Strip Or Slat Structure Patents (Class 160/236)
  • Patent number: 11680728
    Abstract: A ceiling vent assembly has a frame and a pair of louvers pivotably mounted in the frame such that each of the louvers pivots between an open position and a closed position. Each of the louvers has a pivot end, wherein the pivot end of a first louver of the pair of louvers is located adjacent to but spaced apart from the pivot end of a second louver of the pair of louvers. The ceiling vent has a sealing mechanism positioned in the space between the first and second louvers so as to press on the pivot ends of the first and second louvers such that the sealing mechanism reduces the flow of air through the space. When the first and second louvers pivot between the open and closed positions, the pivot end of the first and second louvers slide relative the sealing mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 11, 2021
    Date of Patent: June 20, 2023
    Assignee: The GSI Group LLC
    Inventors: Srinivasan Narayanan, Arron Justin Cochran, Brian Lee Rieck, Nathan Robert Eversole
  • Patent number: 11434691
    Abstract: A system of blinds comprising louvers that are inclined in such a way as to maximize the direct solar illumination received during the winter months and to minimize same during the summer months is described. The inclinations are determined according to the terrestrial latitude of the building supporting these blinds, and the orientation of the surface of the building that is to be protected. The longitudinal slope of the louvers is determined such that the longitudinal direction of the louvers is substantially parallel to the straight line of intersection of the plane of the surface and the equatorial plane seen from the building. The transverse tilt of the louvers is determined such that these louvers face in a direction comprised between 12° and 24° below the direction of the equatorial plane.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 21, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 6, 2022
    Assignee: LES INGENIEURS DU SOLEIL
    Inventor: Xavier Sembely
  • Patent number: 11168481
    Abstract: A louver system including a louver assembly mounted to a frame. The louver assembly includes first and second side members mounted to respective side elements of the frame, and a number of slat subassemblies with respective slat bodies that are rotatable about respective axes of rotation thereof. The slat bodies are rotatably held between the first and second side members by pivot pins. The pivot pins include one or more extended pivot pins, for securing the louver assembly to the side elements of the frame. Each extended pivot pin extends between inner and outer ends thereof. The outer end is formed to be partially positioned in a selected one of the side elements, and to engage an outer side of the selected side element. The inner end is formed for location in a selected one of the slat bodies, to rotatably secure the selected slat body between the side elements.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2021
    Assignee: YARDISTRY US, LLC
    Inventor: Frederick Rieber
  • Patent number: 10683979
    Abstract: A external light control device for equatorially located building utilizes tilting external light shelves that are capable of tilting backward (toward the building) from a vertical orientation to reflect low am (or late pm) sun away from occupants, but are deployed at a tilt away from the building exterior to capture more sun closer to noon time. The structure preferably integrate IR rejecting coating for incident light which is re-directed by TIR surface disposed normal to the thin film layers in a multi-layer IR reflective coating. The panel may be monolithic or comprise tilting louvers, which can be metallic, dielectric, or TIR reflectors. The louvers preferably also tilt in response to the determined sun position with the panel to optimize light utilization.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 28, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2020
    Assignee: SERRALUX INC.
