Multiple Section Unit Patents (Class 160/115)
  • Patent number: 11639631
    Abstract: An actuating system for a window shade includes a first rotary axle rotatable for displacing a bottom part, a second rotary axle rotatable for displacing an intermediate rail, and a limiting mechanism including a first and a second sliding part respectively linked movably to the first and second rotary axle. The first sliding part slides in a first direction when the first rotary axle rotates for lowering the bottom part and in a second direction when the first rotary axle rotates for raising the bottom part. The second sliding part slides in the first direction when the second rotary axle rotates for lowering the intermediate rail and in the second direction when the second rotary axle rotates for raising the intermediate rail. The first sliding part is prevented from sliding in the second direction via a contact between the first sliding part and the second sliding part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2023
    Assignee: Teh Yor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chung-Chen Huang, Chih Hung Hsieh
  • Patent number: 11448009
    Abstract: A shading device including a first driving shaft that is rotatably supported within a headbox and may drive a first moving member and a second driving shaft that is rotatably supported within the headbox and may drive a second moving member, the shading device includes a first pulley that drives the first driving shaft, and a second pulley that is disposed at a position different from the first pulley in a longitudinal direction of the headbox and drives the second driving shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: Nichibei Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Hideki Otsuka, Masaki Nakajima
  • Patent number: 11441352
    Abstract: A shade system including a middle rail including a roller blind in addition to top and bottom rails wherein a fabric is intermediate the top and middle rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2020
    Date of Patent: September 13, 2022
    Inventors: Joe Nash Morgan, III, Kia Kheng Kho, Adam Vandewalle
  • Patent number: 11255123
    Abstract: A control mechanism for a double pitch blind including an array of tiltable slats having a first sub-array of tiltable first slats and a second sub-array of tiltable second slats includes a first spool drive and a second spool drive, both the first spool drive and the second spool drive being configured to be rotated by a common drive shaft. The first spool drive has elongate members extendable and retractable on opposite sides of the slats and the second spool drive has elongate members extendable and retractable on opposite sides of the slats. The first and second spool drives are configured to transfer rotation of the drive shaft to spool-in and to spool-out the elongate members. The first spool drive spools by a first length, and the second spool drive spools by a second length. The first length is larger than the second length.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2022
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INDUSTRIES B.V.
    Inventors: Christianus Wilfred Michael Slobbe, Robert Jan Ponsen
  • Patent number: 11142944
    Abstract: An apparatus for adjusting a tilt angle of a plurality of slats in a window blind. The window blind includes a headrail having disposed therein a shaft that rotates responsive to rotation of an externally accessible angle adjustment wand. The apparatus includes a pulley coupled with the shaft and the slats. The pulley causes adjustment of the tilt angle of the slats in response to rotation of the shaft, provides a first torque at a first position corresponding to an open position of the slats and a second torque at a second position corresponding to an approximately closed position of the slats, where the second torque is greater than the first torque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 12, 2021
    Assignee: Home Depot Product Authority, LLC
    Inventors: Nicholas Jackson, Nicholas Servies
  • Patent number: 11091955
    Abstract: A light blocking element is movably coupled to and recessed into one of a first rail and a movable rail, and, when the movable rail moves to a position closest to the first rail, the light-blocking element enters into a recess in the other of said first rail and said movable rail and thereby is recessed into both said first rail and said movable rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 29, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventor: Richard N. Anderson
  • Patent number: 10871029
    Abstract: The invention relates to a screen, comprising a first control unit (610) comprising a first drive shaft (612) and at least one first cord spool (630) rotatable with the first drive shaft for winding and unwinding a first lift cord (634) extending between a head rail and a middle rail; a second control unit (620) comprising a second drive shaft (622), and at least one second cord spool (632) rotatable with the second drive shaft for winding and unwinding a second lift cord (636) extending between the head rail and the bottom rail; and a shaft rotation limiting system (100) comprising a threaded shaft arranged on and rotatable in unison with one of the first and the second drive shafts, a coupling element threaded on said threaded shaft, wherein the coupling element is associated with and rotatable in unison with the other drive shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2020
    Assignee: Coulisse B.V.
