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Case 2:18-cv-00387-JLL-CLW Document 1 Filed 01/10/18 Page 1 of 10 PageID: 1

1 KILPATRICK TOWNSEND & STOCKTON LLP


Frederick L. Whitmer
2 Megan E. Bussey, pro have vice (to be filed)
1114 Avenue of the Americas
3 New York, NY 10036
Email: fwhitmer@kilpatricktownsend.com
4 Email: mbussey@kilpatricktownsend.com
Telephone: (212) 775-8773
5 Facsimile: (212) 775-8821

6 Richard W. Goldstucker, pro hac vice (to be filed)


1100 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 2800
7 Atlanta, GA 30309
Email: RGoldstucker@kilpatricktownsend.com
8 Telephone: (404) 815-6073
Facsimile: (404) 541-3301
9

10 Attorneys for Plaintiff Hunter Douglas, Inc.

11
UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT
12
FOR THE DISTRICT OF NEW JERSEY
13

14
HUNTER DOUGLAS, INC.,
15 CASE NO.
Plaintiff,
16 PLAINTIFF’S COMPLAINT FOR
v. PATENT AND TRADEMARK
17 INFRINGEMENT
LANTEX USA, LLC,
18
Defendant.
19

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Case 2:18-cv-00387-JLL-CLW Document 1 Filed 01/10/18 Page 2 of 10 PageID: 2

1 Plaintiff Hunter Douglas, Inc. (“Hunter Douglas” or “Plaintiff”), by and through their

2 attorneys Kilpatrick, Townsend & Stockton LLP file this Complaint for Patent and Trademark

3 Infringement against Defendant Lantex USA, LLC. (“Lantex” or “Defendant”), stating as follows:

4 THE PARTIES

5 1. Hunter Douglas is a corporation organized and existing under the laws of the State

6 of Delaware, and has its principal place of business at 1 Blue Hill Plaza, 20th Floor, Pearl River,

7 New York 10965.

8 2. Upon information and belief, Lantex is a corporation organized and existing under

9 the laws of Delaware, and has its principal place of business at Newark, Delaware.

10 JURISDICTION AND VENUE

11 3. This is an action for patent infringement arising under the Patent Laws of the

12 United States, 35 U.S.C. § 1 et seq., including but not limited to 35 U.S.C. §§ 271 and 281.

13 4. This is also an action for trademark infringement arising under the Lanham Act, 15

14 U.S.C. § 1121, and under 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331 and 1338.

15 5. This Court has subject matter jurisdiction over this action pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§

16 1331, 1338(a) as well as under Section 39 of the Lanham Act, 15 U.S.C. § 1114, 1121, and 11125

17 under Sections 1331, 1338(a), 1338(b) and 1367 of the Judicial Code, 28 U.S.C. §§ 1331, 1338(a),

18 1338(b), 1367 and under principles of pendent jurisdiction.

19 6. Upon information and belief, Defendant has solicited business in the State of New

20 Jersey, transacted business within the State of New Jersey, and attempted to derive financial

21 benefits from residents of the State of New Jersey, including benefits directly related to the instant

22 patent infringement cause of action set forth herein.

23 7. Upon information and belief, Defendant sells infringing products throughout the

24 United States through numerous retailers, including in this judicial district.

25 8. Upon information and belief, Defendant has a regular and established place of

26 business in Sparta, New Jersey.

27 9. Upon information and belief, Defendant has placed infringing products into the

28 stream of commerce throughout the United States with the expectation that such products will be

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Case 2:18-cv-00387-JLL-CLW Document 1 Filed 01/10/18 Page 3 of 10 PageID: 3

1 and have been used by consumers in this judicial district, including but not limited to, through

2 operation of an interactive website that is available to persons in this judicial district, which

3 advertises, markets, and otherwise promotes the sale of infringing products.

4 10. Upon information and belief, this Court has personal jurisdiction over Defendant

5 by virtue of, among other things, direct sales by Defendant of the infringing products in this

6 judicial district.

7 11. Venue is proper in this judicial district pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1391(b) and (c),

8 and § 1400 (b).

9 FACTUAL BACKGROUND

10 12. Plaintiff manufactures a full array of custom window covering products, including

11 roman shades, honeycomb or “cellular” shades, pleated shades, vertical blinds, miniblinds, wood

12 blinds, shutters, and window shadings, and is known as an innovator in the custom window

13 coverings industry.

14 13. Plaintiff sells its products through retailers to consumers worldwide.

15 14. Hunter Douglas’s brands have generated billions of dollars in sales for many years

16 and have brought great recognition to Hunter Douglas.

17 15. Hunter Douglas offers a compelling blend of fashionable window coverings,

18 quality and price.

19 16. Over its over 60 years of operation, Hunter Douglas has developed a loyal

20 customer base, a loyal follow and has become a highly recognized and respected window covering

21 brand.

22 17. The strength and value of the Plaintiff's brand has been consistently and frequently

23 recognized, including through the receipt of numerous product design awards from industry and

24 home decorating organizations on both a national and international basis, including, but not

25 limited to, the Window Covering Manufacturer's Association, Design Zentrum Nordrhein

26 Westfalen, Interior Design and TechHome Builder.

27 18. U.S. Patent No. 7,500,505, entitled “Roller Stop for Coverings for Architectural

28 Openings” (the “’505 Patent”), was duly and legally issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark

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Case 2:18-cv-00387-JLL-CLW Document 1 Filed 01/10/18 Page 4 of 10 PageID: 4

1 Office on March 10, 2009. A true and correct copy of the ’505 Patent is attached hereto as Exhibit

2 A.

3 19. Hunter Douglas is the lawful owner of all rights, title, and interest in and to the

4 ’505 Patent.

5 20. Upon information and belief, Defendant makes, uses, has made, offers for sale,

6 sells, and/or imports into the United States window coverings or components thereof that infringe

7 one or more claims of the ’505 Patent, including but not limited to the S50 Series Sheer Shade

8 (S50PN100) available for purchase at least at www.Blinds.com (the “Accused Products”). All of

9 the Accused Products are window shades or components thereof as claimed in the ’505 Patent.

10 21. U.S. Patent No. 7,516,771, entitled “Lock Lever Mounting Bracket for the

11 Headrails on Coverings for Architectural Openings” (the “’771 Patent”), was duly and legally

12 issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on April 14, 2009. A true and correct copy of the

13 ’771 Patent is attached hereto as Exhibit B.

