Patents Examined by David M. Purol
  • Patent number: 8113262
    Abstract: An accessory wand handle for use on existing control wands. An elongated handle with a bore is fitted over the end of an existing wand for blinds. The handle is secured on the existing wand by a frictional fit between the outside surface of the existing wand and the inner surface of the bore in the accessory wand handle. The wand handle is larger than a wand to provide a mechanical advantage for users to turn the wand. The wand handle itself can be constructed to compliment the appearance of the wand. There is sufficient space between the wand and the walls of the bore for placement of decorative items. The handle itself may be decorated or inscribed with logo or other promotional materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Robert David Gillis
  • Patent number: 8074700
    Abstract: An improved dust containment system comprising a flexible sheeting supported by one or more poles. The flexible sheeting being held in place on the pole by one or more clamps. The clamps have a pair of handles that pivot about an axis and wherein opposite the handles are two jaws. Each jaw has a body area and a tip. The jaws being connected to their respective handles so that the tips of the jaws contact each other and wherein the body areas of the respective jaws are configured so that the body area of the jaws can fit around the pole without separating the tips of the jaws.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 1999
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2011
    Assignee: ToolLab, Inc.
    Inventors: Charles E. Melino, Charles E. Melino, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7866369
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a vertical structure containing a movable panel, which can become a comfortable seat, when needed. A plurality of such structures, in side-by-side relationship, create a useful space divider and/or partition screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 11, 2011
    Inventor: Maurizio Domolato
  • Patent number: 7314079
    Abstract: A rotatable rod includes a plurality of cylindrical center rods and a plurality of joints. Each joint connects between corresponding two of the plurality of center rods. Each of opposed ends of each center rod has at least one engaging projection, which projects from the end of the center rod in a direction parallel to an axial direction of the center rod. Each of opposed ends of each joint has at least one engaging recess, each of which is engaged with a corresponding one of the at least one engaging projection that is provided in an adjacent one of the ends of a corresponding one of the plurality of center rods.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2008
    Assignee: ASMO Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Motoyasu Yano, Masahiko Komoda, Shigeaki Kageme, Katsunori Mochizuki, Yukihiro Matsushita, Yasuhiro Osawa
  • Patent number: 7299850
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a roll-up partition comprising a rolling shutter, a shutter assembly, a flexible strap and a tensioner. The tensioner includes a locking mechanism that is configured to lock and unlock the flexible strap and a quick release mechanism configured to release the locking mechansim, thus allowing the rolling shutter to change positions. The invention also includes a strap recoiler with a locking mechanism and a quick release mechanism, wherein activation of the quick release mechanism causes the release of the locking mechanism, thus allowing the roll-up partition to change positions. The invention also includes a method of exiting an enclosed space partially bounded by a portal protected by a roller shutter. The method includes operating the quick release mechanism, waiting for the shutter to retract and exiting the space through the portal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Qualitas Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventor: James V. Miller
  • Patent number: 7284587
    Abstract: An improved blind structure includes a Roman blind having a head-rail made up of a first and second engaging sections symmetrically extending at both top lateral sides thereof for a plurality of guide sliding seats to be respectively mounted thereto wherein a pull cord positioning seat and an actuation cord positioning seat are symmetrically joined at one end of the first and the second engaging sections thereof respectively, and a light-passable blind body is fixedly attached at the underside of the head-rail in alignment with the first engaging section thereof to be collected or expanded via pull cords.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Solteam Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Leslie Nien
  • Patent number: 7267156
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a blind of a roll type comprising a blind sheet having alternate transparent and opaque parts and partly overlapped by folding, to easily and efficiently adjust room illumination. The blind comprises a upper-end support bar; a pair of brackets provided at both ends of the upper-end support bar, standing opposite to each other; a winding rod of which both ends are rotatably fitted into the respective brackets; an adjusting cord provided between one bracket and the winding rod to rotate the winding rod through a sprocket member; a blind sheet comprising alternate transparent and opaque parts and folded to have one end secured to the winding rod and the other end secured to the upper-end support bar; and a weight body provided at a lower end of the blind sheet to stretch the blind sheet tight.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 11, 2007
    Inventor: Tae Woong Byeon
