Subcombinations Or Structure Thereof Patents (Class 160/178.1R)
  • Publication number: 20140284006
    Abstract: A safety rope assembly for curtains includes multiple control units wrapped to multiple transmission units in the head box. Multiple slats extend through the ring-shaped support ropes. When the control units are operated, the transmission ropes are restricted by the separation ropes and cannot be pulled easily out to ensure that the transmission ropes do not cause dangerous situation to kids. The transmission ropes are operated steadily and effectively.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 22, 2013
    Publication date: September 25, 2014
    Applicants: CHING FENG HOME FASHIONS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: WEN YING LIANG, A-NAN CHEN
  • Patent number: 8776859
    Abstract: A safety device for use with a control loop of a window covering includes one or a pair of rigid elongated housings configured to be mounted in a fixed vertical orientation adjacent one side of the window covering. Each elongated housing defines a longitudinal channel therein that is configured to receive portions of the control loop therein so as to prevent small children from becoming entangled with or strangled by the control loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 15, 2014
    Inventor: James G. Frederick
  • Patent number: 8662136
    Abstract: An anti-strangulation apparatus for, and hanging freely with, a looped cord of a window covering device. The apparatus includes a tube. The tube at first has the looped cord of the window covering device enter therein, then has the looped cord of the window covering device exit therefrom and run therealong, and then has the looped cord of the window covering device reenter therein again where the looped cord of the window covering device is reeved, and in so doing, the anti-strangulation device is allowed to hang freely with the looped cord of the window covering device and keep the looped cord of the window covering device snug enough against the tube to prevent strangulation by the looped cord of the window covering device, while allowing the looped cord of the window covering device to remain fully operational.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 1, 2010
    Date of Patent: March 4, 2014
    Inventor: Robert L. Nevins
  • Patent number: 8567474
    Abstract: A window covering is disclosed that has a safety device that includes a first cord segment having stops spaced along the first cord segment, and a second cord segment having stops spaced along the second cord segment. The first cord segment and the second cord segment extend from respective end caps. The end caps are configured to connect to the ends of a bottom rail. A first anchor is connected to the first cord segment, and a second anchor is connected to the second cord segment. At least one of the first end cap and the first anchor is configured to releasably connect to the first cord segment at a selected stop on the first cord segment and at least one of the second anchor and the second end cap is configured to releasably connect to the second cord segment at a selected stop on the second cord segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Whole Space Industries Ltd
    Inventor: Tzong Fu Lin
  • Patent number: 8215368
    Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening and a method of arranging at least one movement cord includes a cover extending between an uppermost member and a lowermost member, an active end of the at least one movement cord being attached to the lowermost member and extending from the lowermost member to the uppermost member and the at least one movement cord extending, as the loose length, from the uppermost member to a distal end.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Date of Patent: July 10, 2012
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries BV
    Inventor: Nicholas Mark Ellis
  • Patent number: 8113262
    Abstract: An accessory wand handle for use on existing control wands. An elongated handle with a bore is fitted over the end of an existing wand for blinds. The handle is secured on the existing wand by a frictional fit between the outside surface of the existing wand and the inner surface of the bore in the accessory wand handle. The wand handle is larger than a wand to provide a mechanical advantage for users to turn the wand. The wand handle itself can be constructed to compliment the appearance of the wand. There is sufficient space between the wand and the walls of the bore for placement of decorative items. The handle itself may be decorated or inscribed with logo or other promotional materials.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 14, 2012
    Inventor: Robert David Gillis
  • Patent number: 8028737
    Abstract: A mounting system is configured for removably mounting window treatments within and external to a window frame. Internal and external wall mounts are mounted respectively within and external to the window frame. Window treatment supports are alternately removably mountable on the internal and external wall mounts in order to mount the window treatments within and external to the window frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2011
    Inventor: Michael A. Lewis
  • Publication number: 20110203745
