EP1241318A2 - Architectural covering - Google Patents
Architectural covering Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP1241318A2 EP1241318A2 EP02251767A EP02251767A EP1241318A2 EP 1241318 A2 EP1241318 A2 EP 1241318A2 EP 02251767 A EP02251767 A EP 02251767A EP 02251767 A EP02251767 A EP 02251767A EP 1241318 A2 EP1241318 A2 EP 1241318A2
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- layer
- thread
- blind
- binder
- layers
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
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Classifications
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
- E06B9/24—Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blinds
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
- E06B9/24—Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blinds
- E06B2009/2405—Areas of differing opacity for light transmission control
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- E—FIXED CONSTRUCTIONS
- E06—DOORS, WINDOWS, SHUTTERS, OR ROLLER BLINDS IN GENERAL; LADDERS
- E06B—FIXED OR MOVABLE CLOSURES FOR OPENINGS IN BUILDINGS, VEHICLES, FENCES OR LIKE ENCLOSURES IN GENERAL, e.g. DOORS, WINDOWS, BLINDS, GATES
- E06B9/00—Screening or protective devices for wall or similar openings, with or without operating or securing mechanisms; Closures of similar construction
- E06B9/24—Screens or other constructions affording protection against light, especially against sunshine; Similar screens for privacy or appearance; Slat blinds
- E06B2009/2423—Combinations of at least two screens
- E06B2009/2447—Parallel screens
- E06B2009/2458—Parallel screens moving simultaneously
Definitions
- the invention relates to an architectural covering, particularly a covering for an architectural opening such as a window blind, having two parallel interconnected fabric layers which contain complementary patterns and can be moved relative to one another in a direction parallel to the layers.
- This invention particularly relates to an architectural covering having one or more parallel binder threads which connect the fabric layers and along which one of the layers can be moved relative to the other layer.
- This invention quite particularly relates to an architectural covering having fabric layers which contain alternating relatively translucent and relatively opaque portions and can be moved relative to one another between positions where: i) the translucent portions of the different layers coincide and ii) the opaque portions of the different layers substantially overlap, preferably completely overlap, the translucent portions of the different layers.
- Blinds for covering architectural openings which can be opened and closed while still covering the openings.
- traditional venetian blinds have slats which can be tilted so as to block light or let light through from windows covered by the blinds.
- Another type of such blind has two vertical layers, disposed one in front of the other and each with an array of horizontally-oriented, alternating transparent and opaque stripes.
- the transparent stripes of one layer are in horizontal alignment with the transparent stripes of the other layer, light is transmitted through the blind, but when the opaque stripes of one layer are horizontally aligned with the transparent stripes of the other layer, light can be blocked by this blind.
- the two layers of fabric or plastic in such a blind are connected on their top and/or bottom ends by top and/or bottom bars.
- Two-layer woven fabrics are also known which are interconnected by binder threads, so that they have a special appearance and resistance to wear and tear. See, for example, US 2 502 101, FR 2 063535, GB 2 058 161, US 4 025 684, GB 395 176, US 3 359 610, GB 540 059, NL 35 856, NL 272 858 and US 3 943 980.
- the two layers of such a fabric cannot slide along the binder threads or move relative to one other.
- an architectural covering particularly a covering for an architectural opening such as a window blind, comprising:
- the covering has a plurality of parallel binder threads and a plurality of thin preshrunk warp threads in the first or second layer.
- each warp thread, about which the binder thread forms a binder thread loop is a thin preshrunk warp thread.
- the thickness of each thin preshrunk warp thread is 20 to 50%, advantageously about 30%, of the thickness of other warp threads of the covering.
- each thin preshrunk warp thread is only in a rear movable layer.
- each binder thread forms a plurality of adjacent binder thread loops about adjacent warp threads. It is further advantageous that the adjacent binder thread loops are separated from each other by a warp thread, particularly 1-3 warp threads, more particularly just 1 warp thread.
- the blind 1 comprises a vertically-extending front layer 2 and a vertically-extending rear layer 4 of substantially the same height and width.
- the bottom part 2A of the front layer 2 has been cut away and folded open to the left, to expose the rear layer 4.
- the front layer 2 has a plurality of horizontally-extending, parallel rectangular stripes 6, 8.
- Relatively opaque stripes 6 alternate with relatively translucent stripes 8.
- the rear layer 4 also has a plurality of longitudinally-extending, parallel rectangular stripes 10,12, with relatively opaque stripes 10 alternating with relatively translucent stripes 12.
- the front layer 2 can be moved vertically relative to the rear layer 4, so that the opaque stripes 6,10 of the two layers can be horizontally aligned with respect to each other or with respect to the translucent stripes 8,12. Such movement of the front layer 2 can, therefore, be used to control and vary the light-transmitting properties of the blind 1.
- At least one, vertically-extending binder thread 14 (shown in Figures 3(a), 3(b), 5 and 6 is attached to the layers 2,4.
- the binder thread 14 allows the front layer 2 to slide, in a controlled manner, vertically relative to the rear layer 4, along the binder thread.
- the blind 1 contains a plurality of such binder threads 14 in parallel spaced-apart relationship.
- the opaque stripes 6 of the front layer 2 are horizontally aligned with, and therefore horizontally cover, the translucent stripes 12 of the rear layer 4.
- the opaque stripes 10 of the rear layer 4 are horizontally aligned with, and therefore visible through, the translucent stripes 8 of the front layer 2.
- the opaque stripes 6,10 of the front and rear layers 2,4 appear alternately along the vertical length of the blind 1 and, the blind 1 is effectively closed and can block out light from a window behind the blind.
- the blind 1 By sliding one of the layers 2,4 vertically from its position in Figures 1 (a) and (b), relative to the other layer 4,2, the blind 1 can be opened as shown in Figures 1(c) and (d).
- the front layer 2 can be moved upwardly relative to the rear layer 4 in the direction of arrow A, so that the opaque stripes 6 of the front layer are horizontally aligned with the opaque stripes 10 of the rear layer and the translucent stripes 8 of the front layer are horizontally aligned with the translucent stripes 12 of the rear layer.
- the blind 1 can let light, from a window behind the blind, through the horizontally-aligned translucent stripes 8, 12.
- the opaque stripes 6 of the front layer 2 are of the same vertical width or height as the opaque stripes 10 of the rear layer 4 and as the translucent stripes 8,12 of the front and rear layers. This allows the blind 1 to be opened a maximum amount, i.e., 1/2 of the height of the blind. However, where the blind 1 is not to be opened as much as possible, the front layer 2 can be moved upwardly a smaller distance relative to the rear layer 4. Then, the opaque stripes 6,10 of the front and rear layers 2,4 will partially overlap horizontally the translucent stripes 8,12 of the front and rear layers, and the blind 1 will be only partially open.
- each opaque stripe 6,10 is equal and corresponds to the height of a translucent stripe 8,12. This is achieved by splitting the warp threads [which extend horizontally in the blind 1 of Figures 1(a)-(d)] into separate groups for the front and rear layers 2,4 as described below with reference to Figures 5 and 6.
- the opaque stripes 6,10 could also be made with heights that are different from those of the translucent stripes 8,12, or the stripes 6,8 of the front layer 2 could have heights that are equal but different from the heights of the stripes 10,12 of the rear layer 4. Besides creating an aesthetically pleasing pattern, such variations in the heights of the stripes would not increase or decrease the maximum opening of the blind.
- a two-layer fabric can also be woven having, along its height, stripes of increasing height or of different heights.
- Figures 4 (a)-(c) show a blind 201 that has narrow stripes 206A,208A,210A,212A at the bottom and broad stripes 206B,208B,210B, 212B at the top, so that a top part of the blind 201 can be opened while its bottom part remains closed. This allows sunlight to enter a room towards its ceiling while at the same time blocking out sunlight that might hinder the viewing of, for example, a television or computer monitor in the room.
- the bottom part of the fabric blind 201 can be provided with opaque and translucent stripes 206A ,208A,210A,212A, each having a height that is no more than half of the height of the opaque and translucent stripes 206B, 208B, 210B, 212B of the top part of the blind.
- the blind 1 is made from layers 2,4 that are: separately made, for example separately woven or otherwise produced separately, e.g., of a non-woven material; and subsequently interconnected by one or more binder threads 14 (shown in Figures 5 and 6).
- the heights of the stripes of the front layer 2 can be different from those of the rear layer 4.
- the rear layer 4 could be provided with two alternately arranged patterns or colors, such that by moving the front and rear layers relative to one another, the different patterns or colors can be exposed selectively.
- the blind 1 could have more than two layers 2,4.
- the opening ratio can be increased to 2/3.
- the different stripes can be painted on the layers or the layers can have different stripes made of different materials.
