Venetian Blind Type Bracket Means Patents (Class 160/902)
  • Patent number: 11870228
    Abstract: A wire basket system formed of a wire basket and a support bracket that secures the wire basket to the ceiling by a threaded rod. The support bracket includes a main member with a top, a bottom, a first end, a second end, a first side, and a second side. A first arm extends downwardly from the first side of the main member and a second arm extends downwardly from the second side of the main member. The first arm and the second arm include a J-shaped hook. The J-shaped hooks of the first and second arms are aligned thereby enabling the support bracket to receive a wire of the wire basket in the wire basket system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2022
    Date of Patent: January 9, 2024
    Assignee: Panduit Corp.
    Inventors: Jeremy S. Parrish, Bon B. Sledzinski, David W. West
  • Patent number: 11459821
    Abstract: A headrail for use with an architectural-structure covering including one or more features to facilitate easier assembly and/or manufacturing. Additionally, and/or alternatively, the headrail may include one or more features to provide improved operation and/or aesthetics. For example, the headrail may include a slat slidably received within an interior cavity of the headrail. The components can be coupled to the slat prior to insertion of the slat into the headrail thus facilitating easier assembly. In addition, and/or alternatively, the slat may include a light-blocking element. In addition, and/or alternatively, a covering portion of the architectural-structure covering may include face and back fabrics that are separately and independently associated with the headrail to facilitate improved aesthetics in a top portion of the covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Timothy William Fries, Kenneth M. Faller
  • Patent number: 10316583
    Abstract: In the screening arrangement, a screening device is provided with end pieces adapted to be mounted on mounting brackets (6). Locking members are provided on the end pieces and the mounting brackets for providing engagement, between these components. The locking members include mutually cooperating female and male locking members, of which the mounting brackets (6) are provided with two female locking members (12, 14) to cooperate successively with one male locking member of the respective end piece, so that it is possible to provide engagement between each end piece and the respective mounting bracket in at least two positions including a first, temporary position and a second, terminal position on the mounting bracket, when the end pieces are moved with the screening device in the third direction from the point distant from the pane to the point proximate to the pane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: VKR Holding A/S
    Inventor: Martin Birkkjaer
  • Patent number: 9004429
    Abstract: A mounting device for installing a track for a curtain or blind has an engagement portion for cooperation with the track by a snap-type engagement. A resiliently deformable release means has a tongue portion (29) that has a free end that is positioned in a cavity of the track when the engagement portions are fully mutually engaged and a connected end that is connected to the mounting portion and spaced from the free end and that is positioned externally of the cavity of the track when the engagement portions are fully mutually engaged. The tongue portion (29) has an abutment face (33) disposed for assisting with prising apart the mounting device and the track by turning a tool, simultaneous with the operation of the tool against the tongue portion. The abutment face is opposed to and spaced from the track in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: MCP New Zealand Limited
    Inventor: Roger F. Dennison
  • Patent number: 8960621
    Abstract: A slide lock to releasably secure a roller blind fascia to the end plate of a roller blind. The slide lock comprises a lock body slidably received along an interior surface of the fascia. The lock body has an engaged position, where the lock releasably secures the fascia to the roller blind end plate, and has a disengaged position, where the lock releases the fascia from the end plate to permit the fascia to be removed therefrom. The lock body includes a flexibly resilient leg member that releasably engages between the fascia and the roller blind end plate. The leg member includes a deflection zone such that when the leg member engages between the fascia and the roller blind end plate at least a portion of the leg member is compressed or deflected about the deflection zone to releasably secure the lock body between the roller blind end plate and the fascia, thereby releasably securing the fascia to the end plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 24, 2015
    Assignee: ZMC Metal Coating Inc.