    Abstract: An inexpensive and easy to install privacy screen for a single- or double-hung sash window. The invention comprises a plurality of horizontal louvers that are translucent and flexible, and a pair of vertical side members having a plurality of parallel slits. The louvers are affixed in parallel at both ends to the vertical side members by insertion into the slits. When installed in an open single- or double-hung sash window, the invention permits air circulation and the passage of natural light into an enclosed space, while maintaining an occupant's privacy. The invention is to be installed above or below a first sash of the window so as to allow the user to move a second sash to open and close the window with the invention in place.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 24, 2011
    Publication date: August 25, 2011
    Inventor: Odilio Abreu
  • Publication number: 20110155331
    Abstract: A dual purpose Venetian blind for assisting in cooling and/or heating an adjacent room by providing slats with one side having a heat absorbing surface and the opposite side having a heat reflecting surface. The blind slats are selectively moveable to present the reflective or absorbing side to the outside and either reflect light and heat or absorb the light and heat. Thus, a room with such a blind can have temperature control assisted by positioning the reflective facing the outside during the summer to reflect heat and the dark side facing out during the winter to absorb heat energy from the sun.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 31, 2009
    Publication date: June 30, 2011
    Inventor: Kerry Lopin
  • Publication number: 20110042018
    Abstract: The present invention discloses a blind adapted to be used in a double glazing. The double glazing includes a magnet disposed in a lower supporting member of the double glazing. The blind comprises a weight bottom member, and magnetic members are disposed in the weight bottom member of the blind. During turning of the weight bottom member, the magnetic member disposed at a descending side of the weight bottom member is attracted by the magnet. Therefore, the turning control of the slats is more reliable. The present invention improves shadiness, shading coefficient, and heat preservation of the double glazing with the blind. The total energy saving performance of the double glazing with the blind is improved.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 11, 2010
    Publication date: February 24, 2011
    Inventor: Renzhe Jin
  • Publication number: 20100314053
    Abstract: A blind slat (1) has a substantially constant cross-sectional profile extending between a leading end (2) and a trailing end (3). The profile defines an upper face (4) of the slat (1). The upper face (4) has a convex portion (6) extending from adjacent the leading end (2) towards the trailing end (3). The convex portion (6) has an apex (7) at which the upper face (4) is parallel to a reference axis (R) of the profile that extends laterally between the leading end (2) and the trailing end (3). The upper face (4) also has a concave portion (8) located between the convex portion (6) and the trailing end (3). The concave portion (8) has a base (9) at which the upper face (4) is parallel to the reference axis (R). An inflection (10) joins the convex portion (6) and the concave portion (8). The upper face (4) is inclined with respect to the reference axis (R) by at least 11° at the inflection (10). The profile has a depth measured between the leading end (2) and the trailing end (3) of between 105 and 150 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 16, 2010
    Applicant: LIFTMASTER ELECTRONICS PTY LTD
    Inventor: Franz Buser
  • Patent number: 7841376
    Abstract: A window covering is disclosed that has a safety device that includes a first cord segment having stops spaced along the first cord segment, and a second cord segment having stops spaced along the second cord segment. The first cord segment and the second cord segment extend from respective end caps. The end caps are configured to connect to the ends of a bottom rail. A first anchor is connected to the first cord segment, and a second anchor is connected to the second cord segment. At least one of the first end cap and the first anchor is configured to releasably connect to the first cord segment at a selected stop on the first cord segment and at least one of the second anchor and the second end cap is configured to releasably connect to the second cord segment at a selected stop on the second cord segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Whole Space Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Tzong Fu Lin
  • Patent number: 7793701
    Abstract: A operation wand assembly of a curtain a curved connection member adapted to be connected to the lower rail of the curtain and having a top recess. A through hole is defined through the curved connection member and communicates with the top recess. An engaging member is received in the top recess and has a tubular portion engaged with the through hole of the curved connection member. The tubular portion includes an open bottom and two connection grooves are defined through a wall of the tubular portion. An operation wand has two radial rods extending from a top thereof and the top of the operation wand is removably inserted into the open bottom of the tubular portion. The two radial rods are engaged with the connection grooves. The operation wand can be hooked to a positioning member on a wall when not in use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 26, 2008
