• 专利附录
  • 专利说明
  • 权利要求
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    • 专利摘要:
    CONTROL FOR MOBILE RAIL The present invention refers to a cover for an architectural opening that has a horizontal mobile rail supported by ropes, with a variety of configurations that allow the mobile rail to be moved up and down to hide the ropes.
    公开号:BR112013021970B1
    申请号:R112013021970-0
    申请日:2012-03-06
    公开日:2020-11-10
    发明作者:Richard Anderson；Eugene W. Thompson；Steven R. Haarer
    申请人:Hunter Douglas Inc.；
    IPC主号:
    专利说明:

    BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
    This order claims priority from U.S. Provisional Order S.N. 61/449877, filed March 7, 2011, which is incorporated into this document for reference.
    The present invention relates to an arrangement for opening and closing covers for architectural openings, such as shutters, pleated blinds, cellular blinds and vertical curtains.
    Generally, a transport system for a roof that extends and retracts in the vertical direction has a fixed main rail, which supports the roof and hides the mechanisms used to raise and lower or extend and retract the roof. Such a transport system is described in U. S. Patent No. 6,536,503, Modular Transport System for Coverings for Architectural Openings, which is incorporated into this document for reference. In the typical roofing product that retracts at the top and then extends downward from the top (from top to bottom), the extension and retraction of the roof is done by suspension strings suspended from the main rail and attached to the bottom rail. On a shutter, there are also ladder straps that support the slats, and the suspension ropes usually run through holes in the middle of the slats. In these types of roofs, the force required to lift the roof is at a minimum when the roof is fully lowered (fully extended), provided that the weight of the slats is supported by the ladder strips, so that only the bottom rail is lifted by the ropes. suspension at the beginning. As the cover is lifted, the slats are stacked on the bottom rail, transferring the weight of the cover from the ladder tapes to the suspension ropes, so a progressively greater suspension force is needed to lift the cover as it approaches the fully raised (fully retracted) position.
    Some window covering products are built to operate in reverse (bottom to top), where the motion rail, instead of being at the bottom of the window cover beam, is at the top of the window cover beam. between the beam and the main rail, such that the beam is normally accumulated at the bottom of the window, when the cover is retracted and the movement rail is at the top of the window cover, close to the main rail, when the cover is extended. There are also compound products that are able to do both, go from top to bottom and / or bottom to top. In top-down / bottom-up (TDBU) arrangements, window blinds or curtains have an intermediate movable rail and a lower movable rail.
    Known rope drives have some disadvantages. For example, the ropes in a rope drive can be difficult to reach when the rope is at the top (and the blind is in the fully lowered position), or the rope can drag on the floor when the blind is in the fully raised position. The rope drive can also be difficult to use, requiring a large amount of force to be applied by the operator, or requiring complicated changes in direction in order to perform various functions, such as locking or unlocking the drive rope. There can also be problems with winding the rope on the drive spool, and many of the mechanisms to resolve the winding problem require that the rope be placed on the drive spool in one location, which prevents the drive spool from being able to taper to provide a mechanical advantage.
    It is often desirable to hide the strings so that there are no loose strings. However, this can be difficult, especially when there is more than one movable rail, which usually means that there are many ropes that must be hidden. SUMMARY
    Various arrangements are presented to move a cover from one position to another, using suspension strings that are hidden and eliminating loose strings. In one embodiment, the user activates a mechanism on a handle on a mobile rail and then raises or lowers the mobile rail to extend or retract the cover. Releasing the handle mechanism automatically locks the movable rail in the position it was in when the handle mechanism was released.
    In another embodiment, an indexing mechanism, functionally connected to the suspension rail of the mobile rail, works to rotate the suspension stations on the mobile rail that winds or unwinds the suspension rope to raise or lower the mobile rail.
    In another embodiment, an upper movable rail runs up and down the lower rails on the suspension ropes.
    In yet another embodiment, an upper movable rail is suspended on a first set of suspension ropes that extends upwardly to the fixed points, and a lower movable rail is suspended from the upper movable rail by a second set of suspension strings. This modality includes an arrangement that prevents the lower movable rail from extending beyond the lower part of the architectural opening when the movable upper rail is fully extended. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES: Figure 1 is a perspective view of a cellular blind incorporating a locking mechanism shown in the locked position; Figure 2 is a perspective view of the blind in Figure 1, with the lock in the unlocked position; Figure 3 is a partially detailed perspective view of the blind in Figure 1, showing the components that are housed in the movable rail; Figure 4 is a plan view of the locking mechanism of Figure 1, with the top cover omitted for clarity, and showing the suspension rod; Figure 5 is the same view as Figure 4, but with the locking mechanism in the unlocked position; Figure 6 is a detailed perspective view of the locking mechanism of Figure 1; Figure 7 is a rear perspective view of the sliding element of the locking mechanism of Figure 6; Figure 8 is a front view of the locking mechanism of Figure 1; Figure 9 is a sectional view along line 9-9 of Figure 8; Figure 10 is a perspective view of the cellular blind in Figure 1, but the addition of a pin support fixture to help unlock the blind if the locking mechanism is not easily accessible to the user; Figure 11 is a perspective view, similar to Figure 10, showing a locking release rod engaging the pin support fixture to assist in unlocking the blind; Figure 12A is a sectional view, taken along the line 12A-12A of Figure 11; Figure 12B is the same view as Figure 12A, but with the locking mechanism in the unlocked position; Figure 13 is a perspective view of fixing the pin support of Figure 11; Figure 14 is a perspective view of the end of the lock release rod of Figures 10 and 11; Figure 15 is a perspective view of the tip of the lock release rod of Figure 14, as seen from a different angle. Figure 16 is a perspective view of an ascending downward cellular blind; Figure 17 is a detailed perspective view of the main rail of the cell shutter in Figure 16; Figure 18 is a perspective view of an ascending downward cellular blind with a movable rail, including a lock; Figure 19 is a perspective view partially removed from the cellular blind of Figure 18, with the tracks omitted for clarity; Figure 20 is a detailed perspective view of the cellular blind in Figure 18, with the suspension strings omitted for clarity; Figure 21 is a perspective view of the lower end of one of the windlass assemblies of Figure 20; Figure 22 is a perspective view of the upper end of the reel assembly of Figure 21; Figure 23 is a detailed perspective view of the reel assembly of Figure 22; Figure 24 is a sectional view along line 24-24 of Figure 22; Figure 25 is a perspective view of the reel in Figure 24; Figure 26 is a sectional view along line 26-26 of Figure 22; Figure 27 is a perspective view of an alternative windlass assembly, which can be used on the cellular shutter of Figure 20; Figure 28 is a detailed perspective view of the reel assembly of Figure 27; Figure 29 is a plan view, showing the reel assembly housing of Figure 28; Figure 30 is a plan view, showing the casing of the reel assembly housing of Figure 28; Figure 31 is a sectional view along line 31-31 of Figure 27; Figure 32 is a front perspective view of a cellular blind, similar to that of Figure 1, but with a different trigger mechanism; Figure 33 is a rear perspective view of the cellular shutter in Figure 32; Figure 34 is a partially detailed perspective view of the cellular blind in Figure 32; Figure 35 is a sectional view along line 35-35 of Figure 34, but with the sprocket mounted on the end cap; Figure 36 is a sectional view along line 36-36 of Figure 35; Figure 37 is a perspective view of the end cap of Figure 34; Figure 38 is a perspective view of the gear of Figure 34; Figure 39 is a perspective view of a cellular blind, similar to that of Figure 32, but with the indexing trigger mechanisms at both ends of the blind; Figure 40 is a diagram of a downward / upward louver with an automatic variable stroke limiter, with both movable rails in their stowed positions; Figure 41 is a schematic of the blind in Figure 40 with the upper movable rail in its fully extended position and the lower movable rail in its fully retracted position; Figure 42 is a schematic of the blind in Figure 40 with the upper movable rail in a partially extended position and the lower movable rail in a partially extended position; Figure 43 is a schematic of the blind in Figure 40 with the upper movable rail in a partially extended position and the lower movable rail in its fully retracted position; and Figure 44 is a schematic of the blind in Figure 40, but showing a cover extending from the upper movable rail to the lower movable rail and including brakes on both movable rail. DESCRIPTION
    Figures 1 to 10 illustrate a modality of a horizontal cover for an architectural opening (which can then be referred to as a window cover or curtain or blind). This particular modality is a cellular blind 10, with a locking mechanism 12 (illustrated in more detail in Figures 4 to 9). The user applies an external force to disable the locking mechanism 12 to raise or lower the blind (by retracting and extending the expandable material). When the blind is in the desired position, the user stops applying external force, and the locking mechanism automatically locks and holds the blind in place. This same suspension arrangement could be used for a shutter.
