Plural Run Type Patents (Class 160/85)
  • Patent number: 12037842
    Abstract: The present disclosure describes roll-up coverings of custom length and/or width for architectural openings, and a method of assembling the same. The custom covering includes at least one outer elongate tape, at least one inner elongate tape, and a plurality of slats. The tapes preferably have lengths along central longitudinal axis extending between first ends and second ends of the tapes that are selected to correspond to the custom length of the covering. The slats are preferably transverse to, spaced apart along, and coupled to the tapes at any desired location along the tape lengths to achieve desired spacings of the slats, thereby providing a subassembly of custom length. The slats may have lengths extending between first ends and second ends of the slats, orthogonal to the central axis of the tapes, and selected to provide a custom width of the subassembly.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 7, 2021
    Date of Patent: July 16, 2024
    Assignee: HUNTER DOUGLAS INC.
    Inventor: Wendell B. Colson
  • Patent number: 11898401
    Abstract: In one aspect, a covering for an architectural structure may include a shade panel and a bottom rail assembly coupled to the shade panel. The bottom rail assembly may include a rail housing and a roller extending within the rail housing, with the shade panel being looped around the roller such that the bottom rail assembly is vertically supported by the shade panel as the panel is moved between extended and retracted positions. In addition, the relative positioning of the roller within the rail housing may be adjusted, as desired, between the top and bottom ends of the bottom rail housing.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 31, 2020
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2024
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc.
    Inventor: Michael S. Goldberg
  • Patent number: 11208842
    Abstract: A multifunctional double roll blind includes a roll screen, a housing, a winding rod and a twist preventing member in which the roll screen includes first and third adjustment units and a second adjustment unit formed between the first adjustment unit and the third adjustment unit, the first adjustment unit includes first translucent mesh parts and first blocking parts arranged in an alternating pattern, the third adjustment unit includes third translucent mesh parts and third blocking parts arranged in an alternating pattern, the second adjustment unit includes second translucent mesh parts and second blocking parts arranged in an alternating pattern, and the roll screen is configured to be in one of (i) a fully opening mode, (ii) a fully closed mode and (iii) an opening mode at an upper section and an closed mode at a lower section according to rotation of the winding rod.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 10, 2015
    Date of Patent: December 28, 2021
    Assignee: ZEITGEBER, INC.
    Inventor: Youngtaek Kwon
  • Patent number: 10876349
    Abstract: Certain example embodiments relate to electric, potentially-driven shades usable with insulating glass (IG) units, IG units including such shades, and/or associated methods. In such a unit, a dynamic shade is located between the substrates defining the IG unit, and is movable between retracted and extended positions. The dynamic shade includes on-glass layers including a transparent conductor and an insulator or dielectric film, as well as a shutter. The shutter includes a resilient polymer, a conductor, and optional ink. Holes, invisible to the naked eye, may be formed in the polymer. Those holes may be sized, shaped, and arranged to promote summertime solar energy reflection and wintertime solar energy transmission. The conductor may be transparent or opaque. When the conductor is reflective, overcoat layers may be provided to help reduce internal reflection. The polymer may be capable of surviving high-temperature environments and may be colored in some instances.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 6, 2018
    Date of Patent: December 29, 2020
    Assignee: Guardian Glass, LLC
    Inventors: Jason Blush, Timothy J. Frey, Yabei Gu
  • Patent number: 10435909
    Abstract: Apparatus allowing ventilation through a ventilation shaft to an underground ventilation duct fluidly communicating through the ventilation shaft to an atmospheric opening of the shaft and on threat of flooding operable to prevent downward flow of surface water into the ventilation duct includes support sidewalls fitting in the shaft providing a ventilation passage between support top and bottom openings and a suspension member supported on opposed lateral sidewalls proximate the top opening holding one or more hinge connected panels that manually release to rotationally close the passage and are manually rotationally liftable to a home position allowing ventilation. A panel drain automatically closes when the panel is raised to home position. A releasable latching system between panel and a suspension member holder catches rising panels to hold them in home position. The suspension member may include end keys received in keyed supports so a specific panel faces a specific sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Floodbreak, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Louis A. Waters, Jr., Nick Adam Eastman
  • Patent number: 10435907
