Abstract: A stored energy emergency barrier release device comprising a barrier and a barrel member for storing the barrier thereon. The barrel member is rotatable on a stationary counterbalance shaft and a push down shaft. The release device further includes a push down spring coupled to the push down shaft for storing potential energy in order to exert a closing force on the barrier when the release device is positioned from an engaged position to a released position. The release device includes a reset mechanism interfaced with the push down spring for transmitting a lifting torque to the push down spring in response to moving the barrier from a first position to a second position to store energy within the push down spring.

Abstract: A stored energy emergency barrier release device comprising a barrier and a barrel member for storing the barrier thereon. The barrel member is rotatable on a stationary counterbalance shaft and a push down shaft. The release device further includes a push down spring coupled to the push down shaft for storing potential energy in order to exert a closing force on the barrier when the release device is positioned from an engaged position to a released position. The release device includes a reset mechanism interfaced with the push down spring for transmitting a lifting torque to the push down spring in response to moving the barrier from a first position to a second position to store energy within the push down spring.

Abstract: A window treatment roll-up device has: a support base, a rotation base, at least two power springs, a braking member and a control wheel. The support base comprises a first shaft, a second shaft, a third shaft and a fourth shaft, the third shaft and the fourth shaft are engaged with each other, a controlling rope wrapped around the second shaft, the rotation base is jacketed onto the second shaft. The control wheel is disposed on the fourth shaft and configured to be wrapped by a rolling rope. The braking member has a first end and a second end, the first end is tapered such that the braking member is cone-shaped; a spiral slot connecting between the first end and the second end is disposed on a surface of the braking member. The first end of the braking member and the power spring both jacket onto the third shaft.

Abstract: A clutch for a roller blind. The clutch comprises a drive shaft operatively connected to a drive mechanism, an idle shaft releasably coupled to the drive shaft, and a drive spring. The drive mechanism imparts rotational movement to the drive shaft. The idle shaft is operatively connected to the tube of the roller blind such that rotation of the idle shaft causes rotation of the roller blind tube. The drive spring is operatively associated with the idle shaft and with the drive shaft such that rotation of the drive shaft in a first direction causes the drive spring to impart rotational movement to the idle shaft, thereby causing rotation of the roller blind tube. When the drive shaft is rotated in a second opposite direction the drive spring permits the drive shaft to rotate independently of the idle shaft.

Abstract: A stored energy emergency barrier release device comprising a barrier and a barrel member for storing the barrier thereon. The barrel member is rotatable on a stationary counterbalance shaft and a push down shaft. The release device further includes a push down spring coupled to the push down shaft for storing potential energy in order to exert a closing force on the barrier when the release device is positioned from an engaged position to a released position. The release device includes a reset mechanism interfaced with the push down spring for transmitting a lifting torque to the push down spring in response to moving the barrier from a first position to a second position to store energy within the push down spring.

Abstract: A door machine of a fireproof door comprises an input end to be actuated by an input axle; an output end loaded with weight of door panels, the loading force of which is transmitted back to a central axle through an output axle; a clutch mechanism normally connecting the central axle with the input axle together; a brake mechanism including a torsion spring which is integrated with the input axle of the input end and one end of which bears the loading force came from the central axle to shrink the inner diameter thereof so that the input axle is in an immobilized state; when an external force is applied to the input end, the other end of the torsion spring resisting against the weight of the door panels to expand the inner diameter thereof so that the input axle is rotated.

Abstract: A weight moving in a height direction interlocking with development and reception of a slide guide frame is provided, and the weight brakes reception of the slide guide frame owing to an increase in potential energy and promotes development of the slide guide frame owing to a decrease in potential energy, whereby an operating force is decreased, a feeling of operating a slide bar is made light, and the slide bar is decreased in sliding speed at the time of closing to achieve an improvement in safety.