14 22. Hunter Douglas is the lawful owner of all right, title, and interest in and to the ’771

15 Patent.

16 23. Upon information and belief, Defendant makes, uses, has made, offers for sale,

17 sells, and/or imports into the United States window coverings or components thereof that infringe

18 one or more claims of the ’505 Patent, including but not limited to the Accused Products. All of

19 the Accused Products are window coverings or components thereof as claimed in the ’771 Patent.

20 24. U.S. Patent No. D530,967, entitled “Headrail for Covering for Architectural

21 Openings” (the “’967 Patent”), was duly and legally issued by the U.S. Patent and Trademark

22 Office on October 31, 2006. A true and correct copy of the ’967 Patent is attached hereto as

23 Exhibit C.

24 25. Hunter Douglas is the lawful owner of all right, title, and interest in and to the ’967

25 Patent.

26 26. Upon information and belief, Defendant makes, uses, has made, offers for sale,

27 sells, and/or imports into the United States window coverings and cordless window blinds that

28 infringe one or more claims of the ’967 Patent, including but not limited to the Accused Products.

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1 All of the Accused Products are window coverings or components thereof as claimed in the ’967

2 Patent.

3 27. U.S. Trademark Registration No. 5,211,658, (“the S-Vane Trade Dress”), was duly

4 and legally registered by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office on May 30, 2017. A true and

5 correct copy of the S-Vane Trade Dress is attached hereto as Exhibit D.

6 28. Hunter Douglas is the lawful owner of all right, title, and interest in and to the S-

7 Vane Trade Dress. The S-Vane Trade Dress gives Plaintiff the exclusive right, privileged, and

8 liberty to prevent others from selling, offering to sell, distributing, advertising, reproducing,

9 counterfitting, copying colorably imitating, or otherwise commercializing window coverings

10 incorporating curved vanes which are confusingly or deceptively similar to the distinctive S-

11 shaped vanes used by Plaintiff.

12 29. The “S-Vane Trade Dress” is depicted below:

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21 30. Plaintiff’s S-Vane Trade Dress is inherently distinctive in that the shape and size is
22 arbitrary, suggestive, and/or fanciful. Plaintiff’s Trade Dress has also acquired secondary meaning
23 due to Plaintiff’s consistent use of the S-Vane Trade Dress to identify its products. Plaintiff’s S-
24 Vane Trade Dress is not functional. Consumers who encounter window coverings with Plaintiff’s
25 S-Vane Trade Dress immediately associate these window coverings with Plaintiff’s respective
26 window coverings.
27 31. Upon information and belief, Defendant is selling or has sold sheer shades, or
28 components thereof, that incorporate the protected S-Vane Trade Dress, including but not limited

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Case 2:18-cv-00387-JLL-CLW Document 1 Filed 01/10/18 Page 6 of 10 PageID: 6

1 to the Accused Products.

2 COUNT I

3 (Infringement of U.S. Patent 7,500,505)

4 32. Plaintiff repeats and alleges the preceding paragraphs as if fully set forth herein.

5 33. Defendant alone and in conjunction with others, has infringed, and continues to

6 infringe, at least one claim of the ’505 Patent in violation of 35 U.S.C. § 271(a) by making, using,

7 selling, offering to sell, and/or importing into the United States the Accused Products.

8 34. Defendant, alone and in conjunction with others, has infringed, and continues to

9 infringe, at least one claim of the ’505 Patent in violation of 35 U.S.C. § 271(a) by making, using,

10 selling, offering to sell, and/or importing into the United States the Accused Products.

11 35. Upon information and belief, Defendant has indirectly infringed, and continues to

12 indirectly infringe the above claims of the ’505 Patent in violation of 35 U.S.C. § 271(b) by

13 inducing its customers to commit infringing acts by using, importing, selling and offering for sale

14 the Accused Products.

15 36. Upon information and belief, Defendant’s past and continuing infringement has

16 been deliberate and willful, and this case is therefore an exceptional case, which warrants an

17 award of treble damages and attorneys’ fees to Plaintiff pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 285. With regard

18 to the ’505 Patent, Defendant was on constructive notice of its infringement due to Plaintiff’s

19 marking of their own products. Defendant’s knowledge of its infringement is also based on a letter

20 by Plaintiff to Defendant on December 21, 2017 informing Defendant of the ’505 Patent and

21 Plaintiff’s belief that the Accused Products infringe the ’505 Patent. Defendant has continued to

22 make, use, sell, offer for sale, and/or import infringing products into the United States despite

23 knowing that there was an objectively high likelihood of infringement of the ’505 Patent. To the

24 extent Defendant did not know of the objectively high likelihood of infringement, it was so

25 obvious that it should have been known to Defendants.

26 37. Unless enjoined by the Court, Defendant will continue to infringe the ’505 Patent.

27 38. As a direct and proximate result of Defendant’s conduct, Hunter Douglas has

28 suffered, and will continue to suffer, irreparable harm for which they have no adequate remedy at

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1 law.

2 39. Unless this Court enjoins Defendant’s infringing conduct, Hunter Douglas will

3 continue to be irreparably harmed by Defendants’ infringement of the ’505 Patent.

4 COUNT II

5 (Infringement of U.S. Patent No. 7,516,771)

6 40. Plaintiff repeats and alleges the preceding paragraphs as if fully set forth herein.

7 41. Defendant alone and in conjunction with others, has infringed, and continues to

8 infringe, at least one claim of the ’771 Patent in violation of 35 U.S.C. § 271(a) by making, using,

9 selling, offering to sell, and/or importing into the United States the Accused Products.

10 42. Defendant, alone and in conjunction with others, has infringed, and continues to

11 infringe, at least one claim of the ’771 Patent in violation of 35 U.S.C. § 271(a) by making, using,

12 selling, offering to sell, and/or importing into the United States the Accused Products.

13 43. Upon information and belief, Defendant’s has indirectly infringed, and continues to

14 indirectly infringe the above claims of the ’771 Patent in violation of 35 U.S.C. § 271(b) by

15 inducing its customers to commit infringing acts by using, importing, selling and offering for sale

16 the Accused Products.

17 44. Upon information and belief, Defendant’s past and continuing infringement has

18 been deliberate and willful, and this case is therefore an exceptional case, which warrants an

19 award of treble damages and attorneys’ fees to Plaintiff pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 285. With regard

20 to the ’771 Patent, Defendant was on constructive notice of its infringement due to Plaintiff’s

21 marking of their own products. Defendant’s knowledge of its infringement is also based on a letter

22 by Plaintiff to Defendant on December 21, 2017 informing Defendant of the ’771 Patent and

23 Plaintiff’s belief that the Accused Products infringe the ’771 Patent. Defendant has continued to

24 make, use, sell, offer for sale, and/or import infringing products into the United States despite

25 knowing that there was an objectively high likelihood of infringement of the ’771 Patent. To the

26 extent Defendant did not know of the objectively high likelihood of infringement, it was so

27 obvious that it should have been known to Defendants.

