WO2007004852A1

WO2007004852A1 - Multiple choice shade system

Info

Publication number: WO2007004852A1
Application number: PCT/KR2006/002629
Authority: WO
Inventors: Seong-Ryong Jang
Original assignee: Wintec Korea Inc
Current assignee: Wintec Korea Inc
Priority date: 2005-07-05
Filing date: 2006-07-05
Publication date: 2007-01-11
Anticipated expiration: 2008-01-05
Also published as: EP1904710A1; EP1904710A4

Abstract

A multiple choice shade system includes a main frame, a first winding roller rotatably supported on the main frame, a second winding roller rotatably supported on the main frame in a spaced-apart relationship with the first winding roller, a multiple choice shade element having a succession of screen sections, and an actuator for rotating at least one of the first winding roller and the second winding roller. The shade element has a first end fixedly secured to the first winding roller and a second end fixedly secured to the second winding roller. The shade element is suspended from the first winding roller and the second winding roller in such a manner that one of the screen sections is extended into or retracted from a target area as the first winding roller and the second winding roller are rotated by the actuator.

Description

MULTIPLE CHOICE SHADE SYSTEM

Technical Field

[i]

[2] The present invention relates to a multiple choiceshade system and, more particularly, to a multiple choice shade system of thetype in which a shade element having a succession of screen sections isretractably suspended from a pair of synchronously rotating rollers to shade atarget area at one of the screen sections selected by a user. Background Art

[3]

[4] Conventionally, shade devices such as a curtain anda window blind have been used in houses or buildings for privacy protection,sun shading, heating or other purposes. Manually extending and retracting theshade devices causes inconvenience to the users. Thus, it is the recent trendto develop a variety of motorized shade systems capable of automaticallyraising and lowering slats through the use of an electric motor and atransmission mechanism. Appendages for such motorized shade systems, e.g., a winding device or a shading component, have been developed in varyingforms.

[5] Despite the greatly enhanced convenience in use, theconventional shade systems still fail to meet the users' need. This isparticularly so in case of a shade system employing a decorative shade fabric.Because the shade fabric is composed of a single fabric sheet fixed in color,pattern or material, it should be replaced with a new one in order to satisfy auser who wishes to change the atmosphere surrounding the shade system.Replacing the shade fabric in its entirety is difficult-to-do, time-consumingand costly.

Disclosure of Invention Technical Problem

[6]

[7] In view of the foregoing and other problems inherent in the prior art shade systems, it is an object of the present invention to provide a multiple choice shade system that allows a user to change the color, pattern or material of a shade element at any time in an easy and convenient manner. [8] Another object of the present invention is to provide a multiple choice shade system that enables a shade element to be rapidly extended into or retracted from a target area. [9] A further object of the present invention is to provide a multiple choice shade system that allows a shade element to be used as a screen for advertisement, public in- formation, or projection, as well as for the shading purpose. Technical Solution

[10]

[11] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a multiple choice shade system, comprising: a main frame; a first winding roller rotatably supported on the main frame; a second winding roller rotatably supported on the main frame in a spaced-apart relationship with the first winding roller; a multiple choice shade element having a succession of screen sections, the shade element having a first end fixedly secured to the first winding roller and a second end fixedly secured to the second winding roller, the shade element extending between the first winding roller and the second winding roller in such a manner that one of the screen sections is extended into or retracted from a target area as the first winding roller and the second winding roller are rotated; and an actuator means for rotating at least one of the first winding roller and the second winding roller.

Advantageous Effects

[12]

[13] As is apparent from the foregoing, the multiple choice shade system of the present invention allows a user to change the color, pattern or material of a shade element at any time in an easy and convenient manner. Furthermore, the shade element can be rapidly extended into or retracted from a target area. In addition, the shade element can be used as a screen for advertisement, public information, or projection, as well as for the shading purpose.

