Single Roll Patents (Class 160/121.1)
  • Patent number: 11243337
    Abstract: The present disclosure is generally directed to a covering for architectural features, which may include windows, doorways, archways, and the like, where the covering includes a panel made from a light diffusing material. The light diffusing material is designed and engineered to allow a significant amount of light to pass through the material for providing a desired visual effect while having improved dimensional stability. The covering may contain a light diffusing material that extends along a first direction of the covering (e.g., vertically). The light diffusing material may have an openness factor of about 60% or greater and contain pillars extending in the first direction and bridges extending between the pillars. Each pillar may contain at least two yarns, and each bridge may contain at least one yarn.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 30, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventor: Sanjiv R. Malkan
  • Patent number: 11242711
    Abstract: An architectural covering with an operable vane having a fabric backing is provided. The vane may include a vane fabric and a backing material connected to the vane fabric by a layer of adhesive. The backing material may increase a machine-direction stiffness of the vane while slightly affecting a cross-direction stiffness of the vane. As such, the vane may have increased stiffness in its machine direction while simultaneously remaining flexible in its cross direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 8, 2022
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventors: David Lynch, Erick A. Phillips, Paul G. Swiszcz, Stephen T. Wisecup
  • Patent number: 11175502
    Abstract: Provided is a head-up display with enhanced manufacturability when attaching a translucent sheet. This head-up display is provided with: a display device for outputting display light; a translucent sheet that is translucent and comprises a sheet having a sheet peripheral edge; a case that accommodates the display device and has an opening that is covered by the translucent sheet and through which the display light is emitted outside through the translucent sheet, and a sheet holding part that is at an opening peripheral edge and holds the sheet peripheral edge; and a fixing frame that covers the sheet peripheral edge and fixes the translucent sheet to the sheet holding part.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 2, 2019
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2021
    Assignee: NIPPON SEIKI CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Masahiko Mizuochi
  • Patent number: 11002067
    Abstract: In a cellular material a first panel having a series of lengthwise accordion folds across the width of the panel, alternate folds projecting toward the front of the panel and the back of the panel is attached to a second panel of material in a manner to create a series of P-shaped cells having a back, an upper cell wall and a lower cell wall in which the upper cell wall and the lower cell wall are curved in a same direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 11, 2021
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventor: Ren Judkins
  • Patent number: 10974654
    Abstract: A cargo screen unit includes: a cargo screen having a cover sheet rolled out from a rolled-in and wound state so as to cover a cargo; and a parcel tray having an inner space for receiving an edge portion of the cargo screen, and having a receiving shutter, which communicates the inner space and an outer space by a downward movement and blocks the inner space and the outer space by an upward movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 13, 2021
    Assignees: Hyundai Motor Company, Kia Motors Corporation
    Inventors: Hee-Sang Park, Won-Jong Lee, Chang-Mo Seong, Tae-Wook Ryu, Seung-Soo Ryu
  • Patent number: 10960495
    Abstract: A laser containment system in which a platform is suspended above a table on which laser light experiments will be performed. A number of curtain pockets having U-shaped cross sections are mounted beneath the platform, with the pocket openings facing down toward the sides of the table. A roller is mounted between end walls inside each pocket, and a laser curtain long enough to be lowered past a corresponding side of the table is wound on each roller. A clutch supported on an end wall of each pocket operatively engages an end of the roller inside the pocket to lower or raise the curtain on the roller. An associated clutch pulley is disposed outside the end wall of each pocket on which the clutch is supported. A curtain chain engages the circumference of the pulley, and the chain hangs outside the curtain when lowered for access by a user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2021
    Inventor: George Weiss
  • Patent number: 10941614
    Abstract: An operating system for an architectural covering is provided. The operating system allows at least three modes of operation of an architectural covering. A transmission may be included between an input assembly and an output drive member, and the transmission may be selectively engaged to place the operating system into one of the at least three modes of operation. The operating system may include a first drive section including an input, a second drive section including an output, and a control mechanism arranged to selectively lock an element of the first and second drive sections to control movement of the output of the operating system upon actuation of the input. A shift lock is also disclosed herein. In use, the shift lock operates to restrict shifting operation of the operating system from one operating mode to another.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 31, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2021