- the front and rear layers 2,4 of the fabric blind 1 are woven simultaneously with their attachment to the binder threads 14. See Figures 5, 6(a) and (b), described below. This facilitates production of the fabric of the blind 1 since the two layers 2,4 need not be subsequently bound together. It is also possible to weave the front and/or rear layers 2 4, themselves, as two or more layers simultaneously with their attachment to the binder threads 14. This ensures correct registration between the multiple layers of the front and rear layers 2,4 and between such layers and the binder threads 14 during subsequent treatments of the fabric blind 1, such as stiffening, water-proofing, printing and the like.
- the blind 1 can also be made of separately produced, woven or non-woven, front and rear layers 2,4, each of one or more layers which are subsequently interconnected with binder threads 14.
- the binder threads 14 (shown in Figures 3(a), 3(b), 5 and 6) hold the front and rear layers 2,4 of the blind 1 horizontally together and accurately guide the two layers' relative vertical movement.
- the pattern of connecting each binder thread 14 to the two layers 2,4 determines the maximum possible movement of the layers relative to each other.
- Each binder thread 14 is preferably connected to all the opaque stripes 6,10 of the layers and preferably not connected to their translucent stripes 8,12. However, not all opaque stripes 6,10 need be bound to the binder threads 14, and it is possible to skip one or more opaque stripes. In this way, the vertical distance, along which a layer can slide along the binder thread, can be increased. This can be of use for blinds where the height of the stripes varies along the height of the blind.
- Figures 2(a) and (b) show a second embodiment of a fabric blind 101 which is similar to the blind 1 of Figures 1(a)-(d) and for which corresponding reference numerals (greater by 100) are used below for describing the same parts or corresponding parts.
- the relatively opaque stripes 106 of the front layer 102 of the blind 101 can be horizontally aligned with the relatively translucent stripes 112 of its rear layer 104 to close the blind as shown in
- FIG 2(a) can be horizontally aligned with the opaque stripes 110 of its rear layer 104 to open the blind as shown in Figure 2(b).
- This fabric blind 101 when closed, can easily be printed on both the opaque stripes 106 and the weft threads of the translucent stripes 108 of its front layer 102, as well as on the opaque stripes 110 of its rear layer 104 (between the weft threads of the translucent stripes 108 of the front layer), by conventional transfer printing techniques. Thereby, the closed blind 101 will show the complete printed design, and the opened blind 101 will also show the complete design because its front layer 102, which is completely printed, will be visible.
- Figure 2 (a) illustrates oval forms 124 and 126 printed on the front of the closed blind 101 and clearly visible on the opaque and translucent stripes 106,108 of the front layer 102 and on the opaque stripes 110 of the rear layer 104.
- the front layer 102 is shown as having been cut and folded open to the left, it is clearly seen that the oval form 126 has been printed on an opaque stripe 110 of the rear layer 104.
- the folded-open portion of the top layer 102 is, of course, not shown as printed, since what is being shown is its rear side, and the print is on the other side.
- Figure 2(b) shows the printed ovals 124,126 on the front of the open blind 101 and clearly visible on the opaque and translucent stripes 106,108 of the front layer 102.
- each binder thread 14 of the fabric blind 1 preferably extends between the front and rear layers 2,4 and is perpendicular to their stripes 6,8,10,12.
- Each binder thread 14 follows a zigzag path between the layers and extends outwardly thereof through the opaque stripes 6,10.
- the binder thread 14 i) extends frontally and vertically through a first opaque stripe 6' of the front layer 2; ii) passes vertically about the front of one or more warp threads of the first opaque stripe 6' to form a generally u-shaped, front binder thread loop 16; iii) extends rearwardly and vertically through the first opaque stripe 6' , then between the layers and then through a second opaque stripe 10' of the rear layer 4; iv) passes vertically about the rear of one or more warp threads of the second opaque stripe 10' to form a generally u-shaped, rear binder thread loop 18; extends frontally and vertically through the second opaque stripe 10', then between the layers and then through a third opaque stripe 6" of the front layer 2; v) passes vertically about the front of one or more warp threads of the third opaque stripe 6" at another front binder thread loop 16; vi) extends rearwardly and vertically through the third opaque stripe 6", then
- each binder thread 14 is adapted, so that one of the layers 2,4 can be smoothly slid vertically along the binder thread between the vertically adjacent binder thread loops 16,18, formed by the binder thread passing vertically about the warp threads of the opaque stripes 6,10 of the layers.
- Figure 3(a) shows how the front layer 2 could be moved, without hindrance, vertically (e.g., upwardly), in the direction of arrow A, along the binder thread 14, relative to the rear layer 4, to open the blind 1; and
- Figure 3(b) shows how the front layer 2 could be moved, without hindrance, vertically (e.g., downwardly), in the direction of arrow B, along the binder thread 14, relative to the rear layer 4, to close the blind.
- each binder thread 14 is substantially vertical and deviates only slightly from a straight vertical path in order to connect the two layers.
- the path of the binder thread 14, between the two layers 2,4 of the blind 1, determines the maximum vertical movement of the layers relative to one another.
- its front layer 2 can be moved vertically (e.g., upwardly) in the direction of arrow A, relative to its rear layer 4 which is held stationary.
- the front layer 2 slides along the binder thread 14 at the front binder thread loop 16.
- the top and bottom of the binder thread 14 are preferably held with the top and bottom of the stationary rear layer 4. This movement of the front layer 2 will continue until the front layer reaches the adjacent rear binder thread loop 18 of the rear layer 4, where further movement will be blocked by the rear layer.
- the maximum vertical movement of the front layer 2, relative to the rear layer 4 is determined by the distance between the front binder thread loop 16 on the front layer 2 and the adjacent rear binder thread loop 18 on the rear layer 4.
- the distance between adjacent binder thread loops 16,18 on the front and rear layers should be the height of a single stripe, so that the layers of the blind can be moved between fully open and fully closed positions relative to one another.
- the distance between adjacent binder thread loops 116,118 on the front and rear layers 102,104 should be at least far apart enough to allow the biggest stripe to close.
- the maximum vertical movement of the front layer 102, relative to the rear layer 104 can be increased if each binder thread 114 is not connected to every opaque stripe 106,110 but rather skips one or more opaque stripes when connecting the two layers 102,104.
- every other opaque stripe 106 of the front layer 102 and every other opaque stripe 110 of the rear layer 104 can be bound by binder threads 114 at respective binder thread loops 116 and 118.
- the maximum movement of the front layer 102 becomes the height of two opaque stripes and one translucent stripe, and the angles of the binder threads 114 passing through the layers 102, 104 becomes less acute.
- Such a pattern of skips for the binder threads 114 can also diminish the friction of the front layer 104 sliding along the binder threads, which could be useful in any blind 1,101, 201 of this invention and particularly in those with stripes of small height.
- the binder threads 14 not pass through the vertical centers of the opaque stripes 6, 10 of the layers 2,4 of the blind 1. Rather the binder thread loops 16,18, where each binder thread passes through the opaque stripes 6,10 of the layers, are located slightly off-center on each opaque stripe in the direction of the binder thread -- i.e., off the vertical center of the height of the opaque stripes in vertically opposite directions for the two layers (e.g., below the center for the front layer 2 and above the center for the rear layer 4). This helps ensure that the opaque stripes 6,10 coincide exactly -- i.e., are horizontally aligned -- in the open position of the blind 1.
- Figures 4(a)-(c) show a third embodiment of a fabric blind 201 which is similar to the blind 1 of Figures 1(a)-(d) and for which corresponding reference numerals (greater by 200) are used below for describing the same parts or corresponding parts.
- the stripes 206A, 208A, 210A,212A at the bottom of the blind 201 are vertically narrow
- the stripes 206B, 208B, 210B,212B at the top of the blind are vertically wide.
- the opaque stripes 206A,206B of the front layer 202 of the blind 201 can be horizontally aligned with the translucent stripes 212A,212B of its rear layer 204 to close the blind as shown in Figure 4(a) and can be horizontally aligned with the opaque stripes 210A,210B of its rear layer 204 to open the blind as shown in Figure 4(b).
- the narrow opaque stripes 206A of the bottom of the front layer 202 can be aligned with the narrow translucent stripes 212A of the bottom of its rear layer 204 to close the bottom of the blind while the wide opaque stripes 206B of the top of the front layer 202 are horizontally aligned with the wide opaque stripes 210B of the top of the rear layer 204, effectively opening the top of the blind.
- binder threads 214 (not shown) have to skip at least every other opaque narrow stripe 206A at the bottom of the blind but can pass through every wide opaque stripe 206B at the top of the blind. In this regard, it is not necessary to maintain the same vertical distance between each pair of adjacent binder thread loops 216,218 (not shown) of the binder threads 214, although it is often convenient to do so.
