Patents Examined by Jeremy C Ramsey
  • Patent number: 11957261
    Abstract: A motorized window treatment system may include a roller tube, a flexible material, a drive assembly, electrical wiring, and/or mounting brackets. A mounting bracket may include a channel configured to secure the roller tube in position along a longitudinal axis of the roller tube. A mounting bracket may include a base and an attachment member. The base may be configured to attach the mounting bracket to a structure. The attachment member may extend from the base and may be configured to receive an end of a roller tube. The mounting bracket may be configured to retain electrical wiring for powering a drive assembly within the roller tube. The mounting bracket may include a spring that is configured to retain the roller tube within the channel in the mounting bracket. The mounting bracket may include a sliding cover that is configured to cover an access opening of the channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2024
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Nirav Giri, David A. Kirby, Douglas George Kistler, Rohan Krishnan, Glenn S. Laverty, IV, Vladislav Pejic
  • Patent number: 11944227
    Abstract: A curtain lowering apparatus directed to cleaning and maintaining a curtain suspended above a floor, the apparatus having a first, not-lowered position at a height “H” above the floor, and a second, lowered position of H?L above the floor, the apparatus comprising: a curtain rod attached to at least two curtain rod rings, the curtain suspended from the curtain rod; at least two apparatus rod supports, the rod supports directed to support the at least two curtain rod rings; a drive unit configured to drive at least two drive cables, with respective drive cables routed through respective apparatus rod supports and respective drive cables further connected to respective curtain rod rings; wherein the curtain rod is alternately maintained at the first, not-lowered position and at the second, lowered position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 2023
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2024
    Inventors: Aiden Green, Thor Green
  • Patent number: 11939817
    Abstract: The present discloses an automatically locked retractable protective door sill, including a retractable curtain assembly, a scroll assembly, an upper fixing base and a lower fixing base, a dial mechanism and a locking mechanism are arranged in the upper fixing base, the locking mechanism includes a hydraulic rod capable of retracting at a fixed time, and the hydraulic rod is connected to the dial mechanism; the sliding base is connected to the hydraulic rod, and the hydraulic rod drives the sliding base and drives the linkage base to reset automatically, so the automatic locking of the locking mechanism is achieved, and then the scroll assembly is locked. The whole device has a simpler structure and more convenient operation, the dial button may be manually pushed to return for locking after not reaching the set time, so as to prevent children opening the door sill during an automatic locking process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2024
    Inventor: Hongjuan Wang
  • Patent number: 11913269
    Abstract: A folding wall partition includes foldable panel assemblies. Each panel assembly includes an upper panel and a lower panel. The upper and lower panels extend substantially in a common vertical plane when in a deployed position, and extend laterally outwardly of the common vertical plane in a stacked relationship when in a stored position. A moving mechanism engages the panel assemblies to displace them between the stored and deployed positions. A cover assembly has cover panels. The cover panels extend in a first common horizontal plane when in the deployed position and are substantially coplanar with the ceiling to conceal a cavity. The cover panels extend in a second common horizontal plane higher than the first common horizontal plane and within the cavity when the cover panels are in the stored position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 12, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Assignee: SKYFOLD INC.
    Inventor: Mark McDonald
  • Patent number: 11913282
    Abstract: Implementations of a roller blind assembly for angled architectural openings are provided. In some implementations, the roller blind assembly comprises a frame, a roller tube assembly, a roller blind sheet, a chain assembly, a track assembly, an extension assembly, an actuator and clutch assembly, and a motor assembly. In some implementations, a method of using the roller blind assembly comprises installing the roller blind assembly to fully fit the perimeter of an angled architectural opening and operating the roller blind assembly to fully cover the opening of the angled architectural opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 9, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2024
    Inventor: Joseph S. McKee
  • Patent number: 11898401
    Abstract: In one aspect, a covering for an architectural structure may include a shade panel and a bottom rail assembly coupled to the shade panel. The bottom rail assembly may include a rail housing and a roller extending within the rail housing, with the shade panel being looped around the roller such that the bottom rail assembly is vertically supported by the shade panel as the panel is moved between extended and retracted positions. In addition, the relative positioning of the roller within the rail housing may be adjusted, as desired, between the top and bottom ends of the bottom rail housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventor: Michael S. Goldberg
  • Patent number: 11891855
