Single-Track stacking panel covering for an architectural opening

A stacking panel covering for an architectural opening includes a headrail and a plurality of suspended from the headrail. The panels form an overlapped stack at one end of the headrail when the stacking panel covering is opened, and cover the architectural opening when the stacking panel covering is closed. The panels are piggybacked on those adjacent thereto, so that they stack, one behind the next, when the stacking panel covering is opened, and so that each pulls the next adjacent thereto as the stacking panel covering is being closed. The panels themselves may be planar, or convexly curved in a horizontal direction and substantially straight in a vertical direction.

Method for making a window covering having operable vanes

A method for manufacturing a window covering for an architectural opening is disclosed. The covering including a support, at least one vane, and at least one operating element. The method for manufacturing the covering includes extending the vane across the support; extending the operating element along a length of the support, and coupling the covering to a roller for selective rotative movement for extending and retracting the covering during use. The operating element being movable with respect to the support. In use, an upper portion of the vane is fixed with respect to the support while a lower portion of the vane is fixed with respect to the operating element so that the lower portion of the vane is movable relative to the upper portion by moving the at least one operating element.

CONTROL OF ARCHITECTURAL OPENING COVERINGS

Apparatus and methods for controlling architectural opening coverings are described herein. An example apparatus includes a roller tube, a motor including a motor drive shaft and a motor casing, the motor casing to rotate with the roller tube, and a manual control including a manual control drive shaft coupled to the motor drive shaft, the motor to apply torque to the roller tube through rotation of the motor casing. 1. (canceled)2. An apparatus comprising:a roller tube;a motor including a motor drive shaft and a motor casing, the motor casing mounted to rotate with the roller tube; anda manual control including a manual control drive shaft rotatable with the motor drive shaft, said manual control structured to apply a first torque to the motor drive shaft in response to a manually applied force to cause rotation of the motor casing and the roller tube, said motor structured to apply a second torque to the roller tube through rotation of the motor casing while the manual control drive shaft and the motor drive shaft are not rotating;wherein the first torque and the second torque are additive to increase a rate of rotation when in the same direction, or subtractive when in the opposite directions.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , further including a hold to keep said manual control substantially stationary while said manual control is not operated.4. The apparatus as defined in claim 3 , wherein the hold is structured to hold the motor drive shaft stationary during operation of said motor when said manual control is not operated.5. The apparatus as defined in claim 3 , wherein the hold is a first hold claim 3 , further including a second hold to prevent rotation of the motor drive shaft while said motor is not operated.6. The apparatus as defined in claim 5 , wherein said motor includes the second hold.7. The apparatus as defined in claim 6 , wherein the second hold is a brake.8. The apparatus of claim 5 , further including a gearbox having a gearbox drive shaft coupled ...

Unitary Assembly for an Architectural Fenestration, Providing Dynamic Solar Heat Gain Control

The present disclosure is related to a unitary assembly for an architectural fenestration, providing dynamic solar heat gain control, which (1) provides a track-based frame structure/blind combination in which the blind is self-correcting should the blind material fall outside of the track; (2) provides directional shading, where the assembly provides for dynamically controlling the amount of light allowed to reach the heat storage unit; (3) provides a blind motor without limiter switches and with a quick-release slip-ring; and (4) provides a heat storage unit which is a thermally efficient, transparent and translucent structure, with which gain from sunny winter days is greater than nighttime loss, so as to provide supplemental heat. 118-. (canceled)19. An assembly for covering an architectural opening , comprising:a shade including a shade material, said shade material movable between a retracted position and an extended position;a frame positioned relative to the architectural opening, said frame defining a guide track configured to receive opposed side sections of said shade material as said shade material is moved between said retracted and extended positions, said guide track including a first side track and an opposed second side track; anda bottom rail coupled to a bottom end of said shade material, said bottom rail extending widthwise between a first end positioned adjacent to said first side track and a second end positioned adjacent to said second side track, said bottom rail including a first track guide extending from said first end into said first side track and a second track guide extending from said second end into said second side track;wherein said first and second track guides are maintained within said first and second side tracks as said shade material is moved between said retracted and extended positions.20. An assembly as in claim 19 , wherein claim 19 , when said shade material is in said retracted position claim 19 , said side sections of ...

Retractable shade with collapsible vanes

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.

PROCESS AND SYSTEM FOR MANUFACTURING A ROLLER BLIND

A process and system for manufacturing roller blinds is provided which includes structure for performing plural steps including a first step of helically winding slat fabric about a drum, thereby forming a slat product. A second step includes moving the slat product from the drum to a platform. A third step includes winding the slat product about a roller tube to form a roller blind. A fourth step includes moving the blind from the platform to a heat treating device.

Unitary assembly for an architectural fenestration, providing dynamic solar heat gain control

A unitary assembly for an architectural fenestration, providing dynamic solar heat gain control, which (1) provides a track-based frame structure/blind combination in which the blind is self-correcting should the blind material fall outside of the track; (2) provides directional shading, where the assembly provides for dynamically controlling the amount of light allowed to reach the heat storage unit; (3) provides a blind motor without limiter switches and with a quick-release slip-ring; and (4) provides a heat storage unit which is a thermally efficient, transparent and translucent structure, with which gain from sunny winter days is greater than nighttime loss, so as to provide supplemental heat.

Covering for architectural opening including cell structures biased to open

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 cell operably connected to the support sheet. The at least one cell includes a vane material operably connected to a first side of the support sheet and a cell 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.

Methods and apparatus to control an architectural opening covering assembly

Methods and apparatus to control an architectural opening covering assembly are disclosed herein. An example method disclosed herein includes determining a position of a covering of an architectural opening covering assembly. The example method further includes determining a speed at which the covering is to move via a motor based on the position and a period of time. The example method also includes operating a motor to move the covering at the speed.

Retractable shade for coverings for architectural openings

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.

Slatted Roller Blind

A roller blind is disclosed which provides horizontal slats for directional shading, enabling the application of a screen fabric which allows a greater portion of visible light to pass therethrough. The disclosed slatted roller blind is free from the usage of ladder cords and is simplistic in design. The disclosed slatted roller blind maintains a compact formation of a roller shade when retracted and has greater resistance to skewing along the longitudinal axis of the roller while being retracted. Furthermore, the disclosed slatted roller blind design is capable of being utilized as an outdoor or indoor blind. 133-. (canceled)34. A roller blind , comprisinga screen configured to be wound and unwound between a retracted state and an extended. state, said screen including a screen material extending in a widthwise direction between opposed side edges and in a lengthwise direction between top and bottom edges, said screen material having a mesh configuration defining an open area of said screen for allowing the passage of light therethrough, the open area corresponding to greater than 10% of a total area of said screen; anda plurality of slats, each of said plurality of slats including a first longitudinal edge coupled to said screen and a second longitudinal edge opposite said first longitudinal edge, each of said plurality of slats defining a curved profile between said first and second longitudinal edges,wherein, when said screen is in the extended state, said plurality of slats are configured to provide directional shading by blocking at least a portion of the light passing through said screen.35. The roller blind of claim 34 , wherein the open area ranges from 40% to 50% of the total area of said screen.36. The roller blind of claim 34 , wherein:the open area of said screen is defined by a plurality of spaced apart apertures; andsaid plurality of spaced apart apertures are evenly spaced apart from one another such that the open area is distributed equally across ...

COVERING FOR ARCHITECTURAL OPENINGS WITH COORDINATED VANE SETS

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. 2. The flexible panel of claim 1 , wherein the first apex is adjacent the rear vertical support member.3. The flexible panel of claim 1 , wherein the first apex is adjacent the front vertical support member.4. The flexible panel of claim 1 , wherein the top vane is coupled to the rear vertical support member.5. The flexible panel of claim 1 , wherein the top vane is coupled to the front vertical support member.6. The flexible panel of claim 1 , wherein the top vane is coupled to the rear vertical support member and the first apex is adjacent the rear vertical support member and spaced from the first connection member.7. The flexible panel of claim 1 , wherein:the top vane is coupled to the front vertical support member; andthe first apex is adjacent the front vertical support member and spaced from the first connection member.8. The flexible panel of claim 1 , wherein each cell of the plurality of cells is spaced apart from another adjacent cell along the height of the front and rear vertical support members to form a gap allowing light to be transmitted uninterrupted through each gap from one of the front and rear vertical support members to the other of the front and rear vertical support members.9. The flexible panel of claim 1 , wherein in the front support member is formed of a sheer material.10. The flexible panel of claim 1 , wherein one of the front and rear vertical support members are formed of a material of high light transmissivity.11. The flexible panel of claim 1 , wherein the front vertical support member and the ...

Solar energy collector and thermal storage device

A solar energy collector and thermal storage device for placement in a building's exterior architectural opening is provided, having an insulating cavity including a first lite on the device exterior side and a second lite spaced inwardly therefrom, defining a depth of the insulating cavity, and being substantially filled with an insulating gas. A provided thermal storage cavity includes the second lite and a third lite spaced inwardly therefrom, defining a depth of the thermal storage cavity which is at least the same size as the insulating cavity depth, and is substantially filled with a thermal storage medium, which is a hydrogel adhering to the second lite and the third lite and having cohesion characteristics such that it is self supporting and maintains its shape within the thermal storage cavity. A low-emissivity coating disposed on the insulating cavity side of the second lite inhibits exterior thermal radiation transfer.

Roll-up retractable covering for architectural openings

A retractable covering for an architectural opening includes a headrail in which a control system is mounted and a fabric suspended from the headrail. The fabric is mounted to be moved laterally between a rolled up retracted position and an extended position across the architectural opening. At least one roller about which the fabric can be wrapped is mounted at an end of the headrail for rotation about a vertical axis, and the system includes a flexible control element that is substantially horizontally disposed for moving the covering between extended and retracted positions.

COVERING FOR ARCHITECTURAL OPENING INCLUDING CELL STRUCTURES BIASED TO OPEN

A covering 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 cell operably connected to the support sheet. The at least one cell includes a vane material operably connected to a first side of the support sheet and a cell 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. 1. A covering for an architectural opening , said covering comprising:a plurality of cells each formed from a vane material, said vane material of at least one of said cells including a crease extending along a length of said vane material; anda cell support member associated with said vane material of said at least one of said cells, said cell support member positioned adjacent to and extending lengthwise along said crease to provide a biasing force that expands said at least one of said cells.2. The covering of claim 1 , wherein said crease forms a bottom edge of said vane material.3. The covering of claim 1 , wherein a bottom edge of said cell support member is aligned with said crease.4. The covering of claim 1 , wherein said vane material of said at least one of said cells further comprises a main body and a tab separated from said main body by said crease.5. The covering of claim 4 , wherein:said vane material of said at least one of said cells includes a front surface having a first portion and a second portion;said first portion is associated with said main body and faces forwardly away from said support sheet; andsaid second portion is associated with said tab and faces rearwardly toward said support sheet.6. The covering of claim 4 , wherein said cell support member is associated with said main body of said vane material of said at least one of said cells.7. The covering of ...

Single-Track Stacking Panel Covering for an Architectural Opening

A single-track stacking panel covering for an architectural opening has a headrail for mounting the covering above and in front of the opening, such as a window or door. The headrail has a single track. Suspended from the headrail and translatable therealong are panels oriented at a small angle relative to the headrail. When the covering is open, the panels form an overlappingly stacked array at one end of the headrail. 1. A single-track stacking panel covering for an architectural opening , said covering comprising:a headrail for mounting said covering above and in front of said architectural opening said headrail having a longitudinal direction, a first and a second end, and a single track running in said longitudinal direction;a plurality of carriers disposed on said single track, said carriers being translatable in said longitudinal direction of said headrail to open and close said covering;a plurality of panels suspended below said headrail, one panel being suspended from each said carrier, each of said panels being oriented at a substantially fixed oblique angle relative to said longitudinal direction of said headrail, and having a width, a bottom and a top; andmeans for slidably linking each of said panels to those adjacent thereto, so that said panels may form an overlappingly stacked array at one of said first and second ends of said headrail by sliding one behind the next when said covering is opened.2. A single-track stacking panel covering as claimed in claim 1 , wherein said means for slidably linking each of said panels to those adjacent thereto comprises:a bar extending for said width of each of said panels at the bottoms thereof;a wire mounted to one side of said bar on each of said panels and extending substantially for the width thereof parallel to a surface of said bar;a guide loop on the opposite side of each of said bars at one of two ends thereof said guide loop being engaged with said wire in an adjacent panel so that each panel is slidably ...

