With Bottom Or Intermediate Holding, Weighting, Or Draping Means Patents (Class 160/349.1)
  • Patent number: 11950712
    Abstract: An article for hanging on a support surface includes a substrate having a first end and a second end. The article includes a pair of rails with each rail including a recessed channel that extends in a longitudinal direction. A pair of splines is provided with each spline including a raised ridge that extends in a longitudinal direction. The raised ridge is inserted into the recessed channel. The article also includes a first pair of end caps. An elongated hanging element passes through the slots of the first pair of end caps. Wherein in an assembled state, one rail and one spline are disposed adjacent one another such that the raised ridge is at least partially inserted into the recessed channel and the substrate is captured within the recessed channel and the first pair of end caps are disposed over opposite ends of the one rail and one spline to join and hold the one rail and one spline against one another with the substrate captured therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 28, 2022
    Date of Patent: April 9, 2024
    Assignee: TRACER IMAGING LLC
    Inventors: Steven M. Spiro, Ryan Kelly, Jessica Huffman
  • Patent number: 11879707
    Abstract: A method of using an anti-ballistic protection system for protecting an interior space in a building. The ballistic barrier includes a laminated material having a plurality of layers of lightweight, flexible, ballistic resistant material such as woven sheets which are secured together into the laminate using a adhesive, heat weld, or stitching. The ballistic barrier in the deployed state is configured to be resistant to penetration by high-speed ballistic projectiles such as a bullet fired from a gun or a shrapnel from a bomb to protect the interior space, and can be used to protect windows, doors, hallways, and walls from penetration by the ballistic projectiles.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 26, 2023
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2024
    Assignee: Disruptive Resources, LLC
    Inventor: John B. Adrain
  • Patent number: 11828575
    Abstract: A method of using an anti-ballistic protection system for protecting an interior space in a building. The ballistic barrier includes a laminated material having a plurality of layers of lightweight, flexible, ballistic resistant material such as woven sheets which are secured together into the laminate using a adhesive, heat weld, or stitching. The ballistic barrier is configured to be in a compact retracted state which can be deployed to provide a protective state to protect against kinetic ballistic projectiles. The system may include an automated control system operably configured to change the state of the ballistic barrier from the retracted state to the protective deployed state, such that upon sensing a threatening event or condition triggers a transition from the retracted state to the deployed protective state such that in the protective state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Disruptive Resources, LLC
    Inventor: John B. Adrain
  • Patent number: 11828574
    Abstract: An anti-ballistic protection system for protecting an interior space in a building. The ballistic barrier includes a laminated material having a plurality of layers of lightweight, flexible, ballistic resistant material such as woven sheets which are secured together into the laminate using a adhesive, heat weld, or stitching. The ballistic barrier is configured to be in a compact retracted state which can be deployed to provide a protective state to protect against kinetic ballistic projectiles. The system may include an automated control system operably configured to change the state of the ballistic barrier from the retracted state to the protective deployed state, such that upon sensing a threatening event or condition triggers a transition from the retracted state to the deployed protective state such that in the protective state.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 12, 2022
    Date of Patent: November 28, 2023
    Assignee: Disruptive Resources, LLC
    Inventor: John B. Adrain
  • Patent number: 11428043
    Abstract: A window shade may include a shade, a sliding base, a weight track, a first blocking unit, and two second blocking units. The shade has two mount bars respectively formed at an upper end and a lower end thereof, and the shade is connected to the sliding base and the weight track through the two mount bars. The position of the sliding base is limited by the first blocking unit while the second blocking units are configured to limit the position of the weight track. With the first blocking unit and the two second blocking units, the shade can be replaced easily, and also the structural stability of the window shade is improved.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 9, 2020
    Date of Patent: August 30, 2022
    Inventor: Shan-Chi Chuang
  • Patent number: 11072973
    Abstract: The present gated barrier includes a visual indicator to show the end user one or more features of the gate barrier such as how to set up the gated barrier, whether the frame of the barrier is true and square, or whether the barrier frame has been set up with sufficient pressure between, for example, two door jambs.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 2019
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2021