    Inventor: Mark E. Gardiner
  • Patent number: 10619412
    Abstract: A window covering slat includes a core material and a covering layer covering thereon. The core material is substantially long, and a surface thereof could be divided into two side surfaces and a continuous surface, wherein one of the side surfaces is on one side of the core material in a longitudinal direction, and the other one of the side surfaces is on the other side of the core material in the longitudinal direction. The continuous surface connects the peripheries of the side surfaces. The continuous surface has a flat segment provided in the longitudinal direction. The covering layer covers the continuous surface, wherein the covering layer has a greater thickness on the flat segment than on any other parts of the continuous surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2017
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2020
    Assignee: Nien Made Enterprise Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Lin Chen, Keng-Hao Nien
  • Patent number: 10576718
    Abstract: An improved multilayer polymer film is disclosed. The film may include a first skin layer, a second skin layer, and an intermediate layer between the skin layers. The first, second and intermediate layers may be formed of respective first, second and intermediate polymer compositions. Each layer may have distributed therein particles of titanium dioxide to a weight content of from 6 percent to 14 percent. One or both the second skin layer and the intermediate layer may have distributed therein non-white pigment particles to a weight content of from 0.050 percent to 0.15 percent of such layer(s). The contents and distribution among layers of the pigments may provide for relatively disproportionate improvement of opacity while preserving a neutral white color surface to receive ink-printing, enabling high conformity of printed colors with target colors, and preserving weldability of the film to itself.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 30, 2017
    Date of Patent: March 3, 2020
    Assignee: The Proctor & Gamble Company
    Inventors: April Renae Brown, Norman Scott Broyles, Gary Wayne Gilbertson, Christian Kohlweyer, Fei Wang
  • Patent number: 10458589
    Abstract: A sound suppression apparatus for installation inside a gas transport duct is provided. The sound suppression apparatus comprises a resistive sound-absorbing element (110) and a housing providing a reactive sound-attenuating element (130) communicating with a surrounding of the apparatus via opening in an outer surface of the housing. An outer surface of the sound suppression apparatus comprises an outer surface of the resistive sound-absorbing element and the outer surface of the housing. A gas transport duct comprising the sound suppression apparatus is also provided.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2019
    Assignee: AAF Ltd.
    Inventors: James Matthew Hill, Colin Alexander Malecki, Paul Timothy Williams, Mats Abom, Raymond Kirby
  • Patent number: 10422180
    Abstract: A device for forming a jalousie includes at least first and second louvres pivoting about a common axis between a position in which the two louvres overlap and a position of angular separation of the louvres about the common axis. Preferably, the first louvre is at least partly translucent and the second louvre is opaque.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 18, 2016
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2019
    Assignee: LOGIIC
    Inventor: Grégoire Lombard
  • Patent number: 10378275
    Abstract: There is described a blind for installation between an inner environment and an outer environment where light originates. The blind comprises slats substantially forming a vertically periodic arrangement. Each one of the slats extends in a substantially horizontal axis, and comprises an upper surface and a lower surface. The upper surface has a normal oriented both upwardly and toward the outer environment, and comprises a coating providing specular reflection. The lower surface has reflection normal oriented both downwardly and toward any one of the outer environment and the inner environment, and comprises a coating providing specular reflection. The upper surface and the lower surface of a given slat are joined at an apex pointing toward the outer environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 6, 2016
    Date of Patent: August 13, 2019
    Inventor: Eliot Ahdoot
  • Patent number: 10107031
    Abstract: Light guiding slat for a sun protection system, wherein the light guiding slat is made of a band material equipped with a Fresnel reflector made by folding and/or bending the band material whereby the light guiding slat has a total height (G) which is so small that the light guiding slat has a form to be coilable with a coiling radius of 1 m or less without any substantial plastic deformation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 2013
    Date of Patent: October 23, 2018
    Inventor: Helmut Koester
  • Patent number: 9885209
    Abstract: A light-control assembly including a modular beam with a plurality of adjacent circular bores separated by web portions, and a series of light-controlling members with laterally compliant edge structures mounted in the beam so that the edge structures accommodate the webs between the bores when the light-controlling members are closed to achieve enhanced, blackout or near blackout light-blocking along the edges of the light-controlling members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2014
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: CPI DAYLIGHTING, INC.
