Endless Patents (Class 160/321)
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Publication number: 20120090795Abstract: A manual roller shade system includes a rotatably-mounted roller tube, a flexible shade fabric windingly received around the roller tube, and first and second elongated telescoping structures that allow for rotating the roller tube for manually raising and lowering the shade fabric. The roller shade system also has a clutch mechanism coupled to the roller tube, and a drive chain coupled to the clutch mechanism. The first and second elongated telescoping structures receive first and second end portions of the drive chain, respectively, and are connected to the first and second telescoping structures, such that the roller tube rotates in the first angular direction to raise the shade fabric when the first telescoping structure is pulled downward, and in the second angular direction to lower the shade fabric when the second telescoping structure is pulled downward.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 6, 2011Publication date: April 19, 2012Applicant: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.Inventor: David A. Kirby
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Patent number: 8156993Abstract: A roll screen control member is revealed. The roll screen control member consists of a sprocket wheel, a chain protection cover, a sprocket support, a cover spring, a splined bush and a central pin. The splined bush is mounted with a roll screen tube while the central pin includes a central pin head with a plurality of cutting surfaces. After the central pin being locked into the sprocket support, each cutting surface of the central pin is corresponding to each cutting surface on the sprocket support. When a chain is pulled, due to the precise locking between the central pin and the sprocket support, splined bush is moved along with the cover spring so as to drive the roll screen tube to rotate along with the movement and further control extension or retraction of the roll screen.Type: GrantFiled: November 3, 2009Date of Patent: April 17, 2012Assignee: Uni-Soleil Ent. Co., Ltd.Inventor: Yu-Ting Kao
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Patent number: 8151859Abstract: A roller blind mounting system including at least one roller, at least one telescopic end plug and at least two brackets. The telescopic end plug is engageable within an end-opening of one of said rollers. The end plug includes a hollow body and a telescopically movable member or plunger co-axially positionable with respect to the hollow body such that a first axial extending length portion of the plunger projects from the hollow body and a second axial extending length portion is held within the hollow body. The plunger is telescopically movable between a first end position in which the first portion of the plunger projects from the cylindrical body and a second end position in which at least part of the first portion is inserted into the cylindrical body.Type: GrantFiled: May 7, 2010Date of Patent: April 10, 2012Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries BVInventors: Lars Koop, Jörg Bohlen
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Patent number: 8146646Abstract: A window covering system used to adjust the position of window covers. Each cover hangs from a support that includes a roller. The covers are adjusted in position by the rotation of the roller. A slave gear is attached to each roller to facilitate rotation. A drive gear is provided that is sized to intermesh with each of the slave gears on the rollers. An adjustment mechanism is provided for rotating the drive gear. A second adjustment mechanism is provided for selectively moving the drive gear between various positions. At different points in its movement, the drive gear engages different slave gears from different rollers. Accordingly, a selected roller can be rotated. Thus, a single drive gear and a single manually operated mechanism can be used to individually rotate any number of rollers, thereby adjusting any number of window coverings.Type: GrantFiled: March 4, 2010Date of Patent: April 3, 2012Inventor: Ellis Toder
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Patent number: 8136569Abstract: An operating unit (5) for operating a window covering. The operating unit (5) includes a housing (11), a rotatable drive pulley (13) having an axis of rotation and first and second mounting positions in the housing, with respect to the axis of rotation, an engagement device (15), rotatable about the axis of rotation, and a brake mechanism (45, 47, 49) for, in use, arresting the engagement device when the drive pulley (13) is not rotated and preventing the engagement device and drive pulley from being back driven by the window covering. The engagement device (15) has a plurality of circumferentially spaced pins (19) parallel to the axis of rotation. The drive pulley (13) has a corresponding plurality of openings (17) facing the pins (19). In the first mounting position, the pins on the engagement device (15) engage with the corresponding openings (17) in the drive pulley and the engagement device rotates with the drive pulley.Type: GrantFiled: August 24, 2007Date of Patent: March 20, 2012Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries BVInventors: Jorg Bohlen, Lars Koop
