Drum Or Roller Wound Strand Patents (Class 160/170)
  • Patent number: 11649674
    Abstract: The invention relates to an operating mechanism for a cordless window covering such as a roller blind, comprising at least one substantially stationary inner shaft which is connectable to the fixed world and at least one axially rotatable drive shaft configured for driving and thereby lowering and/or raising the window covering. The system is in particular configured to provide controlled operation of a cordless window covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 16, 2023
    Assignee: VAKO B.V.
    Inventor: Nanne Willem Valkenburg
  • Patent number: 11466515
    Abstract: The object of the present invention is to provide a lifting type push-pull positioning curtain which can realize the self-locked positioning of the curtain body without the exposed drawstring and can adjust the unfolding length of the curtain body infinitely. A lifting type push-pull positioning curtain, comprises a curtain body, a mounting box and a push-pull positioning device. The push-pull positioning device comprises an active reel, a transmission wheel set and a slave reel. The transmission wheel set comprises a driving wheel and a driven wheel, the driven wheel receive a scroll spring therein, the head end of the scroll spring is connected to the driving wheel; the active reel and the slave reel are wound with a thread rope therein respectively, and one end of the thread rope is fixed to the reel and the other end thereof is fixed to the bottom of the curtain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 9, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 11, 2022
    Assignees: Lewis Hyman Inc., Florid Bamboo Ltd. Co.
    Inventor: Xiaoliang Fang
  • Patent number: 11448012
    Abstract: A spring drive system for a window shade includes a housing, a cord drum and a first gear fixedly connected with each other and pivotally connected with the housing, the cord drum being connected with two second suspension cords, a second gear pivotally connected with the housing, two spring reels respectively pivotally connected at two opposite sides of the second gear so that the two spring reels are respectively rotatable relative to the second gear, the second gear and the two spring reels being disposed in a coaxial manner, a third gear pivotally connected with the housing and respectively meshed with the first and second gears, the third gear being fixedly connected with two second take-up reel at two opposite sides, and two springs each assembled around one corresponding spring reel and having one end connected with one corresponding take-up reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 24, 2018
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: TEH YOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chin-Tien Huang, Chien-Fong Huang
  • Patent number: 11326397
    Abstract: A roller shade actuation device includes a driver arranged in a winding drum, a shaft fixed to a support frame outside one end of the winding drum and inserted into the winding drum, and a transmission mechanism for realizing power transmission between the driver and the shaft. The driver includes a housing relatively fixed to the winding drum, a rotation power member arranged in the housing, and a driving gear coaxial with and fixed to an output shaft of the rotation power member. The transmission mechanism includes a first transmission gear meshed with the driving gear, a synchronous gear coaxial with the first transmission gear, and a fixed gear fixed to the shaft and meshed with the synchronous gear. Axial directions of the output shaft and the shaft are vertical, and the synchronous gear and the fixed gear are bevel gears whose axial directions are perpendicular to each other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 24, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Leafy Windoware Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Zhenbang Lei, Xingbang Lei
  • Patent number: 11286714
    Abstract: A window shutter actuation device includes a cord for driving window shutter slats to move, a retracting mechanism for winding an end of the cord away from the window shutter slats, a brake mechanism arranged between the retracting mechanism and the window shutter slats for controlling a retracting or releasing speed of the cord, and a power mechanism for driving the retracting mechanism to rotate to wind the cord. The retracting mechanism includes a frame, a reel rotatably mounted to the frame for winding the cord, and a wheel arranged outside and adjacent to an end of the reel. The end of the cord wound on the reel passes about the wheel and then extends to the brake mechanism after extending from the reel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Inventors: Zhenbang Lei, Xingbang Lei
  • Patent number: 11261655
    Abstract: A spring drive system for a window shade includes a housing, a first and a second gear engaged with each other and respectively assembled about a first and a second pivot axis, two springs respectively assembled at two opposite sides of the second gear and respectively connected with two take-up reels provided on the first gear, a first cord drum and a third gear fixedly connected with each other and assembled about a third pivot axis, the first and third gears being respectively located at different levels along the first and third pivot axes and respectively engaged with a first gear train, a second cord drum and a fourth gear fixedly connected with each other and assembled about a fourth pivot axis, the second and fourth gears being respectively located at different levels along the second and fourth pivot axes and respectively engaged with a second gear train.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 2019