Brief Description of the Drawings [14] [15] The above and other objects and features of thepresent invention will become apparent from the following description ofpref erred embodiments, given in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich: [16] FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showinga multiple choice shade system in accordance with the present invention; [17] FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of theinventive multiple choice shade system shown in FIG. 1; [18] FIGS. 3(a) and 3(b) are left and right sideelevational views of the inventive multiple choice shade system shown in FIG.l; [19] FIG. 4 is a view illustrating one exemplary operation method of the inventive multiple choice shade system shown in FIG.l; [20] FIG. 5 is a view illustrating another exemplaryoperation method of the inventive multiple choice shade system shown in FIG.l; [21] FIG. 6 is a view illustrating a further exemplary operation method of the inventive multiple choice shade system shown in FIG.l; [22] FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the inventivemultiple choice shade system shown in FIG. 1 ; [23] FIGS. 8(a) through 8(d) are views showing theconfiguration and operation method of a first modification of the multiplechoice shade system in accordance with the present invention; [24] FIGS. 9(a) through 9(d) are views showing theconfiguration and operation method of a second modification of the multiplechoice shade system in accordance with the present invention; [25] FIGS. 10(a) through 10(c) are views showing theconfiguration and operation method of a third modification of the multiplechoice shade system in accordance with the present invention; [26] FIGS. 1 l(a) through 1 l(c) are views showing theconfiguration and operation method of a fourth modification of the multiplechoice shade system in accordance with the present invention;

[27] FIG. 12 is a view showing the configuration andoperation method of a fifth modification of the multiple choice shade system inaccordance with the present invention; [28] FIG. 13 is a view showing the configuration andoperation method of a sixth modification of the multiple choice shade system inaccordance with the present invention; [29] FIG. 14 is a partially cut-away explodedperspective view illustrating a bottom weight member of the multiple choiceshade system shown in FIG. 13; and [30] FIG. 15 is a partially cut-away explodedperspective view illustrating an alternative bottom weight member of themultiple choice shade system in accordance with the present invention.

Best Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[31]

[32] A multiple choice shade system in accordance withthe present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanyingdrawings.

[33] FIGS. 1, 2, 3(a) and 3(b) are a perspective view,an exploded perspective view, and left and right side elevational viewsschematically showing a multiple choice shade system in accordance with thepresent invention. FIG. 7 is a front elevational view of the multiple choiceshade system shown in FIG. 1.

[34] Referring to FIGS. 1, 2, 3(a), 3(b) and 7, themultiple choice shade system 100 of the present invention includes a main frame50, a first winding roller 10 rotatably supported on the main frame 50, asecond winding roller 20 rotatably supported on the main frame 50 in aspaced-apart relationship with the first winding roller 10 and opera- tivelyconnected to the first winding roller 10 for rotation therewith, a multiplechoice shade element 30 extending between the first winding roller 10 and thesecond winding roller 20, and an actuator means for rotating the first windingroller 10 and the second winding roller 20 in such a manner that one of thescreen sections of the shade element 30 can be extended into or retracted froma target area to be shaded.

[35] First gears 11 are fixedly secured to the axialopposite ends of the first winding roller 10. Alternatively, a single firstgear may be provided on one axial end of the first winding roller 10. The firstwinding roller 10 has an axially extending slot 12 to which one fixed end 31 ofthe multiple choice shade element 30 is insertedly fastened.

[36] Fixedly secured to the axial opposite ends of thesecond winding roller 20 are second gears 21 respectively meshed with thecorresponding one of the first gears 11 for synchronous rotation therewith in areverse direction. Alternatively, a single second gear may be provided on oneaxial end of the second winding roller 20. The second winding roller 20 has anaxially extending slot 22 to which the other fixed end 31 of the multiplechoice shade element 30 is insertedly fastened.

[37] In place of the first gears 11 and the second gears21, other transmission mechanisms such as a chain-sprocket combination, abelt-pulley combination and the like may be employed as a means for operatively connecting the first winding roller 10 and the second winding roller 20. It ispreferred the first gears 11 and the second gears 21 are comprised of chain wheels around which a ball chain or ball cord can be wound.

[38] The multiple choice shade element 30 is of anelongated strip shape and has a succession of screen sections arranged in alongitudinal direction of the shade element 30 in an end-to-end relationship. One of the screen sections is selected at the user's desire and retractablyextended into a target area by operating the first winding roller 10 and thesecond winding roller 20 in the manner as set forth later. The multiple choiceshade element 30 is made of a variety of fabrics, including for example anopaque fabric, a transparent fabric, a mixture of the opaque fabric and thetransparent fabric, a patterned fabric, a color fabric and anadvertisement-design-containing fabric. As used herein, the term 'fabric'includes papers, textiles and other like materials conventionally used forshading purpose.

[39] One fixed end 31 of the multiple choice shadeelement 30 is insertedly fastened to the axially extending slot 12 of the firstwinding roller 10, while the other fixed end 31 of the multiple choice shadeelement 30 is insertedly fastened to the axially extending slot 22 of thesecond winding roller 20. The multiple choice shade element 30 has anin- termediate portion that is suspended from the first winding roller 10 and thesecond winding roller 20 to form a generally U-shaped loop.

