Pleating Type Patents (Class 160/84.01)
  • Publication number: 20100269983
    Abstract: A pleated roller shade system allows a thin flexible shade fabric, such as, for example, silk, to be wrapped around a roller tube. The system comprises a pleating hembar contained within a hembar pocket of the shade fabric. The hembar is characterized by a non-linear shape, such as a serpentine shape, for causing the shade fabric to hang with a plurality of pleats. The hembar may comprise a plurality of C-shaped hembar sections flexibly coupled to each other. The system may also comprise an elongated pleating assembly mounted parallel to the roller tube and having a fabric-receiving opening that defines a non-linear (e.g., serpentine) path. The shade fabric may be received through the fabric-receiving opening and folded by the pleating assembly, such that the shade fabric is wrapped around the roller tube in folds as the roller tube rotates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Applicant: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.
    Inventor: David A. Kirby
  • Patent number: 7806159
    Abstract: A window covering having a flexible panel and a first lift cord for raising the flexible panel. A second panel is at least partially coextensive with the flexible panel and a second lift cord is provided for raising the second panel. The flexible panel may have an upper edge and a lower edge where the upper edge is connected to a head rail and the lower edge is disposed below the head rail. The second lift cord may raise the upper edge of the second panel. In one embodiment a third panel at least partially coextensive with a portion of the flexible panel and a third lift cord for raising the top edge of the third panel are provided. The light blocking characteristic of the blind is changed by the placement of the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.
    Inventors: Alejandro Martin Rossato, Vincent A. Monfalcone, III
  • Patent number: 7775250
    Abstract: An end stem for a soft vertical blind includes an arm spaced from an end louver of the blind, and a fabric panel connected to the arm and the end louver forms a column surrounding the end louver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2010
    Assignee: Springs Window Fashions, LLC
    Inventors: Thomas Paul Filipiak, Jr., Gerald Alfred Moisan
  • Publication number: 20100186903
    Abstract: A Roman shade includes a top box and a shade including a first layer and a second layer is connected to the top box. The first layer includes multiple pocket portions formed thereon and the pocket portions each are defined by folding a part upward to define a passage which extends transversely through the first layer. Multiple first holes and second holes are defined through the first layer. The pocket portion is located between the first and second holes. The second layer is located on a first side of the first layer and two control ropes each have a top end connected to the top box and a lower end of each control rope extends through the first hole from the first side of the first layer and passes over a second side of the first layer and then extends through the second hole in sequence.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 29, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: WEN YING LIANG, Sheng Ying Hsu, Wu Chung Nien, Chien Chih Huang
  • Publication number: 20100126673
    Abstract: A window covering includes a plurality of lift cords extending from a headrail and window covering material connected to the headrail or the lift cords. At least one lift cord release device is attached to the window covering material. Each cord release device includes a clip portion, a first member and a second member. The clip portion is attached to the first and second members. The first and second members are sized and configured to releasably interconnect such that the first and second members at least partially define an opening sized to receive and releasably hold at least one lift cord when the first and second members are interconnected. The first and second members are also configured to separate and release the at least one lift cord when a release force exerted by any lift cord that is within the opening acts on the first or second member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 17, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Applicant: Whole Space Industries LTD
    Inventor: Tzong Fu Lin
  • Publication number: 20100126674
    Abstract: A Roman shade is provided with a child safety device that includes a plurality of release devices configured for attachment to the shade material of the Roman shade. Each release device includes a female member and a male member that releasably connect together such that one member is attached to the shade material and the other member has an opening through which a lift cord passes. The male member and female member of each release device are sized and configured to separate when a release force acts on at least one of the female members and male members. A kit for retrofitting Roman shades to include such safety devices is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 23, 2009
    Publication date: May 27, 2010
    Inventor: Tzong Fu Lin
  • Patent number: 7703499
    Abstract: A portable barrier retraction device and system for retracting and deploying barriers, such as theatrical curtains. The portable barrier retraction device for retracting and deploying barriers, such as theatrical curtains. The device includes a rotatable shaft in rotational communication with a first drum. The device further includes a detachable rotatable second drum rotational communication with the first drum. The second drum further including at least one spool configured to retract or deploy at least one line in response to rotation of the second drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Tait Towers, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Tait, James Fairorth, Adam Davis