28 45. Unless enjoined by the Court, Defendant will continue to infringe the ’771 Patent.

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1 46. As a direct and proximate result of Defendant’s conduct, Hunter Douglas has

2 suffered, and will continue to suffer, irreparable harm for which they have no adequate remedy at

3 law.

4 47. Unless this Court enjoins Defendant’s infringing conduct, Hunter Douglas will

5 continue to be irreparably harmed by Defendants’ infringement of the ’771 Patent.

6 COUNT III

7 (Infringement of U.S. Patent No. D530,967)

8 48. Plaintiff repeats and alleges the preceding paragraphs as if fully set forth herein.

9 49. Defendant alone and in conjunction with others, has infringed, and continues to

10 infringe, at least one claim of the ’967 Patent in violation of 35 U.S.C. § 271(a) by making, using,

11 selling, offering to sell, and/or importing into the United States the Accused Products.

12 50. Defendant, alone and in conjunction with others, has infringed, and continues to

13 infringe, at least one claim of the of the ’967 Patent in violation of 35 U.S.C. § 271(a) by making,

14 using, selling, offering to sell, and/or importing into the United States the Accused Products.

15 51. Upon information and belief, Defendant’s has indirectly infringed, and continues to

16 indirectly infringe the above claims of the ’967 Patent in violation of 35 U.S.C. § 271(b) by

17 inducing its customers to commit infringing acts by using, importing, selling and offering for sale

18 the Accused Products.

19 52. Upon information and belief, Defendant’s past and continuing infringement has

20 been deliberate and willful, and this case is therefore an exceptional case, which warrants an

21 award of treble damages and attorneys’ fees to Plaintiff pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 285. With regard

22 to the ’ 967 Patent, Defendant was on constructive notice of its infringement due to Plaintiff’s

23 marking of their own products. Defendant’s knowledge of its infringement is also based on a letter

24 by Plaintiff to Defendant on December 21, 2017 informing Defendant of the ’ 967 Patent and

25 Plaintiff’s belief that the Accused Products infringe the ’967 Patent. Defendant has continued to

26 make, use, sell, offer for sale, and/or import infringing products into the United States despite

27 knowing that there was an objectively high likelihood of infringement of the ’967 Patent. To the

28 extent Defendant did not know of the objectively high likelihood of infringement, it was so

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1 obvious that it should have been known to Defendants.

2 53. Unless enjoined by the Court, Defendant will continue to infringe the ’967 Patent.

3 54. As a direct and proximate result of Defendant’s conduct, Hunter Douglas has

4 suffered, and will continue to suffer, irreparable harm for which they have no adequate remedy at

5 law.

6 55. Unless this Court enjoins Defendant’s infringing conduct, Hunter Douglas will

7 continue to be irreparably harmed by Defendants’ infringement of the ’967 Patent.

8 COUNT IV

9 (Infringement of U.S. Trademark Registration No. 5,211,658)

10 56. Plaintiff repeats and allege the preceding paragraphs as if fully set forth herein.

11 57. Defendant alone and in conjunction with others, has infringed, and continues to

12 infringe U.S. Trademark Registration No. 5,211,658 (the “S-Vane Trade Dress”).

13 58. Unless enjoined by the Court, Defendant will continue to infringe the ’967 Patent.

14 59. As a direct and proximate result of Defendant’s conduct, Plaintiff has suffered, and

15 will continue to suffer, irreparable harm for which they have no adequate remedy at law.

16 60. Unless this Court enjoins Defendant’s infringing conduct, Plaintiff will continue to

17 be irreparably harmed by Defendants’ infringement of the S-Vane Trade Dress.

18

19 WHEREFORE, Plaintiff prays:

20 A. For an injunction permanently restraining and enjoining Defendant (and its officers,

21 directors, employees, agents, servants, successors, assigns, and any and all persons in active concert

22 or participation with them, directly or indirectly) from infringing any of the claims of the ’505

23 Patent, the ’771 Patent, and/or the ’967 Patent in any manner;

24 B. For an injunction permanently restraining and enjoining Defendant (and its officers,

25 directors, employees, agents, servants, successors, assigns, and any and all persons in active concert

26 or participation with them, directly or indirectly) from infringing the S-Vane Trade Dress in any

27 manner;

28

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1 C. For judgment that one or more claims of the ’505 Patent, the ’771 Patent, and/or the

2 ’967 Patent has been infringed by Defendant;

3 D. For damages adequate to compensate Plaintiff for Defendant’s infringement, and in

4 no event less than a reasonable royalty, together with costs, prejudgment and post-judgment interest

5 thereon;

6 E. Declaring that Defendant’s infringement of the ’505 Patent, the ’771 Patent, and/or

7 the ’967 Patent is willful and deliberate pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 284.

8 F. For judgment that the S-Vane Trade Dress has been infringed by Defendant;

9 G. Declaring this an exceptional case under 35 U.S.C. § 285 and awarding attorneys’

10 fees and trebling of damages; and

11 H. For such other and further relief as the Court deems just and proper.

12 DEMAND FOR JURY TRIAL

13 Pursuant to Fed. R. Civ. P. 38, Plaintiff hereby demands a trial by jury of all issues so

14 triable.

15
DATED: January 10, 2018 Respectfully submitted,
16
KILPATRICK TOWNSEND & STOCKTON LLP
17

18 By: Frederick L. Whitmer /s/


KILPATRICK TOWNSEND & STOCKTON LLP
19 Frederick L. Whitmer,
Megan E. Bussey, pro hac vice (to be filed)
20 1114 Avenue of the Americas
New York, NY 10036
21 Email: fwhitmer@kilpatricktownsend.com
Email: mbussey@kilpatricktownsend.com
22 Telephone: (212) 775-8773
Facsimile: (212) 775-8821
23
Richard W. Goldstucker, pro hac vice (to be filed)
24 1100 Peachtree Street NE, Suite 2800
Atlanta, GA 30309
25 Email: RGoldstucker@kilpatricktownsend.com
Telephone: (404) 815-6073
26 Facsimile: (404) 541-3301
27
Attorneys for Plaintiff Hunter Douglas, Inc.
28

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EXHIBIT A
Case 2:18-cv-00387-JLL-CLW Document 1-1 Filed 01/10/18 Page 2 of 10 PageID: 12
USOO7500505B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 7,500,505 B2