ROLL-UP RETRACTABLE COVERING FOR ARCHITECTURAL OPENINGS

A retractable covering for an architectural opening includes a headrail in which a control system is mounted and a fabric suspended from the headrail. The fabric is mounted to be moved laterally between a rolled up retracted position and an extended position across the architectural opening. At least one roller about which the fabric can be wrapped is mounted at an end of the headrail for rotation about a vertical axis, and the system includes a flexible control element that is substantially horizontally disposed for moving the covering between extended and retracted positions. 1. A retractable covering for an architectural opening , said covering comprising:a roller rotatable about a vertical axis; anda fabric coupled with and wrappable about said roller;wherein beneath said roller said fabric is only wrapped about itself.2. A covering as in claim 1 , wherein each wrap of said fabric around said roller is spaced sufficiently so that said each wrap of fabric hangs substantially vertically downwardly and does not flare outwardly.3. A covering as in claim 1 , wherein said fabric comprises a fabric material including vertically-extending loops.4. A covering as in claim 1 , wherein said fabric comprises a front sheet that defines vertically-extending loops.5. A covering as in claim 4 , wherein:said fabric further comprises a backing sheet; andsaid front sheet is secured to said backing sheet to retain said loops in said front sheet.6. A covering as in claim 1 , wherein said fabric is movable between a retracted position in which said fabric is wrapped about said roller and an extended position in which said fabric is unwrapped from said roller and covers the architectural opening.7. A covering as in claim 6 , further comprising a spring operably coupled with said roller;wherein said fabric is biased toward said retracted position by said spring.8. A covering as in claim 7 , wherein said spring is positioned inside said roller.9. A covering as in claim 8 , wherein said ...

ROLL-UP COVERINGS FOR ARCHITECTURAL OPENINGS AND RELATED METHODS, SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

The disclosure provides roll-up coverings for an architectural opening, and various embodiments of ladder tapes. Embodiments of the roll-up covering include a roller, a first outer elongate tape, a first inner elongate tape and a plurality of slats disposed between the outer and inner elongate tapes. The first inner elongate tape can further defines a plurality of collapsible hinge segments disposed along the length of the first inner elongate tape. The collapsible hinge segments can be configured to collapse in order to decrease the effective length of the first inner elongate tape when the first inner elongate tape is rolled up around the roller. The collapsible hinge segments can further be configured to expand in order to increase the effective length of the first inner elongate tape when the roll-up covering is unrolled from the roller. 1. A roll-up covering for an architectural opening , comprising:at least a first outer elongate tape having a first end, a second end, a length that extends from the first end to the second end, a lateral width that extends perpendicular to its length, a thickness, and a first longitudinal axis extending along its length;at least a first inner elongate tape spaced from the outer elongate tape, the first inner elongate tape having a first end, a second end, a length that extends from the first end to the second end, a lateral width that extends perpendicular to its length, a thickness, and a second longitudinal axis extending along its length;a plurality of flexible slats attached to the first outer elongate tape and the first inner elongate tape, the slats each having a first end and a second end, an inner longitudinal edge and an outer longitudinal edge that extend from the first end to the second end and defining a length of the slat, an inner edge region along and in proximity to the inner longitudinal edge and an outer edge region along and in proximity to the outer longitudinal edge, and a width that extends from the inner ...

Methods and apparatus to control architectural opening covering assemblies

Methods and apparatus to control architectural opening covering assemblies are disclosed herein. An example architectural opening covering assembly includes a manual controller operatively coupled to a tube to rotate the tube. The tube includes an architectural opening covering. The example architectural opening covering assembly also includes a motor operatively coupled to the tube to rotate the tube. A local controller is communicatively coupled to the motor to control the motor. The example architectural opening covering assembly further includes a gravitational sensor to determine an angular position of the tube.

Single-track stacking panel covering for an archtectural opening

A single-track stacking panel covering for an architectural opening has a headrail for mounting the covering above and in front of the opening, such as a window or door. The headrail has a single track. Suspended from the headrail and translatable therealong are panels oriented at a small angle relative to the headrail. When the covering is open, the panels form an overlappingly stacked array at one end of the headrail.

Process and system for manufacturing a roller blind

A process and system for manufacturing roller blinds is provided which includes structure for performing plural steps including a first step of helically winding slat fabric about a drum, thereby forming a slat product. A second step includes moving the slat product from the drum to a platform. A third step includes winding the slat product about a roller tube to form a roller blind. A fourth step includes moving the blind from the platform to a heat treating device.

RETRACTABLE SHADE WITH COLLAPSIBLE VANES

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. 1. A covering for an architectural opening , the covering comprising:a rotatable roller;a support sheer coupled to said roller such that rotation of said roller moves said support sheer, said support sheer wrappable about said roller;at least one operating element coupled to said roller such that rotation of said roller moves said at least one operating element, said at least one operating element wrappable about said roller; andat least one vane extending across a face of said support sheer, said at least one vane including an upper edge portion coupled to said support sheer and a lower edge portion coupled to said at least one operating element such that relative movement between said support sheer and said at least one operating element causes relative movement between said upper and lower edge portions of said at least one vane, said at least one vane is movable between a closed position and an open position;', 'rotation of said roller in a first direction causes said support sheer to unwrap from said roller from a retracted position toward an extended position, ...

RETRACTABLE SHADE WITH COLLAPSIBLE VANES

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. 1. A covering for an architectural opening , said covering comprising:a rotatable roller;a support structure movable upon rotation of said roller;a plurality of operating elements movable upon rotation of said roller, said plurality of operating elements spaced across a width of said support structure; andat least one vane extending across a face of said support structure, said at least one vane including an upper edge portion supported by said support structure and a lower edge portion movable with said plurality of operating elements such that movement of said plurality of operating elements relative to said support structure causes movement of said lower edge portion towards or away from said upper edge portion.2. A covering as in claim 1 , wherein said at least one vane comprises a plurality of vanes each including an upper edge portion supported by said support structure and a lower edge portion movable with said plurality of operating elements such that movement of said plurality of operating elements relative to said support structure causes movement of said lower ...

METHODS AND APPARATUS TO CONTROL AN ARCHITECTURAL OPENING COVERING ASSEMBLY

Methods and apparatus to control an architectural opening covering assembly are disclosed herein. An example system includes a first architectural opening covering assembly to identify a first position of a first covering as a first reference position in response to a first command to store a first speed at which the first assembly is to be driven. The first assembly is to operate a first motor to move the first covering at the first stored speed in response to a second command. The example system includes a second architectural opening covering assembly to store a second speed at which the second covering is to be driven in response to a third command. The second assembly is to operate a second motor at the second stored speed in response to a fourth command to move the second covering. 1. A system including: identify a first position of the first covering as a first reference position in response to a first command to store a first speed at which the first architectural opening covering assembly is to be driven via a first motor;', 'store the first speed at which the covering is to be driven based on the first reference position in response to the first command; and', 'operate the first motor to move the first covering at the first stored speed in response to a second command to move the first covering; and, 'a first architectural opening covering assembly to identify a second position of the second covering as a second reference position in response to a third command to store a second speed at which the second architectural opening covering assembly is to be driven via a second motor;', 'store the second speed at which the second covering is to be driven based on the second reference position in response to the third command; and', 'operate the second motor to move the second covering at the second stored speed in response to a fourth command to move the second covering., 'a second architectural opening covering assembly to2. The system of claim 1 , further ...

RETRACTABLE SHADE FOR COVERINGS FOR ARCHITECTURAL OPENINGS

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. 1. A covering for an architectural opening , comprising:a roller;a support structure suspended from said roller; andresilient slats or vanes secured to said support structure at vertically-spaced locations and extending horizontally across said support structure, each of said resilient slats or vanes including a lower edge that is unsecured;wherein said support structure and said resilient slats or vanes are wrappable around said roller.2. The covering of claim 1 , wherein said resilient slats or vanes include an arcuate transverse cross section.3. The covering of claim 2 , wherein a concave side of said resilient slats or vanes faces said support structure.4. The covering of claim 2 , wherein said resilient slats or vanes are configured to resiliently deform when wrapped around said roller such that said resilient slats or vanes resume their arcuate transverse cross section when unwrapped from said roller.5. The covering of claim 1 , wherein said lower edge is supported by the next adjacent lower resilient slat of vane when said support structure is in a fully extended condition.6. The covering of claim 1 , wherein said each of said resilient slats or vanes include a height such that said resilient slats or vanes overlap a next adjacent lower resilient slat or vane when said support structure is ...

Covering for architectural openings with coordinated vane sets

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.

NONWOVEN FABRIC AND METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR MANUFACTURING SAME

An apparatus for fabricating a nonwoven fabric having the appearance of a woven fabric includes a supply station for parallel warp yarns, a support structure for orienting the parallel warp yarns into a cylindrical orientation, a weft yarn applicator for wrapping weft yarns around the cylindrically oriented warp yarns after an adhesive scrim has been overlaid onto the warp yarns, a heating station for activating the adhesive and a cooling station for setting the adhesive, and a cutter for severing the cylindrically formed fabric laminate so that it can be flattened and wrapped onto a take-up roller. A warp yarn alignment station includes two sets of rollers spaced apart to allow the warp yarns to pass between the two sets of rollers, wherein the of rollers are over-driven to provide a roller surface speed greater than a predetermined speed of the warp yarns. 1. An apparatus for forming a nonwoven sheet having a plurality of yarns substantially aligned in a warp direction , comprising:a rotatable beam containing a supply of roughly aligned warp yarns;a driven take up roll for pulling the warp yarns from the rotatable beam in a warp direction through the apparatus, wherein the take up roll pulls the warp yarns at a predetermined speed;an alignment station positioned between the rotatable beam and the driven take up roll, the alignment station comprising two sets of rollers aligned transversely to the warp direction, wherein the two sets of rollers rotate in opposite directions and are spaced apart to allow for passage of the warp yarns between the two sets of rollers, and wherein the two sets of rollers are over-driven to provide a roller surface speed that is greater than the predetermined speed of the warp yarns; andan adhesive application station positioned between the alignment station and the driven take up roll, the adhesive application station comprising a supply of adhesive and a carrier roller for applying the adhesive to one side of the substantially aligned ...

RETRACTABLE SHADE WITH COLLAPSIBLE VANES

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. 1. A panel for use in a covering for architectural openings moveable between open and closed positions comprising:a set of parallel lift elements,a set of parallel operating elements disposed in substantially the same plane as the lift elements,at least one strip of material having a body, first and second parallel edges, and a fold defining a tab, the first edge of each strip is operably connected to the lift elements and the tab is operably connected to the operating elements; whereinmovement of the operating elements in a first direction relative to the lift elements causes the strip to be in a substantially closed position and the tab to have a first angle relative to the body; andmovement of the operating elements in an opposite direction relative to the lift elements causes the second edge of the strip to be moved toward the first edge and the tab to have a second angle relative to the body, where the second angle is larger than the first angle.2. The panel of wherein there are a plurality of the strips disposed in parallel relationship with each other such that in ...

INSULATING SHADE FOR COVERING AN ARCHITECTURAL OPENING

An insulating shade assembly for an architectural opening includes a roller and an insulating shade. The insulating shade includes a shade core attached to and between first and second outer shade sheets. The shade core includes a number of inner shade sheets which are stacked upon one another and attached to one another in an offset manner. The shade core is expanded by moving the first and second outer shade sheets relative to one another, creating a number of cells for insulating air. 1. An insulating shade assembly for covering an architectural opening , said insulating shade assembly comprising:a roller, said roller being an elongated, substantially cylindrical member having a first side and a second side; anda shade, said shade being attached to said roller and comprising:a first outer shade sheet, said first outer shade sheet having a first end and a second end, said first end being attached to said first side of said roller;a second outer shade sheet, said second outer shade sheet having a first end and a second end, said first end being attached to said second side of said roller; anda shade core, said shade core having a first side and a second side, said first side being attached to said first outer shade sheet and said second side being attached to said second outer shade sheet, said shade core comprising a plurality of inner shade sheets, said inner shade sheets being stacked upon one another in an offset manner and attached to one another in an offset manner, so that, when said first and second outer shade sheets are moved in opposite directions relative to one another by the rotation of said roller, said shade core is opened to form a plurality of insulating cells bounded by said inner shade sheets.2. The insulating shade assembly as claimed in further comprising a bottom support member claim 1 , said bottom support member being a substantially rectangular member having a first side claim 1 , a second side claim 1 , and a width claim 1 , said second ...