    Abstract: Apparatus allowing ventilation through a ventilation shaft to an underground ventilation duct fluidly communicating through the ventilation shaft to an atmospheric opening of the shaft and on threat of flooding operable to prevent downward flow of surface water into the ventilation duct includes support sidewalls fitting in the shaft providing a ventilation passage between support top and bottom openings and a suspension member supported on opposed lateral sidewalls proximate the top opening holding one or more hinge connected panels that manually release to rotationally close the passage and are manually rotationally liftable to a home position allowing ventilation. A panel drain automatically closes when the panel is raised to home position so it is already closed when the panel is released to rotationally close the passage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Floodbreak, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Louis A. Waters, Jr., Nick Adam Eastman
  • Patent number: 10435908
    Abstract: Apparatus allowing ventilation through a ventilation shaft to an underground ventilation duct fluidly communicating through the ventilation shaft to an atmospheric opening of the shaft and on threat of flooding operable to prevent downward flow of surface water into the ventilation duct includes support sidewalls fitting in the shaft providing a ventilation passage between support top and bottom openings and a suspension member supported on opposed lateral sidewalls proximate the top opening holding one or more hinge connected panels that manually release to rotationally close the passage and are manually rotationally liftable to a home position allowing ventilation. A releasable latching system between panel and a suspension member holder catches rising panels to hold them in home position ready for release.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Floodbreak, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Louis A. Waters, Jr., Nick Adam Eastman
  • Patent number: 10435906
    Abstract: Apparatus allowing ventilation through a ventilation shaft to an underground ventilation duct fluidly communicating through the ventilation shaft to an atmospheric opening of the shaft and on threat of flooding operable to prevent downward flow of surface water into the underground ventilation duct includes one or more hinged panels closing a ventilation passage between the top and bottom of a support fitting in the shaft to prevent flooding. The panels have handles on their topside and pivotable arms on their underside and are liftable to an upright home position allowing ventilation, using tools to reach through grating covering openings on the shaft and lift the panel handles and after the panels are partially lifted, using reach tools to engage and lift the arms to press them again support sidewalls to exert lateral force on underside of the panels to complete upward rotation to the home position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Floodbreak, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Louis A. Waters, Jr., Nick Adam Eastman
  • Patent number: 10435910
    Abstract: Apparatus allowing ventilation through a ventilation shaft to an underground ventilation duct fluidly communicating through the ventilation shaft to an atmospheric opening of the shaft and on threat of flooding operable to prevent downward flow of surface water into the underground ventilation duct includes support sidewalls fitting in the shaft providing a ventilation passage between support top and bottom openings and a suspension member supported on opposed lateral sidewalls unobstructively horizontally spanning the passage proximate the top opening and holding one or more hinge connected panels in the passage that manually release to rotationally close the passage and prevent flooding and are manually rotationally liftable to a home position allowing ventilation. The suspension member is liftingly removable from the support and may include end keys received in keyed supports to allow the suspension member to fit in the supports so a specific panel closes to a specific sidewall.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 14, 2017
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2019
    Assignee: Floodbreak, L.L.C.
    Inventors: Louis A. Waters, Jr., Nick Adam Eastman
  • Patent number: 9752342
    Abstract: Apparatus for allowing ventilation as usual for underground tunnels through a ventilation shaft opening to atmosphere yet preventing underground flooding from surface waters pouring through the grate, comprises an assembly that fits within the ventilation shaft and includes one or more panels held in an upright home position that allows ventilation as usual but is releasable to rotationally gravitate to a lower sealing position closing a passage between the ventilation shaft and atmosphere to prevent water from entering the underground tunnels. A panel position indicator moves from a hidden position to a visible position with lowering of the panels to visually signify that the panels are lowered and that flooding protection is activated.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 6, 2014
    Date of Patent: September 5, 2017
    Assignee: Floodbreak, L.L.C.
    Inventor: Louis A. Waters, Jr.
  • Patent number: 9360096
    Abstract: A ball screw with support devices includes a nut base having two sides equipped with the support devices for preventing the screw from deflection. Two runner structures are provided near two ends of the screw. The runner structure includes a driving wheel and a driven wheel having different diameters and concentrically installed. The nut base is connected to the driving wheel via an active connecting element for driving the driving wheel to rotate. The driven wheel moves with the driving wheel and is connected to the support devices via passive connecting elements so that the support devices and the nut displace synchronously. By controlling a diameter ratio between the driving and driven wheels, the nut and the support devices displace with proportional speeds, thereby allowing the support devices to always stay at the two sides of the nut as designed and provide reliable support.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 28, 2014
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2016
    Assignee: HIWIN TECHNOLOGIES CORP.