- the maximum relative vertical movement of the front and rear layers 202,204 is governed by the smallest vertical distance between adjacent binder thread loops 216,218 in the blind 203, and thus for proper vertical movement of the layers of the blind 201, its adjacent binder thread loops are preferably all separated by at least the distance between the adjacent binder thread loops in its widest adjacent opaque stripes 206B,210B in the top of the front and rear layers.
- Figure 5 shows the striped two-layer woven fabric blind 1 of Figures 1(a)-(d), with its layers 2,4 pulled horizontally apart to show one of its binder threads 14 woven into its opaque stripes 6,10.
- Figures 6 (a) and (b) show schematically cross-sections of two conventional processes of weaving the fabric blind 1 of Figures 1(a)-(d). In these processes, the opaque stripes 6,10 of the blind 1 are formed by densely woven, warp and weft threads, and its translucent stripes 8,12 are formed only by weft threads.
- a fabric blind 1 such as is shown in Figures 1(a)-(d) is woven, starting with a complete set of warp threads 20 [which extend horizontally in the blind 1 of Figures 1(a)-(d) and 6 (a) and (b)] and a complete set of weft threads 22 [which extend vertically in the blind 1 of Figures 1(a)-(d)].
- the set of warp threads is divided into two warp thread sub-sets 20a and 20b in different parallel planes, and the set of weft threads is divided into two weft thread sub-sets 22a and 22b in different parallel planes.
- Each warp thread subset 20a,20b comprises a discrete plurality 20' of parallel adjacent warp threads 20, and each discrete plurality 20' of warp threads of one warp thread sub-set 20a is between two discrete pluralities 20' of warp threads of the other warp thread sub-set 20b .
- Each discrete plurality 20' of warp threads of one warp thread sub-set 20a forms one of the opaque stripes 6 of the front layer 2 of the fabric blind 1 with one weft thread sub-set 22a
- each discrete plurality 20' of warp threads of the other warp thread sub-set 20b forms one of the opaque stripes 10 of the rear layer 4 of the blind with the other weft thread sub-set 22b .
- the front sub-set 20a of warp threads 20 for the opaque stripes 6 of the front layer 2 and the rear sub-set 20b of warp threads 20 for the opaque stripes 10 of the rear layer 4 are woven by the respective front and rear weft thread sub-sets 22a,22b of weft threads 22.
- the layers 2,4 become slidably interconnected.
- a weave for a fabric blind 1,101,201 of this invention can be made more or less opaque or translucent by varying the number of warp and weft threads per square centimetre and their thickness. By varying the ratio of the number of warp and weft threads per square centimetre and/or the relative thicknesses of the warp and weft threads, a difference in appearance of the fabric can be created.
- each discrete plurality 20' of adjacent warp threads of the front sub-set 20a is followed in the weft direction, by a space in the weft direction without warp threads and having the width or height of the horizontally adjacent, discrete plurality 20' of adjacent warp threads of the rear sub-set 20b.
- each of the weft threads 22 of its front sub-set 22a weaves through a group of adjacent warp threads 20 of its front sub-set 20a, then spans a space 8 in the weft direction without warp threads, then weaves through the next group of adjacent warp threads of the front sub-set 20a and so on.
- the woven areas 6 of the front layer 2, including both warp and weft threads, are relatively dense and opaque, but the weft threads 22, spanning the spaces 8 of the front layer in the weft direction without warp threads, leave such spaces relatively open and translucent, thereby creating a striped pattern in the front layer.
- the rear layer 4 is woven in the same manner at the same time.
- Figure 6(b) shows the making of a two-layer woven fabric blind 1, corresponding to that made in Figure 6(a), but with tunnels 24 extending in the warp direction in the opaque stripes 6,10.
- the blind of Figure 6(b) can be made in the same way as the blind of Figure 6(a), except: the front sub-set 20a of warp threads 20 is separated into front and rear portions 20aa, 20ab; and the rear sub-set 20b of warp threads 20 is separated into front and rear portions 20ba,20bb.
- front and rear portions 20aa, 20ab, 20ba,20bb of the front and rear sub-sets 20a,20b of warp threads are then woven with the two subsets 22a,22b of weft threads 22 as described for Figure 6(a).
- FIG 7 Shown in Figure 7 is a fourth embodiment of a fabric blind 301 which is similar to the fabric blind 1 shown in Figures 1(a)-(d), 3(a)-(b), 5 and 6(a) and for which corresponding reference numerals (greater by 300) are used below for describing the same parts or corresponding parts.
- the blind 301 is woven, starting with a complete set of warp and weft threads 320 and 322, forming front and rear, opaque stripes (not shown) and front and rear, translucent stripes (not shown).
- the warp threads 320 are divided into front and rear sub-sets 320a, 320b, with a width and height measured in the weft direction, and by weaving these warp thread sub-sets with front and rear, weft thread sub-sets 322a and 322b, the front and rear layers 302, 304 are formed.
- One or more binder threads 314 are woven, as extra weft threads 322, into front and rear, warp thread sub-sets 322a and 322b which form the opaque stripes of the front and rear, woven layers 302, 304 of the fabric 301, in order to slidably interconnect the layers.
- the fabric 301 is especially adapted to have its rear layer 304 moved along its binder threads 314, relative to its front layer 302, to open and close the translucent stripes of the fabric.
- weft thread loops 330 are formed in the rear of the opaque stripes (not shown) of the rear layer 304 by extra weft threads 322b'.
- the weft thread loops 330 of each extra weft thread 322b' are adjacent to the rear binder thread loops 318 of a binder thread 314 adjacent to the extra weft thread 322b'.
- the weft thread loops 330 facilitate the slidability of the rear layer 304 along each binder thread 314 and relative to the front layer 302.
- Each weft thread loop 330 spans and passes vertically to the rear of: i) an adjacent warp thread 328, about the rear of which a rear binder thread loop 318 of an adjacent binder thread 314 also passes vertically; and ii) at least both warp threads 328' and 328"on either side of the adjacent warp thread 328.
- a single rear binder thread loop 318 of a single binder thread 314 is shown passing about a single warp thread 328, and a single weft thread loop 330 of an adjacent extra weft thread 322b' forms a tunnel to the rear of, and about, the three warp threads 328, 328' and 328".
- the extra weft thread 322b' in the fabric 301 has its weft thread loops 330 passing rearwardly about at least two more warp threads 328', 328" than do the rear binder thread loops 318 of its adjacent binder thread 314.
- the rear layer 304 of the fabric blind 301 can slide, relative to the binder thread and to the front layer 302, in closer proximity to the front layer. This permits the opaque stripes (not shown) of the fabric blind 301 to more effectively prevent light from passing through its translucent stripes (not shown) when its opaque stripes are horizontally aligned with its translucent stripes in order to close the blind.
- FIG 8 Shown in Figure 8 is a fifth embodiment of a fabric blind 401 which is similar to the fabric blind 301 shown in Figure 7 and for which corresponding reference numerals (greater by 100) are used below for describing the same parts or corresponding parts.
- the blind 401 is woven, starting with a complete set of warp and weft threads 420 and 422, forming front and rear, opaque stripes and front and rear, translucent stripes.
- One or more binder threads 414 are also woven, as extra weft threads 422, into front and rear, warp thread sub-sets which form the opaque stripes of the front and rear, woven layers 402, 404 of the fabric 401, in order to slidably interconnect the layers.
- each binder thread 414 i) extends rearwardly and vertically through a second opaque stripe 410 of the rear layer 404; ii) passes vertically about the rear of one or more warp threads 420b of the second opaque stripe 410 to form a generally u-shaped, rear binder thread loop 418; iii) extends frontally and vertically through the second opaque stripe 410 of the rear layer 404 and then between the layers 402, 404 and through a first opaque stripe 406 of the front layer 402; iv) passes vertically about the front of one or more warp threads 420a of the first opaque stripe 406 to form a generally u-shaped, front binder thread loop 416; v) extends rearwardly and vertically through the first opaque stripe 406 of the front layer 402 and then between the layers and through another second opaque stripe 410 of the rear layer 404; vi) passes vertically about the rear of one or more warp threads 420b of the other second opaque strip
- the slidability of the layers 402, 404 relative to one another can be significantly improved by using a thin preshrunk warp thread 428 for each of the warp threads 420b, about which the binder thread 414 passes through a second opaque stripe 410 of the rear layer 404.
- the thin preshrunk warp thread 428 is only used for this purpose in the movable rear layer 404 of the fabric blind 401 -- not in its stationary front layer 402.
- each of the first opaque stripes 406 of the front layer 402 there are preferably a plurality of adjacent front binder thread loops 416 in each of the first opaque stripes 406 of the front layer 402, to which each binder thread 414 is attached.
- These adjacent front binder thread loops 416 are provided about adjacent warp threads 420a which preferably are separated by one or more warp threads 420a, especially 1-3 warp threads 420a, particularly just 1 warp thread 420a.
