With Fabric Operating Means Patents (Class 160/340)
  • Patent number: 11591851
    Abstract: A free hanging safety bead chain tension device includes a clutch, a bead chain for controlling ascending/descending of a roller shade, a tension rod and more than one restriction seats. The bead chain is connected with the tension rod and the restriction seats are disposed on the rod body of the tension rod. Each restriction seat has one or more restriction tunnels for locating the bead chain adjacent to the tension rod. When pulling the bead chain to control the ascending/descending of the roller shade, the bead chain is positioned by the tension rod and the restriction seats. Accordingly, not only the bead chain can be still smoothly pulled, but also the bead chain is prevented from being pulled out by a space sufficient to twist around a neck. Therefore, a child is prevented from pulling the bead chain to twist the bead chain around the child's neck so that a safety effect is achieved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 16, 2022
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2023
    Inventors: Tser Wen Chou, Mason Chou
  • Publication number: 20150129141
    Abstract: An installation unit for installation to a rail of a window curtain assembly includes an elongate rack and multiple slots are defined through the rack. Multiple sliding members are connected to the rack. The sliding members are installed to the rail of the window curtain assembly. By removing the rack from the sliding members, the sliding members are remained in the rail of the window curtain assembly. The installation of the sliding members to the rail is easy and quick.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 8, 2013
    Publication date: May 14, 2015
    Applicants: UNI-SOLEIL ENT. CO., LTD.
    Inventors: YU-TING KAO, JOE DEWAYNE WICKER, DAVID A. WICKER
  • Publication number: 20150101764
    Abstract: A window covering comprises an upper rail, a window shade located below the upper rail, a lower rail located below the window shade, a first press assembly and a second press assembly located at two sides of the lower rail and spaced from each other, and a cord winding assembly located in the lower rail to connect to the first press assembly and second press assembly. A first cord and a second cord run through two opposite sides of the window shade to fasten to the cord winding assembly. The lower rail can be moved upwards or downwards by a user to retract or expand the window shade through the first and second cords. Beside, the distal ends of the first and second cords can be hid in the cord winding assembly in the lower rail, thus can prevent the cords from entangling children and avoid accidents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2014
    Publication date: April 16, 2015
    Inventor: Li-Ming CHENG
  • Patent number: 8899301
    Abstract: A privacy curtain system is described that includes a curtain having a plurality of curtain release mechanisms attached thereto, the curtain release mechanisms each having a rod engaging member extending therefrom. The system also includes a plurality of rods each comprising a lower hooking member configured to engage one of the rod engaging members. The curtain release mechanisms are operable to cause a portion of each rod engaging member to release from the respective curtain release mechanism.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 2, 2014
    Assignee: ICP Medical, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph A. Graneto, III
  • Patent number: 8869869
    Abstract: A curtain system is described which includes a curtain having a plurality of rod engaging members attached thereto, a plurality of rods each having a first end, and a curtain release mechanism attached to each rod at the first end thereof. The rod engaging members each include a stem having a first end and a second end, the first end of the stem configured for engagement with the curtain release mechanism, and a keyway formed in the stem and proximate the first end of the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 28, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 28, 2014
    Assignee: ICP Medical, LLC
    Inventor: Joseph A. Graneto, III
  • Publication number: 20140262083
    Abstract: An apparatus for raising and lowering a covering member of a window covering includes a sliding base, a first biasing device, a connecting device, and a second biasing device. The sliding base is moved between a first position and a second position in a headrail. The first biasing device has two first biasing members to urge the sliding base toward the first position. The connecting device is moved between a third position and a fourth position in the headrail. The second biasing device has a second biasing member to urge the connecting device toward the third position. The second biasing member of the second biasing device is added at a middle of raising the covering member to help the covering member totally received close to or in the headrail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 15, 2013
    Publication date: September 18, 2014
    Applicant: NIEN MADE ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventor: LIN CHEN
  • Publication number: 20130333849
    Abstract: A window treatment includes mechanisms allowing for easy leveling of a bottom bar of the window treatment without the use of tools and without requiring any portion of the window treatment to be disassembled. The mechanisms allow for incremental adjustment of the amounts of each of two lift cords that extend from the bottom bar to a drive shaft to thus provide fine-tuning adjustment of the levelness of the bottom bar. The mechanisms may be hidden from view on the sides of the bottom bar, such that the mechanisms do not detract from the attractive, aesthetically pleasing appearance of the window treatment. Each lift cord extends from the drive shaft to a pulley of the respective mechanism and wraps around the pulley, such that the amount of the lift cord that extends from the drive shaft to the mechanism may be adjusted in response to rotations of the pulley.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 18, 2012
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Applicant: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.