  • Patent number: 7686058
    Abstract: A curtain includes a top rail and a sheet of fabric having a top end connected to the top rail, a handle assembly is connected to a lower end of the sheet of fabric. The handle assembly includes two transverse bars received in the sheet of fabric and two upright bars which are removably connected to the transverse bars via connection members connected to the transverse bars from outside of the sheet of fabric. The upright bars can be separated from the transverse bars so that the curtain can be folded.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Ching Feng Home Fashions Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Wen Ying Liang, Sheng Ying Hsu, Wu Chung Nien, Chien Chih Huang
  • Patent number: 7686057
    Abstract: The invention relates to a method for closing off at least one tunnel (2) extending across the width of a folding curtain, after a strengthening rod (3) has been inserted into this tunnel on the one hand, and a folding curtain comprising at least one tunnel (2) extending across the width of the curtain, which has been provided with a strengthening rod (3) on the other hand. To that effect, a strengthening rod (3) is provided in the tunnel (2) at least one extremity of which is comprising a number of pointed projections (4) and that the tunnel (2) is closed off by pricking the said projections (4) through the wall of the tunnel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: BVBA Shadow Belgium
    Inventor: Dominique Lampe
  • Publication number: 20100059186
    Abstract: A retractable cover for architectural openings having collapsible vanes includes a support structure in the form of a sheet of material, monofilaments, tapes, ribbons, cords, or the like, supporting an upper edge of a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally extending vanes with the lower edges of the vanes in most embodiments of the invention being connected to operating elements adapted to raise the lower edges of each vane toward the upper edges to define openings or gaps between the vanes through which vision and light can pass in an open condition of the covering. Variations of the covering do not require movement of a lower edge of a vane relative to an upper edge but simply movement of some vanes relative to other vanes. The vanes can be made of materials having different flexibilities and where more rigid materials are used, creased fold lines can be established for desired operability.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 10, 2009
    Publication date: March 11, 2010
    Applicant: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Marjorie G. Harper, Daniel M. Fogarty, David P. Hartman, Ralph G. Jelic, Kristi K. Kopecky
  • Patent number: 7673665
    Abstract: A window covering comprises a flexible panel having a top edge and a bottom edge. At least one lift cord is provided for raising and lowering the bottom edge. Each lift cord is connected to one end of a stiffener at a first point and the opposite end of the stiffener is connected to approximately the bottom edge of the flexible panel. The stiffener prevents the folding of the flexible panel between the bottom edge and the first point. The top edge may be connected to a head rail and the bottom edge may be connected to a bottom rail. A motor may be located adjacent the top rail where the lift cord is connected to the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2010
    Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.
    Inventor: Alejandro Martin Rossato
  • Publication number: 20100043985
    Abstract: A pleated roller shade system allows a thin flexible shade fabric, such as, for example, silk, to be wrapped around a roller tube. The pleated roller shade system comprises a drive system, such as a motor or manual drive system, for controlling of the rotation of the roller tube. The roller shade system may comprise a pleating hembar that is contained within a hembar pocket of the shade fabric and has a non-linear shape for causing the shade fabric to hang with a plurality of pleats. The roller shade system may also comprise an elongated pleating assembly mounted parallel to the roller tube and having a fabric-receiving opening that defines a non-linear path. The shade fabric may be received through the fabric-receiving opening and folded by the pleating assembly, such that the shade fabric is wrapped around the roller tube in folds as the roller tube rotates.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Publication date: February 25, 2010
    Applicant: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.
    Inventors: David A. Kirby, Matthew R. Hontz
  • Patent number: 7654299
    Abstract: A universal removable liner attaches to a Roman shade to block sunlight and provide privacy. The shade retraction mechanism draws the shade up in tiers with one or more lift cords. The liner links to the shade across the top of the shade and at the lift cords, with the tiers formed in the shade lifting the liner in tiers as well. Links between the lift cords and the liner at the shade tier tops are closable loops. A hook-and-loop tape is preattached to the top edge of the liner, while a separate strip of adhesive-backed, mating hook-and-loop tape is furnished for user attachment to the top edge of substantially any tier-lift shade. Once the user joins the shade and liner at the tier tops, the liner forms tiers mirroring the tiers of the shade as the two are raised together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2010
    Assignee: Lewis Hyman Inc.