    Inventors: Ying-Ju Lin, Hung-Chih Hsu
  • Patent number: 9243446
    Abstract: The invention relates to a roller-screen arrangement having covering roller screens which are arranged axially one beside the other and can be jointly rolled up onto, and unrolled from, a winding roller, wherein the free ends of the covering roller screens are oriented in opposite directions. The covering roller screens can thus be jointly rolled up onto, and unrolled from, the winding roller, wherein furthermore, in the unrolled state, a distance A is formed between the covering roller screens. A cavity is created between the covering roller screens, and at least one intermediate roller screen is provided in this cavity in order to cover gaps between the covering roller stir screens arranged axially one beside the other. When the covering roller screens are opened and closed, the intermediate roller screens are taken up and let down and picked up again in accordance with the shortening and lengthening of the covering roller screens.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 10, 2012
    Date of Patent: January 26, 2016
    Inventor: Albert Weiss
  • Patent number: 8919415
    Abstract: A roll-up curtain closure system having an impact resistant tension rod, wherein the system includes at least one flexible curtain having a first end fixedly attached adjacent a portal along a first end thereof and a second end folded back on itself to define a pocket opening towards the portal first end, an elongated tension rod captured within the pocket, and a curtain driving mechanism operably connected to the curtain second end for varying the height of the pocket. The elongated tension rod comprises an inner flexible fiberglass bar surrounded by an outer soft closed cell foam material, whereby the tension rod is flexible to bend in response to impact force and is resilient to return to its original position after the impact force is removed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 5, 2013
    Date of Patent: December 30, 2014
    Inventor: Grant W. Crider
  • Patent number: 8550142
    Abstract: A plural panel vertically hung horizontally adjustable light transmitting window shade apparatus for varying the amount of light from zero to maximum that can pass through alternate transparent and opaque portions of the plural panels. The plural panels hang vertically downward from separate mounting elements of a control mechanism. The control mechanism, when actuated, moves either one or two of the plural panels horizontally relative to the other panel, thus changing the position of the transparent portions and opaque portions of each panel. The control mechanism also vertically deploys or retracts the dual panels using the same control mechanism used to move the panels horizontally. A bottom rail maintains the lower ends of the panels in a closely adjacent position, and also allows relative vertical movement of each panel relative to the other when the panels are either deployed or retracted.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: October 8, 2013
    Inventors: Robert D. Gaskill, Ernest DiSilvestro
  • Patent number: 8439099
    Abstract: A dual curtain closure system for reversibly covering a portal opening, wherein the upper end of each curtain is attached across an upper margin of the opening and the lower end of each curtain is folded back on itself to form an upwardly opening pocket. Each pocket supports an elongated rod, the ends of which are engaged by opposing channel members defining the lateral margins of the portal opening. The sides of each curtain comprise loop fastening material and the channel members comprise hook fastening material such that the curtains are sealed to the channel members when activated to cover the opening. The hook fastening material has only downwardly facing hooks to prevent curtain hang up and promote proper operation of the closure system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 1, 2011
    Date of Patent: May 14, 2013
    Inventor: Grant W. Crider
  • Patent number: 7950436
    Abstract: A room darkening screen apparatus includes a shade roll. A shade with a first end and a second end is provided wherein the first end is connected with the shade roll and the second end is connected with a bottom bar. A header is connected with the shade roll and a folding rod is connected with the header such that the folding rod, when released from the header, folds the shade.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 4, 2008
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2011
    Assignee: Homerun Holdings Corporation
    Inventors: Willis Jay Mullet, Christopher Lee Wysoczynski, Steven Karl Maurer, Richard Scott Hand, Doug Real, Darrin Anthony Trapani
  • Patent number: 7849618
    Abstract: A sign system is disclosed in which a flexible sign panel is supported by light weight frame numbers such as fiberglass ribs joined together with a pivot connection. A sign panel of flexible material has a center section disposed between a pair of opposed sign panel portions. The center portion of the sign panel engages a cross member with the sign panel portions being folded over on either side of an upright support member. Free ends of the sign panel member are secured with a stretchable elastic cord, ribbon or the like, to a mounting member having a socket for receiving one end of the vertical support member. By engaging the mounting member and stretching the elastic cords, the mounting member is disposed over one end of the vertical support and one released, engages the vertical support holding the sign panel portions in a display position.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 22, 2008
    Date of Patent: December 14, 2010
    Assignee: Dicke Tool Company
    Inventor: Grant D. Dicke
  • Patent number: 7828037
