Patents by Inventor Tracy M. Knight

Tracy M. Knight 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).

  • Publication number: 20220154506
    Abstract: Movable partitions may include leading end assemblies comprising an articulated leading member. The articulated leading member may be coupled to a support trolley, and at least one coupling between the articulated leading member and the trolley enables the articulated leading member to move relative to the support trolley. Methods of operating a movable partition include displacing a portion of a leading end assembly to align a majority of at least one surface of the leading end assembly with a portion of an adjacent structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 17, 2020
    Publication date: May 19, 2022
    Inventors: William Michael Coleman, R. Scott Smart, Tracy M. Knight, Ivan W. Stewart
  • Publication number: 20180100344
    Abstract: Drive assemblies for partition systems may include a motor and a power transmission mechanism operably coupled to a drive shaft of the motor. The power transmission mechanism may include a first bevel gear rotatable by the drive shaft and a second bevel gear positioned for engagement with the first bevel gear. The second bevel gear may include an axis of rotation oriented at least substantially perpendicular to an axis of rotation of the first bevel gear. A disengagement mechanism may be coupled to at least one of the first bevel gear or the second bevel gear and configured to selectively engage and disengage the first bevel gear and the second bevel gear.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2016
    Publication date: April 12, 2018
    Inventors: Tracy M. Knight, R. Scott Smart, Duane O. Hall
  • Patent number: 9752332
    Abstract: Movable partition systems include a movable partition, a soffit positioned along an edge of a track, and a molding member engaged with the soffit opposite the track. The molding member is at least partially abutted against a wall and configured to be adjusted laterally relative to the soffit. Methods of installing a movable partition system include suspending a track from a support member, inserting an end of a soffit between first and second ends of a molding member, and coupling the soffit to an edge of the track or a wall of a header structure. Methods of forming a header structure for a movable partition include disposing a track for a movable partition at least partially in a header recess of a header structure, engaging a molding member with a soffit, and coupling the soffit with the track and between the track and a wall of the header structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: John G. Garrett, III, Tracy M. Knight
  • Patent number: 9470024
    Abstract: Closure assemblies for movable partitions may include a leading end assembly having a first side and a second side and a latching assembly coupled thereto. The latching assembly may include a first latching member having a portion thereof positioned proximate to the first side and a second latching member having a portion thereof positioned proximate to the second side. Movable partition systems may include a plurality of hingedly coupled panels movably coupled to a track, and a leading end assembly coupled to at least one panel of the plurality of hingedly coupled panels. The leading end assembly may include at least two latching features positioned on the leading end assembly. Methods of securing a movable partition may include retaining a first latching member and a second latching member in a retracted position and extending the first latching member and the second latching member to an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 18, 2016
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: Tracy M. Knight, Michael D. George, W. Michael Coleman, John G. Garrett, III
  • Patent number: 9353568
    Abstract: Movable partition systems include an elongated, fixed drive member extending along a track, a partition that is automatically and manually movable along the track, and a motor carried by the movable partition configured to drive a rotatable drive member that is engagable with the elongated, fixed drive member. The rotatable drive member may be engaged with, and disengaged from, the fixed drive member. Methods of moving a partition along a track include actuating a motor carried by a movable partition to drive rotation of a drive member while the drive member is engaged with an elongated, fixed drive member, and manually moving the partition along the track while the rotatable drive member is disengaged from the fixed drive member. Methods of installing a movable partition system include configuring a rotatable drive member to be capable of engagement with, and disengagement from, an elongated, fixed drive member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2016
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: Tracy M. Knight, Michael E. Hazlett
  • Publication number: 20160010344
    Abstract: Movable partition systems include a movable partition, a soffit positioned along an edge of a track, and a molding member engaged with the soffit opposite the track. The molding member is at least partially abutted against a wall and configured to be adjusted laterally relative to the soffit. Methods of installing a movable partition system include suspending a track from a support member, inserting an end of a soffit between first and second ends of a molding member, and coupling the soffit to an edge of the track or a wall of a header structure. Methods of forming a header structure for a movable partition include disposing a track for a movable partition at least partially in a header recess of a header structure, engaging a molding member with a soffit, and coupling the soffit with the track and between the track and a wall of the header structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 24, 2015
    Publication date: January 14, 2016
    Inventors: John G. Garrett, III, Tracy M. Knight
  • Patent number: 9145723
    Abstract: Movable partition systems include a movable partition, a soffit positioned along an edge of a track, and a molding member engaged with the soffit opposite the track. The molding member is at least partially abutted against a wall and configured to be adjusted laterally relative to the soffit. Methods of installing a movable partition system include suspending a track from a support member, inserting an end of a soffit between first and second ends of a molding member, and coupling the soffit to an edge of the track or a wall of a header structure. Methods of forming a header structure for a movable partition include disposing a track for a movable partition at least partially in a header recess of a header structure, engaging a molding member with a soffit, and coupling the soffit with the track and between the track and a wall of the header structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2015
    Assignee: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: John G. Garrett, III, Tracy M. Knight
  • Patent number: 9103152