    Inventors: Robert S. LeBlanc, James J. Hyman
  • Patent number: 7624784
    Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening includes a roller assembly having a rotatable roller secured to one edge of a sheet of flexible material with the opposite edge secured thereabove to a fixed location. The roller assembly is cradled in a cord ladder or cord ladder type element so one vertical run of the cord ladder is anchored and the other vertical run is raised or lowered to raise and lower the cradle thereby causing the flexible material to be wrapped around or unwrapped from the roller. The roller assemblies can be used individually or in combination with like roller assemblies and can further be used in combination with other covering products such as sheets of translucent or transparent materials like sheer fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2006
    Date of Patent: December 1, 2009
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Anthony, Kristi K. Kopecky
  • Publication number: 20090283222
    Abstract: A window shade includes an upper track, a lower track, a shade assembly, a lift cord means and a bead chain means. The lift cord means includes two boxes located in the upper track at two sides thereof and a flattened cord winding on the periphery of a jutting ring located in each box. By coupling a transmission axle with a transmission means located at one side of the bead chain means a concurrent transmission can be formed. Thereby the bead chain can aid retraction of the shade assembly through the transmission means to reduce transmission load of the bead chain means. The bead chain means of a suitable loading capability can be selected according to the weight of the shade assembly to reduce the load of the transmission means to facilitate extension of the shade assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventor: Chih-Yung Wang
  • Publication number: 20090205787
    Abstract: A window blind frame system is provided comprising a window blind secured to a frame and optionally at least one frame-securing clip for releasably retaining the frame in position relative to the window casing. The frame may comprise at least two angle joints connecting at least three extruded portions to form a substantially rigid structure, wherein a window blind may be attached to the frame and wherein the frame is configured to interact with a frame-securing clip which releasably retains the frame in position relative to a window casing. The components of the window blind frame system may be provided in kit form. Methods of assembly and fitting of the window blind frame system are also provided.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 3, 2006
    Publication date: August 20, 2009
    Inventor: Reginald Charles Allsopp
  • Patent number: 7533711
    Abstract: The present invention is a method of attaching a ring member to a cord using a minimum of steps. The method includes the steps of providing a hobble cord having opposite first and second ends and a plurality of loops. The loops of the cord are preferably preformed onto the cord and are integral thereto. Each loop formed on the cord has a loop opening dimensioned to receive one end of the cord. The first end of the cord is first threaded through the ring and the ring is then positioned to sit adjacent one of the loops between the loop and the first end of the hobble cord. The first end of the hobble cord is then threaded through the opening of the loop. The ring is then firmly secured to the cord by pulling the cord all the way through the loop. The steps may be repeated to attach more rings to the cord in succession.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 19, 2009
    Inventors: Philip Ng, Xiulian Zhang, Norman Wills
  • Publication number: 20090107641
    Abstract: An ornamental bunting comprising a length of fabric having a front side and a rear side and further having a plurality of length-wise extending regions forming a symbolic color scheme, and a header portion formed along a first length-wise edge of the length of fabric for adjustably and reversibly forming a plurality of pleats in the length of fabric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 26, 2007
    Publication date: April 30, 2009
    Inventors: Rafael Etzion, Carolyn Christie, Joanne Stefanacci, Lucy Effron
  • Patent number: 7523777
    Abstract: A roman shade comprises an operation box section for rotating a rotation gear as a driving ball chain (25) is pulled down; a rotation shaft (40) fitted into the rotation gear; a frame surrounding the operation box and the rotation shaft (40) and secured to a wall or ceiling; and a ball chain box section including an inside gear which is fitted around the rotation shaft (40), a driven ball chain (22) which has balls to be engaged into grooves defined on the inside gear so that the driven ball chain (22) is moved vertically as the inside gear is rotated, and a ball chain box in which the driven ball chain (22) is compiled without being entangled.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: April 28, 2009