    The shutter 10 of Figures 1-3 includes a main rail 14, a lower rail 16 and a cellular shutter structure 18 suspended from the main rail 14 and attached to the main rail 14 and the lower rail 16. The suspension ropes (not shown) are attached to the main rail 14, extend through the openings in the cell shutter 18 and end at the suspension stations 20 housed in the lower rail 16. A suspension rod 22 extends through the suspension stations 20 and through the mechanism locking rods 12. The suspension spools on the suspension stations 20 rotate with the suspension rod 22, and the suspension cords wind or unwind from the suspension stations 20 to raise or lower the lower rail 16 and thus raise or lower lower the blind 10. A spring motor 24 is functionally attached to the suspension rod 22 to provide an auxiliary force when lifting the blind.
    These suspension stations 20 and the spring motor 24, and their operating principles are disclosed in U. S. Patent No. 6,536,503 "Modular Transport System for Coverings for Architectural Openings", issued March 25, 2003, which is incorporated into this document for reference. Very briefly, the suspension rod 22 is rotationally connected to an output spool on spring motor 24. A flat spring (not shown) on spring motor 24 has a first end connected to the output spool (having a first axis of rotation ) of the spring motor 24. The second end of the flat spring on the spring motor 24 is connected to a storage spool (not shown), having a second axis of rotation, or is wound on an imaginary axis, defining this second axis of rotation. The flat spring tends to return to its "normal" state, wrapped around the second axis of rotation, and this normally corresponds to when the blind 10 is in the fully raised (retracted) position. As the blind 10 is pulled down (extended), the flat spring unwinds from the second axis of rotation and coils around the outlet spool, increasing the potential energy stored in the spring. When the blind 10 is raised (retracted) the spring coils back into the storage spool, using some of the potential energy to help the user lift the blind 10, by turning the exit spool and thus the suspension rod 22 connected to the spring motor output spool 24.
    In this mode, the main purpose of the spring motor is to wind the suspension rope, as the blind 10 is raised. To operate the blind, the user applies an external force to unlock the locking mechanism 12 and manually positions the rail 16. It then releases the external force, and the locking mechanism 12 automatically locks to hold the rail 16 in the desired position. , regardless of the relationship between the power of the spring and the weight of the blind. The spring may have a subpower (having enough energy to wind the suspension rope, but not enough energy to lift the blind) or it may have a superpower (having enough energy to wind the suspension rope and additional energy to lift the blind) .
    In a modality for a shutter type curtain, this spring motor 24 includes a spring with a negative power curve, such that when the force required to lift the curtain is at a minimum (when the shutter is fully extended), the spring it provides minimal assistance, and as progressively greater lifting force is required to lift the curtain slats (as the shutter approaches the fully retracted position), the spring offers more assistance. This spring with a negative power curve is disclosed in U. S. Patent No. 7,740,045 "Spring Motor and Drag Brake for Drive for Coverings for Architectural Openings", issued on June 22, 2010, which is incorporated into this document for reference.
    Each suspension station 20 includes a suspension reel that rotates with the suspension rod 22. The suspension stations 20, the suspension rod 22 and the spring motor 24 are mounted on the lower rail 16.
    When the suspension rod 22 rotates, the suspension reels of the suspension stations 20 also rotate and vice versa. One end of each suspension rope is connected to a respective suspension spool of a respective suspension station 20, and the other end of each suspension rope is connected to the upper rail 14, such that when the suspension reels rotate in a direction, the suspension strings wrap around the suspension spools and the blind 10 is raised (retracted), and when the suspension spools rotate in the opposite direction, the suspension strings unwind from the suspension spools and the blind 10 is lowered ( extended).
    Locking Mechanism
    Figures 4-9 show the details of the locking mechanism 12 of Figure 3. Referring to Figure 6, the locking mechanism 12 includes a housing 26, a sliding element 28, a spiral spring 30, a splined sleeve 32 and a housing jacket 34.
    The housing 26 is a substantially rectangular box with a flat back wall 36, a flat front wall 38 that defines an opening 40 and a fixed forward extending flap 42 attached to the front wall 38. The side walls, 44, 46 define openings aligned U-shapes 48, 50 rotationally supporting the splined sleeve 32. The left side wall 44 also defines an internally extending projection 52 sized to receive and engage one end 54 of the spiral spring 30. The other end 56 of the spring of spiral 30 is received in a similar projection 58 on the sliding element 28 (see Figure 7), as will be described in more detail later.
    The bottom wall 60 defines an edge 62, which extends parallel to the front and rear wall 38, 36. The bottom edge 64 of the sliding element 28 is received in the space between edge 62 and front wall 38, so that edge 62 and the front wall 38 forms a strip that guides the sliding element 28 in a lateral slide offset parallel to the flat front wall 38 of the housing 26. An embedded bulkhead 66 along the front of the housing cover 34 also extends parallel to the front wall 38 The upper edge 68 of the sliding element 28 is received between the front wall 38 and the bulkhead 66 to provide a similar linear lateral orientation function to the upper edge 68 of the sliding element 28, as described in more detail later.
    Referring to Figure 7, the sliding element 28 is a substantially T-shaped member with the "T" leg being a sliding flap 70 which is substantially identical to the fixed flap 42 of housing 26, except that there is an opening 27 through the sliding visor 70, the purpose of which is described later. As best seen in Figures 4 and 5, the fixed flap 42 and the sliding flap 70 are substantially parallel to each other when the locking mechanism 12 is mounted, and the sliding element 28 slides to the left (as from the perspective of Figures 4 and 5) towards the fixed flap 42 to unlock the locking mechanism 12, as described in more detail later.
    Again, referring to Figure 7, the slide element 28 defines a wing projection 71 substantially opposite the projection that receives the spring 58. As described in more detail later, this wing projection 71 slides between the grooves of the splined sleeve 32 to prevent the splined sleeve 32 from rotating.
    The splined sleeve 32 (see Figures 6 and 9) is a hollow body, generally cylindrical, with an internal hole 72, having a non-circular profile. In this particular mode, it has a "V" projection profile. The suspension rod 22 has a complementary "V" notch 22A. The suspension rod 22 is dimensioned to almost match the internal profile of the hole 72, with the "V" projection of the hole 72 being received in the "V" notch 22A of the suspension rod 22, such that the splined sleeve 32 and the suspension rod 22 are positively engaged to rotate together. Thus, when the splined sleeve 32 is prevented from turning, the suspension rod 22 is likewise prevented from turning.
    The splined sleeve 32 also defines a plurality of splines 74 that extends radially in the right end portion of the splined sleeve 32 (as seen from the perspective of Figure 6). The left end portion 76 of the splined sleeve 32 is a cylindrical, smooth, streak-free surface with the same outside diameter as the base from which the splines 74 protrude. Assembly:
    Referring to Figures 4-6, to assemble the locking mechanism 12, the first end 54 of the spiral spring 30 is placed over the projection 52 in the housing 26. The sliding element 28 is then mounted such that the sliding visor 70 protrudes through opening 40 in the front wall 38 of the housing 26, with the lower edge 64 of the sliding element 28 fitting into the space between the edge 62 and the front wall 38 of the housing 26. The second end 56 of the spiral spring 30 it receives the projection 58 (see Figure 7) of the sliding element 28, in this way, the spiral spring 30 is secured and is held in position by two projections 52, 58.
