Abstract: A stationary base plate, a chain drum locking mechanism and a reducer mechanism are provided for a manual rolling door operator, in which the reducer mechanism has an output shaft and the chain drum locking mechanism has a chain drum, a wedge wheel, a drive shaft, a plurality of moving rollers, and fixed rods. If the chain drum is rotated in any direction by a force pulling a chain run around the chain drum, the fixed rods push against the moving rollers to release a wedging action from the wedge wheel which simultaneously renders the drive shaft to be rotated. However, if the force stop to pull the chain, the wedge wheel locks the moving roller by the wedging action due to the weight of a curtain of slats so as to stop the rotation of the drive shaft.

Abstract: A retractable safety gate has a mounting assembly, a control assembly, a delaying assembly, an operating assembly, a blocking cloth, a grip assembly and a receiving assembly. The control assembly has a controller, a ratchet unit and a spiral spring. The spiral spring is connected between the controller and the ratchet unit. Thus, the controller is pulled back to the original position to be closed by the spiral spring, thereby reducing number of the components such that the retractable safety gate has a simplified structure.

Abstract: A safety assembly for a roller blind has a fixing device, a moving device, a flexible element, a rotating device, a hooking device and a bead cord. The fixing device has a base panel, a stopping arm and a reset mount. The moving device is movably connected to the fixing device between the stopping arm and the reset mount. The flexible element is mounted between the reset mount and the moving device to push the moving device to move relative to the fixing device. The rotating device is rotatably mounted on the moving device and has a stopping disc and a rotating disk. The hooking device is mounted securely below the fixing device, the moving device and the rotating device. The bead cord is mounted between the rotating device and the hooking device to allow the rotating device rotating relative to the moving device by pulling the bead cord.

Abstract: A retractable covering for architectural openings having collapsible vanes includes a head rail and 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 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. The support structure, vanes and operating elements are adapted to be wrapped around a roller in the head rail in a retracted position of the covering and unwrapped in an extended position. An inhibitor system is incorporated into the covering to permit automatic opening of the vanes when the support structure, vanes and operating elements reach an extended position.

Abstract: A braking device configured for use with the counterbalancing system of a garage door. The brake device includes a support bracket, a ratchet wheel, a pawl arm, and a biasing spring. The support bracket is rigidly connected to a fixed structure and has a guiding slot. The ratchet wheel is securely mounted about the overhead shaft of the counterbalancing system and has at least one notch. The pawl arm has first and second ends, the first end of the pawl arm being pivotally connected to the support bracket and the second end of the pawl arm cooperating with the guiding slot and being movable with respect to the support bracket along said guiding slot. The first and second ends of the pawl arm are further connected to flanges of a plug on either side of the overhead shaft. The biasing spring is operatively connected between the support bracket and the pawl arm so as to exert a biasing force for biasing the pawl arm towards the ratchet wheel.

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: Hardware that improves the safety of operating sectional doors that use torsional coil springs to facilitate door movement. A rotor assembly with centrifugally activated throw-out latches is affixed to the rotating shaft that bears the torsional coil springs. When a spring breaks, the shaft rotates rapidly as cables supporting the door unwind. Rapid rotation causes centrifugal force to bias the latches to an outer position in which they strike a trigger plate, allowing a pawl to move into a position in which the pawl blocks further rotation of the rotor, thus halting the descent of the sectional door. Raising the sectional door manually moves the latches, trigger plate, and pawl to their original position, disengaging the present invention and permitting the door to be lowered slowly without danger of injury.

Abstract: A rolling mechanism includes a base frame fastened to a top side of a window and having a coupling flange, a roller rotatably mounted below the base frame for stationary rotation and having a locating groove on its periphery, and at least one constraint member having a coupling portion pivotally coupled to the coupling flange of the base frame and a constraint portion extending from the coupling portion for engaging the locating groove of the roller and further limiting the rotary direction of the roller to one direction only.

Abstract: A retractable gate removably attached between the door frames of a dwelling having a flexible screen attached to a rotatable shaft supported within a housing. The shaft is turned by a knob to retract the screen and is locked by a spring loaded ratchet attachment.

