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.

Abstract: A window blind assembly includes a frame, an input shaft rotatably disposed in the frame, a blind unit, a winding unit for placing the blind unit in a retracted state when the input shaft is rotated in a first rotational direction and for shifting the blind unit to an expanded state when the input shaft is rotated in a second rotational direction, a control unit operable to drive rotation of the input shaft in the first and second rotational directions, a force-assisting unit having a spring capable of exerting a spring force on the control unit to resist the weight of the blind unit acting thereon, and a brake unit connected to the input shaft and generating a frictional force to resist rotation of the input shaft in the second rotational direction.

Abstract: A roller shade is disclosed comprising a motor pretensioned counterbalancing spring that lowers the torque load on the motor of the roller shade throughout the rolling up or rolling down cycles. The roller shade comprises a motor drive unit at least partially disposed within a roller tube. The motor drive unit comprises a motor adapted to drive a drive wheel through a clutch. The motor drive unit further comprises a first spring carrier adapted to be stationary during operation of the motor drive unit. The drive wheel is operably connected to the roller tube and comprises a second spring carrier. The motor drive unit further comprises a counterbalancing spring connected at its first end to the first spring carrier and at its second end to the second spring carrier.

Abstract: A window blind device includes a headrail, a bottomrail, a window shade, first and second control wheels, first and second cord spools, first and second cords, and a coil spring. The coil spring has a looped end portion sleeved on a first wheel hub of the first control wheel, and a spring body wound on the first wheel hub and extending from the looped end portion to terminate at a leading spring end which is connected to a second wheel hub of the second control wheel.

Abstract: A window blind device includes a headrail, a bottomrail, a window shade, a frame, and a plurality of control wheels. The frame includes two frame halves each including a wall body and a plurality of shaft halves. When the frame halves are brought into mating engagement with each other, male and female connecting regions of each of the shaft halves of each of the frame halves matingly fit with the female and male connecting regions of a corresponding one of the shaft halves of the other one of the frame halves, respectively.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a cargo vehicle. The cargo vehicle includes a cargo compartment, which in turn is defined by a floor, a plurality of adjoining walls extending upwardly from the floor, and a ceiling attached to an upper end of the plurality of adjoining walls, wherein the walls, floor and ceiling cooperate to form the cargo compartment and a first vertical opening having a width defined by first and second sides for accessing the interior of the cargo compartment. The vehicle further includes a first segmented retractable door proximate the first vertical opening of the cargo compartment. The first door is displaceable from a first vertically-oriented closed position in which the door covers the first vertical opening to a second open position in which the door is substantially disposed below the first vertical opening.

Abstract: A control unit and a fixed part of a window curtain assembly are positioned in the head box. A movable part is movably located between the control unit and the fixed part. The control unit has a base part, an assistance part and a resilient member. The base part is secured in the head box and a first end of a transmission cord is fixed to the base part, and a second end of the transmission cord goes around the assistance part and the fixed part, and then is fixed to the movable part. The spring is connected between the assistance part and the movable part. When moving the bottom bar downward, the movable part is moved by the connection cord connected to the bottom bar and the transmission cord is moved to release the connection cord.

Abstract: A window treatment roll-up device has: a support base, a rotation base, at least two power springs, a braking member and a control wheel. The support base comprises a first shaft, a second shaft, a third shaft and a fourth shaft, the third shaft and the fourth shaft are engaged with each other, a controlling rope wrapped around the second shaft, the rotation base is jacketed onto the second shaft. The control wheel is disposed on the fourth shaft and configured to be wrapped by a rolling rope. The braking member has a first end and a second end, the first end is tapered such that the braking member is cone-shaped; a spiral slot connecting between the first end and the second end is disposed on a surface of the braking member. The first end of the braking member and the power spring both jacket onto the third shaft.