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventors: Ronald Holt, Stephen T. Wisecup, Terry L. Akins
  • Patent number: 10895106
    Abstract: In one aspect, a covering for an architectural structure may include a shade panel and a bottom rail assembly coupled to the shade panel. The bottom rail assembly may include a rail housing and a roller extending within the rail housing, with the shade panel being looped around the roller such that the bottom rail assembly is vertically supported by the shade panel as the panel is moved between extended and retracted positions. In addition, the relative positioning of the roller within the rail housing may be adjusted, as desired, between the top and bottom ends of the bottom rail housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 19, 2021
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventor: Michael S. Goldberg
  • Patent number: 10837227
    Abstract: A window shade includes a reel coupled to a first control module and connected with a panel assembly, a lift actuator coupled to a second control module, and a switchable coupling mechanism. The panel assembly has an open state for light passage and a closed state blocking light passage. The first control module can drive the reel in rotation for winding and unwinding the panel assembly. The second control module can drive the lift actuator in rotation for switching the panel assembly to the open or closed state. The coupling mechanism has a coupling state in which it rotationally couples the lift actuator to the first control module, and an uncoupling state in which it rotationally uncouples the lift actuator from the first control module. The coupling mechanism is in the uncoupling state while the panel assembly is closed, and in the coupling state while the panel assembly is opened.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2020
    Assignee: Teh Yor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chin-Tien Huang, Chien-Lan Huang
  • Patent number: 10781630
    Abstract: A covering for an architectural covering is provided. The covering may include a rotatable outer roller, a rotatable inner roller, a first shade secured to the outer roller, and a second shade secured to the inner roller. The outer roller may define an elongated slot extending along a length of the outer roller and opening to an interior of the outer roller. The inner roller may be received within the outer roller and may define a central longitudinal axis. The first shade may be retractable onto and extendable from the outer roller. The second shade may extend through the elongated slot and may be retractable onto and extendable from the inner roller. The elongated slot may be substantially horizontally aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller when the first shade is in a fully extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 13, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2020
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventors: Nickolas C. Buccola, Jr., Terrence M. Drew, Kenneth M. Faller, Kent A. Smith
  • Patent number: 10760333
    Abstract: The invention relates a double-canvas door; comprising a frame (1) provided with guides (2a, 2b) for moving the canvases (3a, 3b) between door open and closed positions, said canvases defining an intermediate chamber (8) therebetween. The door comprises a single motor-driven roller (6) for the simultaneous winding of both canvases, and a single motor (61) for actuating the roller, the upper ends of the canvases (3a, 3b) being connected to one another and to a band (5) coupled to the winding roller (6), said connection closing the upper end of the intermediate chamber (8) when the door is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 1, 2020
    Assignee: AMISERRU, S.L.
    Inventor: Miguel Angel Iglesias Ballester
  • Patent number: 10724297
    Abstract: A covering an architectural opening including a support tube and a panel operably connected to the support tube and configured to be wound around the support tube. The panel includes a support sheet and at least one cell operably connected to the support sheet. The at least one cell includes a vane material operably connected to a first side of the support sheet and a cell support member operably connected to the vane material and configured to support the vane material at a distance away from the support sheet when the panel is in an extended position with respect to the support tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 22, 2018
    Date of Patent: July 28, 2020
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Paul G. Swiszcz
  • Patent number: 10711518
    Abstract: A self-centering end cap for a bottom rail of an architectural structure covering. The end cap may include a contoured top surface that is configured to contact a head rail of the architectural structure covering to deflect the end cap and hence the bottom rail and covering of the architectural structure covering toward a horizontally centered position, thus enabling the covering and the bottom rail to be fully retracted to a docked position within the head rail without impediment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2020
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS, INC.