Abstract: A fabric gate has a ratchet assembly, a delaying assembly and a driving device. The ratchet assembly has a ratchet, a positioning ring and a driven pad. The ratchet has a wheel provide with multiple upper ratchet teeth and multiple lower ratchet teeth. The upper ratchet teeth extend toward a direction opposite to that of the lower ratchet teeth extending. The positioning ring is expandable and has engaging teeth engaging respectively with the ratchet teeth on the ratchet. The driven pad is attached to the top of the positioning ring to expand the positioning ring when the driven pad is rotated by the driving device. The delaying assembly is mounted in the top cap and connected to the ratchet assembly to reduce to the rotating speed of the driven pad.

Abstract: A motorized venetian blind system for covering a window of a space comprising a blind drive unit having two motors to provide for independent control of a position of a bottom rail via a lift cord and a tilt angle of a plurality of slats of the blind system. The blind drive unit has a headrail with a side panel and at least one of the motors is between between the side panel and the lift cord. The blind drive unit also has a spring-wrap brake. The blind drive unit is operable to adjust the position of the bottom rail to a preset position, and to adjust the tilt angle of the slats to a preset angle in response to receiving a single digital message (e.g., a preset command).

Abstract: The present invention relates to a roller blind device, which comprises a special curtain. The roller blind device also comprises a first circular tube for fixing the upper end of the special curtain and a second circular tube for fixing the lower end of the special curtain. A torsion spiral which is capable of rolling up the special curtain and a stop means for lifting the second circular tube are arranged in the second circular tube. Such structure ensures that the roller blind device can roll up a plurality of roller blind curtains or show one of the plurality of roller blind curtains.

Abstract: A sunshade includes a roller, a screen wound on the roller, a torque unit, and a latch unit. The torque unit is mounted in the roller, extends outwardly of the roller, and is disposed for urging movement of the screen to a wound state. The latch unit includes a plug disposed in the roller and formed with a pin hole, a pin member, and a biasing member disposed in the roller. The pin member has a main portion (521) extending movably through the pin hole, a diameter-enlarged portion disposed in the roller and connected fixedly to the main portion, and a shoulder portion formed between the main portion and the diameter-enlarged portion and biased by the biasing member to abut resiliently against the plug.

Abstract: A window covering with improved controls enhances several aspects of window covering operation. A control mechanism provides a clutch module for selective locking and unlocking of a drive shaft used to retract and extend the shade element between storage and extended positions. The clutch module includes a reciprocator element that engages a key extending from an outer surrounding housing. A locking member between the reciprocator element and a coupling element carried by the drive shaft selectively locks and unlocks rotational coupling between the reciprocator element and the coupling element, thus selectively locking and unlocking the drive shaft. In a cushioning mechanism, a unidirectional dampening or frictional deceleration is provided for the drive shaft. The cushioning mechanism includes an impeller or rotor immersed in a cushion medium that impedes rotation of the rotor, and hence the drive shaft to which the rotor is coupled.

Abstract: A retractable high-reflectivity wall provides improved lighting conditions for growing plants. The wall is retractable, so that it does not get in the way when the user wishes to work in the grow area. The wall can also be retracted so that it is easier to move, carry, reposition, resize, and/or remove as needed. The wall may be implemented as a sheet including a reflective surface adhered or otherwise mounted onto a flexible backing such as a vinyl surface for additional support/reinforcement. The resulting flexible reflective wall is mounted onto a roller assembly which allows the wall to be extended or retracted. A support bar can be affixed to the roller assembly via brackets or other hardware. The entire apparatus can be suspended from or affixed to a ceiling, wall, fixture, or other object, or it can be supported by a stand or other assembly.

Abstract: A roll blind is provided which can guarantee a simple operation. The roll blind includes: a supporting frame disposed in a window frame; first and second winding bars rotatably disposed in the supporting frame; a winding driver rotationally driving one of the first and second winding bars; first and second screens coupled to the first and second winding bars, respectively; a weight bar to which the tower ends of the first and second screens are fixed; and a clutch unit binding and unbinding the first and second winding bars with respect to each other.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a screen rolling device, which includes a winding roller, an inner shaft, at least one metal strip roll and a screen. The inner shaft is located in the winding roller. The metal strip roll is wound around the inner shaft and has a first end and a second end. The first end is fixed to the inner shaft, and the second end drives the winding roller to rotate relatively to the inner shaft. The screen is wound around the winding roller and has a first end and a second end. The first end is fixed to the winding roller, and the second end is a free end. Therefore, the length of the screen pulled down by a user is the desired length and does not need further adjustment.