    Inventor: Moshe Konstantin
  • Patent number: 9888610
    Abstract: An electronic apparatus includes a casing, a vent structure on the casing, and an electronic device inside the casing. The vent structure is used for a unidirectional flow and includes a frame and a louver. The louver includes a sheet body and a shaft. The sheet body includes a bent portion, a first and a second portion which oppositely extend from the bent portion and bind together. The shaft passes through a through hole formed by the bent portion and is connected to the frame, so that the sheet body is rotatable. When the louver is located at a closed position, the sheet body covers at least a portion of an opening structure of the frame. The louver is structurally simple and can be made of light material, which is conducive to improving the rotation agility of the louver and reducing the noise probably produced when in operation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2015
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2018
    Assignee: Wistron Corporation
    Inventors: Qi Liu, Rong-Wei Wu, Ta-Wei Chen
  • Patent number: 9879478
    Abstract: We disclose a window blind which includes at least one conformable seal which may inhibit light and/or heat transmission. The slats of the window blinds may include conformable seals on one or more of their edges. The conformable seals may include interlocking teeth, intermingled bristles, or a continuous strip of material which may form a lip. The window blinds may also include a conformable seal around an orifice through which a cord may be inserted. The conformable seal around the orifice may be designed similar to those of the slats or may include overlapping flaps of material. The slats may also include materials with different properties on either side of the slats. These may include light reflecting material and heat absorbing material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: January 30, 2018
    Inventors: David R. Hall, Terrece Pearman, Emily Brimhall
  • Patent number: 9873368
    Abstract: Two or three parallel Fullerene Tube lattice structures, each similar to the carbon nanotube are connected by sharing parallel nodes along the length of the tubes, interlocking the tubes in such a way that bending or displacing one tube perpendicular to its axis induces a torsion in that tube and the adjacent one or two tubes. This arrangement provides a three dimensional Fullerene truss with a maximum cross-sectional area available for enclosed transport tubes relative to the total cross-sectional area with a minimal profile while maximizing the strength, stiffness, load bearing and ability to withstand multidirectional and dynamic stresses within this profile. The two or three Fullerene tubes may be further enclosed and interlinked within a single similar tube composed of a similar lattice where each cell may be one, two or more times the size of the primary tube lattice cells supporting thermal management of the inter-tube environment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 26, 2016
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2018
    Inventor: Simon Andre de Weerdt
  • Patent number: 9784030
    Abstract: Generally plano rectangular louvers are capable of being ganged in a stacked tiltable array to enhance light re-direction when titled to follow the solar elevation. Combinations of features and optical characteristic avoid optical artifacts and enhance efficiency of light utilization and manufacturing. Different louvers can be combined in alternative ways in such arrays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: October 10, 2017
    Assignee: SerraLux Inc.
    Inventors: Mark E Gardiner, Robert Somers Ford
  • Patent number: 9733479
    Abstract: An optical element includes a reflective Fresnel element for deflecting light bundles which are incident on the Fresnel element along a direction of incidence, into a direction of emergence. The Fresnel element includes a plurality of reflective facets arranged next to each other, which are formed curved, and in each case, comprise a first reflective section and an adjoining second reflective section. The reflectivity of the first reflective section is greater than the reflectivity of the second reflective section. The second reflective section of a first reflective facet lies in front of the first reflective section of the directly neighboring reflective facet, seen in the direction of incidence, with the result that the portion of the incident light bundle which is transmitted from the second reflective section of the first reflective facet, strikes the first reflective section of the directly neighboring reflective facet, in order to be deflected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 25, 2014
    Date of Patent: August 15, 2017
    Assignee: Carl Zeiss Smart Optics GmbH
    Inventor: Eduard Schmidt
  • Patent number: 9670720
    Abstract: A method of making a plurality of foldable, collapsible window shades from a continuously moving strip of material. The method described herein is directed to a variety of methods of handling and processing preforms generated from the strip of material in order to ensure continuous movement of the strip of material during the process.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 17, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 6, 2017
    Assignee: Comfortex Corporation
    Inventors: James Barss, Thomas J. Marusak, John A. Corey, Rodney Akers
  • Patent number: 9624714
    Abstract: A door includes a door frame, first and second door skins having rectangular outer peripheries and inner openings, and a frameless glazed unit received at the openings. The door skins include exterior surfaces facing away from the door frame and opposite interior surfaces facing and secured to opposite sides of the door frame. The exterior and interior surfaces of the first and second door skins establish integral lips and grooves of the first and second door skins. Opposite sides of the frameless glazed unit directly contact and are sealed by the integral lips and sealant and/or adhesive contained in the grooves of the first and second door skins.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 2016
    Date of Patent: April 18, 2017
    Assignee: Masonite Corporation
    Inventors: Timothy D. Gouge, Abhishek Vaidya, Robert C. Allen, Steven B. Swartzmiller, Jason M. Walsh
  • Patent number: 9557023
    Abstract: An indirect daylighting device for a building with an interior space may include a suspension system configured for securing to a building structure and a pan secured to the suspension system and having an incident surface and a cross-sectional profile forming a plurality of waves, wherein the incident surface is arranged to receive natural light entering a building and reflect the natural light to provide indirect lighting to the interior space of the building.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 31, 2017
    Assignee: TUBELITE, INC.