    The spiral spring 30 acts as a tilt means that drives the sliding element 28 to the right (as seen from the perspective of Figure 4). To install the splined sleeve 32, the user pushes the sliding element 28 to the left, to the position shown in Figure 5, such that the wing projection 71 compensates for the splines 74 of the splined sleeve 32. The splined sleeve 32 then falls in place so that their ends are in the curved lower parts of the openings 48, 50 in the side walls 44, 46, which support the splined sleeve 32 for rotation. (The bulkheads 73, close to the ends of the splined sleeve 32, are inside the housing 26 adjacent to the side walls 44, 46 and ensure that the splined sleeve 32 remains in the correct axial position in relation to the housing 26.) Finally, the housing lining 34 closes with a snap at the top of the assembly to hold the components together, with the upper edge 68 of the sliding element 28 being received between the bulkhead 66 of the housing casing 34 and the front wall 38 of the housing 26, and the suspension rod 22 is slid through the hole 72 of the splined sleeve 32 and through the suspension stations 20 and on the spring motor 24, as shown in Figure 3.
    The assembled locking mechanism 12, the suspension rod 22, the suspension stations 20 and the spring motor 24 are then mounted on the mobile rail 16. In this embodiment, the mobile rail 16 is the lower rail 16, but this alternatively, it can be an intermediate rail, located between the main rail and a lower rail (not shown). Alternatively, the entire mechanism, including the spring motor 24, the suspension rod 22, the suspension stations 20 and the lock 12, could be located on the fixed main rail 14, with the suspension strings attached to the lower movable rail, extending through the blind 18 and curling over the spools of the suspension stations 20 on the fixed main rail. Operation:
    Referring to Figures 1, 2, 4 and 5, to raise or lower the blind 10, the user compresses the flaps 42, 70 of the locking mechanism 12, which pushes the sliding element 28 to the left (as seen in Figure 5 ), against the tilt force of the spiral spring 30. The wing projection 71 on the sliding element 28 also moves to the left until it compensates for the ribs 74 of the ribbed sleeve 32, which releases the ribbed sleeve 32 and allows it to rotate. The suspension rod 22, which is functional and positively connected to the splined sleeve 32, is now also free to rotate. When the user is lifting the shutter 10, the spring motor 24 assists the user by providing some of the force necessary to rotate the suspension rod 22 and the suspension spools of the suspension stations 20 wind any suspension strings on these. suspension spools.
    The spring of the spring motor 24 may have a superpower (more powerful than necessary to overcome the force of gravity acting on the blind 10, so that the blind 10 is raised), or it may be having a subpower, so that the user have to supply some of the suspension force to lift the blind 10. As discussed earlier, the spring of the spring motor 24 can include a spring with a negative power curve, such that when the force required to lift the curtain is at (when the curtain is fully extended), the spring motor 24 provides minimal assistance, and as progressively greater lifting force is required to lift the curtain (as the curtain approaches the fully retracted position), the spring motor 24 provides further assistance.
    When the user releases the flaps 42, 70 from the locking mechanism 12, the spiral spring 30 automatically pushes the slide element 28 to the right, as shown in Figure 4, which slides the wing projection 71 to the right so that it is inserted between two of the ribs 74, as shown in Figure 9. This prevents the ribbed sleeve 32 from rotating further. Since the suspension rod 22 is directly connected to the splined sleeve 32, this also prevents the suspension rod 22 and the suspension stations, which are functionally connected to the suspension rod 22, from rotating, therefore, the suspension strings not they can unfold from their suspension stations 20, and the blind 10 remains in the position where it was released by the user.
    Figures 10-15 represent blind 10 with a reinforcement that can be added to make lock 12 more easily accessible, especially when it may otherwise be too high to reach.
    Referring to Figures 10 and 11, the reinforcement includes a pin support fixation 78 and a latch release rod 80. Referring to Figure 13, the pin support fixation 78 has a substantially flat horizontal surface 82, defining a circular direct opening 84 and two ears projecting downwards 86, 88, defining countersunk openings 90, 92, to receive the screws to secure the reinforcement 78 to the movable rail 16. As can be seen in Figures 10 and 11, the support fixation of pin 78 is fixed to the front external surface of the lower rail 16 using screws 94.
    Figures 14 and 15 show the tip of the socket 96, which is attached to the upper part of the latch release rod 80 (see Figure 11). This socket tip 96 defines a first trunk-conical surface 98 coaxial with the longitudinal axis of the latch release rod 80, and a second trunk-conical surface 100 mounted on an arm 102 projecting radially from the socket tip 96 The second tapered conical surface 100 is oriented perpendicularly to the arm 102. The lower part of the tip of the socket 96 defines an opening 104 that receives the end of the lock release rod 80, as can be seen in Figure 10.
    If it is desirable to have means to extend the user's reach to raise or lower the blind 10, the support fixation of pin 78 is fixed (using screws 94, for example) on the outer surface of the lower rail 16, such that the two ears 86 , 88 override latch 12 and ear 86 rests on fixed latch 42 of latch 12. The latch release rod 80 is then inserted into the support fixation of pin 78, such that the first conical trunk surface 98 goes for opening 84, as shown in Figures 10 and 11. This first action allocates the lock release rod 80 in relation to the pin support fixation 78 in preparation to control the lock 12.
    Once the lock release rod 80 is in position, as shown in Figure 11, it is rotated counterclockwise on its longitudinal axis, as represented by the arrow 106 in Figure 10, until the second tapered surface 100 protrudes into opening 27 (see Figure 12A) on the slide visor 28 of the lock 12, and the arm 102 is pressing on the slide visor 28. An additional turn in the same counterclockwise direction results in the arm 102 pushing the slide visor 28 towards to the fixed visor 42, which releases latch 12 (see Figure 12B). The shutter 10 can now be raised or lowered, taking or lowering the lock release rod 80. The second tapered surface 100 that protrudes through the opening 27 of the slide flap 28 creates a positive fit between the lock release rod 80 and the latch 12, such that the latch release rod 80 does not separate from latch 12 even when the latch release rod is pulled down 80.
    Once the blind 10 is in the desired position, the user rotates the latch release rod 80 clockwise, which allows the spring 30 to propel the slide flap 28 back to the locking position. An additional turn of the lock release rod 80 pulls the second tapered surface 100 out of the opening 27 in the slide flap 28 and allows the user to pull down and remove the release rod from the lock 80. Downward, upward blind
    Figures 16 and 17 show a downward, upward 10 'cell blind. This general type of 10 'blind is described in U.S. Patent No. 7,740,045 previously mentioned "Spring Motor and Drag Brake for Drive for Coverings for Architectural Openings", issued on June 22, 2010, which is incorporated into this document for reference.
    The blind 10 'includes a main rail 14', a movable intermediate rail 15 ', a movable lower rail 16' and a cellular blind structure 18 'suspended from the intermediate rail 15' and attached to the intermediate rail 15 'and the rail lower 16 '.
    There is a first set of suspension ropes 108 'that extends from the main rail 14' to the intermediate rail 15 '. These first suspension strings 108 'have first ends attached to the suspension stations 21', located on the main rail 14 ', and second ends attached to the intermediate rail 15'. These first suspension strings 108 'are raised and lowered by turning a first suspension string 23'.
    There is a second set of suspension ropes 110 'that extends from the main rail 14' to the lower rail 16 '. These second suspension strings 110 'have first ends attached to the suspension stations 20' on the main rail 14 ', extend through the intermediate rail 15' and through the liner 18 'and have second ends attached to the lower rail 16'. These second suspension strings 110 'are raised and lowered by turning a second suspension rod 22'. Other components include spring motors with 24 'drag brakes, as described below.