[40] Through arbitrary combination of thecontinuously-formed screen sections, the multiple choice shade element 30 maybe formed have a length, e.g., 2.5 times, 3 times or 4 times as great as thelength of the target area to be shaded. The multiple choice shade element 30thus formed is rolled up onto or unrolled from the first winding roller 10 andthe second winding roller 20 to extend one of the screen sections over thetarget area. This enables a user to change the light transmittance, color,pattern or the like of the multiple choice shade element 30 at his or herchoice.

[41] The actuator means is utilized in rotating thefirst winding roller 10 and the second winding roller 20 to thereby adjust thewinding amount, unwinding amount and extension length of the multiple choiceshade element 30. The actuator means is comprised of a rotating member 41 and apull cord 42. The rotating member 41 is preferably formed of a chain wheel andattached to the second winding roller 20 in the embodiment shown in thedrawings. Alternatively, the rotating member 41 may be secured to the firstwinding roller 10, one of the first gears 11 or one of the second gears 21. Thepull cord 42 is formed of a ball chain and engages with the rotating member 41 in such a manner that the rotating member 41 can be rotated as the pull cord 42is pulled down.

[42] The multiple choice shade system further includes aweighted guide member 60 hung from the bottom portion of the multiple choiceshade element 30. The weighted guide member 60 serves to apply tensile force tothe shade element 30 while allowing the shade element 30 to slidingly movethrough the same. This enables the shade element 30 to be unrolled down orrolled up in a wrinkle-free manner, thus assuring effective extension andretraction of the shade element 30.

[43] With the multiple choice shade system of theconfiguration set forth above, the user can selectively extend one of thescreen sections of the multiple choice shade element 30 into the target area,e.g. over a window, and further can change the currently displayed screensection to a new one at any time.

[44] Next, description will be given to the operation ofthe multiple choice shade system with reference to FIGS. 4, 5 and 6, whichillustrate exemplary operation methods of the inventive multiple choice shadesystem.

[45] In the multiple choice shade system 100, if therear run portion of the pull cord 42 of the actuator means is pulled downwardlyas indicated by an arrow in FIG. 4, the second winding roller 20 is rotatedcounterclockwise as view from the left side. In response, the first windingroller 10 is turned clockwise, because the first winding roller 10 remainsdirectly meshed with the second winding roller 20. In this process, the portionPl of the shade element 30 wound on the second winding roller 20 is un- rolledtherefrom and extended downwardly, while the portion P2 of the shade element 30already extended is retracted upwardly and rolled onto the first winding roller 10. As the shade element 30 is synchronously unrolled and rolled as indicatedby arrows in FIG. 4, the presently displayed screen section of the shadeelement 30 is removed from the target area and a new screen section is extendedfrom the second winding roller 20 to shade the target area. Once the new screensection is fully extended from the second winding roller 20 into the targetarea, the user releases the pull cord 42 to keep the new screen section in thatposition.

[46] Conversely, if the front run portion of the pullcord 42 of the actuator means is pulled downwardly as indicated by an arrow inFIG. 5, the second winding roller 20 is rotated clockwise as view from the leftside. In response, the first winding roller 10 is turned counterclockwise,because the first winding roller 10 remains directly meshed with the secondwinding roller 20. In this process, the portion P2 of the shade element 30wound on the first winding roller 10 is unrolled therefrom and extendeddownwardly, while the portion Pl of the shade element 30 already extended isretracted upwardly and rolled onto the second winding roller 20. As the shadeelement 30 is synchronously unrolled and rolled in the reverse direction asindicated by arrows in FIG. 5, the presently displayed screen section of theshade element 30 is removed from the target area and a new screen section isextended from the first winding roller 10 to shade the target area. Once thenew screen section is fully extended from the first winding roller 10 into thetarget area, the user releases the pull cord 42 to keep the new screen sectionin that position.

[47] In this way, the user can select and bring into ashading position one of the continuously-formed screen sections of the multiplechoice shade element 30. In case where the multiple choice shade element 30consists of alternately arranged transparent and opaque stripes as illustratedin FIGS. 1 through 7, the light is transmitted in a stripe pattern, therebymaking it possible to use the multiple choice shade system as a decora- tivedisplay screen in a performance hall or the like.

[48] The multiple choice shade element 30 may have asuccession of differently-looking screen sections that provide an advertisementeffect or an information notification effect, in addition to the intrinsicshading effect. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the color,pattern or material of the screen sections of the shade element may be modifiedin many different ways and such modifications should fall within the scope ofthe present invention.