    Date of Patent: March 1, 2022
    Assignee: Teh Yor Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Chin-Tien Huang, Chien-Fong Huang
  • Patent number: 11230881
    Abstract: A window blind includes a headrail and a covering structure provided below the headrail. The covering structure includes multiple slats, which can be turned, lifted, and lowered. A driving module is immovably provided in the headrail and includes a power unit. A modulation assembly includes an adjustment member which is drivable to drive an adjustment cord assembly, turning the slats. A block and tackle system is provided in the headrail, and includes a movable member, which is drivable by the power unit to optionally reciprocate in a longitudinal direction of the headrail. A lifting cord assembly is connected to the block and tackle system, and extends out of the headrail to be fixedly connected to a bottom of the covering structure. When the movable member reciprocates in the longitudinal direction, the lifting cord assembly is driven to lift or lower the covering structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2018
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2022
    Assignee: NIEN MADE ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lin Chen, Keng-Hao Nien
  • Patent number: 11208841
    Abstract: In one aspect, a slat configured for use with a covering for an architectural structure includes a route slot defined at least partially by a route wall that is recessed relative to one or more outer faces of the slat. Additionally, the recessed route wall further defines a through-hole for passing a cord through the route slot between the opposed outer faces of the slat. By configuring the disclosed route slot in this manner, the dimensions of the through-hole can be significantly reduced while still allowing full tilting of the slat to the closed position, thereby increasing light control and privacy for the associated covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventors: Richard N. Anderson, Eugene W. Thompson
  • Patent number: 11149489
    Abstract: A transmission for use with an architectural-structure covering for moving a covering of the architectural-structure covering between an extended position and a retracted position is disclosed. The transmission may include a drive shaft, a driven shaft including a tapered shaft portion, a transmission cord operatively coupled to the drive shaft and the driven shaft for transferring rotation between the drive shaft and the driven shaft, and a geared assembly. The geared assembly may include an intermediate member, first and second gears coupled to the intermediate member, a first shaft, and an end cover coupled to the intermediate member and the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 19, 2021
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventors: Jeffrey L. Spray, Mark Schwandt, Paul D. Mischo
  • Patent number: 11111721
    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: July 5, 2019
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2021
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventors: Richard N. Anderson, Robert E. Fisher, II, Donald E. Fraser, Stephen R. Haarer
  • Patent number: 11072975
    Abstract: A side-inserted cord rolling device for a non-pull cord window blind includes a base, first and second wheels disposed on the base and respectively located near an end plate and an opening provided at two ends of the base, a torsion spring, and two lift transmission cords. The first wheel has top, middle and bottom layers separated by disc portions. The torsion spring connects the bottom layer of the first wheel and the second wheel. An end of the lift transmission cords are connected to the top and middle layers of the first wheel respectively. Another end of the lift transmission cords are inserted through the opening of the base to be located out of the base for being connected with a bottom beam.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Jumbo Home Deco. Corporation (Cayman)
    Inventor: Po-Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 10954716
    Abstract: In one aspect, a lift station configured for use with a covering for an architectural structure includes a housing and one or more lift spools disposed within a spool cavity defined by the housing. Additionally, the lift station also includes first and second outriggers extending outwardly from opposed sides of the housing of the lift station. The first outrigger is configured to define a first cord guide surface for guiding a front lift cord between a front side of the covering and the spool cavity of the housing. Similarly, the second outrigger is configured to define a second cord guide surface for guiding a rear lift cord between a rear side of the covering and the spool cavity of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 11, 2018
    Date of Patent: March 23, 2021
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Richard N. Anderson, Eugene W. Thompson
  • Patent number: 10927596
