Patents Examined by Jeremy C Ramsey
  • Laterally moving shade roller tube
    Patent number: 10329837
    Abstract: A roller shade assembly comprising a roller tube having an inner surface defining an axial bore, a spindle including an outer threaded portion defining a helical groove, the spindle configured to be received in the axial bore of the roller tube for axial movement in the roller tube at one end roller tube and at least one tracking element operatively associated with the roller tube, the at least one tracking element configured for riding in the helical groove to convert axial rotation of roller tube into axial movement of the roller tube on the support tube. The tracking element engages the helical groove from a position more proximal to one end of the roller tube. The starting axial position of the roller tube in relation to the support tube is configured to be adjustable by manually rotating the spindle without rotating the support tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Assignee: AUTO-MOTION SHADE INC.
    Inventor: Hans Grützner
  • Intelligent shading objects
    Patent number: 10327521
    Abstract: An intelligent shading object, comprises a plurality of shading elements, a shading element deployment mechanism, a support structure, and a base unit. A shading element deployment mechanism deploys a plurality of shading elements independently of each other. A support structure is coupled to the shading element deployment mechanism. A base unit is coupled to the support structure to provide stability to the support structure, the shading element deployment mechanism, and the plurality of shading elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 27, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 25, 2019
    Inventor: Armen Sevada Gharabegian
  • Light shielding structure for vertical blind
    Patent number: 10316582
    Abstract: A light shielding structure for a vertical blind is disclosed, wherein the vertical blind includes a headrail and a plurality of slats, which are hanged under the headrail in a vertical manner, and can be controlled to be turned between a shielding position and a non-shielding position. The light shielding structure includes at least one light shielding member, which is engaged to a bottom of the headrail, and can either be flipped up or naturally droop along with the turning of the slats. When the at least one light shielding member droops, gaps formed between the bottom of the headrail and a top of the slats are covered, which prevents light from leaking in therethrough.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 11, 2019
    Assignee: NIEN MADE ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Yu-Che Wen
  • Control assembly for a roller blind
    Patent number: 10309152
    Abstract: A control assembly for a roller blind, the assembly including a chain wheel adapted to be driven by an operating chain; a drive bush; and a locking pin, wherein at least one of the chain wheel and drive bush includes a coupling element which in use couples the chain wheel to the drive bush such that axial displacement of the drive bush results in a corresponding axial displacement of the chain wheel, but that relative rotational displacement between the chain wheel and the drive bush is permitted through an arc defined between a pair of opposed stops which are carried by the other of the chain wheel and the drive bush; and wherein the locking pin passes axially through the chain wheel and the drive bush, the locking pin including at one end thereof a pair of opposed legs and at least one leg includes a locking lug adapted to engage a stop surface of the drive bush.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 4, 2019
    Assignee: Louver Lite Limited
    Inventor: Andrew Greening
  • Shade
    Patent number: 10287818
    Abstract: A shade (10) includes slats (20) that are arranged in an up and down direction. One or more slat(s) (21) forming a part of the slats, which is located above in the up and down direction, includes a transparent portion that enables visible light to transmit through the slat. A traveling direction of light transmitting through the transparent portion is bent.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 16, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2019
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomonori Nishida, Norihisa Moriya, Yukio Taniguchi, Satoshi Mitsuzuka, Masayuki Sekido
  • Insulated fire panel shutter
    Patent number: 10273745
    Abstract: Fire can spread extremely quickly within structures. To prevent this, fire doors or fire shutters are usually installed. However, security aspects of such doors or shutters are not renown. An attempt to alleviate this problem may be provided by an insulated fire panel shutter including a guide, adapted to receive a shutter and having one or more retractable members moveable between a retracted and extended position; a shutter, moveable between an open and closed position and formed from a plurality of panels each of which is moveable between a stowed and deployed position; their arrangement being such that as the guide receives the shutter during shutter closure, the panel arrangement alters from a stowed side by side relationship to a deployed stacked end to end relationship.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Assignee: Gliderol Doors (s) PTE., LTD.
