Background Art Generally, in a roman shade curtain, one side of the curtain is secured to an upper end of a window, and a plurality of cords are fixed at one ends thereof to a reel installed adjacent to the upper end of the window. The other ends of the cords are connected to the curtain at positions which are vertically separated from one another by a predetermined interval. The roman shade curtain can be received by being drawn upwardly and laid out by being pulled downwardly.

In the above-described type of roman shade curtain, a pair of cords are fixed at one ends thereof to both ends of the reel, respectively. The other ends of the pair of cords are connected to weight pocket portions of the curtain. If the reel is rotated, the weight pocket portions are sequentially raised starting from the lowermost one to receive the curtain in an upper portion. In this type of roman shade curtain, when the shade curtain is raised and received, aesthetic appearance is rendered to some extent.

However, in a state where the shade curtain is lowered, aesthetic appearance cannot be rendered due to flatness of the curtain.

In the case where plural pairs of cords fixed to a reel are fastened to the weight

pocket portions at respective proper positions, if the reel is rotated to receive the shade curtain, currently wound portions of cords are overlapped with other portions of cords which are previously wound on the reel. Due to this fact, folds cannot be uniformly formed on the curtain at a predetermined interval along a vertical direction.

Therefore, the folds cannot be held parallel one to another, whereby balance and aesthetic appearance of the entire shade curtain are deteriorated.

That is to say, in the case of a roman shade curtain in which only one reel of a constant thickness is provided, a pair of cords are respectively fixed at one ends thereof to both ends of the reel, and the other ends of the cords are connected to weight pocket portions placed at a lower portion of the curtain. As the reel is rotated, the weight pocket portions of the curtain are sequentially raised starting from the lowermost one to receive the curtain. In this roman shade curtain, a problem is caused in that, when the curtain is deployed downward, aesthetic appearance is degraded.

To cope with this problem, another roman shade curtain having a plurality of reel portions is disclosed in the art. Nevertheless, this type of roman shade curtain suffers from defects in that limitation cannot but be imposed on improving aesthetic appearance of the shade curtain and a volume occupied by the entire roman shade curtain cannot but be increased due to the plurality of reel portions.

Further, while a conventional roman shade curtain is provided with an adjustor for rotating the reel and thereby raising and lowering the curtain in response to manipulation of a ball chain, since a driving segment of the adjustor is positioned adjacent to an inner surface of the curtain and thereby the curtain comes into contact with the ball chain, the curtain is likely to be curled upward or wrinkle may be formed on the curtain.

Moreover, because the cords should be individually fixed to the reel and then connected to weight pocket portions of the curtain which are formed at different

vertical positions, it is difficult to precisely maintain horizontality of the weight pocket portions of the curtain, and work efficiency is reduced.

Disclosure of the Invention Accordingly, the present invention has been made in an effort to solve the problems occurring in the related art, and an object of the present invention is to provide a roman shade curtain in the fonn of being received by being drawn upwardly and laid out by being pulled downwardly, in which a reel is formed to have a plurality of reel portions of different diameters, so that, when raising or lowering the shade curtain, folds can be formed on the curtain at regular intervals and balance and aesthetic appearance of the entire roman shade curtain are not deteriorated.

Another object of the present invention is to provide a roman shade curtain in which cord guide parts are separately arranged below a reel, so that cords fixed at one ends thereof to the reel and connected at the other ends thereof to weight pocket portions of the curtain can be wound on the reel in a uniformly distributed manner.

Still another object of the present invention is to provide a roman shade curtain in the form of being received upwardly and laid out by being pulled downwardly, which is constructed to ensure that, even when the curtain is stopped at any position in a vertical direction, folds can be reliably formed on the curtain at regular intervals in the vertical direction, in such a way as to maximize the number of the folds formed on the entire surface of the curtain and minimize a thiclmess of a reel, whereby the roman shade curtain can be used regardless of a surrounding structure of a window.

Yet still another object of the present invention is to provide a roman shade curtain which can be easily received and laid out even with small force, and in which, differently from the conventional roman shade curtain, a driving segment of an adjustor is positioned outward of the curtain so that a ball chain and the curtain

cannot be brought into contact with each other and thereby the curtain is prevented from being wrinkled.

In order to achieve the above objects, according to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a roman shade curtain which has a plurality of weight pocket portions formed thereon so as to be horizontally attached to a lower portion of a rail body, and in which a rotation shaft is fitted through a support bracket fastened to a center portion of a bottom surface of the rail body, a pair of reels are fitted around right and left ends of the rotation shaft while the support bracket being centering on the rail body, and a cover and an adjustor for respectively supporting one ends of the pair of reels are respectively coupled to both ends of the rail body, wherein each of the pair of reels has a plurality of reel portions of different diameters; a plurality of flange portions are formed between the plurality of reel portions to separate the reel portions from each other so that each cord associated with each reel portion is not wound on another reel portion for another cord; a plug segment is coupled into a socket portion formed at a free end of the reel portion having the largest diameter among the reel portions so that the rotation shaft is press-fitted into a hole formed in the plug segment; an entrance hole and an exit hole are formed on the outer circumferential surface of each reel portion so that one end of each cord is fixed around the reel portion, the entrance hole and the exit hole being generally small in diameter; and cords fixed around the reel portions of the reels are respectively connected to the weight pocket portions formed on the curtain so that a plurality of folds are formed on the curtain with regular vertical intervals.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a pair of rail grooves are formed at lower ends and on inner surfaces of both side walls of the rail body to extend in a lengthwise direction of the rail body, and each of a pair of supporting blocks is formed at a lower end thereof with a pair of ear portions to be inserted into the pair

of rail grooves, in a manner such that, as the ear portions slide along the rail grooves, the supporting blocks are inserted into the rail body.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the diameters of the reel portions of each reel are sequentially increased while being doubled from the reel portion of a minimum diameter toward the reel portion of a maximum diameter.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the reel portions of each reel have a diameter ratio of 1: 2: 3: 4.

According to another aspect of the present invention, each reel is made by injection- molding of synthetic resin.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the roman shade curtain is provided with left and right cord guide parts ; and in these left and right cord guide parts, a right-handed screw and a left-handed screw are respectively fitted around the rotation shaft at left and right sides of the support bracket so that the right-handed and left-handed screws can be rotated integrally with the rotation shaft and such that the right-handed and left-handed screws are respectively passed through threaded holes formed in a pair of nut blocks, a pair of moving plates are respectively fastened to lower ends of the nut blocks by screws such that both widthwise ends of the moving plates are inserted into the pair of rail grooves to be moved along the rail grooves integrally with the right-handed and left-handed screws fitted around the rotation shaft, and each moving plate is defined with a plurality of cord guide holes which are separated one from another by a distance substantially corresponding to an axial length of each reel portion such that the cords can be respectively wound on the reel portions of each reel in a uniformly distributed manner.

According to another aspect of the present invention, each of the right-handed and left-handed screws which constitute each of the left and right cord guide parts has a pitch of 1-2 mm.

