Patents by Inventor David A. Kirby

David A. Kirby 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: 11686152
    Abstract: A manual drive assembly for a manually-operated window treatment based on a drive chain formed as a loop, may incorporate one or more intermediate tensioners disposed between two ends of the loop. The loop may be formed between a manual clutch mechanism coupled to the window treatment and an end tensioner. The one or more intermediate tensioners may serve to limit slack in the loop such that sides of the loop cannot be pulled to create a large loop, for example, having a gap of four inches or greater, between the hanging sides of the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Evan T. Graham, David A. Kirby, Robert T. Nachtrieb
  • Patent number: 11680445
    Abstract: A battery-powered motorized window treatment for covering at least a portion of a window may be adjusted into a service position to allow for access to at least one battery that is powering the motorized window treatment. A headrail of the motorized window treatment may be adjusted to the service position to allow for easy replacement of the batteries without unmounting the headrail and without requiring tools. The motorized window treatment may comprise brackets having buttons that may be actuated to release the headrail from a locked position, such that the head rail may be rotated into the service position. The headrail easily rotates through a controlled movement into the service position, such that a user only needs one free hand available to move the motorized window treatment into the service position and change the batteries.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 24, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: LUTRON TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. Blair, Samuel F. Chambers, David A. Kirby, Peter W. Ogden, Jr., James J. Wilson, Justin M. Zernhelt
  • Patent number: 11674351
    Abstract: A window treatment retention system may include a roller shade assembly and one or more retention brackets that at least partially enclose the roller shade assembly and do not interfere with operation of the roller shade assembly. The retention brackets may be configured to absorb an impact force associated with detachment of the roller shade assembly from a mounted position. The retention brackets may deflect upon absorbing the impact force, and may limit displacement of the detached roller shade assembly from the mounted position. The retention brackets may deflect such that the roller shade assembly does not pass through openings defined by the retention brackets. The retention brackets may deflect such that the width of at least one of the openings defined by the retention brackets does not expand beyond a distance that is equivalent to the diameter of a roller tube of the roller shade assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2019
    Date of Patent: June 13, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Samuel F. Chambers, David A. Kirby, Peter W. Ogden, James J. Wilson, Andrew P. Schmalz
  • Publication number: 20230167678
    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 pivotally supported by a housing of the window treatment, and operable between opened and closed positions. 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 be operated opened and closed while a shade of the window treatment is at any position, such that removal of the batteries does not result in the loss of tracking information for the shade. 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.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2023
    Publication date: June 1, 2023
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: David A. Kirby, Samuel F. Chambers
  • Patent number: 11643875
    Abstract: A manually-operated window treatment system may include a roller tube, a covering material, and a semi-rigid chain assembly. The covering material may be attached to the roller tube and may be operable between a raised position and a lowered position via rotation of the roller tube. The semi-rigid chain assembly may be configured to be operated by a user to rotate the roller tube. The semi-rigid chain assembly may be configured to limit the size of a loop that can be formed by the semi-rigid chain assembly. The semi-rigid chain assembly may be operatively coupled to a drive pulley of the window treatment system. The semi-rigid chain assembly may include flexible outer housing and a stiffening rod. The flexible housing may surround and operate along the stiffening rod. The hollow chain may include multiple links that are connected together to form a continuous loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventor: David A. Kirby
  • Patent number: 11608682
    Abstract: A battery-powered, motorized window treatment may include a fascia that pivots between a conceal position wherein the fascia covers a window treatment assembly and a battery compartment, and an expose position wherein the fascia does not cover the battery compartment. The fascia may be a two part fascia that includes an arm and a cover that pivots relative to the arm when the battery compartment is operated between respective opened and closed positions. The arm may be attached to the battery compartment such that the arm remains in a fixed orientation relative to the battery compartment. The arm and the cover may define complementary pivotally interlocking connectors that define a pivot axis about which the cover may pivot relative to the arm. The fascia may be configured to generate a perceptible indication when the fascia pivots into the conceal position, and/or when the fascia pivots into the expose position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 21, 2023
    Assignee: LUTRON TECHNOLOGY COMPANY LLC
    Inventor: David A. Kirby
  • Patent number: 11578531
    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 pivotally supported by a housing of the window treatment, and operable between opened and closed positions. 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 be operated opened and closed while a shade of the window treatment is at any position, such that removal of the batteries does not result in the loss of tracking information for the shade. 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.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2023
