Abstract: The invention relates to an assembly (1) comprising a housing with a balancing spring break protection mechanism, said assembly (1) being configured for connecting a connector (15, 42), such as a bayonet connector, of a balancing spring of a sectional door system to said assembly, said housing being for connection with a fixed structure and comprising a first housing plate (5) comprising an opening (16) for receiving a balancing axle (60) of said sectional door system, said balancing axle (60) being connected to said balancing spring, and an aperture (11) for receiving said connector (15, 42), said spring break protection mechanism comprising a bearing and ratchet wheel unit (4, 7), said ratchet wheel (4) including a shaft (50) for receiving said balancing axle (60).

Abstract: In one aspect, a mounting assembly for mounting an architectural covering to a support structure may include a bracket configured to be coupled to the support structure and a bracket adapter configured to be coupled to the bracket. In addition, the mounting assembly may include an end mount configured to be coupled to both an adjacent end of the covering and the bracket adapter. In accordance with aspects of the present subject matter, the various components of the mounting assembly may be configured or adapted to provide one or more advantages over known mounting assemblies.

Abstract: In one aspect, a cordless covering may include a roller and a shade panel configured to be wound around and unwound from the roller to move the shade panel between an extended position and a retracted position. The shade panel may include a front panel, a back panel, and a plurality of vanes extending between the front and back panels. The covering may also include a roller shaft extending through the roller and a tilt adjustment mechanism coupled to the roller shaft. The tilt adjustment mechanism may be configured to rotate the roller shaft to adjust a tilt angle of the vanes between an opened position and a closed position.

Abstract: A vehicle theft-prevention apparatus can include a slip clutch mechanism, a locking mechanism, and a cylindrical body including a first portion and a second portion. The first portion can be configured to rotate about the second portion. The locking mechanism can be configured to engage based on rotation of the first portion relative to the second portion in a first direction, and disengage based on a rotation of the first portion relative to the second portion in a second direction. The slip clutch mechanism can be configured to prevent the locking mechanism from further engaging from rotation in the first direction relative to the second portion based on a magnitude of force applied.

Abstract: Example motor assemblies for architectural coverings are described herein. An example motor assembly includes a motor, a first switch to trigger the motor to retract an architectural covering, a second switch to trigger the motor to extend the architectural covering, and an actuator positioned to activate the first switch when the actuator is rotated in a first direction and to activate the second switch when the actuator is rotated in a second direction. Also described herein are example lever actuators for motor assemblies of architectural coverings. An example lever actuator detaches from the motor assembly to prevent excess force on the motor assembly that could otherwise detrimentally affect the motor assembly.

Abstract: A door curtain anti-dropping device for a rolling door is provided. The device comprises a worm shaft connected to the output shaft of the door operator, and a drive shaft comprising a limiting disc with through holes. The worm wheel having receiving slots is fixed on the drive shaft to mesh with the worm. The driven wheel is disposed adjacent to the limiting disc. Baffle plates designed to cover the through holes and receiving slots extend from the driven wheel. Plural latching pins stored with spring potential energy are compressed by the baffle plates and retained in the through holes and receiving slots. When the worm wheel is excessively worn and dislocated from the driven wheel, the baffle plates are moved to allow the latching pins to spring out and insert into the notches of the front cover, thereby lock the worm wheel and prevent the winding shaft from rotating.

Abstract: A retractable cover for architectural openings having collapsible vanes includes a support structure in the form of a sheet of material, monofilaments, tapes, ribbons, cords, or the like, supporting an upper edge of a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally extending vanes with the lower edges of the vanes in most embodiments of the invention being connected to operating elements adapted to raise the lower edges of each vane toward the upper edges to define openings or gaps between the vanes through which vision and light can pass in an open condition of the covering. Variations of the covering do not require movement of a lower edge of a vane relative to an upper edge but simply movement of some vanes relative to other vanes. The vanes can be made of materials having different flexibilities and where more rigid materials are used, creased fold lines can be established for desired operability.

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: Door curtains with position sensor switches are disclosed. An example door for selectively blocking and unblocking a passageway includes a frame to be adjacent the passageway. The example door includes a curtain moveable selectively to a closed position and a first open position, where the curtain blocks the passageway in the closed position, and the curtain unblocks the passageway in the first open position. The example door also includes a bracket to be attached to the frame. The bracket is movable selectively to a normal position and a displaced position relative to the frame. The example door further includes a switch to be attached to the bracket and in sensing relationship with the curtain. The curtain supports at least some weight of the bracket when the bracket is in the displaced position. The curtain supports no weight of the bracket when the bracket is in the normal position.