    The first suspension rod 23 'extends through the suspension stations 21'. A spring motor with drag brake 24 'is functionally attached to the first suspension rod 23' to provide an auxiliary force when lifting the intermediate rail 15 'from the blind 10'. When the first suspension rod 23 'rotates, the suspension spools on the suspension stations 21' also rotate, and the suspension strings 108 'wind or unwind from the suspension stations 21' to raise or lower the intermediate rail 15 ' .
    The second suspension rod 22 'extends through the suspension stations 20' on the main rail 14 '. A spring motor with drag brake 24 'is functionally attached to the second suspension rod 22' to provide an auxiliary force when lifting the lower rail 16 'from the blind 10'. When the second suspension rod 22 'rotates, the suspension spools on the suspension stations 20' also rotate, and the suspension strings 110 'wind or unwind from the suspension stations 20' to raise or lower the lower rail 16 ' .
    This arrangement results in two sets of suspension ropes 108 ', 110' that extend adjacent to each other, with both sets of suspension ropes 108 ', 110' being exposed as the intermediate rail 15 'travels down towards the bottom rail 16 '.
    Arrangement with intermediate rail running through the suspension ropes of the lower rail:
    Figures 18-20 show a 10 * ascending downward cell shutter that eliminates one of the sets of suspension strings of the embodiment of Figure 16. As explained in more detail below, a single set of 108 * suspension strings extends from the main rail 14 *, through the intermediate rail 15 *, through the cover 18 * and down to the lower rail 16 *.
    The blind 10 * of Figures 18-20 includes a main rail 14 *, an intermediate rail 15 *, a lower rail 16 * and a cellular blind structure 18 * suspended from the intermediate rail 15 * and attached to the intermediate rail 15 * and the bottom rail 16 *.
    The single suspension strings 108 * are attached to the main rail 14 *, extend through a set of reel assemblies 112 * on the intermediate rail 15 *, and then through openings in the cell shutter 18 *, to end at suspension stations 20 *, housed in the lower rail 16. A suspension rod 22 * extends through the suspension stations 20 * in the lower rail 16 *. When the suspension rod 22 * rotates, the suspension spools on the suspension stations 20 * also rotate, and the suspension strings 108 * wind or unwind from the spools on the suspension stations 20 * to raise or lower the lower rail 16 *. A spring motor with drag brake 24 * is functionally attached to the suspension rod 22 * to provide an auxiliary force when lifting the lower rail 16 * and to hold the lower rail 16 * in place when released by the user.
    A connecting rod (or suspension rod) 23 * on the intermediate rail 15 * extends through the locking mechanism 12 * and through the reel assemblies 112 * to interconnect them functionally, as described later.
    The spring motor with a drag brake 24 * on the lower movable rail 16 * of Figures 19 and 20 is identical to the spring motor with drag brake 24 'of Figure 17, including the possibility of incorporating superpotent or subpotent springs, as well as the possibility of incorporating a spring with a negative power curve, as already discussed. The suspension stations 20 * of Figures 19 and 20 are substantially identical to the suspension stations 20 ', 21' of Figure 17, which have already been described. Finally, the locking mechanism 12 * of Figures 19 and 20 is substantially identical in design and operation to the locking mechanism 12 of Figure 3, which has already been described.
    Reel assemblies 112 *, shown in Figures 19 and 20, are shown in more detail in Figures 21-26. Each reel assembly 112 * includes a reel (or capstan) 116 * and a reel housing 118 *. The 116 * reel (or capstan) is a reel that rotates inside the reel housing 118 *. The reel housing 118 * is a substantially rectangular housing with an upper wall 120 *, a front wall 122 *, a rear wall 124 *, a right wall 126 * and a left wall 128 *, which define a hollow cavity 130 * for rotationally house the reel of reel 116 *. Reel reel 116 * is mounted on reel housing 118 * through the bottom of reel housing 118 *, as discussed below.
    The right and left walls 126 *, 128 * include arms 132 *, 134 *, respectively, which in turn define elevations 136 *, 138 * respectively that rotationally support the reel of reel 116 *, as described in more detail later . The upper wall 120 * defines a rope entry port 140 *, and the lower part of the reel housing 118 * defines a rope exit port 142 *. Finally, a sloping member 144 *, resembling a paddle or flat finger, projects downward into cavity 130 *, adjacent to reel reel 116 *, as best seen in Figures 21, 23, and 24. As explained in more detail later, the purpose of the tilt member 144 * is to press the windings of the suspension rope 108 * against the grooves 145 * (see Figure 23) of the reel of the reel 116 * to prevent slippage between the suspension rope 108 * and the reel of the reel 116 *, that is, to avoid the possibility of the suspension rope 108 * moving the reel of the reel 116 *.
    Referring to Figures 23 and 25, the reel of reel 116 * is a cylindrical, hollow body with an internal hole 146 *, having a non-circular profile. In this particular mode, it has a "V" projection profile. The connecting rod 23 * has a "V" notch and is dimensioned to almost fit with the internal profile of the hole 146 *, with the "V" projection of the hole 146 * being received in the "V" notch of the rod connection 23 *, such that the reels (or capstans) 116 * of the reel assemblies 112 * and the connecting rod 23 * are positively engaged to rotate together. The reel of the reel 116 * defines two coaxial conical trunk surfaces 152 *, 154 * tapering from a larger diameter at the end to a smaller diameter towards the center, and these surfaces are interconnected by a coaxial surface, usually cylindrical, with a plurality of spaced friction intensifying grooves 145 *.
    To assemble the reel assembly 112 *, a first end of the suspension rope 108 * is fed through the rope exit port 142 at the bottom of housing 118 * into cavity 130 * of housing 118 *, then it is pulled downward out through the open bottom part of housing 118 * and is wound one or more times around the central reel portion of reel 116 * (as shown in Figure 25) and then fed back into the open cavity 130 * and up through the inlet port 140 * out of the reel housing 118 * and is attached to the main rail 14 '. The reel reel 116 * is then installed in the reel housing 118 * by pushing the reel reel 116 * upward in the open cavity 130 * through the bottom of the reel housing 118 *. The axle ends 148 *, 150 * (see Figures 23 and 26) of reel reel 116 * slide upwards on the elevations, 136 *, 138 * and push the arms outwardly, 132 *, 134 *, gradually separating them, as the reel of the reel moves upwards until the reel of the reel 116 * compensates for the upper arms 132 *, 134 *, at which point the arms, 132 *, 134 * snap back to their original positions , securing the reel of the reel 116 * in the housing 118 *, as shown in Figures 21, 22 and 26. The second end of the suspension rope 108 * is then extended through the cover 18 * and is attached to the respective suspension station 20 * on the bottom rail 16 *.
    The connecting rod 23 * is inserted through both reel assemblies 112 * and through the splined sleeve 32 * of the locking mechanism 12 *, as shown in Figure 19.
    As was discussed in relation to the locking mechanism 12 of Figures 3-5, when the user tightens the sliding flap 70 * and the fixed flap 42 * together, the wing that is attached to the sliding flap 70 * moves away from the splined portion of the glove grooved 32 *, unlocking the locking mechanism 12 * and allowing rotation of the connecting rod 23 and associated reel spools 116 *.
    The operation of the 10 * blind is as follows:
    To lift the lower rail 16 *, the user takes the lower rail 16 (see Figure 20) and raises it. The spring motor with the drag brake 24 * located on the lower rail 16 * helps to lift the lower rail 16 *. The spring motor 24 * rotates the spools in the suspension stations 20 *, in order to wind any excess of the suspension rope 108 * in the spools, as the lower rail 16 * is raised. When the user releases the bottom rail 16 *, the drag brake portion of the spring motor with the drag brake 24 * holds the bottom rail 16 * in place. Since the spools on the 20 * suspension stations rotate together, they keep the bottom rail 16 * horizontal as it travels up and down.