    Inventor: Norman Wills
  • Patent number: 8919417
    Abstract: A head rail of a window covering includes a rail member, two rail lids engaging opposite ends of the rail member, and two lid fasteners to fix a rail lids. The lid fastener includes a main plate, two clip plates, and two stop plates. The lid fastener engages the rail member with the clip plates clipping the rail member and the stop plates holding the rail lid to securely fix the rail lid to the rail member. The lid fastener provides a fast and easy way to engage and disengage the rail lid.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Nien Made Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Che Wen, Chih-Yao Chang
  • Patent number: 8201789
    Abstract: A blind support for installation of a blind rail. The blind support includes a main support body and an engagement member. The main support body has two horizontal support boards and a vertical support board connected between the horizontal support boards to form a support body with an open side. The blind rail can be placed into the main support body through the open side thereof and supported by the main support body. The engagement member has horizontally extending abutment sections that can be slidably received slide channels of the main support body. Each abutment section has a key body projecting therefrom. The key bodies are engageable in engagement holes formed on the main support body to block the open side thereof and enclose and support the blind rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Inventor: Tser Wen Chou
  • Patent number: 8028737
    Abstract: A mounting system is configured for removably mounting window treatments within and external to a window frame. Internal and external wall mounts are mounted respectively within and external to the window frame. Window treatment supports are alternately removably mountable on the internal and external wall mounts in order to mount the window treatments within and external to the window frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: Michael A. Lewis
  • Patent number: 7730923
    Abstract: An adjustable hanging apparatus for blind valances is provided. The hanging apparatus includes a hanging device and a mounting device. The hanging device has a hook, which can be slidably hooked over a headrail. In addition, a base of the hanging device has an opening. The opening is disposed with two resilient mounting plates, and each mounting plate has a plurality of troughs. A neck portion is formed therebetween the mounting plates. The mounting device has a joint portion, which can engage with the valance. Also, a jam portion passes through the neck portion and mounted therein. Positioning flanges can be engaged with the troughs of the mounting plates so as to limit the vertical movement of the mounting device, and the mounting device can be inserted through the opening in the vertical direction of any positions to adjust the valance to desired positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 3, 2007
    Date of Patent: June 8, 2010
    Assignee: Niem Made Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: De-Jun Zhang
  • Patent number: 7703500
    Abstract: A bracket and head rail assembly is provided. A recess is formed at both ends of the upper portion of a head rail. The recess is sunken at both sides to form a first slot and a second slot. The bracket includes a body and a fastener, wherein a claw is extended from the body, and an elastic part is extended from the fastener and bears against the body, such that the fastener is slidably disposed in the body. When being assembled, the first and second slots are easily locked with the claw and the fastener, and alternatively, they are exchanged with each other for locking with the claw and the fastener respectively. Then, the head rail and the fastener are designed into a thin configuration, and then, formed by bending and processing sheets, so as to achieve the advantages of simple assembly, mass production, and nice appearance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 27, 2010
    Assignee: Nien Made Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Yu-Che Wen, Chih-Yao Chang
  • Patent number: 7516771
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for a covering for architectural openings such as windows, doors, archways, and the like, includes complementary components on the headrail and the mounting bracket to permit the mounting bracket to be inserted into the headrail and a lock lever is provided with access forwardly of the headrail to lock the headrail in position on the mounting bracket or condition the mounting bracket for release of the headrail from a temporarily secured relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2009
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence M. Drew, James L. Miller
  • Patent number: 7367536
    Abstract: A mounting bracket for mounting a head rail for a window covering includes a rigid housing and a flexible clip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2006
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2008
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Richard N. Anderson, Eugene W. Thompson
  • Patent number: 7284736
    Abstract: A one-piece bracket for mounting the headrail of a covering for an architectural opening comprises a generally L-shaped piece having a system for retaining the headrail on the bracket and restricting movement of the headrail on the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2007
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries BV
    Inventor: Johannes Robertus Maria Franssen
  • Patent number: 7168475
    Abstract: A Venetian-style window blind (10) that resembles plantation style shutters is described. In a preferred embodiment, the headrail is shaped like the plurality of slats depending from it, is pivotally connected to the sides of a window frame by mounting brackets and has a hollow interior. Tilting of the plurality slats depending from the headrail is accomplished by vertically moving an actuator rod that is pivotally connected to the headrail. The plurality of slats are suspended from the headrail by a cord ladder to tilt in unison with the headrail. While tilting the blind assembly into the closed position, the headrail and depending slats also slide inwardly towards the windowpane. The slats are lifted through the actuation of a lift handle that is slidably attached to the actuator rod and contains therein a lock mechanism to hold the slats in a desired position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2007
