Abstract: An apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a directional switching device configured to provide directional control along multiple axes (e.g., perpendicular axes). Directional control along a first axis enables selection of a current function from a plurality of functions. Similarly, directional control along a second axis increases or decreases an amount associated with the current function. In certain embodiments, an indicator, such as colored light, may indicate the current function of the directional switching device. Selection of a first function from the plurality of functions may enable the directional switching device to wirelessly control a first device, while selection of a second function from the plurality of functions may enable the directional switching device to wirelessly control a second device. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A retractable screen structure to cover opening of windows. The structure has a first housing member with a coiled screen mesh therewithin. A second elongated housing member is engaged with an end of the screen mesh extending out of the first housing member. The second housing member has a releasable locking element and is parallel to the first housing member. A cooperative releasable locking element positioned on the window or window frame, is configured to cooperate with the releasable locking element of the second housing member to effect a releasable locking h, The coiled screen mesh substantially covers the opening when uncoiled and is connected to a retracting/extending mechanism contained within the first housing which allows the end of the screen mesh be drawn through an opening in the first housing and uncoiled to substantially cover the opening and to retract the screen mesh when desired.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a novel rooftop shading system for recreational vehicles (RVs) and a method of installing the same. The shading system comprises a sheet of material generally sized to cover the roof of an RV. The sheet is supported over the roof with support rods which extend across the width of the roof and maintain a curved shape of the sheet. The sheet is secured to the RV by two strap systems which extend from the front end and rear end of the sheet. This system allows the sheet to be secured to and elevated from the roof of the RV providing space and producing shade to the rooftop of the trailer body or RV.

Abstract: The structures described herein use an actuating system that can selectively switch between a lower and a raise mode of operation by rotating a rod assembly, and use a downward displacement of a pull member to lower and raise the window shade depending on whether its switching state. The actuating systems are simple to operate, allow convenient adjustment of the window shade, and are safe as the pull member has a limited length of extension.

Abstract: A braking mechanism for a roller shade control system. The braking mechanism includes a stationary member and a rotating member rotatable relative to the stationary member. The rotating member is rotatable in a winding direction or an unwinding direction. The braking mechanism also includes a connecting assembly operatively connecting the stationary member and the rotating member. The connecting assembly frictionally engages the rotating member when the rotating member is rotated in the unwinding direction and is frictionally disengaged from the rotating member when the rotating member is rotated in the winding direction. A control mechanism includes such a braking mechanism and an operating handle for operating the control mechanism.

Abstract: A system for biasing or encouraging a sheet of material to gather in one direction when one edge of the sheet of material is moved toward an opposite edge of the sheet of material is provided. A plurality of strips of material may extend along a face of the sheet of material and may be laminated to the face of the sheet of material. The plurality of strips of material may overlap each other and may define stiffened regions extending along the overlapped interface between the plurality of strips of material. When the covering is moved from an extended position to a retracted position, the sheet of material may gather in loops of material that may have apexes defined at or adjacent the overlapped interfaces of the plurality of strips of material.

Abstract: Curtains are provided which have fastener/s and, in some cases, strut/s arranged along a screen. The strut/s extend to elevation/s below and/or above the fastener/s. An upper strut may have a lower degree of stiffness than a lower strut. In some cases, the fastener/s are arranged at least 20 inches from the screen's upper edge. Systems are described which include a disinfection apparatus and any of such curtains. Other systems include any of such curtains attached to an edge of a room divider. Easily assembled and disassembled room dividers are described which include cord/s and/or pole/s, installed or portable device/s for supporting the cords/poles, and fasteners for attaching a curtain to the cords/poles. A disinfection apparatus is described which includes a shield extending to an elevation at least two feet above a germicidal light source and borders at least one third of a continuous region surrounding the germicidal light source.

Abstract: A vehicle sunshade apparatus includes an anchor element and a sunshade. The anchor element includes a body, a magnet located in the body and a ladder portion formed on the surface of the body. The ladder portion includes a first platform and a confining wall adjacent to the first platform. The sunshade includes a sunshade screen and a frame surrounding the sunshade screen that can be magnetized. When the sunshade is coupled on the ladder portion, the frame leans on the confining wall and the first platform and is attracted by the magnet. The first platform corresponds to the junction of the sunshade screen and the frame.