SOLAR ENERGY COLLECTOR AND THERMAL STORAGE DEVICE

A solar energy collector and thermal storage device for placement in a building's exterior architectural opening is provided, having an insulating cavity including a first lite on the device exterior side and a second lite spaced inwardly therefrom, defining a depth of the insulating cavity, and being substantially filled with an insulating gas. A provided thermal storage cavity includes the second lite and a third lite spaced inwardly therefrom, defining a depth of the thermal storage cavity which is at least the same size as the insulating cavity depth, and is substantially filled with a thermal storage medium, which is a hydrogel adhering to the second lite and the third lite and having cohesion characteristics such that it is self supporting and maintains its shape within the thermal storage cavity. A low-emissivity coating disposed on the insulating cavity side of the second lite inhibits exterior thermal radiation transfer. 1. A solar energy collector and thermal storage device for placement in an exterior architectural opening of a building , comprising:an insulating cavity including a first lite on the device exterior side and a second lite spaced inwardly therefrom, defining a depth of the insulating cavity, and being substantially filled with an insulating gas;a thermal storage cavity including the second lite and a third lite spaced inwardly therefrom, defining a depth of the thermal storage cavity which is at least the same size as the insulating cavity depth, and being substantially filled with a thermal storage medium;the thermal storage medium is a hydrogel adhering to the second lite and the third lite and having cohesion characteristics such that it is self supporting and maintains its shape within the thermal storage cavity; anda low-emissivity coating disposed on the insulating cavity side of the second lite inhibits thermal radiation transfer from the thermal storage medium to the exterior.2. The solar energy collected of wherein the second lite ...

UNITARY ASSEMBLY FOR AN ARCHITECTURAL FENESTRATION, PROVIDING DYNAMIC SOLAR HEAT GAIN CONTROL

The present disclosure is related to a unitary assembly for an architectural fenestration, providing dynamic solar heat gain control, which (1) provides a track-based frame structure/blind combination in which the blind is self-correcting should the blind material fall outside of the track; (2) provides directional shading, where the assembly provides for dynamically controlling the amount of light allowed to reach the heat storage unit; (3) provides a blind motor without limiter switches and with a quick-release slip-ring; and (4) provides a heat storage unit which is a thermally efficient, transparent and translucent structure, with which gain from sunny winter days is greater than nighttime loss, so as to provide supplemental heat. 1. A unitary assembly for an architectural fenestration , providing dynamic solar heat gain control , comprising:a roller shade including shade material;louvers disposed on an exterior side of the shade material;the louvers having a curved cross section between a back edge, connected to the shade material, and a front edge, projecting outwardly therefrom;a guide track for receiving transversely opposing side sections of the shade material and for vertically guiding the shade material;a high gain, low-e insulating glazing disposed on an interior side of the track; anda heat storage element disposed on an interior side of the glazing.2. The assembly of claim 1 , wherein:the louvers have longitudinally opposing end sections which overlie the transversely opposing side sections of the shade material;the louver end sections are notched so that the end sections have a depth, from the back edge, which enables the end sections to fit within the guide track; anda depth of the louvers between the end sections is greater than the end sections.3. The assembly of claim 2 , wherein:the shade includes a substantially rigid weighted bottom rail connected to a bottom edge of the shade material; andthe bottom rail has opposing side sections which extend ...

Process And System For Manufacturing A Roller Blind

A process and system for manufacturing roller blinds is provided which includes structure for performing plural steps including a first step of helically winding slat fabric about a drum, thereby forming a slat product. A second step includes moving the slat product from the drum to a platform. A third step includes winding the slat product about a roller tube to form a roller blind. A fourth step includes moving the blind from the platform to a heat treating device. 1. A process of forming a slatted roller blind comprising:obtaining a fabric layered with a plurality of thermally formable slats including a first slat and a last slat, each slat having a face,winding the layered fabric into a coil having an axis such that the face of each slat is substantially parallel with the axis of the coil, wherein the first slat is the innermost slat of the coil and the last slat is the outermost slat of the coil, andheat treating the coil so as to set a wound shape into the slats such that the first slat has a smaller radius than the last slat.2. The process of claim 1 , where the slats are narrow compared with the screen height so that claim 1 , on the slatted roller blind claim 1 , adjacent slats are disconnected from each other and an open screen exists therebetween.3. A process of forming a slatted roller blind comprising:obtaining a fabric layered with a plurality of thermally formable slats,winding the slat layered fabric about a roller to create a fabric wound roll, andheat treating the fabric wound roll so as to set a wound shape into each slat.4. The process of further including encasing the wound fabric prior to heat treatment.5. The process claim 1 , where the slats are narrow compared with the screen height so that claim 1 , on the slatted roller blind claim 1 , adjacent slats are disconnected from each other and an open screen exists therebetween.6. A process for fabricating a blind claim 1 , comprising:a first step of helically winding thermally formable slat ...

SHUTTER WITH FIELD SERVICEABLE LOUVERS

A shutter is disclosed having plural substantially similar louvers, including a first louver having a first louver end, with a first end cap molded with a first gear projecting away from the louver. The louver includes a second louver end, widthwise opposing the first end, having a retractable boss projecting away from the louver. A frame includes a first stile and a widthwise opposing second stile, a top rail and a height-wise opposing bottom rail, defining a shutter fenestration. The first stile has a first widthwise inner-facing wall, which has plural height-wise spaced gear openings, each releasably receiving one gear and having a diameter that is at least as large as an addendum circle for the gear. The second stile has a second widthwise inner-facing wall, which has plural height-wise spaced boss openings for releasably receiving one retractable boss. Accordingly, the louvers are removably disposed in the shutter fenestration. 1. A shutter comprising:plural substantially similar louvers, including a first louver having a first louver end, with a first end cap molded with a first gear projecting away from the louver;a second louver end, widthwise opposing the first end, having a retractable boss projecting away from the louver;a frame including a first stile and a widthwise opposing second stile, a top rail and a height-wise opposing bottom rail, defining a shutter fenestration;the first stile has a first widthwise inner-facing wall, which has plural height-wise spaced gear openings, each releasably receiving one gear and having a diameter that is at least as large as an addendum circle for the gear;the second stile has a second widthwise inner-facing wall, which has plural height-wise spaced boss openings, each releasably receiving one retractable boss;whereby, the louvers are removably disposed in the shutter fenestration.2. The shutter of claim 1 , wherein the first louver end has an edge profile claim 1 , and the gear addendum circle diameter is larger than ...

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MAKING A WINDOW COVERING HAVING OPERABLE VANES

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. 1. A covering for use in an architectural opening , the covering comprising:a rotatable roller;a support sheer attached to the roller at a first attachment point and wrappable about the roller;a plurality of vanes extending across a face of the support sheer and attached to the support sheer, at least one vane movable between a closed position and an open position; andan operating element attached to the roller at a second attachment point and wrappable about the roller, the operating element operably associated with the at least one vane to effect movement of the at least one vane from the closed position to the open position, wherein during movement of the at least one vane from the closed position to the open position, the circumferential distance between the first attachment point of the support sheer and a disengagement point of the support sheer from the roller decreases, while the circumferential distance between the second attachment point of the operating element and a disengagement point of the operating element from the roller increases.2. The covering of claim 1 , wherein in the open position claim 1 , the at least one vane has an arcuate cross-sectional shape.3. The covering of claim 1 , wherein in the closed position claim 1 , the at least one vane is flattened into a substantially coplanar relationship with the support sheer.4. The covering of claim 1 , wherein the operating element is substantially coplanar with the support sheer.5. The covering ...

COVERING FOR ARCHITECTURAL OPENING INCLUDING THERMOFORMABLE SLAT VANES

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. 1. A covering for an architectural opening comprisinga support tube; a support sheet; and', 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 in a resilient arcuate shape 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., 'at least one vane connected to the support sheet and comprising'}], 'a panel operably connected to the support tube and configured to be wound around the support tube, the panel comprising'}2. The covering of claim 1 , wherein the support member is a thermoformable material.3. The covering of claim 1 , wherein the support member comprises an arc of curvature that is substantially the same as an arc of curvature for the support tube.4. The covering of claim 1 , wherein the at least one vane is configured extend away from the support sheet to an open position defining a chamber between the support sheet and the support member when the panel is in an extended position.5. The covering of claim 4 , wherein the support sheet is configured to substantially collapse into the vane claim 4 , substantially decreasing a size of the chamber when the panel is in a retracted position.6. The covering of claim 1 , wherein the vane material and the support member are integrally formed ...

Covering for architectural opening including cell structures biased to open

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 cell operably connected to the support sheet. The at least one cell includes a vane material operably connected to a first side of the support sheet and a cell 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.

RETRACTABLE SHADE WITH COLLAPSIBLE VANES

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. 1. A covering for an architectural opening , comprising:a rotatable roller;a support sheet attached to said roller and wrappable about said roller;a set of operating elements attached to said roller and wrappable about said roller;at least one strip of material having a first edge and a second edge, said first edge secured to said support sheet, said second edge secured to said operating elements and movable relative to said support sheet, wherein rotation of said roller in a first direction moves said second edge away from said first edge, and wherein rotation of said roller in a second, opposite direction moves said second edge toward said first edge.2. The covering of claim 1 , wherein when said second edge is moved toward said first edge such that said at least one strip of material is in a fully opened position claim 1 , said set of operating elements extend transversely beneath a lowermost point of said roller.3. The covering of claim 1 , wherein said at least one strip of material comprises a plurality of strips of material vertically spaced along said support ...

ARCHITECTURAL COVERING AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING

An architectural covering and a method of manufacturing the covering is provided. The panel may include multiple strips of material extending lengthwise across a width dimension of the panel. The strips of material may be overlapped and coupled to one another to define cells between adjacent strips of material. The panel may be retracted and extended across an architectural opening, and the strips of material may include a resilient support member to expand the cells as the panel is extended across the architectural opening. The panel may be manufactured by helically winding a continuous, elongate strip of material about a drum in an overlapped manner. 1. An architectural covering , the covering comprising: a first elongated strip of material including a first portion and a second portion separated from said first portion by a first fold; and', 'a second elongated strip of material including a third portion and a fourth portion separated from said third portion by a second fold, said second elongated strip of material overlapped with and coupled to said first elongated strip of material, said first and second elongated strips of material defining an enclosed cell between said first portion, said third portion, and said fourth portion., 'a panel comprising2. The covering of claim 1 , wherein:said first portion forms a front wall of the enclosed cell;said third portion forms a bottom wall of the enclosed cell; andsaid fourth portion forms a rear wall of the enclosed cell.3. The covering of claim 1 , wherein:said first portion and said third portion are visible from a front side of said panel; andsaid second portion and said fourth portion are hidden from a front side of said panel.4. The covering of claim 1 , wherein:said fourth portion overlaps and is coupled to said second portion; andsaid first portion overlaps said third portion.5. The covering of claim 4 , wherein:said first portion transitions into a first tab that is coupled to said third portion of said second ...

Single-Track Stacking Panel Covering for an Architectural Opening

A stacking panel covering for an architectural opening includes a headrail and a plurality of suspended from the headrail. The panels form an overlapped stack at one end of the headrail when the stacking panel covering is opened, and cover the architectural opening when the stacking panel covering is closed. The panels are piggybacked on those adjacent thereto, so that they stack, one behind the next, when the stacking panel covering is opened, and so that each pulls the next adjacent thereto as the stacking panel covering is being closed. The panels themselves may be planar, or convexly curved in a horizontal direction and substantially straight in a vertical direction.