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: David A. Kirby, Samuel F. Chambers
  • Publication number: 20230042244
    Abstract: A battery-powered Roman shade system may comprise first and second brackets for mounting the shade system to a structure, a roller tube rotatably supported by the first and second brackets, and a housing configured to receive, at a first end of the housing, one or more batteries for powering a motor drive unit inside the roller tube. The housing may also be configured to support a lift assistance subsystem at a second end of the housing. The lift assistance subsystem is configured to provide variable lift assistance to the motor drive unit. The shade system may also comprise a battery holder for holding the one or more batteries. For example, the housing may comprise an internal compartment for housing the battery holder and the lift assistance subsystem. In addition, the shade system may comprise a gear assembly configured to mechanically couple the roller tube to the lift assistance subsystem.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 5, 2022
    Publication date: February 9, 2023
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventor: David A. Kirby
  • Publication number: 20230036910
    Abstract: A motorized window treatment system may include a roller tube, a flexible material, a motor drive unit, and mounting brackets. The mounting brackets may include a stationary portion configured to be attached to a structure surrounding a window. The mounting brackets may include a movable portion configured to receive an end portion of a housing of a motor drive unit. The movable portion may be configured to operate the motorized window treatment between the operating position and the extended position in a circular-shaped path. A portion of the motor drive unit may be accessible when the motorized window treatment is in the extended position. The mounting brackets may include a stopping mechanism that is configured to prevent the motorized window treatment from extending beyond the extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 29, 2022
    Publication date: February 2, 2023
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventor: David A. Kirby
  • Publication number: 20230014160
    Abstract: A motorized window treatment for controlling the amount of daylight entering a space through a window includes a covering material, a drive shaft, and a motor coupled to the drive shaft for raising and lowering the covering material. The window treatment also includes a spring assist unit for assisting the motor by providing a torque that equals the torque provided by the weight on the cords that lift the covering material at a position midway between fully-open and fully-closed positions to minimize motor usage and conserve battery life. The window treatment may comprise a photosensor for measuring the amount of daylight outside the window and temperature sensors for measuring the temperatures inside and outside of the window. The position of the covering material may be automatically controlled in response to the photosensor and the temperature sensors, or in response to an infrared or radio-frequency remote control.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 26, 2022
    Publication date: January 19, 2023
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Jason O. Adams, Edward J. Blair, Andrew Karl Cooney, Soumya Jain, David A. Kirby, Stephen Lundy, Justin J. Mierta, Daniel W. Mistarz, Robert C. Newman, JR., Peter W. Ogden, JR., Jonathan L. Roe, Chen Ming Wu, Justin M. Zernhelt
  • Patent number: 11517780
    Abstract: A lever for use in a trampoline includes a frame attachment, a rigid element and a tensioner. The frame attachment is configured for connection to a supporting frame of the trampoline; the frame attachment includes a stop formation. The rigid element is connected to the frame attachment and is configured to pivot about a fulcrum connected to the frame attachment. The rigid element includes a lug configured to contact the stop formation to limit an extent of a pivot motion of the rigid element about the fulcrum. The rigid element comprises a jump mat end and a frame end, the jump mat end being configured for connection to a jumping mat. The tensioner is connected to the rigid element and is configured for attachment to the trampoline supporting frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2022
    Assignee: Action Sports Equipment Pty Ltd.
    Inventors: Robert Brian Seaman, David Andrew Jones, Murray David Kirby Hunter, Lee David Blattmann
  • Publication number: 20220381085
    Abstract: A motorized window treatment may comprise an antenna that allows for wireless communication. The motorized window treatment may comprise a roller tube, a motor drive unit, and at least one mounting bracket. The roller tube may be configured to windingly receive a flexible material and to be rotated to raise and lower the flexible material. The mounting bracket may be configured to support a bearing assembly of the motor drive unit to allow the roller tube to rotate with respect to the mounting bracket. The bearing assembly may be located between the roller tube and the mounting bracket, so as to form a gap between the roller tube and the mounting bracket. The antenna may comprise an electrical conductor wrapped around the motor drive unit adjacent to the gap between the roller tube and the mounting bracket.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2022
    Publication date: December 1, 2022
    Applicant: Lutron Techology Company LLC
    Inventors: Marissa Diehl, David A. Kirby, Sheng Qu, John M. Steinmetz
  • Publication number: 20220356755
    Abstract: A window treatment may include a headrail, a weighting element, a plurality of slats, one or more first ladder cords, one or more second ladder cords, a plurality of ladder rungs, and one or more couplings. The plurality of slats may be located between the headrail and the weighting element. Each of the plurality of slats may include an upper surface and a lower surface. The plurality of ladder rungs may extend between a first ladder cord and a second ladder cord. The lower surface of each of the plurality of slats may rest on a respective ladder rung of the plurality of ladder rungs. The one or more couplings may be configured to be attached to respective slats of the plurality of slats. The coupling may be configured to be removed such that the slat can be removed from the window treatment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2020