According to another aspect of the present invention, each cord guide hole is substantially formed in the form of a cross.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the supporting blocks are slidingly inserted into the rail body with the pair of ear portions of each supporting block respectively engaged into the pair of rail grooves of the rail body; in a state in which a hexagonal pipe is positioned between the pair of supporting blocks in a manner such that passage holes formed at center portions of the supporting blocks are communicated with a hexagonal hole of the hexagonal pipe, a hexagonal rod portion and a circular rod portion which are formed at one end of each reel are fitted into the hexagonal hole of the hexagonal pipe and the passage hole of the supporting block, respectively; an inserting segment of the adjustor which is coupled to one end of the rail body is fitted into a connecting portion which is formed at the other end of one reel to extend in an axial direction, in a manner such that the adjustor and one reel can be rotated integrally with each other; and the cover coupled to the other end of the rail body is locked to an insert which is coupled to the other end of the other reel in a manner such that the other reel can be rotated about a support shaft formed at a center portion of the cover.

According to another aspect of the present invention, the pair of reels are made by injection-molding synthetic resin, in a manner such that a steel core is inserted t through the reel portions of the minimum diameter, the hexagonal rod portions and the circular rod portions of the reels; the diameters of the reel portions of each reel are sequentially increased while being doubled from the reel portion of the minimum diameter toward the reel portion of the maximum diameter; the flange portions are formed on the reels; one end of each reel adjoining the reel portion of the minimum diameter is formed with the circular rod portion and the hexagonal rod portion to be fitted through the supporting block and the hexagonal pipe; and the connecting

portions which are formed with locking grooves are formed at the other ends of reels adjoining the reel portions of the maximum diameter to extend in the axial direction, in a manner such that locking pins formed on the insert and the inserting segment of the adjustor can be engaged into the locking grooves.

According to another aspect of the present invention, in the adjustor, a drum which is formed at a center portion thereof with a through-hole is integrally formed on a surface of a fastening panel, and a coiled torsion spring is tightly wound on a circumferential outer surface of the drum; a driving segment and the fastening panel are coupled with each other in a manner such that a projection which is formed on a circumferential inner surface of a tubular driving portion of the driving segment is positioned in a first space defined between both ends of the coiled torsion spring wound on the drum; pressing pieces and then an elastic part and a driving shaft of a rotating segment are inserted into the through-hole of the drum of the fastening panel, in a manner such that both ends of the coiled torsion spring are positioned in a second space defined between a pair of braking edges of a braking part of the rotating segment, one end of the coiled torsion spring is also positioned adjacent to a protruding arc of the rotating segment, the tubular driving portion of the driving segment is inserted into a rail groove of the braking part of the rotating segment, and the inner surface of the tubular driving portion of the driving segment is brought into contact with a circumferential outer surface of the braking part of the rotating segment; the elastic part of the rotating segment which are integrally coupled with the driving segment and the fastening panel is inserted into a center opening of the inserting segment, in a manner such that protuberances of the elastic part are respectively engaged into guide grooves which are defined in the center opening of the inserting segment, and that the pressing pieces and engagement protrusions of the elastic part are biased inward while passing through the center opening of the

inserting segment and then the elastic part is returned to its original position as the engagement protrusions of the elastic part pass the center opening, to allow the engagement protrusions of the elastic part to be engaged on a surface of the inserting segment around the center opening; and a plurality of guide pieces are formed on a circumferential outer surface of the tubular driving portion of the driving segment which is to be integrally coupled with the rotating segment, in a manner such that the guide pieces are spaced apart one from another by a predetermined angle in a circumferential direction, and a ball chain is placed while surrounding the guide pieces of the driving segment.

According to another aspect of the present invention, with rotation of the driving segment through manipulation of the ball chain, as one of both ends of the coiled torsion spring wound on the drum is biased by the projection of the tubular driving portion, an timer diameter of the coiled torsion spring is increased, and, with rotation of the rotating segment interlocked with the inserting segment, as the other of both ends of the coiled torsion spring wound on the drum is biased by the braking edges of the braking part, the inner diameter of the coiled torsion spring is decreased.

According to another aspect of the present invention, in the adjustor, a covering segment is provided to be coupled between the fastening panel and the driving segment, the covering segment being defined at a center portion thereof with an aperture for allowing passage thercthrough of the drum of the fastening panel, the covering segment being formed at an upper end thereof with a chain cover portion for partially covering outer surfaces of the driving segment and the rotating segment which are integrally coupled with the covering segment and for preventing release of the ball chain, the covering segment having at least one positioning pin to be inserted into a pin hole defined in the fastening panel when the covering segment is integrally coupled with the fastening panel.

According to still another aspect of the present invention, the fastening panel, rotating segment, driving segment, covering segment and inserting segment which constitute the adjustor are formed by injection-molding of synthetic resin.

According to yet still another aspect of the present invention, the roman shade curtain further includes a plurality of clips having a predetermined elasticity; each clip has substantially a horseshoe-shaped configuration with a pair of wing portions; each clip is defined with a bore for connecting the cord extending from the corresponding reel portion, and is formed, below and at both sides of the bore, with a plurality of prominences and depressions such that the cord can be substantially press-fitted into the depressions a multitude of times to be firmly connected to the clip; and the pair of wing portions which are formed at both free ends of the horseshoe-shaped configuration are curved outward, in a manner such that, when the weight passes through an entrance of the clip, the pair of wing portions are diverged outward by a diameter of the weight, and, after the weight is inserted into the clip, the pair of wing portions are converged inward to their original positions.

Brief Description of the Drawings The above objects, and other features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent after a reading of the following detailed description when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which: FIG. 1 is a front perspective view illustrating a roman shade curtain in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 2 is a rear perspective view of the roman shade curtain shown in FIG. 1; FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating a reel and an adjustor of the roman shade curtain shown in FIG. 2; FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a reel assembly of the roman shade curtain ;

FIG. 5 is a partial exploded perspective view of the reel assembly of the roman shade curtain; FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating the reel of the roman shade curtain ; FIG. 7 is a rear perspective view illustrating a roman shade curtain in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 8 is a partially enlarged and broken-away perspective view illustrating a rail body section of the roman shade curtain shown in FIG. 7; FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating various component elements of the rail body section of the roman shade curtain shown in FIG. 8; FIGs. 10a and 10b are exploded perspective views respectively illustrating left and right cord guide parts; FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged sectional view illustrating a rail body of the roman shade curtain shown in FIG. 7; FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating a roman shade curtain in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention; FIG. 13 is dean exploded perspective view illustrating various component elements of a rail body section of the roman shade curtain shown in FIG. 12; FIG. 14 is a partially enlarged perspective view illustrating a reel of the roman shade curtain shown in FIG. 13; FIG. 15 is a sectional view illustrating the reel of the roman shade curtain shown in FIG. 13; FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating an adjustor of the roman shade curtain shown in FIG. 12; FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the adjustor shown in FIG. 16; FIG. 18 is a sectional view illustrating the adjustor shown in FIG. 16; FIG. 19 is a half-sectioned perspective view illustrating a driving segment of

the adjustor shown in FIG. 16; FIG. 20 is a half-sectioned perspective view illustrating a locking segment of the adjustor shown in FIG. 16; FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating a clip for connecting a weight and a cord with each other in the embodiments of the present invention; and FIGs. 22 and 23 are perspective views illustrating a procedure in which the weight and the cord are connected with each other by way of the clip.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention Reference will now be made in greater detail to a preferred embodiment of the invention, an example of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings.

Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings and the description to refer to the same or like parts.

FIGs. 1 through 6 illustrate a roman shade curtain in accordance with a first embodiment of the present invention, in which reel portions for winding the curtain have a diameter ratio of 1: 2: 3: 4.

Referring to FIGs. 1 and 2, at least two reels 7 are fixedly installed. by two covers 11 and through a support bracket 10 at a lower end of a rail body 1. Due to the fact that the two reels 7 are fitted around a rotation shaft 9, the two reels 7 have the same rotational velocity. Also, at one end of the rail body 1, there are arranged an adjustor 3 and a ball chain 2. The adjustor 3 is operated in an interlocked manner with the reels 7 to receive a curtain 21 by drawing upwardly it and lay out it by pulling downwardly it. The ball chain 2 functions to rotate the adjustor 3. Each reel 7 has a plurality of reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d of a cylindrical configuration and different diameters. Between two adjoining reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d and at both ends of each reel 7, there are formed a plurality of flange portions 14a,

14b, 14c, 14d and 14e which have outer diameters greater than the diameters of the reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d, respectively, so that cords 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d can be wound only on the corresponding reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d.

In particular, since the reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d have the diameter ratio of 1: 2: 3: 4, the cords 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d wound on the reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d also have a length ratio of 1: 2: 3: 4. Therefore, irrespective of times through which the cords are wound on the reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d, folds 17a, 17b, 17c and 17d can be formed on the curtain 21 at regular vertical intervals.

The reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d function to raise and lower the curtain 21. At this time, in one reel 7, the cord 18a fixed to the reel portion 8a extends downward by a first predetermined length to be connected to a weight pocket portion 16a by a clip 19a at a first predetermined position. The cord 18b fixed to the reel portion 8b extends downward by a second predetermined length to be connected to a weight pocket portion 16b by a clip 19b at a second predetermined position. The cord 18c fixed to the reel portion 8c extends downward by a third predetermined length to be connected to a weight pocket portion 16c by a clip 19c at a third predetermined position. The cord 18d fixed to the reel portion 8d extends downward by a fourth predetermined length to be connected to a weight pocket portion 16d by a clip 19d at a fourth predetermined position. In the other reel, the reel portions and weight pocket portions are connected with each other by cords.

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view illustrating the reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d and the adjuster. 3 of the roman shade curtain shown in FIG. 2. The reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d which allow the curtain to be raised and lowered have the diameter ratio of 1: 2: 3: 4. In one example, the reel portion 8a may have a diameter of 5-15mm, the reel portion 8b may have a diameter of 10~30mm, the reel portion 8c may have a diameter of 15-45mm, and the reel portion 8d may have a diameter of

20-60mm.

Of course, due to the fact that the flange portions 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d and 14e are formed between two adjoining reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d to extend in a circumferential, direction, it is possible to prevent the cords 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d wound on the respective reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d from being released.

Also, the adjustor 2 having the ball chain 2 is coupled to an outer end of the reel portion of a maximum diameter among the reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d. The reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d and the adjustor 3, that is, the two reels 7 and the adjustor 7 are connected with each other by the rotation shaft 9 which passes through holes formed in the reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d, whereby rotation force generated by the adjustor 3 is transferred to the reels 7 in the same manner. Here, a retaining portion 4 surrounding an outer part of the adjuster 3 is coupled to the rail body 1 in such a way as to support the adjustor 3.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view illustrating a reel assembly of the roman shade curtain.

The two reels 7 are integrally connected with each other by the rotation shaft 9 which passes through the reels 7 in a lengthwise direction. The flange portions 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d and 14e are formed between two adjoining reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d of different diameters so that the flange portions are separated one from another by a predetermined distance. A plug segment 5 is coupled into a socket portion 6 which is formed at a free end of the reel portion having the maximum diameter among the reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d.

Of course, as shown in FIG. 5, the rotation shaft 9 passes through a circular hole 13a of the reel 7 and a polygonal hole 13b of the plug element 5 to be exposed to the outside, whereby the rotation shaft 9, the reel 7 and the plug element 5 are coupled to be integrally rotated one with another.

FIG. 6 is a sectional view illustrating the reel 7. the reel 7 having the reel

portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d the diameters of which are sequentially double possesses a configuration of a circular tower gradually decreased in its diameter. Since the flange portions 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d and 14e are formed between two adjoining reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d and at both ends of each reel 7, the cords 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d wound on the corresponding reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d are prevented from being released to be wound on the other reel portions.

When viewed on a plane of FIG. 6, entrances 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d of a small diameter are formed through upper ends of the respective reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d, and exits 15a, 15b, 15c and 15d of a large diameter are formed through the reel portions to be separated from the entrances by 180°. Therefore, by passing the cords 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d through the entrances 12a, 12b, 12c and 12d and the exits 15a, 15b, 15c and 15d, the cords 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d can be easily knotted.

It is preferred that the reels 7 in which the reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d, the flange portions 14a, 14b, 14c, 14d and 14e and the socket portion 6 are integrally formed one with another and the plug segment 5 are made by injection-molding of synthetic resin.

In the present invention, the reason why the reel 7 is formed to have the configuration of a circular tower gradually decreased in its diameter and the reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d have the diameter ratio of 1: 2: 3; 4 is to allow the folds 17a, 17b, 17c and 17d to be formed at the regular vertical interval irrespective of a position where an upper '<. end of the curtain 21 is attached.

For example, when assuming that the reel portion 8a has a diameter of 10mm, the reel portion 8b has a diameter of 20mm, the reel portion 8c has a diameter of 30mm and the reel portion 8d has a diameter of 40mm, if the weight pocket portion 16a is moved by 10mm through rotation of the reel 7, the weight pocket portion 16b is moved by 2xlOmm, the weight pocket portion 16c is moved by 3xlOmm, and the weight

pocket portion 16d is moved by 4xlOmm. That is to say, when the weight pocket portion 16a is moved by 10mm, the weight pocket portion 16b is moved by 20mm, the weight pocket portion 16c is moved by 30mm, and the weight pocket portion 16d is moved by 40mm in upward or downward directions.

Accordingly, because the same result is obtained when the curtain 21, that is, the weight pocket portions 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d are moved in any of the upward and downward directions, the folds 17a, 17b, 17c and 17d of the curtain 21 can be always maintained at the regular vertical interval to render aesthetic appearance.

