Hollow Or Slotted Track Patents (Class 160/345)
  • Patent number: 11457761
    Abstract: A drapery system includes an elongate support member which defines an elongate space for housing a drapery track, wherein the elongate support member includes a first elongate plate-shaped portion which extends in a longitudinal direction of the elongate support member and defines the elongate space in one direction, wherein the elongate support member includes at least one connector projecting from the first plate-shaped portion in the elongate space, and wherein the drapery system includes a connection structure which is adapted for engagement with the drapery track and with the at least one connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: BLINDSPACE AB
    Inventors: Anders Sundelin, Gaius Henry Guest
  • Patent number: 11399650
    Abstract: A drapery carrier system includes a master carrier, having a body extending from a first end to a second end, the body to receive a snap tape; a plate attached to the body, the plate extending from a first end to a second end, the plate having a cutout groove extending into the plate from the first end; and wheels attached to the plate and to engage with a track; a master cap having a hole extending therethrough to receive a cable, the master cap to engage with the cutout groove such that the cable is thereby attached to the master carrier; the master carrier engages with the cable and the track to receive and support drapery thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 2, 2022
    Inventor: Hou Sheng Ko
  • Patent number: 11236547
    Abstract: A manual drive assembly for a manually-operated window treatment based on a drive chain formed as a loop, may incorporate one or more intermediate tensioners disposed between two ends of the loop. The loop may be formed between a manual clutch mechanism coupled to the window treatment and an end tensioner. The one or more intermediate tensioners may serve to limit slack in the loop such that sides of the loop cannot be pulled to create a large loop, for example, having a gap of four inches or greater, between the hanging sides of the cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 24, 2019
    Date of Patent: February 1, 2022
    Assignee: Lutron Technology Company LLC
    Inventors: Evan T. Graham, David A. Kirby, Robert T. Nachtrieb
  • Patent number: 11089899
    Abstract: A drape has a longitudinal pocket on two or both sides of the drape, A stabilizer is placed within the pocket and extends the length of the pocket. The stabilizer is supported by a drapery support such as a rod or track in a manner which enables the panel to move along the drapery support from a closed, drawn position to an open, slacked position. The stabilizer is supported by the drapery support and is free to move within the pocket. The stabilizer prevents the drape from flaring at the bottom. A wand may be attached to the stabilizer or to a carrier or other assembly to which the stabilizer is attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 2019
    Date of Patent: August 17, 2021
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventor: Ren Judkins
  • Patent number: 10799055
    Abstract: A track hanger (100) includes a hook (103) and an extension (104), a base member (102), and a key (403). The key is detachable from the hook, and the base member is detachable from the extension. The key can include a first major surface (401) and a second major surface (402). The first major surface can define one or more barbs (404) that facilitate one-way insertion of the key into a track (106).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 25, 2018
    Date of Patent: October 13, 2020
    Assignee: Medline Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Steve McNabb, Che Rocco Mirabile, John Piazzi, Michael Turturro, Paige Wexler
  • Patent number: 8950464
    Abstract: A panel curtain system including a number of panels guided by a rail, a control cord endlessly secured to the panels and at least one operating runner secured to at least one panel and securing the control cord. The panel curtain system includes a motorized drive for the at least one control cord and a means tensioning element for tensioning the control cord.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 5, 2009
    Date of Patent: February 10, 2015
    Assignee: Coulisse B.V.
