Abstract: An actuating system includes a sleeve, a braking part for applying a braking force to prevent rotation of the sleeve, a brake releasing part, an axle coupler and an engaging part. The brake releasing part is operable to cause the braking part to release the braking force for rotation of the sleeve. The axle coupler is disposed through the sleeve, and is rotatable for raising and lowering a movable rail of a window shade. The engaging part is disposed between and can be in rolling contact with the axle coupler and the sleeve. The engaging part has a coupling position with respect to the axle coupler where the sleeve and the axle coupler are locked to each other in a first direction of rotation, and is movable away from the coupling position for rotation of the axle coupler relative to the sleeve in a second direction of rotation.

Abstract: A shade adapted for covering a classroom viewing window and assisting with compliance with emergency protocol during an emergency is disclosed. The shade may include a plurality folds connected to each other by a plurality of hinges configured to cover a classroom viewing window. Emergency related information and status indicators may be revealed upon the unfolding of the shade to assist teachers, school officials, police, and others to comply with established school emergency protocol. The shade further fulfills the requirement that the classroom viewing window be covered during an emergency lockdown. The shade may function as a standard “Exit” sign during non-emergency time. Another shade may include a case holding a material portion with handles that enable the shade to be moved up and down.

Abstract: An operating device for a screen comprises: a first operating mechanism with a first operating element which is connected to a first movement transfer element connected by means of a first transmission to a drive element for a screen shaft. The first operating mechanism is configured to convert a linear movement of the first operating element to a rotational movement of the drive element for operating the screen shaft in a first rotational direction. The operating device further comprises a second operating mechanism comprising a second operating element which is connected to a second movement transfer element connected by means of a second transmission to the drive element. The second operating mechanism is configured to convert a linear movement of the second operating element to a rotational movement of the drive element for operating the screen shaft in a second rotational direction opposite to the first rotational direction.

Abstract: A top-down bottom-up window covering includes a first beam and a second beam, which are sequentially provided below a fixture, and a covering material connecting the first beam and the second beam. A first lifting structure is installed in the first beam, and a second lifting structure is installed in the second beam. The first lifting structure is adapted to operate as the first beam is being controlled to move toward or away from the fixture, and the second lifting structure is adapted to operate as the second beam is being controlled to move toward or away from the fixture. Thus, the top-down bottom-up window covering can be easily assembled and maintained.

Abstract: A driving mechanism for curtain cord winding reels includes a driving module, and first and second transition shafts mounted to two sides of the driving module. The driving module includes a base, a power member assembled in the base, and a middle shaft connected to the power member and mounted to two sides of the base. Two ends of the middle shaft extend out of the sides of the base and form a first shaft hole and a first axis. The first and second transition shafts are mounted to the ends of the middle shaft. An end of the first transition shaft connected to the middle shaft forms a second axis. An end of the second transition shaft connected to the middle shaft defines a second shaft hole. Cross sections of the first and second shaft holes, the first and second axes are matched with one another, and are non-circular.

Abstract: An improved operating system for use in an architectural-structure covering for extending and retracting a covering portion is disclosed. The operating system including an operating element for raising the covering portion and for transitioning the operating system between a retraction mode to raise the covering and an extension mode to lower the covering. To transition between the retraction and extension modes, an operator may move the operating element in a preset direction, such as, in the manner akin to a switch. For example, moving the operating element in a first direction (e.g., a rearward direction away from the operator) shifts the operating system into the retraction mode, while moving the operating element in a second direction (e.g., a forward motion toward the operator) shifts the operating system into the extension mode. In one embodiment, the first and second directions may be transverse to a longitudinal axis of the architectural-structure covering.

Abstract: In one aspect, a cordless covering may include a roller and a shade panel configured to be wound around and unwound from the roller to move the shade panel between an extended position and a retracted position. The shade panel may include a front panel, a back panel, and a plurality of vanes extending between the front and back panels. The covering may also include a roller shaft extending through the roller and a tilt adjustment mechanism coupled to the roller shaft. The tilt adjustment mechanism may be configured to rotate the roller shaft to adjust a tilt angle of the vanes between an opened position and a closed position.

Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening including a support tube and a panel operably connected to the support tube and configured to be wound around the support tube. The panel includes a support sheet and at least one vane or slat connected to the support sheet. The at least one vane includes a vane material operably connected to a first side of the support sheet and a support member operably connected to the vane material and configured to support the vane material at a distance away from the support sheet when the panel is in an extended position with respect to the support tube.

Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening including a roller, an end rail, and a panel rotatable onto the roller and spanning between the roller and the end rail. The panel includes a front sheet, a rear sheet, and a cell spanning between the front and rear sheet. When the front sheet is at a first position relative to the rear sheet, the cell is open. When the front sheet is at a second position relative to the rear sheet, the cell is closed.

Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening including a support tube and a panel operably connected to the support tube and configured to be wound around the support tube. The panel includes a support sheet and at least one vane or slat connected to the support sheet. The at least one vane includes a vane material operably connected to a first side of the support sheet and a support member operably connected to the vane material and configured to support the vane material at a distance away from the support sheet when the panel is in an extended position with respect to the support tube.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a double roman shade curtain which is configured to include a cord 10, a first curtain 20, a second curtain 30, and a connection belt 40. Further, the present invention relates to a double roman shade which is configured to include a cord 10, a first curtain 20, a second curtain 30, a connection belt 40, a rotating bar 50, a frame 60, and a tow rope 70.

Abstract: Disclosed herein is a double roman shade curtain which is configured to include a first curtain 10, a second curtain 20, a connection belt 30, and a cord 40. Further, the present invention relates to a double roman shade curtain which is configured to include a first curtain 10, a second curtain 20, a connection belt 30, a cord 40, a rotating bar 50, a frame 60, and a tow rope 70. Therefore, the double roman shade curtain and the double roman shade using the same can be integrally woven without separately forming the ring and prevent accidents that children are wound with the cord and can be formed in both surfaces to have a beautiful appearance, be installed without dividing front and back faces, and have excellent durability.

Abstract: A cord drive mechanism to convert linear motion to circular motion for use in coverings for architectural openings. Various controls are used to provide a braking force on the cord. Some of the embodiments incorporate a capstan.

Abstract: The window covering and shade panel comprise a head rail that supports a shade panel and that may be mounted to a wall, window frame, door or other architectural feature. A layer of film is used with the panel to provide a barrier to air flow and heat insulation. The film may be clear to allow light to penetrate the panel. The clear film allows the heat energy of the sun to pass through the panel while blocking cold air from entering the room. In one embodiment a polyester clear film is chemically adhered to the panel.

Abstract: A fabric venetian window shade assembly including: a fabric venetian window shade including a pair of opposing first and second facings coupled by a plurality of vanes; an actuation system including: a roller configured to receive the fabric venetian window shade; a spring-loaded ratchet operatively coupled to the roller; a first weighted rail attached to a lower edge of the first facing; and a second weighted rail attached to a lower edge of the second facing, wherein the first weighted rail and the second weighted rail are separate.

Abstract: A window curtain assembly includes a head box, and a honey-comb curtain is connected to the head box. The head box has a first securing member on a face thereof, and the honey-comb curtain has multiple first connection portions formed along two lateral sides thereof. A shade made from fabric has a second securing member which is connected to the first securing member, so that the shade is mounted on the honey-comb curtain. Multiple second connection portions are formed on the shade and located in correspondence with the first connection portions. The first and second connection portions are sewn together. The shade is folded into multiple folded sections and no operation cords are exposed.

Abstract: The present invention provides a textile blind united by weaving, which is formed as a single body by weaving slat textiles along a width between a front textile and a back textile in parallel with each other, wherein the slat textiles are arranged along the height of the front and back textiles to make the textile blind easily block lights.

Abstract: A retractable cover for architectural openings having collapsible vanes includes a support structure in the form of a sheet of material, monofilaments, tapes, ribbons, cords, or the like, supporting an upper edge of a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally extending vanes with the lower edges of the vanes in most embodiments of the invention being connected to operating elements adapted to raise the lower edges of each vane toward the upper edges to define openings or gaps between the vanes through which vision and light can pass in an open condition of the covering. Variations of the covering do not require movement of a lower edge of a vane relative to an upper edge but simply movement of some vanes relative to other vanes. The vanes can be made of materials having different flexibilities and where more rigid materials are used, creased fold lines can be established for desired operability.

Abstract: An apparatus and associated method for manufacturing a window covering for an architectural opening. The apparatus includes a support structure handling assembly, an operating element handling assembly, and a vane handling assembly. The handling assemblies process the respective materials to an assembly station to attach one portion of a vane to the operating elements, and another portion of the vane to the support structure, allowing movement of one portion of the vane relative to other portion of the vane.