Abstract: A braking device configured for use with the counterbalancing system of a garage door. The braking device includes a support bracket, a ratchet wheel, a pawl arm, and a biasing spring. The support bracket is rigidly connected to a fixed structure and has a guiding slot. The ratchet wheel is securely mounted about the overhead shaft of the counterbalancing system and has at least one notch. The pawl arm has first and second ends, the first end of the pawl arm being pivotally connected to the support bracket and the second end of the pawl arm cooperating with the guiding slot and being movable with respect to the support bracket along said guiding slot. The first and second ends of the pawl arm are further connected to flanges of a plug on either side of the overhead shaft. The biasing spring is operatively connected between the support bracket and the pawl arm so as to exert a biasing force for biasing the pawl arm towards the ratchet wheel.

Abstract: A blind lift rod control lock includes a housing having an axle hole, a rotating member revolvably mounted in the axle hole of the housing, the rotating member having a non-circular through hole, which receives a lift rod for enabling the rotating member to be synchronously rotated with the lift rod, a reverse ratchet, and a forward ratchet, and a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism has a follower member, a first hooked portion adapted to engage the reverse ratchet, and a second hooked portion adapted to engage the forward ratchet. The follower member is selectively controlled to force the first hooked portion into engagement with the reverse ratchet or the second hooked portion into engagement with the forward ratchet.

Abstract: An automatic winding screen device has a coil spring fixed to a bracket at one end of a winding box, the other end of the coil spring being fixed to a winding shaft, and a damper for alleviating impact and collision noise. Between the damper on a shaft fixed to the winding box and the winding shaft, a one-way clutch mechanism is interposed such that, when the winding shaft is rotated in a screen deploying direction, the connection between the damper and the winding shaft is cancelled while when the winding shaft rotates in a screen winding direction the damper is connected to the winding shaft.

Abstract: A locking device for a safety gate which includes a gate surface made from material which may be wound up with a mechanism for prevention of unintentional unwinding of gate material, the mechanism including a catch wheel which co-rotates with the unwinding, a rotatable catch for cooperation with the cogs of the catch wheel and a release mechanism releasing the gate for unwinding. The mechanism also includes a driver which is arranged adjacent the catch wheel and may be rotated concentrically therewith, at which rotation a pin which is arranged at the catch is displaced in a slot in the driver so that the pin, when the catch is in a released position, contacts a surface inside or adjacent the slot. The driver includes a fork with two shanks between which the slot is arranged. The slot is L-shaped. In order to release the gate, a manually performed movement in three different directions of an actuator which affects the releasing mechanism is required.

Abstract: An arrangement for monitoring a condition of a counterbalance torsion spring in an overhead door or gate and preventing the door or gate from accidentally slamming shut or dropping too rapidly when the spring fails. The arrangement includes a drum mounted on a shaft which transmits the torque of the spring to the drum. During normal operation a sensor and release assembly maintains a catcher in a inactive position and when the spring fails, the sensor and release assembly allows the catcher to move to an active position and engage a grabber disposed on an inside surface of the drum to block rotation of the drum and therefore movement of the door or gate.

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 hub provided at an end of a roller rotates with the roller. A stationary cap mounted to an axle of the roller is positioned adjacent the hub. A pawl pivots on the cap and is movable to engage gears on the hub. The pawl has two abutment surfaces mounted. The pawl pivots between a first position wherein one of the abutment surfaces engages the geared surface to prevent rotation of the hub in a first direction and a second position wherein the other abutment surfaces engages the geared surface to prevent rotation of the hub in a second direction.

Abstract: A hub provided at an end of a roller rotates with the roller. A stationary cap mounted to an axle of the roller is positioned adjacent the hub. A pawl pivots on the cap and is movable to engage gears on the hub. The pawl has two abutment surfaces mounted. The pawl pivots between a first position wherein one of the abutment surfaces engages the geared surface to prevent rotation of the hub in a first direction and a second position wherein the other abutment surfaces engages the geared surface to prevent rotation of the hub in a second direction.

