Patents by Inventor Kent A. Smith

Kent A. Smith 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: 12031379
    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: January 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2024
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Ko Kuperus, Bonnie Earl, Kelly Rahn, Kent A. Smith
  • 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
  • Publication number: 20230235624
    Abstract: A covering for an architectural covering is provided. The covering may include a rotatable outer roller, a rotatable inner roller, a first shade secured to the outer roller, and a second shade secured to the inner roller. The outer roller may define an elongated slot extending along a length of the outer roller and opening to an interior of the outer roller. The inner roller may be received within the outer roller and may define a central longitudinal axis. The first shade may be retractable onto and extendable from the outer roller. The second shade may extend through the elongated slot and may be retractable onto and extendable from the inner roller. The elongated slot may be substantially horizontally aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller when the first shade is in a fully extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2023
    Publication date: July 27, 2023
    Applicant: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Nickolas C. Buccola, JR., Terrence M. Drew, Kenneth M. Faller, Kent A. Smith
  • Patent number: 11643870
    Abstract: A covering for an architectural covering is provided. The covering may include a rotatable outer roller, a rotatable inner roller, a first shade secured to the outer roller, and a second shade secured to the inner roller. The outer roller may define an elongated slot extending along a length of the outer roller and opening to an interior of the outer roller. The inner roller may be received within the outer roller and may define a central longitudinal axis. The first shade may be retractable onto and extendable from the outer roller. The second shade may extend through the elongated slot and may be retractable onto and extendable from the inner roller. The elongated slot may be substantially horizontally aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller when the first shade is in a fully extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 9, 2023
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventors: Nickolas C. Buccola, Jr., Terrence M. Drew, Kenneth M. Faller, Kent A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20230138944
    Abstract: A cordless retractable shade including an operating system for the shade that varies a biasing force of a spring to counterbalance the shade. The bottom rail of a retractable shade can be raised or lowered, and due to the operating system remains in any selected position of the covering between fully extended and fully retracted, without the use of operating cords. The system includes a method of negating and reversing the spring bias effect at a strategic position whereby the flexible vanes of the shade can be adjusted between open and closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 27, 2022
    Publication date: May 4, 2023
    Inventors: Stephen P. Smith, Kent A. Smith, Galen B. Rhodes, Stephen M. Winters, Kenneth M. Faller
  • Patent number: 11566469
    Abstract: A cordless retractable shade including an operating system for the shade that varies a biasing force of a spring to counterbalance the shade. The bottom rail of a retractable shade can be raised or lowered, and due to the operating system remains in any selected position of the covering between fully extended and fully retracted, without the use of operating cords. The system includes a method of negating and reversing the spring bias effect at a strategic position whereby the flexible vanes of the shade can be adjusted between open and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2023
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Smith, Kent A. Smith, Galen B. Rhodes, Stephen M. Winters, Kenneth M. Faller
  • Publication number: 20220136323
    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: Application
    Filed: January 12, 2022
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Ko Kuperus, Bonnie Earl, Kelly Rahn, Kent A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20210189797
    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: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Publication date: June 24, 2021
    Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Ko Kuperus, Bonnie Earl, Kelly Rahn, Kent A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20210140231
    Abstract: A cordless retractable shade including an operating system for the shade that varies a biasing force of a spring to counterbalance the shade. The bottom rail of a retractable shade can be raised or lowered, and due to the operating system remains in any selected position of the covering between fully extended and fully retracted, without the use of operating cords. The system includes a method of negating and reversing the spring bias effect at a strategic position whereby the flexible vanes of the shade can be adjusted between open and closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 19, 2021
    Publication date: May 13, 2021
    Inventors: Stephen P. Smith, Kent A. Smith, Galen B. Rhodes, Stephen M. Winters, Kenneth M. Faller
  • Patent number: 10975616
    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, and 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: October 20, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Ko Kuperus, Bonnie Earl, Kelly Rahn, Kent A. Smith
  • Patent number: 10907406
    Abstract: A cordless retractable shade including an operating system for the shade that varies a biasing force of a spring to counterbalance the shade. The bottom rail of a retractable shade can be raised or lowered, and due to the operating system remains in any selected position of the covering between fully extended and fully retracted, without the use of operating cords. The system includes a method of negating and reversing the spring bias effect at a strategic position whereby the flexible vanes of the shade can be adjusted between open and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 2, 2021
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Smith, Kent A. Smith, Galen B. Rhodes, Stephen M. Winters, Kenneth M. Faller
  • Publication number: 20200378179
    Abstract: A covering for an architectural covering is provided. The covering may include a rotatable outer roller, a rotatable inner roller, a first shade secured to the outer roller, and a second shade secured to the inner roller. The outer roller may define an elongated slot extending along a length of the outer roller and opening to an interior of the outer roller. The inner roller may be received within the outer roller and may define a central longitudinal axis. The first shade may be retractable onto and extendable from the outer roller. The second shade may extend through the elongated slot and may be retractable onto and extendable from the inner roller. The elongated slot may be substantially horizontally aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller when the first shade is in a fully extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 17, 2020
    Publication date: December 3, 2020
    Applicant: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Nickolas C. Buccola, JR., Terrence M. Drew, Kenneth M. Faller, Kent A. Smith
  • Patent number: 10781630