Abstract: An apparatus for raising and lowering a window shade having: a clutch assembly with a clutch core having a shaft; springs having pairs of load bearing members, the springs being circumferentially positioned along a length of the shaft, the pairs of load bearing members being circumferentially spaced around the shaft such that there are no two orthogonal planes along a longitudinal axis of the shaft about which a load applied to a load bearing member of each pair is symmetrically distributed; a pulley defining openings, each of the openings being configured to receive at least one pair of load bearing members; and a housing comprising a plurality of keys, each key being configured to fit between at least one pair of load bearing members received by the openings.

Abstract: A motorized transitional shade system may move a covering material between open, closed, view, and privacy positions. The covering material may define respective pluralities of opaque and transparent sections that are arranged in an alternating pattern. A bottom bar that is movably supported by the covering material may define first and second portions of the covering material. The opaque and transparent sections in the first and second portions of the covering material may permit visibility through the covering material in a view position, and may impede visibility through the covering material in a privacy position. If movement of the covering material is halted at an intermediate position that is between the open and closed positions, the motorized transitional shade system may cause the motor to rotate the roller tube to move the covering material to a next lowest privacy position or to a next highest view position.

Abstract: A winder, including a support member having a wall portion and a spindle; and a housing rotatably mounted onto said spindle, said housing having a drive portion for receiving a cord that controls the rotation of said housing for extending and retracting a blind; wherein said housing is selectively moveable along the spindle between an open position and a closed position, such that when the housing is placed in the open position, the drive portion is exposed for receiving said cord, and when the housing is placed in the closed position, the wall portion covers at least a part of the drive portion to resist disengagement of the entire cord from the drive portion.

Abstract: A window blind includes a stationary seat, a blind mechanism, a coupling mechanism and a control pole. The blind mechanism includes a linking rod mounted to the stationary seat and a blind unit wound on the linking rod. The coupling mechanism includes a transmission unit connected to the linking rod and movable between an operable state and a non-operable state, a stop unit for restraining rotation of the linking rod when the transmission unit is at the non-operable state, and a resilient member for biasing the transmission unit toward the non-operable state. The control pole is connected to the transmission unit and is operable for converting the transmission unit to the operable state against a resilient force of the resilient member.

Abstract: A window blind includes a stationary seat, a blind mechanism, a coupling mechanism and a control pole. The blind mechanism includes a linking rod mounted to the stationary seat and a blind unit wound on the linking rod. The coupling mechanism includes a transmission unit connected to the linking rod and movable between an operable state and a non-operable state, a stop unit for restraining rotation of the linking rod when the transmission unit is at the non-operable state, and a resilient member for biasing the transmission unit toward the non-operable state. The control pole is connected to the transmission unit and is operable for converting the transmission unit to the operable state against a resilient force of the resilient member.

Abstract: Apparatus and methods for controlling architectural opening coverings are described herein. An example apparatus includes a roller tube, a motor including a motor drive shaft and a motor casing, the motor casing to rotate with the roller tube, and a manual control including a manual control drive shaft coupled to the motor drive shaft, the motor to apply torque to the roller tube through rotation of the motor casing.

Abstract: An assembly is provided comprising a spring break protection mechanism and a spring plug for connecting a balancing spring of a sectional door system to the spring break protection mechanism. The mechanism comprises a base plate with a circular opening for receiving a balancing axle. A ratchet wheel is rotatably arranged at a first side of said base plate to cooperate with the balancing axle. A pawl is pivotably connected to the base plate. Attached to said pawl is an extension extending from the pawl to beyond a second side of the base plate. The base plate and the spring plug are arranged for bayonet mount interaction wherein if the spring plug is placed against the second side of the base plate and then rotated for bayonet connection, part of the spring plug pushes the extension so as to force the pawl in the first position. If the spring plug is then rotated in an opposite direction, the pawl moves into the second position, to block the ratchet wheel so as to avoid rotation of the balancing axle.

Abstract: A fire or smoke protection device (12) with a flexible partition device (16) which can be put in a protection arrangement in which the partition element (16) can work to its full protective effect, and a storage arrangement, and a winding shaft (18) upon which the partition element (16) is wound up in the storage arrangement, and a mounting device (20) for fixing the fire or smoke protection device (10) on a building section (14), wherein at least one anchoring device (22) positively interacts with the winding shaft (18) if and only if the partition element (16) is in the protection arrangement.

