Abstract: A tensioner for use with an architectural-structure covering including an operating element (e.g., a cord, a chain, or the like) is disclosed. The tensioner selectively securing a position of the operating element relative to the tensioner. In one embodiment, the tensioner includes a body, a slider, a bearing, and an optional biasing member. The body may include a first body member coupled to a second body member. The slider is movably positioned within the body between first and second positions to selectively enable movement of the operating element relative to the tensioner. The bearing includes a projection for coupling to the second body member to prevent the second body member from being decoupled from the first body member. In this manner, when the bearing is enclosed within the body, a user cannot readily open the body (e.g., a user cannot readily separate the first and second body members).

Abstract: The present invention provides for methods of manufacturing wood-based composite products, articles of manufacture employed in the manufacturing of wood-based products (e.g., PTFE sheet configured to be attached to platen and/or platen configured to attach to PTFE sheet), systems used in the manufacturing of wood-based products (e.g., platens having PTFE sheet attached thereto), methods of using such articles of manufacture, methods of using such systems, and wood-based products (e.g., OSB, PB, MDF and/or HDF) obtained from such methods.

Abstract: The geared window shade bracket comprises a sprocket having a ring gear on an inside circumference of the sprocket; a chain configured to be engaged with the sprocket such that, in response to pulling on the chain, the sprocket rotates; a sun gear that is configured to be restricted from rotation; one or more planet gears configured to rotate around the sun gear, wherein the one or more planet gears interface with the ring gear; and a planetary carrier configured to mate with the one or more planet gears. In response to the chain being pulled, the sprocket rotates, causing the planet gears to rotate, causing the planetary carrier to rotate, causing the hub to rotate, and causing a shade tube to rotate.

Abstract: A control assembly for a roller blind, the assembly including a chain wheel adapted to be driven by an operating chain; a drive bush; and a locking pin, wherein at least one of the chain wheel and drive bush includes a coupling element which in use couples the chain wheel to the drive bush such that axial displacement of the drive bush results in a corresponding axial displacement of the chain wheel, but that relative rotational displacement between the chain wheel and the drive bush is permitted through an arc defined between a pair of opposed stops which are carried by the other of the chain wheel and the drive bush; and wherein the locking pin passes axially through the chain wheel and the drive bush, the locking pin including at one end thereof a pair of opposed legs and at least one leg includes a locking lug adapted to engage a stop surface of the drive bush.

Abstract: A brake apparatus for a mowing machine that includes a brake gear operatively rotatable with a rotatable member and a lock assembly for meshing with the brake gear to restrict rotation of the brake gear. A guide rail assembly is fixable relative to a support for supporting the rotatable member for rotation. The guide rail assembly guides a lock assembly movable between an unlocked arrangement and a locked arrangement. An actuator plate and the guide rail assembly jointly engage the lock assembly to effect meshing and unmeshing of at least one engagement member of the lock assembly, such as a roller or a jaw member, with the brake gear. The actuator plate is selectively rotatable about an axis of rotation of the brake gear relative to the guide rail assembly, where rotation of the actuator plate effects movement of the lock assembly between the unlocked and locked arrangements.

Abstract: The structures described herein use an actuating system that can selectively switch between a lower and a raise mode of operation by rotating a rod assembly in two different directions, and use a downward displacement of a pull member to lower and raise the window shade depending on its switching state. The actuating systems are simple to operate, allow convenient adjustment of the window shade, and are safe as the pull member has a limited length of extension.

Abstract: A handle is releasably secured to a rail wall by means of fasteners extending from inside the rail. An actuator shaft pushes against a contact plate to move a movable braking member to stop the rotation of a rod inside the rail.

Abstract: A braking mechanism for a roller shade control system. The braking mechanism includes a stationary member and a rotating member rotatable relative to the stationary member. The rotating member is rotatable in a winding direction or an unwinding direction. The braking mechanism also includes a connecting assembly operatively connecting the stationary member and the rotating member. The connecting assembly frictionally engages the rotating member when the rotating member is rotated in the unwinding direction and is frictionally disengaged from the rotating member when the rotating member is rotated in the winding direction. A control mechanism includes such a braking mechanism and an operating handle for operating the control mechanism.