METHODS AND APPARATUS TO CONTROL ARCHITECTURAL OPENING COVERING ASSEMBLIES

Methods and apparatus to control architectural opening covering assemblies are disclosed herein. An architectural covering assembly including an architectural covering; a tube to which the architectural covering is coupled; a manual controller operatively coupled to the tube to rotate the tube; a motor including a motor housing and a motor shaft; and a clutch assembly including a clutch and a clutch housing in which the clutch is disposed, the motor shaft coupled to the clutch and the clutch coupled to the manual controller to hold the motor shaft substantially stationary when the architectural covering is moved under an influence of the motor to cause the motor housing to rotate with the clutch housing and the tube. 1. An architectural covering assembly , comprising:an architectural covering;a tube to which said architectural covering is coupled;a manual controller operatively coupled to said tube to rotate said tube;a motor including a motor housing and a motor shaft; anda clutch assembly including a clutch and a clutch housing in which said clutch is disposed,wherein said motor shaft is coupled to said clutch and said clutch is coupled to said manual controller to hold said motor shaft substantially stationary when said architectural covering is moved under an influence of said motor to cause said motor housing to rotate with said clutch housing and said tube.2. The architectural covering assembly of claim 1 , wherein said clutch assembly is disposed within and coupled to said tube.3. The architectural covering assembly of claim 1 , wherein said clutch is structured to resist relative movement between said manual controller and said clutch housing when said architectural covering is moved under an influence of said manual controller to cause said manual controller to rotate with said clutch claim 1 , said clutch housing claim 1 , and said tube.4. The architectural covering assembly of claim 1 , wherein said clutch assembly holds said motor shaft substantially ...

Single-Track Stacking Panel Covering for an Architectural Opening

A stacking panel covering for an architectural opening includes a headrail and a plurality of suspended from the headrail. The panels form an overlapped stack at one end of the headrail when the stacking panel covering is opened, and cover the architectural opening when the stacking panel covering is closed. The panels are piggybacked on those adjacent thereto, so that they stack, one behind the next, when the stacking panel covering is opened, and so that each pulls the next adjacent thereto as the stacking panel covering is being closed. The panels themselves may be planar, or convexly curved in a horizontal direction and substantially straight in a vertical direction. 120-. (canceled)21. A stacking panel covering for an architectural opening , said stacking panel covering comprising:a headrail configured to be mounted relative to the architectural opening, said headrail having a longitudinal direction, and a first end and a second end; anda plurality of panels provided in operative association with said headrail, each of said panels having a first upper corner and a second upper corner, said panels including a first panel positioned closest to said first end of said headrail, a second panel positioned closest to said second end of said headrail, and a plurality of intermediate panels positioned between said first and second panels;wherein:said first upper corner of said first panel is slidably attached to said headrail;each of said first upper corner of said second panel and said first upper corners of said intermediate panels are slidably coupled to an adjacent panel positioned closer to said first end of said headrail such that said first upper corner of said second panel and said first upper corners of said intermediate panels are each vertically supported relative to said headrail by an adjacent panel;said second upper corner of said first panel and said second upper corners of said intermediate panels are slidable in said longitudinal direction of said ...

COVERING FOR ARCHITECTURAL OPENINGS WITH COORDINATED VANE SETS

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. 1. A flexible panel for an architectural opening , said flexible panel comprising:a front exterior vertical support member having a height and width;a rear exterior vertical support member having a height and a width, the rear exterior vertical support member moveable relative to the front exterior vertical support member;a plurality of vane cells; anda plurality of gap cells different from the vane cells;wherein:each vane cell is formed of a pair of a top vane portion and a bottom vane portion where each top vane portion and bottom vane portion extends from the front exterior vertical support member to the rear exterior vertical support member, the pair of the top vane portion and the bottom vane portion enclosing an interior space when the front and rear exterior vertical support members are spaced apart from each other; andeach gap cell formed by a portion of the front exterior support member, a portion of the rear exterior support member, the bottom vane portion from a top vane cell, and the top vane portion from a bottom vane cell; andboth the vane cells and gap cells are spaced along the height of the front exterior vertical support member and the rear exterior vertical support member when the front exterior vertical support member and the rear vertical support member are spaced apart from each other.2. The panel of claim 1 , wherein:each vane cell has a vane cell height along the front and rear exterior vertical support members;each gap cell has a gap cell height along the front and rear exterior vertical support members; ...

Single-track stacking panel covering for an archtectural opening

A single-track stacking panel covering for an architectural opening has a headrail for mounting the covering above and in front of the opening, such as a window or door. The headrail has a single track. Suspended from the headrail and translatable therealong are panels oriented at a small angle relative to the headrail. When the covering is open, the panels form an overlappingly stacked array at one end of the headrail.

Covering for architectural openings with coordinated vane sets

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.

FABRIC PANELS, SHEER FABRICS, AND/OR COVERING FOR ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES, AND RELATED SYSTEMS

A sheer fabric for use in a fabric panel is disclosed where the sheer fabric is formed from a plurality of yarns having a denier from about 25 up to 35, wherein the plurality of yarns are configured and arranged as a plurality of diagonal structures each forming a diamond-shaped opening, wherein the sheer fabric has an openness factor of about seventy five percent (75%) and greater. In one or more embodiments the sheer fabric has properties that resist the formation of puckers, including in an embodiment an improved elongation percentage upon application of a force, and in one or more aspects, an improved variability of the elongation percentage upon application of the force. Additional and alternative properties of the sheer fabric are disclosed. The sheer fabric finds application in a fabric panel or assembly that can be used as a light-controlling covering. 1. A sheer fabric for use in a fabric panel comprising:a plurality of yarns having a denier from about 25 up to 35, wherein the plurality of yarns are configured to form a plurality of diagonal structures each having a diamond-shaped opening, wherein the sheer fabric has an openness factor of about seventy five percent (75%) and greater.2. The sheer fabric according to claim 1 , wherein the sheer fabric has an elongation percentage upon application of a 0.03 pound force in the machine direction (MD) of on average less than about 0.70% in the machine direction (MD) with a variability of the elongation percentage on average of less than 0.100% upon application of the 0.03 pound force in the machine direction (MD).3. The sheer fabric according to claim 1 , wherein the sheer fabric has an elongation percentage upon application of a 2 pound force in the machine direction (MD) of on average less than about 5.0% in the machine direction (MD) with a variability of the elongation percentage on average of less than 0.38% upon application of the 2 pound force in the machine direction (MD).4. The sheer fabric according to ...

COVERING FOR ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES, RELATED SYSTEMS, AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE

A covering for an architectural feature having generally horizontal vane elements coupled to and located between generally front and rear generally vertical support members, which in preferred embodiments are adjustable to control the amount of light transmitted through the covering. In one embodiment the covering has three dimensional multi-layered, cellular vanes, and in another embodiment, the one or more support members are formed of a dark color, the rear support member(s) may be formed of material that is darker than the front support member(s), or vise versa. In another embodiment, the support members, e.g., sheers, have an openness factor, preferably as low as about sixty-five percent (65%) to as large as about ninety percent (90%). Other embodiments include structure, assemblies and methods for controlling the closure of the covering as well as embodiments of bottom rail assemblies. Also provided is a method of manufacturing the covering.

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MAKING A WINDOW COVERING HAVING OPERABLE VANES

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. 1. A method of making a covering for an architectural opening , said method comprising:operatively coupling a support material and at least one operating element to a roller for selective rotative movement during use, said support material having a length and a width, said at least one operating element extending along at least a part of said length of said support material;extending a plurality of vanes horizontally across said width of said support material, each vane including an upper edge and a lower edge;coupling said upper edge of each of said vanes to a front face of said support material;coupling said lower edge of each of said vanes to said at least one operating element;wherein:said lower edge of each of said vanes moves relative to said upper edge of each of said vanes by moving said at least one operating element; andsaid at least one operating element is movable with respect to said upper edge of each of said vanes and said support material.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said at least one operating element and said support material are positioned on one side of said at least one vane.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said at least one operating element is slidingly received between said upper edge of each of said vanes and said support material.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein each of said vanes is movable between a closed position claim 1 , wherein each vane is substantially flat and generally parallel with respect to said support material ...

RETRACTABLE SHADE WITH COLLAPSIBLE VANES

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. 1. A covering for an architectural opening , the covering movable between open and closed positions , the covering comprising:a rotatable roller;a support sheet attached to and wrappable about the roller;an operating element attached to and wrappable about the roller; anda strip of material having a first edge portion and a second edge portion, the first edge portion attached to the support sheet and the second edge portion attached to the operating element, the second edge portion movable along a face of the support sheet relative to the first edge portion;wherein, when the covering is in the open position, the support sheet is disposed in a first vertical plane offset rearwardly from a second vertical plane bisecting the roller and the operating element is wrapped about a portion of the roller and extends beneath a lowermost point of the roller toward the support sheet.2. The covering of claim 1 , wherein rotation of the roller in a first direction moves the second edge portion away from the first edge portion claim 1 , and wherein rotation of the roller in a second ...

COVERING FOR ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES, RELATED SYSTEMS, AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE

A covering for an architectural feature having generally horizontal vane elements coupled to and located between generally front and rear generally vertical support members, which in preferred embodiments can adjust and control the amount and quality of light transmitted through the covering is described. In one embodiment the covering has three dimensional multi-layered, cellular vanes, which are aesthetically appealing and practically useful for privacy and shading purposes. In another embodiment, the one or more support members are formed of a dark color, and in one example, the support members may be black, grey and/or brown, and in a further example, the rear support member(s) may be formed of material that are darker than the front support member(s), or vise versa. In another embodiment, the support members, e.g., sheers, have an openness factor, preferably as low as about sixty-five percent (65%) to as large as about ninety percent (90%). Other embodiments include structure, assemblies and methods for controlling the closure of the covering as well as embodiments of bottom rail assemblies. Also provided is a method of manufacturing the covering. 2. The flexible panel of claim 1 , wherein the rear support member has an openness factor greater than the openness factor of the front support member.3. The flexible panel of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the front and rear vertical support members has an openness factor of about seventy-five percent (75%) or greater.4. The flexible panel of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the front and rear vertical support members is selected from the group consisting of a knit Tulle sheer fabric and a Leno sheer fabric.5. The flexible panel of claim 4 , wherein at least the other of the front and rear vertical support members is selected from the group consisting of a knit Tulle fabric and a Leno fabric.6. The flexible panel of claim 4 , wherein the front fabric is a Leno fabric.7. The flexible panel of claim 1 , wherein at ...

COVERING FOR ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES, AND RELATED SYSTEMS, METHODS OF OPERATION, AND MANUFACTURE

A covering for an architectural feature having generally horizontal vane elements extending between generally inner and outer vertical support members that can adjust and control the amount and quality of light transmitted through the covering is described. In one embodiment, the covering has elongate tapes as vertical support members that have a width substantially less than the length of the vane elements, and adjacent inner and adjacent outer elongate tapes are separated by a distance. In one embodiment, the vane elements are multi-layered, cellular vanes. The elongated multilayered vanes may include elongate stiffeners that may be associated with, coupled to, and or inserted within pockets formed in, the multilayered vanes. Also disclosed is a method of operation and manufacture. 1. A covering for controlling the transmission of light through an architectural feature , the covering comprising: at least a first outer elongate tape having a first end, a second end, a length extending between the first end and second end, and a lateral width perpendicular to the length;', 'at least a first inner elongate tape having a first end, a second end, a length extending between the first end and second end, and a lateral width perpendicular to the length; and', 'a plurality of flexible slats, each slat having at least one slat layer with a first end, a second end, an inner longitudinal edge, an outer longitudinal edge, a length extending between the first end and second end, and a width extending between the inner longitudinal edge and the outer longitudinal edge, the plurality of slats disposed between and spaced apart along the respective lengths of the first outer elongate tape and first inner elongate tape, each slat oriented with its length transverse to the respective lengths of the first outer elongate tape and first inner elongate tape, movement of the inner and outer elongate tapes configured to manipulate the slats between multiple positions;', 'wherein:', 'at ...

