Abstract: The invention is an apparatus that selectively retains a chosen number of vertical blind slats. It comprises an elongated two-arm apparatus holding and conforming to common slat designs. Objectives and advantages include: user friendly, inexpensive to manufacture, convenient, comfortable to hold, beautifies blinds, allows for chosen amounts of light let in, and substantially reduces the rattling blind slat noise made when a window or door is open. The description herein provides preferred embodiments of the invention but should not be construed as limiting its scope. For example, variation in the size, length, height, and width of the apparatus as long as it remains easy and convenient to use by an adult; the material used; colors; and textures. Thus, the scope of the present invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalents, rather than being limited to the examples given.

Abstract: A window mounted air conditioning unit safety net that protects a window mounted air conditioning unit from falling from a window opening during installation, operation and removal thereof.

Abstract: A fastening element features a female cap member and a unitary stud body defining a flexible base portion and a projecting portion integral therewith. A peripheral rim of the projecting portion stands upwardly from the base portion and is engageable into the female cap member as a snap fastener, and a bottom surface of the flexible base is deformable relative to the projecting portion. A layer of adhesive is sandwiched between the bottom surface of the flexible base portion and a removable covering layer for adhering to a surface on which stud is to be mounted. The one piece stud body can be produced efficiently while its flexible base is adaptable to mount on any of a variety of differently shaped surfaces, such as non-planar surfaces of a vehicle body to allow selective securing of a fabric cover on the vehicle via a corresponding female cap secured on the cover.

Abstract: A shade apparatus configured to mount to a rack on a vehicle or to one the sides of a vehicle so as to provide a shaded area substantially adjacent the vehicle without using support poles or lines. The shade apparatus comprises a housing that attaches to the rack or vehicle, a shade screen that creates the shaded area, a retracting mechanism disposed inside the housing and attached to the shade screen to allow it to be extended or retracted, a pair of side arms that extend outward to support the screen and close inward when the vehicle is to be moved, a locking mechanism interconnecting the shade screen and arms for locking the shade screen in its extended position and a securing means for securing the arms to the housing with the shade screen in its retracted position. The shade apparatus is quick and easy to setup and take down.

Abstract: Provided is an endless operation cord that is easy to replace. The present invention provides an operation cord including: a main cord having one and the other ends; a first coupling part disposed at the one end; and a second coupling part disposed at the other end. The first and second coupling parts can be coupled together directly or via a coupling member and can be coupled or uncoupled by means of a relative rotation between the adjacent coupling parts or between the adjacent coupling parts and coupling member or a relative movement in a direction other than a length direction of the main cord between the adjacent coupling parts or between the adjacent coupling parts and coupling member.

Abstract: A partition mount system includes an integrated plunger assembly. The integrated plunger assembly is constructed and arranged to be integrated into an interior of an end of an extension pole, for example a standard telescoping extension pole. Mounting of the plunger in an interior portion of the pole in this manner provides for a sleek design that is relatively lightweight. Assuming that the pole in which the anchor is mounted is part of a telescoping pole system, the anchor and plunger do not interfere with full travel of the interior pole with respect to other poles in the telescoping system. In this manner, operation of the telescoping pole system is not inhibited by the integrated plunger assembly.

Abstract: A finial assembly includes a sleeve and a finial. The sleeve has a first end and a second end and the finial is mounted on the first end of the sleeve. The finial includes a band of rigid material configured to form a central opening, a decorative insert removably disposed in the central opening and a first set screw. The first set screw serves to tighten the band about the decorative insert and also serves to secure the finial against movement relative to the sleeve. A window covering support rod or a holdback bracket is press fit into the second end of the sleeve. A second set screw further secures the window covering support rod or holdback bracket to the sleeve.

Abstract: Movable partition systems includes a movable partition engaged with and movable along a longitudinal track and a lead drive box coupled to the movable partition and engaged with the track. The lead drive box is configured to move along the track and move the movable partition along the track. The lead drive box includes a trolley for disposition within the track, a motor coupled to the lead drive box, and a rotatable drive member coupled to the lead drive box and the motor. The rotatable drive member engages an elongated drive member extending along the track to motivate the lead drive box and the movable partition attached thereto along the track when engaged with the motor and the motor is rotating. An electronics module disposed within the lead drive box is configured for controlling operation of the motor responsive to signals originating from sources carried by the lead drive box.