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Publication number: 20120031572Abstract: There is disclosed an improved roller shade control unit having a reduced profile for use with a roller tube and roller chain. The improved roller shade control unit including a tube housing for coupling to the roller tube and a sprocket for coupling the tube housing to the chain. The sprocket has a peripheral edge configured to couple to the chain. A chain guide for keeping the chain coupled to the sprocket is provided, said chain guide comprising a flat member having a bottom and a side, an aperture dimensioned to contain the sprocket being formed on the side. The tube housing has a barrel portion and an extended edge portion projecting radially from an end of the barrel portion, said extended edge portion configured to cover the sprocket, said extended edge portion having at least one cut out dimensioned to permit a portion of the chain to pass there through.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 4, 2010Publication date: February 9, 2012Inventors: Philip Ng, Norman Wills
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Patent number: 8025088Abstract: A dual roll blind system is able to adjust a light shading rate or extent and comprises a winding roll which includes a roll casing rotatably supported between both side plates of a ceiling bracket; a driving winding roll which includes a moving member disposed between both side plates in parallel with the winding roll and is thread-engaged with a screw shaft rotating by means of a blind winding device of one side, a straight moving member which is provided for left and right straight movements by restricting the rotation of the moving member, and a roll casing engaged with the moving member and the straight moving member; a first blind material of which upper end is fixed at the winding roll and in which a light transmission part and a light non-transmission part having constant widths are alternately formed in a width wise direction; a second blind material of which upper end is fixed at the driving winding roll and which has a light transmission part and a light non-transmission part corresponding to the fType: GrantFiled: July 3, 2007Date of Patent: September 27, 2011Inventor: Jung-Min Kim
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Publication number: 20110168339Abstract: A roller shade assembly for a shade made from a relatively heavy and/or stiff material is described. The roller shade assembly includes a cylindrical member that is attached to the shade. A control mechanism rotates the cylindrical member for winding the shade upon the cylindrical member. Thus, winding the cylindrical member in one direction causes the shade to retract, while unwinding the cylindrical member in an opposite direction causes the shade to extend. In order to maintain the shade in alignment as the shade is retracted and extended, the roller shade assembly includes a pair of opposing retaining members that may have a disc-like shape. The retaining members may be positioned adjacent to the vertical edges of the shade and have an effective diameter larger than the diameter of the shade when fully wound and retracted. In one embodiment, the roller shade assembly can further include fixed edge guides for further maintaining the shade in alignment.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 8, 2010Publication date: July 14, 2011Applicant: HUNTER DOUGLAS, INC.Inventors: Jesse B. Bowen, Steven A. Lathrup
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Patent number: 7931069Abstract: A tension device that prevents a window covering from operating properly until the tension device is installed. The tension device incorporates a drive wheel, casing, anchoring arm and drive stud. The drive stud has two sections, one keyed and one cylindrical. Before the tension device is installed, the keyed section of the drive stud engages the drive wheel and the casing, thereby preventing them from rotating relative to each other. When the tension device is installed, the drive stud must be inserted into the anchoring arm causing the keyed section of the drive stud to disengage the drive wheel and thereby allow the drive wheel to rotate relative to the casing.Type: GrantFiled: February 19, 2008Date of Patent: April 26, 2011Assignee: RollEase Inc.Inventors: Joe Cannaverde, Roger Redin
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Patent number: 7900680Abstract: A head rail or head rail assembly for an architectural closure, the head rail including an elongate front wall having left hand and right hand longitudinal ends and an elongate bottom wall having left hand and right hand longitudinal ends. A left hand end structure is positioned adjacent to the left hand longitudinal end of the bottom wall and a right hand end structure is positioned adjacent to the right hand longitudinal end of the bottom wall. A first slot is defined between the left hand end structure and the left hand longitudinal end of the bottom wall and a second slot is defined between the right hand end structure and the right hand longitudinal end of the bottom wall. At least one of the first and second slots is closed by a removable closure.Type: GrantFiled: August 28, 2008Date of Patent: March 8, 2011Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries B.V.Inventors: Tomas M. A. H. Garmyn, Jorg Bohlen, Lars Koop
