Combined Patents (Class 160/127)
  • Publication number: 20110108209
    Abstract: A door incorporating at least one movable glass insert or window sash slidably disposed in at least one track thereof. An end of the insert is coupled to an end of a spring biased roll of screen. As the insert moves from the spring biased roll, the screen is extracted therefrom providing a continuously variable screened region in the door. The insert can be positioned using a counterbalance, spaced apart latchable locations in the door, frictional engagement, or through the tension force of the biased roll of screen. A catch mechanism is disposed on the movable glass insert to detachably couple the glass insert to a portion of the door.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 12, 2010
    Publication date: May 12, 2011
    Inventors: Bruce E. Thomas, Kelly D. Nordgaard, Bryan P. Zacher, Alan M. Dixon, Allen E. Lee
  • Publication number: 20110102879
    Abstract: The invention relates to a window blind (10) with at least one lamella (25) and at least one lighting element (20), wherein the lamella (25) comprises an illuminating body (30), the lighting element (20) injects an artificial light (21) into the illuminating body (30), the illuminating body (30) comprises a light guiding material, configured to transport the artificial light (21), the illuminating body (30) comprises a light extraction means (40), configured to receive and to deflect the artificial light (21) out of the illuminating body (30). The invention discloses, that the light extraction means (40) is embedded within the illuminating body (30), and the light extraction means (40) is controllable, in order to vary the degree of deflection of the artificial light (21).
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 18, 2008
    Publication date: May 5, 2011
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS N.V.
    Inventors: Hendrikus A.A.M. De Ruijter, Cornelis R. Ronda, Egbertus H.M. Smits
  • Publication number: 20110088853
    Abstract: A secure ventilation screen which may be used in a variety of makes and models of vehicles to provide adequate ventilation and air circulation inside the vehicle while keeping vehicle occupants safe as well as preventing bugs and outside debris from entering a vehicle. The secure ventilation screen system comprises a rigid mesh material to provide ventilation and is secured by a flexible and durable frame which may be installed into the frame of a vehicle window. The secure ventilation screen system may be manufactured in different sizes and may be installed into substantially any vehicle window. A secure ventilation screen system kit may comprise an accessorizable ventilation screen for vehicle windows and accessories such as a temperature gauge, key alarm, hold unit, sound alarm, and air conditioning component.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 6, 2010
    Publication date: April 21, 2011
    Inventor: Lorenzo Boston
  • Publication number: 20110083815
    Abstract: A retractable rubber door assembly is stabilized through the use parallel guidestrips arranged within proximity to conventional windlock strips at a distance so that an extension of a curtain retainer structure will be positioned between the two strips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 1, 2010
    Publication date: April 14, 2011
    Applicant: Traichal Construction Co., Inc. dba Warren Door Co .
    Inventors: Ray Kriner, Joseph Aubel
  • Publication number: 20110079363
    Abstract: A window screen which has a perfumed picture made from fragrant gels that are infused within the window screen. The Scented Window Screen provides an entirely new way for one to freshen one's home and also provide a decorative accent to a room. The window screen is adjustable to fit most standard size windows. As air from outside passes through the Scented Window Screen said air will carry with it into the home the fragrance from the Scented Window Screen and freshen the home.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2009
    Publication date: April 7, 2011
    Inventor: Loreal Kelly Jefferson
  • Publication number: 20110067822
    Abstract: A system and method for enhancing the safety of an electrically operated folding partition. A control panel is used to control movement of a moveable portion of the folding partition. The control panel may include an authentication device in the form of a biometric reader. The control panel may also include an RF-ID reader effective to emit an electromagnetic wave. When a tag is in a vicinity of the wave, the reader can detect the presence of the tag and inhibit movement of the moveable portion. The tag may be placed on an object used by a disabled individual such as on a wheelchair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 25, 2010
    Publication date: March 24, 2011
    Applicant: Gym Door Repairs, Inc.