Abstract: A ring-shaped serving table, with a non-perfect round space in the center, that is made up of two identical or similar half-ring shaped plates that may be joined together in two ways: to create a ring-shaped table and to create an S-shaped table.

Abstract: A screening for separating a protected area from a more accessible area includes a plurality of vertical supports with panels retained between the supports. The upper or lower ends of the panel are retained on pivot pins while the end of the panel opposite the pivot pins is removably locked to the support. The locking structure includes a latch that can be released from a position outside the enclosure and a lock that is lockable and unlockable from inside the enclosure. When the lock is actuated, the latch cannot be unlatched until the lock is subsequently unlocked.

Abstract: A kit for attaching a decorative shutter cover to an associated window shutter is disclosed. The kit comprises a shutter cover which covers a portion or a substantial portion of the window shutter. The kit may further include an attachment member that attaches to the top of the window shutter. The top of the shutter cover and the attachment member can connect to each other. The kit may further comprise a securing member for securing the bottom of the shutter cover to the window shutter. The shutter cover may include a graphic display thereon, such as decorative or artistic representations. Additional interchangeable shutter covers may also be provided with the same or different graphic displays depicted thereon.

Abstract: A pick-up style utility vehicle having a front seat, a rear seat, a cargo bed, a cabin frame surrounding a riding space, and a screen shield partitioning the cargo bed and a rear riding space in front of the cargo bed. The cargo bed can be changed between an expanded state in which the cargo bed is expanded in a front direction into the rear riding space and a non-expanded state not occupying the rear riding space. A backrest for the rear seat is attached to the screen shield. The screen shield can be shifted between a position in the expanded state and a position in the non-expanded state when a seat bottom and the backrest of the rear seat are changed between a retracted state in which the seat bottom and the backrest are erected on the same straight line and a seatable used state.

Abstract: The apparatus for covering a window includes a first support member and a second support member spaced apart from the first support member and substantially parallel to the first support member. The apparatus also includes a fabric extending between the first support member and the second support member. The fabric is movably coupled to the first support member and the second support member. The fabric forms a continuous loop through which the first support member and the second support member extend.

Abstract: A pivoting support assembly with a locking device for an awning arm—the support assembly includes a fixed support (10), a pivoting body (20) articulately supported on the fixed support (10) to pivot between a retracted position and a service position, an arm (30) articulately supported on the pivoting body (20) to rotate between a folded position and an extended position, and an adjustable stop (40) for limiting the movement of the pivoting body (20), thus determining the degree of inclination of the awning in the service position. The adjustable stop (40) has a circumferential groove (43) and a grip element (44). A locking member (50), which is moved by the arm (30) to a locking position, is inserted into the circumferential groove (43) such that the grip element (44) is accessible and the adjustable stop (40) can be rotated but cannot be axially moved with respect to the pivoting body (20).

Abstract: A shading apparatus is provided, applicable to a holding base of a portable device holder, including a shading plate and an elastic band. The shading plate is a plate with a rectangular shape. The two ends of the elastic band are slightly pulled and fixed to the shading plate at the location near the edges on two sides. In this manner, the shading plate can be fixed to the clamping element of the holding base by winding the elastic band around the clamping element so that the shading plate can effectively block the sun from directly shining on the screen of the portable device when the portable device is held by the clamping elements and placed in the horizontal position.

Abstract: A battery-powered motorized window treatment for covering at least a portion of a window may be adjusted into a service position to allow for access to at least one battery that is powering the motorized window treatment. A headrail of the motorized window treatment may be adjusted to the service position to allow for easy replacement of the batteries without unmounting the headrail and without requiring tools. The motorized window treatment may comprise brackets having buttons that may be actuated to release the headrail from a locked position, such that the head rail may be rotated into the service position. The headrail easily rotates through a controlled movement into the service position, such that a user only needs one free hand available to move the motorized window treatment into the service position and change the batteries.

