Abstract: A spring drive system for window covers is disclosed, which includes a so-called flat spring drive and the combination whose elements are selected from a group which includes (1) a band transmission which provides varying ratio power transfer as the cover is opened and closed; (2) a gear system selected from various gear sets which provide frictional holding force and fixed power transfer ratios; and (3) a gear transmission which provides fixed ratio power transfer as the cover is opened or closed. The combination permits the spring drive force at the cover to be tailored to the weight and/or compression characteristics of the window cover such as a horizontal slat or pleated or box blind as the cover is opened and closed.

Abstract: A hinge for assembling window covers is disclosed, along with associated window cover systems, including single blind systems and dual blind systems.

Abstract: Window cover systems include window cover material in the form of pleated panels or slats. The window cover material is suspended from a traverse track and is traversed along the track for opening and closing the window system. Arrangements for maintaining spacing and alignment of pleats or slats are provided. The alignment maintaining arrangements include traverse tapes which are substantially rigid in longitudinal and lateral directions in the plane of the tape, and are flexible in a direction perpendicular to the tape. The arrangements also include attaching the window cover material to vertical edge members and providing foldable spacer-members between adjacent edge-members. In one arrangement, a box-pleated panel of window cover fabric is suspended from a traverse track on slide-members. The slide-members are each attached to a spacer-tape at regular intervals along the spacer-tape.

Abstract: A track and carrier system for window blinds is disclosed, which incorporates two dimensional spacing between the carrier support wheels, and, preferably three dimensional, x, y and z spacing between the carrier support wheels. Window covering systems are disclosed which use various types of blinds.

Abstract: A vertical window covering system which utilizes an area of prepleated drapery fabric having permanently set pleats of a nature such that the fabric behaves like a tension spring tending to bias pleats toward the folded state or a vertical blind with taped or string ladders. The drape is hung from a traverse track adapted to be mounted in a horizontal orientation. A plurality of track mounting arrangements are provided for mounting a plurality of spaced pleats of the fabric intermediate left and right edge pleats thereof for bidirectional traverse relative to the traverse track. First and second drape edge carrier components are mounted to the traverse track with at least one of the carrier arrangements adapted for bidirectional traverse on the track. Drape edge stabilizer arrangements are mounted on each of be carrier arrangements for holding the edge pleats in a substantially true vertical orientation when the drapery fabric is traversed to an open pleat condition, i.e.

Abstract: A cover system suitable for windows includes a tape support for maintaining the orientation of the cover and for opening and closing the cover.

Abstract: A metal awning assembly which includes a main awning body section comprising a plurality of individual metal panel sections each having a prearranged curvature and being joined in side-to-side relation. Each of the individual panel sections comprises a sheet of thin gage metal formed with a plurality of individual longitudinal rib sections mutually spaced from each other. Each of the rib sections and intervening panel regions have light transverse corrugations formed therein. Each of the panel sections include male and female rib sections formed on opposite edges of the panel with each of the male and female rib sections on adjacent panel sections being snapped together to hold the panel sections together. Alternately a longitudinal cap holds the male/female rib joint together. Panel forming and shaping apparatus is disclosed as well as overall framing and mounting hardware arrangements and assembly and forming methods and techniques.

Abstract: A vertical window covering system which utilizes an area of prepleated drapery fabric having permanently set pleats of a nature such that the fabric behaves like a tension spring tending to bias pleats toward the folded state or a vertical blind with taped or string ladders. The drape is hung from a traverse track adapted to be mounted in a horizontal orientation. A plurality of track mounting arrangements are provided for mounting a plurality of spaced pleats of the fabric intermediate left and right edge pleats thereof for bidirectional traverse relative to the traverse track. First and second drape edge carrier components are mounted to the traverse track with at least one of the carrier arrangements adapted for bidirectional traverse on the track. Drape edge stabilizer arrangements are mounted on each of the carrier arrangements for holding the edge pleats in a substantially true vertical orientation when the drapery fabric is traversed to an open pleat condition, i.e.

Abstract: A vertical window covering system which utilizes an area of prepleated drapery fabric having permanently set pleats of a nature such that the fabric behaves like a tension spring tending to bias pleats toward the foled state or a vertical blind with taped or string ladders. The drape is hung from a traverse track adapted to be mounted in a horizontal orientation. A plurality of track mounting arrangements are provided for mounting a plurality of spaced pleats of the fabric intermediate left and right edge pleats thereof for bidirectional traverse relative to the traverse track. First and second drape edge carrier components are mounted to the traverse track with at least one of the carrier arrangements adapted for bidirectional traverse on the track. Drape edge stabilizer arrangements are mounted on each of the carrier arrangements for holding the edge pleats in a substantially true vertical orientation when the drapery fabric is traversed to an open pleat condition, i.e.