[49] In the meantime, if the rear run portion of thepull cord 42 of the actuator means is continuously pulled in the direction asindicated by an arrow in FIG. 4 to rotate the second winding roller 20counterclockwise as view from the left, the shade element 30 is finallyunrolled from the second winding roller 20 in its entirety and, in turn, beginsto be rolled onto the second winding roller 20 in the reverse direction asillustrated in FIG. 6. Thus, the parallel extension portions Pl and P2 of theshade element 30 are all rolled onto the first winding roller 10 and the secondwinding roller 20. This lifts up the shade element 30 together with theweighted guide member 60 into a completely retracted position. If the front runportion of the pull cord 42 is pulled downwardly in this condition, the firstwinding roller 10 and the second winding roller 20 are rotated clockwise. Inresponse, the shade element 30 is synchronously unrolled from the first windingroller 10 and the second winding roller 20 and extended toward a fully extend- edposition which is set in advance by properly selecting the initial windingamount of the shade element 30. Upon arrival at the fully extended position,the shade element 30 begins to be rolled onto the second winding roller 20, atwhich time the shade element 30 continues to be unrolled from the first windingroller 10 as illustrated in FIG. 5. This makes it possible to extend a newscreen section of the shade element 30 wound on the first winding roller lOinto the target area to be shaded.

[50] Alternatively, the tasks of extending andretracting the shade element 30 into and from the target area may be performedby continuously pulling the front run portion of the pull cord 42 and not therear run portion. In this regard, description will be offered later withreference to FIG. 8.

[51] It will be apparent to those skilled in the artthat the length and winding amount of the multiple choice shade element 30 maybe set in many different ways and such modifications should fall within thescope of the present invention.

[52] As described above, the multiple choice shadesystem of the present invention allows the user to shade a target area with oneof screen sections of the shade element 30, which can be selected at the user'sdesire by pulling the pull cord 42 and thus rotating the first winding roller 10 and the second winding roller 20 together. Furthermore, the shade element 30can be rapidly extended into or retracted from the target area through thesynchronous operation of the first winding roller 10 and the second windingroller 20.

[53] Turning now to FIGS. 8(a) through 8(d), there isshown the configuration and operation method of a first modification of themultiple choice shade system in accordance with the present invention. Themultiple choice shade system 200 of this modification has the sameconfiguration as that of the embodiment described above, except that the shadeelement consists of a first stripe-patterned screen section 230a and a secondpattern-free screen section 230b.

[54] FIG. 8(a) shows an initial shade-element-extendingstage at which the first screen section 230 begins to be extended downwardly asthe pull cord 242 is pulled down to rotate the first winding roller and thesecond winding roller. FIG. 8(b) illustrates the first screen section 230 fullyextended over the target area and kept tensioned by the weighted guide member.FIG. 8(c) depicts the condition that the second pattern-free screen section230b is unrolled halfway from the second winding roller as the pull cord 242 isfurther pulled down. FIG. 8(d) represents the state that the firststripe-patterned screen section 230a is rolled on the first winding roller andthe second pattern-free screen section 230b is fully extended over the targetarea. It should be noted that the number and kind of the screen sections inthis modification is not particularly limited to the ones illustrated but maybe replaced with other ones depending on the application of the multiple choiceshade system and the user's desire.

[55] Referring to FIGS. 9(a) through 9(d), there isshown the configuration and operation method of a second modification of themultiple choice shade system in accordance with the present invention. Themultiple choice shade system 300 of this modification has the sameconfiguration as that of the first modification, except that the shade elementconsists of a pleated screen section 330a and a planar screen section 330b. Thepleated screen section 330a has a bottom frame 343 which in turn is connectedto a winding wire 331 wound on the second winding roller.

[56] FIG. 9(a) shows an initial shade-element-extendingstage at which the winding wire

331 connected to the bottom frame 343 isunrolled from the second winding roller and the pleated screen section 330abegins to be extended downwardly, as the pull cord 342 is pulled down in thedirection indicated by an arrow to rotate the first winding roller and thesecond winding roller. FIG. 9(b) illustrates the pleated screen section 330afully extended over the target area and kept tensioned by the weighted guidemember. FIG. 9(c) depicts the condition that the winding wire 331 is rolledonto the second winding roller and the pleated screen section 330a begins to beretracted upwardly, as the pull cord 342 is further pulled down. At this time,the planar screen section 330b is unrolled from the first winding roller andextended halfway over the target area together with the pleated screen section330a. FIG. 9(d) represents the state that the pleated screen section 330a isfully retracted toward the second winding roller and the planar screen section330b is fully extended over the target area.