    Inventors: David McNeill, Ronald Holt, Stephen T. Wisecup
  • Patent number: 10569112
    Abstract: An assembly for covering an opening in a structure. The assembly has a roller to be mounted to a portion of the structure defining a portion of the structure opening and a member disposed on the roller assembly. The member is operable between a retracted position where it is wound onto the roller assembly and an extended position where it is unwound from the roller assembly. The member includes first and second portions with mutually opposing edges in a closed position. A fastener releasably attaches the first and second panel portions to each other. The first and second panel portions are separable in response to an egress force to form an egress through the member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 25, 2020
    Assignee: McKeon Rolling Steel Door Company, Inc.
    Inventor: Andrew C. Lambridis
  • Patent number: 10550636
    Abstract: A screwless curtain control assembly is revealed. An assembly segment is disposed on one end of a bead chain base while first radial positioning parts and first axial positioning parts are arranged at the assembly segment alternately. A sleeve including second radial positioning parts and second axial positioning parts is mounted to the assembly segment of the bead chain base. Thereby the bead chain base and the sleeve are connected stably by the first radial positioning parts and the first axial positioning parts connected to and positioned by the second radial positioning parts and second axial positioning parts respectively. Thus both labor time for fastening screws and cost of the screws are saved. Therefore the screwless curtain control assembly meets the modern industry's requirement for high efficiency at low cost.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2020
    Assignee: Chen Tian Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ching-Hsiang Cheng
  • Patent number: 10443302
    Abstract: A window shade includes a reel and an aperture control module respectively assembled with a head frame, and a panel assembly including transversal vanes respectively connected with two panels. The reel is rotatable to wind and unwind the panel assembly. The aperture control module includes a positioning arm connected with a rubbing roller, and is operable to rotate the rubbing roller relative to the positioning arm and to displace the positioning arm and the rubbing roller between two positions, the rubbing roller being displaced away from a sidewall of the head frame in a first position and pressing the panel assembly against the sidewall in a second position, the rubbing roller being further rotatable relative to the positioning arm in the second position to cause relative sliding between the two panels for switching the panel assembly from a closed state blocking light passage to an open state allowing light passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2019
    Assignee: TEH YOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chin-Tien Huang, Chien-Lan Huang
  • Patent number: 10118559
    Abstract: A cargo management system for a vehicle is disclosed. The cargo management system comprises at least one panel assembly having a first and second panel, the first and second panel being articulable about at least one hinge situated therebetween. The first panel has an attachment end for engagement with an interior trim panel of the vehicle, and the second panel has a latch end for latching and/or locking the panel assembly in a desired configuration. The panel assembly is configured to be folded when stowed, and recessed within the interior trim panel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 6, 2018
    Assignee: ABC GROUP INC.
    Inventors: Kulbir Singh Dhillon, Anthony Francis Chua, Christopher Lloyd Wright, Amanda Ruscica
  • Patent number: 10041295
    Abstract: A winding device for the covering of building openings, comprising a sheetlike, flexible cover element for at least partial covering of the at least one building opening and a winding element driven by a drive unit for adjusting a cover surface of the covering, wherein the cover element can be wound and unwound with the winding element. According to the invention, in addition to a first cover element, there is provided a second cover element), which can be arranged overlapping with the first cover element in the covering state, wherein the cover elements can be wound and unwound with a winding element.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: August 7, 2018
    Assignee: Lock Antriebstechnik GmbH
    Inventor: Christoph Veit
  • Patent number: 9987607