    Assignee: Regalo International, LLC
    Inventors: Mark A. Flannery, Gary T. Schultze, Luke J. Duininck, Kyle J. Willette, Matthew A. Willms, Timothy C. Daggy, Kasey L. Pipo, William D. Butterfield, Michael P. Lane
  • Patent number: 10362887
    Abstract: An apparatus and method for manipulating a covering such as a bed sheet are provided. The apparatus, in one form, includes a proximal grip portion and a distal covering engaging portion including a plurality of spaced-apart protrusions for engaging with corresponding spaced-apart openings in the covering. The apparatus includes end stop portions adjacent to the protrusions for limiting how far the protrusions may extend through the openings in the covering. A tool receiving portion of the covering may take the form of a pocket or spaced-apart openings that are located in at least one corner portion of the cover. The installation tool engages with the openings in the covering to manipulate the cover and reduces the need to bend over or crouch down to reach around or underneath the mattress when placing the sheet about the mattress.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 8, 2016
    Date of Patent: July 30, 2019
    Assignee: Russo Inventions, LLC
    Inventor: Scott S. Russo
  • Patent number: 10321789
    Abstract: A magnetic shower curtain system that maintains a shower curtain in place along opposing shower enclosure walls. The magnetic shower curtain system includes a shower rod assembly, a mounting assembly, and a shower curtain assembly. The shower curtain assembly includes a plurality of shower rings. The shower rings are placed on a shower rod, connected to a shower curtain, and slid along the shower rod. The shower rings include a first outer shower ring and a second outer shower ring. One of: (1) the first outer shower ring and the second outer shower ring, and (2) a first outer end and a second outer end of the shower rod or the mounting assembly, includes a magnet. The other of: (1) the first outer shower ring and the second outer shower ring, and (2) the first outer end and the second outer end of the shower rod or the mounting assembly, includes a magnet or a magnetically attractable material.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 7, 2017
    Date of Patent: June 18, 2019
    Assignee: Moen Incorporated
    Inventors: Kyle Clancy Jones, Eric John Tonissen
  • Patent number: 10206543
    Abstract: A shower curtain restrainer for use with a shower curtain, includes an elongated body having an engagement end and an opposing weight end. An engagement member is coupled to the engagement end and is couplable to the shower curtain intermediate a top edge and a bottom edge thereof. A weight element is coupled to the weight end. When coupled to a shower curtain, a fulcrum point is formed at a rim of a bathtub contacted by the elongated body intermediate the engagement end and the weight end. This fulcrum imparts a horizontal force on the attached shower curtain, outwardly toward the rim.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2016
    Date of Patent: February 19, 2019
    Inventor: William Lawrence Maner
  • Publication number: 20150034262
    Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening comprising: a rail; a covering material, attached to said rail; at least two cords for guiding, supporting and/or lifting the covering material, the cords extending through the rail; and at least one weight disposed within the rail; characterised in that the rail comprises a longitudinally extending front portion, a longitudinally extending rear portion and a longitudinally extending central portion disposed between the front portion and the rear portion, and wherein said at least one weight is positioned at a location remote from the central portion.
    Type: Application
    Filed: February 28, 2013
    Publication date: February 5, 2015
    Inventor: Johannes Robertus Maria Franssen
  • Patent number: 8695194
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the manufacture of weighted ribbons are disclosed, and which weighted ribbons are for use in association with curtains and in other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 31, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Kress Designs, LLC
    Inventors: William D. Kress, Rodney Loren Smith, William Donald Sauerhoefer
  • Patent number: 8695193
    Abstract: Apparatus and methods for the manufacture of weighted ribbons are disclosed, and which weighted ribbons are for use in association with curtains and in other applications.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 19, 2009
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignee: Kress Design, LLC
    Inventors: William D. Kress, Rodney Loren Smith, William Donald Sauerhoefer
  • Publication number: 20140053992
    Abstract: A drapery bottom retention system includes a drapery bottom retention rod mounted to a surface located between a window bottom and a top of a window-mounted HVAC system. The drapery bottom retention rod keeps drapery bottoms from interfering with the top and front of a window-mounted HVAC system and enable drapery panels to remain closed in front of a window for room privacy. The drapery bottom retention system can also include a means to retain drapery/curtain panels attached in a closed, privacy position while the drapery bottom retainer rod keeps drapery bottoms open and away from the front and top of a HVAC system.