[57] Referring to FIGS. 10(a) through 10(c), there isshown the configuration and operation method of a third modification of themultiple choice shade system in accordance with the present invention. Themultiple choice shade system 400 of this modification has the sameconfiguration as that of the first modification, except that the shade elementconsists of a Roman screen section 430a and a planar screen section 430b. Theuser can selectively extend one of the Roman screen section 430a and the planarscreen section 430b into the target area by pulling down the pull cord 432.

[58] FIG. 10(a) illustrates the Roman screen section430a fully extended over the target area and kept tensioned by the weightedguide member. FIG. 10(b) depicts the condition that the Roman screen section430a begins to be retracted upwardly, as the pull cord 432 is further pulleddown. At this time, the planar screen section 430b is unrolled from the firstwinding roller and extended halfway over the target area together with theRoman screen section 430a. FIG. 10(c) represents the state that the Romanscreen section 430a is fully retracted toward the second winding roller and theplanar screen section 430b is fully extended over the target area.

[59] Referring to FIGS. 1 l(a) through 1 l(d), there isshown the configuration and operation method of a fourth modification of themultiple choice shade system in accordance with the present invention. Themultiple choice shade system 500 of this modification has the sameconfiguration as that of the first modification, except that the shade elementconsists of a first emblem-printed screen section 530a and a second- catchword-printed screen section 530b. The user can selectively extend one ofthe first emblem-printed screen section 530a and the second catchword-printedscreen section 530b into the target area by pulling down the pull cord 532.This enables the shade element to be used for the purpose of public informationor advertisement.

[60] FIG. 1 l(a) shows an initial shade-element-extendingstage at which the shade element begins to be extended downwardly as the pullcord 542 is pulled down to rotate the first winding roller and the secondwinding roller. FIG. 1 l(b) illustrates the first emblem-printed screen section530a fully extended over the target area and kept tensioned by the weightedguide member. FIG. 1 l(c) depicts the condition that the sec- ondcatchword-printed screen section 530b is unrolled halfway from the secondwinding roller as the pull cord 542 is further pulled down. FIG. 1 l(d)represents the state that the second catchword-printed screen section 530b isfully extended over the target area. This allows the user to use the shadeelement for the purpose of public information or advertisement at his or herchoice. The first and second screen sections may contain an emblem and acatchword printed in a mutually inverted relationship so that the viewers cancorrectly observe the emblem and the catchword at both sides of the multiplechoice shade system. If needed, an electric motor and a controller may befurther provided to automatically change the screen sections at a predeterminedtime interval.

[61] Referring to FIG. 12, there is shown theconfiguration and operation method of a fifth modification of the multiplechoice shade system in accordance with the present invention. As shown, themultiple choice shade system 600 of this modification can be used as a fabrictension system ('FTS').

[62] The fabric tension system is referred to as aroof-type shade or blind and has been developed for use with a slant window ora horizontal roof. The fabric tension system includes a couple of electricmotors that are arranged at the opposite ends of a fabric to prevent sagging ofthe fabric. Such a fabric tension system is used to shield ultraviolet rays andsolar heat in a slant window, a horizontal window, a roof window, a curvedwindow or other special windows rather than a typical vertical window. Theelectric motors serve to tightly pull the fabric at its opposite ends, and thetensile force generated at this time is controlled by means of a controller. Ifthe present invention is applied to the fabric tension system, the multiplechoice shade system 600 can be embodied with a single electric motor, whichhelps to reduce the costs in fabricating the shade system. Furthermore, itbecomes possible to selectively use more than two different fabrics in a singleshade system.

[63] FIG. 13 is a view showing the configuration andoperation method of a sixth modification of the multiple choice shade system inaccordance with the present invention, and FIG. 14 is a partially cut-awayexploded perspective view illustrating a bottom weight member of the multiplechoice shade system shown in FIG. 13. As illustrated, the multiple choice shadesystem 700 of this modification has the same configuration as that of the firstmodification, except that a motor unit 740 is further provided to rotate thefirst winding roller 710 and the second winding roller 720 in a controlledmanner and further that a bottom weight member 760 differing in structure fromthe weighted guide member is employed.

