Abstract: A method of advertising in a shower for the hospitality industry including providing replaceable advertisements on a shower closure, for example a door, curtain or the like.

Abstract: A dual panel roller window shade apparatus includes an outer panel, an inner panel, a canopy, and a cord. The panels are radially spaced and rigidly attached to the spool at respective circumferential points. In operation, the spool is selectively operable via the cord such that the panels move generally vertically up and down relative to each other. A plurality of corresponding positive and negative designs may be formed on the panels.

Abstract: A window blind comprising a head rail, a bottom rail and a window covering extending between and operatively connected to the head rail and bottom rail. At least one lift cord extends between the bottom rail and the head rail. A spring motor operatively coupled to the lift cord applies an upward force on the bottom rail toward the head rail. A one way brake prohibits the bottom rail from moving toward the head rail but permits the bottom rail to be moved away from the head rail by an operator.

Abstract: In one aspect, the invention provides an endless loop lock including a drive wheel adapted to be driven or not driven. An endless loop may be provided, engaging the drive wheel and adapted to be driven by the drive wheel to move a device, such as a security bar, connected to the endless loop. A guide may be provided, biased against the endless loop at a position spaced apart from the drive wheel. A lock may be provided, for engaging the endless loop to inhibit movement of the endless loop, the guide being positioned to bias the endless loop out of engagement with the lock when the endless loop is driven by the drive wheel. The lock may be actuated by a force applied to the device connected to the endless loop when the drive wheel is not driven.

Abstract: A connector for joining the ends of a plurality of lift cords from a window covering assembly together. Each lift cord is individually secured to the assembled connector via its own securing arrangement. A pull cord extends downwardly from the connector for use in raising or lowering the window covering.

Abstract: A truss for use in building construction having a center portion adapted to “go plastic” during a seismic event, and two outer portions at opposite ends, which remain inelastic during such event. The center portion features spaced opposed upper and lower C-channels connected to interposed spaced gussets, which gussets are connected by both vertical angle members and crossed bars. The crossed bars are also connected at their midpoints to a connection plate.

Abstract: An axle driven cord collection system that uses cones to spool the lift cords. An idle/drive wheel on each cone prevents the cords from tangling. A collet connects each cone in an adjustable way so that the total travel of each cord can be precisely controlled by adjusting the position of the starting wrap on at least one of the cones.

Abstract: FIG. 4 is a close perspective view of a clip (11) in position for attachment to a slat (24), with the slat cover strip (40) already threaded through both loops (26, 38) on the clip (11). The position of the control cord hole (48) relative to the slat cover strip (40) is particularly clear from this view. The slot's (32, 28) position relative to the vertical control cord (30) is also shown. The vertical control cord (30) must pass through the slot (32, 28) as the clip (11) is being positioned about the slat (24) for fastening. This view makes it clear that the slat cover strip (40) will be moved into position proximate the vertical control cord hole (30) when the slat (24) is tilted. The two loops (38, 26) on the clip (11) cause one portion of the slat cover strip (40) to block the vertical control cord hole (30) from the front, while the other portion of the slat cover strip (40) blocks the vertical control cord hole (30) from the rear. This maximizes the obstruction of the peeping Tom's (100) view.

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.

Abstract: A release mechanism for protecting a sectional door under impact allows one or more door panels to breakaway from its guide track without damaging the door. The release mechanism includes a snap-in pin that can be selectively repositioned to provide various operating modes. Examples of operating modes include unidirectional release, bi-directional release, and a disabled mode. In some cases, the breakaway threshold is greater in one direction than another. In the disabled mode, the release mechanism is not meant to release. Some embodiments include a door locking mechanism that still allows the release mechanism to operate.

Abstract: A barrier assembly for a skylight well opening includes a framework having a peripheral frame sized to circumscribe the light well opening. The framework can be secured in a position relative to a ceiling surface so that the peripheral frame circumscribes the light well opening. A grillwork is adapted to mate with the framework in a closed position wherein the grillwork and framework define a panel space. A light-transmissive panel is sized to fit within the panel space between the grillwork and the framework. The grillwork is hingedly attached to the framework so that that the grillwork and framework can be moved between an open position and the closed position. The grillwork is adapted to releasably attach to the framework in the closed position.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spring motor and control for use especially with window blinds. The motor comprises a storage drum having a first axis, an output drum mounted for rotation about a second axis parallel to and spaced from the first axis. A spring member is connected to and between the storage drum and the output drum to form a spring motor. The spring motor has laterally extending, spaced apart drum supports on opposite sides of the drums to support them for rotation. A coupled drive is connected to the storage and output drum whereby rotation of one of the drums in a first direction about its axis effects rotation of the other of the drums about its axis and in an opposite direction to cause winding and unwinding of the spring member between the drums.