    Type: Application
    Filed: August 23, 2013
    Publication date: February 27, 2014
    Inventors: Thomas T. Romero, Luis M. Ortiz
  • Patent number: 8640721
    Abstract: A portable hunting blind employs a hand-operated, spring biased clamp with a pair of compressible handles that open spring-biased clamping jaws. The clamping jaws include internal grooves for sure gripping. An elongated, bendable arm extends from one of the clamp handles. An attachment juncture formed in one of the handle ends secures the arm to the clamp. The flexible metal arm can be configured by bending as desired by a hunter to assume a desired shape. A camouflage curtain is secured to the arm, which supports it like a flag pole. When an area for deployment is reached, the clamp is affixed to an available object, such as a tree limb, support the curtain and camouflage a limited selected area. The shape of the concealed arm can be varied by bending the arm. The curtain bottom may be secured to a convenient object to prevent movement.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 21, 2012
    Date of Patent: February 4, 2014
    Inventor: Patrick Mulligan
  • Publication number: 20130333850
    Abstract: A shower and toilet stall privacy screen system for users in penal system environments. The system comprises hook and loop fastener pads affixed to adjacent walls of the stalls and co-operating hook and loop fastener pads affixed to flexible, non-clear sheet materials sized and adapted to extend across the opening of the stall. Feet and head areas of users are unobstructed so that security personnel can view same to ensure single use occupancy of each stall.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 22, 2013
    Publication date: December 19, 2013
    Inventor: Patsy Walker-Dabner
  • Patent number: 8567474
    Abstract: A window covering is disclosed that has a safety device that includes a first cord segment having stops spaced along the first cord segment, and a second cord segment having stops spaced along the second cord segment. The first cord segment and the second cord segment extend from respective end caps. The end caps are configured to connect to the ends of a bottom rail. A first anchor is connected to the first cord segment, and a second anchor is connected to the second cord segment. At least one of the first end cap and the first anchor is configured to releasably connect to the first cord segment at a selected stop on the first cord segment and at least one of the second anchor and the second end cap is configured to releasably connect to the second cord segment at a selected stop on the second cord segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 12, 2010
    Date of Patent: October 29, 2013
    Assignee: Whole Space Industries Ltd
    Inventor: Tzong Fu Lin
  • Publication number: 20130240166
    Abstract: A stringless blind structure includes a mail rail, a secondary rail, a main blind body and a string body. The main rail, the secondary rail and the main blind body are connected and operated through the string body and a string, so the cost of the structure is lower and the it is more convenient and easier to assemble. Also, the string body winds around two connecting units, and is restricted by the string. When the main blind body expands or restores through the movement of the main rail and the secondary rail, the movement is restricted and controlled by the string to achieve the goal of stringless movement to reduce the noise when the blind moves and to further improve the life quality at home.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 21, 2012
    Publication date: September 19, 2013
    Applicants: TAIWAN BAMBOO CURTAIN ENTERPRISE CO., LTD.
