US 2015/0028144 A1 · VARIABLE FORCE BRAKE FOR A WINDOW COVERING OPERATING SYSTEM

Abstract

An operating system for a window covering includes at least one spring motor, at least one variable force brake, and at least one lift spool assembly operatively coupled to a panel for raising and lowering a panel. An effective shaft is operatively coupled to and synchronizes the spring motor, the variable force brake, and the lift spool. The variable force brake comprises a one-way clutch operatively coupled to the shaft. A brake member is operatively engaged with the one-way clutch to apply a brake force to the one-way clutch when the shaft is rotated. The magnitude of the brake force applied to the one-way clutch is determined by the rotational position of the shaft.

Claims20

Dependent claims

An operating system for a window covering comprising:

at least one spring motor;
at least one variable force brake;
at least one lift spool assembly operatively coupled to a panel for raising and lowering a panel;
and an effective shaft operatively coupled to each of the at least one spring motor, the at least one variable force brake, and the at least one lift spool assembly and synchronizing the at least one spring motor, the at least one variable force brake, and the at least one lift spool assembly, the at least one variable force brake comprising an outer race selectively coupled for rotation with the shaft by a one-way clutch where the outer race is in contact with a brake member such that the braking force applied by the brake member to the outer race varies as the panel is raised and lowered.

1 more element

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Facts

Application

14/481,152Filed 9 Sep 2014

Priority

13 Jul 2012

Published

29 Jan 2015

Term ends

Not estimatedThe source records don’t support an estimate.

Classification3 codes

E06B 9/322
Operating, guiding, or securing devices therefor: details of operating devices, e.g. pulleys, brakes, spring drums, drives
E06B 2009/3222
Details of operating devices, e.g. pulleys, brakes, spring drums, drives: cordless, i.e. user interface without cords
E06B
Fixed or movable closures for openings in buildings, vehicles, fences or like

Family

Application61/671,212Us provisional application · filed 13 Jul 2012

Application13/939,699Continuation in part · filed 11 Jul 2013

Application61/877,488Us provisional application · filed 13 Sep 2013

Application14/481,152Continuation in part

US 2014/0014279 A1Published application

US 9,217,282 B2Related patent

US 9,988,837 B2Related patent

US 2015/0028144 A1This patent

From the US filing history. Foreign family members aren’t listed.

Variable force brake for a window covering operating system

Life of this patent

Variable force brake for a window covering operating system

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20