    Inventors: Thomas Johan Maria Ter Haar, Bastiaan Franciscus Klein Tuente, Harry Davids
  • Patent number: 10619410
    Abstract: A window blind includes an input mechanism adapted to change a location of a bottom rail, an adjustment output mechanism adapted to be motivated when the bottom rail is located at a low position, whereby to tilt slats between two positions, and an output clutch mechanism, which is adapted to be driven by the input mechanism to move the bottom rail toward a high position, and is adapted to be driven by the input mechanism to move the bottom rail toward the low position when it is at the high position. A stroke delay mechanism is provided on a transmission path from the adjustment output mechanism to the output clutch mechanism, which is adapted to delay an affected time for transmission. Whereby, only one single control module is required to adjust the inclination angle of the slats and to collect and expand the covering material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Nien Made Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lin Chen, Keng-Hao Nien
  • Patent number: 10597937
    Abstract: A slat angle adjustment mechanism for Venetian blind includes a body shell and a transmission unit including a transmission gear set and retractable member. The transmission gear set includes a gear having a position-limiting hole corresponding a second through hole of the body shell, and a screw rod with an extension shank. The retractable member is connected to and movable back and forth along the extension shank of the screw rod. When pulling the retractable member, the retractable member is moved along the extension shank of the screw rod from a first position; when pushing the retractable member, the retractable member is moved along the extension shank of the screw rod from the second position back to the first position. Thus, subject to the retractable characteristic, the slat angle adjustment mechanism prevents damage during packaging.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 24, 2020
    Assignee: CHING FENG HOME FASHIONS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chien-Chih Huang, Wei-Ming Shih
  • Patent number: 10435944
    Abstract: A mechanical device comprises a master wheel assembly, one or multiple slave wheel assemblies, a control rod, a shaft assembly, as well as multiple pairs of cord holders and cords. The master and slave wheel assemblies are connected by a shaft assembly and are mounted at front edge of a top slat of a Venetian blind. One end of the paired cords is tightened to master and slave wheel assemblies, and the other end is tightened to a user-selected slat that divides the blind into an upper and a lower region. Manipulating the control rod causes master and slave wheel assemblies to tilt slats in the lower region of the blind without interfering slats in the upper region. Combining with operation of slat-adjusting system of Venetian blinds, this device can selectively tilt slats in lower and upper regions of Venetian blinds for privacy and natural lighting adjustments.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Inventor: Huishan Duan
  • Patent number: 10400507
    Abstract: A blind is arranged such that minimal force is required to rotate the tilt drum to tilt the slats from the fully open to the fully closed position and back, with each of the front and rear tilt cables sharing the load nearly equally throughout the entire path from the fully open to the fully closed position and back.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2017
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2019
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas, Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Fraser, Richard N. Anderson
  • Patent number: 10391855
    Abstract: A device for controlling an airstream to a radiator device of an airstream, and an assembly of same between an assembly position and an operating position. When the device is in operating position, the airstream is guided via at least one opening to the radiator device. The device includes a cover element with at least one cover means that partially closes the opening while in a closed position and at least one bearing element connected to the cover means such that when the cover element is in operating position, the cover means can be moved between an open position and a closed position, and vice versa.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: HBPO GMBH
    Inventor: Reinhold Brueckner
  • Patent number: 10391857
    Abstract: A system and method for regulating an airstream to a radiator device of a vehicle. The device guides the airstream through at least one opening toward the radiator device, and includes at least two cover elements that at least partially close the at least one opening while in a closed position. The device includes a drive that moves the cover elements between the closed position and an open position such that the at least one opening is at least partially open. A driver coupled to the drive and cover elements transfers the movement from the drive to the elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 27, 2019