    Inventor: Chang Ryeol Kim
  • Publication number: 20090020235
    Abstract: Upper ends of the first fabric and the second fabric are attached to the head rail, respectively, and the first lift code and the second lift code suspended from the head rail in a liftable manner are coupled to the first fabric and the second fabric, respectively. The first lift code is routed into a rear side of the first fabric and the second lift code is routed into a rear side of the second fabric so as to come over an upper end of the second fabric. An extension member is provided so as to extend downwardly along with a lower edge of a rear portion of the head rail, and the upper end of the second fabric is attached to a front surface of the extension member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Publication date: January 22, 2009
    Applicant: TOSO COMPANY, LIMITED
    Inventors: Toshimitsu Honda, Tomonori Muto, Hiroyuki Someya, Toshiyuki Mori
  • Publication number: 20080295974
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for pleating curtains are described. The apparatus may be provided as a system which includes pleat-forming members and associated fasteners. A curtain is bent into a series of pleats which are secured in position by pleat folding members and associated fasteners. The curtain may then be hung on a curtain rod by a hanging element which couples the pleat-forming members to a curtain rod. The hanging element may form an integral part of the pleat-forming member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 27, 2008
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Marilyn Stern
  • Publication number: 20080295973
    Abstract: A method and apparatus, for pleating curtains and pleated curtains using the apparatus, are described. The apparatus may be provided as a parts kit which includes a stiffener, pleat-forming members, and fasteners. The stiffener is attached to a curtain and bent into a series of pleat-shaped formations. The pleat-forming members and fasteners are used to hold the stiffener and support the curtain, forming the created pleats in place. The curtain may then be hung on a curtain rod by a separate hanging element which couples the pleat-forming members to a curtain rod. The hanging element may form an integral part of the pleat-forming member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Publication date: December 4, 2008
    Inventor: Marilyn Stern
  • Patent number: 7438113
    Abstract: A window covering has a headrail, a plurality of lift cords extending from the headrail and a plurality of shade elements positioned sequentially below the headrail. Each shade element has an upper edge and a lower edge which edges are substantially parallel to one another and oriented transverse to the lift cords. The shade elements are positioned so that when the shade elements are in a closed position the lower edge of one shade element abuts the upper edge of an adjacent shade element and when the shade elements are in an open position, the lower edge of the at least one shade element is spaced apart from the upper edge of an adjacent shade element. A first cord is attached to the upper edge of each shade element and a second cord is attached to the lower edge of each shade element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 21, 2008
    Assignee: Nien Made Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: David Pon
  • Publication number: 20080251216
    Abstract: A type of fabric window shades that produce desirable wavy pattern, even at the state of full deployment, is disclosed and claimed herein. Horizontal junctions of two layers, with back layers shortened in each fold, produce desired wavy pattern comparable to that of Roman shades, at the shades' naturally deployed state, even without pulling up/down the window shade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2007
    Publication date: October 16, 2008
    Inventor: Kai-Sheng Hsu
  • Patent number: 7435378
    Abstract: The present invention is directed to a method and apparatus for treating goods, such as, for example, fumigating and re-cooling perishable goods, such as fruit, using a tarp and floor seal. The apparatus encloses goods on a surface and includes a canopy that is substantially impermeable to flowable materials, such as gas, liquid, or a combination thereof; an upper perimeter for supporting an upper portion of the canopy; a lower perimeter for supporting a lower portion of the canopy, the lower perimeter to be placed in proximity to the surface; a support structure for supporting the upper perimeter and lower perimeters; and a gasket in communication with the lower perimeter, wherein the gasket is deformable to substantially seal the chamber by compressing the gasket against the surface. The apparatus may also include an intermediate support structure for providing support to the canopy and a conduit in communication with the chamber to supply cool air to the chamber.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 14, 2008
    Assignee: Royal Fumigation Inc.