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Patent number: 7810544Abstract: A door system has an axis, a door attached at a first end to the axis for winding and unwinding upon the axis, and a tensioned member surrounding and partially engaging an outer layer of the door wound upon the axis. The tensioned member exerts a radial force to the outer layer of the door wound upon the axis, thereby ensuring that the door is consistently wound tightly upon the axis and permitting the fast unrolling of the door from the axis. Although the tensioned member exerts a radial force upon the door, it imparts no significant lateral forces to the door. Accordingly, the door can have a simple construction with material, cost and space savings.Type: GrantFiled: October 24, 2007Date of Patent: October 12, 2010Assignee: Inventio AGInventor: Peter A. Spiess
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Publication number: 20100101741Abstract: 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).Type: ApplicationFiled: March 4, 2008Publication date: April 29, 2010Applicant: Hunter Douglas Industries BVInventor: Lars Koop
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Patent number: 7677293Abstract: The invention relates to a plug for releasable engagement with the centre-pin of a roller blind control unit wherein engagement of the plug with the pin ensures that a tip of the center-pin engages an external surface of the control unit. In addition, a releasably inter-engaging combination of this plug and center-pin wherein insertion of the center-pin through a roller blind control unit and engagement with the plug, ensures that a tip of the center-pin engages an external surface of the control unit is described. The invention also relates to a control unit for use in a window blind head rail assembly comprising: a sprocket wheel, a sprocket support and wrap spring, a splined bush for engagement with a roller blind tube, a center-pin, and a plug for releasable engagement with the center-pin.Type: GrantFiled: February 21, 2006Date of Patent: March 16, 2010Assignee: Louver-Lite LimitedInventor: Reginald Charles Allsopp
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Patent number: 7549458Abstract: An automatic winding device of a roll screen is disclosed. A screen is automatically rolled up when a user pulls a ball chain down and the screen is automatically stopped when the user just releases the ball chain, to thereby adjust a height of the screen simply and easily. A lower end of the screen is prevented from colliding with the winding device when the screen is rolled up, to thereby create a silent and comfortable indoor environment.Type: GrantFiled: June 2, 2006Date of Patent: June 23, 2009Inventor: Jae-Suk Kwak
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Patent number: 7523777Abstract: A roman shade comprises an operation box section for rotating a rotation gear as a driving ball chain (25) is pulled down; a rotation shaft (40) fitted into the rotation gear; a frame surrounding the operation box and the rotation shaft (40) and secured to a wall or ceiling; and a ball chain box section including an inside gear which is fitted around the rotation shaft (40), a driven ball chain (22) which has balls to be engaged into grooves defined on the inside gear so that the driven ball chain (22) is moved vertically as the inside gear is rotated, and a ball chain box in which the driven ball chain (22) is compiled without being entangled.Type: GrantFiled: December 24, 2003Date of Patent: April 28, 2009Inventor: Chang Ryeol Kim
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Patent number: 7497242Abstract: A window curtain pulling device comprises a guide module, a pulling string wheel module, a rotary member module, a fixed casing, and a connecting component. A guide rod having a positioning ring passes through the rotary member module and latches the rotary member by a positioning ring. A pushing member coupled to the guide rod is latched with a fixed casing by a passing rod, such that an end of a pulling string at another side of a pulling string wheel module of the guide module is pulled to open a curtain, and another end of the pulling string is pulled once again. The rotary member includes a corresponding guide groove on one side and matches with a conical body of the pushing member, and the conical body is pushed by a slant of guide grooves of the coupling member pivotally coupled to the rotary member to rotate outward.Type: GrantFiled: November 16, 2005Date of Patent: March 3, 2009Inventor: Chih-Yung Wang
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Publication number: 20090020238Abstract: A novel spacer support for attachment of chain sprockets of dead axle rollup doors. The spacer support is comprised of three spacer tubes and a support member. The spacer tubes and the support member are all formed as a unitary part.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 16, 2007Publication date: January 22, 2009Inventors: Horatiu Ion Barbulescu, Jimmy D. Anderson, LaBraylon H. Allen
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Publication number: 20090008046Abstract: A device for operating a screen, such as a window covering, which has at least two mutually independent degrees of freedom, has a central drive which can be switched between the degrees of freedom by means of switching means, which switching means can be operated by means of operating means. The switching means have a stable position for each degree of freedom.Type: ApplicationFiled: March 2, 2006Publication date: January 8, 2009Inventor: Christiaan Johannes Roetgering
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Patent number: 7451799Abstract: 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).Type: GrantFiled: June 13, 2006Date of Patent: November 18, 2008Inventor: Miguel Emper Sanchez