Abstract: A system for operating and positioning a roller shade may include a roller shade clutch and an idler which are mounted to a bracket for attachment to a structure. The bracket may include a mounting plate and a wall or ceiling engaging member mounted to the mounting plate. The roller shade clutch or idler may be releasably coupled to attachment member of the bracket by a locking device. The locking device may comprise an insert having a body portion, a first end that is configured to be secured within a recess formed in a rear facing surface of the clutch, and a second end that is configured to remain extending at least partially beyond the rear surface of the clutch and to be secured by engagement with a slot formed in the bracket.

Abstract: A roller shade clutch is disclosed. In exemplary embodiments the clutch may comprise a housing, a ribbed post extending axially from the housing, a sprocket wheel mounted for rotation around the post, at least one torsion spring mounted for rotation on the ribbed post, a chain guard, a boss extending axially from the sprocket wheel, and a drum disposed over the ribbed post, the torsion spring and the boss.

Abstract: An improved roller blind clutch assembly is disclosed for controlling the raising and lowering of a roller blind which permits the smooth raising and lowering of roller blinds even if the blinds are heavy. The improved roller blind clutch assembly includes a roller tube mount coaxially and rotatably mounted to a barrel. A clutch member is in turn coaxially and rotatably mounted to the barrel between the roller tube mount and the barrel. The clutch member has a window formed between a first and a second edge of the clutch member. A torsion locking spring is coaxially mounted to the barrel between the barrel and the clutch member. The torsion locking spring has opposite first and second ends which project into the window. The roller tube mount has an extension portion configured to extend into the window and dimensioned to fit between the first and second ends of the torsion locking spring.

Abstract: A spring loaded brake for an actuator for driving a household screen includes a helical spring having radially extending end lugs, a friction piece including a friction surface against which the spring presses, an input piece which drives the spring in rotation in one direction to reduce a force of contact between the spring and the surface, an output piece which drives the spring in rotation in a direction to increase the force of contact between the spring and the surface and wherein the brake also includes two end stops which always rotate as one about an axis of the spring and each of which forms a stop to limit axial movement of the spring in opposite directions.

Abstract: A drum driving device for a window shade includes a housing fixed to a frame of the window shade. A cord pulley is rotatably received in the housing. A drum is rotatably mounted to a drum shaft received in the housing A single-direction clutch device is mounted between the drum and the cord pulley. The clutch device includes a chamber defined in the housing. A driving shaft is coaxially mounted to the cord pulley. A transmission shaft is mounted in the chamber. A driving spring is mounted to an inner periphery of the chamber and around the driving shaft and the transmission shaft in the chamber. The transmission shaft has an outer diameter not larger than that of the transmission shaft. The driving spring is in tight contact with the driving shaft and the inner periphery of the chamber. The transmission shaft is extended out of the chamber and connected to the drum.

Abstract: There is provided a blind operating device for transmitting a rotation in both directions from an operation portion to a driving axis of the blind capable of making a diameter of a clutch spring smaller, and then capable of reducing operation load without breaking the clutch spring. The blind operating device includes an input shaft into which a rotation from a pulley is inputted, and a rotation axis that is provided coaxially with the input axis and is capable of transmitting the rotation to the driving axis. A clutch spring is wound around a fixed spring winding axis of a case and a rotation spring winding axis of the rotation axis. Linking and de-linking of the rotation axis and the case is made possible utilizing tightening and loosening of the clutch spring and one end of the clutch spring is linked to the rotation axis.

Abstract: A Multiple-Roller Quilting Design Wall used by quilters or others requiring a vertical display for planning, designing, or presenting. An open faced box holding multiple (or one) roll-up sheets which can be unrolled singly, or simultaneously. Rotation of the roll-up sheet rod is controlled by the unique use of a friction clutch via a remote-control chain which allows the Design Wall box to be mounted high on a wall or over windows or doors.