Abstract: An improved curtain rolling buffer apparatus mainly includes a rolling means mounted to a left end of the track to allow the curtain hanging below the track to be extended by pulling once and retracted by pulling another time. A buffer means is located on the right end of the track and has a bushing housing a spring. When to extend or retract the curtain, the spring is turned clockwise and extended outwards, and runs idle outside an axle, and the elastic force of the spring is small than the pressure of lube oil so that the curtain is easier to be extended. On the contrary, when the spring is turned counterclockwise, it is tightened and drives the bushing to rotate together.

Abstract: The present invention is a roller clutch assembly for a roller blind which operates smoothly and quietly. The roller clutch assembly includes an elongated roller tube having first and second opposite ends and a clutch coaxially mounted to the first end of the tube. The clutch has a peripheral section rotatably mounted to a fixed hub, the peripheral section being mounted to the tube such that the tube is free to rotate. The assembly also includes an elongated rod mounted within the roller tube, the rod having opposite first and second ends, the first end of the rod being mounted to the hub of the clutch. A mount is rotatably attached to the second end of the rod for mounting the rod within the tube such that the tube and rod are substantially coaxially aligned.

Abstract: The object of the present invention is an end stop device for blind-rolling shafts that can be used for a wide range of blinds regardless of their length, as well as having a high breaking strength as a helical cylindrical pinion must only engage an endless gear, so that its lifetime measured in number of cycles resisting fatigue is very high, as well as having a special construction of the helical cylindrical pinion formed by two parts, as well as of the assembly meant to determine the end of run, which has a counter for the number of turns made by the blinds shaft.

Abstract: A storm protector (20) to be attachable over a window (21) or other opening of a building (22) includes a header (26), a bottom sill (25) and side frames (23, 24) extending between the ends of the header (26) and the sill (25). The header (26) carries a tube (53) which has one end of a curtain assembly (27) attached thereto. The curtain assembly (27)is biased by a spring (54) to be normally coiled on the tube (53), but the curtain assembly (27) may be manually moved along the frames (23, 24) to the sill (25) to cover the window opening (21). A bar (31) is formed at the other end of the curtain assembly (27), and the bar (31) carries a guide and lock assembly (110) which rides in and can engage at least one of the side frames (23, 24) to guide and selectively hold the curtain assembly (27) at any selected position along the side frames (23, 24). A tensioning assembly (32) is positioned in the header (26) and, without disassembling the protector (20), it may be accessed to adjust the tension of the spring (54).

Abstract: A sheet-like element winding apparatus has an accommodating case 1, at one end portion of which a cap 2 is attached to, and also has a winding shaft 3, disposed in the accommodating case 1, for winding a sheet-like element, and a pushing means for rotating and pushing the winding shaft in a direction in which the sheet-like element is wound. A clutch mechanism is provided at an end portion of the winding shaft. When a sheet-like element is wound, the winding shaft is connected through the clutch mechanism to a damping means D1 for providing a damping force to the winding shaft. When a sheet-like element is drawn out, the connection between the winding shaft and the damping means is canceled through the clutch mechanism.

Abstract: A secure hand-held prayer scroll is provided for creating and retaining writings such as prayers. A replaceable paper webbing is retained on, and in use unwound from, a rotary spool within a hollow housing. To rewind the paper webbing onto the spool, a locking wheel is unlocked by use of a button. A retraction spring and comfort spring balance the return force of the paper webbing. A pen may be stored within the article for writing purposes in use. A key activates a locking device to prevent unwanted release of the paper webbing.