SLATTED ROLLER BLIND

A roller blind is disclosed which provides horizontal slats for directional shading, enabling the application of a screen fabric which allows a greater portion of visible light to pass therethrough. The disclosed slatted roller blind is free from the usage of ladder cords and is simplistic in design. The disclosed slatted roller blind maintains a compact formation of a roller shade when retracted and has greater resistance to skewing along the longitudinal axis of the roller while being retracted. Furthermore, the disclosed slatted roller blind design is capable of being utilized as an outdoor or indoor blind. 1. A method of shaping a slat of a covering for an architectural opening , comprising:coupling at least two slats to a screen, said at least two slats spaced apart from one another to define a space between adjacent slats of said at least two slats;rolling said screen and said at least two slats about a roller to mechanically conform a shape of said at least two slats to a radius of curvature defined at least partially by said roller and underlying portions of said screen and any underlying slats of said at least two slats; andheating said at least two slats after conforming said shape of said at least two slats to said radius of curvature defined at least partially by said roller and underlying portions of said screen and any underlying slats of said at least two slats.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein said coupling at least two slats to a screen comprises coupling at least two slats having a rectangular profile to a screen.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein said slats are formed from a material which retains said radius of curvature defined by said roller when said covering is in an extended position.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein coupling at least two slats to a screen comprises coupling each of said at least two slats along an upper edge of said slat.5. The method of claim 1 , wherein each slat includes an upper edge claim 1 , a lower edge claim 1 , ...

Roll-up coverings for architectural openings and related methods, systems and devices

The disclosure provides roll-up coverings for an architectural opening, and various embodiments of ladder tapes. Embodiments of the roll-up covering include a roller, a first outer elongate tape, a first inner elongate tape and a plurality of slats disposed between the outer and inner elongate tapes. The first inner elongate tape can further defines a plurality of collapsible hinge segments disposed along the length of the first inner elongate tape. The collapsible hinge segments can be configured to collapse in order to decrease the effective length of the first inner elongate tape when the first inner elongate tape is rolled up around the roller. The collapsible hinge segments can further be configured to expand in order to increase the effective length of the first inner elongate tape when the roll-up covering is unrolled from the roller.

MULTI-LAYER FABRIC AND COVERINGS FOR ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE

The present disclosure relates to multi-layered fabrics and coverings for architectural features and methods for manufacturing the same. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a three-dimensional multi-layered fabric having a first or front exterior layer, a plurality of intermediate or interior layers, and a second or back exterior layer, which are separable from one another, and their method of manufacture, and panels and/or coverings for architectural features having or comprised of a multi-layered fabric, and methods of making the same. The plurality of interior layers extends between the exterior layers, and the separation and stitching of the two paired intermediate layers from at least one of the front exterior layer and back exterior layer are at different locations (points), respectively, which facilitates the formation of a cell, and controls the size and shape of the cell that may form between the two paired, intermediate layers. 1. A multi-layered fabric comprising:a first exterior layer;a second exterior layer;a first intermediate layer extending between the first and second exterior layers; and 'wherein the first intermediate layer is weaved together with at least one of the first exterior layer and second exterior layer at a different location than the location at which the second intermediate layer is weaved together with the at least one of the first exterior layer and second exterior layer.', 'a second intermediate layer extending between the first and second exterior layers, the second intermediate layer being separate from the first intermediate layer;'}2. The multi-layered fabric according to claim 1 , wherein the first intermediate layer is weaved together with at least the other of the first exterior layer and the second exterior layer at a different location than the location at which the second intermediate layer is weaved together with the at least other of the first exterior layer and second exterior layer.3. The multi- ...

COVERING FOR AN ARCHITECTURAL OPENING HAVING COVED SLATS

A covering for an architectural opening is provided. The covering may include a roller, a sheet attached to the roller, and at least two slats attached to the sheet. The at least two slats may extend lengthwise across a full width of the sheet. The at least two slats may be spaced vertically apart from one another to define a gap between adjacent slats of the at least two slats. Each slat of the at least two slats may have an arcuate profile. The at least two slats and the sheet may be rolled onto and unrolled from the roller. The at least two slats may be rigid or semi-rigid to provide stiffness to the support sheet. 1. A covering for an architectural opening , comprising:a roller;a sheet attached to the roller; andat least two slats attached to the sheet and extending lengthwise across a width of the sheet, the at least two slats spaced apart from one another to define a gap between adjacent slats of the at least two slats, the at least two slats having an arcuate profile, wherein the at least two slats and the sheet are rollable onto and unrollable from the roller.2. The covering according to claim 1 , wherein the at least two slats have different radii relative to one another.3. The covering according to claim 1 , wherein:the at least two slats comprise a first slat positioned adjacent an upper edge of the sheet and a second slat positioned adjacent a lower edge of the sheet;the first slat has a first radius of curvature; andthe second slat has a second radius of curvature larger than the first radius of curvature.4. The covering according to claim 1 , wherein the at least two slats have substantially the same radius as the roller.5. The covering according to claim 1 , wherein the at least two slats extend across an entire width of the sheet.6. The covering according to claim 1 , further comprising a guide frame that overlaps end portions of the at least two slats.7. The covering according to claim 1 , wherein the adjacent slats are parallel to one another.8. ...

CONTROL OF ARCHITECTURAL OPENING COVERINGS

Apparatus and methods for controlling architectural opening coverings are described herein. An example apparatus includes a roller tube, a motor including a motor drive shaft and a motor casing, the motor casing to rotate with the roller tube, and a manual control including a manual control drive shaft coupled to the motor drive shaft, the motor to apply torque to the roller tube through rotation of the motor casing. 1. An apparatus comprising:a roller tube;a motor including a motor drive shaft and a motor casing, the motor casing to rotate with the roller tube; anda manual control including a manual control drive shaft coupled to the motor drive shaft, the motor to apply torque to the roller tube through rotation of the motor casing.2. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 , further comprising a gearbox having gearbox drive shaft coupled to the motor drive shaft.3. An apparatus as defined in claim 2 , wherein the motor casing is coupled to the roller tube via the gearbox.4. An apparatus as defined in claim 2 , wherein the motor drive shaft is coupled to the manual control drive shaft by the gearbox drive shaft.5. An apparatus as defined in claim 4 , further comprising a shaft connector to couple the gearbox drive shaft with the manual control drive shaft.6. An apparatus as defined in claim 5 , wherein the shaft connector substantially prevents the motor and the manual control from applying torque in a first direction.7. An apparatus as defined in claim 5 , wherein the shaft connector is a one-way roller bearing.8. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 , wherein the manual control includes a brake.9. An apparatus as defined in claim 1 , wherein the brake keeps the manual control substantially stationary while the motor is operating and the manual control is not operated.10. An apparatus comprising:a manual control having a protrusion;a female coupling to receive the protrusion;a gearbox coupled to the female coupling; anda motor having a shaft coupled to the gearbox.11. ...

COVERING FOR ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES,RELATED SYSTEMS, AND METHODS OF MANUFACTURE

A covering for an architectural feature having generally horizontal vane elements coupled to and located between generally front and rear generally vertical support members, which in preferred embodiments are adjustable to control the amount of light transmitted through the covering. In one embodiment the covering has three dimensional multi-layered, cellular vanes, and in another embodiment, the one or more support members are formed of a dark color, the rear support member(s) may be formed of material that is darker than the front support member(s), or vise versa. In another embodiment, the support members, e.g., sheers, have an openness factor, preferably as low as about sixty-five percent (65%) to as large as about ninety percent (90%). Other embodiments include structure, assemblies and methods for controlling the closure of the covering as well as embodiments of bottom rail assemblies. Also provided is a method of manufacturing the covering. 2. The covering of claim 1 , wherein the first vertical support sheer has an openness factor within a range of seventy-five percent (75%) to eighty-five percent (85%).3. The covering of claim 1 , wherein the yarns forming the first vertical support sheer have a denier claim 1 , and the denier of at least one of the yarns in the first vertical support sheer is within a range of about 16 to about 24.4. The covering of claim 3 , wherein all the yarns forming the first vertical support sheer have a denier within the range of 16 to 24.5. The covering of claim 1 , wherein at least one of the yarns forming the first vertical support sheer is a monofilament yarn.6. The covering of claim 1 , wherein the first vertical support sheer is configured so that the weight of the panel aligns with the yarns of the first vertical support sheer.7. The covering of claim 1 , wherein the first vertical support sheer is formed from a woven fabric having yarns in a machine-direction and yarns in a cross-direction orthogonal to the machine- ...

APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR MAKING A WINDOW COVERING HAVING OPERABLE VANES

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. 1. A method for manufacturing a covering for an architectural opening , comprising:extending, by a first transport assembly, a vane across a support material;extending, by a second transport assembly, at least one operating element along a length of the support material; wherein the at least one operating element is positioned between the vane and the support material; andattaching a first portion of the vane to the support material and a second portion of the vane to the at least one operating element, wherein the second portion of the vane moves relative to the first portion by moving the at least one operating element.2. The method of manufacturing of claim 1 , further comprising cutting claim 1 , by a shearing mechanism claim 1 , the vane so that the vane has the same width as a width of the support material.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein prior to extending the vane across the support material claim 1 , storing by an accumulator the vane to prepare the vane to be extended across the support material.4. The method of claim 1 , wherein the attaching step comprises bonding claim 1 , by a bonding bar claim 1 , a first portion of the vane to the support material and a second portion of the vane to the at least one operating element.5. The method of claim 4 , wherein the first portion of the vane is bonded discontinuously along a width to the support material.6. The method of claim 5 , wherein the bonding bar applies at least one of heat or pressure ...

ROLL-UP COVERINGS FOR ARCHITECTURAL OPENINGS AND RELATED METHODS, SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

The disclosure provides roll-up coverings for an architectural opening, and various embodiments of ladder tapes. Embodiments of the roll-up covering include a roller, a first outer elongate tape, a first inner elongate tape and a plurality of slats disposed between the outer and inner elongate tapes. The first inner elongate tape can further defines a plurality of collapsible hinge segments disposed along the length of the first inner elongate tape. The collapsible hinge segments can be configured to collapse in order to decrease the effective length of the first inner elongate tape when the first inner elongate tape is rolled up around the roller. The collapsible hinge segments can further be configured to expand in order to increase the effective length of the first inner elongate tape when the roll-up covering is unrolled from the roller. 1. A roll-up covering for an architectural opening , comprising:a) a roller having a first end and a second end and defining a width between the first end and the second end, the roller defining a central rotational axis;b) a first outer elongate tape having a first end, a second end, and defining a length between the first end and the second end, the first outer elongate tape further defining a lateral width, a thickness and a first central longitudinal axis between the first end and second end of the first outer elongate tape, the first end of the first outer elongate tape being attached to the roller such that the first central longitudinal axis of the first outer elongate tape is oriented generally orthogonally with respect to the central rotational axis of the roller;c) a first inner elongate tape disposed proximate to the outer elongate tape, the first inner elongate tape having a first end, a second end, and defining a length between the first end and the second end, the first inner elongate tape further defining a lateral width, a thickness and a second central longitudinal axis between the first end and second end of ...

Methods and apparatus to control an architectural opening covering assembly

Methods and apparatus to control an architectural opening covering assembly are disclosed herein. An example method disclosed herein includes determining a position of a covering of an architectural opening covering assembly. The example method further includes determining a speed at which the covering is to move via a motor based on the position and a period of time. The example method also includes operating a motor to move the covering at the speed.

Methods and apparatus to control architectural opening covering assemblies

Methods and apparatus to control architectural opening covering assemblies are disclosed herein. An example architectural opening covering assembly includes a manual controller operatively coupled to a tube to rotate the tube. The tube includes an architectural opening covering. The example architectural opening covering assembly also includes a motor operatively coupled to the tube to rotate the tube. A local controller is communicatively coupled to the motor to control the motor. The example architectural opening covering assembly further includes a gravitational sensor to determine an angular position of the tube.