    Inventors: Chin-Chang Shih, Yang-Hsin Shih
  • Patent number: 8210228
    Abstract: A pleated roller shade system allows a thin flexible shade fabric, such as, for example, silk, to be wrapped around a roller tube. The pleated roller shade system comprises a drive system, such as a motor or manual drive system, for controlling of the rotation of the roller tube. The roller shade system may comprise a pleating hem bar that is contained within a hem bar pocket of the shade fabric and has a non-linear shape for causing the shade fabric to hang with a plurality of pleats. The roller shade system may also comprise an elongated pleating assembly mounted parallel to the roller tube and having a fabric-receiving opening that defines a non-linear path. The shade fabric may be received through the fabric-receiving opening and folded by the pleating assembly, such that the shade fabric is wrapped around the roller tube in folds as the roller tube rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventors: David A. Kirby, Matthew R. Hontz
  • Patent number: 8210229
    Abstract: A pleated roller shade system allows a thin flexible shade fabric, such as, for example, silk, to be wrapped around a roller tube. The system comprises a pleating hembar contained within a hembar pocket of the shade fabric. The hembar is characterized by a non-linear shape, such as a serpentine shape, for causing the shade fabric to hang with a plurality of pleats. The hembar may comprise a plurality of C-shaped hembar sections flexibly coupled to each other. The system may also comprise an elongated pleating assembly mounted parallel to the roller tube and having a fabric-receiving opening that defines a non-linear (e.g., serpentine) path. The shade fabric may be received through the fabric-receiving opening and folded by the pleating assembly, such that the shade fabric is wrapped around the roller tube in folds as the roller tube rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 17, 2011
    Date of Patent: July 3, 2012
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Kirby
  • Patent number: 8122531
    Abstract: A shower curtain assembly is designed to provide users with an apparatus that provides much wide shower space for consumers than traditional one, prevents the curtain from moving inward, eliminate water spilling onto the floor, and even allows the user to sit on a top periphery of a bathtub near the curtain when the shower is in use. It is simply comprised of a shower curtain support rod that bows outward from a shower enclosure along its length, a shower curtain, hooks, and means that secures the shower curtain to achieve the abovementioned goal. The means includes main weights attached to the lower portion of the curtain, wires connected to the lower portion of the curtain and holders fixed to the bottom edges of the sidewalls of the shower enclosure, and wires with magnets attached. Only one of them needs to be chosen for the shower enclosure for the aforementioned functions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 27, 2007
    Date of Patent: February 28, 2012
    Inventor: Wayne Wenchuan Li
  • Publication number: 20120000617
    Abstract: A blind with a looped blind sheet for adjusting opacity is revealed. The blind includes a top rod supporter, a top rod with two ends connected to the top rod supporter, a bottom rod supporter, a bottom rod with two ends connected to the bottom rod supporter, and looped blind sheet. The looped blind sheet with predetermined length and width includes alternate see-through parts and opaque parts and connected to form a loop having a front blind sheet and a rear blind sheet wound between the top rod and the bottom rod. When the front blind sheet or the rear blind sheet is pulled down or up, the opacity is adjusted by overlap degree of the see-through parts and the opaque parts of the front and the rear blind sheets changing without changing the length of the looped blind sheet.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 29, 2011
    Publication date: January 5, 2012
    Inventor: Chen-Ho CHU
  • Patent number: 8042597
    Abstract: A pleated roller shade system allows a thin flexible shade fabric, such as, for example, silk, to be wrapped around a roller tube. The system comprises a pleating hembar contained within a hembar pocket of the shade fabric. The hembar is characterized by a non-linear shape, such as a serpentine shape, for causing the shade fabric to hang with a plurality of pleats. The hembar may comprise a plurality of C-shaped hembar sections flexibly coupled to each other. The system may also comprise an elongated pleating assembly mounted parallel to the roller tube and having a fabric-receiving opening that defines a non-linear (e.g., serpentine) path. The shade fabric may be received through the fabric-receiving opening and folded by the pleating assembly, such that the shade fabric is wrapped around the roller tube in folds as the roller tube rotates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 27, 2009
    Date of Patent: October 25, 2011
    Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.
    Inventor: David A. Kirby
  • Patent number: 7841378
    Abstract: A system, apparatus and method for shielding an area from wind is shown. The system, apparatus and method comprise at least one or a plurality of windscreens that yield to a wind to facilitate or reducing or eliminating stresses or forces on a fence to which the at least one or a plurality of windscreens are attached.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2005
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Aer-Flo Canvas Products, Inc.
