Shade tensioner
AssigneeSpecialty Window Coverings
InventorsRandy Ferrie, Kermit Parsons
Life of this patent
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Abstract
A tensioner for securing a tension cord of a tension shade attached to a structure. The tensioner includes a lock component having an inner surface, an outer surface and an aperture extending therethrough. A casing includes an inner surface, an outer surface and an aperture extending therethrough, and an outer periphery defining a cavity for receiving the lock therein. The lock and the casing form a first and second opening and a path therebetween for receiving a portion of the tension cord. The opening forms an axis substantially perpendicular to an axis defined by the apertures of the lock and casing. A fastener extends through the apertures of the lock and casing to secure the lock and casing to the structure and to fix the location of the tension cord relative to the casing.
Claims20
A tension shade comprising:
- a headrail supporting a window covering;
- a bottom rail operatively connected to the window covering;
- at least one tension cord extending from the headrail and operatively connected to the bottom rail;
- at least one tensioner connected to the tension cord and configured to be releasably secured to a structure;
- the tensioner including a first component having an engagement surface and a second component having a second engagement surface;
- the first component being configured to snap fit into the second component, the first and second components having a first position wherein the first engagement surface and the second engagement surface are spaced apart a predetermined distance sufficient to frictionally engage a portion of the tension cord, the first component being movable within the second component from the first position to a second fully engaged position clamping the tension cord between the first and second engagement surfaces.
A tensioner for securing a tension cord of a tension shade attached to a structure, the tensioner comprising:
- a lock component having an inner surface, an outer surface and an aperture extending therethrough;
- a casing including an inner surface, an outer surface and an aperture extending therethrough, and an outer periphery defining a cavity for receiving the lock therein;
- the lock and the casing forming a first and second opening and a path therebetween for receiving a portion of the tension cord, the opening forming an axis substantially perpendicular to an axis defined by the apertures of the lock and casing;
- and
- a fastener having a longitudinal axis and extending through the apertures of the lock and casing to secure the lock and casing and to the structure and to fix the location of the tension cord relative to the casing and lock.
A method of installing a tension shade to a structure comprising:
- providing a tension shade having a headrail, a bottom rail, and a window covering operatively connected the headrail and bottom rail;
- a pair of tension cords extending from the headrail and operatively contacting the bottom rail;
- attaching a tensioner to each respective tension cord with sufficient friction to locate each tensioner on the tension cord and slidably movable along each respective tension cord with the application of force;
- securing a first tensioner to the structure with a fastener and clamping the tensioner to one of the tension cords with sufficient force prohibiting movement of the tension cord relative to the first tensioner;
- securing a second tensioner to the structure with a fastener;
- moving the other tension cord relative to the second tensioner to provide sufficient tension on the tension cord to maintain the location of the bottom rail to the headrail and any location of the bottom rail between a fully raised position where the bottom rail is proximate the headrail and a fully lowered position where the bottom rail is distal the headrail;
- fully securing the second tensioner to the structure. with sufficient force to prohibit movement of the tension cord relative to the first tensioner.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.