In the roman shade curtain according to the present invention, when the curtain 21 is lowered, it is possible to allow the folds to be formed in conformity with the number of the weight pocket portions 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d at positions where the weight pocket portions 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d are formed. Alternatively, lengths of the cords 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d can-be adjusted to allow the curtain 21 to be made flat.

No matter how the cords 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d are fixed in accordance with any of the above-described ways, if the ball chain 2 is pulled downward to raise the curtain 21, as the reels 7 are driven by the adjustor 3, the weight pocket portions 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d formed on the curtain 21 are captured and raised by the cords 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d which are fixed to the reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d. At this time, due to the fact that the weight pocket portions 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d are maintained at ., I predetermined separations when measured from the reels 7, the folds 17a, 17b, 17c and 17d formed on the curtain 21 can be formed at the regular vertical interval. In this regard, as the curtain 21 is raised upward, the regular vertical interval between the folds 17a, 17b, 17c and 17d is gradually narrowed.

For example, when assuming that the reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d have diameters of 10mm, 20mm, 30mm and 40mm and a length measured between the reels 7 and the weight pocket portion 16d is 160cm, by installing the weight pocket portions

16a, 16b, 16c and 16d at positions respectively separated from the reels 7 by 40cm, 80cm, 120cm, 160cm, connecting the reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d and the weight pocket portions 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d with each other using the cords 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d, and then raising the curtain 21 through manipulation of the ball chain 2, if the weight pocket portion 16a is moved upward by 10cm, the weight pocket portions 16b, 16c and 16d are moved upward by 20cm, 30cm and 40cm, respectively.

At this time, even if the entire curtain 21 is moved upward by 40cm, it can be confirmed that the distances measured between the reels 7 and the weight pocket portions 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d are 30cm, 60cm, 90cm and 120cm, respectively, and therefore the weight pocket portions 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d are still maintained at regular vertical intervals. Further, every time when the distance between the reels 7 and the weight pocket portion 16a is decreased by 10cm, the respective distances between the weight pocket portions 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d are also decreased by 10cm to be 30cm.

In other words, the respective distances between the folds 17a, 17b, 17c and 17d formed on the curtain 21 are maintained at 30cm in response to the variation of the respective distances between the weight pocket portions 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d.

Thus, it is to be readily understood that the folds 17a, 17b, 17c and 17d formed on the curtain 21 are separated one from another by the regular vertical interval.

Also, if the weight pocket portion 16a is moved upward by 40cm to reach the reels 7, remaining weight pocket portions 16b, 16c and 16d are moved upward by 80cm, 120cm and 160cm, respectively, to be gathered at one place. However, if the respective folds 17a, 17b, 17c and 17d are gathered on a straight line, since aesthetic appearance the curtain 21 cannot be rendered, by fixing the distance between the reels 7 and the weight pocket portion 16a to 35cm and allowing the weight pocket portions 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d to be separated one from another by 40cm, the folds 17a,

17b, 17c and 17d can be maintained at a separation of 5cm, whereby it is possible to reliably render aesthetic appearance of the curtain 21.

Consequently, due to the above-described characterizing features of the reels 7, when the ball chain 2 is rotated to raise the curtain 21, as the cords 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d are wound on the reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d, the curtain 21 is raised. At this time, when the weight pocket portion 16a is moved upward by 10cm, the remaining weight pocket portions 16b, 16c and 16d are moved upward by 20cm, 30cm and 40cm, respectively, and if the weight pocket portion 16a reaches the reels 7, the remaining weight pocket portions 16b, 16c and 16d are positioned adjacent to the reels 7. At this time, since the curtain 21 is formed to be raised while being separated from an upper part by a regular interval, even when the curtain 21 is stopped at any vertical position, the folds 17a, 17b, 17c and 17d can be maintained at the regular vertical interval.

FIGs. 7 through 11 illustrate a roman shade curtain in accordance with a second embodiment of the present invention, which is constructed to allow the cords to be wound on the reel portions in a uniformly distributed manner. Hereinafter, as for the same constructions and operations as the first embodiment shown in FIGs. 1 through 6, detailed explanation thereof shall be omitted, and the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or similar parts.

Referring to FIGs. 7 and 8, as in the first embodiment, the plurality of weight pocket portions 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d are parallel formed on the curtain 21 fixed at the upper end thereof to the rail body 1 which is affixed to an upper part of a window, etc.

Also, one ends of the cords 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d are fixed to the reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d in the rail body 1 and the other ends of the cords are connected to the weight pocket portions 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d by way of the clips 19a, 19b, 19c and 19d. Hence, the folds 17a, 17b, 17c and 17d are parallel formed on the curtain

21 at regular vertical interval.

Further, a support bracket 42 is fastened to a center portion of a lower surface of the rail body 1 to rotatably support the rotation shaft 9. At a left side of the support bracket 42, a right-handed screw 41 and one reel 7 are fitted around the rotation shaft 9 to be coupled to the cover 11 which is positioned at one end of the rail body 1. At a right side of the support bracket 42, a left-handed screw 37 and the other reel 7 are fitted around the rotation shaft 9 to be coupled to the adjustor 3 which is positioned at the other end of the rail body 1. At this time, the rotation shaft 9 is fitted through the two reels 7 arranged in line at left and right sides of the support bracket 42 and the right-handed and left-handed screws 41 and 37 to connect these component elements one to another so that, when the adjustor 3 is rotated, these component elements can be rotated integrally one with another.

Below the rail body 1, left and right cord guide parts 35 and 36 are provided at the left and right sides of the support bracket 42 to move leftward and rightward the cords 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d wound on the reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d so that the cords 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d can be wound on and unwound from the reel portions 8a, 8b, ' 8c and 8d in a uniformly distributed manner with the respective turns of each cord separated one from another.

Concretely speaking, the left and right cord guide parts 35 and 36, the right-handed and left-handed screws 41 and 37 fitted around the rotation shaft 9 to be rotated integrally with the reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d and positioned at left and right sides of the support bracket 42 are respectively defined with polygonal holes 38 which extends in an axial direction to allow the rotation shaft 9 to be fitted therethrough.

The right-handed and left-handed screws 41 and 37 are respectively passed through threaded holes 33a and 33b which are formed in a pair of nut blocks 32. A pair of moving plates 30 are respectively fastened to lower ends of the nut blocks

32 by screws 34. Each moving plate 30 is defined with a plurality of cord guide holes 31 a, 3 lb, 31 c and 31 d which are separated one from another by a predetermined distance. Both widthwise ends of the moving plates 30 are slidably inserted into a pair of rail grooves 25 which are formed at lower ends and on inner surfaces of both side walls of the rail body 1. The cords 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d fixed to the respective reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d are inserted through the cord guide holes 31a, 31b, 31c and 31d formed in the moving plate 30, and are then connected to the weight pocket portions 16a, 16b, 16c and 16d formed on the curtain 21 by means of clips 19a, 19b, 19c and 19d, respectively.