    Inventors: Roy Richardson, John Achzet, Robert Dickinson, James Rushing
  • Publication number: 20080245486
    Abstract: An adjustable mounting system for use with a variety of window treatments comprises a head rail, an adjustable support rod, and one or more clips for coupling the support rod to the head rail. The mounting system is preferably non-invasive and does not damage window casings. The mounting system may be installed very quickly and easily, without the need for any tools. The head rail is adapted for use with a wide variety of window treatment assemblies.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 5, 2007
    Publication date: October 9, 2008
    Inventor: Garrick Brown
  • Publication number: 20080185110
    Abstract: A cord lock apparatus of a window shade is provided, which comprises a base, a panel structure, and a cord gripping device. The base includes an adjustable portion allowing cords to pass through and a first-direction ascending opening is formed allowing the cords alternatively positioned. The panel structure having an insert plate and a second-direction ascending opening is provided allowing cords to pass through, when the cords are selectively positioned along the inclined surface, such panel structure is moved in a vertically upward or downward motion. The cord gripping device has an engaging block and a knurled roller, such engaging block is removably attached within the accommodation recess. The knurled roller is positioned near the top of the engaging block and a gap is formed therebetween, such that the knurled roller is frictionally locked with or released from the cords when the panel structure moves vertically downward or upward.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: Nien Made Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming Nien, Yu-Che Wen, Chih-Yao Chang, David Pon, Judkins Ren
  • Publication number: 20080185108
    Abstract: A window covering device has a top rail, a middle rail, and a bottom rail. A covering is connected with the middle rail and the bottom rail. Two cord controllers and two cord sets are provided in the top rail. The two cord sets are mounted respectively through the cord controllers. One cord set is connected with the middle rail, and the other cord set is connected with the bottom rail through the middle rail and the covering, thus the window covering is able to be opened from lower part or from upper part. The top rail, middle rail and the bottom rail are all made of plastic. The window covering device can be adjusted conveniently as people's desire.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 7, 2007
    Publication date: August 7, 2008
    Applicant: ZIPSHADE INDUSTRIAL (B.V.I) CORP
    Inventor: Li-Ming Cheng
  • Publication number: 20080179016
    Abstract: A blind device includes a flexible screen body with interconnected shielding sections, and a counterweight unit provided on a lowermost one of the shielding sections. The counterweight unit includes a horizontally extending top bar retained at a top edge of the lowermost shielding section, a horizontally extending bottom bar retained at a bottom edge of the lowermost shielding section, and at least one foldable component connected to the top and bottom bars and convertible from an unfolded state, where the lowermost shielding section is stretched by the counterweight unit in a vertical direction, to a folded state, where the counterweight unit folds the lowermost shielding section in the vertical direction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2007
    Publication date: July 31, 2008
    Inventor: Ya-Yin Lin
  • Publication number: 20080173409
    Abstract: A Roman shade is constructed of two continuous sheets of material forming the front and rear faces thereof. Pleat assemblies create panels in the shade, and oppositely disposed panels form insulating cells that help the shade to create an air barrier for insulating the window covered by the shade. Horizontal folds made in the front and rear faces form the pleat assemblies. Retaining strips are provided along with eyelets to assemble the pleat assembly. An optional sheer assembly may be hung below the shade wherein lower overhangs of the shade hide the sheer assembly when the sheer assembly is raised.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 22, 2007
    Publication date: July 24, 2008
    Applicant: D.S.C. FABRICS, INC.