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Publication number: 20080257505Abstract: A roller blind mechanism 16 for winding and unwinding a rollable blind, comprises a support element 18, a drive sprocket 20 which is rotatably mounted on the support element 18 for transmitting rotational movement to a blind supporting member, and a manually-movable elongate flexible drive element 22 which includes a plurality of interlinked tooth-engaging elements 32. The drive sprocket 20 includes a plurality of flexible teeth 38 engagable with the tooth-engaging elements 32 of the flexible drive element 22.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 15, 2008Publication date: October 23, 2008Inventor: Peter BRAYBROOK
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Publication number: 20080202709Abstract: A shade for architectural openings incorporating a single cord drive featuring automatic braking of the shade when the user releases the drive cord. In a preferred embodiment, an automatic tilt-open mechanism is provided to tilt the shade open when the shade is in the fully extended down position.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 4, 2008Publication date: August 28, 2008Applicant: Hunter Douglas, Inc.Inventors: Richard N. Anderson, Steven R. Haarer, Donald E. Fraser, Robert E. Fisher II
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Patent number: 7387150Abstract: A shade roller has a seat, a loop hooked onto the seat, a side cover, a planet wheel engaged with the loop, a chain-retaining wheel secured in the side cover, a driving wheel engaged with the planet wheel, a beaded chain, and a fixing block engaged with the driving wheel. When the beaded chain is pulled, the planet wheel revolves around a fixing pin, and causes the driving wheel and the fixing block to revolve together, whereby a curtain can be raised or lowered.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2005Date of Patent: June 17, 2008Inventor: Tai-Ping Liu
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Patent number: 7353857Abstract: A ball chain stopper for inhibiting movement of ball chains used in window blinds and the like for moving the blinds between operative positions is adapted to be attached to intermediate chain members which interconnect adjacent balls of the ball chain. The ball stoppers are characterized as having a maximum cross-sectional size that is equal to or less than the size of the maximum cross-section of the balls of the chain.Type: GrantFiled: December 9, 2005Date of Patent: April 8, 2008Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries BVInventor: Lars Koop
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Patent number: 7337825Abstract: An electric motor moves drapes on a carrier by a cord wound on a sheave attached to a shaft thereof. The motor is attached to a housing along with a second shaft. The second shaft has an arm on an end thereof and carries a disc with first and second cam surfaces thereon and an axial projection. An arcuate slot on an end cap receives the projection on the disc. In response to an actuation signal, a control activates the motor causing the shaft and sheave to rotate and linearly move the cord and drapes. A limit member on the cord engages the arm and rotates the second shaft causing the first cam to close a first switch and cancel the actuation signal while the second cam closes a second switch such that the rotational direction of the shaft is reversed on receipt of a next actuation signal.Type: GrantFiled: July 18, 2005Date of Patent: March 4, 2008Inventor: J. Ralph Erbe
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Publication number: 20080006373Abstract: A window blind includes a shaft unit and a clutch unit. The shaft unit includes a pair of seat members, a shaft member, a tubular member, and a pushing member. The shaft member is mounted rotatably on the seat members. The tubular member is sleeved rotatably around the shaft member. The pushing member is sleeved securely on the shaft member. The clutch unit serves to connect and disconnect the shaft member and a pair of bobbins. When the shaft member is rotated in a first rotational direction, the clutch unit connects the shaft member and tubular member, thereby resulting in rotation of the tubular member in the first rotational direction. When the shaft member is rotated in a second rotational direction, the clutch unit disconnects the shaft member and the tubular member, and enables the pushing member to drive rotation of the tubular member in the second rotational direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: July 7, 2006Publication date: January 10, 2008Applicant: MACAUTO INDUSTRIAL CO., LTD.Inventor: Paul Lin
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Patent number: 7195052Abstract: A rotator, which is driven by an endless cord member to rotate, is used in a window blind for driving a roller of the window blind. The rotator includes a base having a shaft, a first clamping plate and a second clamping plate rotatably serially mounted on the shaft of the base for clamping the cord member therebetween, and an elastic biasing device provided between the base and one of the first and second clamping plates for urging the first and second clamping plates against each other.Type: GrantFiled: July 29, 2004Date of Patent: March 27, 2007Assignee: Nien Made Enterprise Co., Ltd.Inventors: Ming Nien, Yuche Wen, Chih-Yao Chang