    Inventors: David A. Kirby, James J. Wilson
  • Publication number: 20130299103
    Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening has a horizontal movable rail supported by cords, with a variety of configurations, some of which prevent the horizontal movable rail from skewing, most of which conceal the cords.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 1, 2013
    Publication date: November 14, 2013
    Applicant: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Richard Anderson, Eugene W. Thompson, Steven R. Haarer
  • Publication number: 20130292065
    Abstract: A window shade includes a headrail adapted for horizontal mounting above a window, a shading material attached to the headrail, and at least one cord for raising and lowering the shading material. The cord is attached to a location adjacent a lower end of the material, and extends upward through cord guides toward the headrail. The cord may be encased within a collapsible member attached to each cord guide. The collapsible member is adapted to longitudinally extend as the shading material is lowered toward a deployed position, and then longitudinally collapse as the shading material is raised toward a stowed position. The cord is secured to and is wound about a spring-loaded roller. The roller provides tension on the cord that counterbalances the weight of the shade so that the shading material may be positioned at any desired level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2012
    Publication date: November 7, 2013
    Inventor: David Perkowitz
  • Publication number: 20130269888
    Abstract: A cord winder spindle cover housing, wherein the housing is mountable onto a spindle, and said housing has (i) a drive portion for receiving a cord that controls the extension and retraction of a blind and (ii) at least one opening through which the cord passes, the opening defined by at least one converging surface in the direction of the cord entering the housing towards the drive portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2013
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Carmelo Joseph Licciardi Di Stefano
  • Patent number: 8540006
    Abstract: A locking member to be used in conjunction with a guide ring and a lift cord configured to raise of lower a covering for an architectural opening, such as a window, door or the like, is disclosed. The locking member is configured to engage the guide ring and the lift cord in such a way that the locking member has a selective rotative ability, which allows the lift cord to freely move in a first direction to raise or lower the covering, but the locking member will move or rotate about the guide ring when the lift cord is pulled in a second direction to pinch the lift cord between the locking member and the guide ring so that the lift cord is prevented from being pulled away from the covering far enough to create a loop of a certain diameter.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 10, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 24, 2013
    Assignee: SAFE-T-SHADE, Inc.
    Inventor: William D. Vestal
  • Publication number: 20130220561
    Abstract: A window shade comprises a head rail, a shading structure, a bottom part, suspension cords connected with cord winding units, and a control module. The control module includes a drive axle assembled with the cord winding units, a sleeve affixed with the drive axle, an arrester assembled around the drive axle, and a release unit. The arrester has a locking state in which the arrester blocks a rotational displacement of the sleeve and the drive axle to keep the bottom part at a desired position, and an unlocking state in which rotation of the sleeve and the drive axle is allowed to lower the bottom part by gravity action. The release unit includes an actuator that is operatively connected with the arrester and has an elongated shape. The actuator can rotate about its lengthwise axis to turn the arrester from the locking to unlocking state.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 31, 2012
    Publication date: August 29, 2013
    Applicant: TEH YOR CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Fu-Lai Yu, Chin-Tien Huang
  • Publication number: 20130192774
    Abstract: A safety window blind device includes a bottomrail movable relative to a headrail to raise or lower a window shade therebetween, and a pair of lifting cords each having a vertical cord segment which runs between the headrail and the bottomrail and which is coupled with the bottom rail so as to be displaced therewith between states of long-length and short-length. A reel unit is coupled with a biasing unit to generate an incrementally increased biasing force for counteracting the weight of the bottomrail. With such structure, a sudden and inadvertent falling of the bottomrail can be prevented once the lifting cords are released.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 30, 2012
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Inventor: Shih-Ming Lin
  • Patent number: 8479800
    Abstract: A curtain system is described which includes a curtain having a plurality of rod engaging members attached thereto, a plurality of rods each having a first end, and a curtain release mechanism attached to each rod at the first end thereof. The rod engaging members each include a stem having a first end and a second end, the first end of the stem configured for engagement with the curtain release mechanism, and a keyway formed in the stem and proximate the first end of the stem.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignee: ICP Medical, LLC
    Inventors: Joseph A. Graneto, III, William P. Peters
  • Publication number: 20130126105