    Inventors: Richard Wayne Robertson, Richard Wayne Robertson, Ramon Trujillo
  • Publication number: 20080099156
    Abstract: The invention relates to a rapid folding door. The inventive door comprises: two vertical jambs (2), each of which contains a slide; a winding shaft which is disposed at the top of the two vertical jambs (2); and a flexible screen (6) which is equipped with (i) a lower bar (10) which is in turn connected to the winding shaft by means of at least one strap (11) and (ii) at least one reinforcing bar. According to the invention, the width of the screen (6) is smaller than the distance separating the inner faces (2a) of each of the jambs (2). Moreover, the ends of at least one reinforcing bar (9) are fitted and guided in the slides provided in each of the jambs (2). The screen (6) can occupy: a closed position in which it is deployed in a separation plane that is defined by the jambs (2) and the winding shaft, or an open position in which it is folded by winding each strap (11) on the shaft and forming at least one fold on one side of the separation plane.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 31, 2005
    Publication date: May 1, 2008
    Inventor: Bernard Kraeutler
  • Patent number: 7353856
    Abstract: A window covering has a plurality of shade elements, each having a first longitudinal edge and a second longitudinal edge. The shade elements are positioned sequentially below a headrail, and each shade element is made of a window covering material that can be rolled about the first longitudinal edge. A first rail extends from the headrail past the first longitudinal edge of each shade element and is connected to lowermost shade element or the bottom rail. A second rail extends from the headrail and is attached to lowermost shade element or the bottom rail and to the second longitudinal edge of each shade element. Rungs extend between the first rail and the second rail such that there is one rung below and corresponding to each shade element. The first longitudinal edge of each shade element rests upon a corresponding rung when the window covering is in a closed position. A control mechanism is connected to the first rail and is capable of moving the first rail relative to the second rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Nien Made Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: David Pon, Yu-Che Wen, Tung Jung Chen
  • Publication number: 20070277935
    Abstract: A curtain comprises a curtain panel consisting a set of parallel sections, an upper rail extended over the curtain panel and a cord reel hidden within the upper rail having cords connected to said parallel sections of the curtain panel to control an upper and down stretching of the curtain panel. Because of the cord reel, the up/down configuration of the curtain panel can be activated by directly pushing and pulling the curtain panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 1, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Shih-Ming Lin
  • Publication number: 20070277936
    Abstract: A lift cord anchor clip for securement to a shade roller of a roman shade assembly is described. The clip comprises a spring metal band having a partly spherical shape and defining a throat opening which is narrower than the diameter of the spherical shape band. At least one clamping formation is integrally formed with the band and projects inwardly of an inner surface of the band. At least one end flange extends outwardly of the band below the clamping formation and is adapted for engagement by a tool to cause disengagement of the clamping formation. A cord attaching formation is also formed integral with the band for attaching a free end of a lift cord of a roman blind thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 29, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: Howard Sirkin
  • Patent number: 7284587
    Abstract: An improved blind structure includes a Roman blind having a head-rail made up of a first and second engaging sections symmetrically extending at both top lateral sides thereof for a plurality of guide sliding seats to be respectively mounted thereto wherein a pull cord positioning seat and an actuation cord positioning seat are symmetrically joined at one end of the first and the second engaging sections thereof respectively, and a light-passable blind body is fixedly attached at the underside of the head-rail in alignment with the first engaging section thereof to be collected or expanded via pull cords.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Solteam Electronics Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Leslie Nien
  • Patent number: 7275580
    Abstract: A window covering having a plurality of panels comprising a head rail and a plurality of panels suspended from the head rail by a securement member and at least one opening member is provided. Each of the plurality of panels is collapsible and includes a pair of opposed longitudinal regions. A bottom rail may also be provided and suspended from the head rail such that the plurality of panels are located between the head rail and the bottom rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 2, 2007
    Assignee: Teh Yor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fu-Lai Yu, Chin-Tien Huang, Shun-Chi Yu
  • Patent number: 7273529
    Abstract: In a method for making a window covering the user selects a first segment of cellular material in which there is a top cell having a top surface, at least one glue line on the top surface and a strip of fabric on the at least one glue line. The strip of fabric and at least a portion of the glue line are removed from the top surface of the top cell and a second glue line is applied to that top surface. A second segment of cellular material is place over the second glue line on the top surface of the top cell of the first segment. The glue line cures and bonds the second segment of cellular material to the first segment of cellular material. If the cellular material has tabbed cells the processes can be used to join the tabs of the two segments together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2005