    Abstract: An apparatus for opening and closing a portal in a structure in which a curtain having elongated side portions is placed adjacent opposing sides of the portal. A first end of the curtain is attached to a first end of the portal. An opposite end of the curtain is upturned and attached to a varying means at the first end of the portal to vary the height of a pocket formed in the curtain. Magnetic sealing means are placed on the elongated side portions of the curtain and on the opposing sides of the portal. The portal is closed as the varying means lowers the height of the pocket, wherein the magnetic sealing means on the curtain engage the magnetic sealing means on the opposing sides of the portal, thereby sealing the portal. The portal is opened as the varying means raises the height of the pocket, wherein the magnetic sealing means on the curtain disengage the magnetic sealing means on the opposing sides of the portal, thereby unsealing the portal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 4, 2007
    Date of Patent: November 9, 2010
    Inventor: Grant W. Crider
  • Patent number: 7806160
    Abstract: The present invention relates to a roll type blind mounted in a window for preventing light from being introduced from the outside or leaking from the inside of a room. In the blind for adjusting height and brightness made of a thick blind material according to the present invention, an inner blind material and an outer blind material of the thick blind material hang down in a tensed state by a pre-weight element and they always keep an equal width therebetween.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 24, 2006
    Date of Patent: October 5, 2010
    Inventor: Tae Woong Byeon
  • Publication number: 20090025886
    Abstract: A combination garage door and roll-up curtain system that allows a flexible curtain to be lowered when the garage door is in a raised position. The system preferably comprises an automated garage door assembly wherein the drive mechanism is mounted to a bracket mounted in turn to the inside wall above the garage opening upper margin. The system preferably further comprises an automated roll-up curtain assembly having a rotatable rod mounted above the garage opening upper margin between the bracket and the inside wall. The rotatable rod has a flexible curtain wound thereabout wherein the first end of the curtain is affixed to the rod and the second end of the curtain is secured along its lateral margins within tracks mounted adjacent the garage opening lateral margins. The second end of the curtain preferably has a weighted member attached thereto to urge the curtain toward the garage opening lower margin and to keep the curtain taut.
    Type: Application
    Filed: July 24, 2007
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Grant W. Crider
  • Publication number: 20090025887
    Abstract: A movable awning device where a slider which allows a spread projected corner canvas to freely slide transversely is incorporated in a winding roller for a projected corner canvas, and the front bar of the projected corner canvas is supportedly engaged in a transverse guide rail which moves in parallel by means of foldable arms or the front bar of a rectangular awning which moves in parallel in the same manner is provided. As a result, the appearance of the outside of a building which includes a corner space portion in a projected corner portion can be greatly enhanced.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 10, 2008
    Publication date: January 29, 2009
    Inventor: Osamu Ito
  • Patent number: 7337024
    Abstract: An apparatus for concealing a display of the flat panel type, and for supporting and extending the display to a viewing position. The apparatus includes a display cover that operates between a concealed position and a revealed position, and a display support that operates between a retracted position and an extended position. There is also a display support interlock that is coupled to disable operation of the display support when the display cover moves away from the revealed position, and a display cover interlock that is coupled to disable operation of the display cover when the display support moves away from the retracted position. A controller with a wireless remote is coupled to the components of the apparatus to enable remote operation thereof. A housing with decorative frame surrounds the flat panel display and presents a display opening. The display cover may be a fabric sheet that is furled from a motor driven roller within the display opening.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 2, 2006
    Date of Patent: February 26, 2008
    Inventor: Jonathan W. Graham
  • Patent number: 7207371
    Abstract: A novel roller blind structure includes a roller blind made up of a roller shaft, a side winder with a linkage member attached at both ends of the roller shaft respectively to be actuated by an operating member, and a pivoting post respectively protruding at the outer side of the side winder and the linkage member thereof to be mounted to an upper beam thereby wherein, when pulled by the operation member thereof, the side winders and the linkage member will actuate the roller shaft to rotate either clockwise or counterclockwise accordingly so as to control the rolling or unrolling operation of a blind body having an extension piece of a proper length preset at the lower section thereof to be wound backwards and led upwards to be levelly fixed to the inner wall of the upper beam thereof. A counterweight member is retained at the curving turn of the blind body thereof to neatly separate in space the extension piece thereof from a decoration piece disposed at the front section of the blind body thereon.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 9, 2004
    Date of Patent: April 24, 2007
    Assignee: Cheng Feng Blinds Ind. Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ben Hsu