Abstract: An automatically braking mechanism for a rolling door system is used in connection with en elongate support shaft for selectively rolling up or lowering the rolling door formed of a series of connected slats. A driven wheel is fixed on the support shaft and a motor drive is provided for driving a chain drive sprocket wheel and a continuous roller chain couples the drive and driven sprocket wheels. The roller chain normally moves along a predetermined path prior to failure of the roller chain when the roller chain is under tension. A braking mechanism includes a first elongate sensing arm pivotally mounted at one end and carries a follower roller at the other end which is normally in direct contact wit the roller chain. A second elongate actuator arm is integrally formed with the sensing arm so as to be pivotally mounted for sharing common angular movements with the sensing arm.

Abstract: An adjustable electric sunshade for an automobile has a hollow housing; two covers respectively provided on the both sides of the housing and each having a first ratchet formed therein; a winder provided in the housing and driven by a motor; two elbows pivotally mounted in the housing and each having a second ratchet opposing the first ratchet; two handles respectively pivotally mounted on fingers of the elbows extending out from the covers and each having a protrusion which can ensure the engagement of the first and second ratchets; two flexible arms respectively provided on the elbows; a curtain wound on the winder on one end and attached to the flexible arms on another end. The curtain can be extended by the flexible arms. Turning the handles to release the protrusions can disengage the first ratchet from the second ratchet, so that the elbows can be pivoted to adjust the curtain's angle. By this, the sunshade can be adapted to various rear windows.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for adding torsion to a roller tube assembly of a retractable awning which includes a roller tube rotatable about a rod and a torsion spring between the roller tube and the rod. The model number of the roller tube assembly and the required number of turns to obtain the desired torsion is input, by bar code scanner, into a programmable controller. The controller is preprogrammed with data relating to the proper holding assemblies required for various model numbers and boundaries for the data input by the bar code scanner. The controller first verifies that the proper holding fixture is present. The rod is coupled to a drive motor for rotation therewith and the roller tube is secured in the holding assembly to substantially prevent rotation thereof. The rod is coupled and the roller tube is secured solely by longitudinally moving the roller tube assembly into the holding fixture.

Abstract: An extension limiter for awnings with a roller tube which co-operates with a drive, with an awning fabric and extension arms that exert a force on the awning fabric sufficient for unwinding. The extension limiter is adjustable and can be set.

Abstract: A lock assembly for an awning roller adapted for having an awning rolled thereon and rotationally supported by a rod includes first and second pawls. The first pawl prevents relative rotation between the roller and the rod in one direction and the second pawl prevents relative rotation between the roller and the rod in the other direction. An end cap is mounted on an end of the roller and forms a gear which rotates with the roller. The gear has teeth forming stops. A cup-shaped housing faces the end of the roller at the gear and is secured to the rod to prevent relative rotation therebetween. The first and second pawls are pivotally mounted to said support for engaging the stops and engaging generally opposite sides of the gear. A leaf spring biases the first and second pawls toward engagement with the stops.

Abstract: A compact retractable protective covering apparatus, preferably enclosed in a housing, is designed for attachment to a motorcycle or other vehicle. A spring-actuated spool is mounted in the housing surrounding the spring, which in turn surrounds a support rod. One end of the spring is fixed in place, while the other end is structured to rotate in a fixed proportion to the rotation of the spool by a system of gears. The proportion should be less than one to one, so that the spring rotates less than the number of rotations of the spool. A protective cover is wound around the spool and can be withdrawn from the housing and extended over the entire motorcycle. An automatic locking mechanism is provided that prevents the cover from retracting when it is extended. The locking mechanism includes a pawl that engages and prevents one of the gears from rotating in at least one direction.

