US3386490A - Fringed venetian blind - Google Patents

Description

June 4, 1968 w. KANDEL 3,386,490

-FRINGED VENET IAN BLIND Filed Jan. (50, 1967 g W d] Fl 5 aH'cr if g United States Patent 3,386,490 FRINGE!) VENETIAN BLIND Walter Kandel, 4334 N. Interstate Ave., Portland, Oreg. 97217 Filed Jan. 30, 1967, Ser. No. 612,457 4 Claims. (Cl. 160-178) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE A Venetian blind is provided with horizontal slats each mounting a screening element comprising a base and a fringe attached to the base. The fringe hangs freely across the space between the slat and the slat immediately below, thereby providing a screen when the slats are in their open position, while at the same time permiting ventilation through the blind.

This invention relates to Venetian blinds.

Although Venetian blinds are Well known and widely used, the Venetian blinds of the prior art inherently are characterized by the disadvantage of depriving the screened areas of privacy, when the blinds are in their open position, and of ventilation, when the blinds are in their closed position.

It is the general object of the present invention to provide a Venetian blind which overcomes the foregoing disadvantages by providing both privacy and ventilation while contemporaneously eliminating glare and providing an attractive decorative effect in both the open and closed positions of the blind.

The manner in which the foregoing and other objects of this invention are accomplished will be apparent from the accompanying specification and claims, considered together with the drawings, wherein:

FIGS. 1 and 2 are fragmentary views of the fringed Venetian blind of the invention in a first embodiment, the blind being illustrated in its open and closed positions, respectively; and

FIG. 3 is a fragmentary perspective view of the Venetian blind of the invention in a second embodiment.

Generally stated, the fringed Venetian blind of the invention includes a plurality of horizontal slats vertically spaced from each other and operated in the usual manner by means of cords which adjust the slats between open and closed positions. Screening elements are arranged along the corresponding longitudinal margins of the slats. Each screening element comprises a base secured to the slat and a fringe attached to the base. The fringe hangs freely across the space between the slat and its neighbor immediately below. The length of the fringe is such as substantially to span the opening between the two slats when the slats are in the open position of the blind, and to overlie and substantially conceal the lower slat when the slats are in the closed position of the blind. Thus the bind affords privacy when in its open position, while at the same time providing ventilation and an attractive decorative appearance.

Considering the foregoing in greater detail and with particular reference to the drawings:

In the FIG. 1 form of the invention the Venetian blind assembly includes a plurality of vertically spaced horizontal slats each provided with transverse openings 12 which accommodate cords 14 by means of which the slats are adjusted between open and closed positions.

In addition there are provided a plurality of screening elements arranged along the corresponding longitudinal margin of the slats. Each screening element comprises a base 16 to the outer edge of which are attached fringe strands 18 which, if desired, may comprise solid material 3,386,490 Patented June 4, 1968 rather than separated strands. Both base and strands may be made of a suitable fabric, plastic, thin metal, or other flexible material.

Base 16 is secured along the edge portion of slat 10 by suitable means, as by means of an adhesive layer 20.

Fringe 18 is of sufiicient length substantially to screen the opening between the slats when the slats are in the open position of the blind and to overlie and substantially conceal the slat immediately below when the slats are in the closed position of the blind.

The form of the invention illustrated in FIG. 2 is similar, except that alternate means for securing the screening elements to the slats are provided.

In this form of the invention the Venetian blind assembly again includes conventional horizontal slats 10 provided with central openings 12 and operated by means of cords 14.

:Each screening element comprises a base 22 supporting a solid or filamentous fringe 26.

Base 22 comprises a sleeve dimensioned completely to encase slat 10. The sleeve is formed with an opening 24, which may be a buttonhole type opening, and which registers with opening 12 through the slat, thus permitting introduction of cord 14 in the usual manner. Fringe 26 again is of suflicient length substantially to screen the opening between the slats, and to overlie and conceal the underlying slat, when the blind is in its open and closed positions, respectively.

In a preferred form of the invention, the screening element may comprise a tubular covering of knit or woven material which slides over the slat and supports a depending fringe of fabric, plastic, or metal strands.

The advantages of the invention immediately are apparent.

When the blind is in the open position of FIGS. 1 and 2, the fringe screens the openings between the slats to insure privacy. At the same time it permits adequate ventilation and obscures the glare of the direct sun.

When the blind is in its closed position, the fringe overlies the face surface of the slat immediately below to produce the effect of an ornamental screen or tapestry, rather than the hard, mechanical appearance of a closed conventional Venetian blind. Further to enhance this effect both the base material and the fringe may be fabricated from materials of selected colors and patterns to give attractive decorative effects.

Still further, in the FIG. 3 form of the invention in which the screening elements are removable from the slats, the elements may be changed from time to time to clean them, as well as to accommodate them to various room decors.

It accordingly will be seen that there is provided an apparatus in which the several objects of this invention are achieved and which is well adapted for the conditions of practical use.

It is to be understood that the form of my invention herein shown and described is to be taken as a preferred example of the same and that various changes in the shape, size and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit of my invention or the scope of the subjoined claims.

Having thus described my invention, I claim:

1. In combination with a Venetian blind including a plurality of vertically spaced horizontal slats interconnected by vertical cords for adjusting the slats between open and closed positions, a plurality of screening elements arranged along corresponding longitudinal margins of the slats and each comprising (a) a base,

(b) securing means for securing the base to the slat,

(c) and a fringe attached to the base and hanging 3 across the space between the slat and the slat immediately below,

((1) the fringe having a length sufficient substantially to screen the opening between the slats when the slats are in the open position of the blind and to overlie and substantially conceal the slat immediately below when the slats are in the closed position of the blind.

2. The combination of claim 1 wherein the securing means comprises adhesive means adhesively uniting the base to the slat.

.3. The combination of claim 1 wherein the securing means comprises releasable securing means for permitting periodic removal and replacement of the screening elements on the slats.

4. The combination of claim 1 wherein the securing means comprises sleeve means encasing the slat.

No references cited.

DAVID J. WILLIAMOWSKY, Primary Examiner.

P. M. CAUN, Examiner.

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