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, James M. Anthony, Richard N. Anderson, Steven R. Haarer, Donald E. Fraser, Robert A. Null
  • Patent number: 7134470
    Abstract: A window cover support device and method of use thereon, wherein the device is non-rotating and comprises a bracket having support members in the form of pairs of upward-facing hooks over which a valance rod or curtain rod may be placed, a box structure for confinement of one end of a miniblind support rod, and also a round or rectangular slotted opening for installation of one end of a shade support rod therein. The bracket is utilized in pairs with a tension rod between same to provide support to the selected window cover or combination of window covers. In furtherance of adhesion to the wall, the present invention incorporates a novel plug-flap device of rubber, or other similar material, suitable for insertion into the end of the tension rod, the plug-flap device providing a large surface area of rubber or similar material under the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Inventor: Patrick McCance
  • Patent number: 7134469
    Abstract: A system for mounting a covering for an architectural opening in the architectural opening includes a bracket in which an edge of the headrail for the covering can be inserted and a releasable locking system operative with a slide member to securely lock the headrail to the bracket in one position and allow the headrail to be easily removed from the bracket in a different position of the slide.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2006
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence M. Drew, Stephen P. Smith
  • Patent number: 7048028
    Abstract: A mounting bracket and headrail assembly for supporting an elongated member from which a plurality of valences may be suspended, and a method of using the mounting bracket and headrail assembly. The mounting bracket has a catch and resilient spring clip to securely receive a first leg of the headrail, leaving the second leg of the headrail exposed. The exposed second leg of the headrail obscures the first leg and mounting bracket from view, thereby avoiding the need to provide additional material to obscure unsightly hardware from view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 24, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 23, 2006
    Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.
    Inventors: Chris Wolfe, Patrick Foley
  • Patent number: 6899156
    Abstract: A headrail for a venetian type blind or pleated shade has an insert that carries a cord lock. The insert fits into the end of the headrail and is carried by a slot or rib on the sidewalls of the headrail. A pair of pockets are provided on the insert. The pockets are positioned so that one pocket is adjacent each sidewall when the insert is attached to the end of a headrail. The pockets are sized and configured to receive a cord lock such that the cord lock can be easily removed from one pocket and placed in the other pocket by an installer. The pockets preferably are oriented so that a cord passing through the cord lock will run along a path that is not parallel to the sidewalls but is at an angle of about 10°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: ITA, Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Tyner
  • Patent number: 6843299
    Abstract: A window covering system has a bracket rail with an elongated L-shaped body that extends across substantially the full width of a window. A plurality of brackets are attached to a headrail of a window covering and releasably attach the headrail to the bracket rail. Preferably, the brackets have a tab which engages the front edge of the bracket rail and an inverted U-shaped spring that engages the bottom edge of the bracket rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Ren Judkins
  • Patent number: 6672359
    Abstract: A vertically adjustable bracket for mounting a valance to a headrail includes a clip having a tongue and an arm for attachment to a headrail. A slide has a groove which receives the tongue and a twist and lock cam connector which releasably and lockingly engages an elongated groove on the rear of a valance. A rib on the slide and a ridged surface on the tongue make the bracket adjustable in small increments. Another embodiment includes a second tongue and groove connection which makes the horizontal distance between the valance and the headrail similarly adjustable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Springs Window Fashions LP
    Inventor: John E. Morris
  • Patent number: 6648046
    Abstract: The adjustable blind holder is a single unit that solves multiple problems that are posed in the hanging of various window-covering options. The prior art involves the installation of separate units that act as braces for the head rail of a window covering. This poses the difficulty of mounting the brackets so that the head rail will be level when hung. The adjustable blind holder solves this problem by unifying disparate elements in a unique way that will allow the installation of a single unit that can be leveled easily. Also the elements of the blind holder allow for a versatile decorative cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 28, 2002
    Date of Patent: November 18, 2003
    Inventor: William Lee Gibson
  • Patent number: 6619366
    Abstract: A universal head rail assembly includes a front wall and a back wall, wherein the front wall includes a first contour formed on an outer face thereof and the back wall includes a second contour formed on an outer face thereof. A reversible rotator assembly includes a tilt control wand coupled to a gear box configured to selectively rotate a rotator element. The reversible rotator assembly and the tilt control wand are in a first position when the first contour of the front wall is displayed and the reversible rotator assembly and the tilt control wand are in a second position when the second contour of the back wall is displayed. The gear box includes a first universal socket coupled to a gear train positioned on an opposed side of the head rail from a second universal socket that is coupled to the gear train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2001
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.
