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US 10,501,988 B2Granted
Power assist module for coverings for architectural structures
AssigneeHunter Douglas Inc.
InventorRobert E. Fisher
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
In one aspect, a power assist module for covering for an architectural structure may include a spring and a spring shaft extending through the spring. Additionally, the power assist module may include a threaded shaft member coupled to the spring shaft and a follower member rotationally coupled to the threaded shaft member such that the follower member is moved axially along the threaded shaft member as the follower member is rotated relative to the threaded shaft member.
Claims20
A power assist module for a covering for an architectural structure, said power assist module comprising:
- a spring shaft;
- a spring mounted on said spring shaft;
- a threaded shaft member coupled to said spring shaft said, threaded shaft member including a threaded portion defining a plurality of external threads;
- and
- a drive plug assembly coupled to said threaded shaft member for rotation relative thereto, said drive plug assembly comprising:
- a follower member defining a shaft opening configured to receive said threaded shaft member;
- and
- a separate threaded insert positioned within a portion of said shaft opening of said follower member, said threaded insert defining a plurality of internal threads, said plurality of internal threads configured to threadably engage said plurality of external threads of said threaded shaft member such that said follower member is moved axially along said threaded shaft member as said drive plug assembly is rotated relative to said threaded shaft member;
- wherein said internal threads of said threaded insert are formed from a dissimilar type of material than said external threads of said threaded shaft member.
6 more elements
A power assist module for a covering for an architectural structure, said power assist module comprising:
- a spring shaft;
- a spring mounted on said spring shaft;
- a threaded shaft member coupled to said spring shaft, said threaded shaft member including a first stop formed from a first metal material;
- and
- a drive plug assembly including a follower member and a separate threaded insert received within said follower member, said threaded insert configured to threadably engage a threaded portion of said threaded shaft member such that said follower member is moved axially along said threaded shaft member as said follower member is rotated relative to said threaded shaft member, said follower member including a second stop formed from a second metal material;
- wherein said second stop is configured to contact said first stop when said follower member has moved axially relative to said threaded shaft member a given axial distance to prevent further rotation of said follower member relative to said threaded shaft member in a given rotational direction.
3 more elements
A power assist module for a covering for an architectural structure, said power assist module comprising:
- a spring shaft;
- a spring mounted on said spring shaft;
- a threaded shaft member coupled to said spring shaft, said threaded shaft member including a first stop and defining a plurality of external threads, said first stop and said external threads being formed from at least one first metal material;
- and
- a drive plug assembly coupled to said threaded shaft member for rotation relative thereto, said drive plug assembly comprising:
- a follower member defining a shaft opening configured to receive said threaded shaft member, said follower member including a second stop formed from at least one second metal material;
- and
- a separate threaded insert positioned within a portion of said shaft opening of said follower member, said threaded insert defining a plurality of internal threads formed from a polymer material, said internal threads of said threaded insert being configured to threadably engage said external threads of said threaded shaft member such that said follower member is moved axially along said threaded shaft member as said drive plug assembly is rotated relative to said threaded shaft member;
- wherein said second stop is configured to contact said first stop when said follower member has moved axially relative to said threaded shaft member a given axial distance to prevent further rotation of said follower member relative to said threaded shaft member in a given rotational direction.
6 more elements
A covering for an architectural structure, said covering comprising:
- a rotator tube;
- and
- a power assist module configured to be installed within said rotator tube, said power assist module comprising
- a spring having a first end and a second end;
- a threaded shaft member extending at least partially through said spring;
- a spring plug coupled to said first end of said spring;
- a drive plug assembly coupled to said threaded shaft member for rotation relative thereto, said drive plug assembly comprising:
- a tube adapter member coupled to said rotator tube for rotation therewith;
- a follower member coupling said second end of said spring to said tube adapter, said follower member defining a shaft opening configured to receive said threaded shaft member;
- and
- a separate threaded insert positioned within a portion of said shaft opening of said follower member, said threaded insert being configured to threadably engage a threaded portion of said threaded shaft member such that said follower member is moved axially along said threaded shaft member as said drive plug assembly is rotated relative to said threaded shaft member;
- wherein said follower member is configured to be rotated relative to said tube adapter member to adjust a spring force of said spring.
9 more elements
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.