  • Patent number: 7219711
    Abstract: A hydraulic door opening mechanism for overhead bi-fold doors is herein disclosed. The door opening mechanism mounts a hydraulic pump, pressure reservoir, valve manifold, and a hydraulic motor or cylinder on a first door panel. The door opening mechanism is pre-assembled with the doorframe prior to mounting the door in the door opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2005
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2007
    Assignee: Hi-Fold Door Corporation
    Inventors: Richard D. Keller, Daniel Keller, Damian Keller, William Bakalich
  • Patent number: 7150305
    Abstract: A curtain including a fixing rod and a curtain body. The fixing rod is secured to an upper side of a window frame and includes a winding shaft located on an interior and an endless bead string movably wound on one end of the winding shaft. The curtain body is made of a plurality of flexible strings intertwined with one another to form a plurality string circles and pores of various sizes between the string circles. The upper end of the curtain body is fixed on the winding shaft so that the curtain body may be moved up and down by rotation of the winding shaft by pulling the bead string. The pores let the curtain body have a predetermined airiness and allow light to pass through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Union Looper Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Larry Yaw
  • Patent number: 7124804
    Abstract: A blind slat assembly for door/window Venetian blinds includes a door/window frame made up of a plurality of side brackets wherein the left and right side brackets are provided with a plurality of retaining holes disposed at the corresponding inner sides thereon respectively for blind slats to be mounted thereto, and a linkage rod is attached at the same side of the blind slats thereon. A thicker locating rod is disposed at the center of the blind slat thereon, and a protruded coupling section is extending at both ends of the central locating rod thereof respectively to be registered with the retaining holes of the left/right side brackets thereof so as to attach the blind slat onto the door/window frame thereby.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2006
    Assignee: Ching Feng Blinds Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ben Hsu
  • Patent number: 7117918
    Abstract: A two-part mounting device for attaching a free end of a guide cord of a window covering to a window frame. The device includes a base that can be secured to the frame and a holder which can be attached to the free end of the cord. The holder and the free end of the guide cord can be moved, relative to the base, in opposite directions, by sliding the holder in either one of the opposite directions while the holder and base remain engaged. The holder and base can also be disengaged by sliding the holder in one of the opposite directions. The device also includes a ratchet and pawl mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries BV
    Inventor: Johannes Robertus Maria Franssen
  • Patent number: 7089990
    Abstract: A door including a leaf which is closable between an open position and a closed position. A guide rail arrangement directs the movement of the door leaf. A fastening arrangement fixes a rail element of the guide rail arrangement to a wall by a plurality of fastening elements, each of which can be fixed to the wall as well as to the rail element. The wall has an opening which can be closed with the aid of the door leaf. A pulling arrangement can be fixed to the door leaf as well as to a drive unit and/or a weight-balancing device. At least one protective element is assigned to the guide rail arrangement. The protective element can be fixed to the rail element and/or at least one of the fastening elements and is used for bridging an intermediate space between the rail element and the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2006
    Assignee: Hürmann KG Brockhagen
    Inventors: Thomas J. Hörmann, Herbert Brinkmann
  • Patent number: 7000674
    Abstract: A toy storage curtain contains a toy-storage pocket affixed to the lower end of a curtain panel, and further includes a tieback which supports a tieback pouch which also is used to store toys. Soft, light toys, such as stuffed animals, are the best candidates for storage in this system. The toy-storage pocket is located in proximity to the floor, where a child may use itin a seated position. The toy-storage pocket is located about thirty-two inches from the floor, where the child may use the toy-storage pouch in a standing position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2006
    Inventor: Barbarann Johnson
  • Patent number: 6776211
    Abstract: A window shade for motor vehicles has a window shade web material 14 which is designed for being adapted during retraction and extension to the shape of the window, namely in respect to the width dimensions and/or in respect to the curvature. To this end, the window shade web material 14 is made either from a window shade web which can be expanded or stretched in the transverse direction, or from two or more non-expandable window shade webs 15 and 16 which, in the extended state, approximate the shape of the respective window in the desired manner. An additional mounting frame 65 can be used in all cases, in which the elements which are parts of the window shade are arranged, or stored, in order to create a component in this way, which can be installed as a whole in the vehicle on the assembly line.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2004
    Assignee: BOS GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Werner P. Schlecht, Herbert Walter
  • Patent number: 6763874