    Inventors: Gerard James Schoeb, Johnny Wilmer Campbell, Jeffrey Brian McGinness
  • Patent number: 9161340
    Abstract: A base station includes: an area information generation unit which generates information for a determined second area by determining an additional assignment of the second area different from a first area to a component carrier (CC) of the first area having a bandwidth smaller than a bandwidth of a maximum assignable CC; a mapping control unit which controls an assignment of a reference signal to a frequency band including the first and second areas by generating the reference signal for channel estimation in the first and second areas; a signal generation unit which generates the information for the second area and the reference signal as a wireless signal; and a transmission unit for transmitting the generated wireless signal and is characterized by transmitting data to a user terminal and receiving the data from the user terminal by assigning the resources to the first and second areas.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 27, 2014
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2015
    Assignee: Pantech Co., Ltd.
    Inventors: Kitae Kim, Kibum Kwon
  • Patent number: 9140061
    Abstract: A vertical blind united by weaving and a method of fabricating the same are disclosed, wherein a plurality of fabric louvers 20 each having a constant width are arranged at a regular interval in one surface of a curtain section 10 having a predetermined area resulting from a mesh structure, the curtain section 10 is united with the fabric louvers 20 by weaving along longitudinal edges of the fabric louvers 20, and upper ends of the fabric louvers 20 are applied to a typical vertical blind structure, so that lighting is adjusted by rotation of the fabric louvers and air ventilation through the curtain section 10 is facilitated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 22, 2015
    Inventor: Ki Cheol Cha
  • Patent number: 9010401
    Abstract: A roll-up door has a plurality of panels and a plurality of roller assemblies mounted to ends of the panels for mounting the panels in channels. At least some of the panels are formed of blow-molded thermoplastic material and have a relatively flat outside face and an inside face including open channels that extend longitudinally and transversely on the panel. A reinforced panel of thermoplastic material is made by blow molding a panel with a thermoplastic material to form a relatively flat outside face and a ribbed inside face, and with elongated channels along upper and lower portions thereof. The panel may be trimmed while it is still warm to open the channels at one end. While the panel is still warm, reinforcing members may be inserted into the elongated channels. The panels may be cooled to shrink the channels onto the reinforcing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 23, 2013
    Date of Patent: April 21, 2015
    Assignee: Fleet Engineers, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Roberts, Thomas Gerst
  • Patent number: 8944137
    Abstract: A slat for use in a rolling shutter is provided. The slat comprises a hooking track located at a first edge of a body and a receiving track located at a second edge of the body. Illustratively, the hooking track has a hook-shaped profile, and the receiving track comprises a lip member and a guard member defining a space adapted to receive therein an engaging track of an adjacent slat. The hooking track and the receiving track are designed to minimize the space required for the rolling shutter to be retracted around a spindle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2013
    Date of Patent: February 3, 2015
    Inventor: James V. Miller
  • Patent number: 8925203
    Abstract: Systems and methods for manufacturing carriage house style sectional doors. A plurality of fabricated door sections, each section having a length that spans the garage opening. Each section includes an upper molding, a lower molding, and a paneled skin interposed between the upper and lower moldings. Each section is separately fabricated and then hingedly attached to an adjacent section via a plurality of hinges. The paneled skin is fabricated by bending a piece of sheet metal to provide a plurality of alternating raised and recessed surfaces. The paneled skin further includes features for coupling an upper and lower end of the paneled skin to the upper and lower moldings. Once completed, the hinged door sections are installed to selectively cover the garage opening. In yet another embodiment, a raised surface of the paneled skin creates a cavity into which a finger guard is inserted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 23, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2015
    Inventor: Robert Scott
  • Patent number: 8893434