    Inventor: Zazu Ciuca
  • Patent number: 6550523
    Abstract: A head structure for Venetian blind includes a head rail having a concave bottom surface, two mounting members assembled to the head rail and invisible from a front side of the head rail, and a slat tilting gear controlled via tilt cords instead of a rigid wand. The concave bottom surface of the head rail has a curvature close to that of slats of the Venetian blind, so that the slats in a fully lifted position can fitly bear against the bottom of the head rail to avoid deformation. The tilt cords, the invisibly assembled mounting members, and the lifted slats fitly bearing against the head rail not only creates beautiful integral appearance for the Venetian blind, but also enables reduced volume thereof for convenient packing and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Her Hsiung Chen
  • Patent number: 6540187
    Abstract: The bracket includes an inner body having a hook on one end and arranged to slide within an outer body having a hook on one end to provide a variable bracket length. A pair of springs located between overlapping portions of the bodies biases the bracket towards its longer uncompressed length. After the bracket is mounted to a support surface, a wall of the headrail is hooked onto the hook of the inner body. The headrail is then advanced to compress the springs and shorten the bracket length so that an opposite wall of the headrail can catch on the hook of the outer body. Removing the compression force on the springs biases the bracket toward its longer length to capture the second wall of the headrail with the hook of the outer body. By this arrangement, an easily applied pushing force installs and attaches the mounting bracket to the headrail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Date of Patent: April 1, 2003
    Inventor: Godwin Carter
  • Patent number: 6431246
    Abstract: A window blind having a plurality of substantially identical mounting blocks that are adapted to receive a mounting rod in an aperture formed in each of the mounting blocks wherein the mounting rod is comprised of a plurality of mounting rod sections that can be connected together by sleeves so as to form a mounting rod of a variety of lengths. At one end of the mounting rod, a tilt actuator block is attached. The tilt actuator block has a gearing mechanism such that user manipulation of a pair of cords will result in rotation of the mounting rod. The plurality of slats are attached to the mounting section. The mounting blocks further include a guide plate that receives the lift cord wherein the guide plate has an aperture that allows the lift cord to be extended vertically downward from the mounting section to be connected to the horizontal slats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Inventor: James M. Peterson
  • Patent number: 6382296
    Abstract: A headrail and bracket system for window coverings has a plurality of brackets that support the headrail. Each bracket is generally L-shaped having a top that extends over the headrail and a tab or front wall that engages that front wall of the headrail. The rear of the bracket engages the bottom of the headrail. A lever extends from the front wall toward the back wall and engages the top of the headrail or a tab extending from the top of the headrail. An actuator is movably connected to the rear wall of the bracket and is positioned to engage the lever and move the lever to release the headrail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2001
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Ren Judkins
  • Patent number: 6382295
    Abstract: A bracket system is provided which is selectively convertible between a first mode in which it supports a mini-blind and a second mode in which it supports a curtain rod. The bracket system includes a mini-blind bracket and a curtain rod adapter. The mini-blind bracket forms a chamber defined by top and bottom walls, a back wall, and a side wall. The chamber is open along one side and along its front. A channel is formed in the top and bottom wall by flanges and grooves, and is sized to receive the adapter. The adapter comprises a plate which fits in the channel and which has a T-member sized and shaped to receive the end of a standard curtain rod. The adapter is easily slid into and out of the bracket to convert the bracket between its two modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Jerome Nicholson
  • Patent number: 6311756
    Abstract: A mounting system for a covering for an architectural opening includes a mounting bracket that has a main body with a rear edge, and a rear wall extends from the rear edge. The rear wall has a key cut-out therethrough. A locking key is removably and rotatably supported in the key cut-out, whereby the locking key may be selectively rotated between a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking key includes a handle that permits it to be selectively rotated between its locked and unlocked positions, and the locking key also includes a lock finger that keeps the headrail in position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2001