ROLL-UP RETRACTABLE COVERING FOR ARCHITECTURAL OPENINGS

A retractable covering for an architectural opening includes a headrail in which a control system is mounted and a fabric suspended from the headrail. The fabric is mounted to be moved laterally between a rolled up retracted position and an extended position across the architectural opening. At least one roller about which the fabric can be wrapped is mounted at an end of the headrail for rotation about a vertical axis, and the system includes a flexible control element that is substantially horizontally disposed for moving the covering between extended and retracted positions. 1. A retractable covering for an architectural opening , comprising:a headrail;a roller attached to the headrail and rotatable about a vertical axis;a support strap attached at one end to the roller, the support strap wrappable about the roller;a plurality of hangers spaced along the length of and attached to the support strap; anda fabric panel having an upper edge portion attached to the plurality of hangers so that the support strap is unwrapped from or wrapped about the roller as the fabric panel is extended or retracted across the architectural opening.2. The covering of claim 1 , wherein each hanger of the plurality of hangers includes a connector releasably attached to the support strap.3. The covering of claim 2 , wherein the connector of each hanger is positioned at the top end of the hanger.4. The covering of claim 2 , wherein the connector includes a male element positioned on one side of the support strap and a female element positioned on an opposite side of the support strap.5. The covering of claim 4 , wherein the male element is releasably mated with the female element.6. The covering of claim 4 , wherein a portion of the male element protrudes outwardly from the one side of the support strap.7. The covering of claim 4 , wherein the male element of each connector defines a forwardly-opening claim 4 , horizontal channel.8. The covering of claim 4 , wherein a portion of the ...

METHODS AND APPARATUS TO CONTROL AN ARCHITECTURAL OPENING COVERING ASSEMBLY

Methods and apparatus to control an architectural opening covering assembly are disclosed herein. An example system includes a first architectural opening covering assembly to identify a first position of a first covering as a first reference position in response to a first command to store a first speed at which the first assembly is to be driven. The first assembly is to operate a first motor to move the first covering at the first stored speed in response to a second command. The example system includes a second architectural opening covering assembly to store a second speed at which the second covering is to be driven in response to a third command. The second assembly is to operate a second motor at the second stored speed in response to a fourth command to move the second covering. 1. An apparatus comprising:a first rail;a second rail;a first motor to move the first rail;a second motor to move the second rail; and determine a first distance between a current position of the first rail and a first reference position for the first rail;', 'calculate a first speed at which the first motor is to move the first rail based on the first distance and a predetermined amount of time;', 'determine a second distance between a current position of the second rail and a second reference position for the second rail;', 'calculate a second speed at which the second motor is to move the second rail based on the second distance and the predetermined amount of time; and', 'activate the first motor to move the first rail at the first speed and activate the second motor to move the second rail at the second speed such that the first rail arrives at the first reference position at the same time as the second rail arrives at the second reference position., 'a processor to2. The apparatus of claim 1 , wherein the processor is to activate the first motor and the second motor in response to a command.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , wherein the command is a wireless command signal from an ...

METHODS AND APPARATUS TO CONTROL ARCHITECTURAL OPENING COVERING ASSEMBLIES

Methods and apparatus to control architectural opening covering assemblies are disclosed herein. An architectural covering assembly including an architectural covering; a tube to which the architectural covering is coupled; a manual controller operatively coupled to the tube to rotate the tube; a motor including a motor housing and a motor shaft; and a clutch assembly including a clutch and a clutch housing in which the clutch is disposed, the motor shaft coupled to the clutch and the clutch coupled to the manual controller to hold the motor shaft substantially stationary when the architectural covering is moved under an influence of the motor to cause the motor housing to rotate with the clutch housing and the tube. 1. An architectural covering assembly comprising:a roller tube;a manual controller;a motor including a motor housing and a motor shaft; anda clutch including a frame coupled to said motor housing and said roller tube such that said roller tube rotates with said motor housing; said clutch is configured to disengage said frame from said motor shaft when said motor is energized to enable said motor housing and said roller tube to rotate relative to said motor shaft, and', 'said clutch is configured to engage said frame with said motor shaft when said manual controller is operated to enable said manual controller to rotate said motor shaft, said motor housing, and said frame to rotate said roller tube., 'wherein2. The architectural covering assembly of claim 1 , wherein said clutch includes:a coupling; anda drive shaft that couples said coupling to said manual controller.3. The architectural covering assembly of claim 2 , wherein said coupling includes a bore claim 2 , said motor shaft is disposed in said bore claim 2 , and a portion of said frame extends into said bore of said coupling.4. The architectural covering assembly of claim 3 , wherein said motor shaft includes an inner shaft and an outer shaft concentric to said inner shaft claim 3 , and wherein ...

ARCHITECTURAL COVERING AND METHOD OF MANUFACTURING

An architectural covering and a method of manufacturing the covering is provided. The panel may include multiple strips of material extending lengthwise across a width dimension of the panel. The strips of material may be overlapped and coupled to one another to define cells between adjacent strips of material. The panel may be retracted and extended across an architectural opening, and the strips of material may include a resilient support member to expand the cells as the panel is extended across the architectural opening. The panel may be manufactured by helically winding a continuous, elongate strip of material about a drum in an overlapped manner. 2. The covering of claim 1 , wherein a front surface of the top end portion of the second elongated overlapping strip of material of the second set of overlapping strips of material is coupled to a rear surface of the bottom end portion of an immediate adjacent second elongated strip of material of the second set of overlapping strips of material at a first coupling line.3. The covering of claim 2 , wherein the first portion of the first elongated overlapping strip of material of the first set of overlapping strips of material is coupled to a front surface of the bottom end portion of one of the second set of overlapping strips of material proximate the first coupling line.4. The covering of claim 3 , wherein claim 3 , in use claim 3 , the first portion of the first elongated overlapping strips of material of the first set of overlapping strips of material include a second fold positioned between the first coupling line and the first fold.5. The covering of claim 1 , wherein the first portion of the first overlapping strips of material of the first set of overlapping strips of material comprise a front layer claim 1 , a rear layer claim 1 , and a support member positioned between the front layer and the rear layer claim 1 , the first portion comprises the front layer claim 1 , the rear layer claim 1 , and the support ...

ROLL-UP COVERINGS FOR ARCHITECTURAL OPENINGS AND RELATED METHODS, SYSTEMS AND DEVICES

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. 1. A method for assembling a covering having a custom length for an architectural opening , said method comprising the steps of:providing a first outer elongate tape having a first end and a second end opposite said first end, a length along a first central longitudinal axis extending between said first end and said second end that is selected to correspond to the custom length of said covering, a lateral width substantially perpendicular to said length, and a thickness substantially perpendicular to said length and width;providing a first inner elongate tape having a first end and a second end opposite said first end, a length along a second central longitudinal axis extending between said first end and said second end that is selected to correspond to the custom length of said covering, a lateral width substantially perpendicular to said length, and a thickness substantially perpendicular to said length and width;providing a plurality of flexible slats having a first end and a second end, an inner longitudinal edge and an outer longitudinal edge between said first end and said second end and defining a ...

COVERING FOR ARCHITECTURAL FEATURES, AND RELATED SYSTEMS, METHODS OF OPERATION, AND MANUFACTURE

A covering for an architectural feature having generally horizontal vane elements extending between generally inner and outer vertical support members that can adjust and control the amount and quality of light transmitted through the covering is described. In one embodiment, the covering has elongate tapes as vertical support members that have a width substantially less than the length of the vane elements, and adjacent inner and adjacent outer elongate tapes are separated by a distance. In one embodiment, the vane elements are multi-layered, cellular vanes. The elongated multilayered vanes may include elongate stiffeners that may be associated with, coupled to, and or inserted within pockets formed in, the multilayered vanes. Also disclosed is a method of operation and manufacture. 1. A covering for an architectural feature having a width and a height , the covering for adjusting the amount of light that passes there through and comprising:a flexible panel having a width, a top end and a bottom end defining a height of the panel, the panel comprising:a flexible first vertical support member having a height;a flexible second vertical support member having a height; anda plurality of horizontally-extending, flexible vanes spaced along the height of the first vertical support member and along the height of the second vertical support member, each of the plurality of flexible vanes having a length and a width, the length of the plurality of flexible vanes corresponding to and substantially the same as the width of the panel, each of the plurality of flexible vanes operably coupled to both the first vertical support member and the second vertical support member, the plurality of flexible vanes moveable, by operation of at least one of the first vertical support member and the second vertical support member, between a first position that permits light to pass through the flexible panel and a second position that inhibits light from passing through the flexible panel; ...

PERIMETER LIGHT BLOCKOUT SYSTEM

A perimeter light blockout system for minimizing light leakage between light gaps such as, for example, between the sides of a covering (e.g., shade) of an architectural-structure covering and the interior side surfaces of a window frame, or between the covering and the outer surface of an interior wall is disclosed. The perimeter light blockout system including a light blocking device and a mounting element for coupling the light blocking device to the interior side surface of the window frame, or the outer surface of the interior wall. The light blocking device may include rear and front channel members. The mounting element may be a mounting extrusion. Alternatively, the mounting element may be a spring clip. In use, the light blocking device may be adapted and configured so as not to contact the covering as the covering moves between extended and retracted positions. The mounting element may include a degree of adjustment so that the light blocking device may be aligned with an out-of-skew window frame. 1. A perimeter light blockout system for minimizing an amount of light passing between gaps formed between a covering and a surface of a window frame or wall , said system comprising:a light blocking device; anda mounting element for coupling said light blocking device to the surface of the window frame or wall;wherein said mounting element provides a degree of adjustment relative to said light blocking device so that said light blocking device is aligned with an out-of-skew window frame.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein said mounting element releasably connects said light blocking device to the surface of the window frame or wall to enable a user to remove all or part of said light blocking device.3. The system of claim 1 , wherein said mounting element includes first and second arms for engaging one or more projections extending from said light blocking device.4. The system of claim 3 , wherein said one or more projections include a plurality of serrations so ...

COVERING FOR ARCHITECTURAL OPENING INCLUDING THERMOFORMABLE SLAT VANES

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. 1. A covering for an architectural opening , the covering comprising:a support tube; anda panel operatively connected to said support tube for moving said panel between an extended position and a retracted position, said panel including:a support sheet coupled to said support tube; andat least two vanes, each vane being coupled to said support sheet, wherein an appearance of an individual vane or a collection of vanes positioned below said support tube remains unchanged during movement between said extended and retracted positions; andwherein:said at least two vanes includes at least an upper vane and a lower vane, each of said upper and lower vanes comprising:a vane material; anda support member operably connected to said vane material and configured in a resilient arcuate shape to bias said vane material from said support sheet to form a pseudo-cell when said panel is in said extended position and to conform said vane material to an arcuate shape of said support member when said panel is in said extended position; andsaid upper vane includes an unattached bottom edge extending downwardly towards said lower vane.2. The covering of claim 1 , wherein said unattached bottom edge of said upper vane rests on said lower vane.3. The covering of claim 2 , wherein said support member operably connected to said vane material of said upper vane contacts said lower vane when said panel is in said ...

CONTROL OF ARCHITECTURAL OPENING COVERINGS

Apparatus and methods for controlling architectural opening coverings are described herein. An example apparatus includes a roller tube, a motor including a motor drive shaft and a motor casing, the motor casing to rotate with the roller tube, and a manual control including a manual control drive shaft coupled to the motor drive shaft, the motor to apply torque to the roller tube through rotation of the motor casing. 1. (canceled)2. An apparatus for operating a covering for an architectural structure , said apparatus comprising:a covering;a motor including a motor drive shaft and a motor casing, said motor casing mounted to rotate to cause movement of said covering during motorized operation; anda manual control structured to rotate said motor drive shaft, said manual control structured to rotate said motor casing when said manual control is operated and said motor is not operated to cause movement of said covering.3. The apparatus of claim 2 , further including a roller tube.4. The apparatus of claim 3 , further including a gearbox having a gearbox drive shaft coupled to said motor drive shaft and a shaft connector coupled to the gearbox drive shaft and the manual control claim 3 , said motor coupled to said manual control via the gearbox drive shaft and the shaft connector.5. The apparatus of claim 4 , further including a roller tube claim 4 , said motor casing mounted to rotate said roller tube claim 4 , wherein said motor casing is coupled to said roller tube via said gearbox.6. The apparatus of claim 3 , further including a bracket claim 3 , said bracket rotatably coupled to said manual control.7. The apparatus of claim 6 , wherein said motor drive shaft is stationary with respect to said bracket while said motor casing rotates with said roller tube during the motorized operation.8. The apparatus of claim 6 , further including a one-way slip bearing assembly coupling said manual control to said motor drive shaft.9. The apparatus of claim 8 , further including a ...