    Inventor: Wouter Hendriks
  • Patent number: 8919420
    Abstract: A variable length support rod apparatus for translational support of a window treatment, such as draperies, comprised of a support member formed of a plurality of transnationally engaged segments, the support member is infinitely configurable from a minimum contracted length to a maximum extended length through a translation of the plurality of segments toward or away from each other. A continuous flexible member is positioned along a pathway running between a first end and a second end of the support member. The support rod may be configured to any length between the minimum and maximum lengths and may be fixed to a support surface without an adjustment of the fixed length of the continuous flexible member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Assignee: Beme International, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Graves, Peisheng Qian
  • Patent number: 8708026
    Abstract: A variable length support rod apparatus for translational support of a window treatment, such as draperies, comprised of a support member formed of a plurality of transnationally engaged segments, the support member is infinitely configurable from a minimum contracted length to a maximum extended length through a translation of the plurality of segments toward or away from each other. A continuous flexible member is positioned along a pathway running between a first end and a second end of the support member. The support rod may be configured to any length between the minimum and maximum lengths and may be fixed to a support surface without an adjustment of the fixed length of the continuous flexible member.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 18, 2012
    Date of Patent: April 29, 2014
    Assignee: Beme International, LLC
    Inventors: Brian Graves, Peisheng Qian
  • Publication number: 20130269889
    Abstract: Present invention provides a cost-effective way to implement window curtain(s) movement control on a vertically-oriented and generally round track, where a bendable “I” track will be placed along the shape of a round or curved window frame, with a plurality of rollers moving along the a bendable track, either “I” track or “C” track, where some magnetic buttons on the mounting pieces may provide for the pre-set locations for the curtains to easily set and adjust to these locations when the curtains are moved about in a fan-like fashion around a pivot center.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 12, 2012
    Publication date: October 17, 2013
    Inventor: Ming K. LAN
  • Publication number: 20130186579
    Abstract: A panel-type curtain that can be attached easily to a curtain rail even after attachment of a curtain member, and that can allow the curtain member to slide smoothly. Specifically, a panel-type curtain is hung on runners of a curtain rail via supports, the panel-type curtain including an elongated holding frame capable of catching the supports, and curtain members supported by the holding frame, wherein the holding frame has a first coupling bar having a rail portion on a front side thereof, and a second coupling bar having a projecting slider slidably fitted in the rail portion of the first coupling bar on a back side thereof, and the slider and the rail portion constitute a bayonet structure.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 10, 2011
    Publication date: July 25, 2013
    Applicant: Kazuma Co Ltd
    Inventor: Kuniharu Kazuma
  • Patent number: 8286687
    Abstract: A device for closing and opening curtains, which are movable along a rod (1), said rod near its ends being provided with a means for limiting the movement of said curtains. The rod (1) is provided with channels (2) in which an endless toothed belt (3) is received which at the ends of said rod (1) is guided by toothed wheels (7,13) from which one can be driven. Said toothed belt (3) is provided with at least one carrier (4) which can be connected to a curtain and can extend it self downwards through a slot (5) in said rod (1). A connector element (11) is provided which is connected to the rod (1) and extends substantially in line with this and comprises a sideways extending housing (10), in which said drivable toothed wheel (7) is present. The driving of said toothed wheel (7) takes place by means of an electric motor (9), which can be operated by means of a hand switch either by means of a time switch either by means of a light sensor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 5, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 16, 2012
    Assignee: Forest Group Nederland B.V.
    Inventor: Henricus Wilhelmus Frederikus Bosgoed
  • Patent number: 7832052
    Abstract: A drapery master carrier for a drapery electric drive system is provided having a built-in wireless transmitter and a sensor to determine whether a manual pull is being applied to the drapes. The sensor is operatively connected to or incorporated into the wireless transmitter such that sensing by the sensor of a manual pull applied to the drapes will activate the wireless transmitter to transmit a signal to a motor drive controller receiver to drive the motor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Gerrit Jan Vrielink
  • Publication number: 20100224332
    Abstract: A drapery system comprises an elongated track having two track portions and an elongated rectangular splice structure for coupling the two track portions together. Each track portion has a splice channel and at least one track hole located in the splice channel. The splice structure has at least two splice holes extending through the splice structure and is adapted to be received within the splice channels. Screws are received through the splice holes and extend into the track holes in a direction perpendicular to the splice structure. The distance between the two splice holes is less than the distance between the two track holes when the two track portions are aligned adjacent each other and the screws are not installed. Each of the screws contacts an edge of the respective track hole to provide a longitudinal force on the respective track portion when the screws are installed in the splice holes and track holes, such that the track portions are forced together.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 9, 2009
    Publication date: September 9, 2010
    Applicant: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.