    Abstract: Leading end assemblies for movable partitions may include at least one sensor assembly configured to detect a force applied to a leading surface of a leading structure of the leading end assembly. Movable partition systems may include a plurality of hingedly coupled panels and a leading end assembly. The leading end assembly may include a trolley movably coupled to a track and at least one sensor assembly configured to detect movement of the leading structure relative to the trolley when the movable partition is moved from a retracted position to an extended position. Methods of operating a movable partition may include monitoring a displacement of a leading structure of a leading end assembly of the movable partition relative to another portion of the leading end assembly with a sensor assembly and ceasing movement of the movable partition in response to a signal from the sensor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Date of Patent: August 11, 2015
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: E. Carl Goodman, Tracy M. Knight
  • Patent number: 8910695
    Abstract: A remote control system for use with a movable partition comprises a motor configured to drive movement of a movable partition of a movable partition system, a processor coupled with the motor to generate an actuation signal to control the motor, and a remote control switch coupled with the motor and configured to transmit a trigger signal to the processor in response to receiving an activation signal from a remote control key. The processor is configured to control the motor to drive the movable partition to a predetermined position along a track in response to the trigger signal. A method of driving a movable partition comprises receiving an activation signal from a remote control key, and driving the movable partition to an intermediate position along a track to provide access to user interface elements of the movable partition in response to receiving the activation signal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 16, 2014
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventor: Tracy M. Knight
  • Patent number: 8763672
    Abstract: Movable partition systems include a movable partition engaged with and movable along a longitudinal track and a lead drive box coupled to the movable partition and engaged with the track. The lead drive box is configured to move along the track and move the movable partition along the track. The lead drive box includes a trolley for disposition within the track, a motor coupled to the lead drive box, and a rotatable drive member coupled to the lead drive box and the motor. The rotatable drive member engages an elongated drive member extending along the track to motivate the lead drive box and the movable partition attached thereto along the track when engaged with the motor and the motor is rotating. An electronics module disposed within the lead drive box is configured for controlling operation of the motor responsive to signals originating from sources carried by the lead drive box.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2014
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: R. Scott Smart, Tracy M. Knight
  • Publication number: 20140116633
    Abstract: Closure assemblies for movable partitions may include a leading end assembly having a first side and a second side and a latching assembly coupled thereto. The latching assembly may include a first latching member having a portion thereof positioned proximate to the first side and a second latching member having a portion thereof positioned proximate to the second side. Movable partition systems may include a plurality of hingedly coupled panels movably coupled to a track, and a leading end assembly coupled to at least one panel of the plurality of hingedly coupled panels. The leading end assembly may include at least two latching features positioned on the leading end assembly. Methods of securing a movable partition may include retaining a first latching member and a second latching member in a retracted position and extending the first latching member and the second latching member to an extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 7, 2014
    Publication date: May 1, 2014
    Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tracy M. Knight, Michael D. George, W. Michael Coleman, John G. Garrett, III
  • Publication number: 20140041813
    Abstract: Leading end assemblies for movable partitions may include at least one sensor assembly configured to detect a force applied to a leading surface of a leading structure of the leading end assembly. Movable partition systems may include a plurality of hingedly coupled panels and a leading end assembly. The leading end assembly may include a trolley movably coupled to a track and at least one sensor assembly configured to detect movement of the leading structure relative to the trolley when the movable partition is moved from a retracted position to an extended position. Methods of operating a movable partition may include monitoring a displacement of a leading structure of a leading end assembly of the movable partition relative to another portion of the leading end assembly with a sensor assembly and ceasing movement of the movable partition in response to a signal from the sensor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 30, 2013
    Publication date: February 13, 2014
    Applicant: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: E. Carl Goodman, Tracy M. Knight
  • Patent number: 8627618
    Abstract: Closure assemblies for movable partitions may include a leading end assembly having a first side and a second side and a latching assembly coupled thereto. The latching assembly may include a first latching member having a portion thereof positioned proximate to the first side and a second latching member having a portion thereof positioned proximate to the second side. Movable partition systems may include a plurality of hingedly coupled panels movably coupled to a track, and a leading end assembly coupled to at least one panel of the plurality of hingedly coupled panels. The leading end assembly may include at least two latching features positioned on the leading end assembly. Methods of securing a movable partition may include retaining a first latching member and a second latching member in a retracted position and extending the first latching member and the second latching member to an extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2014
    Inventors: Tracy M. Knight, Michael D. George, William Michael Coleman, John G. Garrett, III
  • Patent number: 8544524
