Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a dining chair is provided having a frame, a seat operably connected to the frame, a backrest operably connected to the frame, a reclining mechanism, and a counterbalance assembly positioned within the backrest, among other components. The backrest is configured to move between an upright position and a reclined position. In one or more arrangements, the counterbalance assembly is configured to provide a counterbalance force to move the backrest to the upright position in absence of an opposing force.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a chair is provided having a frame, a seat operably connected to the frame, a backrest operably connected to the frame, and a retractable wheel assembly positioned within the frame, among other components. The retractable wheel assembly is configured to facilitate retraction of a wheel into the frame when a downward force is applied to the chair. In one or more arrangements, the retractable wheel assembly is configured to facilitate extension of a wheel below the frame in absence of a downward force.

Abstract: In one or more arrangements, as examples, a reclining chair is presented having a frame, a seat operably connected to the frame, a backrest operably connected to the frame, and a cartridge operably connected to the frame. In one or more arrangements, as examples, the backrest includes an upper axle and the cartridge having a link. In one or more arrangements, as examples, the cartridge is configured to connect to the upper axle of the backrest and wherein the link is configured to facilitate movement of the backrest between an upright position and a reclined position.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a dining chair is provided having a frame, a seat operably connected to the frame, a backrest operably connected to the frame, a reclining mechanism, and a counterbalance assembly positioned within the backrest, among other components. The backrest is configured to move between an upright position and a reclined position. In one or more arrangements, the counterbalance assembly is configured to provide a counterbalance force to move the backrest to the upright position in absence of an opposing force.

Abstract: A drive assembly with finial connector for a drapery rod system that is configured to facilitate assembly of a drapery rod and finials with the finials aligned with the axis of rotation of the drapery rod and facilitate connection with and disconnection of drapery rod and finials from brackets while assembled. In one or more arrangements, the drive assembly includes a drive coupler, a gearbox, a motor, a control circuit housing positioned within a hollow interior of a drapery rod. In one or more arrangements, the drive assembly includes a lug and a shaft operably connected to an outward end of the control circuit housing. The lug is configured to connect with a bracket. In one or more arrangements, the drive assembly includes a finial connector configured to operably connect with the lug and/or shaft and facilitate connection with a finial aligned with the drapery rod.

Abstract: An umbrella system includes a support pole connected to a rotating tube positioned around a center tube that extends between the support pole and a center support that is connected to an umbrella frame. The rotating tube has one or more helical grooves therein that are engaged by teeth of a hub which is connected to the umbrella frame. As the rotating tube is rotated, the hub is driven along the length of the rotating tube thereby opening and closing the umbrella frame. In one arrangement system includes a motor housing assembly including a plurality of batteries and a motor that includes a driven gear that meshes with a stationary gear which causes rotation of the rotating tube.

Abstract: In one or more arrangements, a powered system for skateboards is presented which has a base plate, a drive unit, a wheel assembly, and straps. In one arrangement, the system is connected to a skateboard utilizing straps such that the system may be easily attached to and removed from the skateboard. In one arrangement, the system has a single, centrally located wheel which causes the front wheels of the skateboard to be lifted off the ground. In this arrangement, the single wheel is curved in order to allow for turning of the skateboard when utilizing the system. In one arrangement, the wheel is caused to rotate by a motor and a battery used to provide electricity to motor.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a dining chair is provided having a frame, a seat operably connected to the frame, a backrest operably connected to the frame, a reclining mechanism, and a counterbalance assembly positioned within the backrest, among other components. The backrest is configured to move between an upright position and a reclined position. In one or more arrangements, the counterbalance assembly is configured to provide a counterbalance force to move the backrest to the upright position in absence of an opposing force.

Abstract: A motorized window covering system is presented having a rotatable drive element having a guide structure and a plurality of idler attachment elements and at least one drive element positioned over the rotatable drive element. A motor is connected to the rotatable drive element and controls operation of the window covering. An external battery tube assembly is connected by a conduit to the rotatable drive element and is configured to provide power to the motor. The external battery tube assembly includes a switch and controls operation of the motorized window covering. When pulled or lifted the external battery tube assembly initiates movement, stops movement or reverses movement of the motor. In this way, the system provides a unique way of controlling operation of a motorized window covering.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a dining chair is provided having a frame, a seat operably connected to the frame, a backrest operably connected to the frame, a reclining mechanism, and a counterbalance assembly positioned within the backrest, among other components. The backrest is configured to move between an upright position and a reclined position. In one or more arrangements, the counterbalance assembly is configured to provide a counterbalance force to move the backrest to the upright position in absence of an opposing force.

Abstract: In one or more embodiments, a folding chair is provided having a frame, a seat operably connected to the frame, a backrest operably connected to the frame, and a counterbalance assembly, among other components. The backrest is configured to move between an upright position and a reclined position. The counterbalance assembly is configured to apply a counterbalance force to the backrest. In one or more arrangements, the counterbalance assembly is configured to provide a counterbalance force to move the backrest to the upright position in absence of an opposing force. In one or more arrangements the counterbalance assembly is configured to hold the backrest at one or more intermediate positions between the upright position and the reclined position. In one or more arrangements the counterbalance assembly is configured to increase the counterbalance force applied to the backrest at one or more intermediate positions between the upright and reclined positions.

