WINDOW COVERING FOR REMOVABLE SECUREMENT TO A WINDOW COVERING TRACK SYSTEM

BACKGROUND

[0001] Window coverings have been an essential component of architectural and interior design for many years as they serve functional and aesthetic purposes. One primary function of window coverings is to regulate natural light, promote energy efficiency and give privacy to individuals. Additionally, window coverings play a vital role in protecting interior furnishings and finishes from damage from ultraviolet light.

[0002] In addition to functional purposes, window coverings contribute to the overall aesthetic of an interior space. Window coverings are offered in a wide range of design options, including various colors, patterns, and materials, thereby enabling individuals to customize window coverings to match different architectural styles and personal preferences.

[0003] However, in some applications, such as window coverings for window covering track systems, the window coverings are limited terms of aesthetics while still offering the benefits outlined above.

[0004] The present application describes a window covering for a window covering track system. In an example, the window covering is removably secured to the window covering track system and offers a number of different configurations when the window covering is in an open configuration and when the window covering is in a closed/drawn configuration.

[0005] As will be explained in more detail, the window covering includes a first side and a second side. A first securement feature is provided on the first side of the window covering and extends at least partially along a width of the first side of the window covering. The first securement feature is also positioned on the first side of the window covering to define a length of a valance of the window covering. The window covering also includes a second securement feature positioned on the second side of the window covering. The second securement feature is positioned opposite from the first securement feature on the first side of the window covering. The second securement feature extends at least partially along a width of the second side of the window covering. A third securement feature is also positioned on the second side of the window covering. The third securement feature is an edge of the second side of the window covering. In an example, the second securement feature is operable to be removably coupled to a first plurality of attachment mechanisms on a first track of a window covering track system and the third securement feature is operable to be removably coupled to a second plurality of attachment mechanisms on a second track of the window covering track system.

[0006] Additional examples describe a method for removably securing a window covering to a window covering track system. In an example, the method includes positioning a plurality of attachment mechanisms at a plurality of different locations on a track of a window covering track system. In an example, the plurality of attachment mechanisms are slideably coupled to the track of the window covering track system. The method also includes removably coupling a securement feature of the window covering to the plurality attachment mechanisms. In an example, the plurality of attachment mechanisms include a first type of securement mechanism that mates with a second type of securement mechanism of the securement feature.

[0007] Still other examples describe a window covering that includes a first side and a second side. In an example, a first securement feature is provided on the first side of the window covering. The first securement feature extends at least partially along a width of the first side of the window covering. A second securement feature positioned on the second side of the window covering and opposite the first securement feature. The second securement feature extends at least partially along a width of the second side of the window covering. The second securement feature is removably coupleable to a plurality of attachment mechanisms on a track of a window covering track system.

[0008] This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used to limit the scope of the claimed subject matter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] This disclosure will be readily understood by the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, wherein like reference numerals designate like structural elements, and in which:

[0010]FIG. 1 illustrates a first side of window covering according to an example.

[0011]FIG. 2 illustrates a second side of the window covering of FIG. 1 according to an example.

[0012]FIG. 3A illustrates a plurality of attachment mechanisms being slideably coupled to one or more tracks of a window covering system according to an example.

[0013]FIG. 3B illustrates the window covering of FIG. 1 being removably coupled to the plurality of attachment mechanisms of the window covering system of FIG. 3A according to an example.

[0014]FIG. 3C illustrates the plurality of attachment mechanisms of FIG. 3A being positioned at a distal end of the first track of the window covering system according to an example.

[0015]FIG. 3D illustrates a cover removably coupled to the plurality of attachment mechanisms of FIG. 3C according to an example.

[0016]FIG. 4 illustrates the first attachment mechanism of the window covering system of FIG. 3A according to an example.

[0017]FIG. 5 illustrates the second attachment mechanism of the window covering system of FIG. 3A according to an example.

[0018]FIG. 6 illustrates the first attachment mechanism being slideably coupled to a track of a window covering system according to an example.