    Inventor: William W. Henning
  • Patent number: 7841376
    Abstract: A window covering is disclosed that has a safety device that includes a first cord segment having stops spaced along the first cord segment, and a second cord segment having stops spaced along the second cord segment. The first cord segment and the second cord segment extend from respective end caps. The end caps are configured to connect to the ends of a bottom rail. A first anchor is connected to the first cord segment, and a second anchor is connected to the second cord segment. At least one of the first end cap and the first anchor is configured to releasably connect to the first cord segment at a selected stop on the first cord segment and at least one of the second anchor and the second end cap is configured to releasably connect to the second cord segment at a selected stop on the second cord segment.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 17, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 30, 2010
    Assignee: Whole Space Industries Ltd.
    Inventor: Tzong Fu Lin
  • Publication number: 20100288453
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a shower curtain for use with a transfer chair comprising: a sheet of protective material; a plurality of openings along a top portion of the sheet; a plurality of hanging devices, where the plurality of hanging devices are insert through the plurality of openings and provides a means to hang the sheet on a rod; a plurality of attachment mechanisms along the bottom edge of the sheet, where said attachment mechanisms secure the sheet to a shower enclosure; and an opening along a portion of the bottom edge of the sheet, where said opening accommodates the transfer chair. The attachment mechanism may include magnets or suction cups placed along the bottom edge of the sheet. The attachment mechanism may also secure a portion of the bottom edge of the sheet to the transfer chair.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 15, 2009
    Publication date: November 18, 2010
    Inventor: BRANDY RICHARDSON
  • Patent number: 7832454
    Abstract: One embodiment of the present invention comprises a privacy system for use with an existing screen enclosure enclosing an area where privacy is desired. The screen enclosure includes vertical members attached to upper horizontal members to form a screen enclosure frame and a screen attached to the horizontal and vertical members. The privacy system comprises a substantially horizontal support member attached to the vertical members of the screen enclosure; a channel along a lower surface of the horizontal support member, the channel comprising stop elements at open ends of the channel; a plurality of fasteners having a first end slidably engaged with the channel, the stop dements cooperating with the channel to retain fasteners within the channel; a valence affixed to a surface of the support, the surface feeing toward an interior region of the enclosed area; and illumination devices attached to the tower surface of the horizontal support member between the valence and the privacy screen.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 16, 2010
    Inventor: Scott L. Lyons
  • Publication number: 20100051213
    Abstract: A releasable tassel for an architectural opening covering wherein the tassel is configured to receive and secure the distal end of at least one movement cord used for raising a lowermost member of the architectural opening covering and the tassel is further configured to releasably attach to the lowermost member.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 14, 2007
    Publication date: March 4, 2010
    Inventor: Nicholas Mark Ellis
  • Publication number: 20090266498
    Abstract: A heat resistant curtain has a vent typically extending up from a bottom edge. At the vent, flaps of the curtain on either side of the vent have marginal overlaps. To these are stitched elevated temperature resistant hook and loop fastening tapes. These normally keep the vent closed. The curtain is provided with a bottom bar drawn up to close the head box when the curtain is not deployed. When the curtain is deployed, the bottom bar rests on the floor.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 3, 2009
    Publication date: October 29, 2009
    Inventors: Andrew Paul Cooper, James Martin Reed
  • Publication number: 20090218053
    Abstract: The invention relates to a removable device which can be used to ballast a shower curtain without perforating same, such that the curtain remains vertically in place and does not stick to a person taking a shower. The inventive device comprises only two parts, including a first ballast part (1) which is equipped with a hole (2). According to the invention, part of the curtain (4) is passed through the hole (2), followed by the second part of the device, which takes the form of an elongated element (3). The device is then fixed to the curtain (4) by positioning the second part (3) across the hole (2) once it has been passed fully through same. The length of the second part is greater than the diameter of the hole (2) and, as a result, the second part and the curtain (4) cannot pass back through the hole. Said system is duplicated across the lower end of the curtain (4) in order to provide an adequate, uniform ballast.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 12, 2006
