Operating System Includes A Handle Patents (Class 49/87.1)
  • Patent number: 10724236
    Abstract: Louvered roof systems are provided with one or more louvers. Such louvers can be combined in an assembly that is movable between an open condition and a closed condition. In the closed condition, louvers in the assembly engage one another. In such engagement, a leg extending generally transversely from one louver may include a wing that extends generally transversely to the leg and that abuts a surface of an adjacent louver. Additionally or alternatively, in such engagement, a leg extending transversely from one louver may be received in a notch in an adjacent louver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: OMNIMAX INTERNATIONAL, INC.
    Inventors: David G. Weaver, Vincent J. Kehs, Benjamin R. Elliott
  • Patent number: 10252611
    Abstract: An active seal arrangement operably connected to a radiator and condenser of a vehicle. The arrangement includes at least one movable seal. The seal is selectively movable between a closed, air-restricting position and an open, air-passing position. The seal is pivotably connected to either the radiator or the condenser. Alternatively, the movable seal is slidably attached to a side wall fitted between the radiator and the condenser. A position controller operably connected to at least one sensor regulates the position of the seal. The seal is moved to its closed, air-restricting position during times of high condenser load such as when idling or when the vehicle is operated at very low vehicle speeds during hot weather. The seal is moved to its open, air-passing position during high powertrain cooling demand such as in hot weather, when ascending a grade, or when towing a large trailer or payload.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Ford Global Technologies, LLC
    Inventor: Steven David Errick
  • Patent number: 9694858
    Abstract: The invention relates to a front (1) of a motor vehicle (2) having an air inlet opening (5) and a first air duct (8) which emanates from the air inlet opening (5) and in which a heat exchanger (10) is arranged, through which air can flow, having a second air duct (9) which emanates from the air inlet opening (5) and is arranged adjacently with respect to the first air duct (8) and guides an air flow into the wheel arch (3) or to the side of the wheel arch (3), an air flow control apparatus (16, 19) being provided which controls the air flow through the first air duct (8) and/or through the second air duct (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: July 4, 2017
    Assignee: Dr. Ing. h.c. F. Porsche Aktiengesellschaft
    Inventor: Thomas Wolf
  • Patent number: 9140059
    Abstract: A window assembly comprising a window frame and a window sash is disclosed. The sash is supported on the window frame for pivotal movement between an open position and a closed position. The sash supports an insulated glass unit with an internal blind and includes a primary operator connected to the blind so that linear movement of the primary operator causes movement of said blind. When the sash is closed, a secondary operator supported in the window frame engages the primary operator so that linear movement of the secondary operator causes a corresponding linear movement of the primary operator.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 17, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Assignee: Sunrise Windows, LLC
    Inventors: Douglas A. Kirk, Michael Williamson, John H. Walsh, Daniel Dew
  • Patent number: 9069534
    Abstract: A data center (100) includes at least one rack room (in for example module 140) having a floor and a plurality of rack storage areas on the floor, each rack storage area being arranged to accommodate a plurality of racks (143) in which a plurality of rack-mountable electronic components may be housed, one or more controllable air circulation systems (in for example module 122), one or more cold aisles (144) in the rack room, each cold aisle being adjacent to a rack storage area, and one or more hot aisles (145) in the rack room, each hot aisle being adjacent to a rack storage area. There may be a large air duct, in the form of a personnel corridor (123), for transporting, under the control of the one or more air circulation systems, cooling air, above the floor, to the one or more cold aisles. The air supply corridor/duct (123) may have a height greater than 1.5 m above the floor and a cross-sectional area of at least 2 m2 and a maximum dimension in the plane of the cross-section of less than 3 m.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 30, 2015
    Assignee: BRIPCO BVBA
    Inventor: Paul Rogers
  • Publication number: 20140175240
    Abstract: A louvered roof includes a drive mechanism securely fastened to a pivot arm via a gear pin, a plurality of louver roof panels configured to rotate about a center axis via a corresponding plurality of pivotal pins, a track section, and a track bar securely mounted to each of the plurality of louver panels via a plurality of corresponding track pins of end brackets securely mounted to opposing ends of the plurality of louver panels and configured to rotate the plurality of louver panels about the center axis of their respective central pivotal pins via a rotation of the motor gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 15, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: C. Scott Selzer
  • Patent number: 8615970
    Abstract: An assembly comprised of at least one fixed panel and at least two moveable panels is provided. The moveable panels are capable of being controllably shifted relative both to each other and to the fixed panel such that first and second aligned and non-aligned positions can be achieved. The assembly is further comprised of two or more drive links which are, in turn, comprised of a center pivot which engages with the fixed panel and two or more outer pivots which engage with the movable panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Inventors: Charles Hoberman, Matthew Davis, Zygmunt Joseph Drozdowski, David Wight