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Patent number: 7137429Abstract: A modular covering for architectural openings includes a peripheral frame that supports a plurality of rotatable elements that might support strips or sheets of flexible material or rigid slats. The peripheral frame includes a drive system for rotating the members about their longitudinal axis and the members are mounted in the peripheral frame and joined to the drive system in a releasable manner so that they can be replaced. The covering elements supported by the rotatable members can therefore be easily replaced in the covering by replacing the pivotal member itself so as to allow for varied aesthetics and functionality.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2003Date of Patent: November 21, 2006Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventor: Ralph G. Jelic
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Patent number: 7100668Abstract: A control unit for use in a window blind head rail assembly includes a sprocket wheel, a chain guard housing, a sprocket support and wrap spring, a splined bush for engagement with a roller blind tube and a center pin, wherein the center pin has a center-pin head and a body, the center-pin head including one or more fins adapted to co-operatively engage with one or more recesses in the sprocket support.Type: GrantFiled: September 12, 2003Date of Patent: September 5, 2006Assignee: Louver-Lite LimitedInventor: Reginald Charles Allsop
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Patent number: 6983784Abstract: A control system for a vertical vane covering for an architectural opening includes a new and improved symmetric headrail having uniquely designed carriers for suspending individual vanes wherein the carriers are designed to minimize skewing relative to a tilt rod as they are moved along the headrail. A pantograph system is utilized to interconnect the carriers, and is connected to the carriers in alignment with the tilt rod so as to minimize skewing. The carriers have pockets formed therein through which the traverse cord extends so that the traverse cord, which moves the carriers along the tilt rod, is secured to a lead carrier closely adjacent to the tilt rod to, again, minimize skewing. Light blocking rails are also attachable to the headrail to substantially bridge the gap between the headrail and the top of the suspended vanes to prevent light from passing therebetween. The tilt rod is keyed to gears in the carriers to facilitate assembly of the control system with all vanes properly aligned.Type: GrantFiled: June 25, 2002Date of Patent: January 10, 2006Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventors: Richard N. Anderson, Eugene W. Thompson
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Patent number: 6981539Abstract: A window treatment support, such as a support for a cellular shade and other kinds of shades, includes a head rail, a clutch mounted on the head rail to support and operate a window treatment; and a cord engaging the clutch for selectively raising and lowering the window treatment. The clutch includes a pulley having a plurality of radial teeth defining a space sized to receive the cord. At least some of the teeth including a flexible projection forming an interference fit with the cord. The head rail is a bottom wall shaped to maximize the size of the clutch without substantially affecting the size of the head rail.Type: GrantFiled: March 24, 2004Date of Patent: January 3, 2006Assignee: Rollease, Inc.Inventor: Richard Fraczek
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Patent number: 6971435Abstract: The operation of a roller blind occurs via a ball cord and a pulley. The ball cord may be wound several turns around the pulley, in that oblong axial tracks have been provided in the pulley. Thereby the winding may be preserved without jamming between the windings. Greater forces may be transmitted to the pulley than in case of known constructions.Type: GrantFiled: October 15, 2001Date of Patent: December 6, 2005Assignee: A/S Chr. Fabers FabrikerInventor: Ken Rasmussen
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Patent number: 6955208Abstract: This device is related to an operating rope wound on a sprocket of clutch for operating a sunshade. When a user pulls the operating rope to either opening or closing direction, a shaft being attached to the sprocket and clutch is rotated to open or close the sunshade. The operating rope comprises a primary rope (4) and a plurality of beads (5) being integrally fixed on the primary rope (4) with equidistant intervals. The primary rope (4) passes through the center of the beads (5) being made of plastic. The beads (5) are also formed with the directional indicators to avoid the wrong operation of the sunshade. The plurality of beads having a different cross section at the top and bottom with respect to the center is aligned in series to indicate an operating direction.Type: GrantFiled: October 11, 2002Date of Patent: October 18, 2005Inventor: Hwa-Soon Kim
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Patent number: 6935401Abstract: Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, an improved window treatment system is provided. The system includes a head rail, a spring clutch disposed at one end of the head rail and an idler disposed at the other end of the head rail. Significantly, a pair of universal brackets, one coupled to the spring clutch and the other coupled to the idler, are used. Each bracket is suitable for fixedly mounting either the clutch or the idler at either end of the head rail. The brackets are identical.Type: GrantFiled: March 19, 2003Date of Patent: August 30, 2005Assignee: Rollease, Inc.Inventors: Richard Fraczek, Jo Ann Gardella