Abstract: An assembly includes a flexurally deformed panel, which is connected to a membrane tie by a linear connector and is tied by the membrane tie to form a geometrically stable pre-stressed structure. More than one panel may be flexurally deformed and tied together in an assembly and more than one membrane tie may be present within an assembly. Panels are typically semi-rigid sheet materials, for example metal sheets, plastic sheets, or sheets of composite materials, such as glass or carbon fibre reinforced plastics or resins. Membrane tie members are typically flexible, for example plastic films, fabrics or nets or arrays of rods or cables. The assemblies have many different geometric forms and many different practical applications. Assemblies may be relatively large, for example demountable and reusable shelters or flat-pack point-of-purchase display assemblies, or may be relatively small, for example a photograph or postcard display system.

Abstract: A screened panel spans at least a portion of an opening of a building in order to shade occupants thereat. The panel has hems on all sides that overlap at the corners whereat grommets are located. Tensioning members attach at least two of the corners in order to provide a tight fit of the panel within the opening, the tensioning members being turnbuckles with carabiners on the distal ends thereof. Spring-locks are used to prevent rotation of the turnbuckles once the appropriate tension is achieved. Reinforcement bars within the upper and lower hems and a strong flexible webbing within the side hems provide for a strong panel periphery which adds rigidity and stability to the overall panel.

Abstract: A loop cord tension device assembly includes a housing, a spring member connected to the housing, a loop cord retention member connected to the housing, and a locking body connected to the spring member. The loop cord retention member has a channel sized and configured to receive a portion of a looped cord. The locking body is moveable from a locked position to an unlocked position. The portion of the loop cord received within the channel of the loop cord retention member is not rotatable when the locking body is in the locked position and the portion of the loop cord received within the channel of the loop cord retention member is rotatable when the locking body is in the unlocked position. The loop cord tension device assembly may be connected to the looped cord of a window covering and mounted to a structure to improve child safety.

Abstract: Weather protection systems, for use in protecting structures and structural elements during severe weather events, are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of assembling and installing weather protection systems. Weather protection systems of this invention provide fabric to cover a structural element; the fabric is connected to the structure via a clip. A clip of is invention may include features such as fastening points, anchor points, and engaging members; a clip may also introduce a desirable point of flexibility into a system of the invention. Other features of weather protection systems of this invention may include resin and straps.

Abstract: Weather protection systems, for use in protecting structures and structural elements during severe weather events, are disclosed. Also disclosed are methods of assembling and installing weather protection systems. Weather protection systems of this invention provide fabric to cover a structural element; the fabric is connected to the structure via a clip. A clip of is invention may include features such as fastening points, anchor points, and engaging members; a clip may also introduce a desirable point of flexibility into a system of this invention. Other features of weather protection systems of this invention may include resin and straps.

Abstract: A locking mechanism for a covering for architectural openings includes at least one dog which cooperates with a stop surface to stop the high speed lowering of a rail that supports the covering while permitting the rail to be lowered at a slower speed and to be raised regardless of the speed.

Abstract: An acoustic panel assembly may have one or more panels adaptable for reflecting sound waves and a support member to which the one or more panels may be attached. The support member may be extendable and retractable. The one or more panels and the support member may be collapsible into a housing. The one or more panels may be configured in one or more substantially planar portions, one or more substantially curved portions, or a combination thereof.

Abstract: A hanger includes an elongated member having a rod with a plurality of positioning portions spaced in a vertical direction. An engaging portion is formed on a bottom of the rod for engaging with an engagement portion. A coupling block includes a connecting head. The coupling block further includes a body and a resilient plate that are located below the connecting head. The body and the resilient plate together define a passageway having an opening in a lower end thereof. The rod is slideable in the passageway in the vertical direction. The resilient plate includes a free end having a hook that is spaced from the body. At least a portion of the hook extends into the passageway. The hook is releasably engaged with a selected one of the positioning portions. The resilient plate is operable to disengage the hook from the positioning portions.

Abstract: A fabric closure, and enclosure, are provided for cargo containers, including a fabric panel formed of high-strength yarns, and a pair of selectively closeable openings formed in the fabric panel for access therethrough, the selectively closeable openings having a substantially vertical opening, and a slide fastener for closure thereof.

Abstract: A fabric closure, and enclosure, are provided for cargo containers, including a fabric panel formed of high-strength yarns, and a selectively closeable opening formed in the fabric panel for access therethrough, the selectively closeable opening having a substantially vertical opening, and a slide fastener for closure thereof.