COVERING FOR ARCHITECTURAL OPENING INCLUDING CELL STRUCTURES BIASED TO OPEN

A covering 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 cell operably connected to the support sheet. The at least one cell includes a vane material operably connected to a first side of the support sheet and a cell 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. 1. A covering for an architectural opening , the covering comprising:a support tube; and a support sheet coupled to said support tube; and', 'at least two vanes, each vane being coupled to said support sheet, wherein an appearance of an individual vane or a collection of vanes positioned below said support tube remains unchanged during movement between said extended and retracted positions; and, 'a panel operatively connected to said support tube for moving said panel between an extended position and a retracted position, said panel includingwherein: a vane material; and', 'a support member operably connected to said vane material and configured in a resilient arcuate shape to bias said vane material from said support sheet to form a pseudo-cell when said panel is in said extended position and to conform said vane material to an arcuate shape of said support member when said panel is in said extended position., 'said at least two vanes includes at least an upper vane and a lower vane, each of said upper and lower vanes comprising2. The covering of claim 1 , wherein said support member is operably connected to an inner surface of said vane material.3. The covering of claim 1 , wherein during movement from said extended position to said retracted position claim 1 , said appearance of said individual vane or said collection of vanes remains unchanged until engagement of said individual ...

RETRACTABLE SHADE WITH COLLAPSIBLE VANES

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. 1. A covering for an architectural opening , said covering comprising:a roller for selective rotative movement for extending and retracting said covering during use;a support movable upon rotation of said roller;at least one vane extending across said support; andat least one operating element extending along a length of said support, said at least one operating element movable with respect to said support; an upper portion of said at least one vane is fixed against movement with respect to said support;', 'a lower portion of said at least one vane is fixed with respect to said at least one operating element; and', 'said lower portion of said at least one vane is movable relative to said upper portion of said at least one vane by rotating said roller to move said at least one operating element., 'wherein2. The covering of claim 1 , wherein said support claim 1 , said at least one vane and said at least one operating element are selectively wrappable around said roller during extension and retraction of said covering.3. The covering of claim 1 , wherein said at least one ...

PROCESS AND SYSTEM FOR MANUFACTURING A ROLLER BLIND

A process and system for manufacturing roller blinds is provided which includes structure for performing plural steps including a first step of helically winding slat fabric about a drum, thereby forming a slat product. A second step includes moving the slat product from the drum to a platform. A third step includes winding the slat product about a roller tube to form a roller blind. A fourth step includes moving the blind from the platform to a heat treating device. 1. A method of manufacturing a blind including a roller and a covering material , the covering material being formed by overlapped layers of fabric , the method comprising:helically winding fabric about a drum to form the covering material formed by the overlapped layers of fabric, the covering material including one or more cells;attaching the roller to a top end of the covering material;winding the covering material about the roller; andheat treating the blind to set a wound shape into each layer of the overlapped layers of fabric.2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more cells includes a first cell and a second cell claim 1 , a first adjacent layer of the overlapped layers of fabric forms a rear surface of the first cell and a front surface of the second cell.3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the one or more cells includes a first cell and a second cell claim 1 , each of the first and second cells includes a front surface and a rear surface claim 1 , the rear surface of each of the first and second cells is formed from a first layer of the overlapped layers of the covering material claim 1 , the front surface of each of the first and second cells is formed by a later laid second layer of the overlapped layers of the covering material claim 1 , the later laid second layer being laid on top of the first layer.4. The method of claim 1 , further comprising:attaching a second layer of the overlapped layers of the covering material to a previously laid first layer of the overlapped layers of the ...

PERIMETER LIGHT BLOCKOUT SYSTEM

A perimeter light blockout system for minimizing light leakage between light gaps such as, for example, between the sides of a covering (e.g., shade) of an architectural-structure covering and the interior side surfaces of a window frame, or between the covering and the outer surface of an interior wall is disclosed. The perimeter light blockout system including a light blocking device and a mounting element for coupling the light blocking device to the interior side surface of the window frame, or the outer surface of the interior wall. The light blocking device may include rear and front channel members. The mounting element may be a mounting extrusion. Alternatively, the mounting element may be a spring clip. In use, the light blocking device may be adapted and configured so as not to contact the covering as the covering moves between extended and retracted positions. The mounting element may include a degree of adjustment so that the light blocking device may be aligned with an out-of-skew window frame. 1. A perimeter light blockout system for minimizing an amount of light passing between gaps formed between a covering and a surface of a window frame or wall , said system comprising:a mounting element configured to be mounted to the surface of the window frame or wall; anda light blocking device configured to be coupled to the mounting element;wherein said light blocking device includes a rear channel member releasably coupled to a front channel member so that when said front channel member is directly coupled to said rear channel member, said light blocking device has a channel for receiving the covering therein; andwherein said mounting element includes first and second arms for engaging one or more projections extending from said light blocking device.2. The system of claim 1 , wherein said rear and front channel members each have an approximate L-shape so that when said front channel member is directly coupled to said rear channel member claim 1 , said light ...

Apparatus and method for winding a boom

Compressible structural panel

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.

Method and apparatus for mounting and sealing honeycomb insulation material

ABSTRACT Mounting apparatus for expandable honeycomb insulation panels includes a head rail for anchoring the panel to a window jamb or wall and a sill rail at the opposite end of the honeycomb panel for contracting and expanding the honeycomb panel to move it upwardly and downwardly over the window surface. Lift mechanisms for the sill rail include a vertical drop cord lift system, a parallel bar cord guided system, and a continuous loop cord system. Edge seals for closing and sealing the end of the honeycomb insulation panel include a biased, elongated seal element positioned in side tracks for slideably guiding the honeycomb panel along a prescribed track while sealing the ends thereof. In an alternate embodiment, notched bearing edges are provided to accommodate a web track protruding therein. Other features include adjustable panel mounting.

Fabric light control window covering

A fabric light control window covering in which fabric vanes are adhesively bonded between two sheer fabric sheets such that relative movement between the sheer fabric sheets in a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the fabric vanes changes the angle of the fabric vanes and, thus, controls the amount of light admitted through the shade. The vanes are bonded to the sheer fabric sheets in a manner which tends to bias the sheer fabric sheets together to the nonlight admitting position. Also, disclosed are methods and apparatus for manufacturing the above window covering. The method features linear application of adhesive to the vane material which provides for a uniform appearance in the finished product. A heat setting process and apparatus is disclosed in which the bonded layers of sheer fabrics and vanes are fed between belts over hot and cool surfaces, under uniform tension and pressure. This provides for heat setting of the layers of the window covering to a uniform temperature-size relationship without inducing wrinkles or distortion into the fabric during heat setting.

Solar energy collector and thermal storage device

A solar energy collector and thermal storage device for placement in a building's exterior architectural opening is provided, having an insulating cavity including a first lite on the device exterior side and a second lite spaced inwardly therefrom, defining a depth of the insulating cavity, and being substantially filled with an insulating gas. A provided thermal storage cavity includes the second lite and a third lite spaced inwardly therefrom, defining a depth of the thermal storage cavity which is at least the same size as the insulating cavity depth, and is substantially filled with a thermal storage medium, which is a hydrogel adhering to the second lite and the third lite and having cohesion characteristics such that it is self supporting and maintains its shape within the thermal storage cavity. A low-emissivity coating disposed on the insulating cavity side of the second lite inhibits exterior thermal radiation transfer.

Covering assembly for architectural openings

A covering for an architectural opening such as a window or door is in the form of a vertically oriented fabric assembly having front and rear sheer fabrics interconnected by vertically extending vanes. The vanes can be tilted through a series of carriers mounted on a track rail from which the covering is suspended in order to adjust the spacing between the fabrics between open and closed positions and adjust the light transmitting characteristics of the covering. The covering can be extended across the opening by separating the carriers on the track rail and can be contracted by stacking the carriers toward one end of the track rail. A unique design of carrier allows the covering to fold on itself in the contracted state, in the manner of a conventional drape.

Vane for an architectural covering and method of making same

A vane for an architectural covering, such as of the type used in a window openings, is designed for vertical suspension so as to resist twisting along its length. The vane is constructed in a tubular configuration and may have one or more internal hollow cells. The external configuration of the vane may simulate an air foil or have other related configurations. The vanes are preferably made of a material having diagonal, dimensional stability or memory, i.e. the ability to resist stretching in a direction diagonal to the length or width of the material. A reinforcing strip can be inserted into an open end of the vane to provide a positive and durable attachment for suspending the vane from an operating system.

Translucent insulated glass panel

A translucent insulated glass panel includes first and second glass plates separated from one another by a spacer. Together with the spacer, the first and second glass plates form a closed cavity. The closed cavity is filled with a translucent insulating material, preferably an aerogel material. The latter is in a compressed state, so that it will not settle over the course of time to produce an empty space or gap at the top of the panel.

Ladder operated covering with fixed vanes for architectural openings

A covering for an architectural opening in the form of a Venetian blind includes a plurality of supporting ladders for horizontally disposed but vertically spaced slats with the ladders including vertically extending spaced guide cords and interconnecting rungs at vertically spaced locations along the guide cords. The rungs support associated slats in a horizontal orientation and the slats are connected to the rungs so that when the guide cords are shifted vertically relative to each other causing the rungs to tilt, the slats are positively moved between a horizontal disposition and a substantially vertical disposition in which a light blocking seal between the slats is established.

Retractable shade for coverings for architectural openings

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.

Slatted roller blind

A roller blind is disclosed which provides horizontal slats for directional shading, enabling the application of a screen fabric which allows a greater portion of visible light to pass therethrough. The disclosed slatted roller blind is free from the usage of ladder cords and is simplistic in design. The disclosed slatted roller blind maintains a compact formation of a roller shade when retracted and has greater resistance to skewing along the longitudinal axis of the roller while being retracted. Furthermore, the disclosed slatted roller blind design is capable of being utilized as an outdoor or indoor blind.

Honeycomb blind constructions and method of assembling honeycomb blind constructions

Mounting apparatus for expandable honeycomb insulation panels includes a head rail for anchoring the panel to a window jamb or wall and a sill rail at the opposite end of the honeycomb panel for contracting and expanding the honeycomb panel to move it upwardly and downwardly over the window surface. Lift mechanisms for the sill rail include a vertical drop cord lift system, a parallel bar cord guided system, and a continuous loop cord system. Edge seals for closing and sealing the end of the honeycomb insulation panel include a biased, elongated seal element positioned in side tracks for slideably guiding the honeycomb panel along a prescribed track while sealing the ends thereof. In an alternate embodiment, notched bearing edges are provided to accommodate a web track protruding therein. Other features include adjustable panel mounting.

Covering for architectural features, related systems, and methods of manufacture

A covering (100) for an architectural feature having generally horizontal vane elements (112) coupled to and located between generally front and rear generally vertical support members (118, 120), which in preferred embodiments can adjust and control the amount and quality of light transmitted through the covering is described. In one embodiment the covering has three dimensional multi-layered, cellular vanes, which are aesthetically appealing and practically useful for privacy and shading purposes. In another embodiment, the one or more support members are formed of a dark color, and in one example, the support members may be black, grey and/or brown, and in a further example, the rear support member(s) may be formed of material that are darker than the front support member(s), or vise versa. In another embodiment, the support members, e.g., sheers, have an openness factor, preferably as low as about sixty-five percent (65%) to as large as about ninety percent (90%). Other embodiments include structure, assemblies and methods for controlling the closure of the covering as well as embodiments of bottom rail assemblies. Also provided is a method of manufacturing the covering.

Single-track stacking panel covering for an architectural opening

A stacking panel covering for an architectural opening includes a headrail and a plurality of suspended from the headrail. The panels form an overlapped stack at one end of the headrail when the stacking panel covering is opened, and cover the architectural opening when the stacking panel covering is closed. The panels are piggybacked on those adjacent thereto, so that they stack, one behind the next, when the stacking panel covering is opened, and so that each pulls the next adjacent thereto as the stacking panel covering is being closed. The panels themselves may be planar, or convexly curved in a horizontal direction and substantially straight in a vertical direction.

Methods and apparatus to control an architectural opening covering assembly.