    Inventors: Stephen F. Cole, Kathleen Cole
  • Publication number: 20110048482
    Abstract: A shade system that includes a shade assembly fixedly or non-fixedly attached to an extension component. The device has a first mounting component at a first end for holding the shade assembly and allows the shade assembly to be positioned in three dimensions in multiple orientations. The extension component has a second mounting component at a second end for attaching the extension component to a mounting surface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 19, 2010
    Publication date: March 3, 2011
    Inventor: Emerson T. Yerian
  • Publication number: 20110036513
    Abstract: Apparatuses, systems, and methods for providing battery-backed power to movable partitions are disclosed. A power converter generates a DC output from an AC input. The DC output may be selectively decoupled from an enabled DC output such that the DC output can be monitored for acceptable operation in-situ. The enabled DC output may be selectively coupled to a battery output terminal. A charge current may be sensed between the enabled DC output and the battery output to control charging of the battery with a pulse-width modulation operation by controlling the selective coupling of the enabled DC output to the battery output. The enabled DC output and the battery output are coupled in a logical-OR configuration to generate a supply output providing current from the enabled DC output and the battery. The supply output may drive a movable partition controller and a motor configured for opening and closing a movable partition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 24, 2010
    Publication date: February 17, 2011
    Applicant: WON-DOOR CORPORATION
    Inventors: Kevin D. Banta, D. George Field, E. Carl Goodman
  • Publication number: 20110000627
    Abstract: A dual-function shade includes a piece of transparency printed with an image and applied with adhesive material. The shade is directly attached to the glass to be treated by the adhesive material. The shade acts as a glowing display lit by daylight and provides privacy all the time. The printed image can be a single or a group of pictures. The depth of color can be chosen to have the desired brightness and displaying effect. Multiple shades can be used together to cover a piece of glass. The shade can be trimmed to fit into the glass with different shape or size. A portion of shade can be left clear to resemble a shade that covers a portion of a window/door. The shade with UV protection can be obtained by adding an UV absorbing agent to the transparency. An online server system can be setup to generate the customized shade.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2009
    Publication date: January 6, 2011
    Inventor: Feng Sun
  • Publication number: 20100319858
    Abstract: The curtain is provided with integrated hooks for suspending the curtain from a curtain rod. Each hook is made of two parts that are secured together to sandwich a top margin of the curtain therebetween. Each hook has a rectilinear base and a curvilinear section that has a terminal section that defines a gap with the base and a portion extending angularly from the base. In one embodiment, the curvilinear section of the hook 10 is resiliently pliable in order to move laterally for passage over the curtain rod.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 19, 2009
    Publication date: December 23, 2010
    Inventor: David Freedland
  • Publication number: 20100307699
    Abstract: A window blind has a rail, a shade, multiple guide rings, multiple release brackets and multiple cords. The shade is connected to the rail and has a bottom slat and multiple intermediate slats. The guide rings are mounted on the shade between two adjacent intermediate slats. The release brackets are mounted on the bottom slat and each has a release mount and a resilient clip. The release mounts are attached to the bottom slat and a corresponding resilient clip is detachably mounted in the release mount. The cords are mounted through the rail and each cord passes through corresponding guide rings and connects to the resilient clip of a corresponding release bracket. The release bracket separates above a predetermined force so reduces a choking hazard to pets and children and prevents damage to blinds caused by high winds or incorrect operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 9, 2009
    Publication date: December 9, 2010
    Inventor: KUEI-TING CHEN
  • Publication number: 20100269986
    Abstract: A three dimensional shade to provide a three dimensional layer structure and profile includes a movable frame and a shade. The movable frame is installed on any two sliding docks movable on a track of a upper beam. The movable frame includes at least two coupling plates that are hinged together to hang the shade. A drawing element is provided to draw and perform retraction and extension operations so that the shade can be retracted and extended to form a profile same as the movable frame to achieve the three dimensional effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 21, 2007
    Publication date: October 28, 2010
    Inventor: A-Nan Chen
  • Publication number: 20100263803