    Assignee: HBPO GMBH
    Inventor: Ralf Schoening
  • Patent number: 10344528
    Abstract: A covering for architectural openings includes a cord drive with a pulley that is supported by a bearing surface which lies in the plane of the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2019
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Richard N. Anderson, Robert E. Fisher Il, Donald E. Fraser, Steven R. Haarer
  • Patent number: 10281114
    Abstract: A light control device includes: a sheet-like light control member; and a support device supporting the light control member such that an orientation of the light control member is variable. The light control member includes: first portions arranged in a first direction along a sheet plane of the light control member, each first portion extending in a second direction that is in non-parallel with the first direction and along the sheet plane of the light control member; and second portions arranged in the first direction alternately with the first portions, each second portion extending in the second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2019
    Assignee: Dai Nippon Printing Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Tomonori Nishida, Norihisa Moriya, Yukio Taniguchi, Satoshi Mitsuzuka, Masayuki Sekido
  • Patent number: 10156092
    Abstract: A tilt assembly for a blind including a first tilt ring and a second tilt ring, both rotatable about a drive axis for supporting a pair of tilt ladders, an input connector rotatable about the drive axis and configured to receive a drive shaft for rotating a lift spool and the input connector, a secondary input mechanism rotatable about the drive axis and configured to receive the drive shaft for rotating the secondary input mechanism with the input connector, a main clutch mechanism for releasably connecting the first tilt ring to the input connector and configured to release connection at each of two opposite rotational orientations of the first tilt ring, and a secondary clutch mechanism for releasably connecting the second tilt ring to the secondary input mechanism and configured to release connection at each of two opposite rotational orientations of the second tilt ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2016
    Date of Patent: December 18, 2018
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Ralph Steenbergen, Nicolaas Dekker, Wilfred Slobbe
  • Patent number: 9987919
    Abstract: A flap system for supplying cooling air of a motor vehicle, and which includes a drive component which receives and supports at least one flap element to be pivoted about a longitudinal axis. The flap element is to be supported at ends thereof by a shaft which is received in a cylindrical bearing receiving member of a rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 17, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: MAGNA Exteriors GmbH
    Inventor: Bernd Knauer
  • Patent number: 9797190
    Abstract: The invention discloses a louver roller system with an intermittent gear turning mechanism, comprising a base and a top cover, wherein a roller mechanism and an intermittent gear turning mechanism are mounted on the base, the roller mechanism is wound with ladder tapes, the roller mechanism is in axial connection with the intermittent gear turning mechanism, and the roller mechanism and the intermittent gear turning mechanism are driven to rotate by a square shaft. The roller mechanism controls horizontal rising and falling of secondary louver blades, and the roller within the roller mechanism rotates to wind or unwind the ladder tapes thereon and sequentially drives various secondary louver blades to rise and fall horizontally. When various secondary louver blades rise to a predetermined position, the intermittent gear turning mechanism drives a turning cylinder to rotate, so as to achieve turning of all louver blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Inventors: Yifei Zhang, Chengshang Wu
  • Patent number: 9663987
    Abstract: A control system for a window shade includes a suspension member, a first and a second casing portion, a rotary drum, a torsion spring, a coupling member, a transmission axle, a central gear, a ring and planetary gears. The rotary drum is pivotally connected with the first casing portion, and is rotatable to wind and unwind the suspension member. The torsion spring can bias the rotary drum for winding the suspension member, and has a first and a second end respectively affixed with the second casing portion and a coupling member. The transmission axle is disposed through the torsion spring, and is rotationally coupled with the rotary drum and the central gear. The ring is affixed with the second casing portion and has protruding teeth. The planetary gears are pivotally supported by the coupling member, and are respectively meshed with the central gear and the teeth of the ring.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 16, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Assignee: TEH YOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chin-Tien Huang, Fu-Lai Yu
  • Patent number: 9663980