Abstract: A shield system adapted for use in an air cooler structure (100). The shield system includes at least one flexible sheet (304) and at least one arrangement (106) for fixing, in use, the at least one flexible sheet to an air cooler structure.

Abstract: A textile complex adapted to be attached to a communicating panel includes a textile sheet having, on at least one face, loops adapted to engage with a self-gripping strip provided with hooks; a coating film attached to a face of the textile sheet; and a printing ink deposited on the coating film. The textile complex has a capacity for preferential elastic deformation in a direction of deployment on the communicating panel. A communicating panel and to a corresponding method of display are also provided.

Abstract: A door for closing an opening in a wall, preferably a wall which separates two different temperature zones from one another, in particular one belonging to a cold store, having a door leaf (22), which can be moved in front of the wall opening, and having a heater for heating at least one door component.

Abstract: A device for partitioning a space, particularly for reducing energy consumption, having a partition which is installable in a space and limits a part of the space in which heating or cooling is carried out; and an element for attaching the partition to elements of the space.

Abstract: A head rail for a blind is disclosed. The head rail has a cross-sectional profile which includes a first wall having a proximal end and a distal end, a second wall having a proximal end and a distal end, and a web portion extending between the proximal ends of the first wall and the second wall, wherein a portion of the first wall towards the distal end thereof slopes towards the second wall, and a portion of the second wall towards the distal end thereof slopes towards the first wall, such that the space between the distal ends of the walls is less than the space between the proximal ends of the walls, the cross-sectional profile of the head rail further including one or more unit attachment formations associated with one or both of the walls and being located in, or extending through, the space between the walls, the unit attachment formations being adapted to enable attachment to the head rail of industry standard cord lock units and industry standard chain drive units.

Abstract: A blind system has a horizontally positioned tilt rail having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of slats suspended from the tilt rail via at least one connecting member. The tilt rail includes a reinforcing member and a tensioning member. The blind system also has a divided slat that is divided lengthwise into a first sub-slat and a second sub-slat and has a longitudinal axis with each of the first and second sub-slats configured to be movable with respect to each other so that when each of the plurality of slats are in an angular position with respect to the corresponding slat longitudinal axis that restricts at least a portion of light passing between the slats, either the first sub-slat or the second sub-slat has an angular position with respect to the divided slat longitudinal axis that is substantially the same as the angular position of each slat depending on a direction of rotation of the plurality of slats.

Abstract: The present invention provides a generally rectangular metal screen covering to cover the radiator of a vehicle to protect the radiator from insects and other flying debris from clogging or otherwise damaging the vehicle's radiator. The screen covering is designed to be mounted in front of the radiator and behind the grill inside the body of the vehicle. The size of the covering can be any of a variety of sizes to accommodate a wide range of vehicles, from small automobiles to large SUVs and trucks. To facilitate a secure attachment to an automobile's radiator, the Bug Catcher is outfitted with a series of holes to accommodate attachment to mounting brackets on each side of the covering.

Abstract: A removable screen system comprising a plurality of magnetic fasteners, a formable material comprising one or a plurality of receptacles for receiving the magnetic fasteners, an attachment surface external to the formable material and magnetically compatible with the magnetic fasteners, wherein the formable material is movable along the attachment surface.

Abstract: The invention relates to an adjustable fastening plate (1) intended for a fake wall made of a flexible sheet (2) provided, along each of the edges thereof, with at least one loop (3) and a cable (4) placed inside said loops (3), said cables (4) being attached, by means of the slant of said plate (1), to the walls and/or the ceiling of an indoor space for keeping said sheet (2) in position. The invention is remarkable in that it includes a base plate (5) attached to the indoor space, a first arm (6) and a second arm (7) hinged to said base plate (5), first and second slides (8, 9) that each receive a cable (4) and which are slidable along said first and second arms (6, 7) so as to enable the tensioning of said cable (4), and an adjusting means (10) for adjusting the angular distance between the first and second arms (6, 7).