Abstract: First and second lifting and lowering units are connected to first and second shielding members hung from a head rail, and an operating cord drives the units to lift and lower the shielding members independently. An operating cord is wound around a rotating member. Between a first input shaft to which the turning force of the rotating member is transferred and a first output shaft that can lift and lower the first shielding member, a first clutch of the first lifting and lowering unit is provided, and a first stopper is provided in the first output shaft. Between a second input shaft to which the turning force of the rotating member is transferred and a second output shaft that can lift and lower the second shielding member, a second clutch of the second lifting and lowering unit is provided, and a second stopper is provided in the second output shaft.

Abstract: A cover for the clutch of a roller blind. The clutch includes a sprocket rotationally driven through the application of tension to a chain or cord received at least partially about the sprocket. The clutch also includes an abutment member against which a stopper on the chain or cord bears to limit rotation of the sprocket in a pre-determined direction. The cover comprises a plate member fixed to the clutch and prevented from rotation with the sprocket. The cover has a notch sized to receive at least a portion of the stopper when the stopper contacts the abutment member.

Abstract: A system for operating and positioning a roller shade may include a roller shade clutch and an idler which are mounted to a bracket for attachment to a structure. The bracket may include a mounting plate and a wall or ceiling engaging member mounted to the mounting plate. The roller shade clutch or idler may be releasably coupled to attachment member of the bracket by a locking device. The locking device may comprise an insert having a body portion, a first end that is configured to be secured within a recess formed in a rear facing surface of the clutch, and a second end that is configured to remain extending at least partially beyond the rear surface of the clutch and to be secured by engagement with a slot formed in the bracket.

Abstract: In various implementations, a roller shade assembly may include an elongated body and a mechanism. The mechanism may include gears and a spring. The mechanism may allow the roller shade to be locked and/or unlocked using a driver. Internal component(s) of the roller shade may be adjusted using the driver.

Abstract: An automatic roller shade includes a shade body rotatably mounted to between a first and a second mounting bracket; a stop mechanism mounted in an end of a roller of the shade body; and a driving mechanism mounted in another opposite end of the roller. The stop mechanism includes a winding element connected to the roller and a spiral spring element having an end connected to the winding element. The spiral spring element enables a balance between a force for lifting or winding a shade fabric of the shade and the gravitational force lowering or unwinding the shade fabric. The driving mechanism at the other end of the roller can adopt a micro motor as a power source and the micro motor can be invisibly located inside the roller, enabling the automatic roller shade to have reduced power consumption and manufacturing cost while having a compact and esthetic appearance.

Abstract: A winding shaft drive (1, 1A, 101, 101A, 102, 102A) is arranged for operating a retractable covering for an architectural opening. The winding shaft drive includes an at least partially hollow winding shaft (7); a driving member (3, 103) for inducing rotation to the winding shaft; and a shaft brake adapted to be operated by the driving member. The shaft brake includes a preassembled module (5) for accommodation in the at least partially hollow winding shaft (7) and has first coupling means (67) on one axial end thereof for transmitting rotative forces and second coupling means (69) on the same one axial end for transmitting non-rotative stationary forces. The driving member has a driving hub (11, 111) for removably coupling to the first coupling means (67) and a stationary connector (17, 17A, 117, 117A) for removably coupling to the second coupling means (69). A shaft brake module (5) and a driving member (3, 103) are specifically adapted for use in the winding shaft drive.

Abstract: A vertically coiling door assembly that is used for emergency egress. The door assembly is capable of both powered and manual emergency egress upon entry into a predefined alarm state.

Abstract: There is provided a motorized roller shade that includes a roller shade tube including an outer surface, an inner surface defining an inner cavity, and two end portions. The motorized shade further includes a shade attached to the outer surface of the roller shade tube, a counterbalancing unit configured to provide a counterbalancing force to the shade, and the roller shade tube further comprising substitution configurations to allow the roller shade tube to receive and operate with either a motor assembly or a manual operation assembly.

Abstract: Example architectural opening coverings powered by rotary motors are described. An example architectural opening covering apparatus includes a rotatable member, a covering mounted to the rotatable member, a motor having a drive shaft which is capable of rotating the rotatable member in a first direction to raise the covering and in a second direction opposite the first direction to lower the covering, and a drive shaft coupling substantially preventing the motor from applying torque in the second direction.