    Abstract: In one aspect, a leveling assembly for adjusting the levelness or skew angle of a bottom rail of a covering for an architectural structure includes at least one movable or slideable component configured to be moved or slid laterally relative to the bottom rail or a headrail of the covering to adjust the length(s) along which one or more of the lift cords extend within the bottom rail or headrail, which, in turn, adjusts the effective length of such lift cord(s) defined between the bottom rail and the headrail of the covering. Such adjustment of the effective length(s) of the lift cord(s) results in the horizontal orientation or skew angle of the bottom rail being varied, thereby allowing the levelness of the bottom rail to be adjusted, as desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 27, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: Levolor, Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffrey Travis Stout, Alberto Alexander Gonzalez, Justin Lin Zhu, Kevin Macaraeg Daffon
  • Patent number: 11891854
    Abstract: A covering for an architectural feature having generally horizontal vane elements coupled to and located between generally front and rear generally vertical support members, which in preferred embodiments are adjustable to control the amount of light transmitted through the covering. In one embodiment the covering has three dimensional multi-layered, cellular vanes, and in another embodiment, the one or more support members are formed of a dark color, the rear support member(s) may be formed of material that is darker than the front support member(s), or vise versa. In another embodiment, the support members, e.g., sheers, have an openness factor, preferably as low as about sixty-five percent (65%) to as large as about ninety percent (90%). Other embodiments include structure, assemblies and methods for controlling the closure of the covering as well as embodiments of bottom rail assemblies. Also provided is a method of manufacturing the covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2024
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Ko Kuperus, Bonnie Earl, Kelly Rahn, Kent A. Smith
  • Patent number: 11878193
    Abstract: A multi-curtain assembly includes: first and second curtain segments, each having a leading edge and side edge; an edge fastener having first and second fastener portions proximate the side edge of the first and second curtain segments, respectively, the first fastener portion of the first curtain segment being connectable to the second fastener portion of the second curtain segment to produce a seam as the curtain segments are moved to their closed positions; a motor driving one or more of the barrel assemblies; a synchronizing mechanism synchronizing the barrel assemblies. An overlap fastener, arranged proximate edges of the curtain segments in an overlap region, has aligning portions that align as the side edges are brought into alignment by the edge fastener, to mask at least one side of the fastener seam as the fastener portions are connected to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: MCKEON ROLLING STEEL DOOR CO., INC.
    Inventors: Andrew C. Lambridis, Ashraf Gomaa, Oscar Escobar
  • Patent number: 11873682
    Abstract: A light absorbing and light emitting device, comprising a first structure supported by a holder. A first portion of the first structure (which can be flexible, sheet-like and/or at least partially opaque) comprises phosphorescent material and/or phase change material on a first side. The first structure is movable relative to the holder between a first position, in which the first side faces a first direction, and a second position, in which the first side faces a second direction. Also, a light admitting, light absorbing and light emitting assembly that comprises a light absorbing and light emitting device and a first light-transmitting structure. Also, a light absorbing and light emitting device that comprises a holder assembly and a plurality of first structures, with phosphorescent and/or phase change material, and each movable between first and second positions. Also, methods of absorbing light and emitting light with such structures.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2019
    Date of Patent: January 16, 2024
    Inventor: James F. Brown
  • Patent number: 11851948
    Abstract: An adjustable door braking system includes a shaft, a brake pad configured to be mounted to the shaft, a plate for mounting on the shaft adjacent to the brake pad, a spring for urging the plate to the brake pad, an adjustment piece, and a seat. The spring is configured to be mounted on the shaft. The adjustment piece is dimensioned and sized to be mounted on the shaft for adjusting an amount of force the spring urges the plate against the brake pad. The seat allows the adjustment piece to move axially along the shaft and limit the adjustment piece from rotating with the shaft. The seat is movable between an engaged position where it contacts the adjustment piece to prevent rotation of the adjustment piece and a disengaged position where it does not contact the adjustment piece.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 26, 2023
    Assignee: Overhead Door Corporation
    Inventor: Robert C. Jones
  • Patent number: 11834897
    Abstract: A pet door system is provided including a casing configured to attach the pet door system to a building and a flexible door attached to the casing. In some embodiments, the door is segmented and comprises a plurality of interlocking segments that are rotatable with respect to each other. In some embodiments, the pet door system further includes a rotating cylinder attached to the flexible door and rotatably connected to the casing and a motor comprising a gear head, where the gear head is attached to the rotating cylinder, such that when the motor is activated, the gear head is rotatable in a first direction to wind the flexible door around the rotating cylinder. In some embodiments, the pet door system may be operated by a pet-worn collar and/or may be remotely controlled via a mobile device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Inventor: Nicholas Jay Bonge, Jr.