    Abstract: A motorized window blind includes a slotted motorized track member mounted to a vertical wall structure of a building and extending across the top of an opening in the wall. It also includes at least two panels mounted to the track and covering the wall opening while being in a position where the panels are parallel and coplanar with one another. The motorized track member has at least one motorized actuation system enabling one panel to move forward away from the opening thereby freeing the track for the second panel to laterally slide behind the first panel. The panels become stacked in a parallel superimposed position in relation with one another. In the stacked position, the panels cover a portion of one end of the opening while completely uncovering a potion at the other end of the opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 30, 2017
    Inventor: Melvin N. Bakalar
  • Patent number: 9493983
    Abstract: The invention discloses a louver roller system with a cam pin turning mechanism, including a base and a top cover, wherein a roller mechanism and a cam pin turning mechanism are mounted on the base, the roller mechanism is wound with ladder tapes, the roller mechanism is in axial connection with the cam pin turning mechanism, and the roller mechanism and the cam pin turning mechanism are driven to rotate by a square shaft. The roller mechanism controls horizontal rising and falling of secondary louver blades, and the roller within the roller mechanism rotates to wind or unwind the ladder tapes thereon and sequentially drives various secondary louver blades to rise and fall horizontally. When various secondary louver blades rise to a predetermined position, the roller drives the cam pin turning mechanism to bring a turning cylinder to rotate, so as to achieve turning of all louver blades.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 28, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 15, 2016
    Assignee: HANGZHOU WOKASOLAR TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yifei Zhang, Chengshang Wu, Gang Gui, Huiwen Xu
  • Patent number: 9476254
    Abstract: A slatted horizontal blinds system has separate positional controls for distinct subsets of slats. Odd and even slats can be moved relative to each other both horizontally and vertically. With a scalloped upper and lower edge, overlapping slats can produce a variety of light allowing and esthetic modes. Some versions only support up and down movement and some slats are rectangular. This is caused by hiding and exposing of slat portions and voids between slats by the relative movement of odd and even slats. Slats may have translucent colored portions, apertures or printed designs. The absolute movement may only be of one subset of slats while other slats stay in position. In other cases all slats can move simultaneously in relation to each other. Mechanisms include screw drive with “lost motion” operation and movement latches. Also slidable carriages, end-cams, and linear motors can be used. In some cases the bottom rail has mechanisms as well as the head rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 31, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2016
    Assignee: Diamond View Technology, LLC
    Inventors: James Safarik, George P White, Victor Rossi
  • Patent number: 9335753
    Abstract: Example architectural opening coverings and methods are disclosed. An example architectural opening covering system comprises a first motor to move a middle rail relative to a fixed top rail, and a second motor to move a bottom rail relative to the middle rail and the fixed top rail. The example system also comprises a controller to selectively actuate the first motor to move the middle rail based on a first position of the middle rail and a first position of the bottom rail, and to selectively actuate the second motor to move the bottom rail based on a second position of the middle rail and a second position of the bottom rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2016
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventor: James Baugh
  • Patent number: 9127497
    Abstract: A slatted horizontal blinds system has separate positional controls for distinct subsets of slats. Odd and even slats can be moved relative to each other both horizontally and vertically. With a scalloped upper and lower edge, overlapping slats can produce a variety of light allowing and esthetic modes. Some versions only support up and down movement and some slats are rectangular. This is caused by hiding and exposing of slat portions and voids between slats by the relative movement of odd and even slats. Slats may have translucent colored portions, apertures or printed designs. The absolute movement may only be of one subset of slats while other slats stay in position. In other cases all slats can move simultaneously in relation to each other. Mechanisms include screw drive with “lost motion” operation and movement latches. Also slidable carriages, end-cams, and linear motors can be used. In some cases the bottom rail has mechanisms as well as the head rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 8, 2015
    Assignee: Diamond View Technology, LLC.
