Abstract:
A chain operation system for a chain driven blind assembly that includes a guide member configured to guide a beaded chain loop and comprising first and second channels for guiding first and second sides of the chain loop, respectively. A handle is slidably mounted to the guide member and slides along the longitudinal axis of the guide member in a first direction to engage and drive the chain loop, and in a second direction to release the chain loop. The handle comprises a chain driver selectively rotatable between a first position, whereby the driver drivingly engages one or more beads on the second side of the chain loop, and a second position, whereby the driver drivingly engages one or more beads on the first side of the chain loop. The system also includes a switching member configured to rotate the driver between the first and second positions.
Abstract:
A simple two-piece easily and inexpensively manufactured cord tightening device and method thereof, the device comprising: a base, cylindrical in form with walls, an interior bottom having ridges, a hollow central column, and a protrusion in the walls with an opening, the protrusion; and a handle, fashioned in the shape of a spool, with a top flange with at least one hole therein, central cylindrical cavity, and bottom flange with ridges on the bottom. The cord tightening device wherein the central cylindrical cavity of the handle fits onto the hollow central column of the base. The cord tightening device may further comprise threading in the hollow central column of the base. The cord tightening device may further comprise a screw. The cord tightening device may further comprise a spring washer. The cord tightening device may further comprise at least two holes in the top flange of the handle. The cord tightening device may further comprise a circular ridge around the central cylindrical cavity of the top flange. The cord tightening device may further comprise ridges on the outer rim of the top flange.
Abstract:
A safety cord tilter, in which two cords of the cord tilter for controlling opening or closing of the blind slats are exposed outside the headrail by a length set within a safety length range. The rear ends of the two cords are respectively connected with a first pull rod and a second pull rod for pulling the cords. When the first and second pull rods are used to control opening or closing of the blind slats, the first pull rod or the second pull rod reaches the blind rail at the top end, whereby the allowable exposed lengths of the pulled-out cords will not exceed the safety range so as to shorten the exposed length of the cords. This prevents a child from playing with the cords and twisting the cords around the neck and achieves safety effect.
Abstract:
In one aspect, a cord retention assembly for a covering for an architectural structure may include a cord guide coupled to a shade panel of the covering that is configured to receive a corresponding cord of the covering. The cord guide may form a closed shape and may also be configured to define an entryway around at least a portion of a perimeter of the closed shape. In addition, the cord retention assembly may include at least one retention member installed relative to the cord guide such that the retention member(s) prevents the entryway of the cord guide from being rotated past the attachment location defined between the shade panel and the cord guide.
Abstract:
An elastic cord device for use in combination with a window covering device of the type comprising a pulley, a plurality of lift cords, a head rail, the lift cords used to raise and lower a window covering material. The elastic cord device can have a spiral helical shape. The elastic cord device is exposed and accessible so that the elastic cord device can be pulled to raise and lower the window covering material.A window covering device comprising an elastic cord device, a head rail, a pulley, window covering material and lift cords; the elastic cord device is used to operate the window covering.
Abstract:
A window blind handle comprising: a first half; a second half; a slot extending along the length of an inner surface of the first half, where the slot is adapted to receive strings of a window blind; and a lip extending along the length of an inner surface of the second half, where the lip joins and inserts into the slot when the first half and second half are placed in a closed position. The window blind handle may further include a means to connect the inner surface of the first half to the inner surface of the second half. Preferably, the means to connect includes at least one opening on the inner surface of the first half and at least one connector on the inner surface of the second half, where the at least one connector inserts into the at least one opening to join the first half to the second half.
Abstract:
A motorized window covering switching mechanism is described herein. The switching mechanism includes a deflectable arm and a pull cord. The deflectable arm is connected to a first contact, and the pull cord is connected to the deflectable arm such that, as the pull cord is tugged, the deflectable arm deflects to move the first contact toward a second contact, thereby converting gestures of the pull cord into electrical signals that control a motorized window covering. In some embodiments, cord gestures that deflect the deflectable arm include pull sequences, numbers of pulls, strength of pulls, or combinations thereof. Additionally, in some embodiments, a controller receives the cord gestures and translates the cord gestures into operational commands to control and operate a window covering gearbox assembly.
Abstract:
An apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a gearbox assembly configured to electromechanically operate a window covering. A controller, incorporated into the window covering, is provided to control the gearbox assembly. A security device, such as a camera, motion sensor, audio sensor, proximity sensor, impact sensor, or the like, communicates with the controller and is configured to monitor security at a window associated with the window covering. Such a security sensor may, for example, monitor opening and/or closing of the window, breaking of the window, or the like. In certain embodiments, operation of the window covering is triggered in response to conditions sensed by the security device. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.
Abstract:
An apparatus in accordance with the invention includes a gearbox assembly configured to electromechanically operate a window covering. A controller, incorporated into the window covering, is provided to control the gearbox assembly. A temperature sensor communicates with the controller and monitors temperature proximate a window associated with the window covering. The temperature sensor may monitor the temperature of the window, temperature external to the window, temperature internal to the window, temperature within a headrail of the window covering, or the like. The controller is further configured to relay at least one of commands and information to an HVAC controller to regulate room temperature in accordance with the monitored temperature. A corresponding method is also disclosed herein.
Abstract:
The present invention relates to an alarm for detecting and alerting a person of an event where a device is pulled on for an extended period of time. Specifically, the present invention relates to an alarm implemented on a pull-string. Even more specifically, the present invention relates to an apparatus, system, and method of using the same that alerts a person when something becomes tangled or is otherwise caught up in the pull-string of window blinds, shades, or other light blocking devices.