing rotation of the tensioning member.

[0100] Referring to FIGS. 10A-10B, the small diameter collar 114 has an outer wall 206 defining a central opening 208 sized to enable the threaded rod 124 (FIG. 1) to pass therethrough. The small diameter collar 114 also includes a head 210 and a top face 212 adapted to engage the head 125 of threaded rod 124 (FIG. 7).

[0101] Referring to FIG. 11, compression spring 112 includes helically wound coils 214. The compression spring has an opening at the first end 216 thereof adapted to receive the outer wall 206 of small diameter collar 114. The compression spring 112 also includes a second opening at the second end 218 adapted to receive the central hub 202 of large diameter collar 110.

[0102] FIG. 12 shows a tensioning member for a cordless blind assembly, in accordance with further preferred embodiments of the present invention. The tensioning member is located within tube 122′ having a first end 123′ with a threaded plug 126′ secured therein. The assembly includes a threaded rod 124′ having a first end, including a head 125′, and a second end threaded into the threaded opening of threaded plug 126′. A compression spring 112′ is inserted over the second end of the threaded rod 124′ between washer 127′ and retainer 129′. As the cordless blind assembly is pulled down, the lift cord 134′ is unwound from the tube and the tube 122′ traverses to the left. Leftward movement of the tube compresses compression spring 112′, which increases the axial force applied to the end of the tube.

[0103] FIGS. 13A-13B and 14A-14B show power plates for the power assembly 144 shown in FIG. 1. Referring to FIGS. 13A-13B, right hand power plate 220 includes a pair of large posts 222a and 222b, four smaller posts 224a-224d, a stub shaft 226, a large diameter hole 228 and a small diameter hole 230. The right hand power plate 220 also includes a stub shaft throughbore 232 for enabling a drive shaft to pass therethrough, as will be described in more detail below. The upper large post 222a preferably includes a female opening 234 and the second large post 222b includes a male end projection 236. Each of the smaller posts 224a-224d desirably have male end projections 238a-238d.

[0104] Referring to FIGS. 14A-14B, the power assembly also includes a left hand power plate 240 having a pair of large posts 242a and 242b. The first large post 242a includes a male projection 244 and the second large post 242b includes a female opening 246. The large posts 222a, 222b, 242a, 242b of the respective right and left end power plates 220, 240 are adapted to snap-fit together. The left hand power plate 240 also includes smaller posts 248a-248d having female openings 250a-250d. The left hand power plate 240 includes a large diameter opening 252 and a small diameter opening 254.

[0105] FIGS. 15A and 15B show an exploded view of the power assembly of FIG. 1, in accordance with certain preferred embodiments of the present invention. The power assembly includes right hand power plate 220 and left hand power plate 240. The power assembly also includes storage drum 256 having opposing hubs 258a, 258b for rotating within small diameter openings 230 and 254 of the respective power plates. The assembly also includes an output drum 260 having an output drum gear 262 integrally molded thereto. The output drum includes bearing surfaces 264a, 264b that rotate within large diameter openings 228, 252 of the respective power plates. The power plate assembly 144 also includes a pulley 266 adapted to be fit over stub shaft 226, a timing belt 268 that engages pulley 266 and output drum gear 262 and a retainer ring 270 having inwardly projecting teeth 272. The exploded assembly shown in FIGS. 15A and 15B does not show a spring wrapped around storage drum and output drum 260. In operation, the spring preferably travels under the storage drum 256 and over the output drum 260 in the direction indicated by the arrow designated 274 in FIGS. 15A and 15B. The spring preferably stores and releases tension from the power assembly.

[0106] Referring to FIG. 15B, the right hand power plate 220 includes screw anchor post 276 having an internally threaded opening 278 with screw 280 secured in the threaded opening 278. Timing belt 268 includes teeth 282 that mesh with teeth 284 on pulley 266 and teeth 286 on output drum gear 262. Pulley 266 includes an annular opening 288 that is adapted to receive stub shaft 226 so that the pulley 266 is free to rotate about stub shaft 226.

[0107] Referring to FIG. 16, retainer 270 preferably includes a curved face 290 that faces timing belt 268 for holding the timing belt in place over output drum gear 262 (not shown).

[0108] FIGS. 17A-17C show storage drum 256 having an outer surface 292, a first retaining surface 294, a second retaining surface 296, a first bearing surface 258a and a second bearing surface 258b.

