Window blind protector

Abstract

This invention relates generally to a window blind protector, and more specifically, to a device that is positionable on or in a window frame to stop or divert a window blind away from a window sill for allowing access to the window sill. In one embodiment, a device includes, but is not limited to, a first panel that is positionable on a first side of a window sill and that includes a first guide portion; a second panel that is positionable on a second side of the window sill and that includes a second guide portion; and a first cross-member that is configured to extend between the first panel and the second panel to brace the first and second panels against opposing walls of the window frame, wherein the first and second guide portions are configured to divert a window blind away from the window sill when the window blind is lowered.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device comprising:
 a first panel that is positionable on a first side of a window sill and that includes a first guide portion;   a second panel that is positionable on a second side of the window sill and that includes a second guide portion; and   a first cross-member that is configured to extend between the first panel and the second panel to brace the first and second panels against opposing walls of the window frame, wherein the first and second guide portions are configured to divert a window blind away from the window sill when the window blind is lowered.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second guide portions have an inclined portion and a vertical portion. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first cross member is retractably extensible. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first cross member is a tension rod. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second guide portions are ledges. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a second cross-member that is configured to extend between the first panel and the second panel below the first cross-member to further brace the first and second panels against opposing walls of the window frame.   
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 a third cross-member that is configured to adjustably extend between opposing ends of the first and second panels.   
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first panel and the second panel are at least one of collapsible or foldable. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first panel includes a first vertical tab that extends from the first panel to a point above the first guide portion and that is adjustable along at least a portion of a length of the first panel and wherein the second panel includes a second vertical tab that extends from the second panel to a point above the second guide portion and that is adjustable along at least a portion of a length of the second panel. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein first panel and the second panel are retractable extensible to adjust a length of the first and second guide portions. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the first and second guide portions are movable relative to the first and second panels to adjust at least one of a position or angle of the first and second guide portions. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 at least one retractably extensible platform that extends between the first panel and the second panel.   
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 at least one motor configured to coil and release at least one string of the window blind; and   at least one control unit configured to operate the at least one motor in accordance with one or more instructions.   
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising:
 at least one platform that extends horizontally from at least one of the first panel or the second panel for extending the window sill.   
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein at least one of the first panel or the second panel includes an access door. 
     
     
         16 . A device comprising:
 a first retractable panel that is positionable on a first side of a window sill and that includes a first guide portion, the first guide portion having an incline portion and a vertical portion;   a first vertical tab that extends from the first retractable panel to a point above the first guide portion;   a second retractable panel that is positionable on a second side of the window sill and that includes a second guide portion, the second guide portion having an incline portion and a vertical portion;   a second vertical tab that extends from the second retractable panel to a point above the second guide portion;   a first cross-member that is configured to extend between the first vertical tab and the second vertical tab to brace the first and second retractable panels against opposing walls of the window frame,   wherein the first and second guide portions are configured to divert a window blind away from the window sill under the first cross-member and along the incline and vertical portions when the window blind is lowered.   
     
     
         17 . A device comprising:
 a first panel that is positionable on a first side of a window sill;   a second panel that is positionable on a second side of the window sill;   a first cross-member that is configured to extend between the first panel and the second panel to brace the first and second panels against opposing walls of the window frame; and   a retractably extensible visual shield disposed between the first and second panels, wherein the device is configured to support a window blind above the window sill when the window blind is lowered.   
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein the retractably extensible visual shield is length adjustable. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 15 , wherein the retractably extensible visual shield is coiled around the first cross-member. 
     
     
         20 . The device of  claim 15 , further comprising:
 a first arm pivotably coupled to the first panel;   a second arm pivotably coupled to the second panel; and   a second cross-member that extends between the first arm and the second arm,   wherein the retractably extensible visual shield is coiled around the first cross member and coupled at one end to the second cross-member such that the retractably extensible visual shield is extensible upon pivoting of the first and second arms.