Abstract: An article of furniture has a core formed from a cellular structure which is expandable upon movement of end faces away from each other. The exterior of the core presents a pair of oppositely directed undulating surfaces. An outer panel is juxtaposed with at least one of the undulating surfaces and secured to it. The outer panel is movable with the core to conform to the surface as the core is extended and retracted.

Abstract: A window blind assembly includes a securing seat, a blind unit, a blind control device and two cord guiding devices interposing the blind control device. Each of the cord guiding devices includes a wheel holder and a guiding wheel. The wheel holder includes a resilient arm unit and two holder walls. Each of the holder walls is formed with an engaging groove having a receiving portion and a constricted portion. The guiding wheel includes two axle portions rotatably and respectively received in the receiving portions of the engaging grooves in the holder walls, and a cord winding portion interconnecting the axle portions and permitting winding of a corresponding cord thereon.

Abstract: An expandable and contractable shade assembly includes a plurality of closed cell structures aligned vertically one above another with juncture lines defined between adjacent structures. Each closed cell structure includes a front face and a separate back face. The front face and the back face are offset from one another in relation to a vertical axis. In one embodiment, for instance, the front face of a higher cell is connected to both the front face and back face of a lower cell, while the back face of the higher cell is only connected to the back face of the lower cell. In an alternative embodiment, the front face of a higher cell is only connected to the front face of a lower cell, while the back face of the higher cell is connected to both the front face and the back face of the lower cell. The above configuration can increase strength and dimensional stability of the interconnected cells.

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.

Abstract: A retractable cellular shade is illustrated in various embodiments to consist of a support structure that could assume numerous forms including cellular material, flexible sheets of material, tapes or ribbons, or flexible monofilaments or similar cords of natural or synthetic fibers with the support structure supporting a plurality of vanes or slats in various configurations and orientations. The movement of the vanes or slats is totally dependent upon movement of the support structure. The fabric so formed can be incorporated into a covering for architectural openings with the covering including a headrail with means for gathering the fabric material within the headrail.

Abstract: A honeycomb shade includes multiple honeycomb units connected continuously and each honeycomb unit includes a front part, a rear part and a non-transparent plate. Two elongate sides of the front part are connected to two elongate sides of the rear part, and each of the front and rear parts is folded along the intermediate position thereof to form the honeycomb shade. The non-transparent plate is connected to the inside of the rear part so as to reduce the light transmittance.

Abstract: A covering for architectural openings.

Abstract: A cordless window curtain includes a curtain connected between the head box and the bottom bar. A controller, a fixed unit and a movably unit are located in the head box. The movable unit is movably located between the controller and the fixed unit. Multiple driving ropes go around guide members of the movable unit and the fixed unit. The resilient rope goes over the pulley in the controller and two ends of the resilient rope are respectively connected to the controller and the fixed unit. By lifting or lowering the bottom bar, the resilient rope is activated to move the movable unit so as to pull or release the driving ropes to allow the curtain to be lifted or lowered.

Abstract: An expandable and contractable shade assembly includes at least a first column of cell structures aligned vertically one above another and a second column of cell structures also aligned vertically one above the other. The second column of cell structures can be positioned offset and nested with the first cell structures such that each second cell structure may be positioned in between two adjacent of the first cell structures. One or more lift cords may be encased or contained within the first cell structures. The first cell structures not only have lift cords but also provide the product with added integrity.

Abstract: A retractable cover for architectural openings having collapsible vanes includes a support structure in the form of a sheet of material, monofilaments, tapes, ribbons, cords, or the like, supporting an upper edge of a plurality of vertically spaced, horizontally extending vanes with the lower edges of the vanes in most embodiments of the invention being connected to operating elements adapted to raise the lower edges of each vane toward the upper edges to define openings or gaps between the vanes through which vision and light can pass in an open condition of the covering. Variations of the covering do not require movement of a lower edge of a vane relative to an upper edge but simply movement of some vanes relative to other vanes. The vanes can be made of materials having different flexibilities and where more rigid materials are used, creased fold lines can be established for desired operability.

Abstract: A shade product is described that is made at least in part with a sheer material. Sheer materials are highly porous materials that allow significant amounts of light to pass through the material. When placed in an architectural opening, such as a window, sheer materials can provide a soft and elegant appearance while still providing privacy. When using sheer materials to construct shade products, one layer of the sheer material typically needs to be bonded to an adjacent material, such as another layer of the sheer material. In accordance with the present disclosure, an adhesive receptive coating is applied to the sheer material at the bond sites in order to prevent against adhesive migration. In one embodiment, the adhesive receptive coating is substantially transparent and therefore does not interfere with the overall look and aesthetic appeal of the product.