    Inventors: James Safarik, George P White, Victor Rossi
  • Publication number: 20140326419
    Abstract: The invention relates to a windbreak system formed by: a set of independent panels that can be controlled individually, by moving the same longitudinally along an upper rail and a lower rail: and a folding door at one of the ends. Each panel and door comprises a rotation shaft and a folding shaft. The panels are moved manually, without bearing on rollers, and the entire weight of the panels rest on two strips of self-lubricating polymers that are inserted into two slots in the lower rail. The upper and lower rails are identical and have a rectangular cross-section and the panels are made from glass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 24, 2011
    Publication date: November 6, 2014
    Inventors: Francisco Ona-Gonzalez, Jorge Luis Perez-Falcon
  • Publication number: 20140174675
    Abstract: A removable dog screen for placement in the rear opening door of a vehicle to provide shade and ventilation to an animal within the vehicle for a short period of time. The disclosure provides for a removable dog screen that spans across the rear opening of a vehicle such as an SUV. Disclosed system incorporates elastic bands for keeping the screen taught as well as mesh material allowing for ventilation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: June 26, 2014
    Inventor: M. CAROL UPDYKE
  • Patent number: 8746319
    Abstract: A vertical window blind apparatus that enables lateral and angular operation of multiple two-piece slat assemblies comprises a control rod that manipulates vertical slats while allowing a user to select a relative angle between upper and lower portions of each slat assembly. In this manner, the slats at the top of the window can be securely angled to let light in, while the slots at the bottom can be kept closed for privacy. Additionally, the upper and lower halves of the slat assembly may be arranged in a coplanar manner, thereby allowing similar operation as common blinds having one-piece slats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 23, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2014
    Inventors: Abdul W. Qayyeumi, Masoud Qayyeumi
  • Patent number: 8739744
    Abstract: A compound shutter system includes a first shutter assembly having at least one louver operable to selectively open and close the first shutter assembly. The compound shutter system also includes a second shutter assembly disposed remotely from the first shutter assembly. The second shutter assembly includes at least one louver operable to selectively open and close the second shutter assembly. The compound shutter system additionally includes a drive element. The drive element operatively connects the first shutter assembly and the second shutter assembly and automatically coordinates operation of the first and second shutter assemblies. A vehicle employing the compound shutter system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Scott P. Charnesky, Kyle C. Smith, Jeffrey L. Konchan
  • Patent number: 8720523
    Abstract: A shielding apparatus is provided in which operations of raising and lowering a middle rail and operations of raising and lowering a bottom rail can be performed independently from each other by means of a common operation cord. In a shielding apparatus equipped with an elevation apparatus configured to raise and lower a middle rail 3 and a bottom rail 5, whereby a shielding member 2, 4 can be pulled out in the vertical direction or folded in, the elevation apparatus comprises an operation cord 16 of an endless type hanging down from a head box 1, and selective operation means 13 configured to raise or lower the middle rail 3 through an operation of the operation cord 16 in one direction, and to raise or lower the bottom rail 5 through an operation in the other direction, wherein the selective operation means 13 is configured to push up the middle rail 3 by the bottom rail 5 so that the bottom rail 5 and the middle rail 3 can be raised together.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Tachikawa Corporation
    Inventor: Hajime Nakamura
  • Patent number: 8584729
    Abstract: A mechanism for operating a dual shade covering a window with a single handle. The mechanism provides a first glide attached by a pulley system to the first shade of the dual shade, and a second glide attached by a pulley system to the second shade of the dual shade. The first glide and the second glide are slidably disposed within a track assembly, and a master glide is disposed in the track assembly between the first glide and the second glide. The master glide engages the first glide to lower the first shade, and is detached from the first glide along the track assembly by a disengaging plate. The master glide engages the second glide to lower the second shade, and is detached from the second glide along the track assembly by a disengaging plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 19, 2013
    Inventors: Lauren H Fillmore, Richard Hernandez
  • Patent number: 8579003
    Abstract: A mechanism for operating a dual shade covering a window with a single handle. The mechanism provides a first glide attached by a pulley system to the first shade of the dual shade, and a second glide attached by a pulley system to the second shade of the dual shade. The first glide and the second glide are slidably disposed within a track assembly, and a master glide is disposed in the track assembly between the first glide and the second glide. The master glide engages the first glide to lower the first shade, and is detached from the first glide along the track assembly by a disengaging plate. The master glide engages the second glide to lower the second shade, and is detached from the second glide along the track assembly by a disengaging plate.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Inventors: Lauren H Fillmore, Richard Hernandez