    Abstract: A method for producing powder from a coarsely granular, thermoplastic material, comprising a homogenizing first device produces a first melt from a non-homogeneous pre-mixture of the material; first chips are produced from the first melt in a second device; the chips are milled to a powder; the powder is separated into at least two fractions with coarser and finer particle sizes; and a selected fraction with finer particle sizes is returned to the method prior to milling; wherein a second melt is produced from the selected fraction in a non-homogenizing third device, with second chips being produced from the latter, and the second chips are combined with the first chips and milled with each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2013
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: BBA Innova AG
    Inventor: Urs Kirchhofer
  • Patent number: 9828800
    Abstract: A base structure and associated method for converting the base structure into an operable vane on a shade for an architectural opening. The base structure includes a back sheet and a front sheet attached together in engagement regions spaced along the length of the back sheet and front sheet. The front sheet is separated into front strip sections having a free end. Operating elements are positioned along the back sheet and situated so as to move relative thereto. The operating elements are attached adjacent to a free end of the front strip. Movement of the operating elements actuates the free end of the front strip to move from a closed position to an open position as desired by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2017
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Holt, Marcus Long, Kelly Q. Rahn, Jason T. Throne, Stephen T. Wisecup
  • Patent number: 9719295
    Abstract: A window covering includes a liner attached to a first rail and window covering material attached to the first rail and the liner such that the window covering material is moveable from a retracted position to an extended position when the liner is moved from its retracted position to its extended position. The window covering material can be configured to define a first number of folds when the window covering material is moved to the retracted position of the window covering material. The liner can be configured to define a second number of folds when the liner is moved to the retracted position of the liner. The second number of folds can be a number of folds that is at least 50% larger than the first number of folds formed in the window covering material when it is moved to its retracted position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 25, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 1, 2017
    Assignee: Whole Space Industries LTD
    Inventor: Tzu-Yen Lin
  • Patent number: 9650828
    Abstract: In one embodiment, a variable screen includes a first panel including elongated slats having a fixed end and a free end, the slats being flexible so that they can bend without breaking, and a second panel associated with the first panel, the second panel including elongated slots that align with the slats of the first panel, wherein the free ends of the slats are attached to the second panel near ends of the slots and wherein relative movement of the panels causes the slats to bow outward to enable light or air to pass through the slots.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2017
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventor: Mark William Weston
  • Patent number: 9617907
    Abstract: A system for controlling a flow rate of air into a vehicle engine compartment, may include a radiator cooling a coolant; a coolant inflow tank provided to one side of the radiator and temporarily storing the coolant that cools an engine; and a coolant exhaust tank provided to another side of the radiator and temporarily storing the coolant circulating past a cooling fin of the radiator from the coolant inflow tank.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 11, 2017
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jongwoo Nam, Hanshin Chung, Joonho Lee, Hyun Cho
  • Patent number: 9611689
    Abstract: A motorized sheer shading system may move a sheer shade material between an open position, a closed position, and a view position. The shading system may move the sheer shade material from the open position to the closed position at a first average rotational speed, and from the closed position to the view position at a second average rotational speed. The shading system may automatically determine a control limit that corresponds to the closed position of the sheer shade material after control limits have been set for the open position and the view position. The shading system may cause the sheer shade material to stop moving once it reaches the closed position if the raise button of a remote control is still depressed, and may cause the sheer shade material to stop moving once it reaches the closed position if the lower button of the remote control is still depressed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 4, 2017
    Assignee: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.
