Abstract:
Example architectural opening coverings powered by rotary motors are described. An example architectural opening covering apparatus includes a rotatable member, a covering mounted to the rotatable member, a motor having a drive shaft which is capable of rotating the rotatable member in a first direction to raise the covering and in a second direction opposite the first direction to lower the covering, and a drive shaft coupling substantially preventing the motor from applying torque in the second direction.
Abstract:
A modular blind transport system for a window blind application. The complete system may be assembled from a relatively small number of individual modules to obtain working systems for a very wide range of applications, including especially a category of counterbalanced blinds wherein a relatively small external input force may be used to raise or lower the blind, and/or to open or close the blind.
Abstract:
A Venetian-style window blind (10) that resembles plantation style shutters is described. In a preferred embodiment, the headrail is shaped like the plurality of slats depending from it, is pivotally connected to the sides of a window frame by mounting brackets and has a hollow interior. Tilting of the plurality slats depending from the headrail is accomplished by vertically moving an actuator rod that is pivotally connected to the headrail. The plurality of slats are suspended from the headrail by a cord ladder to tilt in unison with the headrail. While tilting the blind assembly into the closed position, the headrail and depending slats also slide inwardly towards the windowpane. The slats are lifted through the actuation of a lift handle that is slidably attached to the actuator rod and contains therein a lock mechanism to hold the slats in a desired position.
Abstract:
A covering for an architectural opening includes a fabric adapted to be extended across the opening or retracted adjacent one side of the opening. The fabric has one fixed edge along one side of the opening and an opposite movable edge. The movable edge is guided by a flexible metal tape disposed in a generally Z-shaped configuration that extends slidably along the movable edge of the fabric and in opposite perpendicular directions at opposite ends of the movable edge for variable lengths.
Abstract:
A structural panel for use in building structures or in the formation, finish or decoration thereof includes an outer sheet and a connector sheet with a plurality of collapsible or compressible dividers therebetween. The panel in a rest condition is expanded and of a desired thickness for final use but can be compressed into a relatively thin thickness or profile for shipping purposes. The panel is very lightweight but structurally strong and can be selectively bent in one transverse direction if desired. The panel can be easily cut or formed into any predetermined size or shape.
Abstract:
A structural panel for use in building structures or in the formation, finish or decoration thereof includes an outer sheet and a connector sheet with a plurality of collapsible or compressible dividers therebetween. The panel in a rest condition is expanded and of a desired thickness for final use but can be compressed into a relatively thin thickness or profile for shipping purposes. The panel is very lightweight but structurally strong and can be selectively bent in one transverse direction if desired. The panel can be easily cut or formed into any predetermined size or shape.
Abstract:
An apparatus for fabricating tubular vanes and adhering the vanes to a plurality of associated ladder tapes for use in a blind assembly for an architectural opening is described. The apparatus includes a first section for unrolling resin impregnated fabric tape, folding the tape, and cutting the tape to a predetermined length. In a second section of the apparatus, the cut and folded tape is bonded to together along its longitudinal edges to form a tubular vane. In the third and final section, the completed vane is positioned between the vertical cords of a plurality of associated ladder tapes and the vane is adhesively bonded to a cross rung of each. After the vane has been bonded to the cross rungs, the ladder tapes are advanced and prepared for receipt of the next vane. The resulting subassembly of vanes is used to fabricate blind assemblies through the addition of headrails and bottom rails.
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 vertical shade assembly extendable and retractable in a horizontal direction and including a pleated shade member suspended from an upper traversing track, a shade guide mechanism extending through the assembly, and a braking mechanism operatively connected to the shade guide mechanism for creating a braking force to hold the shade member against movement.
Abstract:
A covering for an architectural opening includes a cord which forms a loop hanging from one of the two ends of the headrail by which it is mounted. The loop is used to open and close the material suspended from the headrail and in front of the architectural opening. The cord extends within the headrail between its two ends, and may be pulled from the end lacking the loop in order to move the loop from one side to the other.