    To lower the bottom rail 16 *, the user pulls down the bottom rail 16 *. The suspension strings 108 * are attached to the main rail 14 *, are tightened tightly around their respective reels (or capstans) 116 * and extend to the spools at the suspension stations 20 * on the lower rail 16 *. Once the locking mechanism 12 * has not been released, the connecting rod 23 * is locked against rotation, as are the reels of the reel 116 *, thus the intermediate rail 15 * remains stationary. The suspension strings 108 * unwind from the suspension stations 20 * on the lower rail 16 *, and the lower rail 16 * is lowered. Again, once the user releases the bottom rail 16 *, the drag brake portion of the spring motor with the drag brake 24 * holds the bottom rail 16 * in position.
    To lift the intermediate rail 15 *, the user presses the flaps 42 *, 70 * together, which release the splined sleeve 32 * for rotation. Once the connecting rod 23 * and reel reels 116 * are fitted to the splined sleeve 32 *, they can also rotate. If the user lifts on the intermediate rail 15 * while pressing the blades 42 *, 70 * together, the reel reels 116 * will rotate in their respective reel housings 118 *, traveling upwards along the suspension rope 108 *, as they transfer a portion of the suspension string 108 * that is above the reel assemblies 112 * to below the reel assemblies 112 *, thus, the intermediate rail 15 * also travels upwardly along the strings 108 '. Once the intermediate rail 15 * is in the desired location, the user releases the flaps 42 *, 70 * of the locking mechanism 12 *, which locks the splined sleeve 32 * and, therefore, the connecting rod 23 * and the assemblies of the reel 112 *, against an additional rotation, thus locking the intermediate rail 15 * in place.
    To lower the intermediate rail 15 *, the procedure is the reverse of that for raising the intermediate rail 15 * described above. The user squeezes the flaps together 42 *, 70 * of the locking mechanism 12 *, which releases the splined sleeve 32 * for rotation, which allows the connecting rod 23 * and reel assemblies 112 * to rotate. While pressing the flaps together 42 *, 70 *, the user pulls down on the intermediate rail 15 *. The reels of the reel 116 * rotate in the opposite direction, and the intermediate rail 15 * runs downwardly along the suspension strings 108 *. Once the intermediate rail 15 * is in the desired position, the user releases the flaps 42 *, 70 * from the locking mechanism 12 *, which locks the intermediate rail 15 * in place. Once the reel reels (or capstans) 116 * are tied by rod 23 * and rotate together, they keep the intermediate rail 15 * horizontal as it travels up and down.
    It should be noted that the lower rail 16 * remains in position when the intermediate rail 15 * is raised and lowered, since the position of the lower rail 16 * is determined by the rotation of the spools on the suspension stations 20 *, not the position of the intermediate rail 15 *.
    The tapered surfaces 152 *, 154 * on the reel spools 116 * ensure that the suspension strings 108 * remain centered on the reels of 10 reel 116 *, and the grooves 145 * on the reel reels 116 * together with the tilt leg 144 * pressing the suspension rope 108 * against the grooves 145 * ensures that the rope 108 * does not slide in relation to the reel spools 116 *, then the rope 108 * serves as a type of indexing mechanism. This helps to ensure that the intermediate rail 15 * remains horizontal when it runs up and down along the suspension strings 108 *. Alternative Reel Mode
    Figures 27 to 31 show an alternative embodiment of a reel assembly 112 * ’that can be used on the cellular blind of figures 18 to 20 in 20 instead of reel assembly 112 *. As best appreciated in figure 28, the reel assembly 112 * includes a reel (or capstan) reel 116 *, a reel housing 118 * ', and a cover of the reel housing 119 **.
    The most important difference between this reel assembly 112 and reel assembly 112 ** and reel assembly 112 * described above is that this reel assembly 112 ** does not have an inclination member 144 *. Instead, and as best appreciated in figures 28, 29, 30 and 31, reel housing 118 * and reel housing cover 119 ** each have semicircular surfaces 156, 158 that define circumferential orientation grooves 30 160 **, 162 ** respectively, which firmly guide the suspension rope 108 * around the reel reel 116 **, pressing the suspension rope 108 * against the grooves 145 ** (see figures 28 and 31) of the reel windlass 116 ** to prevent sliding between the suspension string 108 * and the suspension spool 116 **, that is, to prevent the possibility of the suspension string 108 rising and lowering the winding reel 116.
    The operation of the circular blind 18 using this second reel assembly 112 ** modality is identical to the operation described above with respect to the first reel assembly 112 * modality.
    Alternative mode of a cellular shutter with a locking mechanism
    Figures 32 to 38 depict an embodiment of a cellular blind 10, similar to the blind 10 of figure 1, except that an indexing mechanism 164 is used to rotate the suspension rod 22 instead of using a spring motor. (It should be noted that a reel and rope could be replaced as an alternative indexing mechanism).
    Figures 32, 33, and 34 show the cellular blind 10 ', which includes an upper rail 14', a horizontal lower mobile rail 16 ', a cellular blind structure 18' and an anchoring flap 166 '. It should be noted that the anchor flap 166 'may be part of the window opening housing and serves the purpose of providing an anchor point to ensure that a ball chain 168' extends from the top rail 14 to the anchor flap. 166 '.
    As shown in figure 34, the bottom rail 16 'houses a sliding locking mechanism 12, suspension stations 20, and a suspension rod 22, which are identical to the corresponding items on the cell shutter 10 in figure 3. The most important difference is the absence of the spring motor 24 (see figure 3) which was replaced by the indexing mechanism 164 '(see figure 34), as explained in more detail below.
    Referring to figures 35 to 38, the indexing mechanism 164 'includes an end cap of the lower rail 170' and a sprocket 172 ', and uses ball chain 168' to rotate the suspension rod 22 when the rail bottom 16 'is raised or lowered, as explained later. The sprocket 172 'and the suspension rod 22 cause the suspension spools 20 to rotate together, which keeps the track 16' horizontal when it travels up and down.
    Referring to figure 37, the end cap of the lower rail 170 'defines elevated accesses 174', 176 'to guide the ball chain 168' to the sprocket 172 ', as can also be seen in figure 35. The cap of the 170 'end also includes flat projections 178', 180 ', 182', and 184 'that project internally from the end cover 170' and which are used to releasably secure the end cover 170 'to the bottom rail 16 '. Finally, the end cap 170 'also includes a support shaft 186' with an enlarged diameter, barbed end 188 '. The support shaft 186 '
    pivotally supports the sprocket 172 ', as shown in figure 36.
    Figure 38 shows the sprocket 172 'which includes a plurality of semicircular cavities, circumferentially spaced, evenly spaced and alternately opposed 190' designed to receive and engage the ball chain balls 168 'when the indexing mechanism 164' is raised or lowered together with the bottom rail 16 '. The hollow shaft 192 'of the sprocket 172' has a non-cylindrical cross-sectional profile 194 'which matches a cross-sectional profile of the same shape on the suspension rod 22 for the positive rotating engagement between the sprocket 172' and the suspension rod 22. The hollow shaft portion 192 that is located within the "teeth" of the sprocket 190 has a reduced internal diameter portion 193 '(see figure 36), which helps to maintain the sprocket 172' on the shaft 186 'as described below.