Abstract: A system for operating and positioning a roller shade may include a roller shade clutch and an idler which are mounted to brackets for attachment to a structure. Each bracket may include a mounting plate, an attachment member slidably mounted to the mounting plate, and a wall or ceiling engaging member mounted to the mounting plate. The roller shade clutch may include a housing having a guard defining a cavity, a chain outlet, and a chain guard spanning the chain outlet, a post extending axially from the housing, at least one torsion spring mounted on and frictionally engaging said post, a sprocket wheel being mounted for rotation over the post and seated within the cavity, a chain guard cover disposed over at least a portion of the chain guard, and a follower cap mounted over the post that is rotatable in conjunction with the sprocket wheel. The idler may include an inner drum, an outer drum rotatably and slidably disposed over the inner drum, and an end cap fixed over the forward end of the outer drum.

Abstract: A partitioning device includes a fixing unit, a locking mechanism, and an article blocking mechanism. The fixing unit includes a first fixing seat, and a second fixing seat spaced apart from the first fixing seat. The locking mechanism includes a rod seat, and a securing unit that is mounted on the first fixing seat. The article blocking mechanism includes a rod that is mounted rotatably to the second fixing seat on one end and fixedly to the rod seat on its other end, a curtain member that is fixed at one end to the rod and that may be wound around and unwound from the rod, and an anchoring unit that is connected to a free end of the curtain member and that is adapted to be releasably anchored at a location in the passenger compartment of the vehicle such that the curtain member is at an extending position.

Abstract: Which has the following essential elements: A drive shaft (1) joined to the rolling drum (23) of a blind (21), joined by means of a first freewheel mechanism (2) with a drive cylinder (4) which has a freeing sector (5). A cogged wheel (17) which has protuberances (18) into which fit the relevant extensions (19) of the slats (20) of the blind (21), joined via a second freewheel mechanism (15) with a blocking sector (26). A brake cylinder (7) with teeth (27) housing a brake spring (9) whose ends form stops (10), with the blocking sector (25) acting on the stops (10) in the direction to increase the apparent diameter of the brake spring (9) and the freeing sector (5) in the direction to reduce its apparent diameter. Various ratchets (28) that can lock against the teeth (27) as a function of the relative position of a transmission crown (6) on which they are articulated with respect to the drive cylinder (4).

Abstract: This invention relates to a double-sided equipment for a braking system, comprising a first braking pad, a second braking pad, a braking component, a fixing spring component, a compression spring, and an electromagnet, wherein the braking component located between the first braking pad and the second braking pad is movable along the axle of the door operator but is unrotatable with respect to the door operator axle. As a result of the compression spring, the first braking pad and the braking component will be pushed together towards the second braking pad, thereby the braking component is clamped from its two sides by the two braking pads. When the first braking pad is retracted by the electromagnet, the fixing spring enables the braking component to separate from the second braking pad, causing the braking component to be fully separated from the first and second braking pads.

Abstract: A device for preventing a roller mounted retractable awning from deploying comprising a mounting bracket adapted to secure the device to the support arm of an awning, a locking band configured to encircle the awning roller, an extension member provided between and interconnecting the mounting bracket and the locking band so that said locking band is aligned transverse to the longitudinal axis of the mounting bracket and an actuator operatively associated with the locking band for engaging a roller of a retractable awning to prevent rotation and deployment of the awning.

Abstract: An anti-reverse transmission for use in a window blind includes a fixed axle, a rotatable input shaft, an output shaft sleeved onto the fixed axle, a transmission shaft sleeved onto the output shaft and coupled to a linking rod of a window blind, the transmission shaft having a protrusion inserted into an opening in the output shaft, and a spiral spring fitted on the fixed axle within the output shaft. The spiral spring has two end tips suspended in the opening such that the spiral spring is radially expanded to disengage the output shaft from the fixed axle for rotation with the transmission shaft and the input shaft upon rotation of the input shaft, and the spiral spring is radially compressed to stop the output shaft from rotation when the transmission shaft receives a biasing force from the gravity weight of a blind body of the window blind.