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Patent number: 6843302Abstract: An operator for a window or like shade serves to turn a shade roller to a new desired position as a result of a torque applied from a manually operable source, such as a chain operated wheel. The device includes a helical spring that is seated within a fixed bushing with its outer surface in contact with an inner cylindrical surface of the bushing. When torque is applied from the manually operable source, one overlapping end of the spring is moved away from its other end to reduce the spring diameter and hence release any frictional engagement of the spring with the bushing, thus allowing the torque to rotate the spring, which rotation is transmitted to the roller. However, when no such manually applied torque is present, the spring and the roller remain effectively locked in position. Any torque applied from the roller due to the weight of a partly lowered shade acts to tend to increase the spring diameter and thus to ensure a binding frictional engagement between the bushing and the spring.Type: GrantFiled: April 25, 2003Date of Patent: January 18, 2005Assignee: Hunter Douglas Canada Inc.Inventor: Frederik G. Nijs
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Publication number: 20040244921Abstract: This device is related to an operating rope wound on a sprocket of clutch for operating a sunshade. When a user pulls the operating rope to either opening or closing direction, a shaft being attached to the sprocket and clutch is rotated to open or close the sunshade. The operating rope comprises a primary rope (4) and a plurality of beads (5) being integrally fixed on the primary rope (4) with equidistant intervals. The primary rope (4) passes through the center of the beads (5) being made of plastic. The beads (5) are also formed with the directional indicators to avoid the wrong operation of the sunshade. The plurality of beads having a different cross section at the top and bottom with respect to the center is aligned in series to indicate an operating direction.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 13, 2004Publication date: December 9, 2004Inventor: Hwa-Soon Kim
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Publication number: 20040211529Abstract: An operator for a window or like shade serves to turn a shade roller to a new desired position as a result of a torque applied from a manually operable source, such as a chain operated wheel. The device includes a helical spring that is seated within a fixed bushing with its outer surface in contact with an inner cylindrical surface of the bushing. When torque is applied from the manually operable source, one overlapping end of the spring is moved away from its other end to reduce the spring diameter and hence release any frictional engagement of the spring with the bushing, thus allowing the torque to rotate the spring, which rotation is transmitted to the roller. However, when no such manually applied torque is present, the spring and the roller remain effectively locked in position. Any torque applied from the roller due to the weight of a partly lowered shade acts to tend to increase the spring diameter and thus to ensure a binding frictional engagement between the bushing and the spring.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 25, 2003Publication date: October 28, 2004Inventor: Frederik G. Nijs
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Patent number: 6792999Abstract: A tensioning device for the cord loop of a window treatment apparatus includes a cord guide disposed in a housing, a biasing element such as a spring and a locking member that locks the cord guide into an installation position. During installation, the cord guide is fixed so that it cannot move and does not affect the tensioning of the cord. After installation, the locking member is removed and the cord guide can move in one direction or another to properly tension the cord.Type: GrantFiled: November 12, 2002Date of Patent: September 21, 2004Assignee: Rollease, Inc.Inventors: David Cross, Richard Fraczek
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Patent number: 6782938Abstract: A control and suspension system for a retractable covering mounted on a rotating element includes an apparatus for mechanically limiting over-extensions of the covering and an apparatus for mechanically limiting over-retractions of the covering. The control and suspension system also includes an apparatus to compensate for any undesirable skewing of the covering that might occur. Finally, the control and suspension system also includes a bottom rail that attaches to the bottom of the covering by trapping a portion of the covering between a compression plate and a bottom plate.Type: GrantFiled: August 8, 2002Date of Patent: August 31, 2004Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Brian M. Hoffmann