Abstract: Operating system (1) for rotatably controlling retraction and deployment of an architectural covering. The operating system includes a drive pulley wheel (3) having a circumferential rim (5), a length of looped drive cord (9) operatively engaged with the pulley wheel (3) about its circumferential rim (5) and having depending portions on opposite sides of the pulley wheel (3), a cover (7) co-extensive with a portion of the circumference of the pulley wheel (3) and at least one stopper (19) attached to a portion of the length of the drive cord (9) and adapted to engage the cover (7) to stop rotation upon a predetermined amount of rotation of the pulley wheel (3). The pulley wheel is provided with a cavity (17) on its toothed circumference for receiving the at least one stopper (19) to prevent it from engaging the cover (7).

Abstract: An overhead roll-up door assembly for a vertically moving door to permit and prohibit access to an opening, the door assembly having a flexible door panel, a shaft capable of rotating to vertically move the flexible door panel, and at least two motors configured to rotate the shaft.

Abstract: A drum driving device for a window shade includes a housing fixed to a frame of the window shade. A cord pulley is rotatably received in the housing. A drum is rotatably mounted to a drum shaft received in the housing A single-direction clutch device is mounted between the drum and the cord pulley. The clutch device includes a chamber defined in the housing. A driving shaft is coaxially mounted to the cord pulley. A transmission shaft is mounted in the chamber. A driving spring is mounted to an inner periphery of the chamber and around the driving shaft and the transmission shaft in the chamber. The transmission shaft has an outer diameter not larger than that of the transmission shaft. The driving spring is in tight contact with the driving shaft and the inner periphery of the chamber. The transmission shaft is extended out of the chamber and connected to the drum.

Abstract: A coupling device for a sunshade assembly includes a slide block, an insert block and a plug component. The slide block has spaced-apart first and second block bodies connected to a guide member of the sunshade assembly. The first block body has an engaging portion formed on a hole-defining surface that defines a first through hole. The insert block is connected to a cross bar of the sunshade assembly, extends between the first and second block bodies, and is formed with a plug hole registered with the first through hole. The plug component is inserted through the plug hole from the first through hole, and is formed with a first engaging part engaging the engaging portion of the first block body, and a second engaging part spaced apart from the first engaging part and moving over the engaging portion of the first block body during the insertion of the plug member.

Abstract: A door machine mechanism of the fireproof door comprises a force exerted end which is activated to roll a rotary axle and a loading end for receiving the weight of the door curtain. The rotary axle comprises an internal axle and two external axles. The force exerted end and the loading end are applied on the internal axle and the external axle respectively. The internal axle and the external axle are normally coupled via a clutch mechanism. A torsion spring brake mechanism is used to normally brake the rotary axle against the load of the loading end by changing the inner diameter of the torsion spring, or when the torsion spring brake mechanism is subjected to an external force from the force exerted end, the rotary axle is released. As such, the clutch mechanism is controlled to interrupt the coupling of the internal axle and the external axle in the event of the fire alarm such that the door curtain falls and shuts the fireproof door.

Abstract: A window covering with improved controls enhances several aspects of window covering operation. A control mechanism provides a clutch module for selective locking and unlocking of a drive shaft used to retract and extend the shade element between storage and extended positions. The clutch module includes a reciprocator element that engages a key extending from an outer surrounding housing. A locking member between the reciprocator element and a coupling element carried by the drive shaft selectively locks and unlocks rotational coupling between the reciprocator element and the coupling element, thus selectively locking and unlocking the drive shaft. In a cushioning mechanism, a unidirectional dampening or frictional deceleration is provided for the drive shaft. The cushioning mechanism includes an impeller or rotor immersed in a cushion medium that impedes rotation of the rotor, and hence the drive shaft to which the rotor is coupled.

Abstract: A window up-and-down-winding-type shielding apparatus for a conveyance includes: a pair of guide rails that are parallel to each other and that extend in an up-and-down direction; a moving member that is connected to a lower end of a shielding member and that can be moved in the up-and-down direction along the guide rails; a winding mechanism that has a rotation section for retractably winding the shielding member; a biasing force application device that applies a biasing force to the rotation section of the winding mechanism in a direction along which the shielding member is wound; a motion conversion mechanism that converts the movement of the moving member in up-and-down direction along the guide rails to a rotational motion; and an axis member that is coordinated with the motion conversion mechanism to have a rotational motion in accordance with the up-and-down movement of the moving member.