  • Patent number: 7192633
    Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening, having a first layer with alternating relatively opaque stripes and relatively translucent stripes, and a second layer with alternating relatively opaque stripes and relatively translucent stripes. The first and second layers are positioned one behind the other, with the stripes substantially parallel. The first and second layers are movable relative to one another in a direction substantially perpendicular to the stripes. The covering also includes a series of parallel binder threads for attaching the first layer to the second layer. The binder threads run substantially perpendicular to the stripes, and thereby, one of the layers can be slid along the binder threads when moved relative to the other. The blind is preferred to be woven as a double-layer fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 3, 2003
    Date of Patent: March 20, 2007
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries BV
    Inventor: Anton Petrus Theodorus Hubertus Fransen
  • Patent number: 7174940
    Abstract: A roller blind structure includes a roller shaft, a winding device with a linkage member attached at both ends of the roller shaft respectively to be actuated by an operating member for controlling the rolling or unrolling operation of a blind body. A pivoting rod is disposed at the outer side of the winding device and the linkage member thereof to be mounted to a support bracket fixed at both lateral sides of a window frame respectively. The support bracket thereof is provided with a series of retaining recesses concaved at preset positions thereon for holding in place a pair of clamping members astride side by side thereon, and the blind body has an extension piece of a proper length preset at the lower section thereof that, led backwards and upwards to pass between the two clamping members, is further extended to cover the upper side of the roller shaft with a sheltering cap formed thereon and securely located by the clamping members thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 20, 2004
    Date of Patent: February 13, 2007
    Inventor: Leslie Nien
  • Patent number: 7128121
    Abstract: A fabric window blind includes a head frame, a roller, an adjustment mechanism, slats, a bottom rail and a light-admitting shade. The roller is horizontally rotatably mounted inside the head frame. The adjustment mechanism has a control axle horizontally pivotally mounted inside the head frame below the roller, and two cord member sets having top ends connected to the control axle and bottom ends vertically downwardly suspended from the control axle. The slats are arranged at different elevations below the control axle. The slats each have two opposite lateral sides respectively joined to the cord member sets. The bottom rail is fastened to the bottom ends of the cord member sets below the slats. The shade has a first end fastened to the head frame, and a second end extended downwardly over the bottom rail and turned upwards toward the head frame and fastened to the roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 29, 2004
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2006
    Assignee: Nien Made Enterprises Co., Ltd.
    Inventor: Ming Nien
  • Patent number: 6901987
    Abstract: A decorative covering apparatus and method. A frame with an opening formed into it has a first roller that rotates about an axis. A flexible cover is arranged to loop between a first edge that is fixed relative to the frame and a second edge that is affixed to the first roller. A second roller is disposed at the apex of the loop in the flexible cover, and, a motor is coupled to rotate the first roller in a first direction and in a second direction. This action causes a furling and unfurling the flexible cover to reveal and conceal the opening. It also causes the second roller to traverse the opening in the frame. A decorative frame is attached to the frame. The decorative cover is adapted to conceal and reveal a wall mounted object located behind the opening in the frame, such as a flat panel television set. Control is implemented with a remote control receiver, which receives a control signal that is coupled to control the motor to rotate in an up and down direction.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 26, 2003
    Date of Patent: June 7, 2005
    Inventor: Jonathan W. Graham
  • Patent number: 6672361
    Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening, having a first layer with alternating relatively opaque stripes and relatively translucent stripes, and a second layer with alternating relatively opaque stripes and relatively translucent stripes. The first and second layers are positioned one behind the other, with the stripes substantially parallel. The first and second layers are movable relative to one another in a direction substantially perpendicular to the stripes. The covering also includes a series of parallel binder threads for attaching the first layer to the second layer. The binder threads run substantially perpendicular to the stripes, and thereby, one of the layers can be slid along the binder threads when moved relative to the other. The blind is preferred to be woven as a double-layer fabric.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 13, 2002
    Date of Patent: January 6, 2004
    Assignee: Hunter Douglas Industries BV
    Inventor: Anton Fransen
  • Patent number: 6427750
