Abstract: A roller shade actuation device includes two actuators arranged in a winding drum, a shaft inserted into the winding drum, and a transmission mechanism. Each actuator includes a housing fixed to the winding drum, a rotary power member arranged in the housing, a driving gear fixed to an output shaft of the rotary power member and coaxial with the output shaft, and a first transmission gear rotatably mounted to the housing and meshed with the driving gear. The actuators are connected linearly in sequence. The driving gear of one actuator adjacent to the transmission mechanism is transmission-matched with and connected to the transmission mechanism, and the driving gears of the remaining actuators are meshed with the first transmission gears of neighboring actuators adjacent to the transmission mechanism. The actuators are connected in series to form an actuator combination through the driving gears and the first transmission gears.

Abstract: A multistate resistance adjusting device for a non-pull cord window blind includes a base, an adjusting unit, and an elastic member. The base has a bottom trough provided on the periphery thereof with positioning grooves. The adjusting unit has a control pin provided with a transmission portion rotatable and vertically movable on the base and a positioning portion provided on the outer peripheral surface of the transmission portion and connected with an adjusting rod. When the positioning portion is engaged with one of the positioning grooves, the control pin is disabled from rotating relative to the base and adjusting the resistance applied on the lift transmission cord. When the control pin is moved upwardly to separate the positioning portion thereof from the positioning groove, the control pin is rotatable relative to the base, and the resistance applied on the lift transmission cord is adjustable through the adjusting rod.

Abstract: An architectural covering assembly includes a rotatable roller tube, a covering coupled to the rotatable roller tube, and first and second limit screws each having respective first and second ends. The second end of the first limit screw can engage the first end of the second limit screw. One of the limit screws is rotationally and axially fixed with respect to an end plate. The other of the limit screws is movable between rotationally locked and rotationally unlocked positions with respect to the end plate. Limit nuts are threadably coupled to external threads of the limit screws. In the rotationally locked position the one of the limit screws is axially and rotationally fixed with respect to the end plate, and in the rotationally unlocked position the other of the limit screws is rotationally movable with respect to the end plate to adjust an extension or retraction limit of the covering.

Abstract: A roller shade including a flexible sheet member having opposite parallel first and second edges, and a roller shaft rotatable in each of two opposite directions of rotation. The flexible sheet member being attached along its first edge to the roller shaft, while the second edge of the flexible sheet member is freely depending from the roller shaft. The roller shade further comprises a counterbalancing device for balancing a portion of the flexible sheet member that is unwound from the roller shaft. This counterbalancing device has means for storing a variable torque that is complementary to a variable weight of the portion of flexible sheet member that is depending from the roller shaft. The means for storing variable torque includes a helically wound tension spring operatively interposed between a stationary central rod and the roller shaft.

Abstract: A spring-driven reel is adapted to include a gear assembly, and a reel assembly operatively coupled to at least one gear of the gear assembly. The spring-driven reel can also include at least one spring assembly. The spring assembly can include a screw member and a non-rotatable nut moveably mounted to the screw member.

Abstract: In a screen device, to provide a screen device in which a roller pipe includes a revolving shaft 5 on which a coil spring 6 is wound integrated therein, connected to a rotator 52 rotatably disposed with respect to a stator 51 connected to a lower end of the revolving shaft, and is rotatably stored in a housing frame, the stator includes a plurality of radially arranged claws 53, holding portions 57 arranged radially on a lower surface portion of a cap member 55 which is detachably disposed at a lower end of the housing frame corresponding to the claws of the stator are disposed, the holding portions each have a holding space 58 for receiving the claw in the interior thereof, the holding space is opened outward at one end on the side of receiving the claw and closed at the other end to allow adjustment of initial winding of a coil spring integrated in a roller pipe and superior in opening-and-closing operability of a screen and manner it is retracted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a weight compensation device for a drive of a lifting door, for the position-dependent compensation of the weight force of a door leaf of the lifting door, with a force transmission unit which can be coupled to the drive in order to carry out an opening movement which raises the door leaf and a closing movement which lowers the door leaf, wherein at least one compression spring is provided which is arranged in such a way that it supports the opening movement. The invention also relates to a lifting door, in particular an industrial lifting door, which has a door leaf, with a drive, such as a motor, and with a weight compensation device according to the invention.