- This plurality of adjacent front binder thread loops 416 keep the binder thread 414 more securely in place on the front layer 402 and enhances the ability of the rear layer 404 to slide along the binder thread 414, relative to the front layer.
- the rear layer 404 preferably has only a single rear binder thread loop 418 in each of its second opaque stripes 410, to which each binder thread 414 is attached.
- the thin preshrunk warp thread 428 should be thinner than a normal warp thread 420 of the fabric 401.
- the thickness of the thin preshrunk warp thread 428 is 20 to 50%, particularly about 30%, of the thickness of the warp thread 420.
- the thin preshrunk warp thread 428 is preferably a twisted or twined, multi-filament preshrunk thread, preferably a Trevira CS.
- their front and rear layers 2,102,202, 302, 402, 4,104,204, 304,404 can be woven with their own dedicated weft threads, towed off separate spools, or with one weft thread alternately weaving front and rear layers. Since such fabric blinds are woven on a single machine, their layers and stripes can be made to be perfectly aligned.
- their binder threads 14,114,214,314 can easily be woven between their layers 2,102,202,302,402, 4,104,204,304,404 at the same time as their layers are woven. In so-doing, their binder threads can be formed by special weft threads that are interwoven with the groups of adjacent warp threads, forming the opaque stripes 6,106,206,10,110,210 of their layers.
- the resulting fabric 1,101,201,301,401 of this invention has the opaque stripes of its front layer covering the translucent stripes of its rear layer.
- This closed fabric can then be suitably printed (e.g., transfer printed) on at least its front layer 2,102,302,402 in a conventional manner to create a fabric blind with the decoration shown in Figures 2(a) and (b).
- the front layer is the layer of the fabric that is normally in view, and therefore printed, when the fabric is to be used as an architectural covering.
- transfer printing it would be possible to produce the front layer with a single color by dyeing its warp and/or weft threads or by dying it as a whole.
- binder threads 14,114,214, 314 of each fabric blind 1,101,201,301,401 be about 1-3 cm apart, especially about 1-2 cm apart.
- the warp and weft threads and the binder threads and their interwoven positions should be selected to ensure that the layers 2,102, 202, 302, 402, 4, 104, 204, 304, 404 of each fabric blind 1, 101, 201, 301, 401 are sufficiently smooth, strong and durable and that the front layer 2, 102, 202, 302, 402 can slide vertically, relative to the rear layer 4, 104, 204, 304, 404, along the binder threads. This is particularly important where the opaque stripes 6, 106, 206, 10, 110, 210 of the layers are relatively densely woven.
- the use of specific threads in the warp and weft directions is not critical, and conventional mono-filament and multi-filament threads for making window coverings can be used.
- the binder threads 14,114,214,314,440 of the fabric blinds 1,101,201,301,401 should be of a strong material, such as polyester, nylon, aramid (e.g., a Nomex or Kevlar aramid), and/or polytetrafluoroethylene (e.g.,Teflon) fibers.
- the binder threads should also have a smooth exterior surface, especially a surface like that of some mono-filament threads, so as to reduce the friction of the sliding of the front and rear layers 2,102,202, 302,402,4,104,204,304,404 along the binder when opening or closing the fabric blinds.
- the binder threads are multi-filament threads and that the pulling threads are mono-filament threads. It is also preferred that the binder, as well as the warp and other weft threads, be heat resistant or previously heat-treated, so that any subsequent heat treatment of the fabric blinds, such as transfer printing, does not damage or shrink significantly such threads. In this regard, the binder threads can have substantially the same heat-shrinkage characteristics as the other weft fibers of the fabric blind, so that the binder threads shrink to about the same extent as the other weft fibers when the fabric blind is heat-treated. It is also preferred that the whole blind be fire resistant, for example by weaving it entirely from Trevira CS polyester threads.
- each binder thread 14,114,214,314,440 of the fabrics 1,101,201,301,401 is a preshrunk and smooth (not texturized) thread, such as a polyester thread.
- a preshrunk and smooth thread such as a polyester thread.
- the fabric blinds 1,101,201,301,401 can be installed in an architectural opening, such a window. Conventional mechanisms can then be attached to the top and or bottom of the blinds for sliding their front layers 2,102,202, 302,402 vertically relative to their rear layers 4,104,204, 304,404. Such blinds can also be produced as fixed blinds, roman shades or roller blinds.
- the complementary patterns of the layers of the covering could comprise two or more portions of different colors instead of opaque and translucent portions, whereby the two layers could be moved relative to one another to vary the color of the light passing through different portions of the covering.
- the term "complementary" is intended to mean that portions of the layers of the covering of this invention can be made to wholly or partially overlap one another to a greater or lesser extent by moving one layer relative to, and parallel to, the other and thereby affect differently the light passing through the layers.
- the opaque and translucent stripes 6,106,206,8,108,208,10,110, 210,12,112,212 of such blinds need not be have straight, bottom and top edges but could have instead mating, scalloped or saw-toothed bottom and top edges.
- the stripes could extend vertically, instead of horizontally, and accordingly, the layers could move horizontally relative to one another instead of vertically to open and close the covering.
- the stripes could be replaced by other patterns, such as round, elliptical or other closed patterns without sides, triangular or other polygonal patterns, etc., provided such patterns on the layers can be moved to change their amount of coincidence (e.g., horizontal alignment in a vertical covering).
- such coverings and their layers need not extend vertically but could also be horizontal or at an angle.
- the rear layers 4,104,204, 304, 404 of such coverings could be moved vertically relative to their front layers 2,102,202, 302,402 instead of vice-versa, and either the front or rear layer could be moved downwardly, instead of upwardly, relative to the other layer to open the coverings.
- the front layer 302 of the fabric blind 301 of Figure 7 could have extra weft threads 322a forming weft thread loops (not shown) that form tunnels to the front of, and about, the warp threads 322a, about which pass vertically the front binder thread loops 316 of the binder thread 314 -- instead of having the weft thread loops 330 in the rear layer 304 -- if the front layer is moved relative to the rear layer along the binder threads 314 in the fabric blind.
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Abstract
Description
- The invention relates to an architectural covering, particularly a covering for an architectural opening such as a window blind, having two parallel interconnected fabric layers which contain complementary patterns and can be moved relative to one another in a direction parallel to the layers. This invention particularly relates to an architectural covering having one or more parallel binder threads which connect the fabric layers and along which one of the layers can be moved relative to the other layer. This invention quite particularly relates to an architectural covering having fabric layers which contain alternating relatively translucent and relatively opaque portions and can be moved relative to one another between positions where: i) the translucent portions of the different layers coincide and ii) the opaque portions of the different layers substantially overlap, preferably completely overlap, the translucent portions of the different layers.
- Blinds for covering architectural openings are known which can be opened and closed while still covering the openings. For instance, traditional venetian blinds have slats which can be tilted so as to block light or let light through from windows covered by the blinds.
- Another type of such blind has two vertical layers, disposed one in front of the other and each with an array of horizontally-oriented, alternating transparent and opaque stripes. When the transparent stripes of one layer are in horizontal alignment with the transparent stripes of the other layer, light is transmitted through the blind, but when the opaque stripes of one layer are horizontally aligned with the transparent stripes of the other layer, light can be blocked by this blind. See GB 926 663,
GB 1 227 619, US 2 029 675, US 2 549 167,FR 1 366 224 and DE 2 326 438. The two layers of fabric or plastic in such a blind are connected on their top and/or bottom ends by top and/or bottom bars. This generally results in the layers being separated by the diameter of the bars used, which makes the blind appear bulky. Also the distance, separating the two layers, does not allow the blind to completely block light from passing through it. In this regard, light shining in from a window at an acute angle can pass through the transparent stripes of the adjacent layer of the blind and then between the vertically adjacent, opaque stripes of its layers, in the horizontal gap between the layers. The bigger the horizontal gap between the layers, the more light can pass through, even if the blind is closed. Moreover since the layers in such a blind are connected only at their top and/or bottom, precisely aligning their transparent and opaque stripes to completely close the blind is not possible. - Two-layer woven fabrics are also known which are interconnected by binder threads, so that they have a special appearance and resistance to wear and tear. See, for example, US 2 502 101,
FR 2 063535,GB 2 058 161, US 4 025 684, GB 395 176, US 3 359 610, GB 540 059, NL 35 856, NL 272 858 and US 3 943 980. However, the two layers of such a fabric cannot slide along the binder threads or move relative to one other. - In accordance with this invention, an architectural covering, particularly a covering for an architectural opening such as a window blind, is provided, comprising:
- a first fabric layer; and
- a second fabric layer that is parallel and adjacent to the first layer and substantially coincident with the first layer;
- the second layer being capable of movement relative to the first layer in a direction parallel to the first layer; and
- a binder thread, between the layers, connecting them and extending in
the direction of movement of the second layer; the second layer being
slidable along the binder thread during the movement of the second
layer relative to the first layer; wherein:
- the binder thread is a weft thread which forms a binder thread loop, preferably a plurality of binder thread loops, about, preferably closely about, a warp thread of each portion of the first and second layers, to which the binder thread is connected; and
- wherein in the first or second layer, a warp thread, about which the binder thread forms a binder thread loop, is a thin preshrunk warp thread.