    Abstract: Door elements having FinRay structures are described herein. An example door element described herein is movable between a closed position in which the element extends across a doorway to at least partially block the doorway, and an open position where at least a portion of the element moves to a non-blocking position relative to the doorway. The door element includes a first flexible side element to transmit tensile forces and has a proximal end and a distal end. The door element includes a second flexible side element to resist compressive forces and has a proximal end and a distal end. The first and second side elements are coupled to each other at their distal ends. The element includes a plurality of connecting ribs flexibly coupled to the first and second side elements to transmit tensile forces between the first and second side elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 20, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventor: Leif Kniese
  • Publication number: 20100263802
    Abstract: A movable office screen system. A main screen unit has a first end and a second end opposite thereto. A first roller blind screen is disposed in the main screen unit and selectively extends to the exterior thereof. At least one roller is connected to the first end of the main screen unit. The main screen unit is supported by the roller and is moved by rolling of the roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 15, 2010
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Applicant: NATIONAL TAIWAN UNIVERSITY OF SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY
    Inventors: Yi-Kai Juan, Wen-Yu Tu
  • Publication number: 20100264695
    Abstract: A cab for a vehicle has an inset mesh screens along opposite side walls that define window openings through which an operator can view the surroundings, and the window opening is covered with a window assembly including a sliding window panel. The sliding window panel has a latch member that extends through a slot in the mesh screen, and a spring loaded knob that will seat in detents in the mesh screen at selected positions along the slot. The spring loaded knob is on the interior of the cab and is secured in place. The inset of the mesh screen forms a recessed receptacle for the window assembly so window panels of the window assembly do not project outwardly beyond the side surfaces of the cab.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 16, 2009
    Publication date: October 21, 2010
    Inventors: Aaron G. Hill, Joshua F. Maus, Gary J. Homola, Maria C. Homola
  • Publication number: 20100251610
    Abstract: Blind system comprising a number of strip elements or blinds. Each strip element comprises a bilaterally light-translucent material which, on the side directed towards the outside world, is infrared-reflective. This material is also preferably ultraviolet-reflective or capable of transforming ultraviolet light into a different (visible) frequency. The blind strips may be formed of horizontal and vertical strip elements and it is also possible to mount these on a roll so that a retractable shade can be achieved. The blinds are preferably mounted on the interior of a building. The strip elements comprise a number of superimposed layers with different specific optical properties, the combination of which results in the desired light effects.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 28, 2008
    Publication date: October 7, 2010
    Applicant: CROPSS HOLDING B.V.
    Inventor: Jacobus Christiaan Gerardus Maria Ruiter
  • Publication number: 20100243175
    Abstract: Barrier systems and associated methods, including vapor and/or fire barrier systems, are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a barrier system that includes a barrier coupled to a spool, and a drive system. The barrier is positioned to be wound onto and off of the spool as the barrier moves between a deployed position and a retracted position by the drive assembly. The system further includes a clutch configured to resist movement of the barrier system unless directed by the drive system, and to release the barrier to allow manual egress when power to the drive system fails. The system further includes a latch configured to retain the barrier in a retracted position and to prevent the barrier from deploying when power fails and the clutch releases.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2010
    Publication date: September 30, 2010
    Inventors: Curtis P. Gonzales, William L. Ziegert, Paul R. Walters, JR., Ben Tolman
  • Publication number: 20100212840
    Abstract: A cut-resistant strip door is provided. The strip includes one or more strips that include a component that makes the strip resistant to accidental or intentional tearing or cutting. In one embodiment, the strips include a metal cable that is attached to the surface or longitudinal edge of the strips.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 20, 2009
    Publication date: August 26, 2010
    Inventor: Fred Jevaney
  • Publication number: 20100186905
    Abstract: An article of flexible furniture having a core formed from a plurality of laminar panels of a flaccid material and each panel having a pair of oppositely directed major faces, adjacent faces of said panels being inter-connected to provide a cellular structure upon movement of abutting faces away from each other, a pair of supports at opposite ends of said core and connected to respective ones of said faces, said supports being self-supporting to provide rigidity to said core whereby said supports may be moved apart to expand said cellular and extend the length of said partition.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 23, 2009
    Publication date: July 29, 2010
