Patents by Inventor Alan A. Ford

Alan A. Ford has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 5123471
    Abstract: An adjustable hanger is slightly wider than the vertical vane and includes a horizontal slot through which the vane is pulled as it is installed in the hanger. To shorten the length of the vane between the hanger and the floor, additional vane material is pulled through the slot. The excess material that has been pulled through the slot hangs down on the opposite side of the vane and is invisible from the front of the blind. Each vane has its own adjustable hanger and can be adjusted individually.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan A. Ford
  • Patent number: 5103889
    Abstract: The invention is for a cord system for a dual function window blind. A looped cord acting with a master carrier controls the traversing movement of the vertical vanes. The other, smaller diameter cord controls the tilt of the vanes and is not a looped cord but a much thinner cord with a tassel attached at each end. The tilting is performed by pulling the tassels whereas the traverse is performed by pulling the heavier cord. The first, looped cord slides freely through holes in the tassels. The result is the appearance of a single cord with a tassel on each side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 1, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan A. Ford
  • Patent number: 4978094
    Abstract: Disclosed is a base bracket able to hold multiple curtain rods or the like which generally requires only two screws to securely mount it to a wall or a solid support. The position of the base bracket is designed to be adjustable over a limited distance after mounting. The preferred base bracket includes multiple screw ports which run lengthwise along the base bracket. The screw slots preferably have a slit extending to the outer side of the bracket, to receive a mounted screw, or have an expanded portion which is large enough so that the head of a mounted screw can pass therethrough. The base bracket also includes a groove, preferably formed by a member extending from the upper surface of the base bracket. The groove can accommodate flanges attached to brackets on the curtain rods in order to hold them in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Cooper Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Alan A. Ford
  • Patent number: 4935988
    Abstract: An improved curtain rod assembly is disclosed which includes a track having a decorative fascia attached thereto. The track and fascia cooperate to permit the fascia to be easily attached thereto. A return plate is configured for attachment to the track and cooperates with a bracket assembly to support the track from a wall the appropriate distance. A side fascia is configured for attachment with the return plate and an elbow connects the fascia on the track and the return plate to provide an esthetically pleasing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Cooper Industries
    Inventors: James A. Ford, Alan A. Ford
  • Patent number: 4890808
    Abstract: A rod center support system for supporting a portion of at least one rod comprises a support base having a first end and a second end with the first end being configured for attachment to a support structure, a drop strap having a first portion for connection to the second end of the support base and a second portion downwardly depending from the first portion. At least one adjustable, self-locking clip member is slidably received by the second drop strap portion and may be locked into any predetermined position along the length of the second drop strap portion by means of a surface formed in a drop strap engaging end section of the self-locking member that is angularly disposed with respect to the main portion of the member. The clip includes a tab for supporting a portion of a rod. The rod center support system may be used to support the center portions of multiple curtain rods used to form a valance.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 1989
    Date of Patent: January 2, 1990
    Inventor: Alan A. Ford
  • Patent number: 4762159
    Abstract: A shade system includes a fixed top rail, a fixed bottom rail and a movable middle rail. A shade is affixed between the top rail and the middle rail and is folded when the middle rail is moved with respect to the top rail by a continuous loop drive system. The shade system of the present invention may be used with any window irrespective of the orientation of the window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1986
    Date of Patent: August 9, 1988
    Assignee: Cooper Industries
    Inventor: Alan A. Ford
  • Patent number: 4318576
    Abstract: Cabinet structure, particularly of the knockdown type. There is provided structural means for cooperation with presently known easily assembled and disassembled shelving structure for converting same into an easily assembled and attractive closed cabinet. Starting with the shelving structure in unchanged condition there is provided a plurality of small clips for the reception and holding of appropriate side and door means for converting said shelving into a closed cabinet.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 1980
    Date of Patent: March 9, 1982
    Assignee: Kirsch Company
    Inventor: Alan A. Ford
  • Patent number: 4240490
    Abstract: An inexpensive but easily operable window shade, as for use in a recreational vehicle. A substantially rigid mounting bar has fabric comprising a shade hanging a desired distance from one side thereof and a valance hanging a lesser distance from the other side thereof. The fabric may, for example, be woven wood. Interengageable means, such as snap buttons or "Velcro", are affixed to said valance and to the shade for separably securing them together when said shade is in a desired raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 1979
    Date of Patent: December 23, 1980
    Assignee: Kirsch Company
    Inventor: Alan A. Ford