Abstract: An impact sensing system for a powered roll-up door combines an electrical switch and a breakaway coupling. To avoid damage or injury resulting from the door's roll-up curtain accidentally closing upon an obstacle or something striking the curtain, the breakaway coupling responds to such a collision by breaking away, which releases a lower portion of the curtain from between its two vertical guide tracks. Each breakaway coupling includes a set of electrical contacts that make or break in response to the coupling breaking away. When the curtain's lower portion becomes effectively derailed from its guide track, the electrical contacts disable continued operation of the door to prevent the door's drive motor from jamming the curtain. In some embodiments, the breakaway coupling is releasably held together by way of magnetic attraction between two coupling segments, with one electrical contact on each segment to comprise one set of functional contacts.

Abstract: A device for covering and protecting machinery has at least one covering and protective surface and a plurality of modular elements positioned side by side. Each modular element has a central body, on opposite sides of which there extend first and second lateral protrusions, respectively. The ends of the first and second protrusions of two adjacent modular elements overlap in such a way as to form a T shape, and are connected to each other by a cylindrical hinge positioned between them. Each central body, together with at least the first or the second lateral protrusion forms a corresponding portion of the covering and protecting surface, and the surface portions formed by the modular elements are placed side by side in contact with each other so as to make a substantially uninterrupted covering and protecting surface.

Abstract: A cable attachment bracket secured to the bottom panel of a multi-paneled garage door to prevent unwanted disconnection of a garage door counterbalancing mechanism from the garage door panel.

Abstract: A releasable end stop is provided for an assembly of carriers and spacers that can be moved longitudinally within a head rail of an architectural covering, such as a covering for an architectural opening, and particularly a vertical venetian blind, wherein the end stop permits movement of operative components of the covering to permit cleaning and servicing of the control system for the covering.

Abstract: A modular building system is disclosed for forming at least one dissassemblable, freestanding screen, the system comprising at least two elongate supports each having an upper end and a lower end, a foot for each of the support members to hold the support members stably in a vertical position and plurality of building blocks adapted to be threaded in vertical progression on the support members, stackable one upon another to form a screen. There is thereby provided a versatile building system for screens, particularly those to be used to partition room space, which are adjustable in height and easily disassembled for reconfiguration.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a pinch-proof garage door for protecting human fingers from being pinched. The garage door includes a plurality of horizontally aligned garage door panels. Each garage door panel has a male portion and a female portion, wherein the male and female portions cooperate with each other to such a manner so as to minimize a gap therebetween. Each garage door panel is removably connected together by a hinge assembly which cooperates with an the garage door panels so as to prevent human fingers from being pinched by the inside of the garage door.

Abstract: A cordless blind having a mechanism for introducing a variable amount of friction into the operation of the cordless blind is disclosed. The cordless blind includes a spring motor operatively connected to a cord connected to the window covering of the blind. Pulling and releasing the cord expands and retracts the blind. In order to introduce additional resistance to movement into the system when retracting the blind and not when expanding the blind, variable friction mechanisms or retarders, including one-way bearings, and one-way braking arms, are used for introducing friction into the system only when desired.

Abstract: An adjustable cord restraining device for a blind assembly having a head rail, a bottom rail and at least one pull cord extending through a cord passage of the head rail and coupled to the bottom rail includes an annular member sufficiently sized to prevent entry of the annular member into the cord passage of the head rail and further travel of the pull cord through the head rail. A method of preventing the further extension of a pull cord includes obtaining an annular member sized larger than a pull cord passageway of a head rail pinching a mid-section of the pull cord and inserting the pinched portion of the mid-section through the annular member, forming a loop with the pull cord, inserting a free end of the pull cord through the loop to form an adjustable knot.