    Publication date: September 3, 2009
    Inventor: Antoine Gallon
  • Patent number: 7562690
    Abstract: Apparatus 10 discloses a bed 14 curtain 12 comprising fabric suspended from a plurality of attachments 18 attached to the ceiling 40 encompassing a bed 14, wherein the fabric includes grommeted apertures 48 for engaging the attachments. The apparatus 10 provides a decorative and concealing curtain 12 around a mattress or bedding area 14 suspended from the ceiling 40 at the corners 56 by anchors 34 for attaching the grommets 22 located in the fabric's corners to the anchors.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: July 21, 2009
    Inventor: Janine M Loweth
  • Patent number: 7513294
    Abstract: A mounting system for securing a non-retractable covering material in an architectural opening includes an anchor strip securable to the covering material having a plurality of openings therethrough and a three piece clip securable to the surrounding frame of the architectural opening including a taper head pin for insertion into an opening in the anchor strip with the pin being universally movable through a unique design of the clip which includes a base, a pivot arm and a slide clamp on the pivot arm.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 2006
    Date of Patent: April 7, 2009
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventors: Ralph G. Jelic, Terry L. Akins
  • Publication number: 20070277945
    Abstract: A collapsible shower device is disclosed that has an upper hoop affixed to a structure such as a wall and a lower hoop also affixed to the structure at a pivot point, and a privacy screen attached to both the lower hoop and the upper hoop in which the lower hoop is moveable from a lowered position to a raised position by rotation about the pivot point. The invention thus presents a collapsible shower assembly or privacy screen assembly that is space saving and weather resistant, but also presents an aesthetically pleasing experience.
    Type: Application
    Filed: June 5, 2006
    Publication date: December 6, 2007
    Inventor: William Florig
  • Patent number: 7231953
    Abstract: A flexible curtain rollup door includes a drum mounted on a door frame and drivenly connected to an electric right angle gear motor unit. The frame includes opposed channel shaped guide tracks for receiving opposed side edges of a door curtain. Spaced apart elastically deflectable combination curtain stiffening struts and windlock members are secured to the curtain and include opposed windlock parts receivable in the guide tracks and configured, respectively, to provide for releasing only one side edge of the curtain from its guide track. A flexible transverse bottom bar includes plural side by side flexible bags filled with particulate material, secured to the curtain bottom edge and enclosed by a flexible envelope member. The curtain bottom edge includes a stiffener formed of interconnected links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2005
    Date of Patent: June 19, 2007
    Assignee: Overhead Door Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Varley, Richard D. Aiken, Raymond A. Clark, George Lair
  • Patent number: 7131481
    Abstract: A flexible curtain rollup door includes a drum mounted on a door frame and drivenly connected to an electric right angle gear motor unit. The frame includes opposed channel shaped guide tracks for receiving opposed side edges of a door curtain. Spaced apart elastically deflectable combination curtain stiffening struts and windlock members are secured to the curtain and include opposed windlock parts receivable in the guide tracks and configured, respectively, to provide for releasing only one side edge of the curtain from its guide track. A flexible transverse bottom bar includes plural side by side flexible bags filled with particulate material, secured to the curtain bottom edge and enclosed by a flexible envelope member. The curtain bottom edge includes a stiffener formed of interconnected links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2004
    Date of Patent: November 7, 2006
    Assignee: Overhead Door Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Varley, Richard D. Aiken, Raymond A. Clark, George Lair
  • Patent number: 7114545
    Abstract: A magnetic catch is used on coverings for architectural openings to releasably retain the coverings in an extended position and immediately adjacent to the framework of the opening. Magnetic components are installed on the covering and the framework surrounding at least part of the architectural opening. The covering is then placed in a position such that the magnetic components on the covering and the framework are close enough to attract each other through their respective magnetic forces. The magnetic forces work to releasably hold the covering in position relative to the framework.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 3, 2006
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventor: Robert A. Null
  • Patent number: 6857140