    Date of Patent: September 14, 2010
    Assignee: Ching Feng Home Fashions Co., Ltd
    Inventors: Wen Ying Liang, Sheng Ying Hsu, Wu Chung Nien, Chien Chih Huang
  • Publication number: 20090301667
    Abstract: The present invention provides a method of making textile blind slat, including (a) weaving an elongated textile strip, wherein two longitudinal edge portions are double layered, forming an elongated inner space therein; (b) immerging the elongated textile strip into the hardening agent, wherein the elongated textile strip passes through the hardening agent at a predetermined speed; (c) squeezing the elongated textile strip for extruding the extra hardening agent and evenly distributing the hardening agent on the elongated textile strip, (d) drying the elongated textile strip after step (c) in a temperature between 100-180 Celsius degree; and (e) flattening the elongated textile strip after step (d), so as to serve as a transverse or vertical blind slat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2008
    Publication date: December 10, 2009
    Inventor: Jianming Yu
  • Patent number: 7543624
    Abstract: An apparatus is provided which allows curtain attachment devices to be easily connected to blind mounting devices, without the need for additional screws and additional hangers. In one embodiment of the present invention, an apparatus is provided including first, second, third, and fourth devices. The first and third devices may be conventional mounting brackets for conventional blinds. The second and fourth devices may attach to the first and third devices, respectively, to allow a curtain rod or bracket to be attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: June 9, 2009
    Inventor: Linda Rodriguez
  • Publication number: 20090101290
    Abstract: A window covering is disclosed that has a safety device that includes a first cord segment having stops spaced along the first cord segment, and a second cord segment having stops spaced along the second cord segment. The first cord segment and the second cord segment extend from respective end caps. The end caps are configured to connect to the ends of a bottom rail. A first anchor is connected to the first cord segment, and a second anchor is connected to the second cord segment. At least one of the first end cap and the first anchor is configured to releasably connect to the first cord segment at a selected stop on the first cord segment and at least one of the second anchor and the second end cap is configured to releasably connect to the second cord segment at a selected stop on the second cord segment.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Publication date: April 23, 2009
    Inventor: Tzong Fu Lin
  • Publication number: 20090032203
    Abstract: A curtain includes a top head with a driving device received therein which controls multiple ropes connected to slats, wherein the last one of the slats is fixed to a top of a balance member. A plurality of connection members extend through the balance member and are fixed to the ropes. The connection members are positioned such that a torque balance is established relative to the connection members. The balance member does not tilt due to the balance of torque and a handle is formed to the balance for convenience of operation the curtain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 18, 2008
    Publication date: February 5, 2009
    Inventor: Wen Ying Liang
  • Publication number: 20080289774
    Abstract: A headrail covering structure for blinds comprises a headrail defined by a receiving channel to which a cord-winding control device, a movable seat, and a fixed seat are respectively mounted so as to control a lift cord and actuate a blind body collected upwards or expanded downwards thereby, forming a cordless window blind structure. The cord-winding control device and the fixed seat have the top surfaces respectively equipped with a connecting element composed of a set of upper and lower conjoining surfaces. A covering sheet identical to the headrail in length is provided to attach to the upper conjoining surfaces of the connecting elements, while the lower conjoining surfaces of the connecting elements are respectively adhered onto the cord-winding control device and the fixed seat. Therefore, via the sheltering of the covering sheet, the receiving channel of the headrail can achieve dustproof effect and protect each assembling part accommodated therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 23, 2007
    Publication date: November 27, 2008
    Inventor: Liang Wen Ying
  • Publication number: 20080196843
    Abstract: A rail structure for window blinds is provided, which includes a body and at least one connecting member. The body has a pair of first flanges and a pair of second flanges. The first flanges are disposed on tops of two sides of the body, and the second flanges are disposed on bottoms of the two sides of the body. In addition, the connecting member is mounted to an outer surface of one side of the body, has a predetermined shape of constant cross-section profile, a length and a width, Besides, a flange is disposed on a predetermined position of the connecting member and extending to one side of the body. By the connecting members, the headrail appearance can be enhanced. Moreover, as the connecting members do not directly bear the overall or partial weight of the window blind, the rail structure can have an extended product lifetime.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 2, 2007