  • Patent number: 8601740
    Abstract: An airflow window includes an outer frame, an inner frame located in the outer frame, a plurality of shutters, and a magnet. The plurality of shutters is pivotably mounted on the inner frame. Each shutter includes metal. The magnet includes at least one magnet strip. The at least one magnet strip attracts the plurality of shutters at an open state. In the open state, the plurality of shutters is slanted relative to the outer frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 10, 2013
    Assignee: Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chen-Ruei Tu, Li-Ping Chen
  • Patent number: 8590208
    Abstract: A gap cover for a shutter assembly is described herein. The gap cover includes a first member for coupling the gap cover to the shutter assembly, and a second member to block line of sight between a plurality of louvers and a stile of the shutter assembly. In some embodiments of the invention, the first member is configured for coupling the gap cover to one or more louver pins of the shutter assembly, the louver pin(s) for moving the louvers to an open/closed position. In other embodiments, the first member is configured for coupling the gap cover to one or more of the louvers. The second member may be positioned perpendicular to the first member or non-perpendicularly to the first member. Furthermore, first member may include coupling mechanisms placed in a fixed position, or in an adjustable position, for coupling the gap cover to the shutter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2013
    Assignee: Peek Guard, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven M. Nuss, David Nuss
  • Patent number: 8496039
    Abstract: A portable operational privacy pressed on glass-cover blind for doors with oval shape glass and windows that can be mounted to any door or window by means of releasable fasteners mounted on the back side of the privacy screen. The blind-slats can be oriented in either a horizontal or vertical position having the operating-rod perpendicularly mounted to the blind-slats. Additionally, the present invention provides for a privacy screen having a frame with a plurality of fabric slats extending longitudinally across the privacy screen frame without the need of tools, drilling, holes, nails, etc.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventor: Vincenza Barresi
  • Patent number: 8413378
    Abstract: A shutter with a frame having side members and top and bottom members, and louvres mounted between the side members, and a control for controlling and tilting the louvres, and louvre seals at the top and bottom of the frame, the louvre seals being loosely supported on the top and bottom of the frame, the top frame loosely supporting the top seal in a vertically dependent position, and the bottom frame loosely supporting the bottom seal in an upright standing position, and which render the two louvre seals swingable to allow sealing contact by the top and bottom louvres, when the louvres are tilted closed, and which seals swing back to vertical when released by the louvres. In a preferred form the blade seals are incorporated in frame extensions, with the frame extensions being swingable on the frames, and being biassed to hang vertical when out of contact with the louvres .
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Maxxmar Inc.
    Inventor: Mario M Marocco
  • Patent number: 8375634
    Abstract: Disclosed is a modular assembly device for providing adequate and efficient ventilation, temperature control, and insulation in poultry houses. The disclosed invention relates to an automated or manually-operated modular shutter system for tunnel ventilation in poultry houses, the system being self-sealed by the poultry house's internal negative static pressure. All the shutters in a modular shutter unit are designed to open and close in unison by means of specially-designed hinges and hinge spacers. In the preferred embodiment, there are four shutters per modular shutter unit, all of the same construction and dimensions. The shutters are designed with beveled horizontal edges and end cap seals, which together provide an efficient and practically airtight fit against each other when closed. The shutters are also of sufficient thickness to accommodate internal insulation if necessary to raise the insulation values needed for the poultry houses in cold winter months.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2013
    Inventors: Ari Meyer Brandley, John Theodore Brandley
  • Patent number: 8341887
    Abstract: A plantation window shutter comprises a frame and a plurality of shutter blades pivotably supported by the frame in a fan configuration. The frame comprises a front surface and a rear surface. The rear surface has a plurality of upper grooves and a plurality of lower grooves, each upper groove being axially aligned with a respective lower groove. Each of the shutter blades has a longitudinal pivotal axis and a top pivot and a bottom pivot aligned along the axis, the top pivot and the bottom pivot being received in respective upper groove and the lower groove for pivotal motion therein. At least one member is attached to the rear surface disposed to bridge over the upper grooves and the lower grooves, thereby to capture the top and bottom pivots within respective the upper grooves and the lower grooves.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 1, 2013
    Assignee: Global Precision Products LLC
    Inventor: Lawrence Matthew Stone
  • Patent number: 8161682