[0109] Referring to FIGS. 18A-18E, output drum 260 has an outer spring engaging surface 298, a first retaining surface 300 and a second retaining surface 302. The output drum 260 also includes first bearing surface 264a and second bearing surface 264b. An output drum gear is integrally molded to output drum 260. The output drum gear 262 includes teeth 286 and an hexagonal projection 304 projecting therefrom. The hexagonal projection 304 is adapted to engage the teeth 272 of retainer ring 270 (FIG. 15A). The output drum 260 includes one or more openings 306 extending through the outer wall 298 thereof for receiving and securing an end of a spring (not shown).

[0110] FIGS. 19A-19F show the power assembly 144 after all the components described above have been assembled together. Referring to FIG. 19A, right hand power plate 220 and left hand power plate 240 are snap fit together by large posts 222a and 242a. Pulley 266 is assembled over the stub shaft (not shown) and output drum gear 262 projects through the large diameter opening 252 of the left hand power plate 240. The timing belt 268 has teeth 282 that mesh with the teeth 284 of pulley 266, as well as the teeth (not shown) of the output drum gear 262. Retainer ring 270 is secured over hexagonal projection 304 for holding the timing belt 268 in engagement with the teeth of the output drum gear 262.

[0111] FIG. 19B shows a right side perspective view of the assembly including screw 280 secured in threaded opening 278 of screw anchor post 276. The large posts 222B, 242B of the opposing power plates 220, 240 are snap-fit together.

[0112] FIG. 19D shows timing belt 268 having teeth 282 that mesh with the teeth 284 of pulley 266 and the teeth 286 of output drum gear 262. FIG. 19E shows a top plan view of the power assembly 144 of the present invention including storage drum 256 and output drum 260. Screw 280 is adapted for engaging an end cap of the headrail for holding the power assembly 144 securely in place. Retainer ring 270 holds timing belt 268 in proper engagement with output drum gear 262 and pulley 266.

[0113] FIG. 19F shows storage drum 256, output drum 260 and spring 306 passing between storage drum 256 and output drum 260. The spring 306 travels in the direction indicated by the arrow designated 274. As noted above, the spring is utilized to store and release tension from the power assembly 144.

[0114] FIGS. 20 and 21A-21C show a drive shaft 138 having a first end 140 and a second end 142, the first end being adapted to mesh with the square opening 267 of pulley 266. Referring to FIG. 21A, drive shaft 138 has a square-shaped outer surface when viewed in cross-section. The square-shaped outer surface is best shown in FIG. 21C. Referring to FIG. 21B, drive shaft 138 includes stop ring 310, snap barbs 312 and bifurcated end 314. The bifurcated end 314 includes an upper arm 316 and a lower arm 318 that may be compressed toward one another. Referring to FIGS. 20 and 21B, during assembly the bifurcated end 314 is inserted into the square shaped opening 276 of pulley 266 and passes through the opening 232 of stub shaft 226. As the bifurcated end 314 is passing through the stub shaft, the arms 316 and 318 are compressed together. After the bifurcated end 314 has been fully inserted through the stub shaft, the two arms 316, 318 are free to flex away from one another so that the retaining barbs 320, 322 engage the inside surface of right hand power plate 220 for holding the drive shaft secured to the power plate. The retaining barbs 320, 322 are angled away from the tip of the bifurcated end 314 for increasing grip as axial load increases. At this point, the drive shaft is free to rotate simultaneously with pulley 266. The square outer surface of the drive shaft between the stop ring 310 and the barbs 312 has a square outer surface that closely engages the square or square-shaped opening 267 of pulley 266. FIG. 22 shows the drive shaft 138 assembled with the power assembly 144. As a result, any rotation of pulley 266 will drive the drive shaft 138, and rotation of the drive shaft will rotate pulley 266

[0115] FIGS. 23A-23E show a cradle 116 adapted to facilitate rotational and traversing movement of a tube 122 (FIG. 1). The cradle 116 includes a tube bearing surface 324, a ladder drum bearing surface 326 and a securing element 328 adapted for securing cradle 116 to the headrail of the assembly. The cradle has a side window 330 passing through a side wall 332 thereof. The cradle also includes a ladder opening 334 adjacent a front end 336 of the cradle, a first opening 338 for a lift cord, a second opening 340 for a second lift cord and a second ladder opening 342 adjacent the rear end 344 of cradle 116.