    Publication date: August 21, 2008
    Applicant: Nien Made Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Ming Nien, Yu-Che Wen, Ju-Sheng Cheng, Oliver Chiu
  • Patent number: 7404430
    Abstract: A collar for a venetian blind has two generally rectangular rings or half rings, one fitting over the headrail and the other fitting over the bottom rail. A sidewall or pair of spaced apart sidewalls extend between the two rings or half rings, such that the headrail and bottom rail are maintained in a desired spaced apart relationship. That spacing corresponds to a distance between the headrail die cavity and a bottom rail die cavity in a cut-down machine. Consequently, the end of a venetian blind to which the collar is attached may be readily inserted into the cutting die of a cut-down machine.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 2005
    Date of Patent: July 29, 2008
    Assignee: Lumino, Inc.
    Inventors: Michael Kollman, Adam Ward
  • Publication number: 20080169068
    Abstract: A covering bracket for blinds comprises a sealing cover and multiple positioning seats wherein each positioning seat is equipped with a set of elastic hooked legs, each defined by a sliding surface at the inner side, symmetrically extending at both lateral edges of one side thereon for the engagement of the sealing cover therewith. Besides, the positioning seat also includes a set of level-surfaced stop flanges, each defined by a guide recess at the underside, symmetrically protruding at both lateral edges of the other side thereon to precisely locate astride on top of a track of a headrail so that the sealing cover can be accurately positioned in place to conceal a grooved portion of the headrail, achieving the purposes of dustproof and protection of the assembling parts accommodated therein.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 16, 2007
    Publication date: July 17, 2008
    Inventor: Wen Ying Liang
  • Publication number: 20080135190
    Abstract: An improved window covering cutting aid includes a hollow sleeve consisting of a front wall, a rear wall, a top wall, a bottom wall and a spacer located at the bottom of the sleeve bridging the front wall and the rear wall. The sleeve has a cutting slot vertical to the bottom wall and running through the top wall, front wall, rear wall and another slot formed on the spacer close to the bottom wall. The surfaces of the front and rear walls have respectively a dimensional scale corresponding to the cutting slot. A retracted window covering can be held in the window covering cutting aid with a slat assembly resting on the spacer that has an adhesive tape attached to the bottom end thereof. A cutting tool can be placed in the cutting slot to finish cutting operation of the slat assembly and window covering by one pass.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 11, 2006
    Publication date: June 12, 2008
    Inventor: Li-Ming Cheng
  • Patent number: 7383871
    Abstract: A connector for joining the ends of a plurality of lift cords from a window covering assembly together. Each lift cord is individually secured to the assembled connector via its own securing system. A pull cord extends downwardly from the connector for use in raising or lowering the window covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: June 10, 2008
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries BV
    Inventor: Anne J. Osinga
  • Publication number: 20080115895
    Abstract: A safety window blind lift cord connector includes a mounting seat and a lift cord connecting ring. The lift cord connecting ring is provided at a lower portion with a lift cord fastening recess, the mounting seat has a retaining plate connected thereto to form a retaining space between them; and the lift cord connecting ring has a ring-shaped upper portion defining a middle mounting hole and having a gap formed at a top of the mounting hole. The lift cord connecting ring may be detachably connected to the mounting seat at the retaining space with the retaining plate outward extended through the middle mounting hole of the lift cord connecting ring. When a window blind lift cord fastened to the lift cord fastening recess is downward pulled with an excessive force, the lift cord connecting ring is automatically detached from the mounting seat via the gap, ensuring that the window blind lift cord would not injure any small child.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 25, 2007
    Publication date: May 22, 2008
    Inventor: Cheng-Hsiung Su
  • Patent number: 7353857
    Abstract: A ball chain stopper for inhibiting movement of ball chains used in window blinds and the like for moving the blinds between operative positions is adapted to be attached to intermediate chain members which interconnect adjacent balls of the ball chain. The ball stoppers are characterized as having a maximum cross-sectional size that is equal to or less than the size of the maximum cross-section of the balls of the chain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 9, 2005
    Date of Patent: April 8, 2008
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries BV
    Inventor: Lars Koop
  • Patent number: 7331371