Abstract: The invention relates to a sliding door system having a frame (1, 1?, 2, 2?), which receives one or more sliding doors that, mounted in or on the frame (1, 1?, 2, 2?), can be moved horizontally along the frame (1, 1?, 2, 2?), wherein the sliding doors are constructed as folding door elements (11, 12, 13), in which two door elements (14, 15) are connected to each other in a hinged manner by means of a joint arrangement running vertically centrally between the door elements, wherein the joint arrangement can be pivoted out of the plane of the frame, such that the two door elements (14, 15) can be opened at right angles to the plane of the frame and lie flat on each other in an open position.

Abstract: An extensible car window shading apparatus mountable inside the car and comprising a first plurality of slats having at each longitudinal end a slat hole in which a slat spring attached to a slat stick is inserted, such that the slat stick extends outwardly from the slat hole, a second plurality of panels, the second plurality being exactly twice the first plurality, such that there is a panel at each longitudinal end of each slat, wherein each panel has a panel hole in which a panel spring is inserted, the panel hole being configured to receive the slat stick, and wherein the panels on each side of the apparatus are joined by hinges, such as to allow folding or deploying of the extensible car window shading apparatus by a user, and a support arm that keeps the extensible car window shading apparatus in folded position.

Abstract: A torsion spring torque assembly for applying torque to a torsion spring of a garage door system. The assembly comprises a separable housing, an adjustable support member, a gear assembly and a cooperating and movable coupling shaft assembly having a driven gear and a hub to engage the winding cone of a garage door torsion spring. The gear assembly has a driver gear which engages the driven gear of the coupling shaft to wind a garage door torsion spring. The driver gear of the gearbox assembly may be operated by means of a screw gun and is constructed to provide bi-directional rotation for winding and unwinding a garage door torsion spring.

Abstract: A cordless window blind includes a headrail; a first bottom rail suspended from the headrail by a first cord and a second cord; a window covering disposed between the headrail and the first bottom rail and movable between a raised configuration and a lowered configuration; a drive actuator including a spring motor including a drive wheel, a driven wheel, and an elongated spring belt having a first end secured to the drive wheel and a second end secured to the driven wheel, wherein the spring belt includes a length with a tapered width. Further included are first and second spools having a conical circumferential surface around which the first and second cords are respectively wound when the window covering is in the raised configuration. Also included is a hinged valence arm.

Abstract: The disclosure includes a cargo vehicle. The cargo vehicle includes a cargo compartment, which in turn is defined by a floor, a plurality of adjoining walls extending upwardly from the floor, and a ceiling attached to an upper end of the plurality of adjoining walls, wherein the walls, floor and ceiling cooperate to form the cargo compartment and a first vertical opening having a width defined by first and second sides for accessing the interior of the cargo compartment. The vehicle further includes a first segmented retractable door proximate the first vertical opening of the cargo compartment. The first door is displaceable from a first vertically-oriented closed position in which the door covers the first vertical opening to a second open position in which the door is substantially disposed below the first vertical opening.

Abstract: An architectural louver shade assembly comprising a shade canopy mounted to a rotatable central axle tube that supports a rod rib assembly to which the shade canopy is attached by adjustable tensioners that mechanically stretch and tension the fabric element of the shade canopy to remove wrinkles and sags. A wax cylinder piston attached by elements of a wax piston pressure system that changes the pitch of the shade canopy in response to temperature with a gas spring unit that returns the shade canopy to its default, horizontal orientation with decreasing temperatures. An optional manual/mechanical system that, through use of control cables, changes the pitch of the shade canopy with a gas spring unit that returns it to a default orientation. A camber cable assembly that maintains an equal compression load on the rib arm units that directly support the shade canopy, and carrier brackets that support the central axle tube and connect the louver shade assembly to a building wall.

Abstract: A spring assembly is provided for an upward acting door that travels on a travel path while opening. The assembly includes a shaft, a torsion spring and a second spring. The torsion spring is connected to the shaft and provides a lifting force for the door throughout the travel path. The second spring is connected to the shaft and provides a lifting force for the door during only a portion of the travel path. In another aspect, a spring assembly is provided for an upward acting door that travels on a travel path while closing. The torsion spring is connected to the shaft and provides a weight supporting force for the door throughout the travel path. The second spring is connected to the shaft and provides a weight supporting force for the door during only a portion of the travel path.