    Abstract: A light-control assembly including a modular beam with a plurality of adjacent circular bores separated by web portions, and a series of light-controlling members with laterally compliant edge structures mounted in the beam so that the edge structures accommodate the webs between the bores when the light-controlling members are closed to achieve enhanced, blackout or near blackout light-blocking along the edges of the light-controlling members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 20, 2012
    Date of Patent: November 25, 2014
    Inventor: Moshe Konstantin
  • Publication number: 20140311688
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides a slat that may be capable of being used in a shutter. The slat may include a core having at least one groove. The at least one groove may be configured along a length of the core. In an embodiment, the core may be made up of a wooden material, a synthetic material, and the like. The slat may further include a cladding having at least one extension. The cladding may be configured to conform to the core. Further, the at least one extension may be configured to be received by the at least one groove. In a preferred embodiment, the cladding may be made up of a weather-resistant material.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 31, 2012
    Publication date: October 23, 2014
    Inventors: Jossi Peled, Rivi Peled, Vered Peled
  • Publication number: 20140262074
    Abstract: A structure and process for making a window covering slat may include a first step in which a matrixed material, preferably a non-woven material, is bonded to a very thin layer of material to form a first bonded member, and forming a second bonded member in a similar way, and joining the first bonded member to a second bonded member using a matrix bonding material, especially under heat and pressure. The ability to produce thin, high-strength window slats having a variety of shapes is realized.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 13, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Inventor: HAN-SEN LEE
  • Patent number: 8739744
    Abstract: A compound shutter system includes a first shutter assembly having at least one louver operable to selectively open and close the first shutter assembly. The compound shutter system also includes a second shutter assembly disposed remotely from the first shutter assembly. The second shutter assembly includes at least one louver operable to selectively open and close the second shutter assembly. The compound shutter system additionally includes a drive element. The drive element operatively connects the first shutter assembly and the second shutter assembly and automatically coordinates operation of the first and second shutter assemblies. A vehicle employing the compound shutter system is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 3, 2014
    Assignee: GM Global Technology Operations LLC
    Inventors: Scott P. Charnesky, Kyle C. Smith, Jeffrey L. Konchan
  • Patent number: 8723466
    Abstract: A motorized venetian blind system for covering a window of a space comprising a blind drive unit having two motors to provide for independent control of a position of a bottom rail and a tilt angle of a plurality of slats of the blind system. The blind drive unit is operable to adjust the position of the bottom rail to a preset position, and to adjust the tilt angle of the slats to a preset angle in response to receiving a single digital message (e.g., a preset command). The blind drive unit is operable to automatically adjust the position of the bottom rail and the tilt angle of the slats to limit a direct sunlight penetration distance in the space to a maximum direct sunlight penetration distance, and to maximum a reflected sunlight penetration distance on a ceiling of the space, while minimizing occupant distractions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 15, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 13, 2014
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Samuel F. Chambers, William Bryce Fricke, Matthew R. Hontz, David A. Kirby, Justin J. Mierta, Jonathan Carl Sevy
  • Patent number: 8624529
    Abstract: An automated control of a solar protection installation (INST), includes reflecting slats (B1, B2, B3) having parallel longitudinal axes, the slats having a face (F) provided with teeth (D) which flanks (F1), exposable to the light rays and called “useful” flanks, lie in parallel planes (P1, P2, P3, P4). The main direction of incidence (ASUN1; ASUN2) of the light rays on the slats is determined (CPU, CLK, ASUN) and a motor (MOT) is provided for tilting the slats at least substantially about their longitudinal axis. The slats are automatically tilted to orient the planes of the useful flanks depending on the main direction of incidence of the light rays.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 14, 2008
    Date of Patent: January 7, 2014
    Assignee: Somfy SAS
    Inventor: Serge Neuman
  • Patent number: 8617662