    Abstract: A covering for an architectural covering is provided. The covering may include a rotatable outer roller, a rotatable inner roller, a first shade secured to the outer roller, and a second shade secured to the inner roller. The outer roller may define an elongated slot extending along a length of the outer roller and opening to an interior of the outer roller. The inner roller may be received within the outer roller and may define a central longitudinal axis. The first shade may be retractable onto and extendable from the outer roller. The second shade may extend through the elongated slot and may be retractable onto and extendable from the inner roller. The elongated slot may be substantially horizontally aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller when the first shade is in a fully extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventors: Nickolas C. Buccola, Jr., Terrence M. Drew, Kenneth M. Faller, Kent A. Smith
  • Patent number: 10648228
    Abstract: A system for biasing or encouraging a sheet of material to gather in one direction when one edge of the sheet of material is moved toward an opposite edge of the sheet of material is provided. A plurality of strips of material may extend along a face of the sheet of material and may be laminated to the face of the sheet of material. The plurality of strips of material may overlap each other and may define stiffened regions extending along the overlapped interface between the plurality of strips of material. When the covering is moved from an extended position to a retracted position, the sheet of material may gather in loops of material that may have apexes defined at or adjacent the overlapped interfaces of the plurality of strips of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 12, 2020
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventors: Jeffery S. Geist, Gary E. Moss, Galen B. Rhodes, Kent A. Smith, Brian C. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20190085621
    Abstract: A system for biasing or encouraging a sheet of material to gather in one direction when one edge of the sheet of material is moved toward an opposite edge of the sheet of material is provided. A plurality of strips of material may extend along a face of the sheet of material and may be laminated to the face of the sheet of material. The plurality of strips of material may overlap each other and may define stiffened regions extending along the overlapped interface between the plurality of strips of material. When the covering is moved from an extended position to a retracted position, the sheet of material may gather in loops of material that may have apexes defined at or adjacent the overlapped interfaces of the plurality of strips of material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 16, 2018
    Publication date: March 21, 2019
    Applicant: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Jeffery S. Geist, Gary E. Moss, Galen B. Rhodes, Kent A. Smith, Brian C. Wilson
  • Patent number: 10161182
    Abstract: A system for biasing or encouraging a sheet of material to gather in one direction when one edge of the sheet of material is moved toward an opposite edge of the sheet of material is provided. A plurality of strips of material may extend along a face of the sheet of material and may be laminated to the face of the sheet of material. The plurality of strips of material may overlap each other and may define stiffened regions extending along the overlapped interface between the plurality of strips of material. When the covering is moved from an extended position to a retracted position, the sheet of material may gather in loops of material that may have apexes defined at or adjacent the overlapped interfaces of the plurality of strips of material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 25, 2018
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventors: Jeffery S. Giest, Gary E. Moss, Galen B. Rhodes, Kent A. Smith, Brian C. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20180328106
    Abstract: A cordless retractable shade including an operating system for the shade that varies a biasing force of a spring to counterbalance the shade. The bottom rail of a retractable shade can be raised or lowered, and due to the operating system remains in any selected position of the covering between fully extended and fully retracted, without the use of operating cords. The system includes a method of negating and reversing the spring bias effect at a strategic position whereby the flexible vanes of the shade can be adjusted between open and closed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 23, 2018
    Publication date: November 15, 2018
    Inventors: Stephen P. Smith, Kent A. Smith, Galen B. Rhodes, Stephen M. Winters, Kenneth M. Faller
  • Patent number: 10030439
    Abstract: A cordless retractable shade including an operating system for the shade that varies a biasing force of a spring to counterbalance the shade. The bottom rail of a retractable shade can be raised or lowered, and due to the operating system remains in any selected position of the covering between fully extended and fully retracted, without the use of operating cords. The system includes a method of negating and reversing the spring bias effect at a strategic position whereby the flexible vanes of the shade can be adjusted between open and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 16, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 24, 2018
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventors: Stephen P. Smith, Kent A. Smith, Galen B. Rhodes, Stephen M. Winters, Kenneth M. Faller
  • Publication number: 20180171703
    Abstract: A covering for an architectural covering is provided. The covering may include a rotatable outer roller, a rotatable inner roller, a first shade secured to the outer roller, and a second shade secured to the inner roller. The outer roller may define an elongated slot extending along a length of the outer roller and opening to an interior of the outer roller. The inner roller may be received within the outer roller and may define a central longitudinal axis. The first shade may be retractable onto and extendable from the outer roller. The second shade may extend through the elongated slot and may be retractable onto and extendable from the inner roller. The elongated slot may be substantially horizontally aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller when the first shade is in a fully extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Publication date: June 21, 2018
    Applicant: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Nickolas C. Buccola, JR., Terrence M. Drew, Kenneth M. Faller, Kent A. Smith
  • Publication number: 20180119485
    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 can adjust and control the amount and quality of light transmitted through the covering is described. In one embodiment the covering has three dimensional multi-layered, cellular vanes, which are aesthetically appealing and practically useful for privacy and shading purposes. In another embodiment, the one or more support members are formed of a dark color, and in one example, the support members may be black, grey and/or brown, and in a further example, the rear support member(s) may be formed of material that are 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%).
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 20, 2017
    Publication date: May 3, 2018
    Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Ko Kuperus, Bonnie Earl, Kelly Rahn, Kent A. Smith