    Abstract: A window covering includes a plurality of cord shrouds for enclosing or covering lift cords. Each of the cord shrouds may be continuously attached to the window covering material via a continuous attachment mechanism that includes one or more columns of stitching, beads of adhesive or welding. The cord shrouds may prevent the lift cords from being pulled away from the window covering material to form loops that could pose a danger to a young child. Embodiments of the window covering may be configured as top down bottom up shades or other types of shades. The window covering material may be composed of any of a number of different materials. For example, the window covering material could include pleated material, or could be comprised of a sheet of material consisting of woven wood, interconnected fabric segments, non woven fabric or woven fabric.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 23, 2011
    Publication date: May 23, 2013
    Applicant: WHOLE SPACE INDUSTRIES LTD
    Inventor: Tzong-Fu Lin
  • Publication number: 20130112353
    Abstract: A cordless window blind includes a headrail; a first bottom rail suspended from the headrail by a first cord and a second cord; a window covering disposed between the headrail and the first bottom rail and movable between a raised configuration and a lowered configuration; a drive actuator including a spring motor including a drive wheel, a driven wheel, and an elongated spring belt having a first end secured to the drive wheel and a second end secured to the driven wheel, wherein the spring belt includes a length with a tapered width. Further included are first and second spools having a conical circumferential surface around which the first and second cords are respectively wound when the window covering is in the raised configuration. Also included is a hinged valence arm.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 4, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Applicant: Welcome Industrial
    Inventor: John Sengelaub
  • Publication number: 20130112358
    Abstract: Powered safety curtains are disclosed herein. An example safety barrier assembly to control access to equipment includes a track and a barrier including a receptacle. The barrier is to be moveable within the track between an open position and a closed position. The open position is to enable access to the equipment, the closed position to substantially prevent access to the equipment. The example safety barrier assembly also includes a sensor to identify when the safety barrier is in the closed position and a securing device comprising a portion to be received by the receptacle when the barrier is identified as being in the closed position. An interaction between the portion and the receptacle is to prevent the barrier from moving out of the closed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 22, 2012
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Carl David Hardison, III, David Swift, Ryan Pfaff, Ryan P. Beggs
  • Publication number: 20130112354
    Abstract: Powered safety curtains are disclosed. An example barrier for an opening includes a motorized drive unit, and a curtain. The example barrier also includes a track disposed along the lateral edge of the curtain, a guide plate carried by the curtain and extending into the track and a nonferrous guide member attached to the guide plate. The example barrier also includes a first safety device comprising a first wireless portion attached to the nonferrous guide member and a first electrical portion mounted relative to the track. The first electrical portion is in the first activated state when the first wireless portion is in proximity with the first electrical portion as a result of the leading edge of the curtain being at the closed position. The first wireless portion is in the first deactivated state when the first wireless portion is remote relative to the first electrical portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 3, 2011
    Publication date: May 9, 2013
    Inventors: Carl David Hardison, III, David Swift, Ryan Pfaff, Ryan P. Beggs
  • Publication number: 20130087296
    Abstract: An automatic releasable top down shade system includes a header. A release mechanism is provided that is conformed to connect with the header. A shade with an upper section and a lower section is provided where the upper section of the shade is connected with both the header and the release mechanism and where the lower section is connected with the release mechanism. A lift cord supports the shade and the lift cord is also connected with the release mechanism such that the lift cord activates the release mechanism.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 7, 2011
    Publication date: April 11, 2013
    Inventors: Willis Jay Mullet, Richard Scott Hand, Fred C. Higgins, Gerald Ashley Lee
  • Patent number: 8408275
    Abstract: A modular track system for hanging a curtain, the track system consisting of modules or sections with attachments and accessories designed to adjust to varying environments and specifications. Track shape and length are adjusted by specifying various combinations of the specialized components created as part of the system. Complementing the track system is a curtain with integrated loop fasteners which allows the curtain to be attached and removed without removing the track. The system further preferably includes a side support for use in attached the track to a fixed support in the environment, and a guiderail on the side of the track on one or more track sections, the track and curtain all being coordinated to form an efficient and improved curtain hanging system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2008
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2013
    Assignee: Zahner Design Group, Ltd.