    Abstract: A shutter having a rectangular frame, and louvres, and with a side pull bar located along one edge of the frame and connected to the adjacent ends of the louvres, the louvres being pivotally mounted in the frame in parallel relation to one another, and being rotatable between open and closed positions, and having a pull bar having a plurality of hinge assemblies, a hinge sleeve member at one end on each louvre, each respective hinge assemblies being engaged with a respective sleeve member, and an anti rotation formation on each sleeve member engaging the interior of its respective louvre so as to retain said sleeve member in its respective louvre.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 21, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2012
    Inventor: Mario M. Marocco
  • Patent number: 8091281
    Abstract: A removable louver shutter comprises a shutter frame defining an opening and inserts mounted to the frame proximate to the opening. End caps are rotatably mounted along the inserts. Generally planar louvers are each removably attached between corresponding pairs of the end caps so as to be disposed within the opening. At least one link bar connects the end caps so as to move the louvers between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2004
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2012
    Inventor: David Blachley
  • Publication number: 20110219692
    Abstract: Light-weight, narrow-profile, bypass sliding shutter systems is disclosed. The shutter system has a dual-track headrail and an inner and outer shutter assembly having louvers. The inner shutter assembly and the outer shutter assembly are configured to move past each other when the louvers in the inner and outer shutters are in a closed position. The shutter systems are lightweight and are for an inside window mount.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 11, 2011
    Publication date: September 15, 2011
    Inventor: Viken Ohanesian
  • Patent number: 7607261
    Abstract: A shutter having a frame, hollow louvres rotatably supported in the frame, and a control bar for controlling the louvres and one-piece connector members connecting the louvres to the control bar in which the connector member has a T-member with integral rigid arms extending normal to the stem on either side for insertion into a louvre, a stem integral with the T-member and an abutment on the stem which prevents movement of the stem into the interior of the louvre and ribs within the louvre for locating the arms and assisting in providing a hinge action and attachments for attaching to a control bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 27, 2009
    Inventor: Mario M Marocco
  • Patent number: 7603810
    Abstract: A shutter having a frame, and having louvres rotatably supported in the frame, and a control bar, for controlling the louvres, and having two-component connectors connecting respective louvres to the control bar, consisting of a louvre hinge member for attachment to a louvre and a control bar hinge member for, and having a louvre hinge body, a louvre plug integral with the louvre hinge body for insertion into a louvre, a concave surface on said louvre hinge body engaging said louvre which prevents twisting, a hinge opening, and having a control bar hinge body, a control bar plug, a control bar hinge pin, cooperating with said hinge opening in said louvre hinge body to provide a hinging action.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2009
    Inventor: Mario M Marocco
  • Patent number: 7578093
    Abstract: A shutter assembly having a rectangular frame and at least two separate sections of louvres rotatably supported in the frame; at least two separate tilt control bars, for controlling at least two separate groups of louvres; links connecting respective louvres to the respective control bar; a releasable connector device for connecting and disconnecting the tilt control bars of at least two separate sections of louvres of the shutter assembly, to allow adjustment of the tilt of the louvres in all groups of the shutter assembly in unison, or each separate group of the louvres individually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: August 25, 2009
    Inventor: Mario M Marocco
  • Publication number: 20090126277
    Abstract: A shutter having a frame, and having louvres rotatably supported in the frame, and a control bar, for controlling the louvres, and having two-component connectors connecting respective louvres to the control bar, consisting of a louvre hinge member for attachment to a louvre and a control bar hinge member for, and having a louvre hinge body, a louvre plug integral with the louvre hinge body for insertion into a louvre, a concave surface on said louvre hinge body engaging said louvre which prevents twisting, a hinge opening, and having a control bar hinge body, a control bar plug, a control bar hinge pin, cooperating with said hinge opening in said louvre hinge body to provide a hinging action.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 21, 2007
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventor: Mario M. Marocco
  • Patent number: 7500329
    Abstract: A shutter includes top and bottom frames as well as interconnecting perpendicular styles between which a plurality of louvers are pivotally mounted. Each louver has a first tap in its opposite ends for receipt of a pivot pin and a second tap in at least one end for receipt of a tilt pin for pivotal interconnection with a tilt bar. The tilt pins are positioned adjacent to one longitudinal edge of a louver whereby the tilt bar can be easily fastened thereto and positioned adjacent a longitudinal end of the louvers.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 10, 2009
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph M. Downey
  • Patent number: 7412799