Abstract: Provided is a retractable safety gate and locking mechanism for a retractable safety gate that employs a spline lock and spline geometry for extending and locking the gate in an immovable position, and an air check valve and compression spring as a time delay for retracting the gate.

Abstract: A motor spring assembly for use in a sun shade assembly in a vehicle comprises a motor spring housing and a bracket integral with and extending from the housing. The assembly also comprises a cover arranged over one side of the housing and a motor spring arranged within the housing. The assembly further comprises a shaft in contact with the motor spring wherein the shaft rotates with respect to the housing. The assembly also includes a connector arranged over an end of the shaft. The motor spring assembly generally will be arranged and secured within a guide rail of a sun shade assembly thus allowing for a more robust and durable sun shade assembly within an automotive vehicle.

Abstract: A chain control device for inhibiting movement of chains used in window blinds, shades and the like for moving the blinds between operative positions. The chain control device is secured at a location remote from the shades' clutch/drive housing. The chain control device is characterized by redirecting tension forces applied by the user of the blinds away from the shade drive.

Abstract: A roller shade is provided. The roller shade may include: a roller; an axle located in the roller; an adjustable counterbalancing mechanism configured to counter balance a rotation of the roller wherein the counterbalancing mechanism is configured to impart a rotational force on the roller and the rotational force is adjusted by rotating the axle; and a locking mechanism attached to the roller and configured to lock the axle at a given angular orientation, wherein the locking mechanism includes a shear pin. A method of tensioning a counterbalancing mechanism may also be provided. The method may include: mounting the counterbalancing mechanism to a shaft; mounting the lock wheel to the shaft; turning the shaft to tension the counterbalancing mechanism; and inserting a shear pin into a hole in the lock wheel to lock the shaft in place.

Abstract: A power assist module for use in roller tube driven products, such as roller shades. The module may be pre-wound prior to installation in a roller tube and retains its pre-wound condition, even after use, when removed from the roller tube.

Abstract: A spring drive device is for use with a sunshade assembly which includes a coupling shaft coaxial to and rotatable with a winding shaft and formed with a guided path. The spring drive device includes a spring member disposed in and connected to a shell unit. A connecting shaft is formed with a guideway which has an initial region engaged with the spring member, such that when the connecting shaft is moved along a coupling route, the guideway is kept in slidable engagement with the spring member until a relay region of the guideway reaches the spring member. The connecting shaft is engageable with the coupling shaft to align the guided path with the guideway such that when the movement of the connecting shaft is continued after the relay region reaches the spring member, the guided path is brought to take over the slidable engagement with the spring member.

Abstract: A device that can be used as an advertising display device, an information display device or as a shade or screen that has novel ways to charge the sheet retraction spring, novel ways to prevent tampering with the charge on the spring once the device in operation and that may utilize a pull bar which allows identification of information on the sheet while in a rolled-up state without an additional label.

Abstract: Disclosed is a retractable weatherproof blind that extends across an existing railing system of a deck or balcony. The device originates from a first spindle and connects an outstretched length of blind to a second spindle to afford weather protection and privacy. The device is quickly deployable, thereby enabling users to enjoy the sun, breeze and the view, or to provide a level of privacy and protection therefrom as desired. The device can be installed without modification to the existing deck or balcony railing, and can be quickly set up or taken down as desired. The present invention may be used on residential and commercial decks and balconies, including either tubular spindle railings or on glass railing systems.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cordless blind structure including a blind body further comprising a batten and a shade having an end disposed at an outer edge of the batten; a first end holder movably disposed at a first end of the batten; a second end holder movably disposed at a second end of the batten; and a limiting mechanism disposed between the blind body and the second end holder, the limiting mechanism including a resilient unit and an axial unit, the resilient unit being movably disposed at the second end holder, and the axial unit being movably disposed at the second end holder, controllably coupled to the resilient unit, and coupled to the second end of the batten. The shade is lifted or lowered by exerting a force thereon in conjunction with the limiting mechanism so as to ensure ease of use and enhance user safety.