    Abstract: A method of producing textile blind slat, includes (a) weaving an elongated textile strip, wherein two longitudinal edge portions are double layered, for respectively forming elongated inner space therein; (b) immerging the elongated textile strip into a hardening agent, wherein the elongated textile strip passes through the hardening agent at a predetermined speed; (c) drying the elongated textile strip after the step (b) at a temperature between 100-180 Celsius degree; and (d) flattening the elongated textile strip after the step (c), so as to serve as a blind slat.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Date of Patent: December 31, 2013
    Assignee: Lande Braid Industry (Wenzhou) Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Jianming Yu
  • Publication number: 20130340953
    Abstract: Example insulated pliable door panels or curtains include various internal vapor barriers. The vapor barriers have a relatively high water vapor transmission rate that inhibits water vapor from permeating through the door panel. With such vapor barriers, outer sheets of the door panel can be made of polyurethane or other tough materials that might have an inadequate water vapor transmission rate. In some examples, the vapor barrier encircles or encloses a thermally insulating pad. In some examples, the door panel includes a sleeve or pocket that holds the vapor barrier in place. Some examples include means for draining water that might condense within the door panel.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 25, 2012
    Publication date: December 26, 2013
    Inventor: Perry W. Knutson
  • Patent number: 8607840
    Abstract: A roller shutter comprises a series of links (2), each of which has a link plate (7) which determines two main surfaces (10, 11), two opposite longitudinal edges (8, 9) and two opposite transverse edges (12, 13), as well as eccentric hinge parts (4-6) which are situated near the longitudinal edges (8, 9), in each case two links (7) being hingedly connected to one another by means of the hinge parts (4-6), which series of links (2) can be brought into a rolled-up state, in which the links (2) are rotated with respect to one another, and an unrolled state in which the links (2) determine a substantially flat plane. Closure means (18) are provided on the longitudinal edges (8, 9), by means of which the link plates (7) are closed off with respect to one another in the unrolled, flat state of the series of link plates (7).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 17, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 17, 2013
    Assignee: Stayl GmbH
    Inventor: Allegonda Petronella Gerarda Beulen
  • Patent number: 8540007
    Abstract: Door elements are disclosed herein. An example door element includes a first flexible door movably coupled relative to a wall between at least a first closed position to cover a first portion of a doorway, a first open position to enable a vehicle to access to the doorway, and an intermediate position to engage a first surface of the vehicle when the vehicle is adjacent the doorway. The door element also includes a second flexible door movably coupled relative to the wall between at least a second closed position to cover a second portion of the doorway, a second open position to enable the vehicle to access the second portion of the doorway, and a second intermediate position to engage a second surface of the vehicle when the vehicle is positioned adjacent the door opening, where the first and second flexible doors each deform to pivot relative to the wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2012
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: Rite-Hite Holding Corporation
    Inventor: Leif Kniese
  • Publication number: 20130240161
    Abstract: A window blind component includes a stack of paper fiber sheets, and an adhesive bonding said paper fiber sheets together, each of said paper fiber sheets includes 91-95% by weight of paper pulp, 3-5% by weight of a binder, and 2-4% by weight of a water repellent. The adhesive includes an acrylate polymer, the binder includes ethylene glycol dimethyl acrylate polymer, and the water repellent includes an acrylic acid polymer. The window blind component is a blind slat, the number of the paper fiber sheets in the stack is 20-40, and each of the paper fiber sheets has a thickness ranging from 0.08-0.12 mm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 2, 2013
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicant: TAICANG KINGFU PLASTIC MANUFACTURE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: Szu-Chang Huang
  • Publication number: 20130192772
    Abstract: Implementations of the present invention relate to devices, systems, and methods related to mounting decorative slats. In particular, the present invention facilitates accurate mounting and installation of a decorative multi-slat system, which can provide aesthetic enhancement for a particular space. Furthermore, the method of installing the decorative multi-slat system can allow an installer to reduce likelihood of errors and misalignments of the system, which can occur during the installation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 23, 2013
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicant: 3FORM, INC.
    Inventor: 3FORM, INC.