Abstract: A retractable seat cover for providing temporary protection to a seat, such as an automotive seat or piece of furniture, includes a housing, a roll of fabric, a retraction mechanism, and a strap. The housing has a slit for enabling the fabric to be extended from the housing through the slit or be retracted into the housing through the slit. The fabric, which may be waterproof, moisture repellent and/or have anti-bacterial properties for providing additional protection to the seat, is used to cover the upholstery of the seat. The retraction mechanism includes a spring roller mechanism and a button for controlling rotation of the roll of fabric. The strap is attached to a top portion of the fabric and is used to secure the seat cover to the seat, such as a headrest of an automobile or the top of a piece of furniture.

Abstract: A method is disclosed of installing a barrier device at a passageway. The method includes attaching a barrier housing containing a retractable barrier to a structural element on one side of the passageway, extending the barrier a desired distance from the barrier housing, with the barrier so extended, setting an extension limit of the barrier to prevent subsequent extension of the barrier beyond the desired distance from the barrier housing and, with the extension limit set, retracting the barrier into the housing. The set extension limit can permit subsequent retraction and re-extension of the barrier up to the set extension limit.

Abstract: To provide a sheet take-up device for a projection screen and the like, said device being capable of simplifying the device in structure by omitting a one-way clutch and reducing components in number and capable of smoothly drawing out and taking up a sheet.

Abstract: A roller for a roller blind in the shape of a tube (T) comprising a mechanism known per se is braked by means of friction, in that a compression spring (7) is compressed when the blind is pulled down and establishes a force between a collar (6) on the non-rotating rod (2) of the roller blind, and a nut (8) which is rotated by the tube. The nut has a shoulder (8a) which cooperates with a corresponding shoulder (14) at the end of the non-rotating rod. An alternative spring force is obtained by means of a piston in an air cylinder in which a calibrated exhaust opening for the air reduces the braking action when rotation is slow.

Abstract: A roller for a roller blind in the shape of a tube (T) comprising a mechanism known per se is braked by means of friction, in that a compression spring (7) is compressed when the blind is pulled down and establishes a force between a collar (6) on the non-rotating rod (2) of the roller blind, and a nut (8) which is rotated by the tube. The nut has a shoulder (8a) which cooperates with a corresponding shoulder (14) at the end of the non-rotating rod. An alternative spring force is obtained by means of a piston in an air cylinder in which a calibrated exhaust opening for the air reduces the braking action when rotation is slow.

Abstract: An awning is attached to and wound on a spring loaded roller. The roller rotates on shafts secured to shaft mounts at each end. The shaft mount is secured on the end of a support arm. A crank has a two prong engagement member that fits in a slot of the shaft mount. The shaft mount is released from the support arm and the crank is turned to adjust spring force in the roller.

Abstract: A hub provided at an end of a roller rotates with the roller. A stationary cap mounted to an axle of the roller is positioned adjacent the hub. A pawl pivots on the cap and is movable to engage gears on the hub. The pawl has two abutment surfaces mounted. The pawl pivots between a first position wherein one of the abutment surfaces engages the geared surface to prevent rotation of the hub in a first direction and a second position wherein the other abutment surfaces engages the geared surface to prevent rotation of the hub in a second direction.

Abstract: A locking device (38) for locking a hollow longitudinally extending tubular roller (12) of a shade (16) of an architectural covering (1) releasably in any unwound position of the shade. The locking device (38) includes a center shaft (28) concentrically arranged within the roller and a return spring (32), capable of being operatively interposed between the roller (12) and the center shaft (28), for biasing the roller (12) towards a fully wound position of the shade (16). It also includes a disc (42) rotatably mounted on the center shaft (28) radially adjacent a first portion (12A) of the length of a circumferential inner surface of the roller (12) and a plurality of detent projections (82, 86) integrally formed on a second portion (12B) of the length of the inner surface of the roller (12). A cam member (44) is mounted on the center shaft (28), so as to be able to carry out sliding movement transversely, preferably laterally, of the center shaft (28), between two end positions.