    Inventor: Lok Yung Wong
  • Roll-up wall system and modular components
    Patent number: 10273750
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a track for connecting a pair of flexible membrane barrier segments in a retractable wall system. The track may include an elongated member having a first longitudinal axis and a first cross-sectional profile perpendicular to the first longitudinal axis. The track may include a base surface and a latching surface. The latching surface may be spaced from the base surface and may include a first groove aligned with the first longitudinal axis, a second groove spaced from the first groove, a projecting element located between the first groove and the second groove, the projecting element being aligned with the first longitudinal axis. The latching surface may further include a hooking element spaced from the projecting element, and a guide surface disposed between the projecting element and the hooking element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventors: Jacob Fleischman, Joel Klein
  • Motorized roller television cover assembly
    Patent number: 10271004
    Abstract: A motorized roller television cover conceals a television set when the television is not in use. The motorized roller television cover utilizes a first mounting bracket, a second mounting bracket, a roller, an aesthetic sheet, and a motor to create a more aesthetically appealing atmosphere than leaving the television set exposed. The first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket support the roller, the motor, and the aesthetic sheet on a television set. The motor actuates the rotation of the roller to extend or retract the aesthetic sheet to display the aesthetic sheet or expose the television set. The roller is able to be quickly installed onto or removed from the first mounting bracket and the second mounting bracket to replace or interchange the aesthetic sheet in accordance to the user's preference.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2018
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2019
    Inventor: Phyllis M Wohlmuth
  • Integrated multi-function window
    Patent number: 10260276
    Abstract: The present invention discloses an integrated multi-function window in the technical field of building material, which overcomes the disadvantages of the existing windows, including complicated structures and time, labor and cost consuming double constructions. The integrated multi-function window includes a first window frame having a first window. A first window cover is mounted at the upper part of the first window frame and first telescopic curtain cloth is located within the first window cover. One side of the first window frame is fixedly connected to the second window frame having a second window. The position of the second window is corresponding to that of the first window. The integrated multi-function window has a simple configuration and multiple functions and is of a low cost and improved reliability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: NINGBO XIANFENG NEW MATERIAL CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Xianfeng Lu, Jianhua Sang
  • Systems and methods for roller blind channel coupling
    Patent number: 10260280
    Abstract: A shade channel system and method of use to provide interchangeability of use with a zippered shade and a regular or blackout shade, together with improved efficiency of installation. A guide channel accepts a shade and is configured with a tensioning mechanism to allow the guide channel to be retained at varying depths within a base channel. The system is suitable for providing polished, uniform looks throughout a room and allowing for use of standard-sized shades by allowing the guide channel to be placed at an adjustable depth within a base channel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 16, 2019
    Assignee: MECHOSHADE SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Joel Berman, Stephen P. Hebeisen, Xi Ming Liarno, Eugene Miroshnichenko
  • Automatic drive systems, movable partition systems including such automatic drive systems, and related methods
    Patent number: 10253546
    Abstract: Automatic drive systems for movable partitions may comprise a floating jamb configured to attach to panels of a movable partition and glide within a pocket. A motor may be configured to extend the movable partition. The motor may be configured for mounting in the pocket on a back side of the floating jamb opposing a front side of the floating jamb to which the panels of the movable partition are configured to attach. An electronics enclosure may be sized and configured to contain electronics to connect to the motor. The electronics enclosure may be configured for positioning in the pocket on the backside in a location offset from the motor. A depth of the electronics enclosure, as measured in a direction in which the floating jamb is mounted to glide, may be less than or equal to a depth of the motor, as measured in the same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: E. Carl Goodman, Michael D. George, William Michael Coleman
  • Vertical blind assembly
    Patent number: 10253561
    Abstract: A modular shade includes at least one module that consists of a head rail unit, a foot rail unit, at least one intermediate rail unit, and a plurality of slat components. A top slat may be coupled to the head rail unit and the intermediate rail unit, and a bottom slat component may be coupled to the intermediate rail unit and the foot rail unit. Further, additional intermediate rail units and intermediate slat components may be added to the module to alter the shape and size of the module, and the module may be coupled to one or more additional modules to change the overall shape and size of the modular shade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: Sunflower Shades and Blinds LLC
    Inventor: Jason B. Teuscher
  • Base channel coupling
    Patent number: 10253563
    Abstract: A shade channel system and method provide interchangeability of use with a zippered shade and a regular or blackout shade, together with improved efficiency of installation. A guide channel accepts a shade and is configured with a tensioning mechanism to allow the guide channel to be retained at varying depths within a base channel. The system is suitable for providing polished, uniform looks throughout a room and allowing for use of standard-sized shades by allowing the guide channel to be placed at an adjustable depth within a base channel. Existing channels may be utilized, or new base channels may be coupled to existing mullions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2019