    Inventors: Todd P. MacAllen, Stephanie P. Forsythe
  • Publication number: 20100170643
    Abstract: This device is designed to give added functionality to existing windows. It works by creating a usable space between the window pane and the user's chosen window covering, such as drapes, shades or curtains. The device interferes with the normal path a window covering would take, thus moving it away from the window pane. This is done by using one or more diverter pieces either attached to the window sill or pivoting out from the window frame which are shaped to allow smooth opening and closing of the window covering. The space between the covering and the pane could then be used by plants, pets or any other number of items, while maintaining privacy in the user's room.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 8, 2009
    Publication date: July 8, 2010
    Inventors: James Anthony De France, David Joseph De France
  • Publication number: 20100132895
    Abstract: A device is disclosed that replaces an existing panel or door with a reconfigurable modular panel. The invented panel additionally may function as a working door or screen, serving to more optimally employ a room volume. The invented panel can be configured to fit various styles of door frames thus being adaptable to various entry or floor space pattern situations. The invented panel may be electrified allowing modular plug-ins to house a wide array of elements.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 10, 2009
    Publication date: June 3, 2010
    Inventor: Michael Logue
  • Publication number: 20100018654
    Abstract: An architectural window covering having a programmable electric motor is disclosed. The architectural window covering includes a head rail comprising at least one cavity, a shade coupled to the head rail, a bottom rail coupled to the shade, and at least two tandem stacked motors coupled to the shade via a drive rail such that the at least two motors fit within the at least one cavity of the head rail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 22, 2008
    Publication date: January 28, 2010
    Inventors: Gary Skinner, Richard Langille, Philip Chermak
  • Patent number: 7650721
    Abstract: A window for absorbing sunlight heat in warm weather that otherwise would flow uncontrolled therethrough and discharging the sunlight heat to the atmosphere while permitting relatively unobstructed vision therethrough and passing the sunlight heat in cold weather therethrough for thermal warming. The window includes a frame, an inner pane, an outer pane, and a heat sink. The inner pane is pivotally mounted to the frame. The outer pane is affixed to the frame and spaced from the inner pane so as to form a space therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2010
    Inventor: Robert L. Nevins
  • Publication number: 20100000690
    Abstract: A slide mechanism adapted to a projection screen apparatus includes a frame, a slider, a resilient device, and an engaging device. The frame includes a receiving portion and a latch disposed in the receiving portion. The slider is slidably disposed in the receiving portion and includes a body portion defining a receiving groove and a pull handle. The resilient device is disposed below the slider for exerting a resilient force on the slider to move the slider. The engaging device is pivotally disposed in the receiving groove of the slider and includes an engaging end portion and an exerting end portion. The engaging end portion is disposed in the receiving groove and is connected against the latch. When a force is exerted on the exerting end portion, the engaging device is correspondingly rotated, and the engaging end portion of the engaging device is disengaged from the latch of the frame.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 23, 2009
    Publication date: January 7, 2010
    Inventor: Xin-chang Yang
  • Publication number: 20090294075
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a play structure assembly comprising two or more flexible sheet panels having a plurality of loops, edge connectors, and interior connectors attached thereto. At least one edge connector of one flexible sheet panel is removably attached to at least one interior connector of an adjacent flexible sheet panel, thereby forming the play structure assembly. Play structures formed using these play structure assemblies, as well as methods to form them, are also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 26, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Inventor: Katherine H.P. Huck
  • Publication number: 20090294076
    Abstract: A system for anchoring a cord ladder to a bottom rail of a covering for an architectural opening includes an anchor positioned in the bottom rail with a rotatable drum about which the vertical side cords of the cord ladder can be selectively wrapped to any desired degree for adjusting the effective length of the side cords and thus the tension in the side cords.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 20, 2009
    Publication date: December 3, 2009
    Applicant: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventor: Claude McNiel
  • Publication number: 20090283120
