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US006823925B2
(12) United States Patent (io) Patent No.: US 6,823,925 B2
Militello et al. (45) Date of Patent: Nov. 30,2004
(54) RETRACTABLE WINDOW SHADE WITH HEIGHT ADJUSTMENT CONTROL
(75) Inventors: David Ronald Militello, Rohnert Park, CA (US); Barry L. Shevick, Fair Oaks, CA (US)
(73) Assignee: Shades Unlimited, Inc., Cotati, CA (US)
( * ) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term ol this patent is extended or adjusted under 35 U.S.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
(21) Appl. No.: 10/194,193
(22) Filed: Jul. 12, 2002
(65) Prior Publication Data
US 2004/0007333 Al Jan. 15, 2004
(51) Int. CI.7 E06B 9/322
(52) U.S. CI 160/170
(58) Field of Search 160/170, 171,
160/168.1 P, 176.1 P, 84.02, 84.06, 84.01, 84.04, 173 R; 185/39, 45; 242/378.4, 373
(56) References Cited
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
6,029,734 A * 2/2000 Wang et al 1/1
6,149,094 A * 11/2000 Martin et al 242/373
6,283,192 Bl * 9/2001 Toti 160/170
6,289,965 Bl * 9/2001 Ruggles 160/173 R
6,330,899 Bl * 12/2001 Ciuca et al 160/170
6,508,293 Bl * 1/2003 Huang 160/170
6,571,853 Bl 6/2003 Ciuca et al.
6,575,223 Bl * 6/2003 Chung et al 242/378.4
6,601,635 B2 * 8/2003 Ciuca et al 160/192
2002/0033241 Al 3/2002 Palmer
2002/0088562 Al 7/2002 Palmer
2002/0157796 Al 10/2002 Judkins
2003/0085002 Al 5/2003 Palmer
2003/0111191 Al * 6/2003 Ciuca et al 160/170
OTHER PUBLICATIONS
Peel 'N Stick Vinyl Temp Shade; Temp Shade, 2455 Paces Ferry Road, N. W., Atlanta, GA 30339; Made in China.
* cited by examiner
Primary Examiner—Blair M. Johnson
(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm—Heisler & Associates
(57) ABSTRACT
A height adjustment control is provided for a retractable window shade. The window shade includes a top beam and a bottom beam with the bottom beam suspended below the top beam by at least one cord. The bottom beam can be adjusted and positioned relative to the top beam by adjustment ol a length ol cord extending between the top beam and the bottom beam. The height adjustment control system ol this invention acts on the portions ol the cord which are not suspended between the top beam and the bottom beam. A retainer is provided to gather up portions ol the cord which are not in use. A retractor exerts a force on the retainer to cause the retainer to automatically gather up this excess cord. A cord brake is provided to hold the cord from passing onto the retainer and hold the bottom beam at a desired position below the top beam.
38 Claims, 4 Drawing Sheets