    Assignee: MECHOSHADE SYSTEMS, LLC
    Inventors: Joel Berman, Stephen P. Hebeisen, Xi Ming Liarno, Eugene Miroshnichenko
  • Drape having stabilizer
    Patent number: 10244881
    Abstract: A drape has a longitudinal pocket on one or both sides of the drape. A stabilizer is placed within the pocket and extends the length of the pocket. The stabilizer is supported by a drapery support such as a rod or track in a manner which enables the panel to move along the drapery support from a closed, drawn position to an open, stacked position. The stabilizer is supported by the drapery support and is free to move within the pocket. The stabilizer prevents the drape from flaring at the bottom. A wand may be attached to the stabilizer or to a carrier or other assembly to which the stabilizer is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 19, 2015
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2019
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventor: Ren Judkins
  • Home-automation equipment for closure or solar protection and method for recharging a battery for such equipment
    Patent number: 10227822
    Abstract: A home-automation equipment includes a concealing device including a screen, a holding device of the screen, a first motorized drive device and an autonomous electrical energy supply device. The first device includes an electromechanical actuator which makes it possible to raise and lower the screen. The supply device includes a battery arranged on the holding device of the screen, a power supply cable and an electrical connection element that is electrically connected to the battery by the cable, the element being designed to be connected to an external electrical supply source, in order to recharge the battery. The concealing device includes a second motorized drive device including an electromechanical actuator making it possible to wind and unwind the cable on a winding spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: SOMFY ACTIVITIES SA
    Inventors: Eric Lagarde, Norbert Dupielet
  • Folding sunshade
    Patent number: 10226987
    Abstract: A folding sunshade comprises two sunshade panels and a binding member. Each sunshade panel includes an annular frame, a shade screen surrounded by the annular frame, a connection element connecting the annular frame and the shade screen in a spaced manner and a gap interposed between the annular frame and the shade screen. The two annular frames include respectively one side abutting each other to be defined as a connection frame side and other portions outside the connection frame side defined as an operation frame side. The binding member includes an extended state in which each curved section is tightly stretched to confine each operation frame side to be separated from each other in a maximum manner, and a folding state in which each confining section is tightly stretched to allow one operation frame side to swivel and fold over another operation frame side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 12, 2019
    Assignee: Shyu Fuu Industrial Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jing-Shyong Gong
  • Method and apparatus for establishing an environmentally isolated volume
    Patent number: 10220947
    Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for at least partially environmentally isolating a volume, such as by environmentally isolating the cargo compartment from the passenger compartment of an aircraft. In the context of an apparatus, a barrier curtain is provided that partially defines the volume. The apparatus also includes a cable extending along one or more walls that partially define the volume. The barrier curtain is supported by the cable. The apparatus may also include a cable release mechanism. The cable is held in place by the cable release mechanism and the cable release mechanism is configured to detach the cable at a predetermined load, thereby permitting the barrier curtain to drop in response to a decompression event.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 5, 2019
    Assignee: THE BOEING COMPANY
    Inventor: William Robert Clos
  • Rail for an architectural covering
    Patent number: 10208534
    Abstract: A rail, such as a head rail, for an architectural covering. The rail includes a housing having elongate walls extending along a length of the housing and defining therebetween a width of the housing. A drive shaft is rotatable about a drive axis extending along the length of the housing and is configured to wind and unwind lift cords of the architectural covering. A spring assist module, e.g. a spring motor has an output shaft rotatable about an output axis with rotation of the drive shaft. The spring motor is mounted in the housing with the output axis parallel to the drive axis, but offset from the drive axis with respect to the width of the housing and the output shaft is connected directly to the drive shaft for rotation therewith.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Nicolaas Dekker, Ralph Steenbergen
  • Bi-fold door latch assembly and floor anchor assembly
    Patent number: 10184285
    Abstract: A bi-fold door is opened with a lift assembly having a plurality of straps attached to power driven lift drums. A latch assembly retains the closed bi-fold door secure to side columns of a building. The latch assembly has a latch strap attached to a latch drum that accommodates the latch strap to hold the closed bi-fold door in contact with the side columns of the building. A floor anchor assembly anchors the bottom of the closed bi-fold door to the floor below the closed bi-fold door to stabilize and inhibit bending and deformation of the bi-fold door frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 22, 2019
    Assignee: SORREL QUARTERS, LLC
    Inventor: Michael L. Schweiss
  • Cable guided shade system
    Patent number: 10174550
    Abstract: A cable guided shade system can include a head rail at least one guide cable anchor spaced from the head rail, and at least on guide cable that is fixed to the head rail and extends to the guide cable anchor. The guide cable anchor is configured such that the guide cable can be tensioned at the guide cabled anchor. The system further includes a covering material that is fixed to the head rail and is configured to move along the guide cable between an open position and a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: William Edward Cheringal, Bradley T. Hibshman, Peter W. Ogden, Jr.