    Abstract: A curtain suitable for attachment to the perimeter of an umbrella has a flexible sheet with an upper edge, a lower edge, a first side edge and a second side edge. The flexible sheet also has a front surface and a rear surface, each surface defining an area between about 8 square feet and about 120 square feet. Still further, the flexible sheet has one or more upper edge fastener portions disposed proximate to the upper edge for attaching the upper edge to a foreign surface, and has reversible retaining means for retaining the lower edge at a plurality of locations on the flexible sheet above the lower edge. The reversible retaining means are adapted such that, when the upper edge is attached to an umbrella, the vertical distance between the upper edge and the lowermost portion of the flexible sheet is adjustable by the user without the use of tools.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 16, 2008
    Publication date: November 19, 2009
    Inventors: Linda Moravec Varga, Alexander L. Varga
  • Patent number: 7617857
    Abstract: An illuminated blind assembly having either horizontally oriented slats or vertically oriented slats. The slats have structure that allows them to be illuminated. The slats can be A.C. or D.C. powered. The window blind assembly may have a housing containing rechargeable batteries. These batteries can be charged by photovoltaic solar cells that are positioned on the top surfaces of the slats. The window blind assembly can have a tilt/raise/lower pulley system structure and electrical servos in a housing extending across the top of the window blind assembly. An infrared remote sensor can be located in the front of the housing for controlling the electric servos and the switch for lighting up the slats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: November 17, 2009
    Inventor: Brad Froese
  • Publication number: 20090277108
    Abstract: A window system for installation in a structure is provided. The window system includes a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure. The window system further includes at least one window pane having a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure; at least one sash that surrounds the at least one window pane, wherein the sash has a front side that faces away from the structure and a back side that faces into the structure when the window system is installed in a structure; at least one window frame comprising at least one head, sill, and jamb; and at least one mounting base integral to the window.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Applicant: The Muhler Company
    Inventors: Henry M. Hay, III, Bruce Weber
  • Publication number: 20090277593
    Abstract: A window shade for use with a window shade system comprising an operable roller for rolling and unrolling the shade. The window shade comprises a flexible sheet that comprises a decorative fabric layer and a sound attenuating layer, such as a polymer film with filler material or mass loaded vinyl. The window shade system comprises an operable roller mounted at the top portion of the window opening; first and second side casings attached to respective sides of the window opening, each side casing forming a channel for receiving respective first and second opposing side edges of a window shade. Typically, the shade system also comprises a motor operatively connected to the roller such that the roller rotates about its longitudinal axis in response to the operation of the motor. The shade system may also comprise a second roller and second window shade comprising a decorative fabric layer, and optionally a sound attenuating layer.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Publication date: November 12, 2009
    Inventor: Grant W. STEWART
  • Publication number: 20090242142
    Abstract: A privacy screen for a display device includes a frame having first and second opposing members joined by third and fourth opposing members that collectively define a central opening. The privacy screen further includes a transparent film extending across the central opening. The transparent film includes a plurality of vertical micro-louvers. The plurality of vertical micro-louvers are arranged in at least one of a first configuration wherein the plurality of micro-louvers are positioned at variable angles relative to a vertical fixed reference point, a second configuration wherein the plurality of micro-louvers have varying depths relative to the vertical fixed reference point, and a third configure wherein a spacing between adjacent ones of the plurality of micro-louvers varies relative to the vertical fixed reference point.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2008
    Publication date: October 1, 2009
    Applicant: INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINES CORPORATION
    Inventors: Thomas A. Bellwood, Jacob D. Eisinger, Matthew F. Rutkowski
  • Publication number: 20090183840
    Abstract: A device for dividing off areas of a space, with at least one ceiling rail and/or floor rail and/or wall rail, with at least one web of film or fabric which can be connected to the ceiling rail and/or floor rail and/or wall rail, and with at least one support rod for placement between the ceiling rail and/or floor rail and/or wall rail. It is provided that, on the lengthwise side of the support rod, there is at least one surface element which has a fastening surface for a web of film or fabric, the surface element having at least one fastening means or attaching the web of film or fabric to the fastening surface and the surface element being aligned such that the fastening surface is located essentially perpendicular to the floor of the area of space which is to be divided off.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 21, 2006