Abstract: A window cover system includes an extendible window cover with a pair of lift cords. A lift cord pulley shaft is coupled to a pair of spaced apart lift cord pulleys. A spring drive unit has a beveled gear system with a first gear that is spring biased to resist rotation of first gear in one direction of rotation, and a second gear meshed with the first gear. The lift cord pulley shaft extends through the second gear and is configured to rotate therewith.

Abstract: An expandable and contractable shade assembly includes a plurality of closed cell structures aligned vertically one above another with juncture lines defined between adjacent structures. Each closed cell structure includes a front face and a separate back face. The front face and the back face are offset from one another in relation to a vertical axis. In one embodiment, for instance, the front face of a higher cell is connected to both the front face and back face of a lower cell, while the back face of the higher cell is only connected to the back face of the lower cell. In an alternative embodiment, the front face of a higher cell is only connected to the front face of a lower cell, while the back face of the higher cell is connected to both the front face and the back face of the lower cell. The above configuration can increase strength and dimensional stability of the interconnected cells.

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.

Abstract: The present invention provides a double cell structure for window shade and its manufacture method for forming a substrate of double cell units. The substrate comprises first and second strip material bonded with each other, two lateral sides of the substrate being formed by first and second pleats. The substrate can then be cut to form multiple double cell units that are then stacked and bonded over one another for forming the double cell structure. In addition, the present invention also provides double cell structures for window shade.

Abstract: An article of flexible furniture having a core formed from a plurality of laminar panels of a flaccid material and each panel having a pair of oppositely directed major faces, adjacent faces of said panels being inter-connected to provide a cellular structure upon movement of abutting faces away from each other, a pair of supports at opposite ends of said core and connected to respective ones of said faces, said supports being self-supporting to provide rigidity to said core whereby said supports may be moved apart to expand said cellular and extend the length of said partition.

Abstract: A window covering has an upper rail and lift cords that extend from the upper rail to window covering material. The lift cords are wound onto respective conical spools when the window covering material is retracted and is unwound from the spools when the window covering material is extended. The conical spools move along a portion of the length of a shaft that couples the conical spools to a spring motor when the window covering material is moved from a retracted position to an extended position. The lift cords are unwound from the spools so that a segment of the lift cord that extends from the spool through a hole in the headrail is positioned adjacent a portion of the spool that has a smaller diameter when the window covering material is in the extended position as compared to when the window covering material is in the retracted position.

Abstract: An expandable and contractable shade assembly includes a plurality of closed D-shaped cell structures aligned vertically one above another with juncture lines defined between adjacent structures. Each closed cell structure includes a front face and a separate back face that are attached to one another at top and bottom tabs. The front face of one cell structure is attached but non-continuous to the front face of an adjacent cell structure. Accordingly the horizontal width of the shade assembly is not limited by the width of the materials forming the individual cell structures. Upon collapse, the back face folds toward the front of the shade such that the back face and the front face are nested within one another, leading to a narrow depth profile for the collapsed shade.

Abstract: A suspension system for a window covering that eliminates the use of pull cords is provided. The suspension system includes a control module having a winding drum and a spring disposed about an axle. A friction member or reaction member is also provided to offset difference in the force exerted by the spring on a suspension cord versus the weight of the window covering member.

Abstract: A spring motor and drag brake for use in coverings for architectural openings.

Abstract: Disclosed herein are cellular blind constructions including a plurality of tubular cellular elements and a thermoplastic hot melt adhesive composition disposed between tubular cellular elements. The thermoplastic hot melt adhesive composition includes a metallocene-polymerized propylene copolymer and a functionalized polyolefin including groups derived from maleic anhydride or acrylic acid and is characterized by the absence of tackifiers, plasticizers, and waxes. The thermoplastic hot melt adhesive composition is thermally stable and UV resistant under the environmental conditions encountered by the cellular blind constructions.

Abstract: An expandable and contractable shade assembly includes a plurality of closed cell structures aligned vertically one above another with juncture lines defined between adjacent structures. Each closed cell structure includes a front face and a separate back face. The front face and the back face are offset from one another in relation to a vertical axis. In one embodiment, for instance, the front face of a higher cell is connected to both the front face and back face of a lower cell, while the back face of the higher cell is only connected to the back face of the lower cell. In an alternative embodiment, the front face of a higher cell is only connected to the front face of a lower cell, while the back face of the higher cell is connected to both the front face and the back face of the lower cell. The above configuration can increase strength and dimensional stability of the interconnected cells.