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Richard N. Anderson, Eugene W. Thompson
  • Patent number: 6299115
    Abstract: An improved retractable covering for an architectural opening includes an improved mounting bracket, an improved limit stop to prevent over-retraction and over-extension of the retractable covering, an improved battery pack mounting bracket for attaching a power supply to a head rail of the retractable covering, an improved battery pack mounting apparatus for attaching a battery pack to a head rail, an improved control system for the retractable covering, and an improved method of using a wireless remote control or a manually operated switch to activate a motor to control the configuration of the covering, including the extension or retraction of the covering, and the transmissivity of the covering. The disclosed improvements are field retrofittable.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 9, 2001
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Joseph E. Kovach, Michael S. Holford, Marek Jarosinski
  • Patent number: 6293330
    Abstract: A universal head rail assembly includes a front wall and a back wall, wherein the front wall includes a first contour formed on an outer face thereof and the back wall includes a second contour formed on an outer face thereof. A reversible rotator assembly includes a tilt control wand coupled to a gear box configured to selectively rotate a rotator element. The reversible rotator assembly and the tilt control wand are in a first position when the first contour of the front wall is displayed and the reversible rotator assembly and the tilt control wand are in a second position when the second contour of the back wall is displayed. The gear box includes a first universal socket coupled to a gear train positioned on an opposed side of the head rail from a second universal socket that is coupled to the gear train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 1999
    Date of Patent: September 25, 2001
    Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.
    Inventor: Zazu Ciuca
  • Patent number: 6279863
    Abstract: A pair of brackets for hanging a window blind which are both easy to install and to remove and which can be used to facilitate cleaning the blind. Each bracket includes a four-sided structure which, except for its being open on both its top and one of its vertical sides, is generally in the shape of a rectangular prism. Each bracket, which is a mirror image of the other, can be fabricated as single, unitary piece from sheet metal. Folded downwardly from the upper edge of a vertical side panel in this structure is an external flap. The bracket is installed with the use of a single screw whose shank is slip fitted into a slot formed in this flap. Since both the flap and the screw head are hidden behind the vertical side panel, neither the flap nor the screw head can interfere with the subsequent placement of a window blind mounting bar in the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 28, 2001
    Inventor: Richard D. Hall
  • Publication number: 20010007344
    Abstract: The bracket includes an inner body having a hook on one end and arranged to slide within an outer body having a hook on one end to provide a variable bracket length. A pair of springs located between overlapping portions of the bodies biases the bracket towards its longer uncompressed length. After the bracket is mounted to a support surface, a wall of the headrail is hooked onto the hook of the inner body. The headrail is then advanced to compress the springs and shorten the bracket length so that an opposite wall of the headrail can catch on the hook of the outer body. Removing the compression force on the springs biases the bracket toward its longer length to capture the second wall of the headrail with the hook of the outer body. By this arrangement, an easily applied pushing force installs and attaches the mounting bracket to the headrail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2001
    Publication date: July 12, 2001
    Inventor: Godwin Carter
  • Patent number: 6234235
    Abstract: A Venetian blind having a head rail with a plurality of ladder cords and vertical cords vertically mounted and spaced apart therebelow, a plurality of slats being positioned between the ladder cords and the vertical cords formed a shade, the bottom of the head rail being a lower rail, characterized in that the external edge of the head rail is mounted with an upper rail formed from plastic injection molding for enabling cutting the length thereof, the cross-section of the upper rail is substantially “U” shaped and the edges of the upper rail are individually provided with two hook-like edges, and a plurality of holes are provided on the upper rail for the insertion of the ladder cords, the vertical cords, and a lift cord, to thereby provide support for a venetian blind within various sized structural openings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2000
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2001
    Inventor: Nien Ming
  • Patent number: 6202967