Abstract: A friction device (10), applied to roll-up curtains and the like, includes a tubular roller (1), on which the curtain (2) rolls up, and which is rotatably carried on a horizontal axis. The friction device (10) includes a threaded shaft (9), situated axially inside the roller (1) and connected to the roller (1) by interposition of an angular speed reducer group (4). A body (11), mounted sliding axially inside the roller (1), is screw-coupled with the threaded shaft (9), so as to translate axially due to the shaft (9) rotation during unrolling or rolling up of the curtain (2) on the roller (1). One or more elastic members (12), subjected to pressure or counter-thrust, are compressed, on opposite ends, between abutment means (13) and a surface of the body (11), to determine a friction effect, which varies as a function of the rotation direction of the roller (1).

Abstract: An operator for a window or like shade serves to turn a shade roller to a new desired position as a result of a torque applied from a manually operable source, such as a chain operated wheel. The device includes a helical spring that is seated within a fixed bushing with its outer surface in contact with an inner cylindrical surface of the bushing. When torque is applied from the manually operable source, one overlapping end of the spring is moved away from its other end to reduce the spring diameter and hence release any frictional engagement of the spring with the bushing, thus allowing the torque to rotate the spring, which rotation is transmitted to the roller. However, when no such manually applied torque is present, the spring and the roller remain effectively locked in position. Any torque applied from the roller due to the weight of a partly lowered shade acts to tend to increase the spring diameter and thus to ensure a binding frictional engagement between the bushing and the spring.

Abstract: A friction device (10), applied to roll-up curtains and the like, includes a tubular roller (1), on which the curtain (2) rolls up, and which is rotatably carried on a horizontal axis. The friction device (10) includes a threaded shaft (9), situated axially inside the roller (1) and connected to the roller (1) by interposition of an angular speed reducer group (4). A body (11), mounted sliding axially inside the roller (1), is screw-coupled with the threaded shaft (9), so as to translate axially due to the shaft (9) rotation during unrolling or rolling up of the curtain (2) on the roller (1). One or more elastic members (12), subjected to pressure or counter-thrust, are compressed, on opposite ends, between abutment means (13) and a surface of the body (11), to determine a friction effect, which varies as a function of the rotation direction of the roller (1).

Abstract: In a mechanism for locking curtains and the like, a sleeve rotates about a relative axis and is fastened to a roll, in coaxial relation therewith. A curtain is rolled up on the roll. A barrel features at least one radial housing opening outside of the barrel and enters freely the sleeve. The mechanism includes also one spring introduced freely in each radial housing and pushing a cylinder or a sphere against an inner surface of the sleeve.

Abstract: A lift control device for a roller shade includes a support rod having one end containing an insert socket, a spring mounted on the support rod, a roller cap rotatably mounted on the support rod and containing a retaining opening to secure the spring therein such that the spring is rotated by the roller cap, and a follower spool secured on the roller cap to rotate therewith.

Abstract: A whipstock assembly 10 for setting within a casing C on an anchor A diverts a cutting mill M to cut a window in the casing. The whipstock assembly is passed through a restriction positioned above the location where the whipstock assembly is set, is lowered past the restriction in a run in position, and is set within the casing in a set position. The whipstock assembly includes an upper whipstock body 20 having a ramp surface 22, 26, a middle lower whipstock body 60 having a concave guiding face 72, and a lower whipstock body 110 having a concave whipstock diversion face 112. A lower hinge member 118 is provided for positioning the concave whipstock diversion face for diverting the cutting mill, and at least one whipstock positioning member 80, 100 engages the casing when in the set position for positioning the middle whipstock body guiding face.

Abstract: A shade positioning system which employs a wrap spring clutch system includes a shade operator, a shade roller, and an idle end bracket for supporting the shade roller when mounted. The shade operator includes a self-lubricating central stud around which a helical coil spring is wrapped, a manually operated pulley mounted on the wrap spring, and a support bushing to ensure positive engagement of the aforementioned elements. The central stud is composed of a plastic or metal, which allows the smooth rotation of the wrap spring around the stud. The tangs of the wrap spring project substantially radially outward from the spring central axis, and are shaped to accommodate for the coefficient of friction between the stud and the spring. A first preferred spring construction allows for decreased spring surface area to contact the stud. A second preferred spring construction allows for an increased spring surface area to contact the stud.