Abstract: A metal awning assembly which includes a main awning body section comprising a plurality of individual metal panel sections each having a prearranged curvature and being joined in side-to-side relation. Each of the individual panel sections comprises a sheet of thin gage metal formed with a plurality of individual longitudinal rib sections mutually spaced from each other. Each of the rib sections and intervening panel regions have light transverse corrugations formed therein. Each of the panel sections include male and female rib sections formed on opposite edges of the panel with each of the male and female rib sections on adjacent panel sections being snapped together to hold the panel sections together. Alternately a longitudinal cap holds the male/female rib joint together. Panel forming and shaping apparatus is disclosed as well as overall framing and mounting hardware arrangements and assembly and forming methods and techniques.

Abstract: A corrugated sheet metal panel can be used to form structural beams. The panel has a major central portion with transverse corrugations. A transistion step portion having transverse serrations is formed adjacent the central portion and a marginal edge portion either uncorrugated, longitudinally corrugated or relatively lightly transverse corrugated is formed adjacent the transition step portion. The panel is shaped for connection to a connection member to form a beam structure.

Abstract: Apparatus for forming a flat metal sheet into a panel having a central region of deep corrugations and a marginal edge which is either uncorrugated or has longitudinal or light traverse corrugations therein. A corrugation roll assembly forms the corrugated panel and a tension roll assembly pulls the panel through the corrugation roll assembly. A combination of cooperative corrugation roll sections and edge roll subassemblies are mounted on respective shafts with the edge roll subassembly providing a resilient gripping of an edge panel section in an angled channel region. This resilient gripping causes inward drawing of metal from the edge section into the corrugated central section to equalize the overall lengths of the respective sections.

Abstract: A metal slat for use in a venetian-type blind including an embossed rib formed at each narrowed slat material region adjacent the cord receiving slots. The slat also includes a decorative weave pattern comprising a plurality of separated longitudinal rows of embossed ribs formed on the slat in a continuous in-and-out pattern.Also disclosed is apparatus for forming the embossment weave pattern concurrent with forming the crown configuration of the slat. The apparatus includes a first rotary die arrangement for prestretching of at least one localized region of a continuous flat metal strip passing therethrough, a second rotary die arrangement for simultaneously forming the strip into a crown configuration and forming the embossment pattern therein, and a third die arrangement for compensating out of the strip any bow, side curve or twist.

Abstract: A machine for producing metal drape panels having integral male and female hinge means formed therein at preselected intervals and a preselected cross-sectional profile. A first machine and method stage employs a plurality of rotary die stations to cut initial hinge patterns for the male and female hinge means and to equalize out of the strip any remanant curl or side curve while stretching the strip to increase the interval between initial hinge patterns to a final preselected interval. A second machine stage employs a plurality of punch die stations for forming the initial hinge pattern on the strip into final male and female hinge means and a shaping-compensating die station for simultaneously shaping the preselected cross-sectional profile and compensating out of the strip any inherent remaining curl or twist therein.

Abstract: A structural assembly comprising a preformed connecting member and a tubular member to be integrally connected in surrounding relationship by said connecting member without requiring separate fastening means for effecting such connection. The structural assembly is particularly well adapted to be joined with similar structural assemblies into an elongated solar energy absorber panel structure. The connecting member and the tubular member are held in virtually inseparable engagement with each other with the connecting member surrounding and generally conforming to the outer peripheral shape of the tubular member by deformable sections of the connecting member which define interengageable locking means comprising strut lock shoulder and tooth sections. Deformation of the shoulder and tooth locking means into progressive contact ensures inseparable connection of the connecting member with the tubular member.

Abstract: A panel assembly comprised of two or more pre-formed panel members securely joined operatively with each other without utilizing separate fastening means. The panels employed utilize pre-formed snap locking means provided along margins thereof to effect interconnection of adjacent panels to each other or to a pre-formed connecting member interposed therebetween. The panel assembly may be incorporated into roof, ceiling and wall constructions, which may include integral corner joints depending upon structural requirements. Tools to assist in assembling panels into an integral assembly also are disclosed. The procedure of hook and snap-lock assembling a panel structure may be performed by hand; by utilizing the assistance of tools disclosed; or by utilizing other mechanical aids.

Abstract: A panel assembly comprised of two or more pre-formed panel members securely joined operatively with each other without utilizing separate fastening means. The panels employed utilize pre-formed snap locking means provided along margins thereof to effect interconnection of adjacent panels to each other or to a pre-formed connecting member interposed therebetween. The panel assembly may be incorporated into roof, ceiling and wall constructions, which may include integral corner joints depending upon structural requirements. Tools to assist in assembling panels into an integral assembly also are disclosed. The procedure of hook and snap-lock assembling a panel structure may be performed by hand; by utilizing the assistance of tools disclosed; or by utilizing other mechanical aids.