Smith et al. (45) Date of Patent: Mar. 10, 2009

(54) ROLLER STOP FOR COVERINGS FOR 5,131,616 A 7/1992 Biba .......................... 248,265
ARCHITECTURAL OPENINGS 5,383,739 A * 1/1995 Haglund .... ... 403 (107
5,611,111 A * 3/1997 Bosgoed ..................... 16.93 D
(75) Inventors: Stephen P. Smith, Denver, CO (US); 3.
- Kw
A 12 E. Saints
al
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - 3.2:
C ...............
Rita M. Hoffmann, Louisville, CO 6,027,091 A 2/2000 Johnson ...................... 248.340
6,299,115 B1 * 10/2001 Kovach et al. . ... 248,262
6,311,432 B1 * 1 1/2001 Watson ........................ 49,383
(73) Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc., Upper Saddle 6,688,368 B2 * 2/2004 Kovach et al. ........... 160/84.02
River, NJ (US) 7,147,029 B2 * 12/2006 Kovach et al. ........... 160/121.1
- 7,240,715 B2 * 7/2007 Hoffmann ................... 160/120
(*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this 7,341,091 B2 * 3/2008 Nien et al. ..... ... 160,170
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 2002/0027.184 A1 3/2002 Kovach et al. .............. 248,262
U.S.C. 154(b) by 217 days. 2004/01 18528 A1* 6/2004 Kovach et al. ........ 160,168.1 P
2005/0139329 A1* 6/2005 Hoffmann ................ 160/84.01
(21) Appl. No.: 11/537,079 2006/027834.6 A1* 12/2006 Kovach et al. ........ 160,168.1 P
2006/0284585 A1 12/2006 Kovach et al. .............. 318,466
(22) Filed: Sep. 29, 2006 * cited by examiner
(65) Prior Publication Data Primary Examiner Katherine W Mitchell
US 2007/OO79943 A1 Apr. 12, 2007 Assistant Examiner Jaime F Cardenas-Garcia
(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm Dorsey & Whitney LLP
Related U.S. Application Data
(57) ABSTRACT
(60) Provisional application No. 60/725,026, filed on Oct.
7, 2005. A roller stop for connection to the head rail of a covering for
an architectural openings is releasably connectable to a rear
(51) Int. Cl. edge of the head rail in overlying relationship with a roller
E6B 9/08 (2006.01) having shade material thereon with the shade material having
(52) U.S. Cl. .................................... 160/120; 160/84.05 a bottom rail. The roller stop has a pivotally mounted body
(58) Field of Classification Search .............. 160/121.1, selectively positionable in closely adjacent but spaced rela
160/8405,291,293.1 tionship from the outer wrap of shade material on the roller
See application file for complete search history. and in a position to engage the bottom rail when the shade
(56) References Cited material is fully wrapped on said roller. A catch arm is selec
tively engageable with serrated teeth to releasable hold the
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS pivotal body in a preselected desired position.
588,848 A * 8/1897 Wightman ............... 24, 30.5R
4,881,707 A * 1 1/1989 Garfinkle ............... 248.222.12 11 Claims, 5 Drawing Sheets
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U.S. Patent Mar. 10, 2009 Sheet 1 of 5 US 7,500,505 B2

9.
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U.S. Patent Mar. 10, 2009 Sheet 2 of 5 US 7,500,505 B2


Case 2:18-cv-00387-JLL-CLW Document 1-1 Filed 01/10/18 Page 5 of 10 PageID: 15

U.S. Patent Mar. 10, 2009 Sheet 3 of 5 US 7,500,505 B2


Case 2:18-cv-00387-JLL-CLW Document 1-1 Filed 01/10/18 Page 6 of 10 PageID: 16

U.S. Patent Mar. 10, 2009 Sheet 4 of 5 US 7,500,505 B2


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U.S. Patent Mar. 10, 2009 Sheet 5 of 5 US 7,500,505 B2