    Publication date: July 23, 2009
    Applicant: PROVERUM AG
    Inventor: Moritz Muehlebach
  • Publication number: 20090173455
    Abstract: The present invention consists of an improvement to a traditional cord-lock device. The combination cord-lock and light device of the present invention consists of a housing having a plunger and locking device including a biasing member and further adapted to encapsulate a light-emitting diode circuit assembly. The circuit assembly includes a switch mechanism coupling to an activator button located on the exterior of the cord-lock housing. The switch mechanism enables the LED to operate in a steady state, off, or in a pulsating mode. The housing is further adapted to direct the LED light exterior to the device.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Publication date: July 9, 2009
    Applicant: BLACK CRATER
    Inventor: Scott Hartley
  • Publication number: 20090127375
    Abstract: A device is provided for use in covering a danger area on a roll changer that can carry at least one roll of material to be directed to a rotary, web-fed printing press. A cover is provided with a drive that can move the cover. A control unit is provided to control the drive for the cover. The cover is closed in a first operational state and is open in a second operational state. The roll of material, that is supported by the roll changer, has a first rotational speed or web speed when the cover is in the first, closed operational state. In the second, cover opened, operational state, the roll of material also has a second rotational or web speed which is greater than zero. A method for controlling a device on a roll changer is also disclosed.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 10, 2006
    Publication date: May 21, 2009
    Inventors: Bernd Rudolf Heimrich, Martin Richard Keller, Walter Ritter, Franz Josef Vorwerk
  • Publication number: 20090088904
    Abstract: A pneumatic automation system (1) is disclosed for mobile screens (2) comprising at least one of said mobile screens (2), means for compressing a control fluid, means for channelling and checking the control fluid, means for pneumatically actuating a movement of the mobile screen (2) equipped with at least one sliding cursor (4) controlled by said control fluid and supplied by said compressing means through said channelling and checking means, and means for connecting the cursor (4) with the mobile screen (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2005
    Publication date: April 2, 2009
    Applicant: Gianus S.p.A.
    Inventor: Roberto Brioschi
  • Publication number: 20090078377
    Abstract: A shutter device includes a pair of support frames spaced in parallel with a predetermined distance therebetween, and a shutter arranged between the support frames. The support frames support both the right and the left shutter flanks of the shutter so as to allow the shutter to reciprocate along a longitudinal direction of the support frames. A weatherstrip is inserted between a side in each flank of the shutter and an opposing face of corresponding one of the support frames facing the side. The weatherstrip includes a long base material fixed to the support frame, a plurality of threads raised on the base material, and film member provided on the base material. The film member has a higher rigidity than the treads, and the height of the film member in a direction towards the opposing face of the support frame is lower than that of the treads.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2006
    Publication date: March 26, 2009
    Inventors: Yasuyuki Ohara, Hajime Takami, Ryuji Tanigo
  • Publication number: 20090044916
    Abstract: A sliding door or window supporting system has a stationary frame with a bottom track and a sliding portion that slides from a closed position to an open position. The bottom portion of the sliding portion and the upper surface of stationary frame track are provided with one or more magnets having identical magnetic polarity, thereby creating repulsion between the bottom of the sliding portion and the stationary track. Forces produced by magnetic repulsion lift the weight of the sliding portion, creating an air gap. A smooth, low friction sliding and door gliding movement results, which is immune to dirt and debris. The front to back movement of the sliding portion is supported by low friction polymeric knobs attached to a stationary frame and contacting sliding portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2007
    Publication date: February 19, 2009
    Inventors: Joseph Singiser, Eli A. Liedman
  • Publication number: 20090014131
    Abstract: A door system (10) including, a door (D) movably mounted on a track assembly (15), a counterbalance system (20) connected to the door and having at least one spring (25), a tool adapter (26) proximate at least one end of the counterbalance system, a detachable winding assembly (30) adapted to selectively engage and selectively rotate the tool adapter to adjust tensioning of the spring, and a locking assembly (36) interacting with the counterbalance system to maintain a selected tensioning of the counterbalance system upon detaching the winding assembly from the tool adapter.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 16, 2008
    Publication date: January 15, 2009
    Inventors: Willis J. Mullet, Kelly Ray Green, Thomas B. Bennett, III
  • Publication number: 20080271856