[0116] FIGS. 24A-24D show a threaded rod 124 having a tip end 344 and head 125 remote from tip end 344. The threaded rod 124 includes threads 348 extending between tip end 344 and head 125. Head 125 includes a substantially V-shaped notch 350 formed therein. In other preferred embodiments, the V-shaped notch may have different geometric shapes.

[0117] FIGS. 25A-25C show clip 132, preferably made of a flexible material such as metal. The clip 132 is fastened over the outer surface of tube 122 (FIG. 26A) for holding an end of cord 134 securely fastened to the tube 122.

[0118] FIGS. 26A and 26B show tube 122 having an outer surface 346 with elongated grooves 348 formed therein. In certain preferred embodiments, the tube has one elongated groove. In other preferred embodiments, the tube has two, three or more elongated grooves.

[0119] FIGS. 27A and 27B show pulley 266 having teeth 284 and a square shaped opening 267 formed at one end thereof. As noted above, the square shaped opening 267 is adapted to receive the square-shaped outer surface of the drive shaft so that the pulley 266 and drive shaft rotate simultaneously with one another. Referring to FIG. 27B, the opposite end of pulley 266 includes an annular opening 269 adapted to engage the outer surface of stub shaft 226 (FIG. 13A)

[0120] FIGS. 28A-28C show retainer 270 including inwardly projecting teeth 272. The retainer 270 has a curved surface 290. In certain preferred embodiments, the retainer 270 includes a substantially convex surface 291 opposite the curved surface 290.

[0121] FIG. 29 shows the power assembly 144 of FIG. 15A coupled with tube 122 by drive shaft 138. The tube 122 has an opening at a right end thereof and a drive plug 136 inserted in the opening. The tube is supported by a first cradle 116 and a second cradle 118. The cradles include bearing surfaces that facilitate rotational and traversing movement of tube 122. The left end of tube 122 is supported by end cap 104 having notch 182 formed therein for supporting a head of threaded rod 124. The threaded rod 124 is secured in threaded plug 126 attached to the end of tube 122.

[0122] FIG. 30 shows another preferred embodiment of the present invention including power assembly 144 connected with tube 122 via drive shaft 138. The drive shaft 138 has a first end connected with the power assembly 144 and a second end which engages drive plug 136 secured in an opening of tube 122. An opposite end of tube 122 is secured to left hand headrail end cap 104 by head 125 of threaded rod 124 (not shown). The head 125 of threaded rod 124 is secured within a notch 182 formed in left hand headrail end cap 104. A tensioning member 108 including a compression spring 112 is secured between the end of tube 122 and left hand headrail end cap 104. A first cradle 116 and a second cradle 118 support rotational and traversing movement of tube 122. A cradle cover 130 is coupled to first cradle 116.

[0123] FIG. 31 shows another perspective view of a cordless blind assembly 100 including headrail 102 supporting power assembly 144 and tube 122. The power assembly 144 includes pulley 266 coupled with drive shaft 138. As will be described in more detail below, during downward movement of the cellular shade, tube 122 rotates as the lift cords (not shown) are unwound from the tube 122. In turn, rotation of tube 122 drives drive shaft 138, which in turn rotates pulley 266. Rotation of pulley 266 drives timing belt 268 which, in turn, rotates output drum gear 262. Rotation of output drum gear 262 rotates output drum 260 which takes up the spring stored on storage drum 256. Referring to FIGS. 30 and 31, as the cordless blind is pulled downward, the threaded rod 124 attached to the left hand rail end cap 104 causes tube 122 to move to the right. This causes the tension member, and particularly the spring 112 of the tension member 108, to compress, which places axial holding forces on the remote end of tube 122. The axial holding force tends to hold the tube stationary and in place.

[0124] FIG. 32 shows yet another view of the assembly of the present invention including headrail 102 and left hand end cap 104 supporting rotation of tube 122. The assembly includes a first cradle 116 and a second cradle 118. The first and second cradles 116, 118 support rotational and traversing movement of tube 122. The first end of tube 122 has secured therein a drive plug 136 with a preferably square opening 139 adapted to receive the square cross-sectional shaped drive rod (not shown). As noted above, left hand headrail end cap 104 includes a notch 182 for securing head 125 of threaded rod 124.