    Inventor: Joel E. Hibshman
  • Patent number: 7788769
    Abstract: A drapery carrier comprising a carrier body with first and second coaxially joined wheels on opposite sides of the carrier body, and bearings entrapped within the drapery carrier between raceway seat portions of the wheels. An axial finger extends from the first wheel and is engagingly held within an axial bore of the second wheel. Respective outer circumferential wheel surfaces of the first and second wheels define first and second wheel outer diameters of the first and second wheels, and the bearing center-to-center orbit diameter is less than the first and second wheel outer diameters. Three embodiments of a carrier strip hold a plurality of the drapery carriers prior to and during insertion within a drapery track, and permit easy insertion of the drapery carriers into the track by sliding the track onto the drapery carriers while they are held by the carrier strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 7, 2010
    Inventors: Joe D. Wicker, Yu-Ting Kao
  • Patent number: 7757347
    Abstract: A drapery carrier comprising a carrier body with first and second coaxially joined wheels on opposite sides of the carrier body, and bearings entrapped within the drapery carrier between raceway seat portions of the wheels. An axial finger extends from the first wheel and is engagingly held within an axial bore of the second wheel. Respective outer circumferential wheel surfaces of the first and second wheels define first and second wheel outer diameters of the first and second wheels, and the bearing center-to-center orbit diameter is less than the first and second wheel outer diameters. Two embodiments of a carrier strip hold a plurality of the drapery carriers prior to and during insertion within a drapery track, and permit easy insertion of the drapery carriers into the track by sliding the track onto the drapery carriers while they are held by the carrier strip.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 17, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 20, 2010
    Inventor: Joe D. Wicker
  • Patent number: 7699090
    Abstract: A disengageable master carrier assembly for a motor driven drapery is provided, having a master carrier block section and a locking block section. The locking block section has entrance ramps and a detent pocket sized to receive an engagement member mounted to the master carrier block section. The master carrier block assembly has a support arm for supporting a leading edge of drapery fabric, the support arm being supported by a first resilient member. The engagement member is sized for fitting into the detent pocket of the locking block member and is resiliently urged by a second resilient member disposed between a movable portion of the support arm and the engagement member such that the engagement member will be displaced into its engaged position in the detent pocket when the engagement member is aligned with the detent pocket and will be moved to its disengaged position when the support arm is moved to its disengaged position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 12, 2007
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2010
    Inventor: Gerrit Jan Vrielink
  • Patent number: 7686063
    Abstract: A drapery system for moving a suspended drapery fabric allows the drapery fabric to be decoupled from a drive system, such that the drapery fabric may be manually moved. The drapery system comprises a master car comprising a driven portion and a non-driven portion. The driven portion is coupled to a drive belt of the drive system, while the non-driven portion is coupled to the drapery fabric. The master car comprises a spring having a snap adapted to be received in a snap-receiving structure, such that the driven portion is coupled to the non-driven portion. The non-driven portion is operable to move in response to movement of the drive belt to move the drapery fabric when the non-driven portion is coupled to the driven portion. The non-driven portion is operable to be decoupled from the driven portion, such that the position of the drapery fabric may be manually adjusted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Kirby, Kurt Adam Miller, Peter W. Ogden, Jr.
  • Patent number: 7686064
    Abstract: A motorized and manual clutch of curtain track, set on a curtain track, the curtain track is provided with a belt which is driven by motor and carrier hook parts which are used to hang curtain. The motorized and manual clutch is composed of a clutch body module and a clutch bar module, the clutch body module and said clutch bar module are detachably connected. A gap is provided on the belt, the clutch body module is set in the gap, connected with the belt and moved with the belt. The clutch bar module is set under the clutch body module connected with the carrier hook parts and moves the carrier hook parts. The application of the new practical motorized and manual clutch of curtain track solves the operation problem when power cut or breakdown motor or electrical circuit. It further improves the practical value of motorized curtain track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: March 30, 2010
    Assignee: Shanghai Qing Ying Sun-Shading Technical Development Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Duanqing Gu
  • Patent number: 7665501
    Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening includes a cord which forms a loop hanging from one of the two ends of the headrail by which it is mounted. The loop is used to open and close the material suspended from the headrail and in front of the architectural opening. The cord extends within the headrail between its two ends, and may be pulled from the end lacking the loop in order to move the loop from one side to the other.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 29, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 23, 2010
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventor: Wendell B. Colson
  • Publication number: 20090050280
    Abstract: A sliding panel track system has a headrail with traversing rails therein, the traversing rails having open-ended channels with downwardly facing slots. Panels for the system are attached to hangers, including different hangers for different types of panels. The hangers are readily and easily inserted into and withdrawn from the channels and slots via the open ends thereof.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 15, 2008
    Publication date: February 26, 2009
    Inventors: John E. Morris, Christopher J. Malin
  • Patent number: 7478967
    Abstract: A safety connection intended for suspending objects, for instance curtain rails, rods, towel racks and the like, the safety connection (2) comprising at least one first (3) and one second (4) retaining element, the one retaining element (3; 4), after mounting, being coupled to the object to be suspended, while the other retaining element (4; 3), after mounting, is connected to an environment, the first (3) and second (4) retaining element being detachably coupled to each other such that, under the influence of a particular tensile force (F) applied to those elements (3, 4), these retaining elements (3, 4) disconnect, characterized in that the second retaining element (4) is provided with at least one resilient lip (5), while the first and second retaining elements (3, 4) are arranged to cooperate via that at least one resilient lip (5) for effecting said detachable coupling of the retaining elements (3, 4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 16, 2003
    Date of Patent: January 20, 2009
    Inventor: Bart ter Braak
  • Patent number: 7137171
    Abstract: A new and useful traverse rod structure, designed to maintain or improve the functionality of a traverse rod, while improving the aesthetics of the traverse rod is provided. The traverse rod is designed to improve the functionality of the rod, while minimizing the risk of damaging the aesthetic features of the traverse rod as the hanging object is manipulated. Still further, the traverse rod is designed with an attractive and aesthetic external appearance. In addition, the traverse rod is designed to be efficient to assemble and operate. In its preferred form, a traverse rod comprises (a) a longitudinally extending tube having an opening extending along the tube, (b) a longitudinally extending track located within the tube, the track comprising a pair of substantially co-planar track sections with a gap therebetween, and (c) one or more moveable carriers each of which is configured to engage a wall covering. Each moveable carrier has a follower extending through the opening in the tube.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 27, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 21, 2006
    Assignee: Exquisite Creations For You, Inc.
    Inventors: Sonja R. Meech, Jesus C. Galindo, Ralph E. Galley, Russell L. Fincher
  • Patent number: 6986915
    Abstract: A pigment formulation and its method of application to multi-filamentous net or mesh to generate an image that is visible from only one side of the multi-filamentous net or mesh is provided. The pigment formulation may comprise of either a paint or an ink composition, which is applied manually onto multi-filamentous nets or mesh.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 17, 2006
    Assignee: Champion Consultants Inc.
    Inventor: Richard Bourdages
  • Patent number: 6935403
    Abstract: A quiet drapery pull system includes an elongated track that receives a master car and auxiliary cars. The track defines a pair of curved surfaces for nested receipt of roller members of the cars to facilitate linear tracking of the cars. The cars preferably include tires that are made from a resilient material to limit noises caused by rolling contact and by slipping and dragging of the tires upon contact with surface imperfections of the track. The drapery pull system preferably includes a drive belt connected to a reversible motor and to the master car for driving the master car in each of opposite directions. The drive belt is preferably made from a resilient material to limit noise associated with contact between the drive belt and drive pulley and between the belt and the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 2, 2002
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2005
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: Jason C. Killo, Stephen D. Dauerbach, Jason S. Gottschall, Todd M. Shirk, Joel S. Spira
  • Patent number: 6761206
    Abstract: Attachments are provided to a traverse curtain rod, whereby the control cords are caused to hang down in front of the rod, and the draw curtain supported therefrom and away from the end of the rod, to avoid being hidden behind a proscenium surface created by a valence and drapery, or by a wall opening. The improved traverse curtain rod usually has two attachments secured to the traverse curtain rod, each requiring a short slot in the rod located cooperatively with the a pulley which partially enters the rod, thus directing a control cord frontward and upward to pass around a second pulley and to hang down to permit opening and closing the draw curtain. Depending upon the manner of mounting and locating the attachments to the rod, the internal cords are rerouted so as to appear as a pair near the left end of the rod, or at its right end, or as one cord on the left with the second on the right.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Carl Samuel Newman