Abstract: A valance system for a window covering that can be folded and placed within the same shipping box as a wall bracket, top bracket and track sections. The valance extends a length between opposing ends and includes a clip feature that extends out from its rearward side. The clip feature is generally C-shaped or U-shaped when viewed from the side and includes a plurality of friction members in its exterior surface. The valance is covered with a covering material. An end cap having a hinge area that facilitates bending of the end cap is connected to the ends of the valance by connection of a tongue of the end cap to a slot of the valance. The clip feature is sized and shaped to frictionally fit within and be installed within a socket of a top bracket without any tools.

Abstract: An umbrella system includes a support pole connected to a rotating tube positioned around a center tube that extends between the support pole and a center support that is connected to an umbrella frame. The rotating tube has one or more helical grooves therein that are engaged by teeth of a hub which is connected to the umbrella frame. As the rotating tube is rotated, the hub is driven along the length of the rotating tube thereby opening and closing the umbrella frame. In one arrangement system includes a motor housing assembly including a plurality of batteries and a motor that includes a driven gear that meshes with a stationary gear which causes rotation of the rotating tube.

Abstract: An umbrella system includes a support pole connected to a rotating tube positioned around a center tube that extends between the support pole and a center support that is connected to an umbrella frame. The rotating tube has one or more helical grooves therein that are engaged by teeth of a hub which is connected to the umbrella frame. As the rotating tube is rotated, the hub is driven along the length of the rotating tube thereby opening and closing the umbrella frame. In one arrangement system includes a motor housing assembly including a plurality of batteries and a motor that includes a driven gear that meshes with a stationary gear which causes rotation of the rotating tube. The system also includes a counterbalance assembly positioned within the rotating tube. The counterbalance assembly includes at least one spring positioned within the rotating tube that provides a counterbalance force.

Abstract: A curtain assembly comprises a rotatable drive element wherein at least one helical guide structure is formed on, or into, the outer surface of the drive element. A drive attachment element having a structure that communicates with the helical guide structure to move the drive attachment element axially along the drive element when the drive element is rotated. Specific embodiments incorporate either a manual or motor-driven rotation assembly for rotating the drive element. Further specific embodiments involve a helical guide structure that comprises a helical groove and a structure that comprises a tooth that engages with the helical groove.

Abstract: A motorized window covering system is presented having a rotatable drive element having a guide structure and a plurality of idler attachment elements and at least one drive element positioned over the rotatable drive element. A motor is connected to the rotatable drive element and controls operation of the window covering. An external battery tube assembly is connected by a conduit to the rotatable drive element and is configured to provide power to the motor. The external battery tube assembly includes a switch and controls operation of the motorized window covering. When pulled or lifted the external battery tube assembly initiates movement, stops movement or reverses movement of the motor. In this way, the system provides a unique way of controlling operation of a motorized window covering.

Abstract: A motorized drapery system having an elongated rotating drive element that has a non-circular cross-sectional shape such as square, rectangular, trapezoidal, cross shaped or any other non-circular shape that is twisted. In one arrangement the drive element is twisted in one direction along its entire length. In another arrangement the drive element is twisted in one direction in a first section and twisted in an opposite direction in a second section thereby providing a center opening/center closing drapery. A plurality of rings are positioned around the drive element including at least one driver ring that includes a feature that connects to the drive element and is configured to facilitate movement along the drive element, and a plurality of idler rings that are configured to slide along the drive element. A curtain is connected to the rings and opens and closes as the rings move along the drive element.

Abstract: A motorized window covering system is presented having a rotatable drive element having a guide structure and a plurality of idler attachment elements and at least one drive element positioned over the rotatable drive element. A motor is connected to the rotatable drive element and controls operation of the window covering. An external battery tube assembly is connected by a conduit to the rotatable drive element and is configured to provide power to the motor. The external battery tube assembly includes a switch and controls operation of the motorized window covering. When pulled or lifted the external battery tube assembly initiates movement, stops movement or reverses movement of the motor. In this way, the system provides a unique way of controlling operation of a motorized window covering.

Abstract: A method of operating a motorized window covering is presented wherein in response to a standard movement command power is supplied to a motor in a continuous or generally continuous manner thereby moving the shade material from a start position to an end position in a generally continuous manner. However, in doing so, the motor rotates at a fast rate thereby causing elevated noise levels. In response to an automated movement command, power is supplied to the motor by cycling power to the motor between a powered state and an unpowered state thereby moving the shade material from a start position to an end position in an incremental manner. While moving the shade material in this incremental manner is slower, it is substantially quieter. The preferred mode of operation is selected based on whether the movement command is a standard movement command or an automated movement command.

Abstract: An umbrella system includes a support pole connected to a rotating tube positioned around a center tube that extends between the support pole and a center support that is connected to an umbrella frame. The rotating tube has one or more helical grooves therein that are engaged by teeth of a hub which is connected to the umbrella frame. As the rotating tube is rotated, the hub is driven along the length of the rotating tube thereby opening and closing the umbrella frame. In one arrangement system includes a motor housing assembly including a plurality of batteries and a motor that includes a driven gear that meshes with a stationary gear which causes rotation of the rotating tube. The system also includes a counterbalance assembly positioned within the rotating tube. The counterbalance assembly includes at least one spring positioned within the rotating tube that provides a counterbalance force.