    Abstract: A spring drive system for a window shade includes a housing, a plurality of rotary members, a spring and a latch. The rotary members are rotationally linked to one another and pivotally connected with the housing, wherein the rotary members include a rotary drum that is connected with a suspension member and is rotatable relative to the housing for winding or unwinding the suspension member. The spring is assembled with the housing, and can bias the rotary drum in rotation for winding the suspension member. The latch is assembled with the housing, the latch being movable to engage with and disengage from one of the rotary members to respectively prevent and allow rotation of the rotary drum.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 30, 2018
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2021
    Assignee: TEH YOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chin-Tien Huang, Chien-Fong Huang
  • Patent number: 10883307
    Abstract: A winding assembly and a retractable curtain, which may adjust the tensile force of a cord. The winding assembly of the retractable curtain comprises a fixing seat and a winding shaft rotatably disposed on the fixing seat, wherein a threading hole and guiding holes are opened in the fixing seat for the cord to pass through successively; there is a plurality of guiding holes opened in different positions of the fixing seat, and the threading hole is located between the outer wall of the winding shaft and the plurality of guiding holes. The outer wall of the winding shaft tilts outward gradually along the axis thereof, and the threading hole is opened on a part of the fixing seat corresponding to one end of the winding shaft with a larger outer diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 13, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 5, 2021
    Assignee: Suzhou Hongren Window Decorations Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jiehren Huang
  • Patent number: 10876759
    Abstract: An environmental window apparatus includes at least two dry open window (DOW) assemblies stacked on top of each other. Each DOW assembly includes a dry open window (DOW) structure having a plurality of louvers which, when viewed in cross section, have ā€œVā€ or ā€œWā€ shapes that enable air to pass through a window opening while limiting passage of precipitation, the precipitation being captured by the louvers for collection or drainage and a plurality of vertical members supporting the louvers in a spaced apart arrangement. A plurality of vertical rods are fixed to the vertical members of each DOW assembly by fasteners in a spaced apart arrangement to hold the DOW assemblies in place.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 18, 2019
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Inventor: Zhihua Fang
  • Patent number: 10822871
    Abstract: A double-layer cord rolling device includes a driving unit, and a cord rolling unit disposed under the driving unit. The driving unit has an upper base, two torsion spring gears rotatably disposed in the upper base and engaged with each other, and a torsion spring connecting the two torsion spring gears. The cord rolling unit has a lower base connected with the upper base, two cord rolling wheels disposed in the lower base in a way that they are capable of rotating synchronously and coaxial with the torsion spring gears respectively, and two lift transmission cords connected to the two cord rolling wheels respectively. A transmission shaft is employed to connect a torsion spring gear and a corresponding one of the cord rolling wheels, enabling them to rotate synchronously.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2018
    Date of Patent: November 3, 2020
    Assignee: Jumbo Home Deco. Corporation
    Inventor: Po-Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 10808456
    Abstract: A blind body actuator casing includes a plastic top panel defining a bottom wall, a plastic bottom panel defining a top wall and detachably fastened to the plastic top panel with a predetermined interval defined between the bottom wall of the plastic top panel and the top wall of the plastic bottom panel, and a plurality of metal wheel axles connected between the bottom wall of the plastic top panel and the top wall of the plastic bottom panel. Thus, the invention effectively reduces noises during rotation of rotary components that are mounted on the metal wheel axles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 20, 2020
    Assignee: SHEEN WORLD TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Po-Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 10787859
    Abstract: A retracting means comprises a synchronizing wheel group and transmission assemblies, the transmission assembly at each side being connected with a winding assembly; each transmission assembly comprises a first bevel gear and a second bevel gear which are engaged with each other, and the first bevel gear is connected with at least one synchronizing wheel; each winding assembly comprises a fixing seat, a winding shaft and a transmission shaft, the transmission shaft is connected with a corresponding second bevel gear, the winding shaft passes though and is coaxial with the transmission shaft, the outer wall of the winding shaft tilts outward gradually along the axis of the transmission shaft.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 12, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 29, 2020
    Assignee: Suzhou Hongren Window Decorations Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jiehren Huang
  • Patent number: 10641039