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Patent number: 6749000Abstract: A cord-operated control system for a venetian blind, in which a housing, attached to the head rail, holds a first drive wheel that is operatively connected to a driven bind member that rotates in opposite directions to open and close the blind with rotation of the first drive wheel in opposite directions and a second drive wheel that is operatively connected to the first drive wheel, so that the first drive wheel rotates in opposite directions with rotation of the second drive wheel in opposite directions. An endless loop operating cord is looped over the second drive wheel, so that an axial pulling force on only one of the depending portions of the operating cord on opposite sides of the second drive wheel causes the second drive wheel to rotate in one of the opposite directions. As a safety feature, a release disconnects the drive wheels from each only if there is an axial pulling force on both depending portions of the operating cord simultaneously.Type: GrantFiled: December 16, 2002Date of Patent: June 15, 2004Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries BVInventor: Jorg Bohlen
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Publication number: 20040099384Abstract: An art wall painting curtain structure includes a plurality of supports, an operating cord rotator, a rotating base, a curtain cloth and a plurality of roller tubes. The tip of the curtain cloth is engaged in a roller tube, and the two ends of the roller tube are moveably and pivotally provided the operating cord rotator and the rotating base, respectively. Upon being further connected to the L-shape supports, the art wall painting curtain according to the invention can be fastened to the wall. The bottom of the curtain cloth is engaged in another roller tube. As the curtain cloth is manually painted an elegant oil painting artwork, when the curtain cloth is drawn downed, it not only can serve as an artwork, but also a sunshade.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 22, 2002Publication date: May 27, 2004Inventor: Chieh-Yuan Wu
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Patent number: 6739373Abstract: A lift control device for a roller shade has a side cover, a roller, a chain retaining wheel, a chain and a follower spool. The side cover has an axle and multiple inner teeth. The roller is rotatably mounted around and is eccentric to the axle. The roller has multiple teeth partially engaging with the inner teeth on the side cover and at least one stub. The chain retaining wheel has an eccentric hole to rotatably receive the roller. The follower spool is attached to the chain retaining wheel and engages with the roller to rotate with the roller. Accordingly, a shade blind connected to the follower spool is actuated in instant when the chain is drawn. The follower spool is kept from rotating even when a large force applied to the follower spool, and the safety of using the roller shade is improved.Type: GrantFiled: March 10, 2003Date of Patent: May 25, 2004Inventors: Tai-Ping Liu, Patrick James McGrath, Wasyl R. Bodnar
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Publication number: 20040050505Abstract: The operation of a roller blind occurs by means of a ball cord and a pulley. The ball cord may be wound several turns around the pulley, in that oblong axial tracks have been provided in the pulley. Thereby the winding may be preserved without jamming between the windings. Greater forces may be transmitted to the pulley than in case of known constructions.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 21, 2003Publication date: March 18, 2004Inventor: Ken Rasmussen
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Publication number: 20030111188Abstract: A tensioning device for the cord loop of a window treatment apparatus includes a cord guide disposed in a housing, a biasing element such as a spring and a locking member that locks the cord guide into an installation position. During installation, the cord guide is fixed so that it cannot move and does not affect the tensioning of the cord. After installation, the locking member is removed and the cord guide can move in one direction or another to properly tension the cord.Type: ApplicationFiled: November 12, 2002Publication date: June 19, 2003Inventors: David M. Cross, Richard Fraczek
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Publication number: 20030085003Abstract: A rolled-up blind driving mechanism includes a chain of beads adapted to rotate a chain wheel assembly to further drive a torsional spring on a spring holder to rotate an axle sleeve in rolling up/letting off the blind, the torsional spring having two end tips, a curved connecting arm, and two coils connected between the connecting arm and the end tips of the rolled-up blind, the connecting arm and the end tips being disposed at two sides of an inside protruding portion of the axle sleeve for enabling the axle sleeve to be rotated to roll up/let off the blind of the rolled-up blind when pulling the chain of beads to rotate the chain wheel assembly clockwise/counter-clockwise on the spring holder.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 23, 2001Publication date: May 8, 2003Inventor: Keng Mu Cheng
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Patent number: 6540004Abstract: Fixing seat structure of rolling curtain including a left fixing seat, a reel, a fabric curtain, a rotary unit, an engaging pivot member and a right fixing seat. The inner side of the left fixing seat has a fitting block the center of which is formed with a fitting channel. The ends in the fitting channel are all formed with a hooking recess. The center of outer end of the rotary unit is provided with a fitting block. The rear end of the fitting block is connected with a hooking block. A pull cord and a rotary body connected with the pull cord are disposed on the rotary unit. The outer end of the engaging pivot body is formed with a stepped fitting post the large diameter section of which forms a pivotal latch button. A sleeve is formed on inner side of the engaging pivot body. The inner side of the right fixing seat is formed with a guide channel. The front side of middle section of the guide channel communicating with a pivotal fitting socket.Type: GrantFiled: August 23, 2001Date of Patent: April 1, 2003Assignee: Yuh San Corp. Ltd.Inventor: Tetsun Wu