Abstract: A cord drive mechanism to convert linear motion to circular motion for use in coverings for architectural openings. Various controls are used to provide a braking force on the cord. Some of the embodiments incorporate a capstan.

Abstract: An operating system for a retractable covering for an architectural opening wherein one edge of the covering is fixed and the opposite edge is movable between extended and retracted positions, includes an endless cord loop having a finger slide that is slidably mounted adjacent to the fixed edge of the covering to effect circulation of the cord loop. Also included in the cord loop is an anchor plate secured to the fabric of the covering adjacent to its movable edge, with the anchor plate also moving with circulatory movement of the cord loop to move the movable edge of the covering between extended and retracted positions. The tension in the cord loop is adjustable through the connection of opposite ends of the cord loop to the finger slide and the routing of the cord loop is directed through cord guides of low friction material so that the entire operation of the covering is smooth and reliable.

Abstract: A cellular covering for an architectural opening includes a plurality of elongated, longitudinally connected and transversely collapsible cellular units composed of inner and outer cells where the outer cell is a woven, knit, or non-woven product and the inner cell is an air-impermeable film which may be treated to be a low-modulus film with acceptable surface tension so that the panel formed from the cellular units has improved insulative properties and has a relatively long life.

Abstract: A method and device for winding venetian blinds or honeycomb blinds, one ends of said multi-strand lift cords are fixedly connected with the underbeam of the venetian blinds or honeycomb blinds, while the other ends pass through the slats of the venetian blinds or honeycomb blinds converge into a strand rope; and finally the strand rope is fixedly connected with a winding reel which is rotated to wind the rope to realize the action of winding. The winding method of “many cords in one” is used in the present invention. The purpose of controlling the whole set of venetian blinds or honeycomb blinds is achieved by controlling a rope with a winding reel. The venetian blinds or honeycomb blinds of the present invention with simpler structure, more convenient installation, longer operating life, better lifting balance of the blinds, more beautiful products, and less influences of the window size.

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.

Abstract: A control module may be used for raising and lowering a window shade. This configuration allows a user to pull the operating cord a predetermined distance to raise the window shade, then release the operating cord until it has retracted, and then pull the operating cord another predetermined distance to raise the window shade again. A brake mechanism is operably connected to a brake release and configured to lock or unlock the drive axle. A clutch is adapted to be mounted on the axle for selectively engaging the cord drum to the axle. The cord drum may rotate independent of the drive axle when a clutch is disengaged from the drive axle. As a result, movement of the operating cord will not cause the window shade to raise while the clutch is disengaged. When the clutch is engaged with the drive axle, the cord drum and adapter sleeve may rotate together to drive the rotation of the drive axle for raising the window shade.

Abstract: A three-dimensional fabric with three-layered structure is provided. The three-dimensional fabric comprises a surface layer, a backing layer, an intermediate layer, a first interconnection portion for connecting the surface layer and the backing layer, and a second interconnection portion for connecting the intermediate layer and the backing layer. The three-dimensional fabric with three-layered structure can be woven on a single loom in a batch operation and undergo transformation between two-dimensional shape and three-dimensional shape. This fabric is applicable as materials for blinds with high light-shielding rate because intermediate portions have a multi-layered structure.

Abstract: A window blind apparatus having a first magnetically active track, a second magnetically active track, a first rod, a second rod, a first magnet located at the first end of the first rod, and a second magnet located at the second end of the first rod, a third magnet located at the first end of the second rod, a fourth magnet located at the second end of the second rod, and a window covering material adapted to be disposed between the first rod and the second rod, wherein the apparatus is adapted to be used to wholly or partially cover the window over which it is mounted.

Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening with improved insulating properties in one embodiment includes face-to-face cellular insulative components defining a fabric with dual layers of cells with the fabric being retractably mounted in a headrail so as to either be rolled about a roller or gathered adjacent to the bottom of the headrail. A first component of the fabric includes a pair of spaced parallel sheets of material interconnected with horizontally-extending flexible vanes so as to define a plurality of horizontally-extending, vertically adjacent cells of generally rectangular cross-sectional configuration. A second component of the fabric is mounted on one sheet of the first component of the fabric so as to form a plurality of vertically adjacent drooping segments of fabric forming a roman-shade appearance. Single or multiple layers of the components can be used with or without the other type of component.