Quick-Release Control System For Architectural Opening Covering
AssigneeGordon's Window Decor, Inc.
InventorsGordon M. Clements, Stephen Knieriem, Brian McCarthy, Christopher C. Coulter
Life of this patent
Estimating the term…
Abstract
Quick-release control systems for architectural opening coverings and associated control systems and methods for rapidly deploying the coverings to extended positions. In one embodiment coupling assemblies are provided for controllably coupling and decoupling portions of lifting mechanisms in a variety of covering systems, including roller and cellular shade systems. In yet other embodiments, control systems for controlling a plurality of coverings are provided, which may be configured to remotely and simultaneously deploying each of the plurality of coverings to an extended position in response to a trigger signal.
Claims20
A quick-release covering system for an architectural opening, the covering system including a covering material configured to move between an extended and a retracted position, the covering system comprising:
- a lift mechanism including an elongate member having first and second ends and a manual clutch, the elongate member configured to be coupled to the covering material to move the covering material between the extended and retracted positions, wherein the manual clutch is adjacent one of the first and second ends with at least a portion of the clutch located outboard of the first and second ends, wherein the clutch is adapted to transmit a user-generated driving force to the elongate member;
- and
- a quick release mechanism including a coupling assembly, the coupling assembly arranged to transition between a coupled state, wherein the clutch and the elongate member are non-rotatably coupled by the coupling assembly, and a decoupled state, wherein the elongate member can freely rotate relative to the clutch, thereby allowing the covering material to move towards the extended position under the pull of gravity.
A quick-release covering system for covering an architectural opening, comprising:
- a covering material;
- and
- a control system adapted to control a position of the covering material, the control system including;
- a lift mechanism having an elongate member and a clutch configured to transmit a driving force to the elongate member;
- and
- a quick-release mechanism including a linear actuator configured to releasably couple the elongate member to the clutch, wherein the covering material is configured to move to an extended position under the pull of gravity when the linear actuator decouples the clutch from the elongate member.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.