    Abstract: A security shutter system for providing security against forced entry through a window. The security shutter system includes a securing frame being coupled to a wall of the structure around the window. A shutter frame is pivotally coupled to the securing frame and is selectively pivoted over the securing frame and secured to the securing frame over the window. The shutter frame is designed for inhibiting access into the structure through the window when the shutter frame is positioned over the window. A plurality of slat members are pivotally coupled to the shutter frame. Each of the slat members is selectively pivoted between a vertical orientation and a horizontal orientation. Each of the slat members controls light passage and visibility through the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 19, 2008
    Inventor: Loida Aguirre
  • Patent number: 7389609
    Abstract: An louver rotation mechanism for use in rotating a louvered shutter having louvers rotationally engaged with a frame. The device features one or a plurality of gear modules which are positionable to a fixed location on one or a plurality of rack bars. The gear modules may be spaced on the rack bars to any number of positions wherein they will engage with louver gears from an array of louvers engaged with the frame. A high degree of customization is provided by allowing the use of the rack bars with any number of different sized louvers at different spacings in a frame by simply adjusting the positions of the rack modules for operative engagement with the louver gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: June 24, 2008
    Inventor: Kim Charles Yorgason
  • Patent number: 7377074
    Abstract: A shutter having a frame and rotatable louvres of the type having a control rod connected to the louvres for moving said louvres, and having a control rod extending normal to the louvres, spaced apart from the louvres connector members on the louvres, having hinge formations extending outwardly from respective louvres, and having connector members for the control rod, having hinge formations and in which the hinge formations provide a hinge connection between the louvres and the control rod, with hinge axes spaced between the louvres and the control rod, and locating the control rod at a distance from the louvres sufficient to permit the louvres to be fully closed by the control rod without the control rod contacting the louvres.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Date of Patent: May 27, 2008
    Inventor: Norbert Marocco
  • Patent number: 7082719
    Abstract: A louver assembly includes a frame that forms a frame opening. The frame has a front face and a hollow recess in the front face. A series of parallel slats are mounted in the frame opening. The slats are pivotally displaceable between an open position and a closed position. An actuator connected with the slats is displaceable relative to the frame to pivot the slats between the open position and the closed position. The actuator may be inserted into the recess substantially flush with the front face of the frame when the slats are pivoted to the closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2006
    Inventor: Fred Regnery
  • Patent number: 6854211
    Abstract: A tilt control is adapted to rotate a louver between at least a partially open position and a partially closed position within a shutter frame. The tilt control comprises a stile adapted as a portion of the shutter frame and a gear rotatably retained within the stile. A rack slideably retained within the stile. The gear engages the rack so that linear movement of the rack causes a corresponding rotation of the gear. The louver removably connected to the gear so that rotation of the gear rotates the louver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 15, 2005
    Inventor: David Blachley
  • Patent number: 6817141
    Abstract: A shutter device includes a frame having two stiles and two beams secured together, the stiles each has a groove to receive a rail, the rails each includes a number of orifices, and a number of blades having end projections engaged into the orifices of the rails, to rotatably secure the blades between the rails and the stiles. A control device may be coupled to the blades to move or to open and close the blades relative to the frame. The orifices may be quickly and precisely formed in the rails, with such as molding or punching processes, for allowing the blades to be quickly manufactured and assembled to the stiles with the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2004
    Inventor: Chang Than Chen
  • Publication number: 20040168368
    Abstract: A shutter device includes a frame having two stiles and two beams secured together, the stiles each has a groove to receive a rail, the rails each includes a number of orifices, and a number of blades having end projections engaged into the orifices of the rails, to rotatably secure the blades between the rails and the stiles. A control device may be coupled to the blades to move or to open and close the blades relative to the frame. The orifices may be quickly and precisely formed in the rails, with such as molding or punching processes, for allowing the blades to be quickly manufactured and assembled to the stiles with the rails.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2003
    Publication date: September 2, 2004
    Inventor: Chang Than Chen
  • Patent number: 6758256
    Abstract: A louver assembly for semi-circular, non-perfect or imperfect arch frame assemblies with louvers rotably mounted therein. A tensioning mechanism keeps the louvers taut between an arched frame member and a smaller anchorage frame member. An actuating mechanism is used to rotate the louvers upon the application of a predetermined force to a chain that coacts with teethed sprockets coupled with hooked clip members that removably hold the louvers. In this manner, the louvers are rotated between two extreme positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 6, 2004
    Assignee: Creative Arch Specialist, Inc.