  • Patent number: 6182739
    Abstract: A drapery system comprising, in combination, an elongated track; a carrier slidably attached to the track, the carrier having a snap member; a connector including a body member, an arm member attached to the body member, and a snap member attached to the arm member thereof and removably secured to the snap member of the carrier; and a drapery panel including an upper end attached to the body member of the connector.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 6, 2001
    Inventor: Gary F. Jones
  • Patent number: 6125909
    Abstract: A traverse rod assembly (10) includes a support rod (12) having a viewing side (32) and an opposite backside (34). A track (26) is connected to the backside (34) of the support rod (12), and the track (26) has a sideways opening (36) hidden from the viewing side (32) of the support rod (12). A set of sliders (28) has a first section (54) slidably disposed within the track (26) and a second section (56) extending from the first section (54) through the sideways opening (36) in the track (26). A curtain support (30) is connected to the second section (56) of each of at least a subset of the sliders (28), and the curtain support (30) is operable to support at least part of a drapery (16).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 5, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2000
    Assignee: Antique Drapery Rod Company
    Inventors: Richard K. Walker, Whitney A. Walker
  • Patent number: 6098699
    Abstract: The assembly relates to a way of hanging and removing a shower curtain. The curtain eliminates the tedious job of attaching the curtain holders, then taking them off one at a time to remove the curtain when it is time to wash or replace. Bead attachment members can be placed on the curtain and left even during washing. They can be changed to different colors or styles for decorative purposes. The bead attachment members replace the standard ring connectors. They can be manually attached or can be fixed on the curtain. The specially designed shower curtain rod receives the bead attachment members with ease. The telescoping rod is then placed in the U-shaped socket rod holders for easy assembly and disassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 21, 1999
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Assignee: Samantha M. Junius
    Inventor: Samantha Marie Junius
  • Patent number: 6098246
    Abstract: This invention relates to a glide which permits curtains to be hung from conventional vertical blind systems, such as those using carriers movable along horizontal blind tracks. In the invention, a glide designed to secure a curtain to a carrier is provided, the glide having a body portion and an elongated upwardly extending piece. The upwardly extending piece is inserted and locked into a downward opening aperture in each carrier. The body portion of the glide extends downwardly from the carrier and has an opening, the female portion of a snap fastener assembly. The male portions of snap fasteners are secured along the upper edge of a curtain or are attached to the curtain using snap tape. When the male and female snap fastener assembly pieces are secured together, the curtain is functional and operable with the vertical blind track unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: August 8, 2000
    Inventor: Alan R. Moir
  • Patent number: 6085826
    Abstract: A runner and guide rail for curtains intended to maintain a line for opening and closing the curtains automatically and constantly to the tension state by intermediately installing elastic members at the connections between the runner and the line. A guide rail for curtains that can be compactly stored and transported by dividing the guide rail body and linking segments with bendable couplers. In addition, a guide rail for manually opened and closed type curtains which can simultaneously open and close right and left curtains by pulling the curtain on one side.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: July 11, 2000
    Assignee: Navio, Inc.
    Inventor: Shu Maesaki
  • Patent number: 6056035
    Abstract: Apparatus for hanging and removing various styles of shades and curtains such as Roman, Austrian, balloon, or cloud type shades or curtains. The apparatus comprises a hanging bracket, which can either be attached to a wall above a window or within the window box itself, and a hanging grid which, when tilted, can be inserted within the bracket and supported by the bracket's lower flanges. The hanging grid typically takes the form of a coarse metallic screen which comprises a plurality of interwoven heavy gage wires. In use, individual draw cords are threaded through the grid at one of its ends and at discrete predetermined positions along the length of the grid which correlate to string paths provided in the shade or curtain to be hung. Once each individual cord is threaded through the grid at the proper position, it can be passed through the adjacent series of loops provided along the string paths to secure the shade or curtain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 18, 1998
    Date of Patent: May 2, 2000
    Assignee: Visison By Two Sisters, Inc.