Abstract: A pick-up style utility vehicle according to the present invention has a front seat, a rear seat, a cargo bed expandable forward, and a screen shield arranged at the front end of the cargo bed. The cargo bed is position changeable between an expanded state and a non-expanded state. A winding device for the screen shield is provided on a front panel. The screen shield is made of a net material having flexibility, for example. One end of the screen shield is windably supported by the winding device. The other end of the screen shield has an engaging portion. A first engaged portion for a non-expanded position and a second engaged portion for an expanded position are provided in the cabin frame.

Abstract: A sunshade assembly includes a sunscreen having opposed longitudinal edges which are provided with guide strips which are substantially rigid in transverse direction. Opposed longitudinal guiderails each include a guide channel section defining a guide channel in which the respective guide strip is accommodated when the sunscreen is moved between open and closed positions. The guide channel of each guide rail is bound on the side facing the opposite guiderail by a guide flange supporting the lower side of the sunscreen. A part of the guide channel supports the guide strip on its side remote from the sunscreen. A biasing member acts between at least one of the guide strips and the corresponding guide channel section to bias the guide strip at least on its edge adjacent the sunscreen in a direction away from the guide flange.

Abstract: A spring tensioning unit for a roll-up closure, the closure having a pair of end plates and an axle rotatably mounted on the endplates. A drum for carrying a closure is rotatably mounted on the axle, and a tensioning coil spring is mounted on the axle and connected between the axle and the drum. The tensioning unit has a ratchet wheel fixedly mounted on the axle adjacent one end plate, the wheel having spaced apart teeth. A stop member is slidably mounted on the one end plate with a stop tab cooperating with the teeth on the wheel to stop rotation of the wheel in a direction reducing tension on the spring. A lever is mounted between the wheel and the end plate, the lever having a lever tab for cooperating with the wheel, the lever movable on the axle to position the lever tab against a tooth and to then rotate the tooth, and the axle, in a direction to increase tension on the spring.

Abstract: There is provided a spring assisted electric motor driven lifting mechanism for lifting and lowering a blind which permits the quick and easy matching of the spring assist pre-rotation to the torque output of the electric motor. The device includes an elongated cylinder coupled to the blind such that rotating the cylinder about its axis lifts and lowers the blind. Coupled to the elongated cylinder is an electric motor which is configured to rotate the elongated cylinder about its axis. A torsion spring is coupled to the cylinder for biasing the elongated cylinder to at least partially neutralize the weight of the blind. The torsion spring is in turn coupled to a spring preload adjuster which is configured to adjust the tension on the torsion spring by moving an adjustment member. The spring preload adjuster is further configured such that the adjustment member extends perpendicularly away from the axis of the elongated cylinder.

Abstract: The lift motor comprises at least one motor unit releasably connected to at least one spool unit. The spool unit comprises a spool for winding a cord and a gear operatively connected to the spool. The motor unit comprises a spring motor having a gear for engaging the gear of the spool. A window covering comprises a head rail supporting a motor as set forth above that supports a shade panel by the cord. A method of assembling a window covering comprises constructing a head rail having an internal space for receiving a motor. A motor is assembled based on the shade panel to be supported. The motor is inserted into the head rail and the cord is attached to or near the bottom or top of the shade panel.

Abstract: A door system (10) including, a door (D) movably mounted on a track assembly (15), a counterbalance system (20) connected to the door and having at least one spring (25), a tool adapter (26) proximate at least one end of the counterbalance system, a detachable winding assembly (30) adapted to selectively engage and selectively rotate the tool adapter to adjust tensioning of the spring, and a locking assembly (36) interacting with the counterbalance system to maintain a selected tensioning of the counterbalance system upon detaching the winding assembly from the tool adapter.