    Inventor: Eduardo Garcia
  • Publication number: 20040068936
    Abstract: A slatted closure, such as a shutter or bi-fold door, comprising a plurality of slats to cover the interior of the closure, two slat retainers to hold the slats in a prefabricated assembly, two vertical stiles and at least two horizontal rails, with each vertical stile having a channel formed along one side edge of the stile to receive and hold the prefabricated assembly of slats and slat retainers and the horizontal rails. The slats can either be fixed in place or movable to allow opening and closing of the slats.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2002
    Publication date: April 15, 2004
    Inventor: Hossein Amin-Javaheri
  • Publication number: 20040045220
    Abstract: A louver braking mechanism for use in shutters, used to hold the louvers in place against the moment arm resulting from the weight of the tilt bar urging the louvers to close. The disclosed mechanisms provide a frictional resistance to the louver pivotal movement, which must be overcome by the user in order to reposition the louvers. In a preferred embodiment, the frictional resistance increases as the louver begins to pivot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 26, 2003
    Publication date: March 11, 2004
    Applicant: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Fraser, Richard N. Anderson
  • Publication number: 20040025438
    Abstract: A shutter having a frame and rotatable louvres of the type having a control rod connected to the louvres for moving said louvres, and having a control rod extending normal to the louvres, spaced apart from the louvres connector members on the louvres, having hinge formations extending outwardly from respective louvres, and having connector members for the control rod, having hinge formations and in which the hinge formations provide a hinge connection between the louvres and the control rod, with hinge axes spaced between the louvres and the control rod, and locating the control rod at a distance from the louvres sufficient to permit the louvres to be fully closed by the control rod without the control rod contacting the louvres.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 8, 2002
    Publication date: February 12, 2004
    Applicant: Shade-O-Matic Limited
    Inventor: Norbert Marocco
  • Patent number: 6675534
    Abstract: A shutter having a rectangular frame and shutter blades mounted parallel to one another across said frame, the blades being rotatable between open and closed positions, and having a control recess formed in one of the side frames, control bodies within the control recess connected to respective shutter blades, for rotating respective said blades, links connecting the control bodies, and, fastening clamps on the control bodies for adjustably fastening respective said control bodies to respective links, so as to align all of the control bodies into predetermined rotational positions, and in which the links communicate rotational movement of any one blade through the control bodies to all the blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 13, 2004
    Assignee: Shade-O-Matic Limited
    Inventor: Norbert Marocco
  • Patent number: 6655091
    Abstract: A shutter assembly replaces one or more of the conventional fixed rails with one or more attaching louvers that fixedly attach the attaching louver to the left and right stiles, completing the framing function of the replaced rail(s). A hanger bolt is attached to the attaching louver end and extends through a spacing washer and stile holes for a locknut and washer to complete the attachment. The non-attaching louvers have louver pin assemblies with a nail for driving into the louver, a spacer flange, and an expandable bushing post with a central recess. A finned bushing encompasses the bushing post and a tensioning nail is driven into the bushing post recess to expand the bushing post causing the bushing to bear on the sides of a stile recess sized to receive the bushing. This frictional relationship maintains the position of the louvers when rotated by the tilt rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2003
    Inventor: Mark Iwasaki
  • Patent number: 6516857
    Abstract: An interchangeable window covering system for providing a plurality of interchangeable widow coverings for a window. The interchangeable window covering system includes a frame member that is designed to be attached to a window, and a plurality of interchangeable window coverings designed to be selectively coupled to the frame member as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2001
    Date of Patent: February 11, 2003
    Inventors: Edward Gajtka, Sandra M. Gajtka
  • Patent number: 6510655
    Abstract: Movement device (10) to selectively close blinds or jalousies oscillating in a wing (25) for doors or windows, comprising at least a movement rod (14) able to be constrained to the blinds or jalousies (12) and a plurality of connection elements (15) each one able to join the rod (14) to each of the blinds (12); the connection element (15) comprises a rotary element (15c) including at least a pin element (23) able to be inserted into a mating hole (20) made in the relative blind (12), an anchorage element (15a) including a body able to be inserted into a seating (16) made in the inner side of the rod (14) and an intermediate element (15b) able to connect the rotary element (15c) and the anchorage element (15a), and with respect to which intermediate element (15b) the rotary element (15c) is able to rotate during the movement of the blinds (12).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2000