    Abstract: A safety stop ball includes a post and a nut which travels along a spiral path relative to the post. The nut and the post are biased toward each other to retain the ends of lift cords. As the nut is displaced relative to the post, the lift cords are released.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2008
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc
    Inventors: Joseph Kovach, Jason Throne, Kevin Dann, James Anthony
  • Patent number: 7299851
    Abstract: A cord connector for use in a covering for an architectural opening, the connector being designed to interconnect a plurality of operating cords with a single pull cord and wherein the connector includes two interconnectable members that when interconnected define an interior space in which a retainer can be positioned. The retainer anchors the ends of the operating cords and is releasable from confinement by the two members when the two members are separated so that the operating cords can also be separated from the retainer.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 17, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2007
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries BV
    Inventor: Nicolaas Dekker
  • Patent number: 7281564
    Abstract: A tassel for use in a covering for an architectural opening is provided with an opening in one end for receiving a flexible elongated member of the type used in operating such coverings and an opening of a different configuration in the opposite end for receiving a wand or similar rigid elongated member also used in operating coverings for architectural openings. An outer cover is also provided for covering at least a portion of the tassel body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 18, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2007
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries BV
    Inventor: Nicolaas Dekker
  • Patent number: 7114545
    Abstract: A magnetic catch is used on coverings for architectural openings to releasably retain the coverings in an extended position and immediately adjacent to the framework of the opening. Magnetic components are installed on the covering and the framework surrounding at least part of the architectural opening. The covering is then placed in a position such that the magnetic components on the covering and the framework are close enough to attract each other through their respective magnetic forces. The magnetic forces work to releasably hold the covering in position relative to the framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Null
  • Patent number: 6978821
    Abstract: An elongate hollow rail for a fabric covering for an architectural opening, such as a bottom rail for a fabric roller blind or a top or bottom rail for a roman shade, having an upper portion with a lengthwise upper opening in the top of the rail and being characterized by a pair of lengthwise upper locking shoulders in the interior of the upper portion on walls on opposite widthwise sides of the upper opening, the upper locking shoulders being wedge-shaped and pointing inwardly of the upper portion and away from the upper opening, and the wall on a first widthwise side of the bottom rail extending above the wall on the opposite second widthwise side of the bottom rail about the openings and a method for attaching a fabric to a locking shoulder within an elongate hollow rail as described.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 27, 2005
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries BV
    Inventor: Konrad Welfonder
  • Patent number: 6948546
    Abstract: A cord retaining device for non-cord Venetian blinds include two sheltering caps, two snap members, two fixing seats, and two double-sided adhesive pieces wherein the sheltering cap has a registration cavity defined at the bottom side therein, and a through hole disposed at the top thereon. The snap member, shaped in form conforming to that of the registration cavity of the sheltering cap, has a support piece with a cord passage protruding at the top thereon, and an arc-shaped retaining cavity with an outwardly extended guide arc indented at the bottom side therein. The fixing seat has a solid coupling ball block extending at the top surface of a base thereon in match to the retaining cavity thereof, and the double-sided adhesive piece is shaped like the base of the fixing seat thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 22, 2004
    Date of Patent: September 27, 2005
    Inventor: Leslie Nien
  • Patent number: 6910517
    Abstract: A connector is provided for releasably connecting a manipulating cord to the lift cords of an architectural covering. In an embodiment of the invention, the connector includes a resiliently compressible inner assembly and an outer shell. The inner assembly is connected to the manipulating cord of the architectural covering. The outer shell includes at least two shell sections that are releasably mounted on the inner assembly. Each shell section is secured to an individual lift cord. Outward movement of the lift cords and/or compression of the inner assembly releases the outer shell from the inner assembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 28, 2005
    Assignee: Comfortex Corporation
    Inventor: Raymond E. Randall
  • Patent number: 6899156