Abstract: A window shade arrangement for a motor vehicle is provided that contains a housing in which a winding shaft is rotatably supported. A strip shaped shade element is fixed on the winding shaft. The cover of the window shade housing is formed by a spring housing. A coil spring for tensioning the winding shaft in the wind up direction of the strip shaped shade is seated in the spring housing. The spring housing, the spring seated therein and a coupling shaft form a preassembled unit.

Abstract: A winding assembly used in conjunction with a door having a counterbalance system operable to offset the weight of the door, the counterbalance system including an axle rotatably supported on a pair of support brackets located at each side of the door and a counterbalance spring adapted to apply a counterbalancing force to the door.

Abstract: A horizontal-pulling roll screen door for which the right/left hand can be set or changed easily and safely even by a layman and in a screen door in which a net wound up by a winding shaft of a movable stile is made capable of opening/closing by horizontal pulling. First and second caps rotatably supporting the winding shaft are mounted at the both ends of the movable stile capable of replacement by each other. A lock mechanism which can hold a locked state as necessary is provided between a connecting cylindrical shaft connected to the winding shaft and an intermediate support member connected to the first or the second cap unrotatably and removably. Rotation of the winding shaft by an urging force of a winding spring is prevented by this lock mechanism even when the both caps are removed for assembling or change of the right/left hand.

Abstract: A spring tensioning unit for a roll-up closure, the closure having a pair of end plates and an axle rotatably mounted on the endplates. A drum for carrying a closure is rotatably mounted on the axle, and a tensioning coil spring is mounted on the axle and connected between the axle and the drum. The tensioning unit has a ratchet wheel fixedly mounted on the axle adjacent one end plate, the wheel having spaced apart teeth. A stop member is slidably mounted on the one end plate with a stop tab cooperating with the teeth on the wheel to stop rotation of the wheel in a direction reducing tension on the spring. A lever is mounted between the wheel and the end plate, the lever having a lever tab for cooperating with the wheel, the lever movable on the axle to position the lever tab against a tooth and to then rotate the tooth, and the axle, in a direction to increase tension on the spring.

Abstract: A screen includes: a screen body having flexibility, and onto which an image light is projected; a first support member including a screen wind-up section that supports either one of end portions orthogonal to the vertical direction of the screen body and winds up the screen body, and a base body that supports the screen wind-up section; a second support member that supports the other end portion; a column provided upright to the base body; and a retention hook that is attached to the column, and holds the second support member.

Abstract: A retractable screen device including a screen frame formed by upper and lower frame members and right and left side frames, each having a fixed cross section along its entire axis, and corner linking members linking the ends of the frame members and side frames together at four corners of the screen frame. One of a pair of corner linking members situated at the ends of the side frame carrying a screen winding shaft includes a winding mechanism that is movable into and out of the winding shaft to cause the winding shaft to wind a screen thereon with aid of an adjustable spring force, while the other corner linking member includes a stopper mechanism that is movable into and out of the winding shaft to define an adjustable limit to a degree of unwinding of the screen from the winding shaft.

Abstract: A control apparatus for positioning and counterbalancing an amount of flexible blind material wound onto or unwound from a rotatable shaft of a windable covering such as a blind. The apparatus includes a main body and a variable torque device, at least partially fitted within the main body, having means of achieving a variable torque to prevent rotation of the shaft due to a variable weight of blind material hanging from the shaft in any position between a wound position and an unwound position of the blind material defining full travel of the windable covering.

Abstract: The invention relates to a roller blind arrangement, in particular for use in a vehicle, with a winding shaft (10) which extends in a main direction of extent (2), is in the form of a hollow tube and is intended for receiving an unwindable flexible sheetlike structure, a winding spring (12) which is inserted into the winding shaft (10), is designed as a helical spring and extends in the main direction of extent, and a damping profile (20) which extends in the main direction of extent (2) and is arranged in an annular space (16) between the winding shaft (10) and the winding spring (12). According to the invention, the damping profile (20) is designed in such a manner that it bears with outer contact sections (24) against an inner side of the winding shaft (10) and with inner contact sections (22) against an outer side of the winding spring (12). Use, in particular roller blind arrangements in vehicles, for example for coverings of the boot.