The right-handed and left-handed screws 41 and 37 fitted around the rotation shaft 9 to be integrally rotated therewith are formed with valleys 39 and threads 40 along a spiral path, each of which has a triangular or quadrangular sectional shape. In the case that a distance between two adjoining threads 40, that is, a pitch is set to 1-2mm, when the right-handed and left-handed screws 41 and 37 are rotated by one revolution, it is preferred that a moving distance of the left and right cord guide parts 35 and 36 is also set to 1-2mm.

Therefore, when the rotation shaft 9 is rotated by one revolution, the reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d and the right-handed and left-handed screws 41 and 37 are also rotated by one revolution, whereby the cords 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d are wound on the reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d along a spiral path, with turns of each cord separated by 1-2mm corresponding to the distance between two adjoining threads 40, that is, the pitch of the screws.

FIG. 9 is an exploded perspective view illustrating various component elements of the rail body section of the roman shade curtain shown in FIG. 8. A pair of grooves 26 are formed on an upper surface of and at both widthwise ends of the rail body 1 serving as a framework for grasping the curtain 21, to extend in a lengthwise

direction of the rail body 1. A pair of projections 29 are formed between the pair of grooves 26 and on the upper surface of the rail body 1 to extend in the lengthwise direction of the rail body 1, in a manner such that each of the projections 29 is formed at a center portion thereof with a cavity 22 which is opened at an upper end thereof.

Upper and lower guide protrusions 27 and 28 are parallel formed at the lower end and on the inner surface of each side wall of the rail body 1 to extend in the lengthwise direction of the rail body 1, so that the rail groove 25 is formed between the upper and lower guide protrusions 27 and 28. A pair of clip pieces 23a and 23b are attached to an upper end and on an outer surface of one side wall of the rail body 1 to extend in the lengthwise direction of the rail body 1 while facing each other, so that an inner wall portion 24 is formed between the pair of clip pieces 23 a and 23b.

The rotation shaft 9 is rotatably inserted through a center opening 43 formed in the support bracket 42 which is fastened to the center portion of the lower surface of the rail body 1. The right-handed and left-handed screws 41 and 37 fitted around the rotation shaft 9 and respectively positioned at the left and right sides of the support bracket 42 are threaded through the threaded holes 33a and 33b of the nut blocks 32.

Due to this fact, as the right-handed and left-handed screws 41 and 37 are rotated integrally with the rotation shaft 9, the nut blocks 32 can be moved in leftward and rightward directions.

At this time, while the right-handed and left-handed screws 41 and 37 are rotated integrally with the rotation shaft 9 in the same direction, since the right-handed and left-handed screws 41 and 37 and the threaded holes 33a and 33b of the nut blocks 32 which are threadedly coupled with each other have the valleys and threads which are formed in opposite directions, the two nut blocks 32 are respectively moved in opposite directions, that is, in the leftward and rightward directions.

Ends of the respective moving plates 30, that is, a right end of the moving plate

30 in the case of the left cord guide part 35 and a left end of the moving plate 30 in the case of the right cord guide part 35 are respectively fastened to the lower ends of the nut blocks 32 by the screws 34. The plurality of cord guide holes 31a, 31b, 31c and 31d are formed in each moving plate 30 so that they are separated one from another by a distance substantially corresponding to an axial length of each reel portion 8a, . 8b, 8c and 8d to guide the cords 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d which are wound on and unwound from the reel portions 8a, 8b, 8c and 8d. The two reels 7 which are fitted around the rotation shaft 9 along with the right-handed and left-handed screws 41 and 37 are rotatably coupled with the cover 11 and the adjustor 3 which are fastened to both ends of the rail body 1.

In particular, since each of the cord guide holes 3 la, 3 lb, 31c and 3 1 d formed in the cord moving plate 30 is substantially defined in the form of a cross, it is convenient to insert the cords 18a, 18b, 18c and 18d through the guide holes 31a, 31b, 31c and 3 nid, respectively.

FIGs. 10a and lOb are exploded perspective views respectively illustrating the left and right cord guide parts 35 and 36. The right-handed and left-handed screws 41 and 37 each having a bolt-shaped configuration are formed with the valleys and threads which extend in opposite directions. The pair of nut blocks 32 are defined with the threaded holes 33a and 33b through which the right-handed and left-handed screws 41 and 37 are threadedly coupled. Valleys and threads formed in the threaded holes 33a and 33b of the nut blocks 32 in opposite directions as in the case of the right-handed and left-handed screws 41 and 37 which have the valleys and threads formed to extend in the opposite directions. The pair of moving plates 30 are respectively fastened to the lower ends of the nut blocks 32 by the screws 34.

Each moving plate 30 is defined with the plurality of cord guide holes 31a, 31b, 31c and 31d which are separated one from another by the predetermined distance.

Each cord guide hole is formed in the form of a cross.

FIG. 11 is a partially enlarged sectional view illustrating the rail body of the roman shade curtain shown in FIG. 7. The rail body 1 is injection-molded using synthetic resin and aluminum and serves as a framework for grasping the curtain 21. The pair of grooves 26 are formed on the upper surface of and at both widthwise ends of the rail body 1 to extend in the lengthwise direction of the rail body 1, so that an un- illustrated bracket can be engaged into the pair of grooves 26 to be supported by the rail body 1. Thus, it is possible to conveniently and easily fix the entire roman shade curtain including the rail body 1 to the window, etc.

The pair of projections 29 are formed between the pair of grooves 26 and on the upper surface of the rail body 1 to extend in the lengthwise direction of the rail body 1, in a manner such that each of the projections 29 is formed at the center portion thereof with the cavity 22 which is opened at the upper end thereof. The pair of cavities 22 can serve as threaded holes which can be used when fastening the cover 11 and the adjustor 3 to both ends of the rail body 1. Of course, the two projections 29 which are respectively defined with the cavities 22 may be formed any positions on the rail body 1.

The upper and lower guide protrusions 27 and 28 are formed parallel to each other at the lower end and on the inner surface of each side wall of the rail body 1 to extend in the lengthwise direction of the rail body 1, so that the rail grooves 25 can function as rails for moving the moving plates 30 leftward and rightward.

Moreover, the pair of clip pieces 23a and 23b are attached to the upper end and on the outer surface of one side wall of the rail body 1 to extend in the lengthwise direction of the rail body 1 while facing each other, so that the inner wall portion 24 is formed between the pair of clip pieces 23a and 23b and thereby a Velcro-brand hook and loop fastener strip can be attached to the inner wall portion 24.

FIGs. 12 through 15 illustrate a roman shade curtain in accordance with a third embodiment of the present invention, in which another type of reels are adopted.

Hereinafter, as for the same constructions and operations as the first and second embodiments shown in FIGs. 1 through 6 and FIGs. 7 through 11, respectively, detailed explanation thereof shall be omitted, and the same reference numerals will be used to refer to the same or similar parts for better understanding of the description.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view illustrating the roman shade curtain in accordance with the third embodiment of the present invention. As in the above-described first and second embodiments of the present invention, the upper end of the curtain 21 having the plurality of folds 17 is fixed to the rail body 1 which is affixed to the upper end of a window, etc. It to be readily seen that the adjustor 3 operated through manipulation of the ball chain 2 is fastened to one end of the rail body 1.