[64] The motor unit 740 is used to extend and retractthe shade element with an electric power and includes an electric motor and aremote controller. The bottom weight member 760 is comprised of a guide rod 762and a suspending body 761 hung on the guide rod 762. The guide rod 762 isplaced on the U-shaped bottom end of the shade element 730 and functions toexert a tensile force to the shade element 730, thus allowing it to beextended, retracted and rolled in a wrinkle-free manner. The guide rod 762 isprovided with grooved wheels 765 at its opposite ends.

[65] The suspending body 761 has vertically extendingguide slots 763 at its opposite ends. Each of the grooved wheels 765 of theguide rod 762 is slidably received in the corresponding one of the guide slots763 for movement in an up-down direction. Rail portions 764 extend along theside edges of each of the guide slots 763 so that they can engage with thegroove formed on each of the grooved wheels 765 of the guide rod 762. When thegrooved wheels 765 of the guide rod 762 are received in the guide slots 763,the guide rod 762 can move in a gravitational direction along the guide slots763 of the suspending body 761.

[66] FIG. 15 is a partially cut-away explodedperspective view illustrating an alternative bottom weight member of themultiple choice shade system in accordance with the present invention. Asshown, the bottom weight member 760' is of an inverted triangular shape and issuspended from the U-shaped bottom end of the shade element 730.

[67] Although not shown in the drawings, the bottomweight member 760 or 760' may have a soft contact portion, at its bottom edge,which suppresses generation of a noise and positively shields the light whenthe bottom weight member 760 or 760' makes contact with a ground or a floorstructure.

[68] The present application contains subject matterrelated to the Korean patent applications Nos. KR 2005-0060394, KR 2005-0067394and KR 2006-0057878, filed in the Korean Patent Office on July 5, 2005, on July25, 2005, and on June 29, 2006 re- spectively, the entire contents of which beingincorporated herein by references. [69] While the invention has been shown and describedwith respect to the preferred embodiments, it will be understood by thoseskilled in the art that various changes and modification may be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in thef olio wing claims.

Claims

[1] A multiple choice shade system, comprising: a main frame; a first winding roller rotatably supported on the main frame; a second winding roller rotatably supported on the main frame in a spaced-apart relationship with the first winding roller; a multiple choice shade element having a succession of screen sections, the shade element having a first end fixedly secured to the first winding roller and a second end fixedly secured to the second winding roller, the shade element extending between the first winding roller and the second winding roller in such a manner that one of the screen sections is extended into or retracted from a target area as the first winding roller and the second winding roller are rotated; and an actuator means for rotating at least one of the first winding roller and the second winding roller.

[2] The multiple choice shade system as recited in claim 1, wherein the second winding roller is operatively connected to the first winding roller for synchronous rotation with the first winding roller.

[3] The multiple choice shade system as recited in claim 2, further comprising a first gear attached to the first winding roller and a second gear attached to the second winding roller, the first gear and the second gear directly meshed with each other for synchronous rotation in opposite directions.

[4] The multiple choice shade system as recited in claim 1, wherein the first winding roller and the second winding roller are arranged one below the other and the multiple choice shade element is suspended from the first winding roller and the second winding roller to have a generally U-shaped bottom end.

[5] The multiple choice shade system as recited in claim 4, further comprising a weighted guide member hung on the U-shaped bottom end of the multiple choice shade element.

[6] The multiple choice shade system as recited in claim 4, further comprising a bottom weight member comprised of a guide rod placed on the U-shaped bottom end of the shade element and a suspending body suspended from the guide rod for relative movement with respect to the guide rod.

[7] The multiple choice shade system as recited in claim 6, wherein the guide rod is provided with a wheel and the suspending body has a vertically extending guide slot for slidably receiving the wheel of the guide rod.

[8] The multiple choice shade system as recited claim 1, wherein the actuator means comprises a rotating member attached to the second winding roller and a pull cord partially engaging with the rotating member in such a manner that the rotating member is rotated together with the second winding roller as the pull cord is pulled down. [9] The multiple choice shade system as recited claim 1, wherein the actuator means comprises an electric motor unit for rotating the first winding roller and the second winding roller with an electric power. [10] The multiple choice shade system as recited in claim 1, wherein the screen sections of the multiple choice shade element are composed of a plurality of differently looking planar fabric sections. [11] The multiple choice shade system as recited in claim 1, wherein the screen sections of the multiple choice shade element are composed of at least one planar fabric section and a pleated section. [12] The multiple choice shade system as recited in claim 1, wherein the screen sections of the multiple choice shade element are composed of at least one planar fabric section and a Roman shade section.