Abstract: A winding mechanism for an architectural covering such as a blind or shade in which a fixed shaft 10,110 is surrounded by an inner sleeve 16,116 and an outer sleeve 22,122. A one way clutch 20,32 is provided between the inner sleeve and the fixed shaft, and a cord 42,142 is wrapped around the outer surface 40,140 of the inner sleeve, and is connected at one end 44,144 to the outer sleeve 22,122 and at the other end 46,146 to drive member 12, 112 such as a bead pulley. The weight of the blind or shade tending to rotate the outer sleeve in one direction of rotation will tighten the helically wound cord 42,142 onto the outer surface 40, 140 of the inner sleeve locking it thereto and preventing, via the one way clutch 28,72, rotation of the outer sleeve until such time as the drive member 12,112 is rotated in one direction or the other to raise or lower the blind or shade.

Abstract: An improved bearing mechanism with both a relative larger axial force adjustment mechanism and a relatively smaller axial force adjustment mechanism, works in conjunction with the control rod of a vertical blind system or a roller shade system to provide superior bearing and load handling capability. A primary adjustment mechanism provides a first magnitude range of urging force of a bearing structure toward a housing as by the use of an axial bolt or the like. Inasmuch as this is difficult to adjust without removal of the roller shade and such adjustment is difficult gauge physically, a secondary adjustment structure enables tension adjustment over a second magnitude range of urging force and which is accessible without having to remove the roller. The secondary adjustment structure is a wedge which operates adjacent the main tension member.

Abstract: A safety clutch is provided for operating a window treatment having a headrail, a bottomrail and a window covering material extending therebetween. The safety clutch is mounted on a movable frame within the headrail and is moved to rotatably engage the tube lift cord spool on which lift cords are wound and unwound to raise and lower the bottomrail. A brake mechanism connected to the headrail prevents rotating of the tube lift cord spool, and the brake is automatically disengaged upon operation of the safety clutch. A single pull cord is used to operate the safety clutch and the pull cord is maintained in a raised location when not in use.

Abstract: An assembly for locking a curtain in a selected position has a hollow roller unto which a curtain is rolled and unrolled, the roller containing an elastic winding device, and a locking device for locking the roller in the selected position. The locking device has a support coupled to the roller, the support having a cavity which receives co-axially and rotatably at least one locking element that has an elastic band which frictionally engages the support to hinder free rotation of the roller. The elastic band has a first end fastened to the locking element with the band wound around the locking element so that the band is in frictional contact with the support.

Abstract: An improved bearing mechanism works in conjunction with the control rod of a vertical blind system or a roller shade system to provide superior bearing and load handling capability. A conical bore has a plurality of grooves into the surface of the conical bore. A series of cylindrical rollers are supported within the grooves, and against a central rotational member having a conical surface for bearing against the rollers. A set screw is used to control the seating of the central rotational member within the conical bore, is used to make up any tolerance created through the manufacturing process, and can be used to increase the tension necessary to hold a roller shade in place. A balanced bearing system uses two sets of roller bearings, which may be frusto-conical, to make for a more stable, more secure, and more evenly balanced roller shade assembly.

Abstract: A release brake shade operator for a window covering has a stationary member, a movable member movable relative to the stationary member, and a hub which is movable relative to the stationary member and the movable when not restrained. Preferably the hub is a tube or solid cylinder. A spring having a selected diameter is fitted between the stationary member and the movable member and surrounds a portion of the hub. A first tang at one end of the spring is attached to the stationary member and a second tang at an opposite end of the spring is attached to the movable member so that one tang can be moved relative to the other tang to increase the diameter of the spring. The spring is sized and positioned so that the spring will press against the outside surface of the hub when in a relaxed condition restraining the hub and attached to the roller shade or lift cords.

Abstract: A covering system for apertures, such as windows, has a cross bar that is slidably mounted between a pair of tracks. Each end of the cross bar is connected to a belt that circulates in its respective track. The belts positively engage respective pulleys which are connected by a shaft. The cross bar is thereby prevented from becoming skewed as it is slid along the tracks. A locking device locks the cross bar at a desired position along the tracks. The free end of a roller blind may be connected to the cross bar. Preferably the roller blind turns with the pulleys and the belts are tapered so that the roller blind rolls and unrolls at the same rate that the cross bar is moved. This makes it unnecessary for the roller blind to be spring loaded. The cross bar may also be used to support horizontal or vertical slatted blinds.