  • Patent number: 8568859
    Abstract: The present invention provides a double cell structure for window shade and its manufacture method for forming a substrate of double cell units. The substrate comprises first and second strip material bonded with each other, two lateral sides of the substrate being formed by first and second pleats. The substrate can then be cut to form multiple double cell units that are then stacked and bonded over one another for forming the double cell structure. In addition, the present invention also provides double cell structures for window shade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Teh Yor, Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fu-Lai Yu, Chin-Tien Huang
  • Patent number: 8485242
    Abstract: A tilter system for a window blind permits the slats of the blind to be tilted open or closed in a number of different configurations, including a double pitch configuration, depending on the routing of tilt cables or actuator cords.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2013
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Fraser, Richard Anderson
  • Patent number: 8302653
    Abstract: A blind system has a horizontally positioned tilt rail having a longitudinal axis and a plurality of slats suspended from the tilt rail via at least one connecting member. The tilt rail includes a reinforcing member and a tensioning member. The blind system also has a divided slat that is divided lengthwise into a first sub-slat and a second sub-slat and has a longitudinal axis with each of the first and second sub-slats configured to be movable with respect to each other so that when each of the plurality of slats are in an angular position with respect to the corresponding slat longitudinal axis that restricts at least a portion of light passing between the slats, either the first sub-slat or the second sub-slat has an angular position with respect to the divided slat longitudinal axis that is substantially the same as the angular position of each slat depending on a direction of rotation of the plurality of slats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2012
    Assignee: Basileia Investments, Inc.
    Inventor: Trey Brant O'Hair
  • Patent number: 8267145
    Abstract: A tilter system for a window blind permits the slats of the blind to be tilted open or closed in a number of different configurations, including a double pitch configuration, depending on the routing of tilt cables or actuator cords.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 18, 2012
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Fraser, Richard Anderson, Nicolaas Dekker
  • Publication number: 20120211175
    Abstract: A 3-way blind system for windows comprising an upper frame with: internal gearing; internal roller assemblies; a cord system; an upper and lower slat module comprising rotatably-alignable slats; an upper-housing; and a lower valence. The upper and lower slat modules operate either independently or in cooperation depending on the position of the selector to open the upper slat module to allow ambient light entrance and close the lower module for privacy, or to open the lower slat module for visibility and close the upper to limit bright ambient light from entering through the window. A third selector position may cause an internal gearset to work in unison to open or close all modules simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 6, 2011
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: George R. Laubshire, JR., Mildred Wehrer
  • Publication number: 20120211176
    Abstract: A 3-way blind system for windows comprising an upper frame with: internal gearing; internal roller assemblies; a cord system; an upper and lower slat module comprising rotatably-alignable slats; an upper-housing; and a lower valence. The upper and lower slat modules operate either independently or in cooperation depending on the position of the selector to open the upper slat module to allow ambient light entrance and close the lower module for privacy, or to open the lower slat module for visibility and close the upper to limit bright ambient light from entering through the window. A third selector position may cause an internal gearset to work in unison to open or close all modules simultaneously.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 15, 2012
    Publication date: August 23, 2012
    Inventors: George Russell Laubshire, JR., Mildred Wehrer
  • Publication number: 20120193039
    Abstract: This invention is directed to a window shade comprising a plurality of slats carried by a retracting member; a reflective layer included in each slat wherein the reflective layer reflects natural light away from a structure when the slats are in a first position and reflects light into the interior of a structure when the slat are in a second positions; and, an image segmented onto each of the slats so that when the slats reflect light into the interior of a structure, the image is integrated and reflected on the ceiling of the interior of the structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 2, 2012
    Publication date: August 2, 2012
    Inventor: Nathan A. Scolari
  • Patent number: 8146646