    Abstract: A space expanding device is provided for temporarily expanding the available space defined by a shower curtain within a shower area of a bathtub. The device includes a first elongate planar portion which, in use, rests on an upper surface of the side wall of the bathtub. A second elongate planar portion affixed to one edge of the first portion extends, in use, downwardly from the first portion adjacent an inner side surface of the side wall. A third elongate planar portion affixed to the opposite edge of the first portion extends, in use, upwardly from the first portion away from the upper surface of the side wall. In use of the device, the third portion holds a portion of the shower curtain in a position spaced away from the interior of the bathtub, while a lower portion of the shower curtain is captured between the first portion of the member and the upper surface of the side wall of the bathtub and between the second portion of the member and the inner side surface of the side wall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 7, 2003
    Date of Patent: February 22, 2005
    Inventor: Jon Broudy
  • Patent number: 6766848
    Abstract: A shower curtain has a large curtain area made of water-proof material. A top of the shower curtain is formed with a plurality of through holes which are arranged transversally; thereby, the shower curtain being fixed to and slidable along a specific fixing rod. Two sides of the shower curtain are formed with special compound edges. The material of the compound edge are plastic thin films which are adhered to the shower curtain by high frequency, supersonic waves and seaming. The plastic thin film is a hydrophile material and thus it has an adhesion force to an attached wall. Therefore, the shower curtain is adhered to a wall surface to isolate a shower area from a bath room.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 11, 2002
    Date of Patent: July 27, 2004
    Inventor: Wen-Ping Cheng
  • Patent number: 6761207
    Abstract: A screened door covering made from mesh screening material hanging loosely in a doorway to create a mesh barrier against dirt and insects across the doorway, while permitting easy passage by humans and animals across the barrier. The mesh screening material has a width greater than the width of the doorway. The excess material is gathered in folds on the sides of the doorway. This configuration provides a good mesh barrier across a doorway without requiring that the sides or bottom of the mesh material be mounted in a rigid frame.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 17, 2003
    Date of Patent: July 13, 2004
    Inventor: Cassi Clarke Homer
  • Patent number: 6722416
    Abstract: A flexible curtain rollup door includes a drum mounted on a door frame and drivenly connected to an electric right angle gear motor unit. The frame includes opposed channel shaped guide tracks for receiving opposed side edges of a door curtain. Spaced apart elastically deflectable combination curtain stiffening struts and windlock members are secured to the curtain and include opposed windlock parts receivable in the guide tracks and configured, respectively, to provide for releasing only one side edge of the curtain from its guide track. A flexible transverse bottom bar includes plural side by side flexible bags filled with particulate material, secured to the curtain bottom edge and enclosed by a flexible envelope member. The curtain bottom edge includes a stiffener formed of interconnected links.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 20, 2004
    Assignee: Overhead Door Corporation
    Inventors: David A. Varley, Richard D. Aiken, Raymond A. Clark, George Lair
  • Patent number: 6585027
    Abstract: An arched window multi-cellular or pleated fabric shade support device for holding the upper margin of the window shade in close proximity to the arch of the window. The device includes a base having orthogonally oriented upright and horizontal mounting surfaces each attachable to a side wall or a top surface of the arched window. The base also has an elongated cavity. A first clip member has an elongated support shaft extending in either direction from one end of a first support tab, a first end of said support shaft sized for releasable insertion into the cavity. A second clip member has a support tab and an aperture formed through one end thereof sized for releasable dependent attachment over a second end of the support shaft. The first and second support tabs are positioned in closely spaced relation one to another for supportive attachment with an upper margin of a fabric sheet or panel of the window shade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 19, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 1, 2003
    Assignee: Vista Products, Inc.
    Inventor: Gary N. Roberts
  • Patent number: 6550525
    Abstract: A shower curtain has a bottom hem that forms a closed pocket. Sand is contained in the closed pocket and provides weight to the shower curtain so the curtain does not blow away from the side of a tub during a shower.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 2002
    Date of Patent: April 22, 2003
    Inventor: Doreen A. Grisolia
  • Publication number: 20030056333
    Abstract: A weighted structure (13) for attachment along the foot of curtaining to ensure even hanging has a series of weights (4) attached at intervals along a cord (3). The assembly (2) of the cord (3) and weights (4) is enclosed within a tube (1). The tube (1) is applied to the assembly (2) by extrusion, the assembly (2) being passed through a die (8) together with molten plastics.