Abstract: A hub provided at an end of a roller rotates with the roller. A stationary cap mounted to an axle of the roller is positioned adjacent the hub. A pawl pivots on the cap and is movable to engage gears on the hub. The pawl has two abutment surfaces mounted. The pawl pivots between a first position wherein one of the abutment surfaces engages the geared surface to prevent rotation of the hub in a first direction and a second position wherein the other abutment surfaces engages the geared surface to prevent rotation of the hub in a second direction.

Abstract: An adjustable electric sunshade for an automobile has a hollow housing; two covers respectively provided on the both sides of the housing and each having a first ratchet formed therein; a winder provided in the housing and driven by a motor; two elbows pivotally mounted in the housing and each having a second ratchet opposing the first ratchet; two handles respectively pivotally mounted on fingers of the elbows extending out from the covers and each having a protrusion which can ensure the engagement of the first and second ratchets; two flexible arms respectively provided on the elbows; a curtain wound on the winder on one end and attached to the flexible arms on another end. The curtain can be extended by the flexible arms. Turning the handles to release the protrusions can disengage the first ratchet from the second ratchet, so that the elbows can be pivoted to adjust the curtain's angle. By this, the sunshade can be adapted to various rear windows.

Abstract: A cassette blind with a weighting profile at the lower end of a set of blinds and a blind drive, in which coupling elements with a winding shaft mounted in the cassette profile. Complementary coupling elements with a drive member and complementary coupling elements at a pin which can be stationarily fastened are arranged, wherein coupling elements of the drive member and of the winding shaft mutually engage each other during a rotary movement of the drive member in the winding-up direction of the blinds, and coupling elements of the winding shaft and of the pin mutually engage each other in the opposite direction. The coupling elements at the winding shaft are arranged rotatably over a predetermined angle against spring action in the winding-up direction of the blinds in order to achieve a torsionally elastic tensioning of the weighting profile at the cassette profile at the end of the winding-up movement of the blinds.

Abstract: A wind-shield blind system to thermally insulate the windshield of a car. The system includes a spindle tube with a spindle tube mechanism which allows the blind to extend only, preventing the blind from being accidentally rewound by locking the spindle tube in a stationary position at any of a plurality of positions in its range of extension. The spindle tube mechanism includes a push block which, when activated, causes the blind to be automatically rewound.

Abstract: A wind-shield blind having a hollow spindle having a first end in which a tubular plug fits and a second end in which a second plug fits, a shaft inserted in the spindle through the tubular plug, a spring having a first end attached to a bifurcate end of the shaft and a second end attached to the tubular plug, a first terminal element connected with a flat end of the shaft, a second terminal element connected with the first terminal element by a connecting element, and a switch. The second plug has a ratchet from which a pole co-axially protrudes. The second terminal element has a wall surrounding a disk defining a slot, a ratchet, and a hole. The second plug is biased toward the second terminal element by the spring, thereby urging the ratchet of the second plug to engage with the ratchet of the second terminal element to retain an opaque film at any desired positions while the pole passes through the hole. A switch has a button from which a cylinder protrudes and defines a rim enclosing a smooth cavity.

Abstract: An improved winding apparatus for a roller blind is disclosed. The winding apparatus includes a clutch mechanism provided between the winding roller and the cord pulley for transmitting rotation of the pulley to rotation of the winding roller. The clutch mechanism is arranged to prevent the urging mechanism from rotating the winding roller when the cord is not handled. It also allows the pulley to rotate a predetermined angle in a screen lifting direction when the cord is operated to lift the screen. At this point, the urging mechanism is permitted to rotate the winding roller in the screen lifting direction. Additionally, when the pulley is rotated by the cord in a screen lowering direction the pulley is first allowed to rotate freely for a predetermined angle. Thereafter, the screen lowering motion of the cord is transmitted through said pulley to said winding roller to lower the screen.