[0019]FIG. 7 illustrates the window covering of FIG. 1 in an open configuration according to an example.

[0020]FIG. 8 illustrates the window covering of FIG. 1 in an open configuration according to another example.

[0021]FIG. 9 illustrates a method for attaching a window covering to a window covering system according to an example.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Reference will now be made in detail to representative examples illustrated in the accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the following descriptions are not intended to limit the examples to one preferred implementation. Rather, the described examples are intended to cover alternatives, modifications, and equivalents as can be included within the spirit and scope of what is described herein and as defined by the claims that are included herewith.

[0023] The present disclosure describes a window covering for a window. In an example, the window covering is a curtain. Although a curtain is specifically mentioned, the window covering may be a shade, a blind, a valence, a drape, or any type of covering that may be used to cover a window. The window covering may be made from any material and include various colors, patterns, features, designs and the like.

[0024] In an example, the window covering is part of, or can be removable coupled to, a window covering track system. The window covering track system includes one or more rails or tracks. One or more slides, or slidable attachment mechanisms, are slideably coupled to each of the one or more tracks. The slideable attachment mechanisms can travel, at least partially, along a length of the track. In one example, the window covering track system can be included in a trailer, a fifth wheel, a boat or other recreational vehicle, although this is not required. In other examples, the window covering track system is included in a home, an office, a hospital or other structure having one or more windows or openings.

[0025] The window covering is removably coupled to the slideable attachment mechanisms due, in part, to various securement mechanisms on the window covering. For example, the window covering includes at least one securement features on one side of the window covering. In other examples, the window covering includes two or more securement features on one side of the window covering. Regardless of the number of securement features, the securement features are configured to mate with, or otherwise be removably coupled/attached to, the slideable attachment mechanisms of the window covering track system.

[0026] In an example, the securement feature extends, at least partially, along a width of the window covering. As a result, there is no need to align each individual slideable attachment mechanism with an individual section or portion of the securement mechanism. Rather, the slideable attachment mechanism may be positioned at virtually any location along with track and will still be aligned with at least a portion of the securement feature.

[0027] The window covering also includes a plurality of straps that enable the window covering to be adjustable and/or configurable in a number of different ways. For example, the straps enable the window covering to be held in an open configuration or in a partially open configuration.

[0028]FIG. 1 illustrates a first side of a window covering 100 according to an example. In an example, the window covering 100 includes a first side 120 and a second side 200 (FIG. 2) opposite the first side 120. In this example, the window covering 100 is generally rectangular in shape. However, the window covering 100 may have any shape and/or dimensions. For example, the window covering may have a trapezoid shape, a square shape, a circular shape or any other shape.

[0029] The window covering 100 includes a first securement feature 130 on the first side 120. In an example, the first securement feature 130 is a portion of a hook and loop fastener. For example, the first securement feature 130 is a hook portion of the hook and loop fastener. In another example, the first securement feature 130 is a loop portion of the hook and loop fastener. Although a hook and loop fastener is specifically mentioned, the first securement feature 130 may be any type of fastener such as a snap, a button, a zipper and so on.

[0030] In the examples shown in FIG. 1, the first securement feature 130 is a single piece that extends along an entire width of the of the first side 120 of the window covering 100. However, in other examples, the first securement feature 130 extends partially across the width of the first side 120 of the window covering 100. In yet other examples, the first side 120 of the window covering 100 includes multiple sections or portions of the first securement feature 130 that extend across different sections and/or portions of the first side 120 of the window covering 100. In such examples, the portions of the first securement feature 130 may be aligned (e.g., arranged or positioned in a horizontal line). In another example, the portions of the first securement feature 130 are offset from one another as the portions extend across the width of the window covering 100.

[0031] The first securement feature 130 is positioned at a location on the first side 120 of the window covering 100 to define a length L of a valence 140. For example, when the window covering 100 is removably coupled to attachment mechanisms of a window covering track system, the valence 140 will be folded over (e.g., represented by the rounded arrow) to cover and/or hide the first securement feature 130. Thus, depending on a desired length of the valence 140, the first securement feature 140 is placed at any desired location on the first side 120 of the window covering 100.