    Inventor: Linda Laster-Bivens
  • Patent number: 5993100
    Abstract: A connector is used with a pair of hollow rails having longitudinally confronting ends and each forming a downwardly open longitudinal slot and having a pair of upwardly directed support faces flanking the slot. A hanger has a head longitudinally displaceable inside the rails on the support faces thereof, a body projecting through the slot downward out of the rails, and a horizontally projecting guide flange immediately below the rails and at a predetermined spacing below the head. The hanger is adapted to carry a curtain below the rails.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 1998
    Date of Patent: November 30, 1999
    Assignee: Cedargrove Limited
    Inventor: Gunter Gastmann
  • Patent number: 5975187
    Abstract: An improved wall covering track system includes an elongate track for vertically supporting a series of carriers and enabling the carriers to horizontally translate along the track, the raceway surfaces of the track are inclined downwardly from the horizontal, the carriers have frusto-conical wheels, which may be mounted on straight or frusto conical axles. A drapery and a vertical blind system includes spacers, and a variety of track extrusions are illustrated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 15, 1997
    Date of Patent: November 2, 1999
    Inventor: Tser-Wen Chou
  • Patent number: 5791394
    Abstract: An improved adjustable window blind rail having a rail, two end fitting members, two guide members, a plurality of slide members, a pull cord, and two adjusting members. The guide members and the slide members are received in the rail such that they can slide in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the rail. The pull cord is wound on the two end fitting members engaged to the outer ends of the two adjusting members and is received in the rail such that the pull cord is connected with the two guide members. The two adjusting members are mounted at both ends of the rail such that they are capable of moving in the direction of the longitudinal axis of the rail for adjusting the length formed by the rail.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1997
    Date of Patent: August 11, 1998
    Inventor: Fang-Mei Huang
  • Patent number: 5765260
    Abstract: An apparatus for providing stiffness to the upper end of an elongated section of drapery fabric which selectably allows the drapery fabric to be readily foldable when stiffness is not needed. The apparatus also connects the drapery to an overhead, traverse supporting rail, such as by an arrangement of hooks and eyelets or rotatable pendants. The apparatus includes an insert member made of a flexible, relatively stiff material which may be one continuous strip or a series of segments. The apparatus also includes member mountable to the drapery that is made of flexible, readily-foldable material. The insert member and the mounting member are configured so that the insert member may be engaged with the mounting member. When the insert member is engaged with the mounting member, the insert member and mounting member are not readily foldable and provide stiffness to support the drapery fabric between pendants.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1996
    Date of Patent: June 16, 1998
    Inventor: Ren Judkins
  • Patent number: 5560417
    Abstract: A two-piece drapery traverse rod master carrier comprising a carrier body having rod guides for supporting the carrier body for movement along a traverse rod, and a drapery support arm having lead and trail ends and a mounting stem extending laterally from one side of the support arm at a location intermediate the lead and trail ends of the arm. The carrier body has an arm guide supporting the mounting stem for horizontal movement in a direction perpendicular to the path of movement of the carrier body when the lead end of the drapery support arm extends from the arm guide to adjust the lateral position of the support arm relative to the slide body. The drapery support arm can be positioned on the carrier body with the lead end extending in either of two opposed directions generally parallel to the path of movement of the carrier body.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 11, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1996
    Assignee: Springs Window Fashions Division, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles F. Smiley
  • Patent number: 5547156
    Abstract: A holder for supporting a curtain relative to a wall or ceiling surface. The inventive device includes an elongated support plate mountable to a wall or ceiling surface and having a pair of retaining channels extending therealong. A plurality of sliding hooks are movably positioned within the channel and extend downwardly from the support plate to couple with a curtain.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1996
    Inventor: Zoran Djuric
  • Patent number: 5520983
    Abstract: An outerlining fabric woven of warp threads and a weft thread and including at least two fastener portions composed of a male or a female member of a surface-type separable fastener, and a mesh portion of a predetermined width disposed between the fastener portions to separate them in the widthwise direction of the outerlining fabric, the weft thread being composed of a synthetic resin monofilament having a rigidity greater than that of any of the warp threads. The outerlining fabric is attached to and along the top edge of a curtain, and when the curtain is to be attached to a curtain rail, a series of curtain attachment connector members each having a fastener surface are attached to either of the fastener portions of the outerlining fabric. With the outerlining fabric, the vertical position of the curtain relative to the curtain rail can be changed among at least two positions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 8, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 28, 1996
    Assignee: Yoshida Kogyo K.K.