FIG. 13 is an exploded perspective view illustrating various component elements of a rail body section of the roman shade curtain shown in FIG. 12, which is modified in its reel structure. Due to the fact that the diameters of the reel portions of each reel 7 are sequentially increased while being doubled from the reel portion 8a of a minimum diameter toward the reel portion 8g of a maximum diameter, it is possible to form the plurality of folds 17 on the curtain 21 at the predetermined regular interval.

The Velcro-brand hook and loop fastener strip 59 is attached to the inner wall portion 24 which is formed by the pair of clip pieces 23a and 23b secured to the upper end and on the outer surface of one side wall of the rail body 1. A pair of supporting blocks 53 are inserted toward a center portion of the rail body 1. At this time, each of the supporting blocks 53 is formed at a lower end thereof with a pair of ear portions 54 to be inserted into the pair of rail grooves 25 of the rail body 1, in a manner such that, as the ear portions 54 slide along the rail grooves 25, the supporting blocks 53 are inserted toward the center portion of the rail body 1.

Also, between passage holes 55 formed at center portions of the supporting blocks 53 which are inserted into the rail body 1, there is placed a hexagonal pipe 51.

Hexagonal rod portions 49 of the reels 7 positioned at respective sides of the supporting blocks 53 are respectively fitted into both ends of a hexagonal hole 51a formed through the hexagonal pipe 51, whereby the two reels 7 can be simultaneously rotated integrally with the adjustor 3 while having the same revolutions. Of course, because the reel portions 8a through 8g are configured to have different diameters which are sequentially doubled and the two reels 7 each having the reel portions 8a through 8g have the same revolutions, it is possible to reliably form the plurality of folds 17 on the curtain 21 and maintain the folds 17 at the predetermined regular vertical interval irrespective of a position of the curtain 21.

Between the two reels 7 respectively positioned at left and right sides of the supporting blocks 53 as described above, an insert 60 which is defined with a center opening 62 is coupled to an outer end of the reel 7 which is provided at the right side.

The coupling of this reel 7 and the insert 60 is completed when locking pins 61 formed on a circumferential outer surface of the insert 60 are respectively engaged into locking grooves 45 formed in a connecting portion 44 of the reel 7. Also, as a support shaft 53 of the cover 11 is inserted into the center opening 62 of the insert 60, the cover 11 is integrally coupled to one end of the insert 60. At this time, due to the fact that an upper retaining portion of 58 of the cover 11 is inserted into the pair of grooves 26 of the rail body 1 and a pair of tongues 57 of the cover 11 are respectively inserted into the pair of rail grooves 25 of the rail body 1, coupling force between the insert 60 and the cover 11 can be increased.

Further, an inserting segment 60 which is integrally assembled with the adjustor 3 is coupled to an outer end of the reel 7 which is provided at the left side. Also, in this case, as described above, as the locking pins which are formed on the

circumferential outer surface of the inserting segment 60 are engaged into the locking grooves 45 formed in the connecting portion of the reel 7, the reel 7 and the inserting segment 60 are coupled with each other. Specifically, due to the fact that an upper retaining portion of 56 of the adjustor 3 is inserted into the pair of grooves 26 of the rail body 1 and a pair of tongues 57 of the adjustor 3 are respectively inserted into the pair of rail grooves 25 of the rail body 1, coupling force between the rail body 1 and the adjustor 3 can be increased.

FIGs. 14 and 15 are a partially enlarged perspective view and a sectional view illustrating the reel 7 of the roman shade curtain shown in FIG. 13. A circular rod portion 48 and a hexagonal rod portion 49 are sequentially formed at a free end of the reel portion 8a of the minimum diameter. A flange portion 47 is formed between the reel portion 8a and the circular rod portion 48. Accordingly, when the reels 7 are coupled with the pair of supporting blocks 53 and the hexagonal pipe 51, since the hexagonal rod portion 49 is fitted into the hexagonal hole 51a of the hexagonal pipe 51, the two reels 7 and the adjustor 3 are interlocked with each other and have the same number of revolutions. Also, due to the fact that the circular rod portion 48 of the reel 7 is inserted through the passage hole 55 of the supporting block 53, each reel 7 can be reliably rotated in the passage hole 55 of each supporting block 53. Also, since the flange portion 47 is brought into contact with a surface of the supporting block 53 while the reel 7 is rotated, it is possible to prevent the reel 7 from being moved into the supporting body 53. Of course, the flange portion 47 functions to prevent the cord wound on the reel portion 8a from being released to be wound on the circular rod portion 48 and enter the passage hole 55 of the supporting block 53.

The reel portions 8a through 8g have the predetermined separation and the diameters which are sequentially doubled from the reel portion 8a of the minimum diameter toward the reel portion 8g of the maximum diameter. Among the reel

portions 8a through 8g, the reel portion 8g of the maximum diameter is formed at a free end thereof with the connecting portion 44 which is defined with the locking grooves 45. The flange portions 14a through 14g are formed between two adjoining reel portions 8a through 8g to prevent the cords wound on the reel portions 8a through 8g from being released. The flange portions 14a through 14g are formed at respective predetermined sides thereof with slits 46a through 46g for receiving the cords.

In one example of the reel portions 8a through 8g which have sequentially doubled diameters, when assuming that a diameter of the reel portion 8a is set to 4mm, the reel portions 3b has a diameter of 8mm, the reel portions 3c has a diameter of 12mm, the reel portions 3d has a diameter of 16mm, the reel portions 3e has a diameter of 20mm, the reel portions 3f has a diameter of 24mm, and the reel portions 3g has a diameter of 28mm. By this fact, it is possible to form, on the curtain 21, the folds which have the number corresponding to that of the reel portions at the predetermined regular vertical interval. Namely, by forming the reel portions constituting the reel to have the same number as the folds, it is possible to form the desired number of folds on the curtain 21.

Also, by forming the pair of reels 7 through injection-molding of synthetic resin in a state wherein a steel core 50 is inserted through the hexagonal rod portion 49, the circular rod portion 48 and the reel portions 8a and 8b, it is possible to form the maximum number folds on the curtain 21, decrease a maximum diameter of the reel, minimize a volume of the reel, and reduce a manufacturing cost and improve convenience upon installing the roman shade curtain.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view illustrating the adjustor 3 shown in FIG. 12. The insert 60 is provided inward of a fastening panel 100 which is erected in a vertical direction, and component elements of the adjustor 3 is provided outward of the

fastening panel 100. The upper retaining portion 56 is horizontally formed at an upper end of the fastening panel 100, and the pair of tongues 57 are formed at a lower end of the fastening panel 100, whereby it is possible to couple the fastening panel 100 to the rail body 1. In particular, by securing the fastening panel 100 to the rail body 1 by means of screws inserted through the screw holes, it is possible to firmly secure the fastening panel 100. Furthermore, in the adjustor 3 which is separated from the curtain, the ball chain 2 is wound on a driving segment 81, a driving segment 69 is coupled to an outer end of the driving segment 81, and a covering segment 87 is placed on the rotating segment 69.