Abstract: The invention relates to a mechanism comprising at least one spring (3) for compensating the weight of a closing screen, said spring (3) being fixed, at one of its ends (32), to a ring (6) which is rotatably arranged around a shaft (4) having a circular cross-section. A stop spring (7) which is arranged around the shaft (4) ensures a one-way coupling between the ring (6) and the shaft (4), means (8) being provided for controlling the centripetal effort exerted on said shaft (4) by the stop spring (7).

Abstract: An operation group for use with a curtain winding roll is described relative to a first embodiment and a second embodiment (G1, G2), the first for automatically and the second for manually winding up curtains. According to the first embodiment (G1), the operation group includes a mechanism (1), connected to a head (3a) of a curtain winding roll (3). A stop device (90) defines a hub (9) connected to the remaining winding roll head. According to the second embodiment (G2), the operation group has instead a pulley (95) defining the hub (9). The mechanism (1) is operated by first sliding the barrel (5), connected to a first elastic element (2) situated inside the roll (3), axially to disengage a clutch (7), and then by rotating the barrel in one direction or another. When the mechanism is released, a second elastic element (6) slides the barrel (5) back, to re-engage the clutch (7). Adapter rings (30,300) allow use of the operation group with rolls (3) of different diameters.

Abstract: An information presentation device and methods for mounting a display sheet to the device. The device includes an elongate housing having a first opening through which the display sheet passes. The display sheet is wound onto a drum within the housing. A releasable attachment arrangement in the form of an attachment strip to which a display sheet can be affixed and a receiving slot in the drum permits a display sheet to be attached to and removed from the information presentation device without the need to disassemble the device.

Abstract: A winding system for winding a rolling door assembly. The winding system includes a support bracket, first and second gears. The support bracket is preferably rigidly connectable to a fixed structure of the rolling door assembly, and has a receiving device and a supporting device. The first gear is pivotally mounted about the receiving device of the support bracket and rotatable thereabout along opposite first and second directions of rotation. The second gear is pivotally mounted about the supporting device of the support bracket and rotatable thereabout along opposite first and second directions of rotation. The first gear is operatively connected to a corresponding end of the counterbalancing spring of the rolling door assembly.

Abstract: A spring tensioning mechanism incorporating a frame having a substantially-planar main panel and a bore passing therethrough, and an axle disposed orthogonally to the substantially-planar main panel and passing through the bore. A spring is disposed around the axle. An outboard plate, disposed about the axle, is secured to the frame. The outboard plate incorporates a clocking feature. An inboard plate, having a clocking feature mated to the clocking feature of the outboard plate, is connected to the end of the spring.

Abstract: A retractable flexible screen for installation to a frame of a fenestration product, the frame having opposite pairs of frame members. The flexible screen extending and retracting across an opening in the fenestration product and including flexible screen material and a roller system upon which the screen material is unwound and wound. The roller system mounting to a pair of mounting brackets, each attachable to one of the pairs of frame members. A control bar connects to the screen material and moves along a pair of tracks each mountable to the same pair of frame members, the screen material extending from the roller system to one of the other pair of frame members. A gripper system mounts in the tracks and grips the screen material in a closed flexible screen. A spring tensioning system provides post-installation access to adjust the tension of a spring within the roller system.

Abstract: A ratcheting system is used to wind a helical torsion spring around a torsion bar in a counterbalancing mechanism for an overhead door having multiple panel sections. The ratcheting system contains: (1) a cylindrical sleeve encompassing the torsion bar, the sleeve having longitudinal channels and being secured to the torsion bar at the winding end of the torsion spring; (2) a winding cone adapted to fit over the cylindrical sleeve and having a cone-shaped section connected to the winding end of the torsion spring, a plurality of radial openings for receiving winding bars, a first threaded radial opening containing a set screw, and a second threaded radial opening containing a pull pin, the pull pin having a spring-biased beveled projection that extends inwardly from the winding cone to contact the longitudinal channels of the cylindrical sleeve.