    Abstract: A daylight shielding device comprising: a plurality of slats for shielding daylight from a room; a housing for attachment to a window sill or the like, and controls for controlling the position and orientation of the slats, and an illumination device for illuminating said slats. According to the invention, the illumination device and the slats are configured so as to reflect light from said illumination device via said slats into the room. In this way, the slats can be actively used as an indirect illumination source.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2006
    Publication date: November 6, 2008
    Applicant: KONINKLIJKE PHILIPS ELECTRONICS, N.V.
    Inventors: Elvira Johanna Maria Paulussen, Maurice Alexander Hugo Donners, Theodorus Gerardus Marinus Maria Kappen, Martien Johan Van Der Meij, Paulus Quirinus Jozef Nederpel
  • Publication number: 20080190569
    Abstract: A multiple choice shade system includes a main frame, a first winding roller rotatably supported on the main frame, a second winding roller rotatably supported on the main frame in a spaced-apart relationship with the first winding roller, a multiple choice shade element having a succession of screen sections, and an actuator for rotating at least one of the first winding roller and the second winding roller. The shade element has a first end fixedly secured to the first winding roller and a second end fixedly secured to the second winding roller. The shade element is suspended from the first winding roller and the second winding roller in such a manner that one of the screen sections is extended into or retracted from a target area as the first winding roller and the second winding roller are rotated by the actuator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 5, 2006
    Publication date: August 14, 2008
    Applicant: Wintec Korea Inc.
    Inventor: Seong-Ryong Jang
  • Patent number: 7398816
    Abstract: A window shade (16) including a sheet of translucent shade material (1) to provide shade from light, a panel (3) with an electrically powered motor, light-emitting diodes (LED's) (6) and a speaker (11) for producing motion, light and/or sound, and suction cups (4) for detachably attaching the sheet of shade material (1) to a window.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2008
    Assignee: Star H.K. Electronic Limited
    Inventor: Andre Sala
  • Publication number: 20080163984
    Abstract: The invention relates to a blind or awning photo-generator comprising first and second elements (1, 2) which are embodied in the form of a flexible cloth or an arrangement of bars (28) and movable between the folded and unfolded positions. The first element (1) is superimposed in a parallel position on the second element (2) at a certain distance when they are unfolded. Photovoltaic cells (6, 15, 20, 35, 37) are arranged on one and/or another element (1, 2) in such a way that the active photovoltaic surface of said cells (6, 15, 20, 35, 37) is located on the top and/or lower surface of the first element (1) and/or the top surface of the second element (2). The first element (1) allows sun light to pass at least partially when said two elements are arranged in such a way that the light is directed to the active photovoltaic surface of the cells (6, 15, 20, 35, 37) located on the lower surface of the first element (1) and/or on the top surface of the second element (2).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 19, 2005
    Publication date: July 10, 2008
    Inventor: Jacques Lambey
  • Publication number: 20080142168
    Abstract: A temporary protection for an opening in a frame of a building component includes flexible sheet material spanning the opening between opposite sides thereof. Each end portion of the sheet material is connected to a frame member at a respective side of the opening, the flexible sheet material being of an open structure and the connection with the frame member being by adhesive which permeates the material from one side to the other. The connection of the sheet material to the frame members is such as to resist loading applied by an adult person acting against the sheet material. The sheet material can be cut by a sharp blade for subsequent removal of the temporary protection from the opening when no longer required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 3, 2007
    Publication date: June 19, 2008
    Applicant: ITW AUSTRALIA PTY LTD
    Inventor: Bernard Joseph KENNELLY
  • Patent number: 7185694
    Abstract: A sunshade for a vehicle such as an automobile includes a housing that is adapted to be mounted to a vehicle window and a drum member mounted for rotation within the housing about which a flexible, weblike shade element is wound. A retraction mechanism is provided for enabling the shade element to be moved from a first, retracted position wherein most of the shade element is wrapped about the drum member and a second, extended position wherein the shade element is at least partially unwrapped from the drum member. The retraction mechanism includes a biasing mechanism for biasing the drum member so that the shade element is urged toward the first, retracted position, and an arresting mechanism that is constructed and arranged so as to permit the drum member to be stopped when the shade element is in the second, extended position and, in addition, in at least one intermediate position that is between the first, retracted position and the second, extended position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 6, 2007
    Assignee: Munchkin, Inc.