    Inventors: John Stuart DeWees, David Zahner
  • Publication number: 20130075045
    Abstract: A window covering includes a first set of lift cords extending from a headrail to middle rail. The first set of lift cords is extendable between the headrail and the middle rail to a predetermined distance, which defines a lowermost position of the middle rail relative to the headrail. The first set of lift cords is also retractable to a wound position for defining an uppermost position of the middle rail. A second set of lift cords extends from the headrail to the bottom rail and is extendable from between the middle rail and bottom rail to define an extended position of window covering material. The predetermined distance that the first set of lift cords may extend is selected to help prevent children from becoming entangled in the first set of lift cords when the middle rail is lowered away from the headrail.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 27, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicant: WHOLE SPACE INDUSTRIES LTD
    Inventor: Tzong-Fu Lin
  • Publication number: 20130042985
    Abstract: A blind assembly includes a head box, an axle, a lift lock, a blind, a tube set, a rod and an effort-saving unit. The axle is located in the head box. The lift lock is provided on the head box. The blind includes a bottom rail and at least one rope. The rope is inserted through the lift lock and tied to the bottom rail at an end. The tube set is connected to the head box. The rope is located in the tube set. The rod is inserted in the tube set. The effort-saving unit for connecting the rope to the rod so that the bottom rail is lifted as the rod is pulled.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 16, 2011
    Publication date: February 21, 2013
    Inventor: Tai-Ping LIU
  • Publication number: 20130020037
    Abstract: A window shade that reduces the risk of an individual becoming entangled in cords used to operate the shade includes a headrail adapted for horizontal mounting above a window, a shading material attached to the headrail, and at least one cord for raising and lowering the shading material. The cord is attached to a location adjacent a lower end of the material, and extends upward through cord guides toward the headrail. The cord is encased within a collapsible shroud attached to each cord guide. The shroud is adapted to longitudinally extend as the shading material is lowered toward a deployed position, and then longitudinally collapse as the shading material is raised toward a stowed position. The cord is secured to and is wound about a spool fixed to a spring-loaded roller. The roller provides tension on the cord that counterbalances the weight of the shade so that the shading material may be positioned at any desired level. The shade does not require a graspable cord or cords for operation.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: David Perkowitz
  • Publication number: 20130020034
    Abstract: A window shade that reduces the risk of an individual becoming entangled in cords used to operate the shade includes a headrail adapted for horizontal mounting above a window, a shading material attached to the headrail, and at least one cord for raising and lowering the shading material. The cord is attached to a location adjacent a lower end of the material, and extends upward through cord guides toward the headrail. The cord is encased within a collapsible shroud attached to each cord guide. The shroud is adapted to longitudinally extend as the shading material is lowered toward a deployed position, and then longitudinally collapse as the shading material is raised toward a stowed position. The cord is secured to and is wound about a spring-loaded roller. The roller provides tension on the cord that counterbalances the weight of the shade so that the shading material may be positioned at any desired level.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 30, 2011
    Publication date: January 24, 2013
    Inventor: David Perkowitz
  • Publication number: 20130008616
    Abstract: A cordless window curtain has a window curtain rod, a curtain body, lateral rails, a locating rope assembly and an elastic tension component. The reducing guide slots are set at one side of the lateral rails facing the curtain body and connected with the hollow slot. The width of the reducing guide slot must be smaller than that of the lateral rail and the width of the reducing guide slot is preferably between 2 mm and 5.9 mm. Two flanged guide shafts are protruded from both ends of the hollow bottom rod of the curtain body. These two flanged guide shafts are provided with a through-hole for threading of two lower locating sections of the locating rope assembly. The outer end of two flanged guide shafts is inserted into the reducing guide slot, such that the flanged guide shaft can slide vertically along the path of the reducing guide slot.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 6, 2011