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: Emilio Antonini
  • Patent number: 6418665
    Abstract: A shutter louver control bar which is made from a resilient plastic material includes an elongated bar member with a plurality of louver attachment members spaced from one another lengthwise along the bar member. Each attachment member, which normally assumes a louver attachment position, and which is moveable to a louver insertion position, has a leg with base leg part extending from the bar member, an outer leg part extending from and aligned with the base leg part and a head portion transverse to both the outer leg part and the base leg part when the attachment member is in the louver attachment position. The outer leg part is more flexible than and bendable relative to the base leg part which enables the attachment member to be moved to the louver insertion position where the head portion of the attachment member is at least somewhat generally aligned with the base part while remaining at generally transverse of the outer leg part of the attachment member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2002
    Assignee: Vinylbilt Shutter Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Angelo Gabriele
  • Patent number: 6401391
    Abstract: A louver assembly comprises a plurality of parallel horizontally extending louvers pivotally secured at their opposite ends to a supporting frame and a control bar which determines angled positioning of the louvers. The control bar has a modular construction in that it is formed by a plurality of bar segments, that interlock, vertically aligned with one another. Each bar segment pivotally connects to an associated louver such that all of the louvers move in unison through a single movement of the control bar.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 23, 1999
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2002
    Assignee: Vinylbiltshutter Systems Inc.
    Inventor: Angelo Gabriele
  • Publication number: 20020056231
    Abstract: A shutter is manufactured by laminating top and bottom surfaces of a substrate material. The substrate material is then cut in bulk, forming strips that are shaped, sanded, edge-laminated and cut to length so as to create prefinished shutter components. These components are then assembled into a completed shutter. The laminates provide a high gloss, piano finish that is more scratch resistant and easier to clean, dust and maintain than spray-painted coatings used on conventional shutters. Tongue and groove joint construction reduces component chipping and cracking and provides significantly more surface glue space than conventional doweled joints. Also, louver tension control anchors prevent warping and bowing of the shutter frame and will not strip out of the louvers as would conventional tension controllers using “screw into wood” construction.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 15, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventor: David Blachley
  • Patent number: 6266923
    Abstract: Several embodiments of the shutters employ a variety of synergistic features which may be used individually or in combination to produce a shutter capable of more completely shutting out light. One aspect is the use of a two-step overlapping end to provide a complementary fit in order to shut out light. Another aspect is the use of an angled engagement pin which engages the louver not at its edge, but into its main expanse and nearer the center of pivot of each louver. Another aspect is the use of an accommodation space to accommodate the “U” shaped attachment member of the simultaneous actuation handle, which accommodation space can vary in size and depth to accommodate structures extending from the simultaneous actuation handle. Regardless of relative size, the louvers, engagement pins, and simultaneous actuation handle can be disciplined to form a neater appearance on the shutter assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 31, 2001
    Inventor: Han-Sen Lee
  • Patent number: 6250012
    Abstract: A louver assembly is comprised of two or more louvers, each of the louvers having pivot connections at opposed ends thereof, with the pivot connections pivotally securing the louvers between opposed stiles of a shutter frame for pivoting motion of the louvers in the frame. Each louver has a connector secured to a common longitudinal side edge thereof. Each connector has a cavity with a connector rod extending thereacross and extending co-extensively to the longitudinal axis of its associated louver. Each connector rod has at least one engageable rib on an outer surface thereof. A control rod is provided with two or more transverse connecting arms each having a connecting end recess. Each end recess has a plurality of indentations formed at a predetermined location in a curved clamping inner face thereof for receiving the rib of a respective connector rod captive therein by clamping pressure of the connecting arms about the connector rod to angulate the louvers at a desired angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 1997
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2001
    Assignee: Ricci Tools Inc.
    Inventor: Fernando Ricci