    Inventors: Edward J. Blair, Samuel F. Chambers, Stephen Lundy
  • Patent number: 9561708
    Abstract: When a light-shielding sheet enters guide rails, engagement belts of the light-shielding sheet engage with the guide rails. A roll-screen device includes a winding roller, a light-shielding sheet, guide rails, and guide sections. The light-shielding sheet includes a sheet body, and engagement belts provided along side edges at both sides of the sheet body in a vehicle width direction. The sheet body and the engagement belts are rolled up on the winding roller such that the sheet body and the engagement belts overlap each other. Each guide rail includes engagement wall section which is located at a vehicle widthwise inner side of the engagement belt and engages with the engagement belt to prevent the light-shielding sheet from falling out of the guide rail. The guide section includes a guide piece configured to put a distance between the engagement belt and the sheet body before the light-shielding sheet enters the guide rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 21, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 7, 2017
    Assignee: WEBASTO SE
    Inventors: Shinya Yukisada, Akio Yamada
  • Patent number: 9540874
    Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening including a support tube and a panel operably connected to the support tube and configured to be wound around the support tube. The panel includes a support sheet and at least one cell operably connected to the support sheet. The at least one cell includes a vane material operably connected to a first side of the support sheet and a cell support member operably connected to the vane material and configured to support the vane material at a distance away from the support sheet when the panel is in an extended position with respect to the support tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Paul G. Swiszcz
  • Patent number: 9540870
    Abstract: There is provided a window screen configured in such a manner that first and second screens are wound around a winding shaft together with a number of dimming slats attached therebetween in which bottom bars of lower ends of both screens come into stable contact with a lower frame of a screen frame. The first and second screens and the slats attached therebetween at regular intervals so as to be freely tiltable are wound around the winding shaft, both side ends of the first screen engage guide rails so as to be freely slidable, and bottom bars guided individually by side frames are attached to lower ends of both screens. Both screens are set so that either one of the bottom bars at the lower ends thereof comes into contact with the lower frame of the screen frame in an arbitrary inclined orientation that the above-described slats may have in a state in which both screens are extended in the screen frame in a tensed manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 20, 2014
    Date of Patent: January 10, 2017
    Assignee: Seiki Juko Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Fumio Sasaki, Naoto Sawaguchi
  • Patent number: 9518502
    Abstract: An apparatus for controlling air flow to an engine room of a vehicle may include vertical support units provided as a pair, a plurality of flaps provided to be unfolded or folded in the vertical support units, a delivery unit configured to selectively fold or unfold the flaps, a rotary unit configured to selectively rotate the flaps, and a controller configured to control operations of the delivery unit and the rotary unit according to operational states of a vehicle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 23, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 13, 2016
    Assignee: Hyundai Motor Company
    Inventors: Jongwoo Nam, Hyun Cho, Joonho Lee, Hanshin Chung
  • Patent number: 9512672
    Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening including a roller, an end rail, and a panel rotatable onto the roller and spanning between the roller and the end rail. The panel includes a front sheet, a rear sheet, and a cell spanning between the front and rear sheet. When the front sheet is at a first position relative to the rear sheet, the cell is open. When the front sheet is at a second position relative to the rear sheet, the cell is closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 6, 2016
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Paul G. Swiszcz, James M. Anthony
  • Patent number: 9445795
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides treatment of an apparatus, in embodiments a delivery device, which prevents premature gelling of any materials or precursor(s) of a pH dependent forming material, in embodiments a hydrogel, dispensed by the delivery device. The pH microenvironment near the surface of a lumen of the device, in embodiments the tip of a spray applicator through which the material to be dispensed is expelled from the device, may be controlled to prevent premature gelling.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2016
    Assignee: Confluent Surgical, Inc.
    Inventors: Rachit Ohri, Phillip Blaskovich
  • Patent number: 9371688
    Abstract: A motorized operating interior device for operating a movable interior screen with a windable canvas of a window covering device or of a projection screen device, the motorized operating interior device configured to be suspended by the canvas and including: a winding tube which is movable around a first axis and on which the canvas is adapted to be wound, an actuator which is disposed at least in part in the tube, a first element for fixing a first end of the canvas to the winding tube, the weight of the motorized operating interior device creating a canvas unwinding torque, wherein said operating device includes an compensating element for compensating for the unwinding torque and which acts exclusively by either interaction with gravity or with the canvas or both.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 21, 2016
    Assignee: SOMFY SAS
    Inventors: Pierre-Emmanuel Cavarec, Sebastien Lemaitre
  • Patent number: 9347258