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Publication number: 20030037889Abstract: Fixing seat structure of rolling curtain including a left fixing seat, a reel, a fabric curtain, a rotary unit, an engaging pivot member and a right fixing seat. The inner side of the left fixing seat has a fitting block the center of which is formed with a fitting channel. The ends in the fitting channel are all formed with a hooking recess. The center of outer end of the rotary unit is provided with a fitting block. The rear end of the fitting block is connected with a hooking block. A pull cord and a rotary body connected with the pull cord are disposed on the rotary unit. The outer end of the engaging pivot body is formed with a stepped fitting post the large diameter section of which forms a pivotal latch button. A sleeve is formed on inner side of the engaging pivot body. The inner side of the right fixing seat is formed with a guide channel. The front side of middle section of the guide channel communicating with a pivotal fitting socket.Type: ApplicationFiled: August 23, 2001Publication date: February 27, 2003Applicant: Yuh San Corp., Ltd.Inventor: Tetsun Wu
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Patent number: 6505668Abstract: Roller curtain with back rolling force, including: two end members; a locating mechanism connected with a first end member; a hollow reel positioned between the two end members with one end fitted on the locating mechanism, whereby the reel is drivingly rotatable by the locating mechanism for winding or unwinding the curtain; a fluid pressure cylinder in which the piston stem keeps outward extending in normal state, the pressure cylinder being fitted in the reel with the rear end connected with the second end member, the other end of the reel being rotatably fitted with the cylinder body; and a linking device disposed between the reel and the pressure cylinder for converting the rotational movement of the reel into linear movement of the piston stem. When the reel rotates to unwind the curtain, the linking device retracts the piston stem into the cylinder body to reserve a pressure source in the pressure cylinder.Type: GrantFiled: June 27, 2001Date of Patent: January 14, 2003Inventor: Fu-Mei Fun
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Publication number: 20030000658Abstract: Roller curtain with back rolling force, including: two end members; a locating mechanism connected with a first end member; a hollow reel positioned between the two end members with one end fitted on the locating mechanism, whereby the reel is drivingly rotatable by the locating mechanism for winding or unwinding the curtain; a fluid pressure cylinder in which the piston stem keeps outward extending in normal state, the pressure cylinder being fitted in the reel with the rear end connected with the second end member, the other end of the reel being rotatably fitted with the cylinder body; and a linking device disposed between the reel and the pressure cylinder for converting the rotational movement of the reel into linear movement of the piston stem. When the reel rotates to unwind the curtain, the linking device retracts the piston stem into the cylinder body to reserve a pressure source in the pressure cylinder.Type: ApplicationFiled: June 27, 2001Publication date: January 2, 2003Inventor: Fu-Mei Fun
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Patent number: 6289964Abstract: A control and suspension system for a retractable covering mounted on a rotating element includes an apparatus for mechanically limiting over-extensions of the covering and an apparatus for mechanically limiting over-retractions of the covering. The apparatus for limiting over-retraction includes a threaded shaft and an internal, roll-bar-support wheel treaded on the threaded shaft. An intercepting ledge comprising part of the internal, roll-bar-support wheel, and a stopping ledge comprising part of the threaded shaft. Over retraction of the covering is prohibited when the intercepting ledge impacts the stopping ledge. The apparatus for limiting over-extension includes a roll-bar-end support wheel having a down limit stop pivotally mounted thereto.Type: GrantFiled: June 22, 1999Date of Patent: September 18, 2001Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.Inventors: Wendell B. Colson, Brian M. Hoffmann
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Publication number: 20010017193Abstract: A roller blind having in the external cylindrical surface of a roller a depression that extends essentially over the entire width of the roller in the form of a channel. Inserted into the channel is a carrier which is fastened on one end to the roller by a pivoting cover. The carrier is narrower than the channel, as a result of which it has space for lateral displacements. The carrier has a groove with a slot. The roller blind makes it possible to easily and correctly straighten the blind fabric.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 6, 2001Publication date: August 30, 2001Applicant: Silent Gliss International AGInventor: Heinz Duric