Abstract: There is described a portable and foldable window blind comprising an sheet (1) of light-attenuating material having a resilient flexible frame (2) attached around its edge, the blind having fixing means (5) for attaching to a window, and the fixing means being attached to the sheet material of the blind by an elongate element (4). The elongate element (4) is preferably a flexible tension element such as a cord or strap, and may be elastic. The effective length of the elongate element (4) between the sheet (1) and the fixing device (5) may be adjusted by a clamping device (7) positioned on the side of the sheet material (1) remote from the fixing device (5) and selectively engagable at a variety of points along the length of the elongate element (4). There is also described an extension piece (26,27,28) for mounting the blind to a bay window.

Abstract: A screen tensioning mechanism for use in a retractable blind, said screen tensioning mechanism comprising: (a) a projecting member having a head portion and a resiliently deformable tail portion; and (b) a housing member comprising: (i) a first opening adapted to receive an end of a support rod; and (ii) a second opening having a tapered internal profile adapted to forcibly receive said tail portion by inwardly displacing said tail portion, wherein in use, said resiliently deformable tail portion biases said projecting member axially outward from said support rod.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a blind structure including a blind body having a batten and a shade; a resilient unit disposed at a first end of the batten, the resilient unit including a pivoting member coupled to the first end of the batten, a fixing member movably coupled to the pivoting member, and a resilient element coupled between the pivoting member and the fixing member; a first end holder coupled to the fixing member; and a second end holder movably coupled to a second end of the batten. The shade is lifted or lowered by exerting a force thereon in conjunction with the resilient unit so as to ensure ease of use and enhance user safety.

Abstract: An easy curtain structure contains a curtain piece formed in a continuous curve and concave shape, allowing to be folded, including a plurality of bores disposed on a number of raised folding ribs thereof respectively in a cross arrangement, and including at least one positioning structure mounted on a top and a bottom ends thereof respectively so as to be expended and to be fixed by using the positioning structure, wherein the positioning structure includes at lease one sucker fixed on the top and the bottom ends of the curtain piece, thereby the sunshine is stopped to directly shine indoors by the continuously curved and concaved curtain piece or through the bores to obtain heatproof, anti-sun, and bright effect.

Abstract: A reclosable locking tape for releasably attaching a fabric add-on to a foundation includes: (a) a substantially planar tape base to which is affixed at least one male locking portion that is generally mushroom-shaped and includes a stem affixed to a cap; and (b) at least one female locking portion affixed to the tape base, the female locking portion including two same-sized hook members on opposite sides of a male portion-sized space in the female portion. Also included are a reclosable rib and groove tape assembly that includes: (a) a fabric add-on including at least one longitudinally extending rib or groove on a substantially planar and flexible portion backing; and (b) a separate foundation attachment portion including at least one rib or groove on a substantially planar portion backing, the rib or groove of the foundation attachment portion corresponding to the rib or groove of the add-on attachment portion, and a related method.

Abstract: A restrainer (1. 100) comprises a first arm (3, 103) and second arm (3, 103), and a retaining arm (2, 102) co-operating with the second arm (4) to urge any part of a blind contained between the first arm (2, 103) and the retaining member (2, 102) towards the first arm (3, 103) and to hold said part in place. In a particular arrangement the third or retaining arm (2) has a T-shaped end piece (17) which engages with the surface of grooves associated with the second arm (4) to lock the third (or retaining) arm in position to retain a part of the blind between the third (or retaining) arm (2) and the first arm (3). The part of the blind can be the blind cord or chain, the blind panels or vanes (14) between the retaining arm (2) and bars (5); in the latter case the retaining member acts upon the panel or vanes (14) to contain the blind cord or chain between bars associated with the first member, the second arm and the blind panels or vanes themselves.

Abstract: A structured-core laminate panel can be made in an efficient, structurally sound manner without the use of adhesives (film or liquid forms) using materials with different melt or glass transition temperatures. In one implementation, a manufacturer positions one or more resin substrates about a structured core, which comprises a relatively high melt or glass transition temperature compared with that of the one or more resin substrates. The manufacturer heats the assembly to at least the glass transition temperature of the resin substrates, but not to the melt or glass transition temperature of the structured core. This allows the one or more resin substrates to melt and bond (mechanically, chemically, or both) to the structured core on one side (or inner surface), while maintaining a substantially planar or original conformation on an opposing side (or outer surface).