    Abstract: According to some aspects, provided are curtain assemblies comprising two or more curtains selectably moveable between an open position and a closed position. Some embodiments include a track guide for at least one of the curtains having a first track and second track insert coupled to respective sides of the track guide and the curtain, wherein the curtain is moveably coupled to the first and second track inserts, and moveable along the channel of operation during transition between the open and the closed position. The curtains can be configured to define an air pocket that improved the energy efficiency of the curtain assembly (e.g., improving heat and/or noise properties). Some embodiments include a roller guide to maintain spacing between the curtains and can define a boundary of the air pocket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2012
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2016
    Inventor: Rajiva A. Dwarka
  • Patent number: 9328555
    Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening is provided. The covering may include a rotatable roller, a shade attached to the rotatable roller, and a shade actuation system. The shade may be wrappable about the roller. The shade may include two laterally-separable sheets interconnected by a plurality of vertically-spaced vanes. The shade actuation system may be selectively engageable with a confronting face of one of the two laterally-separable sheets. Engagement of the shade actuation system and the one of the two laterally-separable sheets may restrict movement of the one of the two laterally-separable sheets relative to the other of the two laterally-separable sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Kenneth M. Faller, Galen B. Rhodes, Max W. Schroeder
  • Patent number: 9328553
    Abstract: A retractable cover for architectural openings having collapsible vanes includes a support structure in the form of a sheet of material, monofilaments, tapes, ribbons, cords, or the like, supporting an upper edge of a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally extending vanes with the lower edges of the vanes in most embodiments of the invention being connected to operating elements adapted to raise the lower edges of each vane toward the upper edges to define openings or gaps between the vanes through which vision and light can pass in an open condition of the covering. Variations of the covering do not require movement of a lower edge of a vane relative to an upper edge but simply movement of some vanes relative to other vanes. The vanes can be made of materials having different flexibilities and where more rigid materials are used, creased fold lines can be established for desired operability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 6, 2015
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2016
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Marjorie G. Harper, Daniel M. Fogarty, David P. Hartman, Ralph G. Jelic, Kristi K. Kopecky
  • Patent number: 9260914
    Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening is provided. The covering may include an accumulator roller, a shade attached to the accumulator roller, and a shade actuation system. The shade may be wrappable about the roller. The shade may include two laterally-separable sheets interconnected by a plurality of vertically-spaced vanes. The shade actuation system may be selectively engageable with a confronting face of one of the two laterally-separable sheets. Engagement of the shade actuation system and the one of the two laterally-separable sheets may restrict movement of the one of the two laterally-separable sheets relative to the other of the two laterally-separable sheets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 14, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 16, 2016
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: William S. Certain, Kenneth M. Faller, Galen B. Rhodes, Max W. Schroeder, Kent A. Smith, Stephen P. Smith, Stephen M. Winters
  • Patent number: 9080377
    Abstract: A base structure and associated method for converting the base structure into an operable vane on a shade for an architectural opening. The base structure includes a back sheet and a front sheet attached together in engagement regions spaced along the length of the back sheet and front sheet. The front sheet is separated into front strip sections having a free end. Operating elements are positioned along the back sheet and situated so as to move relative thereto. The operating elements are attached adjacent to a free end of the front strip. Movement of the operating elements actuates the free end of the front strip to move from a closed position to an open position as desired by the user.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: July 14, 2015
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Ronald Holt, Marcus Long, Kelly Q. Rahn, Jason T. Throne, Stephen T. Wisecup
  • Patent number: 8950462
    Abstract: The present invention provides a textile blind united by weaving, which is formed as a single body by weaving slat textiles along a width between a front textile and a back textile in parallel with each other, wherein the slat textiles are arranged along the height of the front and back textiles to make the textile blind easily block lights.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2011
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Inventor: Ki Cheol Cha
  • Publication number: 20150034257
    Abstract: A motorized sheer shading system may move a sheer shade material between an open position, a closed position, and a view position. The shading system may move the sheer shade material from the open position to the closed position at a first average rotational speed, and from the closed position to the view position at a second average rotational speed. The shading system may automatically determine a control limit that corresponds to the closed position of the sheer shade material after control limits have been set for the open position and the view position. The shading system may cause the sheer shade material to stop moving once it reaches the closed position if the raise button of a remote control is still depressed, and may cause the sheer shade material to stop moving once it reaches the closed position if the lower button of the remote control is still depressed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2014
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Applicant: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.