    To assemble the indexing mechanism 164 'for the blind 10', the sprocket 172 'is first pivotally mounted to the shaft 186' on the end cap 170 'by pressing the sprocket 172' on the shaft 186 'and compressing the barbed end 188 'until the reduced diameter portion 193' of the sprocket 172 'exceeds the barbed end 188', opens to its uncompressed position, locking the sprocket 172 'on the shaft 186', as shown in figure 36. Then, one end of the ball chain 168 'is fed through the raised access 174' (see figure 37) and the sprocket 172 'is manually rotated to feed the ball chain 168' around the sprocket 172 ', with the balls in the ball chain 168 'engaging the pockets 190' in the sprocket 172 '. Ball chain 168 'coils around sprocket 172' and then exits end cap 170 'through raised access 176'. The indexing mechanism 164 'is then pressed at the end of the lower rail 16', with the suspension rod 22 being inserted and engaging the non-cylindrical cross-section profile 194 'of the shaft 192' of the sprocket 172 '. The end of the ball chain 168 'is then attached to the anchoring flap 166' so that the ball chain 168 'is tightly stretched between the upper rail 14' and the anchoring flap 166 '. Operation:
    To raise the blind 10 ', the lock 12 is unlocked, as previously explained in relation to the mode described in figures 1 to 3, and the operator manually raises the lower rail 16' to the desired height. When the lower rail 16 'is raised, the ball chain 168' rotates the sprocket 172 'in a first direction, which also rotates the suspension rod 22 and the suspension stations 20, in order to collect the suspension ropes ( not shown) on the reels of the suspension stations 20 on the mobile rail 16 '. When the operator releases (loosens) the locking mechanism 12, it locks the suspension rod 22 against additional rotation, keeping the lower rail 16 '5 where it was released, as previously described with respect to the blind 10 of figures 1 to 3.
    To lower the blind 10 ', the operator again unlocks the lock 12 and lowers the lower rail 16' to the desired position. When the lower rail 16 'is lowered, the ball chain 168' rotates the sprocket 172 'in the opposite direction 10, which then also rotates the suspension rod 22 and the suspension stations 20 in the opposite direction, unwinding the strings of suspension (not shown) of the reels of the suspension stations 20. When the operator releases (loosens) the locking mechanism 12, it locks the suspension rod 22 against additional rotation, keeping the lower rail 16 'where it was released. 15 Figure 39 shows yet another modality of a 10 "cell shutter that is very similar to the 10 'shutter described above, except that it has two indexing mechanisms 164', one at each end of the lower rail 16 ', which runs along of their corresponding sphere chains 168 '. In addition to this difference, the 10 "blind is identical to the 10" blind and operates in the same way. It should be obvious that other indexing mechanisms can be used instead of the ball and sprocket chain mechanism shown in the figures. For example, a rack and pinion arrangement can be used in which the rack replaces the ball chain and the pinion replaces the sprocket. Any indexing mechanism that is used to rotate the rod without the need for a motor to be used to replace the ball and sprocket chain mechanism described above.
    Two movable rail blinds with automatic variable stroke limiter
    Although the modality shown in figures 18 to 20 is a way of preparing to raise and lower two (or more) mobile rails without the addition of a 30 second set of suspension ropes 110, as in figure 16, another way to achieve this The result is shown in figures 40 to 44.
    Figures 40 to 44 are schematic views of a blind 200 with two movable rails in which the upper rail is suspended by suspension ropes that extend to fixed points above the upper rail, and the lower rail is suspended by suspension ropes which extend below the top rail.
    With this type of arrangement, the question arises that if the suspension ropes on the bottom rail are long enough so that the movable bottom rail can extend to the bottom of the architectural opening when the top rail is at the top of the opening, then, the movable bottom rail may extend downward from the bottom of the architectural opening when the top rail moves down. This is certainly not desirable. For this reason, an automatic variable stroke limiter was incorporated in this project.
    As explained in more detail later, the automatic variable stroke limiter controls the total length of the blind 200 so that the bottom rail does not extend beyond a desired position, such as beyond the bottom of the opening, regardless of the position of the rail upper mobile.
    Referring to figure 40, the blind 200 includes an upper rail 202, a movable main rail 204, and a lower movable rail 206. Extensible cover materials 208 (see figure 44) such as a pleated blind material or a plurality of slats supported by ladder tapes can be attached to the top and bottom rails 204, 206, so that when the rails move up and down, they extend and retract the roofing materials. For example, in figure 44, the cover material 208 extends between the top movable rail 204 and the bottom movable rail 206. As another possibility, a first cover material 208 could extend from the main rail 202 to the top movable rail 204 , and a second cover material 208 could extend from the bottom movable rail 204 to the bottom of the architectural opening.
    The upper movable rail 204 houses the first and second spools 212, 214 mounted by rotation together on an upper rail suspension rod 216. The rope spools 212, 214 can be located anywhere that is desired along the top rail suspension. For example, if a pleated blind material is extending between the main rail 202 and the movable top rail 204, the rope spools 212, 214 will be located internally far enough to ensure that the material remains under control and does not "pop" . If no covering material is extending between the main rail 202 and the movable top rail 204, then it may be desirable to move the rope spools 212, 214 further externally so that the winding strings do not interfere with the line of sight of the user.
    The first and second suspension strings of the upper rail 218, 220 have their first ends attached to the main rail 202 at fixed points 218a, 220a and their second ends attached to the rope spools 212, 214. As an alternative, the main rail 202 can be omitted and the first set of suspension strings can be attached directly to the window opening housing at fixed points 218a, 220a. It should be noted that the fixed points 218a, 220a can alternatively be points on a moving track located above the moving upper track.
    In these schematic views, the angled arrows on the rope reels (such as arrow 222 on the rope reel 212 in figure 40) indicate the extent to which the suspension rope is wound on the rope reel. If the suspension rope is shown coming out of the respective spool at the end near the arrowhead, it means that it is fully wrapped around the spool. If it is shown exiting the respective spool at the opposite end, it means that it is unwound from the spool.
    For example, in figure 40, the suspension rope 218 is fully wound on the rope spool 212, although in figure 41 the same suspension rope 218 is fully unwound from the rope spool 212, and in figure 42 the same suspension rope 218 approximately half wrapped around the 212 rope spool.
    Referring again to figure 40, two coiled rope spools 224, 226 are mounted on the same suspension rod as the upper rail 216, between the first and second rope spools 212, 214, to rotate together with the suspension rod 216 These coiled rope spools 224, 226 can be located anywhere along the suspension rod 216, as desired. The lower rail suspension strings 238, 240 are coiled on these additional rope spools 224, 226 (wound in the opposite direction to the winding direction on the first and second rope reels 212, 214) so that when the suspension rod 216 rotate to wind the upper rail suspension strings 218, 220 on the first and second suspension spools 212, 214, this causes the lower rail suspension strings 238, 240 to unwind from their respective coiled reels 224, 226 Similarly, when the upper rail suspension rod 216 rotates in the opposite direction, to unwind the upper rail suspension strings 218, 220 from its suspension reels 212, 214, this causes the rail suspension strings bottom coiled 238, 240 are rolled onto the coiled reels 224, 226.
    It should be noted that although suspension spools 212, 214 and counterwind spools 224, 226 are shown as separate parts mounted on the upper suspension rod 216 and individually movable along the suspension rod 216, it would be possible for two (or even more) of the rope spools were made as a single piece. In addition, although the first and second suspension strings of the upper rail 218, 220 are shown in this schematic view as being separate from the first and second coiled strings 238, 240, it should be understood that the first suspension rail of the upper rail 218 and the first coiled rope 238 could actually be a single rope, and, similarly, the second suspension rail of the upper rail 220 and the second coiled rope 240 could be a single rope.
    A motor 228, such as the spring motor 24 in figure 3, is also mounted on the upper rail suspension rod 216 to help wind the suspension ropes 218, 220 onto their respective rope spools 212, 214 when lifting the rail moving top 204. (Motor 228 could alternatively be a battery powered electric motor).
    The louver 200 also includes a movable bottom rail 206 that houses two rope spools 230, 232, mounted on a suspension rod of the bottom rail 236 to rotate together with the stem 236. As with the previous rope spools, these rope spools bottom rail 230, 232 can be located anywhere along the bottom rail suspension rod 236. The two bottom rail suspension ropes 238, 240 have their first ends attached to the coiled rope spools 224, 226, respectively and its corresponding second ends attached to the corresponding rope spools 230, 232 on the lower movable rail 206. The vertical line 242 shown on the left side of figures 40 to 43 represents the total length of the window opening in which the blind 200 is installed.