    Type: Application
    Filed: September 25, 2001
    Publication date: March 27, 2003
    Applicant: BANDEX VERWALTUNGS-GmbH
    Inventor: Ross Boyle
  • Patent number: 6510566
    Abstract: A shower curtain closure for closing off a vertical side edge of the curtain against a wall of the shower stall comprises a length of extruded plastic tubing that can be cut to a preferred length, a tube support ring for suspending the tube on the curtain rod, and an elongate vertically oriented wall receptacle into which the tube matingly fits. The tube is passed through a sleeve along the side of the curtain and is suspended from the curtain support rod by a ring connected to the upper end of the tubing and passing over the shower curtain rod. The wall receptacle is made of extruded plastics material that can be cut to length and is adhesively mountable on a wall of the shower enclosure. The receptacle is provided with a channel shaped to releasably secure the shower curtain sleeve with the tube therein.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2001
    Date of Patent: January 28, 2003
    Inventor: Thomas W. Bryce
  • Patent number: 6412537
    Abstract: A system for adding weight to and/or balancing the bottom rail of a window covering includes one or more body members positioned within the bottom rail, and each body member having a plurality of sockets for receiving weights. In the most preferred form of the invention, the sockets are horse-shoe shaped are adapted to receive elongate rods having a circular cross-section. The plurality of sockets in the most preferred embodiment include sockets located adjacent the front of the bottom rail when the body member is in place and other sockets arranged toward the rear. Weighting and balancing is achieved by placing one or more rods in selected ones of the sockets.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 12, 1999
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Newell Operating Company
    Inventors: Robert J. Voss, Kelly L. Murphy
  • Patent number: 6412540
    Abstract: An apparatus, a windscreen, and method for securing a structure against damage from high winds, wherein the windscreen is engagable with a track with slidable, adjustable connectors such as eyebolt connectors or fixed pin connectors that is secured to the eaves or sides of a house, and, with a coarse fabric such as the sheet attached to the track with strap like elements and connectors and anchoring device for securing the windscreen to the ground preventing damage to the structure.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 22, 2001
    Date of Patent: July 2, 2002
    Assignee: Hendee Enterprises, Inc.
    Inventor: Charles C. Hendee
  • Patent number: 6363994
    Abstract: A decorative device, known as a corbel, for mounting to walls adjacent windows, for example, to create a window treatment, has a mounting bracket therefor. The device is made of a material such as expanded polystyrene, and the mounting bracket has sharpened tangs which penetrate the body of the device and grip it. The device further has a slot in the top thereof into which a depending leg of the bracket fits. With the leg in the slot and the tangs penetrating into the body, the device is affixed to, and firmly held by, the bracket. The device itself may be covered with decorative material and support other decorative devices such as scarves, curtain rods, and drapes, for example.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 9, 2000
    Date of Patent: April 2, 2002
    Inventors: Beverly Roberts, David Reid Roberts
  • Publication number: 20020000301
    Abstract: A portable screen device provides an easily installed barrier against insects and a level of privacy. The device includes one or more screen panels the top edges of which are suspended from a wire. The ends of the wire are mounted in an opening such that the screen panels cover the opening. The bottom edges of the screen panels are weighted for stability and to prevent movement in the wind.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 2, 2001
    Publication date: January 3, 2002
    Inventor: Scott Rolin
  • Patent number: 6176293
    Abstract: An adjustable curtain spreader and method of operating same including a telescoping member with a curtain retaining member at each end, each curtain retaining member having the shape of a well so that a curtain can be gathered and contained therein with at least one of the wells having a member thereon which affixes directly to the curtain to maintain the curtain spreader in an aloft position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1999
    Date of Patent: January 23, 2001
    Inventor: Chester G. Horst