  • Patent number: 8496042
    Abstract: An accordion-type shutter assembly including a plurality of elongated vertically extending corrugated or flat shutter slats hingedly held together in an edge-to-edge arrangement for limited pivotal movement between adjacent slats between the assembly being open and closed. The shutter assembly is used to protect a window or door from flying object damage and building intrusion caused by storm or hurricane. The female hinge half along one of the edges of each slat has lengthwise extending rib reinforcements for greater impact resistance to better withstand the impact of airborne flying objects produced during storms and hurricanes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 14, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Inventors: Stephen J. Motosko, Stephen Motosko, III
  • Patent number: 8496043
    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: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2013
    Assignee: Liftmaster Electronics Pty Ltd
    Inventor: Franz Buser
  • Patent number: 8465617
    Abstract: An apparatus and method are disclosed for forming cellular or non-cellular window shades directly from raw stock to the final desired window shade color, height and width to fit a particular window size, with essentially no wasted material. The shade is fabricated from a bonded array of a predetermined number of stacked, identically shaped and sized, elements or preforms of uniform length corresponding to one of the height or width dimensions of the desired window covering. The number of preforms is selected so that the length of the fully expanded array will correspond with the other of the height or width dimensions of the window covering. The raw stock is in the form of a continuously fed narrow strip of uncolored fabric to which the necessary coloring, folding, cutting-to-length, stacking and bonding steps are applied within the disclosed apparatus.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 17, 2008
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2013
    Assignee: Comfortex Corporation
    Inventor: James Barss
  • Publication number: 20130146236
    Abstract: A Venetian blind slat includes a leather substrate and two rods. The leather substrate has an upper strip and a lower strip sewed to the upper strip to define two elongated spaces between the upper and lower strips along two long sides of the leather substrate. Each of the rods is inserted into and held within one of the elongated spaces of the leather substrate. The Venetian blind is lightweight and has good thermostability and flexibility.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 5, 2012
    Publication date: June 13, 2013
    Inventor: Chin-Fu CHEN
  • Patent number: 8448689
    Abstract: A roll-up door has a plurality of panels and a plurality of roller assemblies mounted to ends of the panels for mounting the panels in channels. At least some of the panels are formed of blow-molded thermoplastic material and have a relatively flat outside face and an inside face including ribs that extend longitudinally and transversely on the panel. A reinforced panel of thermoplastic material is made by blow molding a panel with a thermoplastic material to form a relatively flat outside face and a ribbed inside face, and with elongated channels along upper and lower walls thereof. The panel is trimmed while it is still warm to open the channels at one end. While the panel is still warm, reinforcing members are inserted into the elongated channels. The panels are cooled to shrink the channels onto the reinforcing members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 13, 2009
    Date of Patent: May 28, 2013
    Assignee: Fleet Engineers, Inc.
    Inventors: Gary Roberts, Tom Gerst
  • Patent number: 8424265
    Abstract: Shape-shifting surfaces that retain their effectiveness as physical barriers while undergoing changes in shape. The shape changes include any motion that makes the surface more effective at performing its function, such as expansion, shrinkage, twisting, encircling, wiggling, swallowing or constricting. The shape-shifting surfaces include tiled arrays of polygonal cells, each cell including specifically-designed compliant flexures attached to specifically-shaped overlapping thin plates or shells. Applications for such surfaces include micro-scale cellular engineering and macro-scale biomedical applications, recreational uses, national security, and environmental protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 22, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 23, 2013
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventor: Craig Perry Lusk
  • Patent number: 8413706
    Abstract: A window covering louvered blind system for horizontal and vertical orientations has a plurality of structurally sound and aesthetically appealing louvers within the body of the window-covering unit. A primary main body or middle segment of the louver is substantially planar with opposed fins that extend integrally in the same downward direction from the elongated edges of the main body at an obtuse angle. The preferred embodiments have a matching head-rail and bottom rail. Both symmetrical and asymmetrical versions of fins are disclosed. The louvers hereof are shown being used in blinds and shutters.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2013
    Assignee: Gracious Living Innovations, Inc.