Abstract: The present invention provides for apparatus and methods for operating a garage door. An embodiment of an operating assembly for a door includes a shaft, a graduated drum, and an energy storing member. The shaft is coupled to the door such that the shaft rotates in a first direction as the door is opened and rotates in a second direction as the door is closed. The coupling of the shaft to the door is typically accomplished by a cable. The graduated drum is coupled to the shaft and the energy storing member is coupled to the graduated drum by another cable. The energy storing member is arranged such that the energy storing member stores energy as the door is closed and releases stored energy as the door is opened to assist in the raising and lowering of the door.

Abstract: A torsion coil spring type counterbalance system for an upward acting door includes one or more sleeves disposed over or within the spring coils and engageable with a pre-determined number of spring coils during operation of the spring to modify the spring rate to more closely approximate the required counterbalance forces exertable on the door when the door moves between open and closed positions. The counterbalance system is particularly advantageous for upward acting sectional doors which have one or more sections which are heavier than the other sections, including an uppermost section which may be heavier due to the provision of windows or other structural features of the section.

Abstract: A winding assembly used in conjunction with a door having a counterbalance system operable to offset the weight of the door, the counterbalance system including an axle rotatably supported on a pair of support brackets located at each side of the door and a counterbalance spring adapted to apply a counterbalancing force to the door.

Abstract: A rail-mounted movable wall element comprises on the top and/or lower side thereof at least one sealing element displaceable between the traveling and operating positions of the movable wall element with the aid of a powered drive unit. The movable wall motor-driven element is provided with a sealing element. For this purpose, the drive unit is introducible into receiving openings arranged on the faces of the wall body on the top and/or lower side in such a way that it is detachably connected to the sealing element.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spring motor and control for use especially with window blinds. The motor comprises a storage drum having a first axis, an output drum mounted for rotation about a second axis parallel to and spaced from the first axis. A spring member is connected to and between the storage drum and the output drum to form a spring motor. The spring motor has laterally extending, spaced apart drum supports on opposite sides of the drums to support them for rotation. A coupled drive is connected to the storage and output drum whereby rotation of one of the drums in a first direction about its axis effects rotation of the other of the drums about its axis and in an opposite direction to cause winding and unwinding of the spring member between the drums.

Abstract: A combination garage door and roll-up curtain system that allows a flexible curtain to be lowered when the garage door is in a raised position. The system preferably comprises an automated garage door assembly wherein the drive mechanism is mounted to a bracket mounted in turn to the inside wall above the garage opening upper margin. The system preferably further comprises an automated roll-up curtain assembly having a rotatable rod mounted above the garage opening upper margin between the bracket and the inside wall. The rotatable rod has a flexible curtain wound thereabout wherein the first end of the curtain is affixed to the rod and the second end of the curtain is secured along its lateral margins within tracks mounted adjacent the garage opening lateral margins. The second end of the curtain preferably has a weighted member attached thereto to urge the curtain toward the garage opening lower margin and to keep the curtain taut.

Abstract: A window covering lifting control apparatus includes a holding unit, a locating set and a pushbutton. The holding unit has a first spacer and a second spacer formed thereon that are spaced from each other. The spacers have two slots inclining downwards. The first spacer has a strut on one side to be coupled with a spring on an outer side. The locating set includes two gears, two locating rods, two locating heads and a spring assembly to hold the two gears between the spacers. The pushbutton is movably coupled on the strut of the holding unit to control movement of the two gears in the slots. The window lifting control apparatus can be installed in a lower elongated member to control retraction upward or extension downward of the window covering. The two gears of the locating set can engage with and latch a lift cord assembly to provide improved locating effect.