    Abstract: A cord separator used in a blind cord winding mechanism is disclosed to include a support portion, two wing portions respectively and outwardly extended from two opposite lateral sides of the support portion and respectively defining therein a cord insertion hole for the passing of one respective transmission cord, and two extension portions respectively perpendicularly extended from the wing portions along the axial direction of the cord insertion holes in parallel manner and respectively terminating in a positioning end portion for hooking on one respective side post of the blind cord winding mechanism so that the cord separator is capable of separating two transmission cords of the blind cord winding mechanism and preventing the two transmission cords from interfering with each other or being tangled during transmission.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 5, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 5, 2020
    Assignee: SHEEN WORLD TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
    Inventor: Po-Yu Chen
  • Patent number: 10612299
    Abstract: A control device reduces an expansion speed of a covering material of a window covering system. The window covering system comprises the control device, the covering material and a weight member attached below the covering material to provide a weight force to the covering material. The control device comprises a driving module, a lifting module comprising a winding device configured to operate with the drive member and the covering material simultaneously, a damping module configured to operate with the winding device in only one direction for providing a damping force to the winding device selectively; wherein the damping force is provided to the winding device for reducing the expansion speed of the covering material when the winding device is rotated in the first direction; and wherein no damping force is provided to the winding device when the winding device is rotated in a second direction opposite to the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 16, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Nien Made Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lin Chen, Keng-Hao Nien
  • Patent number: 10612300
    Abstract: A window blind includes a fixed rail and a plurality of slats hang below the fixed rail through a ladder tape. The slats are controlled by an output adjustment mechanism to change between a first state and a second state. In addition, an output clutch mechanism is provided to collect or to expand the window blind. Said output adjustment mechanism and said output clutch mechanism are both controlled by an input mechanism. Whereby, it requires only one single control module to adjust shielding of the slat assembly composed of the slats, and to expand or collect the slat assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2020
    Assignee: Nien Made Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lin Chen, Keng-Hao Nien
  • Patent number: 10575846
    Abstract: A retraction mechanism allows the full distal retraction of the firing drive from various positions. The retraction mechanism has been developed for use with a hand held surgical apparatus. An embodiment of the retraction mechanism includes a drive member, a first pulley, a second pulley, and a firing drive. The drive mechanism is configured to be driven by a motor. The first pulley is configured to rotate when the motor drives the drive mechanism. The second pulley is movable relative to the first pulley between a proximal position and a distal position. The firing drive is movable relative to the first pulley between proximal and distal positions. In operation, the first pulley rotates in a first direction in response to a distal translation of the firing drive and wherein the firing drive moves proximally upon rotation of the first pulley in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Stanislaw Marczyk, Joseph Bender-Zanoni
  • Patent number: 10533371
    Abstract: A window covering system comprises a shell, a weight member, a covering material positioned between the shell and the weight member, a control device. The covering material comprises at least one ladder, multiple slats corresponding to the at least one ladder, and at least one lifting cord, wherein the lifting cord is connected between the shell and the weight member. The control device comprises a driving module, a releasing module, and an operation module that are connected to each other. The ladder is connected to the operation module, and the lifting cord is connected to the driving module, such that the operation module drives the ladder to tilt the slats, at the same time, the releasing module is driven by the operation module to remove restriction to the driving module, hence descending the weight member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 29, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 14, 2020
    Assignee: NIEN MADE ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lin Chen, Keng-Hao Nien
  • Patent number: 10352096
    Abstract: A winding device for a roller shade includes a side bracket (1), a self-locking unit (2) and a return wheel module (3). The self-locking unit is mounted in the side bracket and includes at least one support member (21) and at least one stop member (22). The return wheel module is mounted in the side bracket and includes a return wheel (31), a winder wheel (32) and a volute spiral blade spring (33) stretched between the return wheel and the winder wheel. The volute spiral blade spring has a distal end (331) connected to the winder wheel and is provided with a locking portion (332) that is located at the distal end and is movable to lock the at least one stop member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2019