[0032]FIG. 2 illustrates a second side 200 of the window covering 100 of FIG. 1 according to an example. In an example, the second side 200 of the window covering 100 is opposite the first side 120.

[0033] The second side 200 of the window covering 100 includes a second securement feature 210 and a third securement feature 220. In an example, the second securement feature 210 is a portion of a hook and loop fastener. For example, the second securement feature 210 is a loop portion of the hook and loop fastener. In another example, the second securement feature 210 is a hook portion of the hook and loop fastener. Although a hook and loop fastener is specifically mentioned, the second securement feature 210 may be any type of fastener.

[0034] In an example, the third securement feature 220 is also a portion of a hook and loop fastener. For example, the third securement feature 220 is a loop portion of the hook and loop fastener. In another example, the third securement feature 220 is a loop portion of the hook and loop fastener. Although a hook and loop fastener is specifically mentioned, the third securement feature 220 may be any type of fastener.

[0035] In an example, the second securement feature 210 is positioned on the second side 200 of the window covering 100 to be opposite the first securement feature 130 on the first side 120 of the window covering 100. The second securement feature 210 may have a length and/or a width that is less than a length and/or a width of the first securement feature 130, equivalent (or substantially equivalent) to the length and/or the width of the first securement feature 130 or greater than the length and/or the width of the first securement feature 130.

[0036] In some examples, the second securement feature 210 is comprised of a single piece that extends along an entire width of the of the second side 200 of the window covering 100. However, in other examples, the second securement feature 210 extends partially across the width of the second side 200 of the window covering 100. In yet other examples, the second securement feature 210 is comprised of multiple sections or portions that extend across different sections and/or portions of the second side 200 of the window covering 100. In such examples, the portions of the second securement feature 200 may be aligned (e.g., positioned in a horizontal line) or may be offset from one another.

[0037] The second securement feature 200 is positioned at a location on the second side 200 of the window covering 100 to define a length L of the valance 140 such as previously described. For example, a top edge of the second securement feature 200 is aligned with a top edge of the first securement feature 130 to define the length of the valence 140.

[0038] In an example, the third securement feature 220 is positioned adjacent an edge (e.g., a lower or a bottom edge 230) on the second side 200 of the window covering 100. A difference in position between the second securement feature 210 and the third securement feature 220 defines a length of the window covering 100. In other examples, the third securement feature 220 may be positioned at other locations on the second side 200 of the window covering 100 and need not be adjacent the bottom edge 230 of the window covering 100.

[0039]In an example, the third securement feature 220 has a length and/or a width that is less than the width of the first securement feature 130 and/or the second securement feature 210, equivalent (or substantially equivalent) to the length and/or the width of the first securement feature 130 and/or the second securement feature 210 or greater than the length and/or the width of the first securement feature 130 and/or the second securement feature 210.

[0040] In one example, the third securement feature 220 is comprised of a single piece that extends along the entire width of the of the second side 200 of the window covering 100. However, in other examples, the third securement feature 220 extends partially across the width of the second side 200 of the window covering 100. In other examples, the third securement feature 220 includes multiple sections or portions that extend across different sections and/or portions of the second side 200 of the window covering 100. In such examples, the portions of the third securement feature 220 may be aligned (e.g., positioned in a horizontal line) or may be offset from one another.

[0041] In an example, the window covering 100 also includes one or more straps 240. In an example, the strap 240 is the same material and/or color as the window covering 100. In another example, the strap is a different material and/or color from the window covering 100.

[0042]The straps 240 are removably coupled to the second securement feature 210. For example, each strap 240 includes a first portion 250 (e.g., a hook portion) of a hook and loop fastener on a first end and a second portion 260 (e.g., a loop portion) of a hook and loop fastener on a second end. The first portion 250 of the hook and loop fastener is configured to mate with the second securement feature 210 such as shown in FIG. 2. The strap 240 is positionable at any location along a continuous length of the second securement feature 210.