FIG. 17 is an exploded perspective view of the adjustor shown in FIG. 16. A cylindrical braking part 70 is formed on one surface 73 of the rotating segment 69 to extend inward, a pair of braking edges 71a and 71b are formed in the braking part 70, a protruding arc 72 is formed on the one surface 73 of the rotating segment 69 between the braking edges 71a and 71b. A depression 80 is formed on the one surface 74 of the rotating segment 69 around the braking part 70. A driving shaft 74 is formed at a center portion of the braking part 70, an elastic part 75 is formed at a free end of the driving shaft 74, and a pair of protuberances 76 are formed on a circumferential outer surface of the elastic part 75. The free end of the elastic part 75 is formed with engagement protrusions 77, inclined surfaces 78 and pressing pieces 79.

On an inner surface 82 of the driving segment 81 which faces the braking part 70 of the rotating segment 69, the driving segment 81 is formed with a tubular driving portion 83. Over a region where the tubular driving portion 83 meets with the inner surface 82 of the driving segment 81, the driving segment 81 is formed with a plurality of guide pieces 86. A projection 84 is formed on an inner surface 85 of the tubular driving portion 83 to be operatively connected with the rotating segment 69.

When the driving segment 81 constructed as mentioned above is inserted into the

braking part 70 of the rotating segment 69, the inner surface 85 of the driving segment 81 and the braking part 70 of the rotating segment 69 are maintained at a predetermined separation, the projection 84 of the inner surface 85 is positioned in a space defined between the braking edges 71a and 71b, and the driving segment 83 is and loosely and rotatably inserted into the depression 80.

The covering segment 87 is fitted between the driving segment 81 and the fastening panel 100 to be integrally coupled to the rotating segment 69 and the driving segment 81 to thereby partially cover upper portions of the rotating segment 69 and the driving segment 81. The covering segment 87 is formed at an upper end thereof with a chain cover portion 88 for protecting the ball chain 2 which are interposed between the rotating segment 69 and the driving segment 81. Further, the covering segment 87 is formed at a center portion thereof with an aperture 90 for allowing passage therethrough of the fastening panel 100. The covering segment 87 has on an outer surface thereof at least one positioning pin 89 to be inserted into a pin hole 68 formed in the fastening panel 100 when the covering segment 87 is integrally coupled with the fastening panel 100 and to thereby preventing the covering segment 87 from being fluctuated.

A drum 63 which is formed at a center portion thereof with a through-hole 66 is integrally formed on a surface of the fastening panel 100. A fixing ring 65 is provided at a region where the drum 63 and the fastening panel 100 meet with each other, and a coiled torsion spring 97 is tightly wound on a circumferential outer surface of the drum 63. Upper and lower ends 98 and 99 of the coiled torsion spring 97, which project radially outward from the drum 63 are maintained at an appropriate separation from each other.

Hence, after the rotating segment 69, the driving segment 81 and the covering segment 87 are integrally coupled one with another, by coupling the fastening

panel 100 to the resultant combination, the drum 63 of the fastening panel 100 passes through the aperture 90 of the covering segment 87 and then is fitted around the driving shaft 74 of the rotating segment 69. At this time, the projection 84 and the braking edges 71a and 71b are maintained at an appropriate separation from the upper and lower ends 98 and 99 of the coiled torsion spring 97.

The inserting segment 60 which is brought into contact with one surface of the fastening panel 100 and coupled to the rail body 1 has a cylindrical inserting portion 96 which is coupled to the rail body 1. The inserting segment 60 has a front wall portion 93 at one thereof facing the fastening panel 100. The inserting segment 60 has a center opening 94, and a pair of guide grooves 95 are formed in the center opening 94 of the inserting segment 60. The locking pins 92 are formed at a region where the cylindrical inserting portion 96 and the front wall portion 93 meet with each other.

When the driving shaft 74 of the rotating segment 69 is inserted into the through-hole 66 of the fastening panel 100, a portion of the elastic part 75 of the rotating segment 69 passes through and projects out of the through-hole 66.

That is to say, in a state wherein the center opening 94 of the inserting segment 60 faces the pressing pieces 79 of the rotating segment 69, by pushing the inserting segment 60 toward the rotating segment 69, as the inclined surfaces 78 pass through the center opening 94 of the inserting segment 60, portions of the elastic part 75 are biased inward. By this fact, the pair of protuberances 76 of the rotating segment 69 are inserted into the guide grooves 95 of the inserting segment 60. Then, at the same time that a rear end 91 of the inserting segment 60 passes the engagement protrusions 77 of the rotating segment 69, the engagement protrusions 77 are biased outward again by its own elasticity, whereby the inserting segment 60 is secured with respect to a surface of the inserting segment 60 around the center opening 94.

FIG. 18 is a sectional view of the adjustor 3 shown in FIG. 16. The driving

segment 81 is fitted around the circumferential outer surface of the braking part 70 of the rotating segment 69, and the fastening panel 100 is fitted around the driving shaft 74 of the rotating segment 69. At this time, the coiled torsion spring 97 is interposed between the drum 63 of the fastening panel 100 and the braking edges 71a and 71b of the rotating segment 69, and the covering segment 87 is intervened between the fastening panel 100 and the driving segment 81. Also, the elastic part 75 of the rotating segment 69 which is inserted up to an opposite end of the fastening panel 100 is fitted into the center opening 94 of the inserting segment 60. Moreover, the ball chain 2 is disposed between the rotating segment 69 and the driving segment 81, that is, on the circumferential outer surface of the tubular driving portion 83 of the driving segment 81. As a consequence, by pulling downward the ball chain 2, balls of the ball chain 2 pull the guide pieces 86 which are provided on the circumferential outer surface of the tubular driving portion 83, whereby the driving segment 81, the rotating segment 69 and the inserting segment 60 can be rotated integrally with the ball chain 2.

FIG. 19 is a half-sectioned perspective view illustrating the driving segment 81. The projection 84 is formed on the inner surface 85 of the driving segment 81. The projection 84 can be brought into contact with the upper and lower ends 98 and 99 of the coiled torsion spring 97 wound on the drum 63 to release a braked state. The plurality of guide pieces 86 which are provided on the circumferential outer surface of the tubular driving portion 83 function to prevent the balls of the ball chain 2 from sling and allow the balls of the ball chain 2 to be rotated along with the driving segment 81 when the ball chain 2 is pulled downward.

FIG. 20 is a half-sectioned perspective view of the inserting segment 20. The center opening 94 is formed at the center portion of the inserting segment 60, and the pair of guide grooves 95 are formed in the center opening 94 of the inserting segment 60.

As the portion of the elastic part 75 of the rotating segment 69 is fitted into the center opening 94 of the rotating segment 60, the pair of protuberances 76 are respectively engaged into the guide grooves 95, whereby the rotating segment 69 and the inserting segment 60 can be rotated integrally with each other.

