Inventors:
David Todd - Glenville NY
Robert F. White - Ganesvoort NY
Matthew K. Sleasman - Loudonville NY
Assignee:
Comfortex Corporation - Watervliet NY
International Classification:
A47H 500
Abstract:
A cordless drive mechanism for use in a top rail of a shade having inherent spring characteristics. The drive mechanism includes a constant torque spring assembly, at least two tape spool assemblies, and a brake/clutch mechanism, all interconnected via a shaft. The shaft is driven by at least one spring assembly to drive the tape spool assembly, which retracts a bottom rail of the shade by acting as a reel upon which tape is wound. The brake/clutch assembly locks the shade into a position desired by the user, and applies a braking force to the shaft when the shade is retracting, forcing a virtually constant retraction speed. The constant torque spring assembly is modular, constructed of identical housing pieces, a spring take-up spool and a rolled constant torque spring. More spring assemblies may be added to the drive mechanism for larger and heavier shades. The tape spool assembly includes a tape guide retainer fitted with an angled tape retention wall which prevents slack tape from accumulating with the top rail.