    Inventors: Toru Yamamoto, Mitsuhisa Okawa
  • Patent number: 5518058
    Abstract: A tubular rail formed with a longitudinally extending and downwardly open slot of predetermined width is provided with a plurality of curtain slides spaced along the rail and each having a body and a core. The body is formed with a pair of horizontally oppositely projecting wings extending perpendicular to the rail and with a V-shaped loop underneath the rail engaged through the curtain upper edge. The core is formed with a T-shaped head normally engaged in the rail and of a width greater than the slot width and a thickness less than the slot width. The head is pivotal between a holding position in the rail perpendicular thereto and a freeing position parallel to the slot. A spring is braced between the body and the core and urges the head into the holding position. An arm projects transversely from and is fixed rotationally to the head so that the head can be rotated into the freeing position by means of the arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 1994
    Date of Patent: May 21, 1996
    Assignee: Cedargrove Limited
    Inventor: Gunter Gastmann
  • Patent number: 5476266
    Abstract: A net fastener device for affixing a net to a soccer goal frame having two front posts and a crossbar. The device comprises different types of net attaching components for securing the net to the front posts and the crossbar in a safe and quick way. A yoke tool cooperates with the net and fasteners which are to high to reach to permit a person to fasten the net to the goal with out the need of standing on a ladder.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1994
    Date of Patent: December 19, 1995
    Inventor: Vincent C. Caruso
  • Patent number: 5309973
    Abstract: A curtain carrier slide structure comprises a hollow body with open top and bottom sides to slidably receive therein a slidable block which is biased by springs toward the top side of the hollow body The carrier slide is slidably mounted on a track to movable therealong. The hollow body comprises two opposite end walls each having an upper recess and a lower recess formed thereon. A bead string having a number of beads secured thereon along the length thereof to define a number of bead gaps between the beads is received within the lower recess to have the end walls of the hollow body engagingly received in the bead gaps so as to have the carrier slide engage the bead string to move therewith along the track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 14, 1993
    Date of Patent: May 10, 1994
    Inventor: Su-Chin Huang
  • Patent number: 5217057
    Abstract: A suspended curtain system adaptable to non-uniform height ceilings having modular curtain panels suspended from a plurality of hangers, each hanger selected from an assortment of prefabricated lengths and is attached to roller mounted carriers supported in a track mounted to the ceiling to allow easy positioning of the suspended curtains by applying a horizontal force to the panels, the carriers are connected together by carrier links to reduce jamming of the carriers as they are moved around the track, the length of each hanger selected being sized to suspend the panels from the ceiling at a constant distance above the floor regardless of ceiling height.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 8, 1993
    Assignee: Unicube USA, Inc.
    Inventors: Marvin R. Hubbard, Wallace I. Resh
  • Patent number: 5123475
    Abstract: Disclosed is a shirr-pleated drape and the method of manufacturing the drape. An elongated stiffened fabric strip, preferably crinoline which may be precut to size, is formed with evenly-spaced drapery hook pockets. The drape is provided with a longitudinal rod pocket along the top of a size to accommodate said fabric strip. The drape is gathered on said fabric strip and then attached to said fabric strip at said drapery hook pockets and at the ends of said rod pocket to retain said gathered drape on said fabric strip. When mounted on a rod such as a traverse rod, said drape has the appearance of being shirred when closed, and of being shirred and pleated when open.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 7, 1991
    Date of Patent: June 23, 1992
    Inventors: Robert E. Klotz, Martha M. Oliver
  • Patent number: 4957152
    Abstract: Disclosed is a device for applying tension to the free ends of a curtain track draw cord that is looped about a pulley at one end of the track. The device consists of a first member containing two parallel channels to acept the free ends of the draw cord and second member, attached to a second pulley block at the opposite end of the curtain track, to which the first member is secured to trap the cords therebetween. The second member contains tubular passageways opposite and perpendicular to the channels in the first member in which are contained coil springs, ball bearings are located between the springs and the draw cords cause the cords to frictionally engage the walls of the channels and maintain tension in the cords lying within the curtain track.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 18, 1990
    Assignee: Swish Products Limited
    Inventors: Peter E. Knight, John E. Lyons
  • Patent number: 4935988