    Publication date: January 10, 2013
    Applicant: CHING FENG HOME FASHIONS CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chien-Chih Huang, Ming-Zhu Chiang
  • Publication number: 20120312486
    Abstract: An adjustable anchor for anchoring a lift cord in a movable rail of a covering for an architectural opening includes a housing which is releasably positionable interiorly of the movable rail in alignment with a lift cord for the covering with the anchor including a rotatable drum within the housing and around which the lift cord can be wrapped or unwrapped by rotating movement of the drum with a tool. Two distinct systems are provided for releasably securing the drum in any selected position to retain the amount of lift cord wrapped therearound with the two system acting in mutually perpendicular planes for reliable anchoring of the lift cord.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 6, 2012
    Publication date: December 13, 2012
    Applicant: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventor: Jeffrey L. Spray
  • Publication number: 20120291963
    Abstract: A blind for a building opening, and having a head rail attachable adjacent to the building opening; a blind panel stored in the head rail, and adapted to be lowered, over the building opening; and, blind panel control mechanism in the head rail and control guides leading the the control so as to hang free of the blind panel, and permitting the blind panel to fill the building opening.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 25, 2012
    Publication date: November 22, 2012
    Inventor: Mario M. Marocco
  • Publication number: 20120285634
    Abstract: A pull cord mechanism for a window shade includes a frame (1), a shade (2), a shade driving mechanism (3), and a bead chain or pull cord (4) for driving the shade driving mechanism (3). A sliding block (7) is slideably received in a barrel (5) receiving the pull cord (4). A handle (8) is mounted outside of the barrel (5) and connected to the sliding block (7). A pivotal plate (12a) is pivotably supported in a passageway (11) of the sliding block (7). A recess is defined in one of a rear side (12a1) of the pivotal plate (12a) and a wall (11a) of the passageway (11) facing the rear side (12a1). A positioning block (12c) is located between the rear side (12a1) of the pivotal plate (12a) and the wall (11a) of the passageway (11). A gear (12b) is located between the section (4a) of the pull cord (4) and a front side (12a2) of the pivotal plate (12a) opposite to the rear side (12a1).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 20, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Xiang-Rong Zhu
  • Publication number: 20120285635
    Abstract: A bead chain type pull cord mechanism for a window shade includes a frame (1), a shade (2), a shade driving mechanism (3), and a bead chain (4) for driving the shade (2) through the shade driving mechanism (3). A barrel (5) is mounted to the frame (1) at a location corresponding to the bead chain (4). A sliding block (7) is slideably received in the barrel (5) and connected to a handle (8) mounted outside of the barrel (5) by a link (9) extending through a slit (6) in the barrel (5). The bead chain (4) is wound around a fixed pulley (16) mounted to an end of the barrel (5). The sliding block (7) is fixed to a section (4a) of the bead chain (4) received in the barrel (5).
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 23, 2011
    Publication date: November 15, 2012
    Inventor: Xiang-Rong Zhu
  • Publication number: 20120273143
    Abstract: A mechanism for operating a dual shade covering a window with a single handle. The mechanism provides a first glide attached by a pulley system to the first shade of the dual shade, and a second glide attached by a pulley system to the second shade of the dual shade. The first glide and the second glide are slibably disposed within a track assembly, and a master glide is disposed in the track assembly between the first glide and the second glide. The master glide engages the first glide to lower the first shade, and is detached from the first glide along the track assembly by a disengaging plate. The master glide engages the second glide to lower the second shade, and is detached from the second glide along the track assembly by a disengaging plate.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 28, 2011
    Publication date: November 1, 2012
    Applicant: Lou Martin & Assoc Inc.