  • Patent number: 11834879
    Abstract: A latch assembly connected to the drive unit of a bi-fold door for retaining the bi-fold door secure to a building has elongated straps attached to rotatable latch drums mounted on the outer ends of the drive shaft of the drive unit. Lift drums powered by a motor driven gearbox raise and lower the bi-fold door. Latch assemblies having springs attached to the straps maintain tension on the straps during the opening and closing of the bi-fold door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 5, 2023
    Assignee: SORREL QUARTERS, LLC
    Inventor: Michael L. Schweiss
  • Patent number: 11814886
    Abstract: A latch assembly connected to the drive unit of a bi-fold door for retaining the bi-fold door secure to a building has elongated straps attached to rotatable latch drums mounted on the outer ends of the drive shaft of the drive unit. Lift drums powered by a motor driven gearbox raise and lower the bi-fold door. Latch assemblies having springs attached to the straps maintain tension on the straps during the opening and closing of the bi-fold door.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Assignee: SORREL QUARTERS, LLC
    Inventor: Michael L. Schweiss
  • Patent number: 11814896
    Abstract: A decorative shutter assembly securable to an opening of a building for security and storm protection. The shutter assembly includes a shutter frame that is hingedly mounted within a mounting assembly. The shutter assembly includes a plurality of operable shutter slats that extend between vertical shutter columns. Each shutter slat includes an elongate decorative shell disposed over an inner skeletal structure. The inner skeletal structure includes a pair of spaced-apart lateral louver rods extending the length of the decorative shell and a plurality of end caps which are affixed at respective ends of the lateral louver rods. A central rod extends the length of the decorative shell and is arranged for mounting within the shutter columns to enable pivotal movement of the shutter slats between closed and open positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: November 14, 2023
    Inventor: Ernesto Velazquez
  • Patent number: 11802441
    Abstract: A mounting element for mounting an architectural covering between two opposing mounting surfaces includes an elongate mounting member having a first end, a second end, and a guide surface. The mounting element also includes an extension mechanism arranged at the first end and operable between: i) a retracted state, and ii) an extended state, and a telescopic extender arranged at the second end and operable between a retracted configuration and an extended configuration. The telescopic extender includes a slidable body to slide along the guide surface so as to lengthen the mounting element, and a locking member configured: i) to allow the slidable body to slide in the first translation direction, and ii) to prevent the slidable body from sliding in a second translation direction opposite the first translation direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2023
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries B.V.
    Inventor: Katharina Vangberg-Brinkmann
  • Patent number: 11795759
    Abstract: A rail for an architectural cover no is provided. The rail may be associated with a shade material of a covering. An adjustment device may be positioned at least partially within the rail. A plurality of lift cords may be associated with the adjustment device. The adjustment device may adjust an effective length of each of the lift cords to adjust a position of the rail within an architectural opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 16, 2019
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2023
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Coty Church, Patrick Foley, Paul F. Josephson
  • Patent number: 11767696
    Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly (1) comprising a housing with a balancing spring break protection mechanism, said assembly (1) being configured for connecting a connector (15, 42), such as a bayonet connector, of a balancing spring of a sectional door system to said assembly, said housing being for connection with a fixed structure and comprising a first housing plate (5) comprising an opening (16) for receiving a balancing axle (60) of said sectional door system, said balancing axle (60) being connected to said balancing spring, and an aperture (11) for receiving said connector (15, 42), said spring break protection mechanism comprising a bearing and ratchet wheel unit (4, 7), said ratchet wheel (4) including a shaft (50) for receiving said balancing axle (60).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 26, 2023
    Assignee: Assa Abloy Entrance Systems
    Inventor: Jildert Gaastra
  • Patent number: 11744393
    Abstract: A wirelessly controllable, motorized and battery powered drapery apparatus is presented having a rotatable drive element having a guide structure in its surface. The rotatable drive is inserted through the open interior of a plurality of tabs in the shade material. A grommet driver is positioned over the rotatable drive element and connected to one of the plurality of tabs. The grommet driver has at least one tooth that is in communication with the guide structure in the rotatable drive element. As the rotatable drive element is rotated, the grommet drive is driven along the length of the rotatable drive element thereby moving the shade material between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2023
    Assignee: Current Products Corp.
    Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Darrin W. Brunk, Samuel D. Schemmer, Scott Hand, Phillip Dugger
  • Patent number: 11739588
    Abstract: Provided herein is a security door system having a door that includes a door frame comprising elongate door frame members, each having a first holding channel formed therein, and a clamping portion spaced from the first holding channel. The door further includes a mesh covering an opening enclosed by the frame. In addition to the above, the security door system includes a wall frame comprising elongate wall frame members operably coupled to the door frame by one or more hinge members, the hinge members facilitating pivotable movement of the door between open and closed positions and one or a plurality of security members configured to prevent or inhibit levering of the door relative to the wall frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2023
    Assignee: IPH INTERNATIONAL PTY LTD
    Inventor: Rameshkumara Ramachandran