    Inventors: Edward J. Blair, Samuel F. Chambers, Stephen Lundy
  • Patent number: 8944134
    Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for manufacturing a window covering for an architectural opening. The apparatus includes a support structure handling assembly, an operating element handling assembly, and a vane handling assembly. The handling assemblies process the respective materials to an assembly station to attach one portion of a vane to the operating elements, and another portion of the vane to the support structure, allowing movement of one portion of the vane relative to other portion of the vane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Eugene M. Ballard, Jr., Wendell B. Colson, Kevin M. Dann, Daniel M. Fogarty, Marjorie G. Harper, David P. Hartman, Joseph E. Kovach, Gary A. Marino, Kelly Q. Rahn, Stephen T. Wisecup
  • Patent number: 8944133
    Abstract: A retractable cover for architectural openings having collapsible vanes includes a support structure in the form of a sheet of material, monofilaments, tapes, ribbons, cords, or the like, supporting an upper edge of a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally extending vanes with the lower edges of the vanes in most embodiments of the invention being connected to operating elements adapted to raise the lower edges of each vane toward the upper edges to define openings or gaps between the vanes through which vision and light can pass in an open condition of the covering. Variations of the covering do not require movement of a lower edge of a vane relative to an upper edge but simply movement of some vanes relative to other vanes. The vanes can be made of materials having different flexibilities and where more rigid materials are used, creased fold lines can be established for desired operability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 11, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Marjorie G. Harper, Daniel M. Fogarty, David P. Hartman, Ralph G. Jelic, Kristi K. Kopecky
  • Publication number: 20140360679
    Abstract: A roll-up curtain closure system having an impact resistant tension rod, wherein the system includes at least one flexible curtain having a first end fixedly attached adjacent a portal along a first end thereof and a second end folded back on itself to define a pocket opening towards the portal first end, an elongated tension rod captured within the pocket, and a curtain driving mechanism operably connected to the curtain second end for varying the height of the pocket. The elongated tension rod comprises an inner flexible fiberglass bar surrounded by an outer soft closed cell foam material, whereby the tension rod is flexible to bend in response to impact force and is resilient to return to its original position after the impact force is removed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Publication date: December 11, 2014
    Inventor: Grant W. Crider
  • Patent number: 8851143
    Abstract: A single pull rope driving device for a window shade includes a rotation driving device (3) mounted to a bracket (1) and having a pull rope (12). A gear (7) is jointly rotatable with a reeling drum (2) for releasing/winding a curtain cloth (26). A rack (9) is movable in a vertical direction and includes teeth (10a) releasably engaged with the gear (7). A return spring (11) biases the rack (9) to disengage the teeth (10a) of the rack (9) from the gear (7). An actuating member (13) mounted on the pull rope (12) can move the rack (9) downward by pulling the pull rope (12), driving the gear (7) and the reeling drum (2) to rotate in a winding direction. The gear (7) and the reeling drum (2) are rotatable in the winding or releasing direction by pulling the pull rope (12) downward without actuating the rack (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 18, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 7, 2014
    Inventor: Xiang-Rong Zhu
  • Patent number: 8839840
    Abstract: A roller shade assembly for a shade made from a relatively heavy and/or stiff material is described. The roller shade assembly includes a cylindrical member that is attached to the shade. A control mechanism rotates the cylindrical member for winding the shade upon the cylindrical member. Thus, winding the cylindrical member in one direction causes the shade to retract, while unwinding the cylindrical member in an opposite direction causes the shade to extend. In order to maintain the shade in alignment as the shade is retracted and extended, the roller shade assembly includes a pair of opposing retaining members that may have a disc-like shape. The retaining members may be positioned adjacent to the vertical edges of the shade and have an effective diameter larger than the diameter of the shade when fully wound and retracted. In one embodiment, the roller shade assembly can further include fixed edge guides for further maintaining the shade in alignment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2014
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas, Inc.