    Abstract: An improved bracket and headrail assembly is provided. The bracket is secured to a structure, such as a window casing or ceiling, and comprises a vertical back member and a depending forwardly extending horizontal top leg. The vertical member has a first engagement member for engaging and securing the headrail. The headrail has a front vertical portion that leads to a top end and a depending horizontal member that is designed to underly the top leg of the bracket when assembled. The top horizontal member has a second engagement member that selectively engages the first engaging member of the bracket. The headrail also has a lifting mechanism so that, as the two pieces are assembled, the top of the vertical headrail portion is raised into a substantially flush relationship with the ceiling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2000
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2001
    Assignee: RollEase, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard R. Fraczek
  • Patent number: 6186457
    Abstract: The bracket includes an inner body having a hook on one end and arranged to slide within an outer body having a hook on one end to provide a variable bracket length. A pair of springs located between overlapping portions of the bodies biases the bracket towards its longer uncompressed length. After the bracket is mounted to a support surface, a wall of the headrail is hooked onto the hook of the inner body. The headrail is then advanced to compress the springs and shorten the bracket length so that an opposite wall of the headrail can catch on the hook of the outer body. Removing the compression force on the springs biases the bracket toward its longer length to capture the second wall of the headrail with the hook of the outer body. By this arrangement, an easily applied pushing force installs and attaches the mounting bracket to the headrail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 3, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2001
    Assignee: Gilmore Enterprises
    Inventor: Godwin Carter
  • Patent number: 6039295
    Abstract: A bracket for mounting a head rail or a bottom rail of a window covering product to a fixation surface includes a main body portion with a mounting aperture and opposed edges adapted to engage the head or bottom rail. The main body portion of the bracket is mounted to the fixation surface via the mounting aperture either by directly passing a mounting screw or the like through the mounting aperture and into the fixation surface, or by affixing the main body portion at its mounting aperture to a support member that is in turn affixed to the fixation surface. The mounting aperture is associated with a convex curved surface of either the main body portion or the support member. If the main body portion has the convex curved surface, the mounting aperture can be a circumferentially elongate slot in the convex curved surface of the main body portion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1998
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2000
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas International N.V.
    Inventor: Justinus Lambertus Theodurus de Beijer
  • Patent number: 6009931
    Abstract: A window blind having a plurality of substantially identical mounting blocks that are adapted to receive a mounting rod in an aperture formed in each of the mounting blocks wherein the mounting rod is comprised of a plurality of mounting rod sections that can be connected together by sleeves so as to form a mounting rod of a variety of lengths. At one end of the mounting rod, a tilt actuator block is attached. The tilt actuator block has a gearing mechanism such that user manipulation of a pair of cords will result in rotation of the mounting rod. The plurality of slats are attached to the mounting section. The mounting blocks further include a guide plate that receives the lift cord wherein the guide plate has an aperture that allows the lift cord to be extended vertically downward from the mounting section to be connected to the horizontal slats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 1998
    Date of Patent: January 4, 2000
    Inventor: James M. Peterson
  • Patent number: 5979848
    Abstract: A window covering hanger is provided including a mounting bracket having a horizontally oriented top face and a vertically oriented rear face coupled to a rear edge of the top face and depending downwardly therefrom. A front face is coupled to a front edge of the top face and depends downwardly therefrom. The top face of the mounting bracket rests on a top ledge of a window frame and the rear face is situated between the window frame and an adjacent wall. A securement mechanism is mounted on the mounting bracket for securing to an end of a rod of a window covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 9, 1999
    Inventors: James Kuthy, Debra Kuthy
  • Patent number: 5975184