    Assignee: MY HOME GLOBAL COMPANY
    Inventor: Ju-Huai Chen
  • Patent number: 10302172
    Abstract: A window covering control assembly is used in a window covering system. The window covering control assembly comprises a driving module and a speed control module, and is provided in the shell, engaged to the weight element for simultaneous operation therewith. The driving module comprises a cord collecting assembly mounted in the shell. The cord collecting assembly is configured to operate in a first direction while a first driving force acting upon the cord collecting assembly such that the weight element descends away from the shell. The first driving force comprises at least a weight of the weight element. The speed control module is positioned corresponding to the driving module. A resistance force is selectively generated between the speed control module and the driving module, and this force reduces an operation speed of the cord collecting assembly in the first direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 2017
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2019
    Assignee: NIEN MADE ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lin Chen, Keng-Hao Nien
  • Patent number: 10273749
    Abstract: A cord winding mechanism for a blind cord with a first end fixed to a window blind includes a base, a cord winder rotatably mounted to the base, a cord guiding assembly mounted to the base, and an elastic press member mounted to the base. The cord winder defines an annular slot to wind the blind cord layer by layer. The cord guiding assembly is abutted against an unwound portion of the blind cord between the cord winder and the window blind. A second end of the blind cord is fixed to an end of the cord winder in the slot. The press member is elastically abutted against a portion of the blind cord just separate from the cord winder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 30, 2019
    Inventors: Zhenbang Lei, Xinbang Lei
  • Patent number: 10174547
    Abstract: An unequal-torque coil spring and a spring motor thereof which is adapted for a curtain set that can automatically fold back a curtain; the same provides a feedback torque that responds to different stages of a curtain-folding working process and generates various corresponding torque in response, as each of the different stages requires a different force. Consequently, the curtain can be folded back at a steady speed, and positionally fixed at any height when the curtain is lowered.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 22, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 8, 2019
    Assignees: ANLI SPRING CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Hsien-Te Huang, Ta-Peng Huang
  • Patent number: 10138674
    Abstract: A control device of a cordless blinds assembly includes a bottom box and a rod unit which is received in the bottom box. The rod unit is cooperated with the operation unit in the bottom box. The operation unit is cooperated with a pawl which is engaged with or disengaged from a gear of the coil spring plate seat so as to control the operation of the blinds assembly without using any operation cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 2016
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignee: CHING FENG HOME FASHIONS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Sheng Ying Hsu, Chun Jan Hsu
  • Patent number: 10125541
    Abstract: A winding mechanism adapted for window blinds includes a shaft and at least one spiral groove configured on the shaft. The shaft has a wider first end and a narrower second end, and a diameter of the shaft is gradually reduced from the wider first end to the narrower second end, one end of a pull rope is connected with the shaft, and the other end of the pull rope is connected with slats, the pull rope in turn winds around the spiral groove from the wider first end to the narrower second end, or in turn disengages from the spiral groove from the narrower second end to the wider first end. The force moment of the pull rope is varied with the diameter of the shaft, thereby an effortless and quick operation to pull or lift the window blind is obtained, and no rebound or no falling problem happens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: November 13, 2018
    Inventor: Huicai Zhang
  • Patent number: 9988838
    Abstract: A TDBU (top down, bottom up) window covering includes a first crossbeam and a second crossbeam below a fixture, wherein a slat assembly is connected between the first crossbeam and the second crossbeam. A first control structure is further provided in the first crossbeam, and a second control structure is provided in the second crossbeam. The first control structure moves the first crossbeam toward or away from the fixture, and the second control structure moves the second crossbeam toward or away from the first crossbeam. Whereby, the assembling and the maintenance of the window covering are more convenient and easier.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 1, 2016
    Date of Patent: June 5, 2018
    Assignee: NIEN MADE ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Lin Chen, Keng-Hao Nien
  • Patent number: 9976345