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2007
    Inventors: Ren Judkins, John D. Rupel
  • Patent number: 7252132
    Abstract: A window covering has a headrail, a plurality of lift cords extending from the headrail and a plurality of shade elements positioned sequentially below the headrail. Each shade element has two longitudinal edges which are substantially parallel to one another. A flap made of mesh fabric, a non-woven fabric or a film through which light may pass is attached to one or both longitudinal edges of the shade elements. The shade elements are positioned so that when the shade elements are in a closed position the lower edge of one shade element abuts the upper edge of an adjacent shade element and when the shade elements are in an open position, the lower edge of the at least one shade element is spaced apart from the upper edge of an adjacent shade element. The flap may or may not fully cover the gap between adjacent shade elements. A first cord is attached to one longitudinal edge of each shade element and a second cord is attached to the other longitudinal edge of each shade element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 4, 2005
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2007
    Assignee: Nien Made Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming Nien, David Pon
  • Publication number: 20070175594
    Abstract: A cord-lock system for use in coverings for architectural openings and adapted to lock a control cord of the opening in any desired position includes a lock member that is pivotal about an axis parallel to the head rail of the covering with the lock member being movable between locked and unlocked positions by movement of the cord in a vertical plane perpendicular to the head rail. A cover plate pivotally overlying the lock member and operatively connected to the lift cords is also moved between locked and unlocked positions by movement of the lift cords in a manner that assures movement of the lock member between its locked and unlocked positions.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2007
    Publication date: August 2, 2007
    Applicant: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventor: Ralph G. Jelic
  • Patent number: 7198087
    Abstract: A Roman-type blind drapery structure includes a Roman-type drapery made up of a blind body wherein the blind body has an upper tubular section transversely disposed at the top edge thereon for an upper beam made of a major/minor telescopic rod to be led there-through, and both ends of the pull cord are led vertically downwards from the bottom edge of the upper tubular section to pass sequentially through a plurality of cord-passage hoops that are equidistantly seamed from top to bottom in axial position relative to the pull cord at the rear side of the blind body thereon. A lower tubular section is disposed at the lower section of the blind body for a rod-like counterweight to be located therein, and both ends of the pull cord are correspondingly drawn inwards and gathered up by a retaining piece to form a pulling section suspending downwards at the ends thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2007
    Assignee: Ching Feng Blinds Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ben Hsu
  • Patent number: 7150304
    Abstract: A cordless blind can include an upper beam, a body, and a plurality of magnet components. Generally, the body is attached to an underside of the upper beam. The body may include a top and foldable slats. One slat can be the bottommost slat. Generally, the plurality of magnet components are equidistantly distributed from the bottommost slat upward to the top of the body and alignable when the body is in a folded position. The cordless blind can have no pull cords or lift cords.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 19, 2006
    Assignee: Ching Feng Blinds Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ben Hsu
  • Patent number: 7036547
    Abstract: An assembly including a shade capable of height adjustment, comprising shade including multiple pleats, a roller, one strap that extends through multiple pleats of the assembly, and the at least one strap operatively connected with the roller to be rolled on the roller as the height of the shade is reduced, and to be un-rolled as the height of the shade is increased.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2006
    Assignee: ZipShade Industrial (B.V.I.) Corp.
    Inventors: Li-Ming Cheng, Lawrence S. Wu
  • Patent number: 6988526
    Abstract: A roman shade with liner has a headrail, a bottom bar spaced apart from and parallel to the headrail and both a face material and a liner extending from the headrail and attached to the bottom bar. A plurality of lift cords are attached to the bottom bar, pass through the gap between the liner and the face material and extend into the headrail. Each lift cord engages a set of tabs, rings or other one cord connectors attached to the inside surface of the face material. Preferably, each lift cord also engages cord connectors on the inside surface of the liner. The face material and the liner are each a material that will form loops that extend below the bottom bar as the bottom bar is raised. The face material and liner are sized and configured so that no loop of face material will extend beyond at least one loop of liner material. Consequently, the liner will block sunlight from the face material when the shade is fully raised or partially raised.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Inventor: Ren Judkins
  • Patent number: 6989066
    Abstract: A cellular structure such as a honeycomb window treatment and method for making the cellular structure is provided by securing a plurality of rows of elongated cells to one another. Each of the plurality of rows is constructed by providing a first longitudinally extending length of material. This first material includes a first surface and a second surface. The first material further includes a lesser width portion and a greater width portion. A second longitudinally extending length of material is also provided. The second material also includes a first surface and a second surface of the first material. The second surface of the second material is secured to the first surface over the greater width portion of the first material along a plurality longitudinally extending locations, preferably defined by glue or adhesive lines, on the second surface of the second material to form a row.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 24, 2006