Abstract: A protective wall (1) releasably connectable to a floor (2), comprises panels (3), and a U-section rail (4) with legs (5, 6) running in parallel, and a web (7) arranged therebetween which grip the panels (3) and are locked thereon, the protective wall (1) being supported on the floor (2). A U-shaped holding pocket (11) is arranged on free ends of the legs (5, 6) of the U-section rail (4) and each pocket is arranged so one holding plate (12, 13) can be inserted into each of the holding pockets (11), and the holding plates (12, 13) are attached to a holding fixture (14) that is fixed onto the floor (2), and a holding groove (15) is provided on the outside of the web (7) of the U-section rail (4), and a locking body (16) is disposed in the holding groove (15), such that the locking body (16) is supported on the holding fixture (14) and is mounted so it can be moved in the horizontal direction relative to the holding fixture (14).

Abstract: A side shade for an awning includes a mounting member having a top end, a bottom end, a hook at the top end and a vertical groove extending from the top end to the bottom end. The mounting member is removably connectable by the hook to the awning near an attachment support of the awning. At least a portion of a stiffening member and a first vertical side of the fabric panel are slidingly disposed within the vertical groove of the mounting member. When assembled and attached to the awning the fabric panel of the side shade is vertically adjustably positionable above or below a lateral side of a predominantly horizontal panel of the awning so that there is no vertical gap between the panel of the awning and the fabric panel of the side shade through which direct light can penetrate.

Abstract: A method and system for a barrier system configured to controllably block egress from and ingress to a predetermined area is provided. The barrier system includes a barrier panel that is removable from the barrier system and replaceable with another different barrier panel selectable by a user.

Abstract: A light shelf assembly includes a light shelf with pins extending laterally outward from a lateral edge, and a mounting bracket for attachment to a building structure adjacent to a window. The mounting bracket has a first track segment for initial insertion of the pins into the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket also includes a second track segment enabling one of the pin to slide between a first position in which the light shelf is held in a substantially horizontal position, and a second position in which the light shelf pivots downward.

Abstract: This device (30) is used to stiffen a box part (10) for receiving a motor-drive device for operating a blind, the box part having a U section with an external surface (13) and an internal surface (14). This device is independent of the supporting means for the box part relative to a support structure and comprises a first contact element (31) intended to cooperate with at least a part of an external surface (13) of the box part; a second contact element (32) intended to cooperate with at least a part of an internal surface (14) of the box part, and tightening means (35) acting on the first contact element (31) and/or the second contact element (32), in a direction of convergence of this element and of the part of the surface of the box part (13, 14) with which it is intended to cooperate. A box part (10) equipped with such a device is stiffened in an axis (Y-Y?) perpendicular to its longitudinal axis (X-X?).

Abstract: The present disclosure teaches an easy to use anti-dust door which allows for the easy opening and closing of a temporary plastic or cloth sheeted door is positioned in a doorway between the room in which construction work is to take place and the rest of the building. The plastic sheet may be transparent, translucent or may even have a colored tint. The plastic sheet may be made out of virtually any flexible plastic sheeting. The plastic sheet further includes a single zipper for the opening and closing of the anti-dust door. This zipper wraps around three of the sides of the plastic door. The present disclosure teaches an easy to use anti-dust door which allows for the easy opening and closing of the door by anyone. The plastic sheet further includes a single zipper for the opening and closing of the anti-dust door. This zipper wraps around three of the sides of the plastic door.

Abstract: An improved dust containment system comprising a flexible sheeting supported by one or more poles. The flexible sheeting being held in place on the pole by one or more clamps. The clamps have a pair of handles that pivot about an axis and wherein opposite the handles are two jaws. Each jaw has a body area and a tip. The jaws being connected to their respective handles so that the tips of the jaws contact each other and wherein the body areas of the respective jaws are configured so that the body area of the jaws can fit around the pole without separating the tips of the jaws.

Abstract: A partition mount system includes an integrated plunger assembly. The integrated plunger assembly is constructed and arranged to be integrated into an interior of an end of an extension pole, for example a standard telescoping extension pole. Mounting of the plunger in an interior portion of the pole in this manner provides for a sleek design that is relatively lightweight. Assuming that the pole in which the anchor is mounted is part of a telescoping pole system, the anchor and plunger do not interfere with full travel of the interior pole with respect to other poles in the telescoping system. In this manner, operation of the telescoping pole system is not inhibited by the integrated plunger assembly.