46 - 12

36

58 64

Fig. 8
56 52
54 5O
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US 7,500,505 B2
1. 2
ROLLER STOPFOR COVERINGS FOR It is to provide an improvement in roller stops and to avoid
ARCHITECTURAL OPENINGS the shortcomings of prior art roller stops that the present
invention has been developed.
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
APPLICATION
The roller stop of the present invention comprises a main
The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C. body and a secondary body that are made of a Substantially
S 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/725, rigid material, but wherein the secondary body is pivotal
026 (“the 026 application”), which was filed on Oct. 7, 2005 10 relative to the main body. One of the main and secondary
and entitled “Roller Stop For Coverings For Architectural bodies includes a plurality of vertically disposed serrated
Openings.” The 026 application is incorporated by reference teeth while the other of the main body and secondary body has
into the present application in its entirety. a catch adapted to be selectively engaged between individual
ones of the serrated teeth. The selected engagement of the
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
15 catch with the serrated teeth determines the angular relation
ship of the main body relative to the secondary body thereby
positively, but selectively positioning anabutment edge of the
1. Field of the Invention secondary body in closely adjacent but spaced relationship
The present invention relates generally to coverings for from the fabric when the fabric is fully wrapped on the roller
architectural openings and more specifically to a roller stop for the covering. The abutment edge is adapted to engage a
adapted to limit the retracting rotation of a roller on which a bottom rail connected to the lower edge of the fabric when the
fabric is fully wrapped on the roller so as to prevent further
shade material is mounted in an architectural opening. rotation of the roller.
2. Description of the Relevant Art Other aspects, features and details of the present invention
Generally, window coverings have various mechanical 25 can be more completely understood by reference to the fol
means for controlling the upper and lower positions of the lowing detailed description of a preferred embodiment, taken
fabric sheeting materials used in the covering. Such mechani in conjunction with the drawings and from the appended
claims.
cal means is commonly referred to as a limit stop and when
the sheeting material is mounted on a roller a “roller stop.” 30 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
The roller stop ensures that the fabric material of the window
covering does not traverse into the head rail more than FIG. 1 is an isometric with parts removed of a covering for
intended. By way of example, window shade products gen an architectural opening having a head rail with a roller rota
erally use a ratchet and pawl device to stop the fabric from tively mounted therein and a shade material Suspended from
winding too far into the upper portion of the window. In 35 the roller and shown in an extended position with the roller
another example, a ball stop may be attached to the operating stops of the present invention being secured to the head rail.
FIG. 2 is an isometric similar to FIG. 1 with the shade
cord to prevent the cord from traveling into the operating
system beyond its design, thus preventing the fabric from material in a fully retracted position.
wedging into the head rail. In yet another example, a bottom FIG.3 is an enlarged section taken along line 3-3 of FIG.1.
40 FIG. 3A is a section similar to FIG. 3 with the shade
rail may be provided with extensions to its width to prevent it partially retracted.
from entering the head rail. Regardless of the type of cover FIG. 4 is a section taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2.
ing, it is beneficial to the operation of the window covering FIG. 4A is a section similar to FIG. 4 showing a shade
that some type of stop is installed in the system for the typical material of a shorter length and thus a thinner wrap than that
window covering to operate easily and efficiently regardless 45 of FIG. 4.
of whether it is an upper or lower stop. FIG.5 is an isometric looking downwardly on the top of the
In one roller stop known in the trade, first and second roller stop of the invention.
pivotally connected elements are utilized wherein the first FIG. 6 is an isometric similar to FIG. 5 again looking
element is attached to the rear edge of the head rail and the downwardly on the top from a different direction.
second element is pivotally connected to the first element so 50 FIG. 7 is a side elevation of the roller stop as shown in FIG.
as to ride along the shade material wrapped about a roller. 5.
Such a roller stop has not been without problems inasmuch as FIG. 8 is a bottom plan view of the roller stop.
the hinge connection of the two elements has an objectionable FIG. 9 is a top plan view of the roller stop.
noise factor and the constant contact of the second element FIG. 10 is an enlarged section taken along line 10-10 of
with the shade material, as well as the repetitive raising and 55 FIG. 9.
lowering of the shade, causes soiling of the fabric where the DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
limit stop contacts the fabric. EMBODIMENT
A roller stop designed to overcome the aforenoted issues is
disclosed in pending U.S. application Ser. No. 1 1/021,921 60 A pair of roller stops 12 in accordance with the present
(U.S. publication No. 2005/0139329 A1) entitled “Limit Stop invention is seen in FIGS. 1 and 2 mounted on a conventional
for Coverings for Architectural Openings' which is of com covering 14 for anarchitectural opening wherein the covering
mon ownership with the present application. The roller stop is a roll-up cellular shade including a shade material 16 and a
disclosed in this application has pivotal components and a roller 18 (FIGS. 3, 3A, 4 and 4A) on which the shade material
fairly complex locking system so that one component can be 65 can be wrapped or unwrapped in a retracted or extended
disposed closely adjacent to but spaced from the shade mate position of the covering respectively. A conventional head rail
rialso as not to soil the fabric. 20 overlies the roller and shade material wrapped thereabout
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US 7,500,505 B2
3 4
for aesthetic purposes and the head rail and roller are mounted at the front edge of the plate like component, the function of
on brackets not shown in as much as they are not pertinent to which will be described hereafter.
an understanding of the present invention. In fact, the shade The plate like component 36 of the main body and the
material would not need to be a cellular shade material, but forwardly projecting lower lip 50 of the secondary body as
any shade material that is flexible and can be wrapped about well as the forwardly projecting upper lip 38 of the main body
a roller in a rollup shade. The head rail for the covering is are designed to cooperate with the upper 28 and lower 30
important to an understanding of the present invention only in ledges of the head rail 20 to releasably connect the roller stop
that the roller stops 12 are mountable on the head rail. 12 to the head rail in a position for limiting rotation of the
The head rail 20 as seen best in FIGS. 4 and 4A includes an roller 18 when the covering is fully retracted. With reference
arcuate main body 22 that depends downwardly from the 10 to FIGS. 4 and 4A, the rear edge of the upper ledge 28 of the
front edge of an upper horizontal arm 24 with the arcuate head rail is insertable into the recess 40 between the upper lip
main body lying in front of the roller 18 as viewed from the and the plate like component 36 of the main body as the main
interior of a room in which the covering is mounted. The body is simultaneously inserted into the notch 26 between the
horizontal arm has a longitunally extending notch 26 formed upper and lower ledges of the head rail. The lower ledge has
in the back thereof defined by an upper ledge 28 and a lower 15 an upturned lip 66 along its rear edge adapted to cooperate
ledge 30 with the upper ledge being slightly longer than the with the latch finger 52 of the secondary body at a location
lower ledge so as to overlap the lower ledge along the rear rearwardly spaced from a raised bead 68 on the lower ledge.
edge of the head rail. The notch 26 in the rear edge of the head The raised bead on the lower ledge is vertically aligned with
rail is adapted to cooperate with the roller stops 12 in releas a depending bead 70 from the upper ledge such that the
ably mounting the roller stops on the head rail as will be downwardly projecting finger 64 at the front edge of the main
described in more detail hereafter. body can be pinched and thereby captured between the upper
The shade material 16 illustrated has a bottom rail 32 and lower beads. When the roller stop 12 is fully inserted into
affixed to the bottom edge thereof which becomes tangen the notch, the downwardly projecting finger 64 is positioned
tially related to the roller 18 when the shade material is between the upper and lower beads and the latch finger has
wrapped circumferentially about the roller as best seen in 25 been flexed so as to snap over the upturned lip 66 on the lower
FIGS. 4 and 4A. ledge.
It will be seen the roller stop 12 is positively but releasably
The roller stop 12 is probably seen best in FIGS. 5-10 to connected to the head rail 20 and can be positioned at any
include a main body 34 having a plate like component 36 of location along the length of the head rail. Any number of
generally trapezoidal configuration and a raised reverse 30 roller stops can be utilized depending upon the width of the
turned upper lip 38 defining a recess 40 therebetween. The covering on which the roller stops are mounted, but in the
rear edge of the plate like component, or the edge having the illustrated embodiment, two of the roller stops are used and
reverse turned upper lip, has a rearwardly projecting verti mounted at locations spaced inwardly from opposite ends of
cally oriented tab 42 with vertically spaced serrated teeth 44 the head rail.
along its rear edge. 35 The roller stop 12 can be made of any suitable material, but