    Abstract: A window covering system used to adjust the position of window covers. Each cover hangs from a support that includes a roller. The covers are adjusted in position by the rotation of the roller. A slave gear is attached to each roller to facilitate rotation. A drive gear is provided that is sized to intermesh with each of the slave gears on the rollers. An adjustment mechanism is provided for rotating the drive gear. A second adjustment mechanism is provided for selectively moving the drive gear between various positions. At different points in its movement, the drive gear engages different slave gears from different rollers. Accordingly, a selected roller can be rotated. Thus, a single drive gear and a single manually operated mechanism can be used to individually rotate any number of rollers, thereby adjusting any number of window coverings.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 3, 2012
    Inventor: Ellis Toder
  • Patent number: 8079398
    Abstract: A blind is provided which uses a toothed band bodies such as slender toothed belts as rod holding bodies including operating band bodies, instead of conventional cords and tape, having a straightforward structure providing accurate and stable parallel holding of moving rods, and quit and smooth movement, due to accurate operations without slippage due to engaging of bands and wheels having teeth, without problems such as tangling and bending and the like. Particularly, a rod movement holding device suitable for having multiple moving rods and having multiple shielding adjustment faces, and a blind having a rod operating device, can be provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 6, 2004
    Date of Patent: December 20, 2011
    Inventor: Tatusabu Tsukamoto
  • Patent number: 8064154
    Abstract: A protective device for optical and/or electronic apparatuses, in particular space telescopes, is described, wherein the device is such as to removably close an aperture, through which apparatuses may be accessed, the device being such as to achieve a first and second operating configuration, respectively, for allowing or inhibiting access to apparatuses through aperture. The device includes a supporting structure having at least one supporting beam, which is transversely positioned with respect to aperture; a plurality of covering elements comprising at least a pair of elements, which are rotatably coupled to the same supporting beam; and actuation means for rotating the covering elements between a first and second angular position, in order for the device to attain the first or second operating configuration, respectively, wherein, in the second operating configuration, the covering elements are such as to define together a screen for aperture.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2009
    Date of Patent: November 22, 2011
    Assignee: Thales Alenia Space Italia SpA
    Inventors: Enrico Domenico Bertuccio, Corrado Gennaro
  • Publication number: 20110259529
    Abstract: The present invention provides for a device for blocking direct light from a light source, wherein the device comprises two arrays of elongated slats and a means to coordinately move the two arrays relative to each other within a range of configuration, wherein in at least one configuration the two arrays block direct light from a light source to more than one location incident to the light source while not blocking other views through the two arrays from the more than one location.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 22, 2011
    Publication date: October 27, 2011
    Applicant: THE REGENTS OF THE UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA
    Inventor: Robert D. Clear
  • Publication number: 20110146919
    Abstract: There is disclosed a window blind suitable for use in arch-type and semi-circle windows, including windows having a curved side defined by a radius, including irregularly shaped windows having a curved side with a varying radius. The apparatus is designed to provide both privacy and shade, and may also be readily opened and closed. A plurality of slats is pivotal in relation to a mounting base or base, and can be deployed into an array to cover the entirety of a semi-circular window. The apparatus features a mounting base, which serves as the foundation for the complete apparatus. The mounting base typically is generally rectilinear, so to be suited for fastened attachment (as by mounting brackets and screws, or the like) to the “flat” or straight side of an arched or roughly semi-circular window. Other principal components of the apparatus include a plurality of slats which are pivotally attached to the mounting base.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 22, 2009
    Publication date: June 23, 2011
    Inventors: Roderick L. Smith, Rosa M. Silva-Smith
  • Patent number: 7931066
    Abstract: Upper ends of the first fabric and the second fabric are attached to the head rail, respectively, and the first lift cord and the second lift cord suspended from the head rail in a liftable manner are coupled to the first fabric and the second fabric, respectively. The first lift cord is routed into a rear side of the first fabric and the second lift cord is routed into a rear side of the second fabric so as to come over an upper end of the second fabric. An extension member is provided so as to extend downwardly along with a lower edge of a rear portion of the head rail, and the upper end of the second fabric is attached to a front surface of the extension member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2011
    Assignee: Toso Company, Limited
    Inventors: Toshimitsu Honda, Tomonori Muto, Hiroyuki Someya, Toshiyuki Mori