[0043] Additionally, when the window covering is in an open position (such as will be shown in more detail herein), the second portion 260 is configured to be removably coupled to the first securement feature 130 to hold the window covering 100 in an open position. In yet another example, the first portion 250 of the strap 240 is also coupleable to the second portion 260 of the strap 240. As such, the strap 240 may be used to hold the window covering 100 in a gathered configuration.

[0044]FIG. 3A illustrates a plurality of attachment mechanisms 340 being slideably coupled to one or more tracks of a window covering system 300 according to an example. In an example, the window covering 100 shown and described with respect to FIG. 1 and FIG. 2 is usable with the window covering system 300.

[0045]The window covering system 300 includes a first track 310 and a second track 320. The first track 310 and the second track 320 are associated with a window 330. In an example, the first track 310 is proximate a first (or top) portion of the window 330 and the second track 320 is proximate a second (or bottom) portion of the window 330. Regardless of the position, the first track 310 is spaced apart from the second track 320. Additionally, the spacing between the first track 310 and the second track 320 is equivalent (or substantially equivalent) to the spacing between the second securement feature 210 (FIG. 2) of the window covering 100 and the third securement feature 220 (FIG. 2) of the window covering 100.

[0046] The first track 310 includes a first plurality of attachment mechanisms 340 and the second track 320 includes a second plurality of attachment mechanisms 350. The first plurality of attachment mechanisms 340 are slideably attached to the first track 310. As such, each attachment mechanism of the first plurality of attachment mechanisms 340 is positionable at any continuous location on the first track 310. Likewise, the second plurality of attachment mechanisms 350 are slideably attached to the second track 320. As such, each attachment mechanism of the second plurality of attachment mechanisms 350 is positionable at any continuous location on the second track 320.

[0047]The second securement feature 210 of the window covering 100 is configured to be removably coupled to the first plurality of attachment mechanisms 340. For example and referring to FIG. 4, FIG. 4 illustrates the first attachment mechanism 340 of the window covering system 300 of FIG. 3A according to an example. The first attachment mechanism 340 is slideably coupled to a track (e.g., a first track 310 (FIG. 3A)) of the window covering system (e.g., the window covering system 300 (FIG. 3A)).

[0048]The first attachment mechanism 340 includes a sliding mechanism 410. The sliding mechanism 410 mates, with, is secured within, and slides within, on, or above the track (e.g., the first track 310 and/or the second track 320 (FIG. 3A) of the window covering system. The sliding mechanism 410 may be made of plastic or any suitable material. The sliding mechanism 410 includes an attachment feature 420. The attachment feature 420 is a portion of a hook and loop fastener that is configured to mate with the portion of the hook and loop fastener of the second securement feature 210 (FIG. 2)). In an example, any portion of the attachment feature 420 may be coupled to any portion of the sliding mechanism 410. For example, a center portion of the attachment feature 420 may be coupled to a distal end or a proximal end of the sliding mechanism 410.

[0049] For example, if the second securement feature 210 is loop portion of the hook and loop fastener, the attachment feature 420 is a hook portion. However, if the second securement feature 210 is a hook portion of the hook and loop fastener, the attachment feature 420 is a loop portion of the hook and loop fastener. Although a hook and loop fastener is specifically mentioned, the attachment feature 420 may be any type of mechanism that is configured to releaseably couple to the second securement feature 210.

[0050] Referring back to FIG. 3A, the third securement feature 220 (FIG. 2) of the window covering 100 is configured to be removably coupled to the second plurality of attachment mechanisms 350. For example and referring to FIG. 5, FIG. 5 illustrates the second attachment mechanism 350 of the window covering system 300 of FIG. 3A according to an example. The second attachment mechanism 350 is slideably coupled to a track (e.g., a second track 320 (FIG. 3A)) of the window covering system (e.g., the window covering system 300 (FIG. 3A)).