    Inventors: Lauren H. Fillmore, Richard Hernandez
  • Publication number: 20120261082
    Abstract: Window treatments are provided that include a built-in mechanism for opening and closing the window treatment that is easy to use and does not detract from or enhances the aesthetic appearance of the window treatment. The window treatment includes a panel of fabric that has one or two drawstrings extending through a pocket of the panel. A user may pull on the drawstrings, typically from behind the panel (i.e., the window side), to contract the width of the panel, thereby “opening” the window treatment. The drawstrings may then be tied together or otherwise fastened to secure the panel in the open position. The drawstrings may be accessible from the window side of the panel and, thus, may not be visible to a viewer from the room side of the panel. In addition, because the drawstrings are part of the window treatment, no additional hardware or accessories are required.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 13, 2011
    Publication date: October 18, 2012
    Inventor: Denise Marie Stoughton
  • Publication number: 20120227910
    Abstract: A window covering includes a liner positioned adjacent to the rear side of window covering material. The liner is attached to at least one of the window covering material and a first rail to define at least one cavity between the window covering material and the liner. At least one ladder is attached to the liner and positioned in the at least one cavity. The at least one ladder has vertically spaced rungs. At least one lift cord extends from the first rail to a position adjacent to the bottom edge of the window covering material. The at least one cord passes adjacent to the at least one ladder such that the at least one lift cord passes over the rungs of the at least one ladder such that the at least one lift cord alternates from passing behind and in front of successive rungs.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 8, 2011
    Publication date: September 13, 2012
    Applicant: WHOLE SPACE INDUSTRIES LTD
    Inventor: Tzong-Fu Lin
  • Publication number: 20120222828
    Abstract: A tiltable double-layered fabric blind is provided, which includes a double-layered fabric, composed of transparent front and rear sheets and a plurality of opaque spacer veins, with a horizontal bar mounted to a lower end of the fabric, a rotator having a coupling pipe and a driving body mounted to one side of the coupling pipe, the coupling pipe being combined with the double-layered fabric, an angle regulator having a rotating pipe and a rotating body, the rotating pipe having a friction member, which makes one layer of the double-layered fabric brought into close contact with the circumference thereof, a connection plate having a protrusion, which is coupled through the rotator and the angle regulator, and control cords mounted on one side of the rotator and the angle regulator.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 16, 2010
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Jae-Suk Kwak
  • Publication number: 20120222829
    Abstract: A pull bar device includes a pull bar unit that is adapted to be connected to a shade member, and that has a hole-defining surface portion defining an engagement hole that is adapted to be engaged removably with a hook member, and a cushion unit that is connected to the pull bar unit, that is exposed from the engagement hole, and that is adapted for biasing resiliently the hook member to abut against the hole-defining surface portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 2, 2012
    Publication date: September 6, 2012
    Inventor: Paul Lin
  • Publication number: 20120216967
    Abstract: Apparatus for protecting vehicle doors from being damaged by impacts received from the opening of doors of adjacent vehicles. An impact-absorbing shield is suspended from a ceiling of a vehicle shelter. A retractor moves the shield between a deployed position protecting an adjacent vehicle surface from lateral impact damage, and a retracted position out of the way of vehicles entering and exiting the shelter. The retractor is carried by the vehicle shelter ceiling and is configured to move the shield vertically between a retracted position and a deployed position.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 25, 2011
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Inventor: Jeffrey A. Johnson
  • Publication number: 20120216968
    Abstract: A shielding apparatus is provided in which operations of raising and lowering a middle rail and operations of raising and lowering a bottom rail can be performed independently from each other by means of a common operation cord. In a shielding apparatus equipped with an elevation apparatus configured to raise and lower a middle rail 3 and a bottom rail 5, whereby a shielding member 2, 4 can be pulled out in the vertical direction or folded in, the elevation apparatus comprises an operation cord 16 of an endless type hanging down from a head box 1, and selective operation means 13 configured to raise or lower the middle rail 3 through an operation of the operation cord 16 in one direction, and to raise or lower the bottom rail 5 through an operation in the other direction, wherein the selective operation means 13 is configured to push up the middle rail 3 by the bottom rail 5 so that the bottom rail 5 and the middle rail 3 can be raised together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 1, 2010
    Publication date: August 30, 2012
    Applicant: Tachikawa Corporation
    Inventor: Hajime Nakamura
  • Publication number: 20120168094
    Abstract: A window covering includes a first set of vertically spaced apart connectors and a second set of vertically spaced apart connectors. A first lift cord has a first portion extending from a first rail and passing through or adjacent the connectors of the first set of connectors and the second lift cord has a second portion extending from the first rail and passing through or adjacent the connectors of the second set of connectors. A first cord shroud and a second cord shroud extend from the first rail to a position adjacent to a bottom portion of window covering material. The first cord shroud is attached to the first set of connectors and the second cord shroud is attached to the second set of connectors. The first portion passes through the first cord shroud and the second portion passes through the second cord shroud.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 19, 2011
    Publication date: July 5, 2012
    Applicant: WHOLE SPACE INDUSTRIES LTD
    Inventor: Tzong -Fu Lin
  • Publication number: 20120160431
    Abstract: In a window treatment with a cover for covering a window or other architectural opening, a cord assembly includes an elongated housing arranged to be installed next to the cover. The housing includes a channel around most of its periphery receiving the cord. Operating elements are provided on the housing to move the cord with respect to the housing to operate the window treatment and its cover.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 20, 2011