    Abstract: An advertising display unit has a blind wound between a pair of spaced rollers rotatably mounted for bringing a selected portion of the blind into a display window area. A mechanism for longitudinally moving the blind is provided which is easily accessed and actuated manually. Each roller comprises an assembly having a larger diameter portion onto which the blind is wound and a smaller diameter portion that rotates with it. A cord drive is secured to and wound a number of turns round the smaller diameter portion of one roller. The cord drive follows a path a section of which extends externally of a housing in which the rollers are mounted. The cord drive passes to the other roller where it is wound a number of turns about and secured to the small diameter portion of the other roller. The cord is wound about the small diameter portion so as to wind off one and onto the other with the rollers rotating in the same direction. The blind serves to transmit drive from the wind-up roller to the wind-off roller.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Date of Patent: August 6, 2002
    Assignee: Powergraphics Display Limited
    Inventor: Edward Maurice Pierce Butler
  • Publication number: 20020056530
    Abstract: An advertising display unit has a blind wound between a pair of spaced rollers rotatably mounted for bringing a selected portion of the blind into a display window area. A mechanism for longitudinally moving the blind is provided which is easily accessed and actuated manually. Each roller comprises an assembly having a larger diameter portion onto which the blind is wound and a smaller diameter portion that rotates with it. A cord drive is secured to and wound a number of turns round the smaller diameter portion of one roller. The cord drive follows a path a section of which extends externally of a housing in which the rollers are mounted. The cord drive passes to the other roller where it is wound a number of turns about and secured to the small diameter portion of the other roller. The cord is wound about the small diameter portion so as to wind off one and onto the other with the rollers rotating in the same direction. The blind serves to transmit drive from the wind-up roller to the wind-off roller.
    Type: Application
    Filed: May 1, 2001
    Publication date: May 16, 2002
    Inventor: Edward Maurice Pierce Butler
  • Patent number: 6189592
    Abstract: A roll-up shade is doubled and its ends suspended from a head rail that is mounted above a window. One end is attached to a roller tube and the other end is attached to a stationary tube, with a bight being formed between the tubes. A first sheet is defined from the bight to the roller tube and a second sheet is defined from the bight to the stationary tube. A weighty rod is positioned in the bight to cause the bight to sag away from the head rail, and a shade guide surrounds the rod to guide the shade. With this structure, the roller tube can be rotated to pull up the first sheet and raise the bight or to lower the first sheet with bight, with the second sheet (i.e., the sheet that is directly attached to the stationary tube) remaining unmoving above the bight. The shade is patterned such that when the shade is raised and lowered, the relative motion between the two sheets causes the shade to alternatingly assume high and low opacity configurations. The roller tube can be motorized if desired.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1999
    Date of Patent: February 20, 2001
    Assignee: Harmonic Design, Inc.
    Inventor: Douglas R. Domel
  • Patent number: 6138739
    Abstract: An improved roll-up closure utilizing a flexible cover selected from a material suitable to effect the type of closure sought. The cover is at least as wide as the portal to be covered and is typically longer than the portal. Each lateral margin of the cover has a strip of hook or loop fastener material affixed thereto, with the complementary strip affixed to either the respective lateral margin defining the portal or to a "floating" edge of an elongated strip of flexible material attached at its opposite edge to the respective lateral margin. A first end of the cover is rigidly affixed across a first margin of the portal. The opposite end of the cover can be upturned about a transverse rod and connected to a take-up roller mounted adjacent the first margin of the portal, or it can be attached to the rod such that as the cover is raised or lowered, the cover is wound or unwound around the rod. Channel members prevent movement of the rod in a direction normal to the plane of the portal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 15, 1999
    Date of Patent: October 31, 2000
    Assignee: Grant W. Crider
    Inventors: Grant W. Crider, Charles H. Harbison
  • Patent number: 5960847
    Abstract: An improved roll-up closure utilizing a flexible cover or curtain selected from a material suitable to effect the type of closure sought. The cover is at least as wide as the portal to be covered and is typically longer than the portal. Each lateral margin of the cover has a strip of hook and loop fastener material affixed thereto, and a complementary strip is affixed to the lateral margins of the structure defining the portal. A first end of the cover is rigidly affixed across a first margin of the portal. The opposite end of the cover can be upturned and connected to a driven take-up roller mounted to the first margin of the portal. In this embodiment, an elongated transverse rod is supported within the upturned end of the cover. In an alternate embodiment, the opposite end of the cover is attached to an elongated transverse rod such that as the curtain is raised or lowered, the curtain is wound or unwound around the rod, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 27, 1998
    Date of Patent: October 5, 1999
    Assignee: Hired Hand Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Grant W. Crider, Charles H. Harbison
  • Patent number: 5785105