    Inventors: Jesse B. Bowen, Steven A. Lathrup
  • Patent number: 8714230
    Abstract: A fabric security barrier, a system and/or a method impede entry into a space. The fabric security barrier, the system and/or the method are installed adjacent to an entry point of the space. A tarp having a reinforced webbing on one side obscured from view is extended and/or retracted by a deployment system within the space. A steel cable is laminated between the reinforced webbing and the tarp. To enter the space through the entry point, an intruder must compromise a door or a window, the tarp, the reinforced webbing and/or the cable which may reduce an amount of time that the intruder may have to perpetrate a crime in the space and/or to flee before being noticed and/or apprehended.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 6, 2014
    Assignee: Sennco Solutions, Inc.
    Inventors: Christopher Marszalek, James Patten
  • Publication number: 20140076505
    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. Further specific embodiments relate to a system with linked horizontal drapery panels having varying characteristics that are moved independently by a common drive system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: March 20, 2014
    Applicant: HOMERUN HOLDINGS CORPORATION
    Inventors: WILLIS JAY MULLET, Michael D. Fox, Daniel T. Matthews
  • Patent number: 8662137
    Abstract: A system for attaching a shade material to a roller having recesses in its surface includes inserting portions of the shade material into an associated elongated recess and retaining the material in the recess with an attachment member having peaks and valleys along its length for intermittent engagement with the material within the recess.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 13, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries BV
    Inventor: Jörg Bohlen
  • Patent number: 8662139
    Abstract: Methods and apparatus to provide upper and lower travel limits for architectural opening coverings are disclosed. A disclosed architectural opening covering assembly includes a rotatable roller tube and a covering mounted to the roller tube. The covering is movable between a lowered position and a raised position. The covering is wound on the roller tube in the raised position. The covering assembly further includes a first limit nut located internal to the roller tube to define the lowered position, and a second limit nut located internal to the roller tube to define the raised position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: James M. Anthony, Stephen P. Smith, Daniel Fluckey
  • Patent number: 8607838
    Abstract: A retractable cover for architectural openings having collapsible vanes includes a support structure in the form of a sheet of material, monofilaments, tapes, ribbons, cords, or the like, supporting an upper edge of a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally extending vanes with the lower edges of the vanes in most embodiments of the invention being connected to operating elements adapted to raise the lower edges of each vane toward the upper edges to define openings or gaps between the vanes through which vision and light can pass in an open condition of the covering. Variations of the covering do not require movement of a lower edge of a vane relative to an upper edge but simply movement of some vanes relative to other vanes. The vanes can be made of materials having different flexibilities and where more rigid materials are used, creased fold lines can be established for desired operability.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Marjorie G. Harper, Daniel M. Fogarty, David P. Hartman, Ralph G. Jelic, Kristi K. Kopecky
  • Patent number: 8579004
    Abstract: The present application pertains to a system for adjusting the height of a covering, such as window or a wall covering formed of two or more covering segments that are axially aligned. The system includes a link that selectively transmits rotation between two adjacent coverage thereby allowing the two coverings to be controlled, e.g., raised or lowered, simultaneously. The link includes a clutch that allows one of the segments to be rotated with respect to the other so that the bottom end of one of the coverings can be adjusted and aligned horizontally independently of the other. Optionally, the clutch includes an internal member that provides a mechanical advantage while the one covering is adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 3, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 12, 2013
    Assignee: Rollease, Inc.
    Inventor: Joseph Cannaverde
  • Patent number: 8550142
    Abstract: A plural panel vertically hung horizontally adjustable light transmitting window shade apparatus for varying the amount of light from zero to maximum that can pass through alternate transparent and opaque portions of the plural panels. The plural panels hang vertically downward from separate mounting elements of a control mechanism. The control mechanism, when actuated, moves either one or two of the plural panels horizontally relative to the other panel, thus changing the position of the transparent portions and opaque portions of each panel. The control mechanism also vertically deploys or retracts the dual panels using the same control mechanism used to move the panels horizontally. A bottom rail maintains the lower ends of the panels in a closely adjacent position, and also allows relative vertical movement of each panel relative to the other when the panels are either deployed or retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventors: Robert D. Gaskill, Ernest DiSilvestro