A secondary body 46 of the roller stop is spaced beneath in the preferred embodiment, the roller stop is made of a
the main body 34 by a transverse web 48 of the main body Somewhat rigid plastic material having some flexibility
with the secondary body having a forwardly projecting lower depending upon the thickness of the material. In other words,
lip 50 spaced beneath in generally parallel relationship with at the locations where it is desired that the plastic material be
the plate like component 36 of the main body. The forward 40 more rigid, it is made relatively thick, but where it is desired
most edge of the lower lip is beveled and defines a latch finger to flex it is made relatively thin.
52 for a purpose to be described hereafter. Projecting rear The pivotorhinge 56 is defined by a relatively thin segment
wardly from the transverse web 48 in generally co-planar of the roller stop 12 so that the relatively thin material at the
relationship with the lower lip is a plate like component 54 of pivot defines a living hinge permitting the plate like compo
the secondary body which is connected to the transverse web 45 nent 54 of the secondary body to pivot about the living hinge.
of the main body with a pivot or hinge 56. An abutment edge Of course, pivotal movement of the plate like component of
58 is defined at the rear edge of the plate like component 54 of the secondary body permits the catch lip 62 to be positioned
the secondary body with the abutment edge being parallel to between any desirable pair of serrated teeth 44 so the plate
the pivot or hinge 56. A plate like catch arm 60 projects like component of the secondary body is selectively retained
substantially perpendicularly upwardly from the plate like 50 at an angle relative to the main body which positions the
portion of the secondary body but in reality at an obtuse angle abutment edge 58 of the secondary body at a desired vertical
approaching 90°. The catch arm has a catch lip 62 projecting spacing from the main body.
forwardly from its upper edge immediately adjacent to the The desired positioning of the plate like component 54 of
serrated teeth 44 on the main body. The hinge 56 permits the the secondary body is determined by the thickness of the wrap
plate like component 54 of the secondary body and the catch 55 of shade material 16 on the roller which of course is deter
arm 60 to pivot in a vertical plane about the hinge 56 and mined by the length or vertical extent of the shade material
relative to the main body 34 in a manner such that the catchlip when extended as shown in FIG.1. When the shade material
62 can be removably positioned between selected ones of the is wrapped about the roller 18 into the fully retracted position
Serrated teeth thereby establishing a predetermined angle shown in FIGS. 4 and 4A, the bottom rail 32 of the shade
between the plate like component of the secondary body and 60 material is shown engaged with the abutment edge 58 of the
the plate like component of the main body. As will be appre roller stop. The abutment edge is thus positioned through the
ciated, the abutment edge of the secondary body is thereby interaction of the catch lip 62 with the serrated teeth 44 so that
moveable upwardly or downwardly to adjust the vertical it is closely adjacent to but spaced from the shade material
spacing between the abutment edge and the plate like com when the covering is fully retracted. The abutment edge is
ponent of the main body. 65 positioned, however, close enough to the shade material So as
The plate like component 36 of the main body also has a to engage the bottom rail and prevent further rotation of the
downwardly projecting finger 64 that is transversely centered roller. As viewed in FIGS. 4 and 4A, the roller is rotated in a
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US 7,500,505 B2
5 6
clockwise direction when retracting the covering and in a ary body having an abutment portion variably spaceable from
counter clockwise direction when extending the covering. said main body while remaining spaced from said shade
FIGS. 4 and 4A are illustrative of two different positions of material, said secondary body or said main body including
the abutment edge of the secondary body to accommodate a serrated teeth and the other of said secondary body and main
relatively thick wrap (FIG. 4) or a relatively thin wrap (FIG. 5 body including a catch finger for releasable engagement with
4A). individual ones of said serrated teeth to vary the spacing of
As can be seen, the roller stop 12 can be easily removed said abutment portion from said main body.
from a head rail by simply pushing upwardly on the lower lip 3. A system for limiting retracting movement of a roller in
50 of the secondary body to release the latch finger 52 from a covering for an architectural opening comprising in combi
the upturned lip 66 and the angular positioning of the plate 10 nation: a head rail; a roller mounted in said head rail for
like component 54 of the secondary body is easily movable reversible rotating movement between extended and retracted
simply by flexing the catch arm 60 and repositioning the catch positions, said roller having a flexible shade material
arm between a different selected pair of serrated teeth 40. mounted thereon so as to be wrappable about said roller in
It will be appreciated from the above the roller stop of the said retracted position and unwrapped from said roller in said
present invention can be very inexpensively manufactured in 15 extended position, said shade material having a first edge
a one piece construction and easily mounted on or removed connected to said roller and a second opposite free edge
from the head rail of a covering for architectural openings. It having a bottom rail thereon, and an adjustable stop, said stop
is further easily and dependably adjustable to accommodate having a main body connected to said head rail and a second
rolled fabrics of different dimensions. ary body flexibly connected to said main body, said secondary
Although the present invention has been described with a body having an abutment portion variably positionable in a
certain degree of particularity, it is understood the present plurality of releasably fixed positions so as to be selectively
disclosure has been made by way of example, and changes in spaced from said main body and being positionable adjacent
detail or structure may be made without the departing from to said shade material in said retracted position, said second
the spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims. ary body or said main body including Serrated teeth and the
The invention claimed is: 25 other of said secondary body and main body including a catch
1. A system for limiting retracting movement of a roller in finger for releasable engagement with individual ones of said
a covering for an architectural opening comprising in combi Serrated teeth to vary the spacing of said abutment portion
nation: a head rail; a roller mounted in said head rail for from said main body such that said abutment portion will
reversible rotating movement between extended and retracted engage and terminate rotating movement of said roller in said
positions, said roller having a flexible shade material 30 retracted position.
mounted thereon so as to be wrappable about said roller in 4. The system of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said stop is made
said retracted position and unwrapped from said roller in said of a substantially rigid material.
extended position, said shade material having a first edge 5. The system of claim 4 wherein said secondary body is
connected to said roller and a second opposite free edge flexibly connected to said main body with a living hinge.
having a bottom rail thereon, and a unitary adjustable stop, 35 6. The system of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said serrated teeth
said stop having a main body connected to said head rail and are disposed vertically.
a secondary body pivotally connected to said main body, said 7. The system of claim 1, 2 or 3 wherein said main body
secondary body having an abutment portion variably space includes a plate like component disposed horizontally on said
able from said main body and being positionable adjacent to head rail, said secondary body includes a plate like compo
said shade material in said retracted position, said secondary 40 nent, and said flexible connection establishes a horizontal
body or said main body including serrated teeth and the other pivotaxis permitting said plate like component of the second
of said secondary body and main body including a catch ary body to pivot in a vertical plane.
finger for releasable engagement with individual ones of said 8. The system of claim 7 wherein said serrated teeth are in
Serrated teeth to vary the spacing of said abutment portion a vertical orientation Such that said catch finger is position
from said main body. 45 able between selected ones of said teeth upon pivotal move
2. A system for limiting retracting movement of a roller in ment of said plate-like component of said secondary body.
a covering for an architectural opening comprising in combi 9. The system of claim 8 wherein said serrated teeth are on
nation: a head rail; a roller mounted in said head rail for said main body and said catch finger is on said secondary
reversible rotating movement between extended and retracted body.
positions, said roller having a flexible shade material 50 10. The system of claim 8 wherein said abutment portion
mounted thereon so as to be wrappable about said roller in constitutes a movable edge of said plate-like component of
said retracted position and unwrapped from said roller in said said secondary body opposite said pivot axis.
extended position, said shade material having a first edge 11. The system of claim 9 wherein said catch finger con
connected to said roller and a second opposite free edge stitutes a Substantially perpendicular projection from said
having a bottom rail thereon, and an adjustable stop, said stop 55 plate-like component of said secondary body.
having a main body connected to said head rail and a second
ary body pivotally connected to said main body, said second k k k k k
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EXHIBIT B
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US007516771B2