Abstract: The invention discloses a louver roller system with a cam pin turning mechanism, including a base and a top cover, wherein a roller mechanism and a cam pin turning mechanism are mounted on the base, the roller mechanism is wound with ladder tapes, the roller mechanism is in axial connection with the cam pin turning mechanism, and the roller mechanism and the cam pin turning mechanism are driven to rotate by a square shaft. The roller mechanism controls horizontal rising and falling of secondary louver blades, and the roller within the roller mechanism rotates to wind or unwind the ladder tapes thereon and sequentially drives various secondary louver blades to rise and fall horizontally. When various secondary louver blades rise to a predetermined position, the roller drives the cam pin turning mechanism to bring a turning cylinder to rotate, so as to achieve turning of all louver blades.

Abstract: An apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a motor and a gearbox coupled to the motor and configured to actuate a window covering. The gearbox includes an internal wall enclosing gears of the gearbox, and an external wall enclosing the internal wall and creating a cavity between the internal wall and the external wall. The external wall is configured to support an output shaft extending from the internal wall. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.

Abstract: A battery-powered window treatment, such as a roller shade, may include a battery compartment that provides access to batteries while the window treatment is assembled and mounted to a structure. The battery compartment may be supported along a pivot axis by a housing of the window treatment, and operable between opened and closed positions by pivoting the battery compartment about the pivot axis. The batteries may be concealed when the battery compartment is closed, and may be accessible when the battery compartment is open. The battery compartment may define a central axis that is offset relative to the pivot axis, and along which the batteries may be aligned. The window treatment may include a fascia that is operably connected to the battery compartment, such that when the battery compartment is opened, the fascia does not obstruct access to the batteries, and does not interfere with the shade.

Abstract: An apparatus for the deployment of four curtains for the sides of boat ‘wet slips’ and boat lifts, car ports or the like. A synchronized roller system is provided to roll up or down each of the four curtains that surround a space to be enclosed by the curtain system.

Abstract: Provided is a retractable safety gate and locking mechanism for a retractable safety gate that employs a flexible barrier windable around a rotating spool, a lever or time release cap, a spline lock, meshing teeth, a spline geometry for extending and retracting the barrier.

Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening has a horizontal movable rail supported by cords, with a variety of configurations which allow the movable rail to be moved up and down while concealing the cords.

Abstract: A number of variations may include a grille cover which may attach to a grille.

Abstract: Presented is a motorized roller shade system. The system includes a flexible shade material, a roller tube configured for windingly receiving the flexible shade material, a shade motor coupled to the roller tube, a motor controller in communication with the shade motor, and a sun angle sensor. The sun angle sensor is configured for determining the angle of the sun and transmitting the angle of the sun to the motor controller. The motor controller is configured for driving the shade motor to rotate the roller tube to wind or unwind the flexible shade material in response to the transmitted angle of the sun to limit sunlight penetration to a predetermined maximum distance into a room.

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

Abstract: A pull rope free curtain structure contains: a hollow first rod, a second rod, a body including a bottom end mounted on the second rod, and at least one elastic rope assembly. Each elastic rope assembly includes: two driving members accommodated in the first rod; a first control rope winded between the two driving members, and two ends of the first control rope of one of the at least one elastic rope assembly being intersected and inserted through the first rod and being fixed on the second rod via the body; a second control rope winded on two ends of the first rod, the second control rope having two ends fixed on one of the two driving members; a positioning member fitted on a central position of the first rod and retained on a central position of the second control rope.

Abstract: A guiding rail system for a car curtain comprises: a guiding rail main body in strip which is separatively set on the interior trim on both sides of a windshield, in combination with a car curtain; it is characterized in that: plural positioning parts in sheet with an U-shaped section, which have a bottom, a front clipping piece and a rear clipping piece for clipping on the destined edge of the interior trim; and plural snap pieces, wherein the first end of the snap pieces is set in the guiding rail main body, while the second end of the snap pieces is easily inserted in or detached from the gap between the front clipping piece and the interior trim, thus a guiding rail main body that is easily assembled and disassembled is achieved.

Abstract: Movable partition systems include a vertical alignment structure including at least one roller element coupled to a portion of a movable partition and a ramp configured to abut against the at least one roller element to vertically align the portion of the movable partition to engage with a strike plate. Methods of vertically aligning the movable partition include coupling at least one vertical alignment structure to the movable partition including coupling at least one structural frame member to the movable partition and coupling the at least one roller element to the at least one structural frame member and installing at least one ramp to an overhead structure configured to abut the at least one roller element and vertically align a leading end of the movable partition.