Abstract: An improved bearing mechanism works in conjunction with the control rod of a vertical blind system or a roller shade system to provide superior bearing and load handling capability. A conical bore has a plurality of grooves into the surface of the conical bore. A series of cylindrical rollers are supported within the grooves, and against a central rotational member having a conical surface for bearing against the rollers. A set screw is used to control the seating of the central rotational member within the conical bore, is used to make up any tolerance created through the manufacturing process, and can be used to increase the tension necessary to hold a roller shade in place.

Abstract: A bi-directional sprang clutch further including a ratchet and pawl so as to permit substantial torque to be transmitted to the shade roller only in one direction. In the other direction, the roller is nearly free to rotate so that the weight of the shade material depending from one side of the roller exerts a torque on the roller which prevents reverse rolling.

Abstract: A roller assembly for curtains and the like includes a rod jacket (1) on which the curtain is wound, a plate wheel (5) , a fixed shaft (2) , a chain wheel (3) , plates (6) and a spring (7). The plate wheel (5) is mounted on the shaft (2) so as to enable it both to rotate and to be axially displaced relative to the shaft. Every second plate (6) is attached to the fixed shaft (2) and the others to the plate wheel (5). Furthermore, the plates (6) operate in such a way that they cannot rotate relative to the part to which they are attached, but can be axially displaced. The curtain is fixed by the spring (7) pressing the plate wheel (5) leftwards. The plates (6) lock the plate wheel (5) at the fixed shaft (2) because of the frictional action. When the height of the curtain is to be changed the chain wheel (3) is rotated in relation to the plate wheel (5). The plate wheel (5) is moved rightwards, because the contact area between the chain wheel (3) and the plate wheel (5) is saw-toothed.

Abstract: The present invention pertains to a window shade drive with an automatically acting coupling, which has friction surfaces and is arranged between a stationary component (9) and a driving member (3) connected to the winding shaft, wherein two coupling elements are movable axially and in the direction of rotation in relation to one another to operate the coupling by rotating the drive member. In such a drive, one of the coupling members is connected to the drive member (8) by a member (7, 18), which generates a torque between this coupling element (disk 5) and the drive member (8) within a range, and the other coupling element is provided at an end disk of an assembly of a plurality of brake disks (1, 2), wherein the end disk is coupled nonrotatably, but axially displaceably with the driving member. The brake disks (1, 2) are alternatingly connected rotatably to the driving member (3) and to a stationary component (9).

Abstract: A spring clutch assembly with reduced radial bearing forces is described. The clutch includes a shaft, at least first and second helically wound axially mounted springs for making frictional contact with the shaft, and engaging means corresponding to each of the first and second springs for selectively applying a tightening force to one end of each of the springs in order to prevent rotation with respect to the shaft. Each of the engaging means is radially and symmetrically disposed along the shaft for eliminating radial bearing force induced by the spring ends.

Abstract: An operator for a window or like shade serves to turn a shade roller to a new desired position as the result of a torque applied from a manually operable source, such as a chain operated wheel. The device includes a helical spring that is seated within a fixed bushing with its outer surface in contact with an inner cylindrical surface of the bushing. When torque is applied from the manually operable source, one overlapping end of the spring is moved away its other end to reduce the spring diameter and hence release any frictional engagement of the spring with the bushing, thus allowing the torque to rotate the spring, which rotation is transmitted to the roller. However, when no such manually applied torque is present, the spring and the roller remain effectively locked in position. Any torque applied from the roller due to the weight of a partly lowered shade acts to tend to increase the spring diameter and thus to ensure a binding frictional engagement between the bushing and the spring.

Abstract: A safety device for preventing accidental unrolling of a rolling shutter or overhead door comprising a cogwheel which has uniformly distributed on the circumference opening outward for containing radially movable tumblers, a cage which surrounds the cogwheel that contains an abutment in the form of a recess for the tumblers which are raised by the action of centrifugal force. Upon reaching a predetermined rotational speed, the tumblers engage an abutment in the cage and the cage acting as a brake is then driven by the cogwheel and slowed down by friction.