Abstract: In a retarding structure for rolling a curtain and a manufacturing method thereof, the retarding structure includes a housing, a shaft and an elastic element. The shaft is movably coupled into the housing, an end of the shaft is extended out from the housing; and an elastic element is sheathed onto the shaft, and both ends of the elastic element are abutted against internal walls of the housing respectively. The housing can be combined with any curtain rod having an automatic rolling mechanism, such that when a curtain fabric rolled up to the curtain rod by the automatic rolling mechanism, the shaft together with the elastic element are used to gradually increase the resistance produced during the rolling, so as to prevent the curtain fabric from rolling up instantly, and achieve the effects of preventing the curtain from being damaged easily and providing a universal application.

Abstract: A system for operating and positioning a roller shade may include a roller shade clutch and an idler which are mounted to brackets for attachment to a structure. Each bracket may include a mounting plate, an attachment member slidably mounted to the mounting plate, and a wall or ceiling engaging member mounted to the mounting plate. The roller shade clutch may include a housing having a guard defining a cavity, a chain outlet, and a chain guard spanning the chain outlet, a post extending axially from the housing, at least one torsion spring mounted on and frictionally engaging said post, a sprocket wheel being mounted for rotation over the post and seated within the cavity, a chain guard cover disposed over at least a portion of the chain guard, and a follower cap mounted over the post that is rotatable in conjunction with the sprocket wheel. The idler may include an inner drum, an outer drum rotatably and slidably disposed over the inner drum, and an end cap fixed over the forward end of the outer drum.

Abstract: A roll blind is provided which can guarantee a simple operation. The roll blind includes: a supporting frame disposed in a window frame; first and second winding bars rotatably disposed in the supporting frame; a winding driver rotationally driving one of the first and second winding bars; first and second screens coupled to the first and second winding bars, respectively; a weight bar to which the tower ends of the first and second screens are fixed; and a clutch unit binding and unbinding the first and second winding bars with respect to each other.

Abstract: The invention relates to an operating unit (1) for architectural coverings, in particular roller blinds or shades. The unit (1) includes a stationary base member (37), a rotatable driving member (39), a rotatable driven member (29) and a brake mechanism (71, 73, and 75). The brake mechanism (71, 73, and 75) automatically arrests rotation of the driven member (29) in respect of the stationary base member (37), when not rotated by the driving member (39). The brake mechanism includes a first wrap spring (73), adapted to yield a predetermined minimum brake force, and at least one second wrap spring (75), different in size from the first wrap spring (73) and adapted to yield a supplementary brake force, which together with the predetermined minimum brake force amounts to a predetermined maximum brake force.

Abstract: Barrier systems and associated methods, including vapor and/or fire barrier systems, are disclosed herein. One aspect of the invention is directed toward a barrier system that includes a barrier coupled to a spool, and a drive system. The barrier is positioned to be wound onto and off of the spool as the barrier moves between a deployed position and a retracted position by the drive assembly. The system further includes a clutch configured to resist movement of the barrier system unless directed by the drive system, and to release the barrier to allow manual egress when power to the drive system fails. The system further includes a latch configured to retain the barrier in a retracted position and to prevent the barrier from deploying when power fails and the clutch releases.

Abstract: The present invention relates to end stops for use in retractable coverings for architectural openings where the end stops have impact-absorbing means which are bi-directionally cushioning. The end stop will remain at a dedicated position even after being impacted.

Abstract: The invention relates to a tubular actuator (1) for a home automation screen, that comprises: a stationary point (20: 220: 420) at least partially imbedded in the tube through one end thereof; and stop means (21, 11; 221, 211; 321; 421, 411) of the stationary point at least in translation relative to the tube, characterised in that the tubular actuator includes locking means (32; 232; 432) for the stop means.

Abstract: A control apparatus for positioning and counterbalancing an amount of flexible blind material wound onto or unwound from a rotatable shaft of a windable covering such as a blind. The apparatus includes a main body and a variable torque device, at least partially fitted within the main body, having means of achieving a variable torque to prevent rotation of the shaft due to a variable weight of blind material hanging from the shaft in any position between a wound position and an unwound position of the blind material defining full travel of the windable covering.

Abstract: A damping apparatus for retraction and extension of window shades includes a damper and a damper casing that are pivotally coupled with a clutch and engaged with a rolling shade or a window shade assembly. A sealed housing chamber is formed between the damper and damper casing to contain damping oil. The damper casing has a shaft at one end pivotally coupled with the clutch and a jutting stem at another end to couple with a transmission axle of a main spring of the rolling shade. The damper has an axle rotating relative with a shell to generate volume alteration of a curved surface at one end such that the apparatus can control deceleration while the rolling shade is retracted or buffer the extension speed while the window shade assembly is extended.