    Abstract: A blind body brake mechanism for non pull cord window blind utilizes two one-way clutch units to control the positioning of the blind body during the extending or receiving operation. Each one-way clutch unit includes a wheel axle, multiple stop blocks equiangularly connected to the wheel axle, an arched rolling groove defined between each two adjacent stop blocks, a planetary gear movably mounted in each arched rolling groove, and a one-way wheel mounted on the wheel axle and having an internal gear meshed with the planetary gears.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 22, 2018
    Inventor: Chin-Fu Chen
  • Patent number: 9957750
    Abstract: A window covering includes a positional adjustment mechanism connected to a first rail that includes a spring motor unit, a first lift cord pulley connected to the spring motor unit, a first lift cord collection mechanism having a first roller positioned in the first rail, and a first lift cord that extends from the first lift cord pulley through window covering material such that a portion of the first lift cord passes along the first roller. The first roller is configured so that it only rotates a pre-selected number of revolutions when the window covering material is moved from the extended position to the retracted such that the first roller no longer rotates in the second rotational direction as the window covering material is moved from an extended position to a retracted position after having rotated the pre-selected number of revolutions in the second rotational direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: May 1, 2018
    Assignee: Whole Space Industries LTD
    Inventor: Tzu-Yen Lin
  • Patent number: 9903157
    Abstract: A rail, such as a head rail, for an architectural covering. The rail includes a housing having elongate walls extending along a length of the housing and defining therebetween a width of the housing. A drive shaft is rotatable about a drive axis extending along the length of the housing and is configured to wind and unwind lift cords or blind material of the architectural covering. A spring assist module, e.g. a spring motor has an output shaft rotatable about an output axis with rotation of the drive shaft. The spring assist module is mounted in the housing with the output axis parallel to the drive axis. The spring assist module extends outwardly in a width direction beyond the width of the housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 30, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 27, 2018
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INDUSTRIES B.V.
    Inventors: Nicolaas (a/k/a Nico) Dekker, Ralph Steenbergen
  • Patent number: 9878872
    Abstract: A cord winder spindle cover housing, wherein the housing is mountable onto a spindle, and said housing has (i) a drive portion for receiving a cord that controls the extension and retraction of a blind and (ii) at least one opening through which the cord passes, the opening defined by a pair of spaced but opposing convex surfaces.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2013
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Assignee: Acmeda Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Carmelo Joseph Licciardi Di Stefano
  • Patent number: 9797189
    Abstract: A spring drive system for a cordless window shade includes multiple rotary drums respectively connected with suspension cords, and one or more springs respectively connected with the rotary drums. The rotary drums are operatively connected with each other, so that they can synchronously rotate to wind and unwind the suspension cords. Moreover, each of the rotary drums is connected with an end of one spring. The spring torque can act to sustain a bottom part of the window shade at any desired height, and drive rotation of the rotary drums to wind the suspension cords when the bottom rail is raised upward.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 24, 2017
    Assignee: TEH YOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chin-Tien Huang, Fu-Lai Yu
  • Patent number: 9759010
    Abstract: A method in accordance with the invention includes a headrail bracket configured to be inserted into a headrail at an angle from a top thereof. The headrail bracket includes clips snap into a top edge of the headrail, and an attachment mechanism to attach to a gearbox assembly configured to rotate a tilt rod of a window blind tilting mechanism. In certain embodiments, the headrail bracket is a single component with a substantially low profile. This headrail bracket may span a top of the headrail. In other embodiments, the headrail bracket includes a first component to secure a first end of the gearbox assembly to the headrail and a second component to secure a second end of the gearbox assembly to the headrail. In certain embodiments, the first component slides over the first end of the gearbox assembly and the second component slides over the second end of the gearbox assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 12, 2017
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Austin Benjamin Carlson, Emily Brimhall
  • Patent number: 9752380
    Abstract: A cord wrapping mechanism converts linear motion to circular motion for use in coverings for architectural openings. The cord is guided onto a spool.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventors: Richard Anderson, Robert E. Fisher, Donald E. Fraser, Steven R. Haarer
  • Patent number: 9732555
    Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening including a first rail, a second rail moveable relative to the first rail, a third rail moveable relative to the first rail, and a lift assembly coupled to the first rail. The lift assembly includes a first drum rotatable about a first axis, a second drum rotatable about a second axis; a first lift cord coupled between the first drum and the second rail, and a second lift cord coupled between the second drum and the third rail. The first drum is offset from the second drum, and a portion of the first drum overlaps a portion of the second drum along a third axis that is perpendicular to the first axis and the second axis.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: SPRINGS WINDOW FASHIONS, LLC
    Inventor: John Morris
  • Patent number: 9714538
    Abstract: A includes upper and lower rails, a blind unit, a reel unit, mounted to the upper rail, two pull cords, a retarding unit mounted to the upper rail, and a ladder-string adjusting unit. The retarding unit includes two retarders each of which includes a bracket, a first retarding shaft mounted to a lateral wall of the bracket, and a rod member mounted to an end wall of the bracket. The ladder-string adjusting unit includes two ladder-string seats respectively mounted to the brackets of the retarders, a connecting rod interconnecting the ladder-string seats, and two ladder strings connected to the blind unit. Each of the ladder-string seats is located above the rod member and the first retarding shaft of the corresponding retarder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 10, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 25, 2017
    Assignee: TAICANG KINGFU PLASTIC MANUFACTURE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Szu-Chang Huang
  • Patent number: 9574396
    Abstract: A spring drive system includes a housing, an extendible window cover coupled with the housing, and at least one lift cord coupled to the cover for raising and lowering the window cover. A spring drive system comprises a first spring drive spool spaced apart from a second spring drive spool and at least one spring having a storage end coupled to one of the spring drive spools and an output end coupled to the other of the spring drive spools. A first cord spool has a first cord spool axis. The lift cord extends from the first cord spool to the window cover for assisting in raising and lowering of the cover, and the spring drive system affects rotation of the first cord spool about the first cord spool axis and has no external hand-operated control cord input to raise and lower the window cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 21, 2017
    Inventors: Russell L. Hinckley, Sr., Robert F. Miller
  • Patent number: 9487996
    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: February 27, 2013
    Date of Patent: November 8, 2016
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries B.V.
    Inventors: Ralph Steenbergen, Nicolaas Dekker, Wilfred Slobbe
  • Patent number: 9482049
    Abstract: A curtain body locating mechanism of a curtain with no cord mainly utilizes two separation and reunion units to control the locating effect when a curtain body is being spread or folded. The separation and reunion unit comprises an axle, two braking blocks, a separation and reunion wheel and two planetary gears. The two braking blocks are spaced apart and connected to the periphery of the axle so that a rolling groove is formed between the two braking blocks. The separation and reunion wheel is nested onto the axle and has an inner ring gear surrounding the two braking blocks. Each of the planetary gears is disposed within one of the rolling grooves and engaged with the inner ring gear of the separation and reunion wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: November 1, 2016
    Inventor: Chin-Fu Chen
  • Patent number: 9433415
    Abstract: A retraction mechanism allows the full distal retraction of the firing drive from various positions. The retraction mechanism has been developed for use with a hand held surgical apparatus. An embodiment of the retraction mechanism includes a drive member, a first pulley, a second pulley, and a firing drive. The drive mechanism is configured to be driven by a motor. The first pulley is configured to rotate when the motor drives the drive mechanism. The second pulley is movable relative to the first pulley between a proximal position and a distal position. The firing drive is movable relative to the first pulley between proximal and distal positions. In operation, the first pulley rotates in a first direction in response to a distal translation of the firing drive and wherein the firing drive moves proximally upon rotation of the first pulley in a second direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Assignee: Covidien LP
    Inventors: Stanislaw Marczyk, Joseph Bender-Zanoni
  • Patent number: 9435153
    Abstract: A curtain body locating mechanism for use in a curtain with no cord comprises a fixed base, two first driving wheels, two second driving wheels, two movable shafts and two resistance wheels. The first driving wheels are disposed on the fixed base and connected together by a coil spring, and the second driving wheels are disposed on the fixed base and engaged with the first driving wheels. Each of two driving ropes is connected to each of the second driving wheels, and the two movable shafts are disposed on the fixed base movably in the horizontal direction and are connected together by a tension spring. The resistance wheel is nested onto the movable shaft rotatably and is surrounded by one of the driving ropes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2016
    Inventor: Chin-Fu Chen