- Advantageously, the covering has a plurality of parallel binder threads and a plurality of thin preshrunk warp threads in the first or second layer. Also advantageously, each warp thread, about which the binder thread forms a binder thread loop, is a thin preshrunk warp thread. Further advantageously, the thickness of each thin preshrunk warp thread is 20 to 50%, advantageously about 30%, of the thickness of other warp threads of the covering. Still further advantageously, each thin preshrunk warp thread is only in a rear movable layer.
- It is also advantageous that in the other layer, advantageously the front layer, each binder thread forms a plurality of adjacent binder thread loops about adjacent warp threads. It is further advantageous that the adjacent binder thread loops are separated from each other by a warp thread, particularly 1-3 warp threads, more particularly just 1 warp thread.
- Additional aspects of the invention will be apparent from the detailed description below of particular embodiments and the drawings thereof, in which:
- Figures 1(a) and (b) illustrate schematically the front and side (in cross-section taken along line b-b in Fig. 1(a)), respectively, of a first embodiment of a fabric window blind of the invention in its closed position; in Figure 1(a), the bottom of the blind has been cut to separate the layers, and the front layer has been folded away from the rear layer.
- Figures 1(c) and (d) illustrate schematically the front and side (in cross-section taken along line d-d in Fig. 1(c)), respectively, of the fabric blind of Figures 1(a) and (b) in its open position; in Figure 1(c), the bottom of the blind has been cut to separate the layers, and the front layer has been folded away from the rear layer.
- Figures 2 (a) and (b) illustrate schematically the front of a second embodiment of a fabric window blind of the invention in its closed and open positions, respectively; the fabric of the blind has been printed with a pattern.
- Figures 3(a) and (b) illustrate schematically a cross-section of a fabric blind, such as the blind of Figures 1(a)-(d), in its closed and open positions, respectively.
- Figures 4 (a), (b) and (c) illustrate schematically the front of a third embodiment of a fabric window blind of the invention in its closed, open and partially open positions, respectively.
- Figure 5 illustrates schematically a perspective view of a two-layer woven fabric blind, such as the blind of Figures 1(a)-(d).
- Figure 6(a) illustrates schematically a process for weaving a two-layer woven fabric blind, such as the blind of Figures 1(a)-(d), and Figure 6(b) illustrates schematically a process for weaving a multi-layer woven fabric blind, such as the blind of Figures 1(a)-(d).
- Figure 7 illustrates schematically a cross-section of a modified two-layer woven fabric blind, such as the blind of Figures 1(a)-(d).
- Figure 8 illustrates schematically a cross-section of another modified two-layer woven fabric blind, like the blind of Figure 7.
- The basic principle of operation of an architectural covering of the invention will be described with reference to a fabric window blind 1 of Figures 1(a)-(d). The blind 1 comprises a vertically-extending
front layer 2 and a vertically-extendingrear layer 4 of substantially the same height and width. In Figures 1(a) and (c), thebottom part 2A of thefront layer 2 has been cut away and folded open to the left, to expose therear layer 4. Thefront layer 2 has a plurality of horizontally-extending, parallelrectangular stripes opaque stripes 6 alternate with relativelytranslucent stripes 8. Therear layer 4 also has a plurality of longitudinally-extending, parallelrectangular stripes opaque stripes 10 alternating with relativelytranslucent stripes 12. As described below, thefront layer 2 can be moved vertically relative to therear layer 4, so that theopaque stripes translucent stripes front layer 2 can, therefore, be used to control and vary the light-transmitting properties of the blind 1. - At least one, vertically-extending binder thread 14 (shown in Figures 3(a), 3(b), 5 and 6 is attached to the
layers binder thread 14 allows thefront layer 2 to slide, in a controlled manner, vertically relative to therear layer 4, along the binder thread. Preferably, the blind 1 contains a plurality ofsuch binder threads 14 in parallel spaced-apart relationship. - As shown in Figures 1(a) and (b), the
opaque stripes 6 of thefront layer 2 are horizontally aligned with, and therefore horizontally cover, thetranslucent stripes 12 of therear layer 4. As a result, theopaque stripes 10 of therear layer 4 are horizontally aligned with, and therefore visible through, thetranslucent stripes 8 of thefront layer 2. Thus, theopaque stripes rear layers - By sliding one of the
layers other layer front layer 2 can be moved upwardly relative to therear layer 4 in the direction of arrow A, so that theopaque stripes 6 of the front layer are horizontally aligned with theopaque stripes 10 of the rear layer and thetranslucent stripes 8 of the front layer are horizontally aligned with thetranslucent stripes 12 of the rear layer. Thereby, the blind 1 can let light, from a window behind the blind, through the horizontally-alignedtranslucent stripes - In the blind 1 of Figures 1(a)-(d), the
opaque stripes 6 of thefront layer 2 are of the same vertical width or height as theopaque stripes 10 of therear layer 4 and as thetranslucent stripes front layer 2 can be moved upwardly a smaller distance relative to therear layer 4. Then, theopaque stripes rear layers translucent stripes - In the woven two-layer fabric blind 1, the height of each
opaque stripe translucent stripe rear layers opaque stripes translucent stripes stripes front layer 2 could have heights that are equal but different from the heights of thestripes rear layer 4. Besides creating an aesthetically pleasing pattern, such variations in the heights of the stripes would not increase or decrease the maximum opening of the blind. - Using the weaving techniques of Figures 5 and 6, described below, a two-layer fabric can also be woven having, along its height, stripes of increasing height or of different heights. For example, Figures 4 (a)-(c) show a blind 201 that has
narrow stripes broad stripes fabric blind 201 can be provided with opaque andtranslucent stripes translucent stripes - Other variations in stripe heights are possible when the blind 1 is made from
layers front layer 2 can be different from those of therear layer 4. Thereby, various decorative effects can be achieved. For instance, therear layer 4 could be provided with two alternately arranged patterns or colors, such that by moving the front and rear layers relative to one another, the different patterns or colors can be exposed selectively. Furthermore, the blind 1 could have more than twolayers - Preferably, the front and
rear layers fabric blind 1 are woven simultaneously with their attachment to thebinder threads 14. See Figures 5, 6(a) and (b), described below. This facilitates production of the fabric of the blind 1 since the twolayers rear layers 2 4, themselves, as two or more layers simultaneously with their attachment to thebinder threads 14. This ensures correct registration between the multiple layers of the front andrear layers binder threads 14 during subsequent treatments of thefabric blind 1, such as stiffening, water-proofing, printing and the like. However, the blind 1 can also be made of separately produced, woven or non-woven, front andrear layers binder threads 14. - The binder threads 14 (shown in Figures 3(a), 3(b), 5 and 6) hold the front and
rear layers binder thread 14 to the twolayers binder thread 14 is preferably connected to all theopaque stripes translucent stripes opaque stripes binder threads 14, and it is possible to skip one or more opaque stripes. In this way, the vertical distance, along which a layer can slide along the binder thread, can be increased. This can be of use for blinds where the height of the stripes varies along the height of the blind. - Figures 2(a) and (b) show a second embodiment of a
fabric blind 101 which is similar to the blind 1 of Figures 1(a)-(d) and for which corresponding reference numerals (greater by 100) are used below for describing the same parts or corresponding parts. The relativelyopaque stripes 106 of thefront layer 102 of the blind 101 can be horizontally aligned with the relativelytranslucent stripes 112 of itsrear layer 104 to close the blind as shown in - Figure 2(a) and can be horizontally aligned with the