    Inventors: Steven B. Dunn, Josiah To Sang Li
  • Patent number: 7117565
    Abstract: Support for fixing an accessory (3) to a flexible arm (1), characterized in that this support (2) comprises at least one leg (11) fixed with one far end (13) to one of the far ends (6–7) of adjoining hinge-mounted parts (4–5) of the flexible arm (1) which are connected to each other in a hinged manner.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2006
    Assignee: BRUSTOR, naamloze vennootschap
    Inventor: Louis Brutsaert
  • Patent number: 7097891
    Abstract: A partitioning device for sealingly closing an opening in a working surface is provided. The partitioning device generally includes a panel having a sealing side including a perimeter portion. An adhesive trim is disposed about the perimeter portion on the sealing side. A package trim is removably attached to the adhesive trim, such that when the package trim is removed to expose the adhesive trim the partitioning device can be sealingly adhered to a wall surface surrounding a wall opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2003
    Date of Patent: August 29, 2006
    Inventor: Mark S Fenelon
  • Patent number: 6877548
    Abstract: Indirect lighting system having an elongated housing or reflector which can be mounted on the headrail of a vertical blind or the like, with a light source disposed centrally of the housing or reflector for illuminating the surface of the blind. In some disclosed embodiments, the housing is mounted in a stationary position, and in others the reflector rotates to control the direction in which the light shines. Wiring for the system is concealed, and in some embodiments, the system includes a valance with removable panels overlying the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2005
    Inventors: Clifford Eugene Chartier, Michael Paul Chartier
  • Patent number: 6812397
    Abstract: A device intended to be used as a shade, awning, blind and swimming pool cover includes a photocurrent-generating fabric and a support for winding and storing the fabric. The support is formed by an axisymetric tube of regular polygonal cross-section around the periphery of which the fabric is wound. The photo current-generating fabric includes a layer of interconnected photovoltaic cells.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: November 2, 2004
    Inventor: Jacques Lambey
  • Patent number: 6701995
    Abstract: A combination shade handle and light is provided comprising a handle body with a grip portion and a holder portion. The holder portion has a cavity for receiving and storing a security light. A plurality of holder members are provided which secure the security light in the cavity in a snap-fit fashion. The shade handle is attachable to an automobile shade roller assembly for covering an automobile storage compartment. In another aspect, a roller shade is provided having a handle with an integrated removable security light.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 26, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 9, 2004
    Assignee: Irvin Automotive Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Bogdanski
  • Patent number: 6609747
    Abstract: A shutter system for a recreational vehicle is mounted on upper and lower rails on an outside of a side wall of the recreational vehicle adjacent the side windows of the vehicle. The shutter system includes a pair of shutters which are moveable on the upper and lower rails and a warm air supply. The warm air supply blows warm air over the outside surface of the window to defrost or defog the windows.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 26, 2003
    Inventor: Primitivo F. Ruiz