    Abstract: A decorative plate assembling structure for upper beam of a vertical/horizontal blind, including an upper beam, two sealing caps, two sealing covers, a left and a right decorative plates and multiple intermediate decorative plates. The upper beam has a U-shaped cross-section. An upper and a lower sides of a front end of the sealing cap are respectively disposed with two L-shaped insertion channels. An upper and a lower ends of the sealing cover are respectively disposed with two L-shaped insertion sections for fitting into the L-shaped insertion channels of the sealing cap. A boss outward projects from a center of the sealing cover. A dovetail block is disposed at an end of the boss. A back side of each of the left and right decorative plates is disposed with a transverse dovetail channel. A back side of each intermediate decorative plate is disposed with a fastener member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventors: Jerry Nien, Sherry Hsu
  • Patent number: 5816308
    Abstract: The device effectively, efficiently, conveniently, and securely supports headrails of a type having a U-shaped cross section with first and second sidewalls joined by a connecting rear wall, the free ends of the sidewalls projecting inwardly to define first and second projections, respectively. The device comprises a selectively expandable and collapsible support having a top surface, a first side, a second side opposite the first side, a support surface on both the first and second sides, and may be fixed to a ceiling or wall. Structurally, the support comprises: a locking or latching mechanism for locking the support in an expanded condition in which the first and second projections at the free ends of the headrail sidewalls engage the support surfaces, and for releasing the expanded condition to place the support in a collapsed condition in which the spacing between the first and second support surfaces is insufficient to support both first and second projections at the free ends of the headrail sidewalls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 1997
    Date of Patent: October 6, 1998
    Assignee: Kittrich Corporation
    Inventor: Edgar Eduardo De Hoyos
  • Patent number: 5667178
    Abstract: A mounting bracket assembly is provided for supporting shades, blinds, curtains, cornices, and valances having a support rail, which includes an L-shaped mounting section having an integrally connected back member, interior side members and an extended top member, and the extended top member having a U-shaped channel formed therein for fitting into a U-shaped channel of the support rail. It also includes an L-shaped holding section having an integrally connected rear member, exterior side members, and a bottom support member for supporting the support rail in place. A threaded bolt is provided for connecting an interior lip member of the mounting section with an exterior lip member of the holding section to join the mounting section and the holding section to form the mounting bracket assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 1995
    Date of Patent: September 16, 1997
    Inventor: Nelson T. G. Yang
  • Patent number: 5584459
    Abstract: A bracket system used in suspending a window cover frame comprises first and second bracket members. The first bracket member has a main body portion made from a rigid high strength material for mounting to a support surface for the bracket system and for holding the second bracket member. The first bracket member has a connector to releasably secure the first and second bracket members to one another. The connector is pressed from the material of the main body portion of the first bracket member in the form of a pair of wings. Each wing comprises a base part which remains attached to the first bracket member and an outer part spaced by a gap from and being generally parallel with the main body portion. The outer parts of the wings face away from another. The connector has a length which spans both of the outer parts of the wings and a width which is less than the length of the connector. The second bracket member has an opening with a length greater and a width less than the length of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: December 17, 1996
    Inventor: George Meyer
  • Patent number: 5533560
    Abstract: A venetian blind headrail and bracket system in which the headrail has a downwardly extending light block panel along a rear edge of the bottom wall, a front upper rim on the front wall and a rear upper rim on the rear wall. The mounting bracket includes an upwardly opening front notch for receiving a lower edge of the front upper rim and a downwardly opening rear notch spaced rearwardly from the front notch for receiving the rear upper rim, and a support ledge spaced below the rear notch for engaging a lower edge of the light block panel to support the headrail in a mounted position on the bracket with a clearance between the rear upper rim and the base of the rear notch. The rear notch has a width sufficiently less than the outer width of the rear upper rim to have an interference fit therewith when the headrail is in the mounted position on the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 9, 1996
    Assignee: Springs Window Fashions Division, Inc.