    Abstract: A movable blind fastened to the interior of an automobile comprises a cradle in the bottom and a bracket in each end of the cradle, with each bracket having a recess. Two engagement members each have a projection fitted into the recess and a double trough. Two plate members each have two pairs of opposite protuberances, a stop between the pairs of protuberances, and a shaft, with the protuberances and the stop being fastened to the double trough. Two pivot members each have slots disposed around a central bore and an enclosed box portion having transverse grooves disposed circumferentially. Two abutment members each have a central hole with the shaft inserted to fit in the central bore of pivot member and with the ridges engaged with the transverse grooves of the box portion. A blind cloth is fastened between a cross bar on the top and the cradle. The cross bar has a central activation member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 8, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2004
    Inventor: Tung-Hsing Chen
  • Patent number: 6722415
    Abstract: A shutter panel (10) in which respective longer sides of slats (12) made of synthetic resin are connected through hinge mechanisms to be freely bendable manner, wherein the hinge mechanisms include one hinge member and another hinge member. Each hinge member has a connecting groove that is opened outwardly. By fitting and coupling the longer sides of the slats into the connecting grooves respectively, smooth opening and closing of the shutter panel (10) can be performed because of decreasing warpage or irregularities in thickness of slats (12) or the hinge members and enabling smooth bending of respective slats (12) connected by the hinge mechanisms.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Isel Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Masanori Mochizuki, Kenji Mochizuki
  • Patent number: 6698490
    Abstract: A guiding mechanism for use in combination with an industrial door that includes an extension member extending across a doorway when the door is in a doorway blocking position is provided. The guiding mechanism includes a guard bracket extending along the doorway and having a mounting segment and a guard segment, and a track extending along the doorway and including a guideway for receiving a roller of the extension member and for guiding the roller as the door moves between blocking and unblocking positions. The track is affixedly mounted to the mounting segment such that the guard segment protects the track from an obstacle during a track impact condition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: March 2, 2004
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventors: Bill Hoerner, Tom Jansen, Perry Knutson, Steve Lester, Ronald P. Snyder, Donald P. Grant
  • Patent number: 6688369
    Abstract: A fabric light control window covering in which fabric vanes are adhesively bonded between two sheer fabric sheets such that relative movement between the sheer fabric sheets in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fabric vanes changes the angle of the fabric vanes and, thus, controls the amount of light admitted through the shade. The vanes are bonded to the sheer fabric sheets in a manner which tends to bias the sheer fabric sheets together to the nonlight admitting position. Also, disclosed are methods and apparatus for manufacturing the above window covering. The method features linear application of adhesive to the vane material which provides for a uniform appearance in the finished product. A heat setting process and apparatus is disclosed in which the bonded layers of sheer fabrics and vanes are fed between belts over hot and cool surfaces, under uniform tension and pressure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2004
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Paul G. Swiszcz
  • Patent number: 6666251
    Abstract: An energy saving shade system for residential dwelling windows having dimensions that vary within a range of frame widths and a range of frame heights, and including a pair of end caps, each being insertable in sealing relation against the top surface and one of the side surfaces of the frame. A pair of side rails, each having a cross-section to define channel openings of a depth equal to at least one half the range of frame widths are securable in sealing relation to respective side surfaces of the frame. A pair of shade supporting plates are receivable in the respective end caps, each of the shade supporting plates being laterally adjustable throughout approximately one half the range of frame widths. An impermeable, transparent shade and a thermal insulating shade of widths within the range of frame widths are wound on rollers mountable between the shade supporting plates, and extendible for the range of frame heights from the roller to the sill.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 23, 2003
    Inventor: Doris M. Ikle
  • Patent number: 6655442
    Abstract: A sectional door includes a series of track-guided pivotal door panels, wherein at least one of the door panels comprises several interlocked panel members. The panel members are of various widths so they can be assembled in different combinations to create a door panel of a desired total width. The panel members can be extrusions that are readily cut to length to match doorways of various widths. The ability to readily provide a panel in various widths and lengths makes such a door panel particularly useful as a replacement panel whose size needs to match that of existing door panels. In some cases, one or more panel members can be transparent to create a door panel with an integral window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Ronald P. Snyder