En este documento se divulgan métodos y aparatos para controlar un montaje de recubrimiento para abertura arquitectónica. Un método ejemplar aquí divulgado incluye determinar una posición de un recubrimiento de un montaje de recubrimiento para abertura arquitectónica. El método ejemplar incluye, además, determinar una velocidad a la que el recubrimiento se va a mover a través de un motor con base en la posición y un periodo de tiempo. El método ejemplar también incluye operar un motor para mover el recubrimiento a la velocidad.

Apparatus and method for making a window covering having operable vanes

Compressible structural panel

Bottom-up/top-down retractable cellular shade

A covering for an architectural opening includes a head rail, a bottom rail with a take-up roller therein and an intermediate rail with both the intermediate rail and bottom rail suspended from the head rail, a fabric material interconnecting the intermediate rail with the bottom rail and being adapted to be wrapped around the roller in the bottom rail, said fabric including a pair of vertically oriented sheets that are horizontally spaced by a plurality of vertically spaced horizontal vanes with the vanes being movable between open and closed positions by opposite vertical movement of the sheets of material. In a first embodiment a first control system is provided for raising and lowering the bottom rail and a second control system for raising and lowering the intermediate rail as well as tilting the intermediate rail to effect an opening or closing of the vanes. In alternative embodiment, the bottom rail is controlled with a spring balanced system so that it remains in any position in which it is normally set.

Compressible building panel

COMPRESSIBLE STRUCTURAL PANEL.

Un panel estructural compresible de techo o de pared (50, 94, 102, 108, 132, 154, 182, 200), que comprende: - al menos una lámina externa (54, 54¿, 116, 136, 168, 204) de material que tiene una cara interna externa; - una pluralidad de separadores compresibles (52, 52¿, 105, 110, 134, 152, 170, 184, 208) asegurados a dicha cara interna y que sobresalen desde la misma; y - medios de conexión (56, 56¿, 96, 130, 138, 166, 206) para asegurar dichos separadores entre sí en lugares distantes de dicha lámina externa; - en que cada separador es longitudinalmente alargado y comprende tabiques laterales longitudinales (98, 104, 120, 122, 192, 214) y líneas de doblado longitudinales (74, 106, 128, 140, 142, 156, 160, 172, 174, 216) de tal manera que, aplicando presión a la lámina externa (54, 54¿, 116, 136, 168, 204) o a los medios de conexión (56, 56¿, 96, 130, 138, 166, 206), dichos separadores (52, 52¿, 105, 110, 134, 152, 170, 174, 208) son obligados a doblarse a lo largo de dichas líneas de doblado y a comprimirse para reducir el grosor del panel (50, 94, 102, 108, 132, 154, 182, 200); - en que cada separador (52, 52¿, 105, 110, 134, 152, 170, 184, 208) está expandido cuando se encuentra en una posición de reposo y es elástico a fin de volver a esa configuración después de haber sido comprimido de tal manera que el panel (50, 94, 102, 108, 132, 154, 182, 200) adoptará una forma expandida en su condición normal en reposo; y - en que dichos separadores (52, 52¿, 105, 110, 134, 152, 170, 184, 208) comprenden láminas separadas de un material semirrígido pero doblable; caracterizado porque: - el material doblable está hecho de fibras de vidrio unidas entre sí en una resina de tal manera que cada una de dichas líneas de doblado (74, 106, 128, 140, 142, 156, 160, 172, 174, 216) es elástica y comprende un pliegue formado sin dañar en grado importante dichas fibras. A compressible structural roof or wall panel (50, 94, 102, 108, 132, 154, 182, 200), comprising: - at least one ...

Control system for coverings for architectural openings

A control system for a vertically moveable covering for an architectural opening includes a uni-directional drive assembly that is operated with a single pull element such that upon pulling of the pull element, the covering can be raised in increments. A clutch/brake assembly selectively prevents the covering from dropping by gravity between pulling strokes on the pulling element, but a release of the brake allows the shade to drop by gravity from its retracted position to any degree of extension. A governor is further provided to regulate the rate at which the covering drops by gravity. A cord lift system which is operated by the main drive assembly and the clutch/brake assembly includes a rotatable and axially slidable spool about which a lift cord can be wound. The lift cord has one end anchored to the spool and its opposite end extended through a supporting bracket for the spool and downwardly through the covering where the opposite end is anchored to a bottom rail such that a wrapping of the lift cord about the spool lifts the bottom rail thereby causing the covering to be raised adjacent to the lift spool. The lift cord is tangentially fed to the lift spool and forced into an angular wrap on the spool while an outer shell spaced a small distance from the spool prevents multiple wraps so that the lift cord does not become tangled. A return spring biases the spool in one direction to facilitate a controlled movement of the covering from a retracted to an extended position.

Break away operating cord system for retractable coverings for architectural openings

A break away operating cord system for retractable coverings for architectural openings such as windows, doors, arches or the like includes a mounting plate to which an operating cord is attached and wherein the mounting plate is releasable from the remainder of the control system for the retractable covering allowing the operating cord to be separated from most of the covering to avoid injury to a child or infant whose head might be trapped within the closed operating cord loop.

cover for architectural openings with coordinated fin assemblies

COBERTURA PARA ABERTURAS ARQUITETÔNICAS COM CONJUNTOS DE ALETA COORDENADOS Uma cobertura para uma abertura arquitetônica incluindo um rolo, um trilho terminal e um painel giratório para o rolo e se estendendo entre o rolo e o trilho terminal. O painel inclui uma folha frontal, uma folha traseira e uma célula se estendendo entre a folha frontal e a traseira. Quando a folha frontal está em uma primeira posição em relação à folha traseira, a célula está aberta. Quando a folha frontal está em uma segunda posição em relação à folha traseira, a célula está fechada. COVERAGE FOR ARCHITECTURAL OPENINGS WITH COORDINATED FLIP SETS A cover for an architectural opening including a roller, a terminal rail and a rotating panel for the roller and extending between the roller and the terminal rail. The panel includes a front sheet, a back sheet and a cell extending between the front and rear sheets. When the front sheet is in a first position in relation to the back sheet, the cell is open. When the front sheet is in a second position in relation to the back sheet, the cell is closed.

Beam winding apparatus

An apparatus and method for winding a sheet of aligned parallel yarns onto a beam is described. The beam winder utilizes a circularly arced yarn spool rack that feeds each yarn to an alignment comb through associated guide tubes. The distance between each spool of yarn and the alignment comb is substantially the same for all spools of yarn, thereby equalizing the force necessary to pull them to the comb. Next, the aligned sheet of material is preshrunk using heated rollers and wound onto a beam. Multiple speed controlled stepper motors are utilized to maintain a constant low level of tension in the sheet during the shrinking process. After shrinkage, the tension level of the yarn sheet is increased as it is wrapped onto the beam. A turntable that supports two or more beams is provided to facilitate the rapid switching of beams once one beam has become full.

Pressure laminator apparatus and non-woven fabric formed thereby

This invention relates to a lamination apparatus and in particular to a dual belt driven, continuous pressure lamination apparatus that utilizes pressure, heat and cooling to bond at least two substrates (plies) with an adhesive between the layers of the substrates. The pressure laminator of the present invention has been specifically designed to permit the permanent joining of at least two fabric substrates with an adhesive between the fabric substrates, with little or no shrinkage occurring during the lamination process. The resulting non-woven fabric advantageously has the appearance of a woven fabric, but has superior strength characteristics there over. The pressure laminator of the present invention can have other uses, for example, printed circuit board substrate manufacture, and the like, as will be appreciated by those having ordinary skill in this art.

Nonwoven fabric and method and apparatus for manufacturing same

An apparatus for fabricating a unique nonwoven fabric which has the appearance of a woven fabric includes a supply station for parallel warp yarns, a support structure for orienting the parallel warp yarns into a cylindrical orientation, a weft yarn applicator for wrapping weft yarns around the cylindrically oriented warp yarns after an adhesive scrim has been overlaid onto the warp yarns, a heating station for activating the adhesive and a cooling station for setting the adhesive, and a cutter for severing the cylindrically formed fabric laminate so that it can be flattened and wrapped onto a take-up roller. The weft yarn applicator including a rotating drum wherein a plurality of spools of weft yarn material are mounted in circumferentially spaced relationship and a tensioner is provided for applying the weft yarn material around the warp yarns in a predetermined tension which may be the same as, greater than, or less than the tension in the warp yarns.

Method of manufacture of expandable and collapsible single-panel shades of fabric

Single-panel pleated shades are created through an adaptation of methods used to create cellular shades. The cellular shades are created by known methods, and are then cut longitudinally to divide them into two single-panel pleated shades. Advantages of the invention include its enhanced appearance and low cost.

Retractable shade with collapsible vanes

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.

Covering for architectural features

Methods and apparatus to control an architectural opening covering assembly

Methods and apparatus to control an architectural opening covering assembly are disclosed herein. An example architectural opening covering assembly includes a tube and a covering coupled to the tube such that rotation of the tube winds or unwinds the covering around the tube. A motor is operatively coupled to the tube to rotate the tube. The example architectural opening covering assembly also includes a gravitational sensor to generate tube position information based on a gravity reference. The example architectural opening covering assembly further includes a controller communicatively coupled to the motor to control the motor. The controller is to determine a position of the covering based on the tube position information. (FIG. 1) UYMIN11NU UU V EK1N1Ni A;Ii3V1flL Y Inventors: Colson et. al. Attorney Docket No.: HZ-140.00-353 115, 134 128 126 120 -112 1 l30

Perimeter light blockout system

A perimeter light blockout system for minimizing light leakage between light gaps such as, for example, between the sides of a covering (e.g., shade) of an architectural-structure covering and the interior side surfaces of a window frame, or between the covering and the outer surface of an interior wall is disclosed. The perimeter light blockout system including a light blocking device and a mounting element for coupling the light blocking device to the interior side surface of the window frame, or the outer surface of the interior wall. The light blocking device may include rear and front channel members. The mounting element may be a mounting extrusion. Alternatively, the mounting element may be a spring clip. In use, the light blocking device may be adapted and configured so as not to contact the covering as the covering moves between extended and retracted positions. The mounting element may include a degree of adjustment so that the light blocking device may be aligned with an out-of-skew window frame.

Retractable shade for coverings for architectural openings

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.

window coverings

Cellular shade and method and apparatus for manufacturing same

Honeycomb blind constructions

An expandable honeycomb blind construction comprising a plurality of elongated parallel cell structures formed together into the panel (16), notched bearing surfaces (390) extending into the ends of said cell structures (16) that form the lateral edges of said panel, edge track means (360) positioned adjacent said lateral edges of said panel for defining the path of said panel and retaining said panel in the path, said edge track means including an elongated rib protruding into said notched bearing surface in said panel and moveable cell structure support means (14) attached to and supporting a moveable end of said panel (16) for pulling and pushing said panel over the path defined by said edge track, and drive means connected to said moveable cell structure support means (14) for moving said moveable cell structure (16) and support means (14) through said path.

Roll-up retractable covering for architectural openings

A retractable covering for an architectural opening includes a headrail in which a control system is mounted and a fabric suspended from the headrail. The fabric is mounted to be moved laterally between a rolled up retracted position and an extended position across the architectural opening. At least one roller about which the fabric can be wrapped is mounted at an end of the headrail for rotation about a vertical axis, and the system includes a flexible control element that is substantially horizontally disposed for moving the covering between extended and retracted positions.

Cellular shade and method and apparatus for manufacturing same

A three dimensional cellular shade 20 attached to a roller. The cells 28 of the shade expand outward as the shade is unrolled. The shade is made from two sheets of fabric. One of the fabrics is decorative 24, the other fabric 22 is more functional. The decorative fabric 24 is longer in length than the functional fabric 22. The two fabrics are joined together along a plurality of joints 26 extending down the length of the shade. These joints are uniformly displaced from one another. The ratio of decorative fabric to functional fabric between any two joints is greater than one. This ratio is important for ensuring that the cells will expand outward as the shade is unrolled.

Fabrication apparatus for an assembly of vanes for an architectural covering

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.

ESTORE MOUNTING OF ESTORE AND ITS MANUFACTURING PROCESS

Retractable shade with collapsible vanes

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.