(12) United States Patent (10) Patent No.: US 7,516,771 B2


Drew et al. (45) Date of Patent: *Apr. 14, 2009

(54) LOCKLEVER MOUNTING BRACKET FOR (56) References Cited


HEADRAILS ON COVERINGS FOR U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
ARCHITECTURAL OPENINGS
2,520,272 A * 8/1950 Bopp et al. ........... 160,176.1 V
(75) Inventors: Terrence M. Drew, Superior, CO (US); 3,029.465 A * 4, 1962 Graber et al. ............... 1694 D
3,030,060 A * 4, 1962 Breuer ....................... 248,265
James L. Miller, Henderson, CO (US) 3.291,194. A * 12/1966 Kirtley et al. .. ... 160,181
4,114,233 A * 9/1978 Hamilton ....... ... 16.95 R
(73) Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc., Upper Saddle 4,580,753 A * 4/1986 Hennequin. ... 248,264
River, NJ (US) 4,938.443 A 7/1990 Rowe ......................... 248,251
5,044,589 A * 9/1991 Milne et al. ................. 248,265
(*) Notice: Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this 5,131,616 A * 7/1992 Biba ................ ... 248,265
D329,294 S * 9/1992 DuBeau et al. ... ... D25/49
patent is extended or adjusted under 35 5,146,648 A * 9/1992 Hudson ............ ... 16/94 R
U.S.C. 154(b) by 185 days. 5, 186,426 A * 2/1993 Wada ..... ... 248,251
5, 195,570 A * 3/1993 Marocco .... ... 160,178.1 R
This patent is Subject to a terminal dis 5,353,857 A * 10/1994 Anderson .. ... 160,178.1 R
claimer. 5,515,901 A * 5/1996 Hall ........................... 160,206
5,584,459 A * 12/1996 Meyer ........................ 248,251
(21) Appl. No.: 11/474,564 5,626,177 A * 5/1997 Colson et al. ......... 160,168.1 V
5,820,091 A * 10/1998 Kutscher ............... 248,220.21
6,186,457 B1 2/2001 Carter ........................ 248,251
(22) Filed: Jun. 26, 2006 6,202,967 B1 * 3/2001 Fraczek .. ... 248,261
6,299,115 B1 * 10/2001 Kovach et al. .............. 248,262
(65) Prior Publication Data
6,322,029 B1 * 1 1/2001 Sonnenberg et al. ... 248/222.13
US 2007/OOOO621 A1 Jan. 4, 2007
(Continued)
Related U.S. Application Data Primary Examiner Katherine W Mitchell
(60) Provisional application No. 60/696.203, filed on Jun. Assistant Examiner Philip S Kwon
30, 2005. (74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm Dorsey & Whitney LLP
(51) Int. C. (57) ABSTRACT
E6B 9/00 (2006.01)
(52) U.S. Cl. ........................ 160/902; 160/23.1: 160/38; A mounting bracket for a covering for architectural openings
160/173 R; 160/173 V; 160/178.1 R; 160/178.1 V: Such as windows, doors, archways, and the like, includes
248/254; 248/262: 248/220.21; 248/220.22;
complementary components on the headrail and the mount
ing bracket to permit the mounting bracket to be inserted into
248/221.11; 248/222.11; 248/222.52 the headrail and a lock lever is provided with access forwardly
(58) Field of Classification Search ................ 160/23.1, of the headrail to lock the headrail in position on the mounting
160/38,902, 173 R, 173 V, 178.1 R, 178.1 V: bracket or condition the mounting bracket for release of the
248/254, 220.21, 220.22, 221.11, 222.11, headrail from a temporarily secured relationship.
248/222.52, 262
See application file for complete search history. 6 Claims, 14 Drawing Sheets
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Page 2

U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS 7,134,469 B2 * 1 1/2006 Drew et al. ................... 16038


7,240,715 B2* 7/2007 Hoffmann ... 160,120
6,382.296 B1* 5/2002 Judkins ................ 160,178.1 R 7,367,536 B1* 5/2008 Anderson et al. ........... 248,251
6,540, 187 B2 4/2003 Carter ........................ 248,251 2002/0027.184 A1 3/2002 Kovach et al. .............. 248,262
6,557.303 B2 * 5/2003 Finke et al. ................... 49,409 2006/00 16946 A1 1/2006 Bohlen .................... 248,231.9
6,561.475 B1* 5/2003 Chuang ...................... 248,264 2007/0000621 A1 1/2007 Drew et al.
6.585,208 B1* 7, 2003 Fraser ........................ 248,251 2007/0144682 A1* 6/2007 Drew et al. ................ 160,231
6,619,366 B2 * 9/2003 Ciuca ................... 160,176.1 R * cited by examiner
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U.S. Patent Apr. 14, 2009 Sheet 1 of 14 US 7,516,771 B2


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U.S. Patent Apr. 14, 2009 Sheet 2 of 14 US 7,516,771 B2


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U.S. Patent Apr. 14, 2009 Sheet 11 of 14 US 7,516,771 B2