Abstract: A mechanism (1) comprising a driving element (4) for rotationally driving a winding shaft (2) for a closing or sun-protection installation of an opening (0) and at least one spring (5) for compensating a weight of the installation. The spring (5) is mounted around the driving element (4) and is jointly associated with a sub-unit (10), which can be at least partially introduced in a unitary manner inside the shaft (2). The spring (5) includes a first end (51) kinematically linked to said driving element (4) so that the first end (51) is immobilized in rotation abut an axis of rotation (X-X?) of the shaft (2), and a second end (52) kinematically linked to the shaft (2) when the sub-unit (10) is placed inside the shaft (2) so that the second end (52) rotates about the axis of rotation (X-X?).

Abstract: A balance control system comprises a motor, a transmission system providing connection between the motor and the door and adapted to move the door between a closed position and an open position located above the closed position, a counterbalance system to reduce power required to lift the door, an apparatus to generate first signal representing a force used to move the door from the closed position to the open position, and to generate a second signal representing a force used to move the door from the open position to the closed position, and a controller responsive to the first signal and to the second signal to indicate an imbalance of the door when a difference between the first signal and the second signal exceeds a predetermined threshold.

Abstract: A window blind includes a head rail, a bottom rail, and an expandable window covering. A pair of pull cords interconnect the head rail, the bottom rail and the expandable window covering. A spring motor includes a drive drum, a pair of cord spools, a spiral spring, and a friction imposing mechanism. The drive drum is mounted rotatably on the head rail. Each of the cord spools is mounted to rotate with and is disposed on a respective side of the drive drum, and is connected to a respective one of the pull cords. The spiral spring provides a biasing force acting on the drive drum. The friction imposing mechanism provides a friction force acting on one of the drive drum and the pull cords. The biasing force and the friction force cooperate to retain the bottom rail at a desired vertical distance relative to the head rail.

Abstract: The present invention discloses the novel placement of two pairs of vertical track disposed adjacent to each other together with a pair of radiused horizontal tracks being attached to the outer pair of vertical tracks allowing the use of a flexible lift and reverse cable system to open, close and reverse multi-paneled garage doors. Use of an inner and outer pair of vertical tracks disposed adjacent to each other allows the lowermost rollers to be guided on the inner vertical tracks and the remaining rollers to be guided on the outer vertical tracks and, ultimately, the horizontal tracks as the garage door opens. This configuration allows the lift cable a clear pathway to travel from the drum down the center of the inner vertical tracks to the connection with the shaft journal mounted near the bottom of the garage door.

Abstract: A window covering system comprises a plurality of slats located between a head rail and a bottom rail. The bottom rail is connected to the head rail by a pair of lifting cords extending through the slats. A first spring motor and storage device is located in one of the head rail and the bottom rail. The first spring motor and storage device includes at least one extension spring having a first end that is fixedly secured in the head rail or bottom rail and a second end that is free to move within the head rail or bottom rail. At least one of the lifting cords is looped around the free end of at least one of the extension springs so that movement of the bottom rail in a vertical direction causes a corresponding movement in the second end of the extension spring in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the head rail or bottom rail. A method for balancing a window covering system using a pair of extension springs is also disclosed.

Abstract: A winding assembly used in conjunction with a door having a counterbalance system operable to offset the weight of the door, the counterbalance system including an axle rotatably supported on a pair of support brackets located at each side of the door and a counterbalance spring adapted to apply a counterbalancing force to the door.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spring motor and control for use especially with window blinds. The motor comprises a storage drum having a first axis, an output drum mounted for rotation about a second axis parallel to and spaced from the first axis. A spring member is connected to and between the storage drum and the output drum to form a spring motor. The spring motor has laterally extending, spaced apart drum supports on opposite sides of the drums to support them for rotation. A coupled drive is connected to the storage and output drum whereby rotation of one of the drums in a first direction about its axis effects rotation of the other of the drums about its axis and in an opposite direction to cause winding and unwinding of the spring member between the drums.

Abstract: A cordless blind having a mechanism for introducing a variable amount of friction into the operation of the cordless blind is disclosed. The cordless blind includes a spring motor operatively connected to a cord connected to the window covering of the blind. Pulling and releasing the cord expands and retracts the blind. In order to introduce additional resistance to movement into the system when retracting the blind and not when expanding the blind, variable friction mechanisms or retarders, including one-way bearings, and one-way braking arms, are used for introducing friction into the system only when desired.