    Abstract: A headrail for a venetian type blind or pleated shade has an insert that carries a cord lock. The insert fits into the end of the headrail and is carried by a slot or rib on the sidewalls of the headrail. A pair of pockets are provided on the insert. The pockets are positioned so that one pocket is adjacent each sidewall when the insert is attached to the end of a headrail. The pockets are sized and configured to receive a cord lock such that the cord lock can be easily removed from one pocket and placed in the other pocket by an installer. The pockets preferably are oriented so that a cord passing through the cord lock will run along a path that is not parallel to the sidewalls but is at an angle of about 10°.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2005
    Assignee: ITA, Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Tyner
  • Patent number: 6866079
    Abstract: A blind extension system with removable soft side blinders or light blocking structures provides an organizational system which can be used to reduce light due to improper sized blinds without damaging the blinds or the window frame itself. In one embodiment, a sock-like structure is used to attach lengths of decorative materials at the outer ends of horizontal blinds. The sock-like structures are provided periodically along the vertical length of a projecting soft, decorative material. A series of extension pins can be used to assist the horizontal extension of the soft decorative material sufficient to reach the sides of the window opening space. Alternative methods of attachment are shown including a first embodiment of a clip attachable with vertical movement onto the elongate edge of a louver, and a second embodiment of a clip which is attachable with horizontal movement directly onto the end edge of the louver.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 15, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 15, 2005
    Inventor: Han-Sen Lee
  • Patent number: 6845803
    Abstract: A connector for connecting a cord member of a window blind includes a supporting member and a coupling member detachably coupled to the supporting member. The supporting member has a receiving space and an escape opening that is communicated with the receiving space and has a diameter smaller than that of the receiving space. The coupling member has a compressible retaining portion received in the receiving space and stopped above the escape opening, and a cord member tie portion for connection of the cord member. When the cord member is pulled by an external force over a predetermined level, the retaining portion is allowed to pass through the escape opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 25, 2005
    Assignee: Nien Made Enterprise Co., LTD
    Inventor: Ming Nien
  • Patent number: 6843299
    Abstract: A window covering system has a bracket rail with an elongated L-shaped body that extends across substantially the full width of a window. A plurality of brackets are attached to a headrail of a window covering and releasably attach the headrail to the bracket rail. Preferably, the brackets have a tab which engages the front edge of the bracket rail and an inverted U-shaped spring that engages the bottom edge of the bracket rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 14, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 18, 2005
    Inventor: Ren Judkins
  • Patent number: 6834702
    Abstract: The assembly includes a blind formed of a headrail, a bottom rail, slats, two ladder tapes, and shades detachably fastened to the ladder tapes to cover the gaps between the slats. Each shade has an elongated shade body and a support member inserted into a pocket at one side of the shade body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2004
    Assignee: Nien Made Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming Nien
  • Patent number: 6830092
    Abstract: A decoration article secured to the ends of an upper beam of a Venetian blind is mainly made up of a decoration unit, and a fixing mount wherein the decoration unit has a decoration piece disposed at one side to increase the overall beauty of the Venetian blind in display, and a retaining tube with screw locking hole disposed at the other side thereof to be securely engaged with a hollow coupling tube of the fixing mount for location thereof. The fixing mount also includes a horizontal contact plate to be attached to the lower side at the ends of a wooden or plastic upper beam or to the upper side of a metallic upper beam of a Venetian blind thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2003
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2004
    Assignee: Ching-Feng Blinds Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ben Hsu
  • Patent number: 6792997
    Abstract: A button for securing a string ladder to a bottom rail in a horizontal blind assembly includes a base plate with a central hole and a tubular stem extending upwardly from the base in axial alignment with the central hole for passage of strands of the string ladder therethrough. Arcuate wall segments spaced radially outboard of the central tubular stem have a top beveled edge and longitudinal compression ribs to promote insertion and snug-fitted captured receipt within a countersunk bore in the underside of the bottom rail in order to fasten the button to the bottom rail. Opposing teeth spaced between the arcuate wall segments provide slots for passage and wedged grasping of the ladder strands when the button is fastened to the bottom rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 7, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 21, 2004
    Assignee: RMG Industries, Inc.