    Abstract: An improved roll-up closure utilizing a flexible cover or curtain selected from a material suitable to effect the type of closure sought. The cover is at least as wide as the portal to be covered and is typically longer than the portal. Each lateral margin of the cover has a strip of hook and loop fastener material affixed thereto, and a complementary strip is affixed to the lateral margins of the structure defining the portal. A first end of the cover is rigidly affixed across a first margin of the portal. The opposite end of the cover can be upturned and connected to a driven take-up roller mounted to the first margin of the portal. In this embodiment, an elongated transverse rod is supported within the upturned end of the cover. In an alternate embodiment, the opposite end of the cover is attached to an elongated transverse rod such that as the curtain is raised or lowered, the curtain is wound or unwound around the rod, respectively.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 18, 1996
    Date of Patent: July 28, 1998
    Inventors: Grant W. Crider, Charles H. Harbison
  • Patent number: 5752557
    Abstract: An improved roll-up closure utilizing a flexible cover or curtain selected from a material suitable to effect the type of closure sought. The cover is at least as wide as the portal to be covered and is typically longer than the portal. Each lateral margin of the cover has a strip of hook and loop fastener material affixed thereto, and a complementary strip is affixed to the lateral margins of the structure defining the portal. A first end of the cover is rigidly affixed across a first margin of the portal. The opposite end of the cover is upturned and connected to a driven take-up roller mounted to the first margin of the portal. An elongated transverse rod is supported within the upturned end of the cover. Activation of the driven roller lengthens or shortens the effective length of the cover and moves the rod therewith. As the driven roller is activated, the mating hook and loop fasteners are positioned to seal and unseal the cover to the lateral margins of the portal.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 22, 1996
    Date of Patent: May 19, 1998
    Assignee: Hired-Hand Manufacturing, Inc.
    Inventors: Grant W. Crider, Charles H. Harbison
  • Patent number: 5566736
    Abstract: A rollup closure utilizes a flexible cover or curtain selected from a material suitable to effect the type closure sought such as against light, ventilation, noise, sound or moisture. The cover is at least as wide as the opening to be covered and is longer than the opening is high. Each lateral margin of the cover has a strip of closure material affixed thereto, and a complimentary strip is affixed to the inside of a channel member. The top of the curtain is rigidly affixed across the top of the opening. The bottom of the curtain is upturned and connected to a driven take up roller mounted atop the opening. An elongated rod is supported within the upturned end of the curtain with its ends captured within the channels on each side of the opening. A weighting rod is supported atop the elongated rod and separated therefrom by the upturned end of the curtain, with the ends of the weighting rod also captured in the lateral channels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1995
    Date of Patent: October 22, 1996
    Inventors: Grant W. Crider, Charles H. Harbison
  • Patent number: 5538065
    Abstract: The light-exclusion covering is composed of two planar structures (1) located one behind the other, each of which consists of side by side webs (B) with regions (2; 3) of differing light transmissivity, that are connected to each other by connecting pieces (Z) with similarly selectable light transmissivity.The planar structures (1) consist preferably of a woven textile fabric produced on a knitting machine with programmed data for sizing and for the light transmissivity of the individual regions. (FIGS.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 24, 1994
    Date of Patent: July 23, 1996
    Inventor: Otto A. G eraud
  • Patent number: 5392549
    Abstract: A device in combination with a driving station of a vehicle for displaying and storing a flexible web containing information wound in two cylinder members that provide sufficient slag in the web to form a loop that holds a weighting member. The weighting member is pulled away from the first two cylinders either by gravity or spring action and the web is exposed by turning at least one of the two cylinder members. The two cylinder members an be manually or electrically actuated. A user thereby views a specific area of the map or information contained in the web. An electric bulb is provided to illuminate the web from inside the loop.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 13, 1993
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1995
    Inventor: Jose L. Castro
  • Patent number: 5319990
    Abstract: A linear drive system with an associated cover system wherein said linear drive system comprises a load, a lead screw, a lead nut operatively engaged to said lead screw such that said lead nut can travel along said lead screw by virtue of rotation of the lead nut, a load engaging structure means connecting the lead nut to the load such that as the lead nut travels along the lead screw, the load is moved, and motor means operatively engaged with the lead nut such that said motor means operates to rotate the lead nut, thereby moving the load.A cover system an opening formed by two surfaces. Said cover system has a bridge structure, which can be a roller assembly, which is supported by structural means over and across the width of the opening. A band is positioned to cover the opening and is also mounted over the bridge structure. As the bridge structure is moved along the opening, the band is lifted from the opening, thereby allowing access to the opening by a device.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 11, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 14, 1994
    Assignee: California Technical Marketing Inc.
