Patents by Inventor Ko Kuperus
Ko Kuperus 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).
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Patent number: 11891854Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: March 9, 2021Date of Patent: February 6, 2024Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Ko Kuperus, Bonnie Earl, Kelly Rahn, Kent A. Smith
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Publication number: 20220136323Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: January 12, 2022Publication date: May 5, 2022Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Ko Kuperus, Bonnie Earl, Kelly Rahn, Kent A. Smith
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Publication number: 20210363818Abstract: A covering for an architectural feature having generally horizontal vane elements extending between generally inner and outer vertical support members that can adjust and control the amount and quality of light transmitted through the covering is described. In one embodiment, the covering has elongate tapes as vertical support members that have a width substantially less than the length of the vane elements, and adjacent inner and adjacent outer elongate tapes are separated by a distance. In one embodiment, the vane elements are multi-layered, cellular vanes. The elongated multilayered vanes may include elongate stiffeners that may be associated with, coupled to, and or inserted within pockets formed in, the multilayered vanes. Also disclosed is a method of operation and manufacture.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 9, 2021Publication date: November 25, 2021Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Ko Kuperus, David P. Hartman, Matthew A. Difrancesco
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Patent number: 11118396Abstract: A covering for an architectural feature having generally horizontal vane elements extending between generally inner and outer vertical support members that can adjust and control the amount and quality of light transmitted through the covering is described. In one embodiment, the covering has elongate tapes as vertical support members that have a width substantially less than the length of the vane elements, and adjacent inner and adjacent outer elongate tapes are separated by a distance. In one embodiment, the vane elements are multi-layered, cellular vanes. The elongated multilayered vanes may include elongate stiffeners that may be associated with, coupled to, and or inserted within pockets formed in, the multilayered vanes. Also disclosed is a method of operation and manufacture.Type: GrantFiled: October 20, 2017Date of Patent: September 14, 2021Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Ko Kuperus, David P. Hartman, Matthew A. Difrancesco
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Publication number: 20210189797Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: March 9, 2021Publication date: June 24, 2021Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Ko Kuperus, Bonnie Earl, Kelly Rahn, Kent A. Smith
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Patent number: 10975616Abstract: 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: GrantFiled: October 20, 2017Date of Patent: April 13, 2021Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Ko Kuperus, Bonnie Earl, Kelly Rahn, Kent A. Smith
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Publication number: 20180119487Abstract: A covering for an architectural feature having generally horizontal vane elements extending between generally inner and outer vertical support members that can adjust and control the amount and quality of light transmitted through the covering is described. In one embodiment, the covering has elongate tapes as vertical support members that have a width substantially less than the length of the vane elements, and adjacent inner and adjacent outer elongate tapes are separated by a distance. In one embodiment, the vane elements are multi-layered, cellular vanes. The elongated multilayered vanes may include elongate stiffeners that may be associated with, coupled to, and or inserted within pockets formed in, the multilayered vanes. Also disclosed is a method of operation and manufacture.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2017Publication date: May 3, 2018Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Ko Kuperus, David P. Hartman, Matthew A. Difrancesco
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Publication number: 20180119485Abstract: 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: ApplicationFiled: October 20, 2017Publication date: May 3, 2018Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Ko Kuperus, Bonnie Earl, Kelly Rahn, Kent A. Smith
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Patent number: 9133658Abstract: A sound attenuating covering for an architectural opening is provided. The covering may include a frame, a first shade, and a second shade. The frame may include opposing side members, each defining an opposing channel extending along at least a portion of the side member. The first shade may be positioned forward of the frame and may define a plurality of horizontally-extending, transversely-collapsible cells. The second shade may be positioned rearward of the first shade and may be slidably received within the channels of the side members. The first and second shades may be operably coupled to a roller and may move in conjunction with one another across the architectural opening.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2014Date of Patent: September 15, 2015Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventors: Ko Kuperus, Fabian Ruffo
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Publication number: 20140250804Abstract: A sound attenuating covering for an architectural opening is provided. The covering may include a frame, a first shade, and a second shade. The frame may include opposing side members, each defining an opposing channel extending along at least a portion of the side member. The first shade may be positioned forward of the frame and may define a plurality of horizontally-extending, transversely-collapsible cells. The second shade may be positioned rearward of the first shade and may be slidably received within the channels of the side members. The first and second shades may be operably coupled to a roller and may move in conjunction with one another across the architectural opening.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2014Publication date: September 11, 2014Applicant: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventors: Ko Kuperus, Fabian Ruffo
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Patent number: 8572920Abstract: A panel for a drop ceiling is made of a semi-rigid but resilient material such as spring steel and includes corner clips adapted to cooperate with the inverted T-shaped stringers of a drop ceiling support system so that the panel is self-centering between opposing stringers and is spring biased into a clamped relationship with horizontal flanges of the inverted T-shape stringers to prevent the panel from moving up and down. The corner clips are also designed to transfer any horizontal compressive shear force in the mounting system to vertical edges of the panel so as not to undesirably bow the flat base of the panel.Type: GrantFiled: April 7, 2011Date of Patent: November 5, 2013Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventors: David Bailey, Ko Kuperus, Richard Mayer
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Publication number: 20110252736Abstract: A panel for a drop ceiling is made of a semi-rigid but resilient material such as spring steel and includes corner clips adapted to cooperate with the inverted T-shaped stringers of a drop ceiling support system so that the panel is self-centering between opposing stringers and is spring biased into a clamped relationship with horizontal flanges of the inverted T-shape stringers to prevent the panel from moving up and down. The corner clips are also designed to transfer any horizontal compressive shear force in the mounting system to vertical edges of the panel so as not to undesirably bow the flat base of the panel.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 7, 2011Publication date: October 20, 2011Applicant: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventors: David Bailey, Ko Kuperus, Richard Mayer