    Referring to figure 40, the blind 200 is shown with both the upper movable rail 204 and the lower movable rail 206 in fully retracted positions. That is, the upper movable rail 204 is along the entire path against the main rail 202, and the lower movable rail 206 is along the entire path against the upper movable rail 204. When the tracks are in this position, the first and the second upper rail suspension strings 218, 220 are fully wound on their respective first and second rope reels 212, 214. the lower rail suspension strings 238, 240 are fully wound on their respective lower rail rope reels 230 , 232 and fully unwound from their respective coiled rope spools 224, 226.
    The user can now lower the upper rail until it is fully extended, although the lower mobile rail 206 remains along the entire path against the upper mobile rail 204, as shown in figure 41. In this case, when the upper mobile rail 204 is lowered, the first and second upper rail suspension strings 218, 220 unwound from their corresponding first and second rope spools 212, 214 and, as they do, they cause the upper rail suspension rod 216 to rotate, which makes with which the coiled rope spools 224, 226 rotate, which causes the suspension ropes of the lower rail 238, 240 to wrap around the coiled rope spools 224, 226. Since the lower rail 206 is already leaning against the upper rail 204 and therefore cannot rise further in relation to the upper rail 204, when the user pulls down on the upper movable rail 204, he is also pushing down the abutment movable rail 2 06, then the lower rail suspension ropes 238, 240 unwind from the lower rail rope reels 230, 232 when they wind up on the coiled rope reels 224, 226.
    In figure 41, the upper movable rail 204 is in the fully extended position, with the upper rail suspension strings 218, 220 fully unwound from its reels 212, 214. The lower movable rail 206 is leaning against the upper movable rail 204, with the bottom rail suspension strings 238, 240 fully wound on the reel reels 224, 226 and fully unwound on the bottom rail reels 230, 232. The total length of the blind 200 matches the length of the opening (represented by the arrow 242), so the mobile bottom rail 206 is at the bottom of the architectural opening. The movable lower rail 206 cannot be lowered further in relation to the movable upper rail 204 because the lower rail suspension strings 238, 240 are already fully unwound from the lower rail rope spools 230, 232.
    It can be suggested that the lower rail suspension ropes 238, 240 could unwind from the coiled rope spools 224, 226 to additionally lower the mobile lower rail 206. However, for the purpose of unwinding the lower rail suspension ropes 238 , 240 of the coiled rope spools 224, 226 the coiled spools 224, 226 would have to rotate together with the upper rail suspension rod 216 and the first and second rope spools 212, 214, which would wind the rail suspension strings upper 218, 220 on the first and second rope reels 212214 to lift the upper rail 204. In this way, rotating the upper suspension rod 216 to extend the lower rail suspension ropes 238, 240 would also retract the suspension ropes from the rail upper 218, 220 for the same distance, so that the lower movable rail 206 remains stationary with respect to the main rail 202; it would not fall below the length of the opening (shown by arrow 242).
    Referring now to figure 42, the user raised the top movable rail 204 to an intermediate position approximately halfway between the fully retracted position (shown in figure 40) and the fully extended position (shown in figure 41). The upper rail suspension strings 218, 220 are approximately half wrapped around their corresponding first and second rope spools 212, 214. The lower rail suspension strings 238, 240 are approximately halfway unwound from the coiled rope spools. 224, 226 on the moving top rail 204 and are fully unwound from the bottom rail rope spools 230, 232. Again, the moving bottom rail 206 cannot be lowered further than the bottom of the opening 242. The rope spools of the lower rail 230, 232 are fully unrolled. Therefore, any elongation of the lower rail extension ropes 238, 240 would have to start from its unwinding of the coiled rope spools 224, 226. However, these coiled rope spools 224, 226 are tied to the first and second rope spools. 212, 214 by the upper rail rod 216, then any unwinding of the lower rail suspension strings 238, 240 of the coiled rope spools 224, 226 would only occur together with the corresponding winding of the upper rail suspension strings 218, 220 in their first and second corresponding rope spools 212, 214, thereby shortening these upper rail suspension strings 218, 220 by the same distance as the lower rail suspension strings 238, 240 are elongated. Thus, while the movable bottom rail 206 would move some distance away from the movable top rail 204, the movable top rail 204 would move the same distance towards the main rail 202, resulting in the remaining movable bottom rail 206 in the same position in with respect to fixed points 218a, 220a.
    Comparing figures 42 and 43, it can be appreciated that in both figures the suspension ropes of the lower rail 238, 240 are wound in half on the coiled rope spools 224, 226. In figure 42, the suspension ropes of the lower rail are fully unwound from the lower rail spools 230, 232 so that the balance of the lower rail suspension ropes 238, 240 reaches the distance between the upper movable rail 204 and the lower movable rail 206. When the lower movable rail 206 is raised to the position shown in figure 43, where it touches the movable top rail 204, the rewound rope spools 224, 226 hand move, so no rope is further wound. All the excess of the lower rail suspension ropes 238, 240 resulting from the lifting of the lower mobile rail 206 is wound on the lower rail rope reels 230, 232, which, in figure 43, are shown wound in half with the suspension ropes of the lower rail 238, 240.
    In this embodiment, motors 228, 234 provide at least enough force to wind any excess ropes on their respective reels when the mobile rails are raised. The motors 228, 234 can also provide additional force to assist the user in suspending the moving rails in order to reduce the catalytic force required by the user to lift the moving rails. In the present modality, the forces acting to raise the blind 200 (essentially the force supplied by the motors 228, 234) are close enough to the forces acting to lower the blind 200 (essentially the force of gravity acting on the components) that friction and inertia in the system are sufficient to prevent the rail from moving up or down once the rail is released by the user.
    As an alternative modality, the number 228, which represents a motor on the moving top rail 204, could instead represent a lock that is operable by the user, such as lock 12 shown in figure 1. In this case, if the user starts with the blind 200 in the position shown in figure 42, when the user releases the lock on the upper movable rail 204 and raises the upper movable rail from the position shown in figure 41, the lower rail suspension strings 238, 240 will cause the counterwind spools 224, 226 unwind, which will rotate the upper rail suspension rod 216 and the upper rail suspension spools 212, 214, winding the upper rail suspension strings 218, 220 on the spools 212, 214. Then when the user releases the top rail 204, the lock will keep the top rail 204 in position. Similarly, if the user starts with the blind 200 in the position shown in figure 42, when the user releases the lock on the upper movable rail 204 and pushes down the upper rail 204, the suspension strings of the upper rail 218, 220 will pull the upper rail suspension spools 212, 214, causing these spools to unwind, which in turn will cause the lower rail suspension strings 238, 240 to wrap around the coiled reels 224, 226.
    Certainly, either or both of the top and bottom rails 204, 206 could have both a motor and a releasable lock functionally connected to their respective suspension rods 216, 236.
    Figure 44 shows a blind 200 * which is similar to blind 200 in figures 40 to 43 except that it shows cover material 208 and has brakes 210, 211 acting on its corresponding suspension rods 216, 236. Brakes 210, 211 and its corresponding motors 228, 234 can be a combination of spring motor and drag brake, similar to the spring motor and drag brake 24 * of figure 20 to selectively stop the rotation of its corresponding suspension rods 216, 236. One brake could be used on one or more of the suspension rods as needed, depending on the forces involved.
    It would be obvious to those skilled in the art that additional movable rails can be added, with each movable rail being suspended from the next adjacent movable rail above it, and with each pair of adjacent movable rail, having their corresponding automatic variable stroke limiter for ensure that the resulting blind length does not exceed a desired length, which is usually the length of the opening in which it is mounted.
    In addition, it should be noted that the suspension mechanisms on any of the moving rails can alternatively make use of other known mechanisms that cause the rope spools to rotate together. For example, U.S. Patent No. 7,117,919 "Judkins" shows interconnected spools and spring motors. U.S. Patent No. 7,093,644 "Strand" shows gear driven spools.
    Furthermore, it will be obvious to those skilled in the art that further modifications can be made to the modalities described above without departing from the scope of the invention as claimed.