Abstract: A retractable awning is provided with a multiple position pivot support adapted for mounting the awning in different installations. A flange of a mounting bracket fits in one of several slots in the support according to a wall and awning rail structure. A roller is provided with a notch into which is wedged a rope in a hem pocket of the awning. The notch retains the rope and holds the awning taut. Rafter arms a pivotably attached to slides held in slideways on external faces of support arms. A stop and latch mechanism hold the rafter in an extended position so that pivoting of the support arms does not change tension of the awning. An improved roller lock uses a pair of pawls engaging a gear. A spring biases the lock to either of two engaged positions.

Abstract: A spring roller-mounted pull-out screen for use as a child safety barrier across a doorway has a control mechanism which prevents the screen from extending when impacted by a child. The roller is locked against rotation in a direction allowing the screen to unwind unless released by a manual push-button. The roller automatically locks after the screen has been extended and fitted in place. The automatic locking mechanism operates by a friction drive which releases a pawl to spring into engagement with a ratchet wheel when the screen has been pulled out and released.

Abstract: A wind-shield blind system to thermally insulate the windshield of a car. The system includes a spindle tube with a spindle tube mechanism which allows the blind to extend only, preventing the blind from being accidentally rewound by locking the spindle tube in a stationary position at any of a plurality of positions in its range of extension. The spindle tube mechanism includes a push block which, when activated, causes the blind to be automatically rewound.

Abstract: A wind-shield blind system for insulating heat transfer into a car comprises a roller blind carried by a roller blind mechanism having a ratcheting mechanism which allows the roller blind to extend only and prevents it from being accidentally rewound so as to lock the roller blind stationary with respect to the roller at any of a plurality of positions along its extension. The roller blind mechanism can be released from the effect of the ratcheting mechanism by pressing a control stem to automatically rewind the roller blind.

Abstract: A continuously unfurlable car window shade includes a shaft having a first end coupled with a ratchet wheel formed with a control button, and a second end coupled with a knob. A window shade is attached to the shaft and rolled therearound. A spring having a first end coupled with the shaft, and a second end coupled with a rod, winds along the rod. A shell encases the shaft. An end cap having a rectangular well holds the rod. A control cap having a pawl that can be used to engage with the ratchet wheel holds the shaft. While a user pulls down the window, the ratchet wheel slides on the pawl. The rotational shaft then rotates, thus loading the spring, and unfurls the window shade. After unfurling the window shade to a desired length, the user releases the window shade. The tension pulls the knob, thus forcing the ratchet wheel to engage with the pawl, thus locking the window shade unfurled to the desired length. When wishing to furl the window shade the user just pushes the control button.

Abstract: An awning roller with a two-position, bi-directional locking mechanism. In the first position, rotation of the roller is permitted in a clockwise direction, but prevented in a counterclockwise direction. The second position allows rotation in a counterclockwise direction, but not in a clockwise direction. The roller comprises an outwardly facing pinion gear at one end of the roller. A pawl is rotatably mounted adjacent the pinion gear to interact with the teeth so as to control the direction of rotation of the roller as described above. The pawl can be repositioned relative to the ratchet disc to change the locking mechanism from its first position to its second position and back again.

Abstract: Pawl catch device for two reciprocally-rotating parts, for example for an awning. The first part has a spring-loaded pawl with a tongue to engage with teeth on a toothed sector provided on the second part. The second part also comprises a shaft about which the first part rotates. The teeth on the toothed sector are disposed at successively increasing distances from the shaft, and the pawl is adapted to catch automatically in any of a plurality of angular positions, such that when the two parts are rotated back toward the starting position, the tongue passes clear of the top of that tooth with which it has just been engaged. The pawl is held by spring force against the teeth in each of the catch positions.

Abstract: A roller blind with a safety device for arresting accidental unrolling of the blind in which a concentric blocking shaft is affixed to the winding shaft, a gear fastened to the blocking shaft, a pivotally mounted pawl with a spring urging the pawl in contact with teeth of the gear, a gate normally holding the pawl out of contact with the teeth, an inertial member supported relatively movably with respect to the blocking shaft whereby upon increased unrolling velocity the inertial member will change its relative movement and activate the gate member to release the pawl and permit it to engage the teeth of the gear and arrest unrolling of the blind.