[0051] The second attachment mechanism 350 includes a sliding mechanism 510 that mates, with, is secured within, and slides within, the track of the window covering system. The sliding mechanism 510 may be made of plastic or any suitable material. The sliding mechanism 510 includes an attachment feature 520. The attachment feature 520 is a portion of a hook and loop fastener that is configured to mate with the portion of the hook and loop fastener of the third securement feature 220 (FIG. 2)).

[0052] For example, if the third securement feature 220 is loop portion of the hook and loop fastener, the attachment feature 520 is a hook portion. However, if the third securement feature 220 is a hook portion of the hook and loop fastener, the attachment feature 520 is a loop portion of the hook and loop fastener. Although a hook and loop fastener is specifically mentioned, the attachment feature 520 may be any type of mechanism that is configured to releaseably couple to the second securement feature 210.

[0053] Referring back to FIG. 3A, the first attachment mechanism 340 and the second attachment mechanism 350 are interchangeable. For example, the second attachment mechanisms 350 may be slideably coupled to the first track 310 and the first attachment mechanisms 340 may be slideably coupled to the second track 320. In other examples, the window covering system 300 may only use the first attachment mechanisms 340. In yet other examples, the window covering system 300 may only use the second attachment mechanisms 350.

[0054]FIG. 3B illustrates the window covering 100 of FIG. 1 being removably coupled to the plurality of attachment mechanisms of the window covering system 300 of FIG. 3A according to an example. For example and as shown in FIG. 3B, when the window covering 100 is coupled to the first plurality of attachment mechanisms 340 (FIG. 3A) and the second plurality of attachment mechanisms 350 (FIG. 3A), the valance 140 overhangs or covers the first securement feature of the window covering 100. Likewise, the straps 240 (FIG. 2) of the window covering 100 are hidden behind the window covering 100. In an example, the window covering 100 is positionable at any location along the first track 310 and the second track 320 and multiple window coverings may be used in the window covering system 300.

[0055]FIG. 3C illustrates the plurality of attachment mechanisms 340 of FIG. 3A being positioned at a distal end of the first track 310 of the window covering system 300 according to an example. In this example, the window covering has been removed from the plurality of attachment mechanisms 340. In this configuration, the plurality of attachment mechanisms are positioned to receive a cover and/or be hidden from view.

[0056] For example and referring to FIG. 3D, FIG. 3D illustrates a cover 360 removably coupled to the plurality of attachment mechanisms of FIG. 3C according to an example. In an example, the cover 360 includes a portion of a hook and loop fastener that mates with, or is connectable to, a portion of a hook and loop fastener that is on the plurality of attachment mechanisms. In an example, the cover 360 is the same material and/or color as the window covering 100. In another example, the cover 360 is a different material and/or color from the window covering 100.

[0057]FIG. 6 illustrates the first attachment mechanism 340 being slideably coupled to a track of a window covering system according to an example. In an example, the track is the first track 310 of the window covering system 300 shown and described with respect to FIG. 3A. As shown, the sliding mechanism 410 is slideably received within the track 310.

[0058]FIG. 7 illustrates the window covering 100 of FIG. 1 in an open configuration according to an example. In the example shown, the second securement feature on the second side of the window covering 100 is removably coupled to various attachment mechanisms that are slideably coupled to the first track of a window covering system. However, the third securement feature of the window covering 100 is not attached to the plurality of attachment mechanisms on the second track of the window covering system. As such, the window covering 100 can be rolled, folded or otherwise placed in the open configuration. A strap 240 is used to secure the window covering 100 in the open configuration.

[0059] For example, a first portion of the strap (e.g., the first portion 250 (FIG. 2)) is removably coupled to the second securement feature on the second side of the window covering 100 and a second portion of the strap (e.g., the second portion 260) is removably coupled to the first securement feature on the first side of the window covering 100.