  • Patent number: 9366076
    Abstract: A cord winding structure for window blind includes a cord winding assembly composed of a first and a second plate member, a guide rod, a first and a second shaft, a first and a second guiding wheel, and a spiral spring. The first plate member has a guide rod support bracket unit upward projected from one side thereof for supporting the guide rod thereon. The second plate member has a plurality of pulley sets provided thereon. The first and second guiding wheels are rotatably connected to between the first and the second plate member via the first and the second shaft, respectively. The spiral spring is fitted to one side of the second guiding wheel with an end extended to fasten to the first guiding wheel. A first cord is wound around the guide rod, the pulley sets and a first cord receiving groove of the first guiding wheel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 14, 2016
    Inventor: Min-Che Hung
  • Patent number: 9359814
    Abstract: A spring drive system includes a housing and an extendable window cover that is coupled to the housing. The window cover has at least one lift cord that is employed to retract the window cover. The system also includes a first cord spool and a spring drive system having at least one spring having a storage end that is operably coupled to a storage spool and an output end that is operably coupled to an output spool. The lift cord extends from the first cord spool to the window cover, and the spring drive system has an output that controls tension on the first cord spool and no external hand-operated control cord as an input used to raise and lower the window cover.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 1, 2015
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Inventors: Russell L. Hinckley, Robert F. Miller
  • Patent number: 9316050
    Abstract: A cordless curtain assembly includes a head box, a control unit, a fixed part, a movable part, a spring, an operation cord and a bottom bar. The curtain body is connected between the head box and the bottom bar. The fixed part is fixed to the head box and the movable part is located between the fixed part and the spring which is connected between the movable part and a fixed member of the head box. The user pulls or pushes the bottom bar move the movable part and the spring so as to operate the operation cord to control the position of the curtain body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 15, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Assignee: Ching Feng Home Fashions Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Sheng-Ying Hsu, Chun Jan Hsu
  • Patent number: 9316051
    Abstract: A spring drive system useful for window covers is disclosed, which comprises one or more coil spring drives or flat spring drives and the combination whose elements are selected from one or more of a group which includes (1) a band or cord transmission which provides varying ratio power transfer as the cover is opened and closed; (2) gear means comprising various gear sets which provide frictional holding force and fixed power transfer ratios; (3) a gear transmission which provides fixed ratio power transfer as the cover is opened or closed; (4) crank mechanisms; (5) brake mechanisms; and (6) recoiler mechanisms. The combination permits the spring drive force to be tailored to the weight and/or compression characteristics of an associated window cover such as a horizontal slat or pleated or box blind as the cover is opened and closed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 29, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2016
    Inventors: Russell L. Hinckley, Robert F. Miller
  • Patent number: 9309716
    Abstract: A transmission mechanism of a window covering includes a first lifting cord set, a second lifting cord set, and a driving cord set. The driving cord set has a cone reel and a control cord, wherein the cone reel has a gradually decreasing dimension, and the control cord winds around the cone reel and has a section left out of the headrail. The first and the second lifting cord sets each has a reel and a lifting cord, wherein the reel is driven by the cone reel, and the lifting cord has opposite ends fastened to the reel and the bottom rail respectively. The cone reel changes a speed and torque of the power transferred to the bottom rail while the user pulls the control cord to lift the bottom cord and the slats of the window covering in an efficient way.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 22, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 12, 2016
    Assignee: NIEN MADE ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Lin Chen
  • Patent number: 9297203
    Abstract: A curtain drawstring structure may include an upper beam, a fixed unit, and a movable unit. The upper beam has a rail groove for a string hole, and a projecting rail is protrudingly disposed at a lower portion of the inner wall of each rail groove, and an evading space is used to separate the two projecting rails. Through the size difference of guiding wheels and steering wheels and the engagement of pressing rods and stepped slots of the fixed unit and movable unit, a retractable cord can be fully separated to avoid entanglement. The retractable cord can be simply wrapped on the guiding wheels and steering wheels to complete the installation process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2015
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2016
    Inventor: Mei-Chin Hsueh-Cheng