    Publication date: November 10, 2022
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: David A. Kirby, Glenn S. Laverty, IV, Mailing Ren Wu
  • Publication number: 20220341256
    Abstract: A motorized window treatment may include a roller tube, a covering material that is attached to the roller tube, and a motor drive unit configured to be located within the roller tube. The motor drive unit may include a motor drive shaft defining a motor drive shaft rotational axis in a longitudinal direction. The motor drive shaft may be configured to rotate the roller tube to adjust the covering material between a raised position and a lowered position. The motorized window treatment may be configured to adjust a visible light transmittance of the covering material by rotating the roller tube, for example, when the covering material is in a fixed position between the raised position and the lowered position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 2, 2020
    Publication date: October 27, 2022
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Craig Alan Casey, Kevin Dalbey, David A. Kirby, Sanjeev Kumar, Joan S. Kurylak, Somesh Rahul
  • Patent number: 11480012
    Abstract: A motorized window treatment for controlling the amount of daylight entering a space through a window includes a covering material, a drive shaft, and a motor coupled to the drive shaft for raising and lowering the covering material. The window treatment also includes a spring assist unit for assisting the motor by providing a torque that equals the torque provided by the weight on the cords that lift the covering material at a position midway between fully-open and fully-closed positions to minimize motor usage and conserve battery life. The window treatment may comprise a photosensor for measuring the amount of daylight outside the window and temperature sensors for measuring the temperatures inside and outside of the window. The position of the covering material may be automatically controlled in response to the photosensor and the temperature sensors, or in response to an infrared or radio-frequency remote control.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2022
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Jason O. Adams, Edward J. Blair, Andrew Karl Cooney, Soumya Jain, David A. Kirby, Stephen Lundy, Justin J. Mierta, Daniel W. Mistarz, Robert C. Newman, Jr., Peter W. Ogden, Jr., Jonathan L. Roe, Chen Ming Wu, Justin M. Zernhelt
  • Publication number: 20220307321
    Abstract: A motorized window treatment may provide a low-cost solution for controlling the amount of daylight entering a space through a window. The window treatment may include a covering material (e.g., a cellular shade fabric or a roller shade fabric), a drive assembly for raising and lowering the covering material, and a motor drive unit including a motor configured to drive the drive assembly to raise and lower the covering material. The motorized window treatment may comprise one or more battery packs configured to receive batteries for powering the motor drive unit. The batteries may be located out of view of a user of the motorized window treatment (e.g., in a headrail or in a battery compartment). The motorized window treatment may use various power-saving methods to lengthen the lifetime of the batteries, e.g., to reduce the motor speed to conserve additional battery power and extend the lifetime of the batteries.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2022
    Publication date: September 29, 2022
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Jason O. Adams, Edward J. Blair, Andrew Karl Cooney, Soumya Jain, David A. Kirby, Stephen Lundy, Justin J. Mierta, Daniel W. Mistarz, Robert C. Newman, Peter W. Ogden, Jonathan L. Roe, Chen Ming Wu, Justin M. Zernhelt, Samuel F. Chambers
  • Publication number: 20220235609
    Abstract: A manual drive assembly for a manually-operated window treatment based on a drive chain formed as a loop, may incorporate one or more intermediate tensioners disposed between two ends of the loop. The loop may be formed between a manual clutch mechanism coupled to the window treatment and an end tensioner. The one or more intermediate tensioners may serveto limit slack in the loop such that sides of the loop cannot be pulled to create a large loop, for example, having a gap of four inches or greater, between the hanging sides of the cord.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2021
    Publication date: July 28, 2022
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Evan T. Graham, David A. Kirby, Robert T. Nachtrieb
  • Publication number: 20220112767
    Abstract: A low-deflection roller tube of a motorized roller shade may have an outer diameter that does not exceed 2 inches. When a covering material is attached to the roller tube and the roller tube is supported at opposed ends thereof, deflection of a 10 foot configuration of the roller tube may not exceed ? of an inch, and deflection of a 12 foot configuration of the roller tube may not exceed ΒΌ of an inch, relative to corresponding unloaded positions of the roller tubes. The roller tube may comprise a plurality of layers of carbon fiber, or may comprise an inner tube that is made of a first material, such as aluminum, and a carbon fiber outer tube that is formed on the inner tube. At least one layer, such as an outermost layer, may comprise high modulus carbon fiber.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 21, 2021
    Publication date: April 14, 2022
    Applicant: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Edward J. Blair, David A. Kirby, Peter W. Ogden, JR.
  • Patent number: D953148
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Mailing Ren Wu, Margaret A. Block, David A. Kirby, Vladislav Pejic
  • Patent number: D962043
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2021
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Mailing Ren Wu, Margaret A. Block, David A. Kirby, Vladislav Pejic