Cord lock and release system for blinds
OwnerRen Judkinsinventor
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
A cord lock and release system for use in a window blind assembly. The system has a stationary member, a locking member and a movable segment. The locking member is positioned so that at least one lift cord can move across a portion of the locking member when the locking member is in an open position. The lift cords will be restrained by frictional contact with the movable and stationary members when the locking member is in a locked position. The locking member is biased towards a locked position. A release linkage is attached to the movable member so that when a force is applied to the linkage the movable member moves the locking member toward the open position.
Claims52
A cord lock and release system comprising:
- (a) a stationary structure;
- (b) a movable segment that is movable between a first position and a second position relative to said stationary structure;
- (c) a locking member movably connected to said stationary structure so as to be movable along a preselected path relative to said stationary structure;
- (d) a release linkage connected at one end to said movable segment and accessible by an operator at an opposite end for moving said movable segment into said first position;
- and
- (e) means for biasing said movable segment into said second position;
- (f) at least one lift cord provided between said locking member and a holding surface;
- wherein when said movable segment is in said first position relative to said stationary structure, said movable segment moves said locking member along said preselected path into an open position such that a portion of said at least one lift cord can move between said locking member and a holding surface;
- and
- wherein when said movable segment is biased into said second position relative to said stationary structure, means for biasing said locking member along said preselected path into a locked position cause said lift cords to be restrained by frictional contact between said locking member and said holding surface.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.