Abstract: A tensioning assembly for a door system, which includes an upwardly acting door supported by a frame and connected to a counterbalance system having a counterbalance spring, the tensioning assembly including a rotatable tension plate coupled to the counterbalance spring and rotatable relative to the counterbalance spring, the tension plate being selectively moveable between a disengaged position where the tension plate is freely rotatable and an engaged position where the tension plate is rotationally fixed to the frame; and a spring adapted to urge the tension plate toward the engaged position, whereby when in the disengaged position the tension plate is rotatable to adjust tension in the counterbalance spring and the tension plate is returned to the engaged position to maintain the tension.

Abstract: A retractable screen door for drawing a flexible screen panel across an opening, including a flexible screen wound around a spring biased take-up shaft, and guide rails for guiding the screen as it is moved across the opening. A unique latch mechanism is disclosed, said latch mechanism being located in the guide rails. Further, the screen may include an adjustable gear assembly for changing the tension on the spring. The retractable screen is optionally designed to have the appearance of a common door casing.

Abstract: A rolling door including an axle supported by end brackets, a plurality of drum wheels mounted on the axle, a multi-section door adapted to be selectively rolled and unrolled about the drum wheels, a gear wheel mounted on the axle proximate to one of the end brackets, a spring retainer associated with the gear wheel, a torsion spring having a first end operatively attached to the multi-section door and a second end attached to the spring retainer, a pivotally mounted pawl selectively engaging the gear wheel to maintain a selected counterbalance force setting and disengaging the gear wheel to permit adjustment of the counterbalance force setting, and a locking assembly carried on the pawl selectively engageable with the support bracket to lock the pawl in an engaged position.

Abstract: A rolling door including an axle supported by end brackets, a plurality of drum wheels mounted on the axle, a multi-section door adapted to be selectively rolled and unrolled about the drum wheels, a gear wheel mounted on the axle proximate to one of the end brackets, a spring retainer associated with the gear wheel, a torsion spring having a first end operatively attached to the multi-section door and a second end attached to the spring retainer, a pivotally mounted pawl selectively engaging the gear wheel to maintain a selected counterbalance force setting and disengaging the gear wheel to permit adjustment of the counterbalance force setting, and a locking assembly carried on the pawl selectively engageable with the support bracket to lock the pawl in an engaged position.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a modular roll-up partition assembly, such as a rolling protective shutter, implementing an improved tension adjustment mechanism for torsion springs used in roll-up partition assemblies. In one embodiment, the roll-up partition assembly of the present invention includes a tension adjustment mechanism to adjust the tension of a torsion spring connected between a support rod and the partition support member. The tension adjustment mechanism rotates the support rod to move the end of the torsion spring connected to the rod relative to the end of the torsion spring connected to the partition support member. Unlike previous roll-up partition assemblies which permitted adjustment of the torsion spring tension only in increments of a full rotation of the support member, the tension adjustment mechanism facilitates fine adjustment of the torsion spring in increments of less than a full rotation of the partition support member.

Abstract: The present invention is directed to a modular roll-up partition assembly, such as a rolling protective shutter, implementing an improved tension adjustment mechanism for torsion springs used in roll-up partition assemblies. In one embodiment, the roll-up partition assembly of the present invention includes a tension adjustment mechanism to adjust the tension of a torsion spring connected between a support rod and the partition support member. The tension adjustment mechanism rotates the support rod to move the end of the torsion spring connected to the rod relative to the end of the torsion spring connected to the partition support member. Unlike previous roll-up partition assemblies which permitted adjustment of the torsion spring tension only in increments of a full rotation of the support member, the tension adjustment mechanism facilitates fine adjustment of the torsion spring in increments of less than a full rotation of the partition support member.