opaque stripes 110 of itsrear layer 104 to open the blind as shown in Figure 2(b). Thisfabric blind 101, when closed, can easily be printed on both theopaque stripes 106 and the weft threads of thetranslucent stripes 108 of itsfront layer 102, as well as on theopaque stripes 110 of its rear layer 104 (between the weft threads of thetranslucent stripes 108 of the front layer), by conventional transfer printing techniques. Thereby, the closed blind 101 will show the complete printed design, and the opened blind 101 will also show the complete design because itsfront layer 102, which is completely printed, will be visible. - Figure 2 (a) illustrates
oval forms front layer 102 and on theopaque stripes 110 of therear layer 104. Where thefront layer 102 is shown as having been cut and folded open to the left, it is clearly seen that theoval form 126 has been printed on anopaque stripe 110 of therear layer 104. (The folded-open portion of thetop layer 102 is, of course, not shown as printed, since what is being shown is its rear side, and the print is on the other side.) - Figure 2(b) shows the printed ovals 124,126 on the front of the open blind 101 and clearly visible on the opaque and translucent stripes 106,108 of the
front layer 102. - As shown in Figures 3(a) and (b), each
binder thread 14 of thefabric blind 1 preferably extends between the front andrear layers stripes binder thread 14 follows a zigzag path between the layers and extends outwardly thereof through theopaque stripes front layer 2; ii) passes vertically about the front of one or more warp threads of the first opaque stripe 6' to form a generally u-shaped, frontbinder thread loop 16; iii) extends rearwardly and vertically through the first opaque stripe 6' , then between the layers and then through a second opaque stripe 10' of therear layer 4; iv) passes vertically about the rear of one or more warp threads of the second opaque stripe 10' to form a generally u-shaped, rearbinder thread loop 18; extends frontally and vertically through the second opaque stripe 10', then between the layers and then through a thirdopaque stripe 6" of thefront layer 2; v) passes vertically about the front of one or more warp threads of the thirdopaque stripe 6" at another frontbinder thread loop 16; vi) extends rearwardly and vertically through the thirdopaque stripe 6", then between the layers and then through a fourthopaque stripe 10" of therear layer 4; and so on. - In accordance with this invention, each
binder thread 14 is adapted, so that one of thelayers binder thread loops opaque stripes front layer 2 could be moved, without hindrance, vertically (e.g., upwardly), in the direction of arrow A, along thebinder thread 14, relative to therear layer 4, to open the blind 1; and Figure 3(b) shows how thefront layer 2 could be moved, without hindrance, vertically (e.g., downwardly), in the direction of arrow B, along thebinder thread 14, relative to therear layer 4, to close the blind. - Also in accordance with this invention, the front and
rear layers binder thread 14 is substantially vertical and deviates only slightly from a straight vertical path in order to connect the two layers. - The path of the
binder thread 14, between the twolayers front layer 2 can be moved vertically (e.g., upwardly) in the direction of arrow A, relative to itsrear layer 4 which is held stationary. As thefront layer 2 is so-moved, it slides along thebinder thread 14 at the frontbinder thread loop 16. The top and bottom of thebinder thread 14 are preferably held with the top and bottom of the stationaryrear layer 4. This movement of thefront layer 2 will continue until the front layer reaches the adjacent rearbinder thread loop 18 of therear layer 4, where further movement will be blocked by the rear layer. - in the blinds of this invention, such as the blind 1 of Figures 1(a)-(d) and 3 (a) and (b), the maximum vertical movement of the
front layer 2, relative to therear layer 4, is determined by the distance between the frontbinder thread loop 16 on thefront layer 2 and the adjacent rearbinder thread loop 18 on therear layer 4. In the blind 1 where all thestripes binder thread loops stripes front layer 102, relative to therear layer 104, can be increased if each binder thread 114 is not connected to every opaque stripe 106,110 but rather skips one or more opaque stripes when connecting the two layers 102,104. For example, every otheropaque stripe 106 of thefront layer 102 and every otheropaque stripe 110 of therear layer 104 can be bound by binder threads 114 at respective binder thread loops 116 and 118. In this way, the maximum movement of thefront layer 102 becomes the height of two opaque stripes and one translucent stripe, and the angles of the binder threads 114 passing through thelayers front layer 104 sliding along the binder threads, which could be useful in any blind 1,101, 201 of this invention and particularly in those with stripes of small height. - As shown in Figures 3(a) and(b), it is preferred that the
binder threads 14 not pass through the vertical centers of theopaque stripes layers binder thread loops opaque stripes front layer 2 and above the center for the rear layer 4). This helps ensure that theopaque stripes - Figures 4(a)-(c) show a third embodiment of a
fabric blind 201 which is similar to the blind 1 of Figures 1(a)-(d) and for which corresponding reference numerals (greater by 200) are used below for describing the same parts or corresponding parts. In this regard, thestripes stripes opaque stripes front layer 202 of the blind 201 can be horizontally aligned with thetranslucent stripes opaque stripes opaque stripes 206A of the bottom of thefront layer 202 can be aligned with the narrowtranslucent stripes 212A of the bottom of its rear layer 204 to close the bottom of the blind while the wideopaque stripes 206B of the top of thefront layer 202 are horizontally aligned with the wideopaque stripes 210B of the top of the rear layer 204, effectively opening the top of the blind. - To provide for the correct opening of the blind 201, its binder threads 214 (not shown) have to skip at least every other opaque
narrow stripe 206A at the bottom of the blind but can pass through every wideopaque stripe 206B at the top of the blind. In this regard, it is not necessary to maintain the same vertical distance between each pair of adjacent binder thread loops 216,218 (not shown) of the binder threads 214, although it is often convenient to do so. The maximum relative vertical movement of the front and rear layers 202,204 is governed by the smallest vertical distance between adjacent binder thread loops 216,218 in the blind 203, and thus for proper vertical movement of the layers of the blind 201, its adjacent binder thread loops are preferably all separated by at least the distance between the adjacent binder thread loops in its widest adjacentopaque stripes - Figure 5 shows the striped two-layer woven
fabric blind 1 of Figures 1(a)-(d), with itslayers binder threads 14 woven into itsopaque stripes fabric blind 1 of Figures 1(a)-(d). In these processes, theopaque stripes translucent stripes - As shown in Figure 5, a
fabric blind 1, such as is shown in Figures 1(a)-(d), is woven, starting with a complete set of warp threads 20 [which extend horizontally in the blind 1 of Figures 1(a)-(d) and 6 (a) and (b)] and a complete set of weft threads 22 [which extend vertically in the blind 1 of Figures 1(a)-(d)]. The set of warp threads is divided into twowarp thread sub-sets weft thread sub-sets warp thread subset adjacent warp threads 20, and each discrete plurality 20' of warp threads of onewarp thread sub-set 20a is between two discrete pluralities 20' of warp threads of the otherwarp thread sub-set 20b . Each discrete plurality 20' of warp threads of onewarp thread sub-set 20a forms one of theopaque stripes 6 of thefront layer 2 of thefabric blind 1 with oneweft thread sub-set 22a, and each discrete plurality 20' of warp threads of the otherwarp thread sub-set 20b forms one of theopaque stripes 10 of therear layer 4 of the blind with the otherweft thread sub-set 22b . - The
front sub-set 20a ofwarp threads 20 for theopaque stripes 6 of thefront layer 2 and therear sub-set 20b ofwarp threads 20 for theopaque stripes 10 of therear layer 4 are woven by the respective front and rearweft thread sub-sets weft threads 22. This results in two separatewoven layers opaque strips weft threads translucent stripes threads 22. By weaving one ormore binder threads 14 asextra weft threads 22 into thewarp thread sub-sets layers - A weave for a fabric blind 1,101,201 of this invention can be made more or less opaque or translucent by varying the number of warp and weft threads per square centimetre and their thickness. By varying the ratio of the number of warp and weft threads per square centimetre and/or the relative thicknesses of the warp and weft threads, a difference in appearance of the fabric can be created.