    Abstract: Leading end assemblies for movable partitions may include at least one sensor assembly configured to detect a force applied to a leading surface of a leading structure of the leading end assembly. Movable partition systems may include a plurality of hingedly coupled panels and a leading end assembly. The leading end assembly may include a trolley movably coupled to a track and at least one sensor assembly configured to detect movement of the leading structure relative to the trolley when the movable partition is moved from a retracted position to an extended position. Methods of operating a movable partition may include monitoring a displacement of a leading structure of a leading end assembly of the movable partition relative to another portion of the leading end assembly with a sensor assembly and ceasing movement of the movable partition in response to a signal from the sensor assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 1, 2013
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: E. Carl Goodman, Tracy M. Knight
  • Publication number: 20130220558
    Abstract: A remote control system for use with a movable partition comprises a motor configured to drive movement of a movable partition of a movable partition system, a processor coupled with the motor to generate an actuation signal to control the motor, and a remote control switch coupled with the motor and configured to transmit a trigger signal to the processor in response to receiving an activation signal from a remote control key. The processor is configured to control the motor to drive the movable partition to a predetermined position along a track in response to the trigger signal. A method of driving a movable partition comprises receiving an activation signal from a remote control key, and driving the movable partition to an intermediate position along a track to provide access to user interface elements of the movable partition in response to receiving the activation signal.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 29, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventor: Tracy M. Knight
  • Publication number: 20130014907
    Abstract: Movable partition systems include a movable partition, a soffit positioned along an edge of a track, and a molding member engaged with the soffit opposite the track. The molding member is at least partially abutted against a wall and configured to be adjusted laterally relative to the soffit. Methods of installing a movable partition system include suspending a track from a support member, inserting an end of a soffit between first and second ends of a molding member, and coupling the soffit to an edge of the track or a wall of a header structure. Methods of forming a header structure for a movable partition include disposing a track for a movable partition at least partially in a header recess of a header structure, engaging a molding member with a soffit, and coupling the soffit with the track and between the track and a wall of the header structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 14, 2011
    Publication date: January 17, 2013
    Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: John G. Garrett, III, Tracy M. Knight
  • Publication number: 20120325412
    Abstract: Leading end assemblies for movable partitions may include at least one sensor assembly configured to detect a force applied to a leading surface of a leading structure of the leading end assembly. Movable partition systems may include a plurality of hingedly coupled panels and a leading end assembly. The leading end assembly may include a trolley movably coupled to a track and at least one sensor assembly configured to detect movement of the leading structure relative to the trolley when the movable partition is moved from a retracted position to an extended position. Methods of operating a movable partition may include monitoring a displacement of a leading structure of a leading end assembly of the movable partition relative to another portion of the leading end assembly with a sensor assembly and ceasing movement of the movable partition in response to a signal from the sensor assembly.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: E. Carl Goodman, Tracy M. Knight
  • Publication number: 20120325413
    Abstract: Movable partition systems includes a movable partition engaged with and movable along a longitudinal track and a lead drive box coupled to the movable partition and engaged with the track. The lead drive box is configured to move along the track and move the movable partition along the track. The lead drive box includes a trolley for disposition within the track, a motor coupled to the lead drive box, and a rotatable drive member coupled to the lead drive box and the motor. The rotatable drive member engages an elongated drive member extending along the track to motivate the lead drive box and the movable partition attached thereto along the track when engaged with the motor and the motor is rotating. An electronics module disposed within the lead drive box is configured for controlling operation of the motor responsive to signals originating from sources carried by the lead drive box.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 27, 2011
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: R. Scott Smart, Tracy M. Knight
  • Patent number: 8316914
    Abstract: Movable partitions and movable partition system include a header assembly and a movable partition. The header assembly may comprise an elongated overhead track including a first channel, a second channel, and a central channel between the first and second channels. A plurality of support bracket attachment features may be included with at least one support bracket attachment feature on each of an outer surface of the first channel and an outer surface of the second channel. A support bracket may be coupled to each of the support bracket attachment features. The movable partition may comprise a plurality of panels connected to one another with hinge-like member and may be suspended from the overhead track. Embodiments of overhead tracks and methods of forming header assemblies are also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2012
    Assignee: Won-Door Corporation
    Inventors: Craig Bell, Tracy M. Knight, Jaren R. Dickenson
  • Publication number: 20120042573
    Abstract: Closure assemblies for movable partitions may include a leading end assembly having a first side and a second side and a latching assembly coupled thereto. The latching assembly may include a first latching member having a portion thereof positioned proximate to the first side and a second latching member having a portion thereof positioned proximate to the second side. Movable partition systems may include a plurality of hingedly coupled panels movably coupled to a track, and a leading end assembly coupled to at least one panel of the plurality of hingedly coupled panels. The leading end assembly may include at least two latching features positioned on the leading end assembly. Methods of securing a movable partition may include retaining a first latching member and a second latching member in a retracted position and extending the first latching member and the second latching member to an extended position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2010
    Publication date: February 23, 2012
    Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Tracy M. Knight, Michael D. George, William Michael Coleman, John G. Garrett, III