Abstract: A cordless, balanced venetian blind or shade with a constant, or a variable force spring motor includes conventional window covering components without the outside hanging lifting cords or cord locking mechanisms. One or more spring motors are employed. A cord spool, in the preferred embodiment, is coupled to one of the spring drums to serve to wind the cords to cause the blind to be raised or lowered, simply by manipulation of the bottom bar of the blind system. Due to the spring forces, the system compensates for the increasing weight on the cords as the window covering is raised and for the decreasing weight as it is lowered.

Abstract: A window covering including a head rail, a bottom rail, and a window covering material located between the head rail and the bottom rail. The bottom rail being connected to the head rail by two lift cords and configured to move in a first direction and a second direction. The blind also includes a variable friction device having a bearing surface configured to provide a first friction force that opposes movement of the two lift cords when the bottom rail is moved in the first direction, and a second friction force that opposes movement of the two lift cords wherein the bottom rail is moved in the second direction. The first friction force is different than the second friction force.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spring motor and control for use especially with window blinds. The motor comprises a storage drum having a first axis, an output drum mounted for rotation about a second axis parallel to and spaced from the first axis. A spring member is connected to and between the storage drum and the output drum to form a spring motor. The spring motor has laterally extending, spaced apart drum supports on opposite sides of the drums to support them for rotation. A coupled drive is connected to the storage and output drum whereby rotation of one of the drums in a first direction about its axis effects rotation of the other of the drums about its axis and in an opposite direction to cause winding and unwinding of the spring member between the drums.

Abstract: A motor for controlling the elevating and lowering of a load comprises a storage drum, an output drum and a spring member operatively connected therebetween to provide a spring motor therewith, and a pair of cord drums aligned with and respectively adjacent the storage drum and the output drum. A gear train including an idler gear associated with the storage drum drivingly interengages the cord drums with the output drum, whereby the elevating and lowering of a load attached to the cords on the cord drums is balanced regardless of whether the elevating or lowering force is applied centrally between the points of attachment of the cords to the load.

Abstract: This invention concerns a specially designed rail for mounting a tensioning device in which a mount for its guide component can be positioned at vaus areas of the rail. Pursuant to the invention, the rail has a row of cut-outs in the area of the mount and rows of projections in the direction of the mount.

Abstract: A Venetian blind is provided with a slat-lifting mechanism consisting of a slat set, a slat pull cord, and a constant torque pull set. The slat set has a plurality of slats. The slat pull cord is connected with each of the slats of the slat set and is put through the bottommost end of the slat set. The constant torque pull set is disposed at the top end of the slat set and composed of a pull cord member and a constant torque spring unit which is linked with the pull cord member and provided with a constant torque spring which has a constant retrieving force enabling the pull cord member to rewind. The constant retrieving force of the constant torque spring must meet the condition of W-Fs<R<W+Fs, in which W stands for a total weight of the slat set; Fs, a system static friction force; and R, a retrievable elastic force of the constant torque spring.

Abstract: A cordless, balanced venetian blind or shade with a constant variable spring motor includes conventional window covering components without the outside hanging lifting cords or cord locking mechanisms. One or more constant variable force spring motors are employed, preferably comprising springs which vary in thickness or in width along their length as they are wound around storage drums. A cord spool, in the preferred embodiment, is coupled to one of the spring drums to serve to wind the cords to cause the blind to be raised or lowered, simply by manipulation of the bottom bar of the blind system. Due to the difference in thickness or width of the spring, the system compensates for the increasing weight on the cords as the window covering is raised and for the decreasing weight as it is lowered.