[0125] FIG. 33 shows the second end of tube 122 including threaded plug 126 having a central opening 127 with threads 129. The threads 129 of the threaded plug 126 engage the external threads of threaded rod 124 (FIG. 32). As the tube rotates in the counterclockwise direction, the tube traverses to the right along the threaded rod for moving the second end of the tube 122 closer to the left-most end of headrail 102.

[0126] FIG. 34 shows an expanded view of tensioning member 108 including large diameter collar 110, small diameter collar 114 and compression spring 112 disposed between the large diameter collar 110 and the small diameter collar 114. Threaded rod 124 has a head 125 secured in notch 182 of left hand headrail end cap 104. The assembly includes threaded plug 126 secured in an opening at the end of tube 122 for engaging the external threads (not shown) of threaded rod 124. The tensioning member 108 is secured between the threaded plug 126 and the left hand headrail end cap 104. As the cellular shade is payed out, the tube 122 rotates in a direction indicated by arrow 400. As the tube 122 rotates, the tube 122 moves to the right for abutting threaded plug 126 against small diameter collar 114. Further rightward movement of tube 122 compresses the tensioning member 108 between the threaded plug 126 and the inner face of left hand headrail end cap 104. Further paying out of the cellular shade results in further rightward movement of tube 122 for providing further axial force by the tensioning member 108. As the cellular shade is lifted up toward the headrail 102, the tube 122 rotates in an opposite direction from the direction indicated by arrow 400 and the tube moves leftward along the threaded rod 124. This reduces the amount of compression upon the tensioning member 108.

[0127] FIG. 35 shows a cradle cover 130 which may be assembled over a cradle 116 that supports a rotating tube. The cradle cover 130 includes first and second opposing flanges 131, 133 that facilitate securing the cradle cover 130 to cradle 116. Referring to FIG. 36, cradle cover 130 is secured over cradle 116 so that tube 122 is moveable between the cradle 116 and the cradle cover 130. Opposing flanges 131 and 133 facilitate attachment of cradle cover 130 to cradle 116. Specifically, a side wall 117 of cradle passes between opposing flanges 131 and 132 of cradle cover 130. Although not limited by any particular theory of operation, it is believed that cradle cover 130 prevents slack from developing in a lift cord (not shown) as the lift cord is wound and unwound from tube 122.

[0128] FIG. 37 shows lift cord 134 wrapped around tube 122. An end 135 of lift cord 134 is secured in an elongated groove 348 and held in the groove 348 by clip 132. The clip preferably covers the groove 348 for holding the end 135 of cord 134 in place so that the cord 134 does not move. The cord is then directed through lateral window 330 of cradle 116 and opening 340 extending through a bottom wall 341 of cradle 116. The lift cord 134 follows a zigzag path whereby the cord engages a periphery of window 330 and a periphery of opening 340. The engagement of the cord with the edges of the openings 330, 340 creates friction that is believed to provide better holding force for the cordless blind assembly. This tends to hold the cellular shade in place as it is raised and lowered relative to the window opening.

[0129] FIG. 38 shows a pleated shade assembly 1100 in accordance with certain preferred embodiments of the present invention. The pleated shade assembly 1100 is generally similar to the assembly shown in FIG. 1, however, the window covering material is a pleated fabric 1154. Referring to FIGS. 39 and 40, the assembly 1100 includes a headrail 1102 and a bottom rail 1158. Referring to FIG. 41, the assembly includes headrail end caps 1104 and 1106 that cover the respective left and right ends of headrail 1102 shown in FIG. 39. FIG. 42 shows bottom rail end caps 1160 for capping the respective left and right ends of bottom rail 1158 shown in FIG. 40. FIG. 43 shows a tie off 1162 for tieing off an end of cord 1134 that has passed through bottom rail 1158.

[0130] Referring to FIGS. 44-49, a shade assembly 2100 in accordance with another preferred embodiment of the present invention includes aluminum slats 2154, headrail 2102, and bottom rail 2158. The ends of the headrail 2102 are covered by headrail end caps 2104 and 2106. The openings at the ends of the bottom rail 2158 are covered by the bottom rail end caps 2160. The lower end of lift cord 2134 is secured to bottom rail 2158 by tie-off 2164. 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.