Abstract: In the roller screen unit of the present invention, a clutch mechanism based on centrifugal effect using balls is provided with a ratchet member in which a cylindrical portion having notches between engaging grooves of a stator member and floating grooves of a rotator member, to perform stepwise operations of drawing/expanding, winding/housing and stopping the screen member. The roller screen unit of the present invention is provided with a braking mechanism having a top member, for controlling rotation of the rotator member during winding/housing of the screen member, centrifugally in contact with the inner peripheral surface of the rotator member. In addition, a connecting portion having side edge turnups or beads portion is provided at an end of the screen member and are engaged with groove provided in the longitudinal direction of the roller sleeve to simplify and facilitate to attach the screen member to the roller sleeve.

Abstract: A wind-shield blind system for insulating heat transfer into a car comprises a roller blind carried by a roller blind mechanism having a ratcheting mechanism which allows the roller blind to extend only and prevents it from being accidentally rewound so as to lock the roller blind stationary with respect to the roller at any of a plurality of positions along its extension. The roller blind mechanism can be released from the effect of the ratcheting mechanism by pressing a control stem to automatically rewind the roller blind.

Abstract: A continuously unfurlable car window shade includes a shaft having a first end coupled with a ratchet wheel formed with a control button, and a second end coupled with a knob. A window shade is attached to the shaft and rolled therearound. A spring having a first end coupled with the shaft, and a second end coupled with a rod, winds along the rod. A shell encases the shaft. An end cap having a rectangular well holds the rod. A control cap having a pawl that can be used to engage with the ratchet wheel holds the shaft. While a user pulls down the window, the ratchet wheel slides on the pawl. The rotational shaft then rotates, thus loading the spring, and unfurls the window shade. After unfurling the window shade to a desired length, the user releases the window shade. The tension pulls the knob, thus forcing the ratchet wheel to engage with the pawl, thus locking the window shade unfurled to the desired length. When wishing to furl the window shade the user just pushes the control button.

Abstract: A roller blind comprising a horizontal roller for supporting the blind and mounted for rotation about its own axis, a blind having an upper edge fixed to the roller and a free lower edge, resilient means tending to bias the roller towards a position in which the blind is rolled up, and a centrifugal-mass brake for slowing the rotation of the roller during rolling up of the blind. The centrifugal-mass brake is carried by a fixed support structure outside the roller and the rotor of the brake is connected to the roller through the interposition of step-up wheels and a one-way clutch device adapted to break the connection between the rotor of the brake and the roller when the blind is lowered, the one-way clutch device and the step-up wheels also being carried by the fixed support structure, outside the roller.

Abstract: A slide latch mechanism for use in a retractable awning wherein a rafter arm has one end adapted to slide along a support arm includes a pocket at the upper end of the support arm into which the slide member can be received to temporarily retain the slide member at the upper end of a support arm. The slide member retained in this manner, prevents an inadvertent collapse of the awning.

Abstract: An awning roller with a two-position, bi-directional locking mechanism. In the first position, rotation of the roller is permitted in a clockwise direction, but prevented in a counterclockwise direction. The second position allows rotation in a counterclockwise direction, but not in a clockwise direction. The roller comprises an outwardly facing pinion gear at one end of the roller. A pawl is rotatably mounted adjacent the pinion gear to interact with the teeth so as to control the direction of rotation of the roller as described above. The pawl can be repositioned relative to the ratchet disc to change the locking mechanism from its first position to its second position and back again.

Abstract: Apparatus is provided for controlling the positioning of an awning relative to a recreational vehicle. The apparatus includes a rotary shaft and a roller mounted on the shaft in concentric relationship with the shaft for rotation with the shaft. An annular cap and a brake member are also mounted on the shaft at one end of the shaft in concentric relationship with the shaft. The brake member may be disposed within the cap. A control member such as a eccentric is disposed on the shaft in eccentric relationship with the cap and is rotatable to first, second and third positions. The eccentric is disposed in the first position in cooperative relationship with the brake member to provide for a rotation of the brake member in a first direction for winding the awning on the roller and to inhibit the brake member against rotation in a second direction for unwinding the awning from the roller.