    Publication date: June 28, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph CANNAVERDE
  • Publication number: 20120125544
    Abstract: A window shade includes a sheet extending down from a head rail and is operated by a plurality of cords. Each cord extends from the head rail to the bottom of the shade. A plurality of tubes also extend from the head rail to the bottom of the shade and house one of the respective cords. The tubes are formed of a plurality of nested tube elements telescopically interengaged.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 19, 2011
    Publication date: May 24, 2012
    Inventor: Joseph CANNAVERDE
  • Publication number: 20120018108
    Abstract: A safety window blind includes a blind curtain hung from a headrail and having a plurality of anchored members on a rear major surface thereof, and a lift cord disposed rearwardly from the blind curtain, shielded by a cord shielding unit, and liftable to raise or lower the cord shielding unit. The cord shielding unit includes an elongated shell having first and second shell walls that are disposed opposite to each other relative to an upright axis. A lift-force transmitting unit has a force transmitting body with a gravity center located between the first and second shell walls, and an anchoring lug disposed to couple with the respective anchored member. A lifting force can transmit from the lift cord to the blind curtain through the lift-force transmitting units so as to divert most of the load of the blind curtain away from burdening a rather frail shell wall of the elongated shell.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 20, 2010
    Publication date: January 26, 2012
    Inventor: Shih-Ming Lin
  • Publication number: 20110315329
    Abstract: A double winding device for a window shade includes a head rail receiving first and second cord-winding seats. First and second movable seats are movably mounted between the first and second elastic cord-winding seats and respectively include first and second pulley units. A folding/unfolding cord is wound around the first and second pulley units and has two end sections extending through a bottom wall of the head rail and extending through two sides of a shade and fixed to a bottom of the shade. The first and second elastic cord-winding seats respectively include first and second elastic cord-winding spools. A first actuation cord is wound around the first elastic cord-winding spool and has a distal end fixed to the first movable seat. A second actuation cord is wound around the second elastic cord-winding spool and has a distal end fixed to the second movable seat.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 21, 2011
    Publication date: December 29, 2011
    Inventors: HANS HONG, WEI SHUN HONG
  • Publication number: 20110308746
    Abstract: An improved window shade apparatus including a headrail including a lift apparatus affixed to the headrail, a window cover affixed at one end to the headrail, a lift cord affixed at one end to the lift apparatus of the headrail and at a second end to a bottom portion of the window cover. The improved window shade apparatus includes a plurality attachment rings coupled to a rear surface of the window cover and a guide member, wherein the plurality of attachment members affix the guide member to the rear surface of the window cover. The lift cord extends from the headrail through the guide member and the window cover may be raised or lowered via the lift cord.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 29, 2010
    Publication date: December 22, 2011
    Inventor: Robert S. LeBlanc
  • Publication number: 20110297338
    Abstract: A structure of a curtain includes a main curtain body having a beam, a curtain sheet with an end coupled to the beam, and transversal rods installed onto the curtain sheet, first latches installed separately at another end of the curtain sheet, second latches installed separately onto each transversal rod, an ascending/descending unit coupled to the main curtain body and including a winding/unwinding shaft on a side of the beam, a pull string with an end coupled to the first latch, passed through the second latch, and connected to the winding/unwinding shaft, and a chain for transmitting the winding/unwinding shaft, and a third latch installed onto the chain. If a too-large force is applied to the pull string or chain, the first, second and third latches will be separated to prevent the pull string or chain from being wound around a human body and achieve a higher safety effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: CCOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Ju-Huai Chen
  • Publication number: 20110297336
    Abstract: A curtain with a safety structure includes a main body having a beam and a curtain body, a plurality of connecting portions formed on the curtain body, a plurality of latches installed on a surface of each connecting portion, a plurality of latches installed on each connecting portion, an ascending/descending unit coupled to the main body, a position limit element installed in the beam, and a pull string coupled to another end of the curtain body, passed through the latch, and coupled to the position limit element, such that if the pull string is pulled by an excessively large external force, the connecting portions will be separated from the curtain body, and the latches will also be separated to prevent the pull string from being wound around a human body accidentally, so as to achieve a higher safety effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: CCOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Ju-Huai Chen
  • Publication number: 20110297337
    Abstract: A safety structure of a curtain includes a main body having a beam and a curtain body with an end coupled to the beam, and the curtain body includes connecting portions; first latches at another end of the curtain body; second latches separately on each connecting portion; an ascending/descending unit coupled to the main body and including a position limit element in the beam, and a link string with an end coupled to the first latch, passed through the second latch and connected to the position limit element; and third latches installed at another end of the link string, and each third latch includes a pull string, such that if a too-large force is applied to the link or pull string, the connecting portions, first, second and third latches will be separated to prevent the pull string from being wound around a human body and achieve a higher safety effect.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 8, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: CCOLOGY, INC.