- As shown in Figure 6(a), dividing the
warp threads 20 into front andrear sub-sets rear sub-sets weft threads 22, the front andrear layers fabric blind 1 can be made in a single weaving operation. In so doing, each discrete plurality 20' of adjacent warp threads of thefront sub-set 20a is followed in the weft direction, by a space in the weft direction without warp threads and having the width or height of the horizontally adjacent, discrete plurality 20' of adjacent warp threads of therear sub-set 20b. Thereby, an alternating pattern of grouped warp threads and vertical spaces without warp threads is made in each layer. When thefront layer 2 is woven, each of theweft threads 22 of itsfront sub-set 22a weaves through a group ofadjacent warp threads 20 of itsfront sub-set 20a, then spans aspace 8 in the weft direction without warp threads, then weaves through the next group of adjacent warp threads of thefront sub-set 20a and so on. Thewoven areas 6 of thefront layer 2, including both warp and weft threads, are relatively dense and opaque, but theweft threads 22, spanning thespaces 8 of the front layer in the weft direction without warp threads, leave such spaces relatively open and translucent, thereby creating a striped pattern in the front layer. Therear layer 4 is woven in the same manner at the same time. - Figure 6(b) shows the making of a two-layer woven
fabric blind 1, corresponding to that made in Figure 6(a), but withtunnels 24 extending in the warp direction in theopaque stripes front sub-set 20a ofwarp threads 20 is separated into front and rear portions 20aa, 20ab; and therear sub-set 20b ofwarp threads 20 is separated into front and rear portions 20ba,20bb. The front and rear portions 20aa, 20ab, 20ba,20bb of the front andrear sub-sets subsets weft threads 22 as described for Figure 6(a). - Shown in Figure 7 is a fourth embodiment of a
fabric blind 301 which is similar to thefabric blind 1 shown in Figures 1(a)-(d), 3(a)-(b), 5 and 6(a) and for which corresponding reference numerals (greater by 300) are used below for describing the same parts or corresponding parts. The blind 301 is woven, starting with a complete set of warp andweft threads warp threads 320 are divided into front andrear sub-sets 320a, 320b, with a width and height measured in the weft direction, and by weaving these warp thread sub-sets with front and rear,weft thread sub-sets rear layers more binder threads 314 are woven, asextra weft threads 322, into front and rear,warp thread sub-sets woven layers fabric 301, in order to slidably interconnect the layers. As described below, thefabric 301 is especially adapted to have itsrear layer 304 moved along itsbinder threads 314, relative to itsfront layer 302, to open and close the translucent stripes of the fabric. - In the
fabric 301, as shown in Figure 7, generally u-shaped,weft thread loops 330 are formed in the rear of the opaque stripes (not shown) of therear layer 304 byextra weft threads 322b'. Theweft thread loops 330 of eachextra weft thread 322b' are adjacent to the rearbinder thread loops 318 of abinder thread 314 adjacent to theextra weft thread 322b'. Theweft thread loops 330 facilitate the slidability of therear layer 304 along eachbinder thread 314 and relative to thefront layer 302. Eachweft thread loop 330 spans and passes vertically to the rear of: i) an adjacent warp thread 328, about the rear of which a rearbinder thread loop 318 of anadjacent binder thread 314 also passes vertically; and ii) at least both warp threads 328' and 328"on either side of the adjacent warp thread 328. In Figure 7, a single rearbinder thread loop 318 of asingle binder thread 314 is shown passing about a single warp thread 328, and a singleweft thread loop 330 of an adjacentextra weft thread 322b' forms a tunnel to the rear of, and about, the three warp threads 328, 328' and 328". Thus, theextra weft thread 322b' in thefabric 301 has itsweft thread loops 330 passing rearwardly about at least two more warp threads 328', 328" than do the rearbinder thread loops 318 of itsadjacent binder thread 314. - As also shown in Figure 7, there is no corresponding weft thread loop adjacent a front
binder thread loop 316 of eachbinder thread 314 in an opaque stripe (not shown) of thefront layer 302 of thefabric blind 301. As a result, therear layer 304 can be more easily slid along thebinder threads 314 than thefront layer 302. It would, of course, be possible to also provide thefront layer 302 with weft thread loops adjacent to the frontbinder thread loops 316. However, thebinder thread 314 could then too easily become displaced relative to thefabric 301 when therear layer 304 is moved relative to thefront layer 302. It is, therefore, preferable, to not provide weft thread loops in thefront layer 302, so that there is a significant difference in the slidability of the layers 302,304 along thebinder threads 314 between them. - Because the
weft thread loops 330 of theextra weft threads 322b' are provided near the adjacent rearbinder thread loops 318 of theadjacent binder threads 314, therear layer 304 of thefabric blind 301 can slide, relative to the binder thread and to thefront layer 302, in closer proximity to the front layer. This permits the opaque stripes (not shown) of thefabric blind 301 to more effectively prevent light from passing through its translucent stripes (not shown) when its opaque stripes are horizontally aligned with its translucent stripes in order to close the blind. - Shown in Figure 8 is a fifth embodiment of a
fabric blind 401 which is similar to thefabric blind 301 shown in Figure 7 and for which corresponding reference numerals (greater by 100) are used below for describing the same parts or corresponding parts. The blind 401 is woven, starting with a complete set of warp andweft threads - One or
more binder threads 414 are also woven, asextra weft threads 422, into front and rear, warp thread sub-sets which form the opaque stripes of the front and rear,woven layers fabric 401, in order to slidably interconnect the layers. In this regard, each binder thread 414: i) extends rearwardly and vertically through a secondopaque stripe 410 of therear layer 404; ii) passes vertically about the rear of one or more warp threads 420b of the secondopaque stripe 410 to form a generally u-shaped, rear binder thread loop 418; iii) extends frontally and vertically through the secondopaque stripe 410 of therear layer 404 and then between thelayers opaque stripe 406 of thefront layer 402; iv) passes vertically about the front of one or more warp threads 420a of the firstopaque stripe 406 to form a generally u-shaped, frontbinder thread loop 416; v) extends rearwardly and vertically through the firstopaque stripe 406 of thefront layer 402 and then between the layers and through another secondopaque stripe 410 of therear layer 404; vi) passes vertically about the rear of one or more warp threads 420b of the other secondopaque stripe 410 to form a generally u-shaped, rear binder thread loop 418; and so on. - In accordance with this invention, the slidability of the
layers binder thread 414 passes through a secondopaque stripe 410 of therear layer 404. Preferably the thin preshrunk warp thread 428 is only used for this purpose in the movablerear layer 404 of thefabric blind 401 -- not in itsstationary front layer 402. - In the
fabric blind 401, there are preferably a plurality of adjacent frontbinder thread loops 416 in each of the firstopaque stripes 406 of thefront layer 402, to which eachbinder thread 414 is attached. These adjacent frontbinder thread loops 416 are provided about adjacent warp threads 420a which preferably are separated by one or more warp threads 420a, especially 1-3 warp threads 420a, particularly just 1 warp thread 420a. This plurality of adjacent frontbinder thread loops 416 keep thebinder thread 414 more securely in place on thefront layer 402 and enhances the ability of therear layer 404 to slide along thebinder thread 414, relative to the front layer. Therear layer 404 preferably has only a single rear binder thread loop 418 in each of its secondopaque stripes 410, to which eachbinder thread 414 is attached. - The thin preshrunk warp thread 428 should be thinner than a
normal warp thread 420 of thefabric 401. Preferably, the thickness of the thin preshrunk warp thread 428 is 20 to 50%, particularly about 30%, of the thickness of thewarp thread 420. The thin preshrunk warp thread 428 is preferably a twisted or twined, multi-filament preshrunk thread, preferably a Trevira CS. - Depending on the weaving machine used to make the fabric blinds 1,101,201,301,401 of this invention, their front and rear layers 2,102,202, 302, 402, 4,104,204, 304,404 can be woven with their own dedicated weft threads, towed off separate spools, or with one weft thread alternately weaving front and rear layers. Since such fabric blinds are woven on a single machine, their layers and stripes can be made to be perfectly aligned. In addition, their binder threads 14,114,214,314 can easily be woven between their layers 2,102,202,302,402, 4,104,204,304,404 at the same time as their layers are woven. In so-doing, their binder threads can be formed by special weft threads that are interwoven with the groups of adjacent warp threads, forming the opaque stripes 6,106,206,10,110,210 of their layers.
- After weaving is completed, the resulting fabric 1,101,201,301,401 of this invention has the opaque stripes of its front layer covering the translucent stripes of its rear layer. This closed fabric can then be suitably printed (e.g., transfer printed) on at least its front layer 2,102,302,402 in a conventional manner to create a fabric blind with the decoration shown in Figures 2(a) and (b). In this regard, the front layer is the layer of the fabric that is normally in view, and therefore printed, when the fabric is to be used as an architectural covering. Of course, instead of printing, transfer printing, it would be possible to produce the front layer with a single color by dyeing its warp and/or weft threads or by dying it as a whole.
- It is preferred that the binder threads 14,114,214, 314 of each fabric blind 1,101,201,301,401 be about 1-3 cm apart, especially about 1-2 cm apart.
- The warp and weft threads and the binder threads and their interwoven positions should be selected to ensure that the layers 2,102, 202, 302, 402, 4, 104, 204, 304, 404 of each
fabric blind front layer rear layer opaque stripes - However, the binder threads 14,114,214,314,440 of the fabric blinds 1,101,201,301,401 should be of a strong material, such as polyester, nylon, aramid (e.g., a Nomex or Kevlar aramid), and/or polytetrafluoroethylene (e.g.,Teflon) fibers. The binder threads should also have a smooth exterior surface, especially a surface like that of some mono-filament threads, so as to reduce the friction of the sliding of the front and rear layers 2,102,202, 302,402,4,104,204,304,404 along the binder when opening or closing the fabric blinds. It is preferred that the binder threads are multi-filament threads and that the pulling threads are mono-filament threads. It is also preferred that the binder, as well as the warp and other weft threads, be heat resistant or previously heat-treated, so that any subsequent heat treatment of the fabric blinds, such as transfer printing, does not damage or shrink significantly such threads. In this regard, the binder threads can have substantially the same heat-shrinkage characteristics as the other weft fibers of the fabric blind, so that the binder threads shrink to about the same extent as the other weft fibers when the fabric blind is heat-treated. It is also preferred that the whole blind be fire resistant, for example by weaving it entirely from Trevira CS polyester threads.