    Inventors: John R. Veale, Steven E. Shapiro
  • Patent number: 5168647
    Abstract: A device for displaying and storing a flexible web containing information wound in two cylinder members that provide sufficient slag in the web to form a loop that holds a third cylinder member. The third cylinder member is pulled away from the first two either by gravity or spring action and the web is exposed by turning at least one of the first two cylinder members. The two cylinder members can be manually or electrically actuated. A user thereby views a specific area of the map or information contained in the web. An electric bulb is provided to illuminate the web from inside the loop created by the web.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1991
    Date of Patent: December 8, 1992
    Inventor: Jose L. Castro
  • Patent number: 5052459
    Abstract: A divided flexible covering (1,2)serves to expose any desired region of a surface or opening while masking the other regions. Two gripping slats (3,10) are located respectively at the beginning of a length of fabric (1 or 2) or at the beginning and end of at least one or two strips (4 or 8), each of which is guided endlessly over four rollers (5,9) or sliding blocks (47). Each length of fabric (1 or 2) is provided with an end piece (7 or 12). The length of the lengths of fabric (1 or 2) is approximately half that of the strips (4 or 8). The end pieces (7, 12) are mutually offset and are provided with a slot (14a) or are attached to a rod (43) provided for the other length of fabric, so that when a covering part (1), for example, is pulled down over the center of the cupboard, the covering part (2) is pulled simultaneously because one end piece (7) entrains another end piece (12) upward in the direction of traction. The operations are indentical in the opposite directions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1989
    Date of Patent: October 1, 1991
    Inventor: Marco G. Grossenbacher
  • Patent number: 4865107
    Abstract: A double-glazed window apparatus for use at a sloped angle is disclosed having an insulating roller shade assembly extendable between the glazings in a U-shaped loop for insulating or shading. The apparatus includes supports for holding the sheet in spaced relation to the glazing and maintaining defined air spaces for insulation. A lower portion of the sheet is supported by stationary supports while an upper portion is supported by cross bars attached to the sheet and riding on slideways along both side edges thereof.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: September 12, 1989
    Inventor: Marcel Dube
  • Patent number: 4365764
    Abstract: A fiber bale opener includes a truck arranged for back-and-forth displacement along a travelling path, an opening mechanism carried by the truck and arranged for removing fiber from the top of fiber bales positioned along the travelling path and a suction apparatus for carrying away, by an air stream, fiber removed from the bales by the opening mechanism. The suction apparatus includes a suction duct extending in the direction of the travelling path and a throughgoing slot on one side of the duct, extending parallel to the travelling path. The suction apparatus further has a flexible cover belt which extends over the slot for sealing the inside of the duct from the environment and which defines an interstice within the truck. The interstice travels with the truck and provides a passage for the fiber from the opening mechanism to the inside of the suction duct.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 29, 1980
    Date of Patent: December 28, 1982
    Assignee: Trutzschler GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventor: Hans-Jurgen Marx
  • Patent number: 3980122
    Abstract: A curtain turning device wherein a fitting frame is fitted at one end with a supporting case and at the other end with a supporting case containing a rotating device operated with a strip, a winding shaft is connected and borne in the upper parts of the above mentioned supporting cases, holes are made respectively in the lower parts of the supporting cases, a fitting rod formed of a hollow part made hollow inside and a shaft part is rotatably inserted and fitted in said holes through lid plates free to be fitted to and removed from said fitting rod and a curtain payed out of the winding shaft is fitted to the shaft part of the fitting rod through suspending rod members.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 6, 1974
    Date of Patent: September 14, 1976
    Inventor: Ietsugu Takazawa