Abstract: A flexible, retractable assembly for use as a door, space divider, covering or the like which comprises a sheet such as Mylar polyester film having a permanent memory set to roll up on itself or otherwise retract automatically into a coil, accordion, or other compact configuration. The assembly is adapted to be stored on one side of an opening and then guided across the opening to fully or partially cover the opening. The permanent memory set of the sheet permits it to retract at least partially under its own force to eliminate or minimize the need for separate rewinding apparatus. The sheet may substitute for a variety of standard products including entryway doors, closet, cabinet and shower doors, screen doors and windows, room dividers, machinery guards and covers for various items such as florescent light fixtures. The sheet may be combined with decorative finishes including a tambour composite structure providing aesthetic and functional advantages.

Abstract: A collapsible sun shade having plural pleated blades consecutively joined in series to form a serrated shape with an upper blade mounted within a hollow housing and a lower blade secured to a plate member. A constant force spring plate is resiliently wound around a spring spool member and further engaged to an output spool, both of which spools being rotatably mounted within a hollow handle secured to the hollow housing. One end of a cord is connected to the output spool and the other end passes from the handle and into the housing and through each of the blades and connects to a plate member that is capable of being biasingly retained over the hollow housing by the constant force spring plate when the plurality of blades are folded into the hollow housing in an accordion-like fashion. A method for shielding the sun which includes grasping the plate member and pulling the plate member away from the hollow housing until a desired length of plural blades has been presented for sun shielding purposes.

Abstract: A Venetian blind for inside installation in a window in an inclined roof comprises profile lists fastened to the side pieces of the sash for guiding at least the lower list of the shade, whereby a load acting on the lower list of the Venetian blind to pull it towards its lowered position, is provided by at least one coil spring. The coiled part of the spring is seated in a housing at one end of the lower list with its axis of rotation essentially parallel to the longitudinal axis of the lower list, and the uncoiled part runs in one of the profile lists and is fastened at the lower end of this list near the lower edge of the window.

Abstract: A collapsible sun shade having plural pleated blades consecutively joined in series to form a serrated shape with an upper blade mounted within a hollow housing and a lower blade secured to a plate member. A constant force spring plate is resiliently wound around a spring spool member and further engaged to an output spool, both of which spools being rotatably mounted within a hollow handle secured to the hollow housing. One end of a cord is connected to the output spool and the other end passes from the handle and into housing and through each of the blades and connects to a plate member that is capable of being biasingly retained over the hollow housing by the constant force spring plate when the plurality of blades are folded into the hollow housing in an accordion-like fashion. A method for shielding the sun which includes grasping the plate member and pulling the plate member away from the hollow housing until a desired length of plural blades has been presented for sun shielding purposes.

Abstract: First and second generally harp shaped guard halves, one being formed with a vertical mounting flange for attachment to the garage door jamb adjacent the hardware to be shrouded and each being formed with co-extensive planar walls projecting along the opposite sides of the hardware and formed with inturned peripheral flanges rounding the top and vertical length thereof for complementally mating together to generally shroud the hardware within such guard apparatus.

Abstract: A cabinet comprises a cabinet frame (2) and a roll front (1) to be opened in the upward direction. At least two springs (6, 7, 8, 9) engage at the roll front (1), these springs being attached with their other ends at the cabinet frame and having mutually different spring characteristics and/or different tension. The sum total of the forces exerted by the springs (6, 7, 8, 9) on the roll front (1) compensates, in any position of the roll front (1), essentially the weight of the latter.

Abstract: A gas spring includes a cylinder having two axial portions of different cross section and two pistons mounted on a common piston rod and respectively matching the cross sections of the cylinder portions. The pistons are spaced on the piston rod so that they are either both in the wider cylinder portion or respectively received in the two portions. A first throttling passage permits flow of fluid between the two cylinder compartments separated by the larger piston, and a second throttling passage by-passes the smaller piston only during movement inward of the smaller cylinder portion to permit flow of fluid out of that cylinder portion. A valve arrangement is biased for sealing the two parts of the cylinder cavity separated by the smaller piston when the latter is in the smaller cylinder portion, but does not move inward of that portion. The valve arrangement responds to a sufficient, axially applied force for connecting the two cavity parts.