- It is especially preferred that each binder thread 14,114,214,314,440 of the fabrics 1,101,201,301,401 is a preshrunk and smooth (not texturized) thread, such as a polyester thread. This is particularly so where the front and rear layers 2,102,202,302,402,4,104,204,304,404 of the fabric blind are not preshrunk, quite particularly where the blind is eventually subjected to heat (e.g., at 195-205 C) shrinkage, for example during its transfer printing. Thereby, when the fabric blind 1,101,201,301,401 eventually shrinks during heating, the binder threads 14,114,214,314 become looser within the blind than they were after the blind had been woven.
- The fabric blinds 1,101,201,301,401 can be installed in an architectural opening, such a window. Conventional mechanisms can then be attached to the top and or bottom of the blinds for sliding their front layers 2,102,202, 302,402 vertically relative to their rear layers 4,104,204, 304,404. Such blinds can also be produced as fixed blinds, roman shades or roller blinds.
- This invention is, of course, not limited to the above-described embodiments which can be modified without departing from the scope of the invention or sacrificing all of its advantages. In this regard, the terms in the foregoing description and the following claims, such as "lateral", "longitudinal", "front", "rear", "horizontal", "vertical", "bottom", "top", "adjacent", "parallel", "length ", "width" and "height", have been used only as relative terms to describe the relationships of the various elements of the architectural covering of the invention.
- For example, the complementary patterns of the layers of the covering could comprise two or more portions of different colors instead of opaque and translucent portions, whereby the two layers could be moved relative to one another to vary the color of the light passing through different portions of the covering. In this regard, the term "complementary" is intended to mean that portions of the layers of the covering of this invention can be made to wholly or partially overlap one another to a greater or lesser extent by moving one layer relative to, and parallel to, the other and thereby affect differently the light passing through the layers.
- Likewise, other fabric-making processes, particularly other weaving processes, could be used for making the fabric coverings 1,101,201, 301,401. Also, the opaque and translucent stripes 6,106,206,8,108,208,10,110, 210,12,112,212 of such blinds need not be have straight, bottom and top edges but could have instead mating, scalloped or saw-toothed bottom and top edges. Moreover, the stripes could extend vertically, instead of horizontally, and accordingly, the layers could move horizontally relative to one another instead of vertically to open and close the covering. Also, the stripes could be replaced by other patterns, such as round, elliptical or other closed patterns without sides, triangular or other polygonal patterns, etc., provided such patterns on the layers can be moved to change their amount of coincidence (e.g., horizontal alignment in a vertical covering).
- Furthermore, other architectural coverings, such as shades for lamps and for decorative lighted wall panels, could be made with the front and rear layers 2,102,202, 302,402, 4,104,204, 304,404 and their binder threads 14,114,214, 314 and pulling threads 440.
- Also, such coverings and their layers need not extend vertically but could also be horizontal or at an angle. In addition, the rear layers 4,104,204, 304, 404 of such coverings could be moved vertically relative to their front layers 2,102,202, 302,402 instead of vice-versa, and either the front or rear layer could be moved downwardly, instead of upwardly, relative to the other layer to open the coverings.
- Moreover, the
front layer 302 of thefabric blind 301 of Figure 7 could haveextra weft threads 322a forming weft thread loops (not shown) that form tunnels to the front of, and about, thewarp threads 322a, about which pass vertically the frontbinder thread loops 316 of thebinder thread 314 -- instead of having theweft thread loops 330 in therear layer 304 -- if the front layer is moved relative to the rear layer along thebinder threads 314 in the fabric blind.
Claims (8)
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP20020251767 EP1241318B1 (en) | 2001-03-13 | 2002-03-13 | Architectural covering |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP01200949 | 2001-03-13 | ||
EP01200949 | 2001-03-13 | ||
EP20020251767 EP1241318B1 (en) | 2001-03-13 | 2002-03-13 | Architectural covering |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP1241318A2 true EP1241318A2 (en) | 2002-09-18 |
EP1241318A3 EP1241318A3 (en) | 2004-01-28 |
EP1241318B1 EP1241318B1 (en) | 2006-02-01 |
Family
ID=26076858
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP20020251767 Expired - Lifetime EP1241318B1 (en) | 2001-03-13 | 2002-03-13 | Architectural covering |
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EP (1) | EP1241318B1 (en) |
Cited By (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1512829A1 (en) * | 2003-09-08 | 2005-03-09 | Hunter Douglas Industries B.V. | Attachment of an architectural covering |
EP1564362A2 (en) * | 2004-02-12 | 2005-08-17 | Tae Woong Byeon | Blinds |
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US2029675A (en) | 1934-12-15 | 1936-02-04 | Philip M Schlamp | Window shade |
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US2549167A (en) | 1945-11-15 | 1951-04-17 | Henry J Brubaker | Light controlling means |
GB926663A (en) | 1959-09-30 | 1963-05-22 | Kenneth William Bradshaw | Improvements relating to window blinds |
FR1366224A (en) | 1963-05-31 | 1964-07-10 | Griesser Et Cie | Fabric for blinds |
US3359610A (en) | 1963-12-17 | 1967-12-26 | Deering Milliken Res Corp | Woven fabrics |
GB1227619A (en) | 1967-12-01 | 1971-04-07 | Griesser Sa | |
FR2063535A5 (en) | 1969-10-21 | 1971-07-09 | Maistre Michel | Expandible woven fabric |
DE2326438A1 (en) | 1973-05-24 | 1975-02-06 | Karl Fischer | Sunlight shielding window blind - two horizontal zebra-striped parallel sheets over guide-rollers and crosswise slats at top and bottom |
US3943980A (en) | 1972-09-20 | 1976-03-16 | Hitco | Multi-ply woven article having double ribs |
US4025684A (en) | 1971-09-02 | 1977-05-24 | Helmut Neidhardt | Tubular fabric coated with plastics or synthetic rubbers |
GB2058161A (en) | 1979-09-11 | 1981-04-08 | Mitter M | Blanket for screen printing machines |
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JPS63145496A (en) * | 1986-12-02 | 1988-06-17 | 日本フイルコン株式会社 | Papermaking multilayer fabric |
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NL272858A (en) | 1900-01-01 | |||
GB395176A (en) | 1932-08-11 | 1933-07-13 | James Frits Love | Improvements in or relating to double texture ribbed carpets and to the weaving thereof |
US2029675A (en) | 1934-12-15 | 1936-02-04 | Philip M Schlamp | Window shade |
GB540059A (en) | 1940-04-25 | 1941-10-03 | Joseph Ratcliffe Edisbury | Improvements in or relating to fabrics |
US2549167A (en) | 1945-11-15 | 1951-04-17 | Henry J Brubaker | Light controlling means |
US2502101A (en) | 1949-03-02 | 1950-03-28 | Woonsocket Falls Mill | Fabric and method of making same |
GB926663A (en) | 1959-09-30 | 1963-05-22 | Kenneth William Bradshaw | Improvements relating to window blinds |
FR1366224A (en) | 1963-05-31 | 1964-07-10 | Griesser Et Cie | Fabric for blinds |
US3359610A (en) | 1963-12-17 | 1967-12-26 | Deering Milliken Res Corp | Woven fabrics |
GB1227619A (en) | 1967-12-01 | 1971-04-07 | Griesser Sa | |
FR2063535A5 (en) | 1969-10-21 | 1971-07-09 | Maistre Michel | Expandible woven fabric |
US4025684A (en) | 1971-09-02 | 1977-05-24 | Helmut Neidhardt | Tubular fabric coated with plastics or synthetic rubbers |
US3943980A (en) | 1972-09-20 | 1976-03-16 | Hitco | Multi-ply woven article having double ribs |
DE2326438A1 (en) | 1973-05-24 | 1975-02-06 | Karl Fischer | Sunlight shielding window blind - two horizontal zebra-striped parallel sheets over guide-rollers and crosswise slats at top and bottom |
GB2058161A (en) | 1979-09-11 | 1981-04-08 | Mitter M | Blanket for screen printing machines |
Cited By (5)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
EP1512829A1 (en) * | 2003-09-08 | 2005-03-09 | Hunter Douglas Industries B.V. | Attachment of an architectural covering |
US7438115B2 (en) | 2003-09-08 | 2008-10-21 | Hunter Douglas Industries Bv | Attachment of an architectural covering |
US8662137B2 (en) | 2003-09-08 | 2014-03-04 | Hunter Douglas Industries Bv | Attachment of an architectural covering |
EP1564362A2 (en) * | 2004-02-12 | 2005-08-17 | Tae Woong Byeon | Blinds |
EP1564362A3 (en) * | 2004-02-12 | 2006-04-26 | Tae Woong Byeon | Blinds |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP1241318A3 (en) | 2004-01-28 |
EP1241318B1 (en) | 2006-02-01 |
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