    权利要求:
    Claims (11)
    [0001]
    1. Coverage for an architectural opening (200), comprising: upper and lower horizontal movable rails (204, 206) arranged with the upper horizontal movable rail (204) located above the lower horizontal movable rail (206) and; a first extendable cover material (208) attached to said upper horizontal movable track (204) so that the movement of said upper horizontal movable track (204) up and down extends and retracts the extendable covering material (208); characterized by the fact that a first and second rope reels (212, 214) for suspension of the upper rail are mounted on said upper horizontal movable rail (204) to rotate together; the first reel of coiled rope (224) mounted on said upper horizontal movable rail (204) to rotate with said first and second rope reels (212, 214) of suspension of the upper rail; a first and a second rope (218, 220) for suspension of the upper rail attached to the first and second fixed points above said upper horizontal mobile rail (204) and to said first and second rope reels (212, 214) of suspension of the top rail, respectively; and the first rope (238) of the lower rail attached to said first coiled rope reel (224) and said lower horizontal movable rail (206), said first rope (238) of the lower rail being coiled onto said coiled rope reel (224) so that the rotation of said first rope reel (212) of suspension of the upper rail in a first direction causes said first and second ropes (218, 220) of suspension of the upper rail to wrap in the first and on the second rope reels (212, 214) of suspension of the upper rail, respectively, and unwind said first rope (238) from the lower rail of the first coiled rope reel (224).
    [0002]
    2. Cover for an architectural opening (200), according to claim 1, characterized by the fact that when the first spool of rope (212) for suspension of the upper rail rotates in the first direction, the first and second ropes ( 218, 220) of the upper rail suspension are wound on the first and second reels (212, 214) of the upper rail suspension at the same distance as the first rope (238) of the lower rail is unwound from the first coiled rope spool (224 ), and, when the first rope reel (212) of upper rail suspension rotates in the second direction, the first and second strings (218, 220) of upper rail suspension are unwound from the first and second reels (212, 214) of suspension of the upper rail at the same distance as the first rope (238) of the lower rail is wound on the first reel wound (224).
    [0003]
    3. Coverage for an architectural opening (200), according to claim 2, and additionally, characterized by the fact that it comprises a second reel of coiled rope (226), which is mounted on said upper horizontal movable rail (204) for rotate with said first reel of winding rope (224), and a second rope (240) of the lower rail attached to said second reel of winding rope (224) and to said lower horizontal movable rail (206), wherein said second rope (240) of the lower rail unwinds from the second spool of winding rope (226) when the first rope (238) of the lower rail unwinds from the first spool of winding rope (224).
    [0004]
    4. Cover for an architectural opening (200), according to claim 3, and additionally, characterized by the fact that it comprises the first and the second reels (230, 232) of suspension of the lower rail mounted on said lower horizontal movable rail (206) to rotate together; wherein said first rope (238) of the lower rail is attached to said first reel (230) of suspension of the lower rail, and said second rope (240) of the lower rail is attached to said second reel (232) of suspension of the lower rail, so that when said first lower rail suspension reel (230) rotates in a first direction, the first and second ropes (238, 240) of the lower rail wind on the first and second reels (230 , 232) of lower rail suspension, respectively, to lift the lower horizontal movable rail (206), and when said lower rail suspension spool (230) rotates in a second direction, the first and second ropes (238, 240) of the lower rail unfold from the first and second reels (230, 232) of suspension of the lower rail, respectively, to lower the lower horizontal movable rail (206).
    [0005]
    5. Cover for an architectural opening (200), according to claim 4, characterized by the fact that the rotation of said first and second reels (212, 214) for suspension of the upper rail and of said first and second rope reels counterwinds (224, 226) is independent of the rotation of said first and second reels (230, 232) of suspension of the lower rail.
    [0006]
    6. Cover for an architectural opening (200), according to claim 5, and additionally, characterized by the fact that it comprises a first motor (234) mounted on said lower horizontal movable rail (206) to assist in the rotation of the first and of the second reels (230, 232) of suspension of the lower rail.
    [0007]
    7. Coverage for an architectural opening (200), according to claim 6, and additionally, characterized by the fact that it comprises at least one component selected from the group consisting of a second motor (228), a brake and a lock , wherein said at least one component is mounted on said upper horizontal movable rail (204) and is functionally connected to said first and second reels (212, 214) of suspension of the upper rail and to said first and second coiled reels (224 , 226).
    [0008]
    8. Cover for an architectural opening (200), according to claim 5, characterized in that said first extensible cover material (208) is also attached to said lower horizontal movable rail (206).
    [0009]
    9. Cover for an architectural opening (200), according to claim 5, and additionally, characterized by the fact that it comprises a second extensible cover material attached to said lower horizontal movable rail (206).
    [0010]
    10. Coverage for an architectural opening (200) according to claim 7, characterized in that said at least one component is said second motor (228), and additionally comprising at least one brake mounted to selectively stop the rotation of at least one of said first rail suspension reel (212) and said lower rail suspension reel (230).
    [0011]
    11. Coverage for an architectural opening (200), according to claim 5, and additionally, characterized by the fact that it comprises a rod (216) for suspension of the upper rail mounted on the upper rail (204) and a rod (236) of the lower rail suspension mounted on the lower rail (206), wherein said first and second spools (212, 214) of the upper rail suspension and said first and second coiled reels (224, 226) are mounted on the rod (216 ) of upper rail suspension, and the first and second lower rail suspension spools (230, 232) are mounted on the lower rail suspension rod (236).
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    WO2017208276A1|2017-12-07|Double roller shade assembly
    CN108394563A|2018-08-14|A kind of unmanned plane parachute automatic releasing device
    BRPI0616704B1|2017-08-08|ROOF COVERING FOR ARCHITECTURAL OPENINGS WHICH HAVE A CAPACITY TO DESERVE THE TOP / UP THE BACKGROUND
    ES2235597A1|2005-07-01|Lock for locking scrollable board of blind, has side guides made to slide on blind, final block profile connected on top part of blind, and locking profiles arranged above side panel of blind
    同族专利:
    公开号 | 公开日
    AU2012225679B2|2017-06-29|
    CN103814187A|2014-05-21|
    MX2013010179A|2014-03-21|
    AU2019202861A1|2019-05-16|
    MX347612B|2017-05-04|
    WO2012122140A3|2014-04-24|
    US20120227912A1|2012-09-13|
    CN103814187B|2015-12-02|
    US8887786B2|2014-11-18|
    AU2017232037A1|2017-10-12|
    AU2017232037B2|2019-01-24|
    EP2683902B1|2017-11-08|
    EP2683902A2|2014-01-15|
    CA2828421C|2020-03-31|
    KR101938904B1|2019-01-15|
    CA2828421A1|2012-09-13|
    KR20140050584A|2014-04-29|
    CA3072088A1|2012-09-13|
    AU2012225679A1|2013-09-12|
    BR112013021970A2|2017-03-28|
    KR20190007521A|2019-01-22|
    WO2012122140A2|2012-09-13|
    KR102122693B1|2020-06-12|
    EP2683902A4|2016-01-06|
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    法律状态:
    2018-12-18| B06F| Objections, documents and/or translations needed after an examination request according art. 34 industrial property law|
    2020-07-28| B09A| Decision: intention to grant|
    2020-11-10| B16A| Patent or certificate of addition of invention granted|Free format text: PRAZO DE VALIDADE: 20 (VINTE) ANOS CONTADOS A PARTIR DE 06/03/2012, OBSERVADAS AS CONDICOES LEGAIS. |
    优先权:
    申请号 | 申请日 | 专利标题
    US201161449877P| true| 2011-03-07|2011-03-07|
    US61/449,877|2011-03-07|
    US13/404,874|2012-02-24|
    US13/404,874|US8887786B2|2011-03-07|2012-02-24|Control for movable rail|
    PCT/US2012/027809|WO2012122140A2|2011-03-07|2012-03-06|Control for movable rail|
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