Abstract: A louvered pergola includes (a) a plurality of posts; (b) an elevated frame supported by the posts and defining a central frame opening; and (c) a plurality of louvers supported by the frame and extending parallel with each other across the frame opening. The plurality of louvers includes a first louver fixed to the frame, a second louver fixed to the frame opposite the first louver, and a plurality of pivotable louvers pivotably supported by the frame between the first and second louvers. The pivotable louvers are pivotable between a closed position in which the plurality of louvers partially overlap with each other to close the frame opening and an open position in which a gap is provided between adjacent louvers of the plurality of louvers.

Abstract: First and second V-shaped link structures are arranged in an overlapping manner such that a first fixed pin and a second fixed pin of the first V-shaped link structure are positioned relative to a movable pin to one side with respect to the direction parallel to the longitudinal direction of a guide rail while a first fixed pin and a second fixed pin of the second V-shaped link structure are positioned relative to a movable pin to the side opposite to that in the first V-shaped link structure.

Abstract: The present invention provides a mechanism for controlling the spacing between louvers, e.g. in a blind. The louvers are secured to a top rail and a bottom rail. The connections are at an angle to each other so that the louvers are naturally twisted. The louvers extend through slots in a comb 16 that can be moved up and down the louvers. The function of the comb is to alter the position of the twist as it is moved up and down the louvers, thereby opening and closing the blind.

Abstract: A composite covering structure for providing protection against sun and rain comprises a plurality of adjoining and overlapping swinging blades, coupled to a driving mechanism adapted, by a single operation, at first to cause the blades to gradually turn about their longitudinal axis, while being held in a same position, for providing a partial protection against sun, and then to cause said blades to slide on a horizontal plane, so as to compact said blades on a side, for uncovering the previously covered area.

Abstract: A movable barrier system wherein the trolley system comprises at least two guiding rail portions. At least one of the guiding rail portions is supported by a support member secured to the headroom area of the building support structure. The trolley traverses the at least two guiding rail portions by a hinged coupling device.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a device for the protection of living beings and objects from being buried in bulk material, a method for assembling said device and uses employing this device.

Abstract: A base structure and associated method for converting the base structure into an operable vane on a shade for an architectural opening. The base structure includes a back sheet and a front sheet attached together in engagement regions spaced along the length of the back sheet and front sheet. The front sheet is separated into front strip sections having a free end. Operating elements are positioned along the back sheet and situated so as to move relative thereto. The operating elements are attached adjacent to a free end of the front strip. Movement of the operating elements actuates the free end of the front strip to move from a closed position to an open position as desired by the user.

Abstract: A movable partition system includes a movable partition including coupled panels and a lead post engaged with and movable along a track. A motor control system includes a motor coupled to the movable partition and a switching circuit coupled to the motor and for selectively coupling the motor to a positive power source and a negative power source responsive to one or more PWM signals. An encoder is configured for generating one or more rotation signals indicative of operational direction and operational speed of the motor. A motor controller is coupled to the switching circuit and is configured for improving airflow around the panels of the movable partition when the lead post of the movable partition is between a predefined position and a fully retracted position indicative of a billowing effect for the panels by adjusting pulse widths of the PWM signals to control rotational speed of the motor.

Abstract: A retractable cover for architectural openings having collapsible vanes includes a support structure in the form of a sheet of material, monofilaments, tapes, ribbons, cords, or the like, supporting an upper edge of a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally extending vanes with the lower edges of the vanes in most embodiments of the invention being connected to operating elements adapted to raise the lower edges of each vane toward the upper edges to define openings or gaps between the vanes through which vision and light can pass in an open condition of the covering. Variations of the covering do not require movement of a lower edge of a vane relative to an upper edge but simply movement of some vanes relative to other vanes. The vanes can be made of materials having different flexibilities and where more rigid materials are used, creased fold lines can be established for desired operability.

Abstract: A partition wall, upwardly movable into storage position and downwardly movable into vertical, down position. The wall comprises a plurality of similar trains of elongated members. The members of each train are arranged to form a single pantograph forming longitudinally aligned rows of diamonds. The trains are spaced laterally to form a wall plane and oriented so that the diamonds of the pantographs operate in a plane at a 90° angle to that wall plane. A plurality of panels are provided, each panel being secured to a pair of corresponding members in adjacent trains. The panels are secured to corresponding pairs of opposed sides of the diamonds. Means are provided to raise and lower the trains at a similar rate. The pantographs are contracted when the wall is in a storage position and the elongated when the wall is in down position. The panels form a vertical wall when the pantographs are elongated in down position.

Abstract: A mechanical curtain, upwardly movable into open position and downwardly movable into closed position, the curtain comprising: a) a plurality of similarly constructed trains of elongated members, the members of each train arranged to form a single pantograph forming longitudinally aligned rows of diamonds, the trains spaced laterally to form a curtain plane and oriented so that the diamonds of the pantographs operate in a plane at a 90° angle to that curtain plane, b) a plurality of bars secured in parallel spaced fashion to corresponding members in adjacent trains, perpendicular thereto, and, c) means to raise and lower the trains at a similar rate the pantographs being contracted when the curtain is in open position and the pantographs being elongated when the curtain is in closed position.

Abstract: A mechanical curtain, upwardly movable into open position and downwardly movable into closed position, the curtain comprising: a) a plurality of similarly constructed trains of elongated members, the members of each train arranged to form a single pantograph forming longitudinally aligned rows of diamonds, the trains spaced laterally to form a curtain plane and oriented so that the diamonds of the pantographs operate in a plane at a 90° angle to that curtain plane, b) a plurality of bars secured in parallel spaced fashion to corresponding members in adjacent trains, perpendicular thereto, and, c) one or more cables to raise and lower the trains at a similar rate the pantographs being contracted when the curtain is in open position and the pantographs being elongated when the curtain is in closed position.

Abstract: At least three stacked panels are articulated by means of adjacent members so that they can pivot toward a deployed configuration. A mechanism includes an immobilizer mounted on a first member, cooperating with a second member to lock the two panels in the deployed configuration and constrained to rotate with a lug which can rotate on the first member and is abutted against a surface of a member constrained to rotate with the second member and configured so that, when the deployed configuration is reached, the lug escapes from it and brings the immobilizer into contact with the second member to bring about locking. A first finger of the mechanism, which is constrained to rotate with the lug, cooperates with a second finger of the third panel to hold it stacked until the two panels reach the deployed configuration, at which time rotation of the lug releases the second finger.

Abstract: A rigid wall partition system which is vertically upwardly movable into storage position and vertically downwardly movable to form a continuous wall. The system comprises a plurality of panels secured to members which in turn are pivotally secured to spaced trains of single pantographs, contraction of the pantograph causing the panels to fold, in accordion fashion and expansion of the pantographs causing the panels to move to vertical, wall-forming position.