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: Two designs for a spring-loaded roller mechanism (154a and 154) having monocoque and semi-monocoque characteristics. The monocoque design uses a single tube for both roller and axle (226), thus it carries most of the rotational stress. A pair of mounting plates (209) at either end serve multiple functions. They hold the assembly to a base surface, they serve as end caps for both a housing and the roller itself, they serve as the spindle around which the roller rotates, and either one can hold one end of a coil spring (166a). The other end of the spring attaches to the roller through a slot. Thus, the roller can be rotated around the mounting plates using the biasing force of the spring. The semi-monocoque design uses two tubes. One of them, an inner tube, slides into another, or outer tube. The outer tube is the roller. One end is open, the other closed. The open end allows the inner tube to slide into it. The closed end is circular allowing it to rotate within a holder. The inner tube serves as an axle.

Abstract: The present invention automatically rolls up bands, such as curtains, sunshades and mobile panes. The present invention consists of a tubular structure which incorporates in its interior a spindle with two sections threaded in opposite directions acting, thorough rotation, upon corresponding mobile structures on each side, displacing them and causing a compression or traction of a spring placed between them. The tubular structure has in its interior side longitudinal protuberances, which fit into corresponding slits of the mobile structures, thus rotating as they move.

Abstract: The invention provides an improved roller shutter assembly 10 including a cylindrical core 12 having end blocks 14 rigidly located at each end. At least one end block is provided with a mounting block 16 rotated mounted in a hole 20 in the end block 14. Provided between the mounting block 16 and the end block 14 is an annular space 32 which encloses a coiled spring 30. One end of the spring 30 is attached to the end block 14 and the other end to the mounting block 16. Thus as the blocks are rotated with respect to each other the spring is tensioned to provde a counteracting spring force to aid rewinding. Enclosure of the spring at the end blocks provides for easy maintenance and simplified construction. Each end block 14 may be provided with springs if desired. In a further embodiment the end block 14 is provided with an external peripheral cam shaped surface so as to facilitate even winding of a slatted blind.

Abstract: A hold and release mechanism for a fire door spring tension adjusting wheel includes a finger which is retractable when the adjusting wheel is rotated in a direction to increase the tension of the door spring but remains in engagement with a notch on the periphery of the adjusting wheel to prevent rotation of the adjusting wheel in the other direction as urged by the spring tension. The finger is held within a bore in a block which is pivotably mounted to the plate supporting the adjusting wheel. A toggle arrangement coupled to the holding chain and the block keeps the finger engaged in the notch. When tension on the holding chain is released, the block is allowed to pivot so that the finger disengages from the adjusting wheel, which is then allowed to rotate under the urging of the fire door spring. This arrangement permits an operator to adjust the spring tension without requiring that the tension applied by the holding chain be relieved.

Abstract: A covering apparatus, for a receptacle having an open top, including a cover having a first end and a second end and a length and width sufficient to cover the open top, a spring loaded roller, rotatably mounted at one end of the receptacle, and to which the first end of the cover is attached, the roller being adapted for retracting and winding the cover about the roller, a cable having a first end and a second end, the first end of the cable attached to said second end of the cover and adapted for unwinding said cover from the roller, a cable spool, rotatably mounted at one end of the receptacle and attached to which is the second end of the cable, the cable spool being adapted for spooling and unspooling the cable, and an energizing means for causing the cable spool to rotate.

Abstract: A covering apparatus for a receptacle having an open top including, a cover having a first end and a second end and a length and width sufficient to cover the open top of the receptacle, a spring loaded roller, rotatably mounted at one end of the receptacle and to which the first end of the cover is attached, the roller being adapted for retracting and winding the cover about said roller, a pair of first cable pulleys, one of each of the first cable pulleys rotatably mounted at one end of the receptacle, a pair of second cable pulleys, one of each of the second cable pulleys rotatably mounted at the other end of the receptacle, a cable loop engaging the first cable pulley and the second cable pulley, the second end of said cover attached to the cable loop, and an energizing device for causing the pair of first cable pulleys to rotate so as to cause the cable loop to move about the first and said second cable pulleys.