Abstract: A shade operator includes a drive unit having a central stud forming the axis of rotation for the shade roller. A manually operable pulley is mounted on the stud, and is engageable with a coil spring clutch member mounted about the stud coaxial with the pulley. The shade roller is engaged by a bushing which is also mounted for rotation on the stud. The bushing is provided with a projection which engages the clutch spring due to the weight of the shade and causes the spring to further grip the stud to prevent rotation Operation of the pulley engages the spring such that its grip on the bushing is loosened, which allows the spring, bushing and shade roller to be driven by the pulley as desired to raise or lower the shade. Halting of pulley rotation allows the spring clutch to fully re-engage the stud to keep the shade at the new desired location.

Abstract: A counterweight (12) provided at the end of a shaft (8) for winding up the door-raising belts (3) of a concertina type door. The counterweight (12) is designed to open the door to a fraction of its height. It co-operates with the motor (7) when the door is being opened and closed under normal circumstances. A motor and brake unit (14) is provided including both the motor (7) and a brake for locking the shaft (8) when the motor is not in operation. Catch means may also be provided on the bottom of the door. Manual means are provided for releasing the shaft-locking brake means in the event of a power failure. The device is essentially a safety device and in the event of a motor breakdown or a power failure it enables the concertina-type door to be rapidly opened, at least partially. Similarly, in the event of the coupling between the drive shaft and the motor being broken, the device prevents the door from falling to its closed position in a catastrophic manner.

Abstract: A clutch brake assembly which may be used for roll up awnings and the like which will allow the roller on which the awning is rolled to freely rotate in one direction and be locked against rotation in the other direction, the directions of freewheeling rotation and locking being selectable by manual rotation of the cover between either of two toggle positions. The assembly includes a nonrotatable shaft extending through the assembly and fastened by arms to the side of a recreational vehicle or the like. Mounted on the shaft is a rotatable drum on which the awning is to be rolled and unrolled, that drum having a clutch drum attached thereto. Mounted within the clutch drum and rotatable with an actuating cover is a pair of substantially radially movable clutch shoes, each positioned with respect to one cam surface of a double acting cam fastened to the shaft.

Abstract: A roller shade return mechanism comprises a rotary roller shade rod (1) which is rotatably mounted in relation to a non-rotary member (4) carrying a profiled pin (5) to be received in a roller shade mounting bracket.

Abstract: A roller apparatus is provided for a flexible web such as a map, chart, window shade or the like which is provided on at least one free margin thereof with a rigid, elongated holder element of predetermined cross-sectional dimensions which are substantially greater than the thickness of the flexible webbing material. The roller apparatus comprises a rigid, elongated tubular roll of substantially greater dimensions than the predetermined cross-sectional dimensions of the holder element and including a longitudinal through slot of a cross-sectional dimension smaller than that of the holder element and greater than the thickness of the web. An end cap is non-rotatably attached to either end of the tubular roll.

Abstract: A screen-operating device for use in a roller blind having a braking mechanism consisting a brake-drum secured to a bracket, a coil spring fitted on the brake-drum, a disk loosely mounted on the coil spring and integrally coupled with a screen-roll on which a screen is wound, and a cord-pulley mounted on the disk. The coil spring has their both ends inserted in an opening in the disk and the cord-pulley has its inner tung inserted between the both ends in the opening. Torque from the cord-pulley side acts on either of the both ends to loosen the coil spring and then rotates the screen-roll to raise and lower the screen. But, any torque from the screen side acts on the end to fasten the coil spring on the brake-drum and is immediately braked.

Abstract: A shade roller having a chain operated mechanism at one end thereof for controlling the position of the shade on the window, and means for maintaining the chain operated mechanism against a bracket to help insure proper positioning and operation of the said mechanism.

Abstract: A shade roller having a chain operated mechanism at one end thereof for controlling the position of the shade on the window, and means for maintaining the chain operated mechanism against a bracket to help insure proper positioning and operation of the said mechanism.