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Patent number: 7398624Abstract: A structural panel for use in building structures or in the formation, finish or decoration thereof includes an outer sheet and a connector sheet with a plurality of collapsible or compressible dividers therebetween. The panel in a rest condition is expanded and of a desired thickness for final use but can be compressed into a relatively thin thickness or profile for shipping purposes. The panel is very lightweight but structurally strong and can be selectively bent in one transverse direction if desired. The panel can be easily cut or formed into any predetermined size or shape.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2006Date of Patent: July 15, 2008Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventors: Paul G. Swiszcz, Ko Kuperus, Wendell B. Colson, Jason T. Throne
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Patent number: 7377084Abstract: A structural panel for use in building structures or in the formation, finish or decoration thereof includes an outer sheet and a connector sheet with a plurality of collapsible or compressible dividers therebetween. The panel in a rest condition is expanded and of a desired thickness for final use but can be compressed into a relatively thin thickness or profile for shipping purposes. The panel is very lightweight but structurally strong and can be selectively bent in one transverse direction if desired. The panel can be easily cut or formed into any predetermined size or shape.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2002Date of Patent: May 27, 2008Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventors: Paul G. Swiszcz, Ko Kuperus, Wendell B. Colson, Jason T. Throne
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Patent number: 7303641Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing cellular laminate structural panels includes one or more supply stations of a flexible strip material including folding rollers for sequentially folding the strip material into cellular structures and feeding the cellular structures into a conveyor where the cellular structures are held in compression. The apparatus further includes a laminating station where the folded cellular structures are laminated to an upper and/or lower sheet material to which lines of a bonding medium have been applied prior to engagement with the cellular structures. The folded cellular structures are heated before engaging the sheet material so as to enhance the bonding of the sheet material to the cellular structures and subsequent to bonding, the laminate is passed through a cooling station to set the bonding medium.Type: GrantFiled: December 3, 2002Date of Patent: December 4, 2007Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventors: Paul G. Swiszcz, Ko Kuperus, Tim Jeske, Eugene Ballard, Stephen Cook
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Publication number: 20070144092Abstract: An apparatus for manufacturing cellular laminate structural panels includes one or more supply stations of a flexible strip material including folding rollers for sequentially folding the strip material into cellular structures and feeding the cellular structures into a conveyor where the cellular structures are held in compression. The apparatus further includes a laminating station where the folded cellular structures are laminated to an upper and/or lower sheet material to which lines of a bonding medium have been applied prior to engagement with the cellular structures. The folded cellular structures are heated before engaging the sheet material so as to enhance the bonding of the sheet material to the cellular structures and subsequent to bonding, the laminate is passed through a cooling station to set the bonding medium.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 8, 2006Publication date: June 28, 2007Applicant: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventors: Paul Swiszcz, Ko Kuperus, Tim Jeske, Eugene Ballard, Stephen Cook
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Patent number: 7207151Abstract: A structural panel for use in building structures or in the formation, finish or decoration thereof includes an outer sheet and a connector sheet with a plurality of collapsible or compressible dividers therebetween. The panel in a rest condition is expanded and of a desired thickness for final use but can be compressed into a relatively thin thickness or profile for shipping purposes. The panel is very lightweight but structurally strong and can be selectively bent in one transverse direction if desired. The panel can be easily cut or formed into any predetermined size or shape.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2006Date of Patent: April 24, 2007Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventors: Paul G. Swiszcz, Ko Kuperus, Wendell B. Colson, Jason T. Throne
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Patent number: 7194846Abstract: A structural panel for use in building structures or in the formation, finish or decoration thereof includes an outer sheet and a connector sheet with a plurality of collapsible or compressible dividers therebetween. The panel in a rest condition is expanded and of a desired thickness for final use but can be compressed into a relatively thin thickness or profile for shipping purposes. The panel is very lightweight but structurally strong and can be selectively bent in one transverse direction if desired. The panel can be easily cut or formed into any predetermined size or shape.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2006Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventors: Paul G. Swiszcz, Ko Kuperus, Wendell B. Colson, Jason T. Throne
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Patent number: 7146779Abstract: A method of packaging and shipping compressible structural panels is disclosed. Compressible structural panels are provided, typically with first and second sheets separated by compressible or collapsible dividers. The structural panels are stacked and thereafter compressed thereby causing the dividers to compress and the thickness of the panels to become substantially less. In this compressed and stacked configuration, the structural panels are packaged and shipped. At the point of installation of the structural panels, the structural panels are unpackaged, unstacked and allowed to regain the expanded configuration, either by way of natural resiliency or heat setting. The structural panels, once expanded, are ready for installation.Type: GrantFiled: June 15, 2004Date of Patent: December 12, 2006Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventors: Paul G. Swiszcz, Ko Kuperus
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Publication number: 20060260270Abstract: A structural panel for use in building structures or in the formation, finish or decoration thereof includes an outer sheet and a connector sheet with a plurality of collapsible or compressible dividers therebetween. The panel in a rest condition is expanded and of a desired thickness for final use but can be compressed into a relatively thin thickness or profile for shipping purposes. The panel is very lightweight but structurally strong and can be selectively bent in one transverse direction if desired. The panel can be easily cut or formed into any predetermined size or shape.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2006Publication date: November 23, 2006Applicant: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventors: Paul Swiszcz, Ko Kuperus, Wendell Colson, Jason Throne