    Inventor: Jay S. Kotin
  • Publication number: 20130075049
    Abstract: Venetian Blind slats having a function of their left and right ends automatically aligned and able to be assembled on a Venetian blind includes a plurality of slat bodies respectively bored with at least one band insert hole for a connecting band of the blind to be inserted therethrough and connected with the slat body, and each band insert hole is contracted and extended toward a lengthwise edge of the slat body to form a convergent portion. Thus, when the lift cord of the blind is pulled, the slat bodies are to be actuated by a braided ladder to tilt and guided by the convergent portions of the band insert holes to adjust the positions of their left and right ends.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Inventor: Dejun ZHANG
  • Patent number: 8402711
    Abstract: Multistable shape-shifting surfaces that retain their effectiveness as physical barriers while undergoing changes in shape and that can remain stable in the various shapes. The shape changes include any motion that makes the surface more effective at performing its function, such as expansion, shrinkage, twisting, encircling, wiggling, swallowing or constricting. The shape-shifting surfaces include tiled arrays of polygonal cells, each cell including specifically-designed compliant flexures attached to specifically-shaped overlapping thin plates or shells. The surfaces remain stable by leveraging them during deformation to an extent that they cannot spontaneously return to the unstressed shape. Applications for such surfaces include micro-scale cellular engineering and macro-scale biomedical applications, recreational uses, national security, and environmental protection.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Date of Patent: March 26, 2013
    Assignee: University of South Florida
    Inventors: Craig Perry Lusk, Paul Joseph Montalbano
  • Publication number: 20130047644
    Abstract: This patent covers the any use of vetiver roots material to provide shade, cooling and humidifying effect to any indoor or outdoor area. The use of vetiver root material could be in form of a mat, carpet or rug, however, not limited to them in their use to provide cooling and humidifying effect. A wet or dry mat using vetiver roots is placed in path of any natural or forced air to cool the air that is passing through. The air may be naturally flowing or forced via fan through the mat to provide cooling effect as well as cleaning effect. The patent also covers the use of water with the vetiver mat to provide additional cooling and humidity. The solution significantly reduces energy consumption.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 22, 2011
    Publication date: February 28, 2013
    Inventors: Viken Shah, Manish Shah, Pinku Shah
  • Patent number: 8365801
    Abstract: A roll type storm shutter including a plurality of elongated horizontally extending preferably corrugated shutter slats held together in an edge-to-edge arrangement. Each of the storm slats has complimentary first and second edges configured to slidably and interlockingly engage with a next adjacent slat for limited pivotal movement therebetween to facilitate rolled vertical deployment and retraction of the storm shutter. A central portion between the edges of each slat preferably has lengthwise extending corrugations for greater impact resistance to better withstand the impact of airborne flying objects produced during storms and hurricanes. Elongated solid panels may be provided each having enlarged parallel edge portions configured and spaced apart for dependent lengthwise slidable engagement between either inwardly or outwardly positioned grooves formed proximate to the edges of each of the slats.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 23, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 5, 2013
    Inventors: Stephen J. Motosko, Stephen Motosko, III
  • Patent number: 8360131
    Abstract: Composite bi-fold doors and other composite closures having improved assemblies are described, wherein the assemblies provide enhanced strength and durability of the doors and their construction while simultaneously maintaining their aesthetics. Additional improved bi-fold door and semi-solid door assemblies are also provided, which allow for the dimensional adjustment of the height of the doors by the installer as necessary, while simultaneously maintaining the structural integrity of the doors following the height adjustment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 13, 2011
    Date of Patent: January 29, 2013
    Assignee: Home Fashion Technologies, Inc.
    Inventors: Ali Kashani, Reza Kashani
  • Publication number: 20120325415
    Abstract: A method of producing textile blind slat, includes (a) weaving an elongated textile strip, wherein two longitudinal edge portions are double layered, for respectively forming elongated inner space therein; (b) immerging the elongated textile strip into a hardening agent, wherein the elongated textile strip passes through the hardening agent at a predetermined speed; (c) drying the elongated textile strip after the step (b) at a temperature between 100-180 Celsius degree; and (d) flattening the elongated textile strip after the step (c), so as to serve as a blind slat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 7, 2012
    Publication date: December 27, 2012
    Inventor: Jianming Yu
  • Publication number: 20120261083
    Abstract: A series of modular fabric panels interconnected by zippers to form a modular window or glass door covering system of various sizes. The panels can be adjusted to extend in either width, length or combination thereof. The zippers and components create seams made to be undetectable or unnoticed without buckling, opening or exposing the zipper, thus producing a customized curtain, while keeping the natural flow of the window covering.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Patrick Kenneth Daly