    Inventor: John E. Morris
  • Patent number: 5529273
    Abstract: A mounting bracket wherein a base (12) is secured to an arm (20) by a fastener (22). A cam post (28) has a head (30) that is connected to arm (20) by a shaft (32). A spring clip (34) has an aperture (40) that is contoured in correspondence with head (30) and is retained between head (30) and arm (20) at selected angular positions about cam post (28).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 1994
    Date of Patent: June 25, 1996
    Inventor: Siegfried Benthin
  • Patent number: 5522444
    Abstract: A positioning device for a headrail of a venetian blind includes a pair of brackets each including a base plate mounted in a recess of the headrail near a distal end thereof, and at least one bore is defined through the base plate and aligning with a corresponding hole which is defined through a bottom portion of the headrail. Two side plates each are vertically formed on one side of the base plate, each abut on one side wall of the bottom portion, and each includes a top edge received in a groove which is defined in one hook portion which is formed on one associated side wall of the headrail. Each side of the base plate includes at least one supporting portion formed on an underside thereof and extending downwardly therefrom so as to rest on the bottom portion of the headrail, thereby defining a space between the base plate and the bottom portion. A positioning screw extends through the bore of the base plate and includes a head portion received in the space between the bore and the associated hole.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 1995
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1996
    Inventor: Tai-ping Liu
  • Patent number: 5505418
    Abstract: A combination venetian blind and roller shade support comprising a pair of mirror-image combination brackets. Each bracket has a pair of discrete compartments, one compartment to receive one end of a venetial blind and the other compartment containing support mechanism for a roller shade bracket. The support mechanism is adjustable to vary the location of the roller shade bracket relative to the combination bracket to accommodate roller shades of different widths.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 1995
    Date of Patent: April 9, 1996
    Assignee: Granite State Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Kevin J. Corcoran
  • Patent number: 5353857
    Abstract: This invention relates to a bracket and headrail combination for supporting a venetian blind in a window opening. The bracket of the combination can be mounted to a vertical or horizontal surface adjacent to the window opening, and is substantially hidden from view when the headrail is installed. The bracket configuration inhibits longitudinal sliding of the headrail, and accommodates misalignment between brackets while still allowing for successful headrail installation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 1993
    Date of Patent: October 11, 1994
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard N. Anderson
  • Patent number: 5323834
    Abstract: A vertical window covering system which utilizes an area of prepleated drapery fabric having permanently set pleats of a nature such that the fabric behaves like a tension spring tending to bias pleats toward the folded state or a vertical blind with taped or string ladders. The drape is hung from a traverse track adapted to be mounted in a horizontal orientation. A plurality of track mounting arrangements are provided for mounting a plurality of spaced pleats of the fabric intermediate left and right edge pleats thereof for bidirectional traverse relative to the traverse track. First and second drape edge carrier components are mounted to the traverse track with at least one of the carrier arrangements adapted for bidirectional traverse on the track. Drape edge stabilizer arrangements are mounted on each of be carrier arrangements for holding the edge pleats in a substantially true vertical orientation when the drapery fabric is traversed to an open pleat condition, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1993
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1994
    Inventor: Andrew J. Toti
  • Patent number: 5265837
    Abstract: An end support for use with a window covering assembly including a head rail having two ends, and the end support having two identical end support structures each end support structures having a generally rectangular open-sided boxlike structure having an end wall, a back wall meeting the end wall generally at a right angle, and two generally horizontal spaced-apart side walls, the side walls being joined to adjacent edges of the end wall and the back wall, the side walls, and the back wall defining free edges, the free edges, in turn, defining a generally three-sided rectangular opening for receiving an end of the head rail, and the side walls defining further free edges which, together with the free edge of the end wall, define an open side of the boxlike structure, through which an end of the head rail may be inserted and removed, and, a moveable closure swingably mounted on the boxlike structure adjacent the free edge of the end wall and swingable between open and closed positions, and a lock for locking
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 1992
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1993
    Inventor: Norbert Marocco
  • Patent number: 5226466
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided for securing a window covering to a window by attachment to the frame of a window pane in a manner which retains the window covering in spaced apart relation relative to the window pane. This apparatus can be snap-fit onto the window pane without use of penetrating fasteners. This apparatus also permits utilization in retrofit double pane arrangements and facilitates removal of individual window panes with the window covering as a single unit to avoid disconnection of through-window adjustment controls.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 14, 1990
    Date of Patent: July 13, 1993
    Inventor: Dean A. Coddens