    Abstract: An improved curtain rod assembly is disclosed which includes a track having a decorative fascia attached thereto. The track and fascia cooperate to permit the fascia to be easily attached thereto. A return plate is configured for attachment to the track and cooperates with a bracket assembly to support the track from a wall the appropriate distance. A side fascia is configured for attachment with the return plate and an elbow connects the fascia on the track and the return plate to provide an esthetically pleasing system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 26, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 26, 1990
    Assignee: Cooper Industries
    Inventors: James A. Ford, Alan A. Ford
  • Patent number: 4915153
    Abstract: A vertical window covering system which utilizes an area of prepleated drapery fabric having permanently set pleats of a nature such that the fabric behaves like a tension spring tending to bias pleats toward the folded state or a vertical blind with taped or string ladders. The drape is hung from a traverse track adapted to be mounted in a horizontal orientation. A plurality of track mounting arrangements are provided for mounting a plurality of spaced pleats of the fabric intermediate left and right edge pleats thereof for bidirectional traverse relative to the traverse track. First and second drape edge carrier components are mounted to the traverse track with at least one of the carrier arrangements adapted for bidirectional traverse on the track. Drape edge stabilizer arrangements are mounted on each of the carrier arrangements for holding the edge pleats in a substantially true vertical orientation when the drapery fabric is traversed to an open pleat condition, i.e.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 10, 1990
    Inventor: Andrew J. Toti
  • Patent number: 4881588
    Abstract: A drapery hanger and manipulator is disclosed herein with drapery panels or segments suspended on groups of drapery hook hangers, and a series of carriers slidably actuatable along a track with inter-working structures and mechanisms driven and operated by a single linear drive.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 22, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 21, 1989
    Inventor: Harold L. Madsen
  • Patent number: 4846249
    Abstract: The window shade track hook carrier includes a body of plastic, metal, ceramic or the like which is adapted to slide or roll freely in a shade track and bear a depending shade hook which is adapted to extend out of an opening in the bottom or side of the track. The carrier body has a window shade cord passageway extending longitudinally therethrough for holding such cord in the track. The track passageway is preferably lined with slippery plastic, smooth metal or the like low friction material to reduce abrasion of the cord and facilitate relative movement of the carrier and cord in the track. In one embodiment the body has a pair of body-centering rotatable wheels of plastic or the like disposed on opposite sides of the body. In another embodiment, the body has a pair of low friction skids on opposite sides of the body. In a third embodiment, the body is cylindrical and solid, with a low friction exterior, curved sidewalls and flat front and rear.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 11, 1988
    Date of Patent: July 11, 1989
    Assignee: Castec, Inc.
    Inventors: David Cooper, Suresh K. Wadhwani, Michael Praamsma
  • Patent number: 4833756
    Abstract: A bendable drapery rod assembly comprising an elongated plastic rod member formed of flexible plastic and defining a trackway for drapery carriers, an elongated metal rod member, and provision for laterally retaining the plastic rod member and metal rod member together along their length to provide a combination plastic and metal rod unit. The metal rod member has a cross section with a major crosswise dimension and a relatively smaller minor crosswise dimension disposed transverse to the major crosswise dimension, and the rod unit is bendable in a direction laterally of the minor crosswise dimension of the metal rod member into a curved condition. The metal rod member is ductile and adapted to take a permanent set to hold the rod unit in a curved condition, and the major crosswise dimension of the metal rod member is substantially greater than the minor crosswise dimension to stiffen the rod unit against bending in a direction laterally of the major crosswise dimension.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 1, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 30, 1989
    Assignee: Graber Industries, Inc.
    Inventors: Mark J. Terlecke, John S. Reback
  • Patent number: 4821370
    Abstract: A single or multiple drapery track and mounting bracket therefor. A cooperating locking latch is provided for mounting the track to the bracket quickly and without using tools. The track has a longitudinal bead along one edge and a dependant wall spaced therefrom. The dependant wall has an outer inclined face having at least one longitudinal notch. The mounting bracket is generally L-shaped, the horizontal leg carrying a downwardly opening curl of size and configuration to receive the bead. The other leg has an inwardly canted strut or tongue of limited resilience. The mounting bracket is first installed on a vertical wall and the longitudinal bead of the support engaged within the curl. The track is pivoted toward the horizontal leg of the bracket forcibly flexing the tongue until it is tightly engaged within the notch. To dismount the track, the tongue is manually flexed until free of the notch and then, the track is pivoted in the reverse direction until free of the bracket.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: April 18, 1989
    Assignee: Coral Industrial Sales, Inc.
    Inventors: John T. Magdars, Burton L. Siegal