[0060]FIG. 8 illustrates the window covering 100 of FIG. 1 in an open configuration according to another example. In this example, the second securement feature on the second side of the window covering 100 is removably coupled to various attachment mechanisms that are slideably coupled to a first track of a window covering system. However, the third securement feature is not attached to the plurality of attachment mechanisms on the second track of the window covering system. As such, the window covering 100 can be gathered and/or otherwise placed in the open configured shown in FIG. 8. A strap 240 is then used to secure the window covering 100 in the gathered configuration. However, in some examples, the third securement feature can be attached to the plurality of attachment mechanisms on the second track of the window covering system while still achieving the gathered configuration.

[0061] In an example, the strap 240 secures the window covering 100 in the gathered configuration because a first portion of the strap 240 (e.g., the first portion 250 (FIG. 2)) is removably coupled to a second portion of the strap 240 (e.g., the second portion 260). Although a gathered configuration is shown and described, other configurations are contemplated.

[0062]FIG. 9 illustrates a method 900 for attaching a window covering to a window covering system according to an example. Method 900 begins when a first plurality of attachment mechanisms are positioned (910) at a number of different locations on a first track of a window covering system. For example, the first plurality of attachment mechanisms may be positioned or gathered together at a first position on the first track. As such, each attachment mechanism of the first plurality of attachment mechanisms may be moved or may slide from the first position to a second position so the attachment mechanisms are spaced apart from one another.

[0063] In an example, once the first plurality of attachment mechanisms are positioned at desired locations, a second plurality of attachment mechanisms are positioned (920) at a number of different locations on a second track of a window covering system. For example, the second plurality of attachment mechanisms may be positioned or gathered together at a first position on the second track. As such, each attachment mechanism of the second plurality of attachment mechanisms may be moved or may slide from the first position to a second position so the attachment mechanisms are spaced apart from one another.

[0064] The method then continues by removably coupling (930) a first securement feature of the window covering to the first plurality of attachment mechanisms. A second securement feature of the window covering is also removably coupled (940) to the second plurality of attachment mechanisms.

[0065] In an example, the method 900 may be performed in a reverse order to remove the window covering from the window covering system.

[0066] The description and illustration of one or more aspects provided in the present disclosure are not intended to limit or restrict the scope of the disclosure in any way. The aspects, examples, and details provided in this disclosure are considered sufficient to convey possession and enable others to make and use the best mode of claimed disclosure.

[0067] The claimed disclosure should not be construed as being limited to any aspect, example, or detail provided in this disclosure. Regardless of whether shown and described in combination or separately, the various features (both structural and methodological) are intended to be selectively rearranged, included or omitted to produce examples with a particular set of features. Having been provided with the description and illustration of the present disclosure, one skilled in the art may envision variations, modifications, and alternate aspects falling within the spirit of the broader aspects of the general inventive concept embodied in this disclosure that do not depart from the broader scope of the claimed disclosure.

[0068] References to an element herein using a designation such as "first," "second," and so forth does not generally limit the quantity or order of those elements. Rather, these designations may be used as a method of distinguishing between two or more elements or instances of an element. Thus, reference to first and second elements does not mean that only two elements may be used or that the first element precedes the second element. Additionally, unless otherwise stated, a set of elements may include one or more elements.

[0069]Terminology in the form of “at least one of A, B, or C” or “A, B, C, or any combination thereof” used in the description or the claims means “A or B or C or any combination of these elements.” For example, this terminology may include A, or B, or C, or A and B, or A and C, or A and B and C, or 2A, or 2B, or 2C, or 2A and B, and so on. As an additional example, “at least one of: A, B, or C” is intended to cover A, B, C, A-B, A-C, B-C, and A-B-C, as well as multiples of the same members. Likewise, “at least one of: A, B, and C” is intended to cover A, B, C, A-B, A-C, B-C, and A-B-C, as well as multiples of the same members.

[0070] Similarly, as used herein, a phrase referring to a list of items linked with “and/or” refers to any combination of the items. As an example, “A and/or B” is intended to cover A alone, B alone, or A and B together. As another example, “A, B and/or C” is intended to cover A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B, and C together.