    Assignee: Teh Yor Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Fu-Lai Yu
  • Patent number: 6976523
    Abstract: A foldable automobile shade for use in an automobile prevents sunlight from entering the automobile. The shade comprises a storage accessory having at least one a pocket or chamber, at least one mounting strap used to mount said storage accessory to a visor of said car; a pleated screen operatively connected to the storage accessory near a bottom of the storage accessory and a closure which maintains said screen in its folded position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2005
    Inventor: Sunny E. L. Huang
  • Patent number: 6962186
    Abstract: A retaining structure for a cordless continuous folding blind includes an upper beam, a continuous folding blind attached to the bottom of the upper beam, and a retaining plate fixed at opposing ends of a bottommost slat of the continuous folding blind via a fastening agent or seamed to the bottommost slat. The retaining plate has an extending section protruding outwards at each outer edge of the bottommost slat and a flexible counterweight stick securely fixed at an inner central section. The retaining plate is selectively bent and folded inwards to abut against a predetermined number of collected slats of the folding blind to locate the blind in a predetermined position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2005
    Assignee: Ching Feng Blinds Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ben Hsu
  • Patent number: 6959749
    Abstract: A pattern variable fabric drapery comprises an upper beam with a double-layered fabric drapery attached thereto wherein the upper section of the double-layered fabric drapery has a plurality of elongated tubular holes equidistantly disposed thereon for long rods to be adapted therein, and the lower section thereof has a plurality of symmetrical left and right tubular holes disposed thereon for left and right elongated rods to be adapted therein respectively The fabric drapery thereof also includes a plurality of left and right hanging pieces with hanging rings and central hanging pieces with cord-passage rings seamed into a Y-shaped pattern thereon for a left and a right pull cords to be adapted thereto; whereby, via the left and right pull cords without any preset extra length reserved, the fabric drapery thereof is gathered up with the lower section thereof raised up in a fan-like pattern and the upper section thereof withdrawn orderly in folds, economically simplifying the process of assembly and reducing
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2005
    Assignee: Ching Feng Blinds, Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Pey-Son Hsu
  • Patent number: 6948216
    Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening includes a head rail, a bottom rail, and a blind material extending therebetween in addition to an operating element or lift cord extending from the head rail to the bottom rail and an improved anchoring system for securing the lower free end of the lift cord to the bottom rail. The anchor includes a body adapted to be inserted into an opening in the bottom rail with the body having radiating ribs at one end defining passages therebetween such that the lift cord can be selectively wrapped around the ribs in a predetermined manner to secure the lift cord to the anchor at a predetermined location along the length of the lift cord. A cap is provided on the anchor for further securing the cord to the body by pinching the cord between the cap and an internal surface of the body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Erwin Gaudyn, Stephen T. Wisecup, Terry L. Akins
  • Patent number: 6941995
    Abstract: A lace-like structure of a hive-shaped Venetian blind comprises a blind body made up of a plurality of wave-like arc slats paired up into oval-shaped blind units in cross section. Each wave-like arc slat has a pair of extended flanges disposed at the front and rear sides thereof. Rollers with lace-producing convex edges disposed thereon are adapted to clamp tight the extended flanges thereof and synchronically seal up the pair-up wave-like arc slats via ultrasonic welding art with lace-like patterns cut at the extended flanges thereon via the lace-producing convex edges thereof. Thus, via the lace-producing rollers, the blind body thereof are automatically and synchronically assembled in ready and speedy manner to provide a Venetian blind with lace-like patterns disposed at the front and rear sides thereof in beautiful display.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2005
    Assignee: Ching Feng Blinds Ind. Co., Ltd
    Inventor: Pey-Son Hsu
  • Patent number: 6938663
    Abstract: A non-pull cord blind structure includes a blind body attached to the underside of an upper beam wherein a plurality of elongated passages are equidistantly seamed from bottom to top of the blind body thereof for a support stick to be led and adapted therein respectively. A buckling piece of a fastening belt or a hook is properly attached to the bottommost elongated passage, correspondingly matched to a plurality of buckling rings equidistantly fixed to the other elongated passages thereof respectively. Thus, via the buckling piece registered with the buckling rings thereof, the blind body is levelly raised upwards and located at a desired position thereby without any pull cords applied thereto so as to ensure the safety of children in the household.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2005
    Assignee: Ching Feng Blinds Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ben Hsu