Abstract:
A retrofittable curtain apparatus capable of being installed onto existing curtain tracks comprising a curtain and curtain carriers. The apparatus may comprise a pair of latches on either side to facilitate simple installation onto the curtain track by clamping the apparatus to the track. A pair of switches located on either side of the apparatus allows a user to activate the apparatus by tugging on the curtain, pulling it taut over the switch thereby actuating it. The apparatus comprises an internal assembly of efficiently arranged gears and motors that produce a substantially small horizontal form factor, allowing for use with wave fold curtains.
Abstract:
An architectural covering is presented having a rotatable drive element having a guide structure and a plurality of idler attachment elements and a drive element positioned over the rotatable drive element. The rotatable drive element is connected to a wall, ceiling or other structure by brackets. In one arrangement a drive shaft having at least one bearing is then attached to the brackets such that the rotatable drive elements rotate upon the bearings. This arrangement provides an efficient, simple and convenient manner of attaching a rotatable drive element to brackets for mounting.
Abstract:
A wirelessly controllable, motorized and battery powered drapery apparatus is presented having a rotatable drive element having a guide structure in its surface. The drapery apparatus includes brackets that house conventional batteries which power the apparatus. The brackets connect to a motor assembly which houses a motor and a motor controller. The rotatable drive element includes at least one key feature in its hollow interior. The guide structure is indexed to the key feature such that two rotatable drive elements can be connected together in such a manner that the guide structure is aligned on the two rotatable drive elements ensuring that the shade material opens and closes evenly.
Abstract:
A motor-driven carriage (100) for opening/closing a curtain, includes a housing (110) that is provided with two members (124, 126) for suspending the housing from a rail (50), wherein a friction wheel (112), which is driven by an electric motor and which is to contact at least one rolling surface (56, 57) of the rail, is rotatably mounted inside the housing. The carriage (100) also includes a cradle (150) provided with two other members (155, 156) for suspending the cradle from the rail (50), which are separate from the members (124, 126) for suspending the housing (110), as well as elements (153, 154) for coupling to the curtain. The cradle is mounted onto the housing (110) and is driven by the housing when the latter moves along the rail, the housing (110) and the cradle (150) optionally being capable of relative movement there between.
Abstract:
A drapery system that operates by rotating a rod having one, or a pair of left hand twist helical grooves, and one or a pair of right hand twist helical grooves, where the left hand twist and right hand twist helical grooves cross one another in equal spaced alignment across the length of the rotating rod. A plurality of idler rings and at least one driver ring are positioned around the drapery rod. The idler rings have a smooth interior surface whereas the driver rings include at least one tooth that engages a helical groove of the rotating rod. As the rotating rod is rotated, the driver ring is driven across the length of the rotating rod, thereby opening and closing the system. The system also includes a mounting bracket allows for extending the drapery past the inward edge of the inward most ring.
Abstract:
A control method of the present disclosure causes a computer of an information apparatus to: display an operation icon for causing an operation screen for an electric shutter device to be displayed; display the operation screen which includes a shutter image representing a shutter of the electric shutter device when selection of the operation icon is sensed; when a swipe operation is sensed, output a movement control command for moving the shutter in a swipe direction, and move the shutter represented in the shutter image in accordance with a swipe amount of the swipe operation; and in a case where stop information is received and the shutter represented in the shutter image is varied into a closed state, return the shutter represented in the shutter image in a second direction opposite to a first direction which is a moving direction of the shutter represented in the shutter image.
Abstract:
A motorized window treatment support apparatus which allows a user to selectively position the motor on either side of the window over which the window treatments hang. In particular, the support apparatus includes rotatable mounting brackets which may be rotated relative to a support rod to allow the support apparatus to be mounted to the wall in one of two configurations which differ by 180 degrees.
Abstract:
A system comprising a rotatable spool, an engine configured to impart torque on the spool via a drive shaft, a cord attached to the spool, and a curtain attached to the cord is disclosed. Moreover, a method comprises releasing a curtain from a hanging support, and pulling a curtain. Also disclosed is a system comprising a plurality of hangers from which a curtain is capable of being released, a spool to which a cord is attachable, an engine capable of causing the spool to be rotated, and a rim through which the cord is pulled.
Abstract:
A curtain panel is provided for use in retrofitting vertical blinds. The curtain panel is configured to hang in place of vertical blind slats as a retrofit application that provides a greatly improved appearance as compared to traditional vertical blinds. In general the curtain panel employs a system of buttonholes along a top edge of the panel to affix it in place on the same hook system where the vertical slat deteriorating blinds were formerly held in place. In this manner a retrofit is offered as a fashionable option to ugly blinds. The user also has the ability to coordinate a patio door (sliding glass door, etc.) panel to his/her interior decor.
Abstract:
A traverse rod system for manipulating one or more hanging objects is provided. The traverse rod system includes a hollow longitudinally extending tube having an opening that extends along an upper length of the tube as well as a number of rings that at least partially encircle the tube and that are directly or indirectly coupled with one or more hanging objects. A cord is suspended within the tube and secured by one or more cord carriers, each having a top portion that attaches to one of the rings and a bottom portion that is freely suspended through the opening and into the hollow tube such that other than the cord and the cord carriers, an interior of the hollow tube remains substantially free of structure relating to the traverse rod system. Movement of the cord causes the cord carriers to traverse an interior of the tube while the attached rings traverse an exterior of the tube. As a result, the hanging object(s) move in connection with the cord and the cord carriers in a desired direction or directions.