Abstract: An improved curtain rolling buffer apparatus mainly includes a rolling means mounted to a left end of the track to allow the curtain hanging below the track to be extended by pulling once and retracted by pulling another time. A buffer means is located on the right end of the track and has a bushing housing a spring. When to extend or retract the curtain, the spring is turned clockwise and extended outwards, and runs idle outside an axle, and the elastic force of the spring is small than the pressure of lube oil so that the curtain is easier to be extended. On the contrary, when the spring is turned counterclockwise, it is tightened and drives the bushing to rotate together.

Abstract: Which has the following essential elements: A drive shaft (1) joined to the rolling drum (23) of a blind (21), joined by means of a first freewheel mechanism (2) with a drive cylinder (4) which has a freeing sector (5). A cogged wheel (17) which has protuberances (18) into which fit the relevant extensions (19) of the slats (20) of the blind (21), joined via a second freewheel mechanism (15) with a blocking sector (26). A brake cylinder (7) with teeth (27) housing a brake spring (9) whose ends form stops (10), with the blocking sector (25) acting on the stops (10) in the direction to increase the apparent diameter of the brake spring (9) and the freeing sector (5) in the direction to reduce its apparent diameter. Various ratchets (28) that can lock against the teeth (27) as a function of the relative position of a transmission crown (6) on which they are articulated with respect to the drive cylinder (4).

Abstract: A monodirectional braking mechanism is disclosed, for use with a device for extending and retracting a sheet of material on a roller, the braking mechanism comprising: one or more than one housing containing viscous fluid, one or more that one rotor within the housing; a brake connected to the rotor and placed within the housing, the brake comprising a projecting pin; a braking spring wound around the pin of the brake and placed outside the housing; where the braking mechanism reduces the force or rate, or both the force and rate, of rotation of the roller as the roller is rotated in a second rotation direction but has substantially no effect on the force or rate of rotation of the roller when the roller is rotated in a first rotation direction; and where the first rotation direction is the reverse of the second rotation direction.

Abstract: An assembly for covering a building opening that provides a shaft positioned at one end of the building opening, a curtain carried by the shaft, and a locking mechanism at the opposed end of the building opening from the shaft that selectively holds the curtain in a locked position to cover the building opening. The assembly also includes an input for selectively rotating the shaft, and a linking assembly adapted to transfer the input to the shaft to selectively rotate the shaft, wherein the linking assembly includes a failsafe portion designed to fail upon a predetermined impact force on the curtain. An operator is also provided to allow controllable movement of the curtain between the various positions.

Abstract: A retractable cover for architectural openings having collapsible vanes includes a support structure in the form of a sheet of material, monofilaments, tapes, ribbons, cords, or the like, supporting an upper edge of a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally extending vanes with the lower edges of the vanes in most embodiments of the invention being connected to operating elements adapted to raise the lower edges of each vane toward the upper edges to define openings or gaps between the vanes through which vision and light can pass in an open condition of the covering. Variations of the covering do not require movement of a lower edge of a vane relative to an upper edge but simply movement of some vanes relative to other vanes. The vanes can be made of materials having different flexibilities and where more rigid materials are used, creased fold lines can be established for desired operability.

Abstract: A retractable screen mechanism is disclosed for covering an opening. The retractable screen mechanism comprises two tracks mounted on opposing sides of the opening. A screen comprises a screen material mounted on a frame having two flexible opposing sides corresponding to and adapted to engage the two tracks. A spool mechanism extends between the flexible opposing sides and engages a third side of the frame. The screen winds up on the spool mechanism. The spool mechanism is biased to the wind up position. The spool mechanism has a speed reducer which comprises a resistance structure moving through a viscous fluid to reduce the speed of the biased screen when moving to the wind up position.

Abstract: A protecting device for securing a storage space in the interior of a vehicle has a winding shaft associated, both in the pullout and in the rollup direction, with a control device which determines the rotations of the winding shaft as well as a selected protective position of the flat shaped article, and which, independently of the determined position, limits the pullout path for the flat shaped article to a length corresponding to the selected protective position, or releases it to be completely pulled out.

Abstract: A retractable screen mechanism having two tracks mounted on opposing sides of an opening and a screen with a screen material mounted on a frame having two flexible opposing sides corresponding to and adapted to engage the two tracks. A spool mechanism for winding up the screen extends between the flexible opposing sides and engages a third side of the frame and is biased to a wind up position. The spool mechanism has a speed reducer which comprises a resistance structure moving through a viscous fluid to reduce the speed of the biased screen when moving to the wind up position.