  • Patent number: 7926540
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a controlling shaft, and more particularly to a controlling shaft for controlling blind, comprising a transverse shaft and a plurality of shaft controlling unit provided on the transverse shaft in turn. Due to the connecting relationship between the plurality of shaft controlling units and the transverse shaft, when the transverse shaft rotates, the plurality of shaft controlling units can synchronously rotate with the transverse shaft. Each shaft controlling unit of the plurality of shaft controlling units comprises a plurality of rotating members. When the shaft controlling unit rotates with the transverse shaft, the rotating members of each shaft controlling unit move in different pace. With the synchronous movement of the shaft controlling units with the transverse shaft, the particular points on the outer side of respective plurality of rotating members of any shaft controlling unit at the same level move to different extents.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 23, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2011
    Inventor: Tony Lai
  • Patent number: 7913738
    Abstract: A tilter system for a window blind permits the slats of the blind to be tilted open or closed in a number of different configurations, including a double pitch configuration, depending on the routing of tilt cables or actuator cords.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2007
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2011
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Donald E. Fraser, Richard Anderson
  • Patent number: 7806159
    Abstract: A window covering having a flexible panel and a first lift cord for raising the flexible panel. A second panel is at least partially coextensive with the flexible panel and a second lift cord is provided for raising the second panel. The flexible panel may have an upper edge and a lower edge where the upper edge is connected to a head rail and the lower edge is disposed below the head rail. The second lift cord may raise the upper edge of the second panel. In one embodiment a third panel at least partially coextensive with a portion of the flexible panel and a third lift cord for raising the top edge of the third panel are provided. The light blocking characteristic of the blind is changed by the placement of the panels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 7, 2008
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Assignee: Newell Window Furnishings, Inc.
    Inventors: Alejandro Martin Rossato, Vincent A. Monfalcone, III
  • Patent number: 7658218
    Abstract: A window blind system includes a top traverse supporter adapted for affixing to a top beam of a ceiling, and two shading arrangements downwardly extended from the top traverse supporter The first shading arrangement includes a base member, a plurality of slats, a first hanging system for spacedly and suspendedly supporting the slats and for controlling a tilt angle of each of the slats, and a first operating system for selectively lifting up the base member towards the top traverse supporter and unlifting the base member to drop downwardly away from the top traverse supporter. The second shading arrangement includes a second hanging system suspendedly support a predetermined set of the slats, so that by lifting up the second hanging system, the predetermined set of the slats are capable of being lifted for selectively allowing a light of desirable intensity passing through.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: February 9, 2010
    Inventor: Tony Lai
  • Patent number: 7509989
    Abstract: A unique window blind system has two triangular panels. Each panel has a plurality of foldable sections bundled together at one fixed end and the remainder portion are unfoldable to cover a diagonally opposite triangular half portion of the window opening. The panels are mounted in the window frame in an inverted manner relative to one another with the fixed end adjacent to diagonally opposite corners of the window frame. Pull cords are provided for folding the sections in a fanfold manner to obtain selectively an opening covering partially or completely the window opening. Additional pull cords are provided for unfolding the sections of the two panels to cover selectively the window opening partially or completely from the opened state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 5, 2005
    Date of Patent: March 31, 2009
    Inventor: Dung Viet Pham
  • Patent number: RE43475
    Abstract: A venetian blind including vertically-extending slat-supporting ladders is described. Each ladder comprises (i) first and second vertical members connected by cross-rungs, (ii) slats, each slat being supported on a cross rung of each ladder, (iii) an adjusting mechanism for pivoting the slats about their longitudinal axes by moving the vertical members in opposite directions, (iv) a vertically-extending auxiliary tilt cord that is adjacent to the first vertical member, and (v) an engagement mechanism on the auxiliary tilt cord and the first vertical member for moving the first vertical member at an intermediate location along its length upwardly with upward movement of the auxiliary tilt cord to adjust the angular pivot of a section of the cross-rungs connected to the first vertical member above or below the intermediate location.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2012
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries BV
    Inventors: Nicolaas Dekker, Antonius Johannes Josephus Horsten