    Inventor: Anthony B. Damiano
  • Patent number: 6640870
    Abstract: A connector for joining the ends of a plurality of lift cords from a window covering assembly together. Each lift cord is individually secured to the assembled connector via its own securing arrangement. A pull cord extends downwardly from the connector for use in raising or lowering the window covering.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: November 4, 2003
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries BV
    Inventor: Anne J. Osinga
  • Patent number: 6637493
    Abstract: A holder device and method for stowing window covering pull cords to be out of reach of a small child involving the use of a first piece of hook and loop material secured at the end of the pull cords and a second matable piece of hook and loop material attached to the window frame so as to enable the pull cords to be looped and thus held at a higher level than that at which they would otherwise hang. A notch in the first piece allows a second loop to be draped therein allowing the stowed pull cords to be held even higher above the floor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 5, 2002
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2003
    Inventor: Nicholas Lampers
  • Patent number: 6622770
    Abstract: A tape drum for venetian type blinds has a pair of spaced apart generally elliptical ends with each end having a hole sized and positioned to receive a tilt axle. A front wall and a rear wall extend between the spaced apart ends. A rib is attached to the front wall and to the inside surfaces of the spaced apart ends. A second rib is attached to the rear wall and the inside surfaces of the spaced apart ends, the second rib being spaced apart from the first rib and defining a gap between the first rib and the second rib. A mounting is attached to each rib that is sized and configured so that a rail of a cord ladder can be attached to it. Two pairs of collinear spaced apart rods are attached to the inside surfaces of the spaced apart ends to provide a mounting for the rails of a tape type ladder. The generally elliptical shape of the tape drum causes the rails of the ladder to move together when the tilt axle is turned from an open position to a closed position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 2002
    Date of Patent: September 23, 2003
    Assignee: ITA, Inc.