It is preferred that, among the various component segments described with reference to FIGs. 16 through 20, the rotating segment 69, the driving segment 81, the covering segment 87, the fastening panel 100, inserting segment 60 and the like are made by injection-molding of synthetic resin.

Therefore, by pulling downward the ball chain 2, the projection 84 of the driving segment 81 is brought into contact with and pushes the upper end 98 or the lower end 99 of the coiled torsion spring 97, whereby, as tension of the spring 97 is removed, the rotating segment 69 and the reel 7 coupled thereto can be softly rotated. On the contrary, if the manipulation of the ball chain 2 is stopped, as the coiled torsion spring 97 is tightened, the curtain 21 is prevented from being lowered. That is to say, rotation movement occurs in the rotating segment 69 by virtue of own weight of the curtain 21, so that the braking edges 71a and 71b of the braking part 70 are brought into contact with and bias one of the upper and lower ends 98 and 99 of the coiled torsion spring 97 to tighten the coiled torsion spring 97.

FIG. 21 is a perspective view illustrating the clip 102 for connecting the cord to the weight 101. The clip 102 has substantially a horseshoe-shaped configuration with a pair of wing portions 109a and 109b. The clip 102 is formed at an upper end thereof with a bore 105 for receiving the cord. The clip 102 is formed, below and at both sides of the bore 105, with a plurality of prominences 106 and depressions 107 such that the cord can be substantially press-fitted into the depressions 107 in a zigzagged manner through a multitude of times to be firmly connected to the clip 102. The pair of wing portions 109a and 109b which are formed at both free ends of

the horseshoe-shaped configuration are curved outward, in a manner such that, when the weight is pressed into an entrance 103 of the clip 102, the weight can be smoothly inserted into an inside space 104 of the clip 102.

It is preferred that the inside space 104 of the clip 102 has a diameter of 7-lOmm.

Also, the depressions 107 which are formed adjacent to the upper end of the clip 102 should be narrower than a diameter of the cord to ensure of the press-fitting of the cord. In particular, when the clip 102 is made of synthetic resin having excellent elasticity, such as acetal and the like, injection-molding and elastic deformation of the clip 102 can be easily effected. For example, in the case of using a cord having a diameter of lmm, it is preferred that the depression has a width of about 0. 5mm.

Accordingly, after the clip 102 is connected with the other end of the cord at a proper position, which is wound at one end thereof on the reel portion, by fitting the clip 102 around the weight of the curtain, the cord can be conveniently connected to the weight, that is, the weight pocket portion.

FIGs. 22 and 23 are perspective views illustrating a procedure in which the weight 101 and the cord are connected with each other by way of the clip 102. After the cord 18 is inserted into the bore 105 of the clip 102 and a length of the cord 18 is appropriately adjusted, the other end of the cord 18 is fitted into the several depressions 107. Thereupon, the entrance 103 of the clip 102, that is, the pair of wing portions 109a and 109b which are curved outward are brought into contact with the weight 101 of the curtain 21.

At this time, each weight 101 of the curtain 21 is formed in such a manner that a portion of the curtain 21 is folded in the horizontal direction, a weight pocket 16 is formed by performing a stitching operation along a line 20, and a lateral bar 108 of a predetermined weight is inserted into the weight pocket portion 16. If the upper end of the clip 102 is pressed downward, the pair of wing portions 109a and 109b are

diverged outward to define an entrance 103 which has a width corresponding to a thickness of the weight 101. Then, as the weight 101 passes through the entrance 103 of the clip 102 and is inserted into the clip 102, the pair of wing portions 109a and 109b are converged inward toward original positions by their own elasticity, whereby the weight 101 is securely held in the inside 104 of the clip 102.

Of course, when it is necessary to separate the clip 102 from the weight 101, by forcibly pulling the weight 101 and the clip 102 in opposite directions, the pair of wing portions 109a and 109b of the clip 102 are diverged again outward to free the weight 101.

This type of clip is useful when a plurality of weights are provided to a curtain and cords fixed to respective reel portions are connected to the weights to form a plurality of folds on the curtain at a constant interval along a vertical direction. As a consequence, not only it is possible to precisely adjust a length of each cord extending from its corresponding reel portion to its corresponding weight, but also each cord can be easily connected to its corresponding weight, whereby the folds can be reliably formed on the entire surface of the curtain at the constant interval in the vertical direction.

Industrial Applicability As apparent from the above description, the roman shade curtain according to the present invention provides advantages as described below.

In the roman shade curtain in the form of being received by being drawn upwardly and laid out by being pulled downwardly, since reel portions have a constant diameter ratio such as of 1: 2: 3: 4, when rotating a reel assembly to raise and lower the curtain, a plurality of large and loose folds are formed at constant intervals in a vertical direction, whereby it is possible to overcome dullness of the conventional

roman shade curtain and manufacture a variety of aesthetically appealing shade curtains. Also, when manufacturing the roman shade curtain, by dividing an entire vertical length of the curtain into four equal parts and forming weight pocket portions through stitching, a distance between two adjoining weight pocket portions can be constantly maintained.

Further, in the roman shade curtain in the form of being received by being drawn upwardly and laid out by being pulled downwardly, since left and right cord guide parts are separately arranged below a reel, each cord can be wound on the reel in a uniformly distributed manner. Accordingly, as respective wound portions of each cord are not overlapped one with another, when the shade curtain is raised, the respective folds each formed along a horizontal direction can be maintained at the equal intervals in the vertical direction. Because the respective folds are held parallel one to another, aesthetic appearance of the entire shade curtain is improved.

Also, the roman shade curtain is constructed to ensure that respective component elements can be easily assembled one with another, that, even when the curtain is stopped at any position in the vertical direction, the folds can be formed on the curtain at the regular intervals in the vertical direction, that the number of the folds formed on the entire surface of the curtain can be maximized, and that a volume of the reel assembly can be minimized while improving aesthetic appearance of the shade curtain.

Moreover, while the roman shade curtain is moved, braking can be reliably implemented. Because it is possible to raise the curtain by pulling downward a ball chain with small force, the curtain can be softly folded. In addition, since a driving segment of an adjustor projects outward of the curtain, even when pulling the ball chain downward to raise or lower the roman shade curtain, the curtain and the ball chain are not brought into contact with each other, whereby the curtain is

unlikely to be curled upward and prevented from being wrinkled.

Furthermore, by the fact that it is possible to precisely adjust a length of each cord extending from its corresponding reel portion to its corresponding weight pocket portion, the folds formed on the entire surface of the curtain can be maintained at the constant distance one from another. Also, as the respective folds are held parallel one to another, aesthetic appearance of the entire roman shade curtain is rendered.

Besides, after the cords are fixed at one ends thereof to the reel portions, the other ends of the cords are connected to clips and then, the clips are secured to the weight pocket portions of the shade curtain. In this way, it is possible to conveniently connect one ends of the cords with the reel portions and the other ends of the cords with the weight pocket portions, whereby productivity of the roman shade curtain can be improved and a manufacturing cost of the roman shade curtain can be reduced.