Window shade

Abstract

The window shade includes a header defined by a substantially elongated U-shaped channel. The top of the header includes attachment areas for attaching the header to a window frame. A folded blind has one end attached to the web of the header channel, and when folded, the blind is housed inside the channel. The other end of the pleated blind is attached to a footer. A magnetic latching assembly is disposed between the header and the footer to keep the blind in a folded condition. Alternatively, a retaining mechanism holds the footer when the blind is folded. Pulling a pull cord disposed on the footer releases the magnetic latching mechanism or the retaining mechanism to thereby rapidly unfold the blind.

I claim: 
     
         1 . A window shade, consisting of
 a header adapted to be mounted to a window frame or niche, the header including an elongated U-shaped channel formed by a web and two substantially parallel opposing flanges extending from opposite sides of the web, the channel defining a housing area for stowing the shade when retracted;   a footer disposed below the header, the footer having a handling means for pulling the footer;   a window shade, the shade defining a foldable blind attached at its upper end to the header and at its lower end to the footer, thereby extending between the header and the footer, the blind having a retracted position when the blind is folded within the channel and an extended position substantially covering the window frame; and   a retaining mechanism selectively holding the blind and the footer when the blind is in the retracted position, the retaining mechanism being disposed on the header;   wherein pulling the handling means releases the retaining mechanism to rapidly extend the blind.   
     
     
         2 . The window shade according to  claim 1 , wherein said retaining mechanism comprises at least one retaining clip disposed at select locations along said header, the retaining clip being an elongate strip having a resiliently biased end for holding said footer and a lower curved lip defining a ledge, said footer resting on the ledge when the blind is in the retracted position, the lower lip easing insertion of said footer into the channel. 
     
     
         3 . The window shade according to  claim 1 , wherein said retaining mechanism comprises at least one retaining strip disposed at select locations along said header, the retaining strip having a first end pivotally attached to said header and an opposite second end having a fastener, the fastener selectively attaching the retaining strip to said header, thereby holding said blind and said footer in the retracted position. 
     
     
         4 . The window shade according to  claim 3 , wherein said fastener comprises a mating pair of magnets. 
     
     
         5 . The window shade according to  claim 1 , wherein said handling means comprises a pull cord.