    Inventor: James D. Tyner
  • Patent number: 6619367
    Abstract: FIG. 4 is a close perspective view of a clip (11) in position for attachment to a slat (24), with the slat cover strip (40) already threaded through both loops (26, 38) on the clip (11). The position of the control cord hole (48) relative to the slat cover strip (40) is particularly clear from this view. The slot's (32, 28) position relative to the vertical control cord (30) is also shown. The vertical control cord (30) must pass through the slot (32, 28) as the clip (11) is being positioned about the slat (24) for fastening. This view makes it clear that the slat cover strip (40) will be moved into position proximate the vertical control cord hole (30) when the slat (24) is tilted. The two loops (38, 26) on the clip (11) cause one portion of the slat cover strip (40) to block the vertical control cord hole (30) from the front, while the other portion of the slat cover strip (40) blocks the vertical control cord hole (30) from the rear. This maximizes the obstruction of the peeping Tom's (100) view.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 26, 2000
    Date of Patent: September 16, 2003
    Inventor: Kevin Kawakita
  • Patent number: 6550523
    Abstract: A head structure for Venetian blind includes a head rail having a concave bottom surface, two mounting members assembled to the head rail and invisible from a front side of the head rail, and a slat tilting gear controlled via tilt cords instead of a rigid wand. The concave bottom surface of the head rail has a curvature close to that of slats of the Venetian blind, so that the slats in a fully lifted position can fitly bear against the bottom of the head rail to avoid deformation. The tilt cords, the invisibly assembled mounting members, and the lifted slats fitly bearing against the head rail not only creates beautiful integral appearance for the Venetian blind, but also enables reduced volume thereof for convenient packing and storage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 19, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Her Hsiung Chen
  • Patent number: 6533018
    Abstract: A system for holding batteries in a headrail comprises a battery carrier that cooperates with a battery carrier housing through an opening in the bottom of a headrail housing. The battery carrier accommodates a plurality of batteries and slidingly engages the battery carrier housing, which is mounted within the interior of the headrail housing. Since the battery carrier is slidably and removably engaged with the battery carrier housing, it is possible to remove and replace batteries without disassembling the headrail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 6, 2002
    Date of Patent: March 18, 2003
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Richard N. Anderson, Donald E. Fraser
  • Patent number: 6484787
    Abstract: The subject invention is a holder for a window-shade cord to securely hold the cord in a temporarily stored position to prevent entanglement by the cord, particularly with a child, with the holder being structured to hold a portion of the cord as wound around two separated cord reel members on such holder, with the reel members being peripherally formed to permit circumferential movement of the temporarily encircled cord portion about such reel members as necessary to adjust the length of the cord on such cord holder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2000
    Date of Patent: November 26, 2002
    Inventor: Paul A. Walters
  • Patent number: 6463986
    Abstract: A pull-cord keeper is provided for a window treatment assembly with a pull-cord for operation. The pull-cord keeper includes a wall-mountable housing adapted for permanently mounting to the wall at a desired height above the floor, the housing further including a cavity defined therein and an opening in communication with the cavity, and at least one fastener for securely mounting the housing to the wall. The pull-cord keeper further includes a spool adapted for rotational movement within the cavity to reel and collect through the opening a length of the pull-cord, and a spring for biasing the spool in a rotational direction for automatically and continuously collecting any loose length of the pull-cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 10, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: William C. Gouda
  • Patent number: 6463987
    Abstract: The present invention provides a system for controlling a window covering device comprising a body adapted for mounting adjacent to a window and a weight. The body includes a channel and an entry aperture. The entry aperture is adapted for entry of at least one cord of the window covering device into the channel and the weight is adapted for movable attachment to the at least one cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 2001
    Date of Patent: October 15, 2002
    Inventor: Robert L. Nevins
  • Patent number: 6431248
    Abstract: A releasable cord connector apparatus includes a receptive member and a connective member that inserts into the receptive member and releases when a force is applied. The receptive member couples to a headrail and has a recess into which the connective member inserts. The connective member is also attached to a cord which is used to raise or lower a window covering. The connective member releases from the recess of the receptive member when a child or pet becomes entangled in the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 3, 2000
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2002
    Assignee: Lewis Hyman, Inc.
    Inventors: James J. Hyman, Robert S. LeBlanc
  • Patent number: 6382295
    Abstract: A bracket system is provided which is selectively convertible between a first mode in which it supports a mini-blind and a second mode in which it supports a curtain rod. The bracket system includes a mini-blind bracket and a curtain rod adapter. The mini-blind bracket forms a chamber defined by top and bottom walls, a back wall, and a side wall. The chamber is open along one side and along its front. A channel is formed in the top and bottom wall by flanges and grooves, and is sized to receive the adapter. The adapter comprises a plate which fits in the channel and which has a T-member sized and shaped to receive the end of a standard curtain rod. The adapter is easily slid into and out of the bracket to convert the bracket between its two modes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 1997
    Date of Patent: May 7, 2002
    Inventor: Jerome Nicholson