    Inventor: Ju-Huai Chen
  • Publication number: 20110297335
    Abstract: A curtain assembly includes a top box with a curtain connected to the top box. A plurality of tube units each have a fixed tube and multiple movable tubes, wherein the fixed tube and each of the movable tubes includes a passage defined therethrough and a flange at a first end thereof, and an insertion end located at a second. The fixed tubes extending through fixed rings fixed to the lower end of the curtain and the flanges are supported on the fixed rings. The movable tubes extend through the movable rings and the flanges are supported on the movable rings corresponding thereto. Multiple control ropes extend from the top box and extending through the movable tubes and the fixed tubes. When the curtain is lifted, the movable tubes are inserted into the next one in sequence and the lowest movable tube is inserted into the fixed tube corresponding thereto.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 2, 2010
    Publication date: December 8, 2011
    Applicant: CHING FENG HOME FASHIONS CO., LTD.
    Inventor: CHE-MIN SU
  • Publication number: 20110277946
    Abstract: Method for locating a first control unit (4) for controlling an actuator (2) for operating a window covering element (1). The method comprises, following a step for detecting the presence of a user, a step for activating a location means (7) for locating the first control unit.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 6, 2011
    Publication date: November 17, 2011
    Applicant: Somfy SAS
    Inventor: Eric Cheron
  • Publication number: 20110272107
    Abstract: The present invention provides a window covering with a safety cord releaser. The cord releaser includes a hanging member connected to an end of a cord of the window covering and a blocking member connected to a valance of the window covering. The hanging member has an engaging portion, which has an engaging space, a gateway to be an entrance of the engaging space, and two edges at opposite sides of the gateway. The blocking member has a blocking portion to be detachably engaged with the engaging space of the hanging portion. The block portion has an oval cross section and the engaging space of the hanging member is complementary to it that only at a specific angle the blocking member is able to be engaged and disengaged with the hanging member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 4, 2010
    Publication date: November 10, 2011
    Applicant: NIEN MADE ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Yu-Che Wen, Chao-hung Nien
  • Publication number: 20110265963
    Abstract: Cord tensioning systems are provided for top down/bottom up coverings to prevent entanglement of lift cords about associated wrap spools by correlating rotation of the wrap spools with translating threaded nuts mounted on threaded shafts rotating in unison with the wrap spools whereby abutment of nuts associated with lift spools prevent over movement of rails associated with the spools and thus entanglement of the lift cords associated therewith.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 11, 2011
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Applicant: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Terrence M. Drew, Jon C. Fearnow, Suzanne M. Fujita, Jeffrey L. Spray
  • Publication number: 20110265960
    Abstract: A cordless window shade apparatus including a headrail having a pulley affixed to the headrail, and a rod coupled to the pulley at one end of the rod. The cordless window shade apparatus also includes a window cover affixed at one end to the headrail and a lift fabric affixed at one end to the rod and at a second end to a bottom portion of the window cover. In addition the cordless window shade apparatus includes a plurality of crossbars removeably coupled to a rear surface of the window cover and a lift chain operably coupled to the pully. The lift fabric is positioned between the plurality of crossbars and the rear surface of the window cover and the window cover may be raised or lowered via the lift chain.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 29, 2010
    Publication date: November 3, 2011
    Inventor: Robert S. LeBlanc