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US 7,516,771 B2
1. 2
LOCKLEVER MOUNTING BRACKET FOR The lever arm of course can be moved to a release position to
HEADRAILS ON COVERINGS FOR permit depression of the catch arm by applying reasonable
ARCHITECTURAL OPENINGS manual force to the headrail.
Other aspects, features, and details of the present invention
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED can be more completely understood by reference to the fol
APPLICATION lowing detailed description of a preferred embodiment, taken
in conjunction with the drawings and from the appended
claims.
The present application claims the benefit under 35 U.S.C.
S 119(e) to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 60/696, BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
203 (“the 203 application'), which was filed on Jun. 30, 2005 10
and entitled “Lock Lever Mounting Bracket For Headrails on FIG. 1 is an isometric of a headrail for a covering for an
Coverings for Architectural Openings.” The 203 application architectural opening mounted on the mounting brackets of
is incorporated by reference into the present application in its
entirety. the present invention with lock levers in a locked position.
15 FIG. 2 is an exploded isometric similar to FIG. 1 with the
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION lock levers in a release position.
FIG.3 is an enlarged section taken along line 3-3 of FIG.1.
FIG. 4 is a section similar to FIG. 3 with the lock lever in a
1. Field of the Invention
release position.
The present invention relates generally to systems for FIG.5 is an enlarged fragmentary view taken along line 5-5
mounting a headrail for a covering for an architectural open of FIG. 3.
ing and more specifically to a mounting bracket having a lever FIG. 6 is an enlarged fragmentary view taken along line 6-6
lock for securing the headrail to the mounting bracket. of FIG. 4.
2. Description of the Relevant Art FIG. 7 is a section taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 5.
Coverings for architectural openings such as windows, FIG. 8 is an enlarged fragmentary section taken along line
doors, archways and the like typically include a retractable 25
8-8 of FIG. 7.
panel of material Supported by a headrail. The coverings are FIG. 9 is a section similar to FIG. 7 with the slide-lockbar
typically movable between extended positions wherein the in a release position.
panel of material extends across the architectural opening and FIG. 10 is a section similar to FIG. 9 with the headrail
a retracted position where the panel of material is either positioned relative to the mounting bracket as it would be
wrapped or gathered within or immediately adjacent to the 30
immediately before a temporary connection.
headrail. The headrail further includes control systems for FIG. 11 is a section similar to FIG. 10 with the headrail
moving the covering between extended and retracted posi
tions and in the case of Venetian blinds for tilting the slats of removed from the mounting bracket.
the blind between open and closed positions. FIG. 12 is an isometric looking downwardly on the mount
Headrails are provided in various forms and configurations 35 ing bracket.
dictated partly by aesthetics and partly by function. In any FIG. 13 is an isometric looking upwardly at the bottom of
circumstance, mounting brackets are provided that can be the mounting bracket of FIG. 12.
secured to a frame around the architectural opening and ulti FIG. 14 is a left end elevation of the bracket as shown in
lized to support the headrail. FIG. 15.
In most instances, the mounting brackets have some form 40
FIG. 15 is a top plan view of the mounting bracket.
of a release mechanism so that the headrail is releasably FIG. 16 is a side elevation of the mounting bracket.
secured to the mounting bracket whereby when in use it is FIG. 17 is an enlarged section taken along line 17-17 of
reliably secure to prevent an inadvertent removal but can be FIG. 15.
released and removed for cleaning purposes or the like. FIG. 18 is an enlarged section taken along line 18-18 of
Systems for releasably securing a headrail to mounting 45 FIG. 15.
brackets have taken numerous forms including brackets with FIG. 19 is an isometric looking downwardly on the slide
detents, depressible release arms, Snap-on fingers or the like lock bar of the mounting bracket.
and efforts are continuing for devising more reliable and easy FIG. 20 is an isometric looking upwardly at the bottom of
to operate systems. the slide-lock bar of FIG. 19.
50 FIG.21 is an end elevation of the slide-lockbar as shown in
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION FIG 22.
FIG.22 is a top plan view of the slide-lock bar.
The present invention embodies a system for releasably FIG. 23 is a side elevation of the slide-lock bar.
mounting a headrail for a covering for an architectural open FIG. 24 is a bottom plan view of the slide-lock bar.
ing to mounting brackets in a reliable, efficient, and easy to 55 FIG. 25 is an isometric of the lock lever of the mounting
operate manner. The headrail and mounting brackets are bracket.
complementary in that the headrail can be temporarily
Snapped onto the mounting brackets and then firmly locked in FIG. 26 is a top plan view of the lock lever.
a mounted position with a readily accessible lever arm. FIG. 27 is a side elevation of the lock lever.
The mounting bracket has a depressible catch arm that is FIG. 28 is a top plan view of the lock lever.
60
automatically depressed by a ledge on the headrail as the
headrail is advanced to a predetermined position relative to DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED
the mounting bracket at which point the catch arm Snaps into EMBODIMENT
a temporarily secured position. A leverarm on the bracket can
then be manually pivoted to a lock position to activate a With reference first to FIGS. 1 and 2, a pair of mounting
slide-lock bar that prevents the catch arm from again being 65 brackets 30 in accordance with the present invention are seen
depressed thereby securely locking the headrail to the mount with a headrail 32 for a covering for an architectural opening
ing bracket to prevent an inadvertent removal of the headrail. (not shown). While the frame for the architectural opening to
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US 7,516,771 B2
3 4
which the brackets 30 can be mounted is not illustrated, the head as seen in FIGS. 7 and 9-11. The pivot pin pivotally
connection will be fully appreciated with the description of a secures a lock lever 96 to the base as will be described later.
bracket hereafter. As possibly best seen in FIG. 13, the rectangular opening
Before describing a bracket 30 in detail, it is best to under 74 in the slide plate 68 in which the spring catch arm 76 is
stand the structure of the headrail32 adapted for mounting on 5 positioned is continuous with a relatively narrow recessed
the bracket and the headrail is probably best illustrated in channel 98 in the bottom of the relatively thick rear portion 64
FIG. 11. The headrail can be seen to have a generally flat front of the base, which in turn is continuous with a slot-like open
wall 34 with an arcuate lower edge 36 and a relatively flat top ing 100 through the rear portion. As possibly best appreciated
wall 38 projecting rear wardly from the top edge of the front by reference to FIGS. 8 and 13, a pair of support shoulders
wall. The top wall has a depressed ledge 40 along its rear ward 10 102 extend along the sides of the slot-like opening 100 in the
most edge defining a bevel Surface 42 and a rib spacer 44 base along the bottom thereof.
A slide-lock bar 104 shown in detail in FIGS. 8 and 19-24
projecting down wardly at an intermediate location between is slidably positioned within the opening 74 in the slide plate,
the front wall 34 and the ledge 40. The headrail is typically the continuous recessed channel 98 and slot-like opening 100
extruded so that all of its features extend the full length of the in the rear portion of the base. The slide-lock bar slidably
headrail. At a predetermined spacing below the top wall, a 15
underlies the spring catch arm 76. Referencing FIGS. 19-24,
support arm 46 extends rear wardly from the front wall of the the slide-lock bar can be seen to have a flat paddle head 106
headrail with the Support arm having a lip 48 along its rear with a beveled leading edge 108, a guide block 110 extending
ward most edge. The lip 48, ledge 40, and rib spacer 44 all upwardly from a rear portion of the paddle head and a slide
cooperate in defining a pocket 50 in which a portion of the arm 112 extending rear wardly from the paddle head. The
mounting bracket can be inserted. slide arm has a raised block 114 at approximately its longi
In FIGS. 3 and 4, the headrail 32 is shown connected to a tudinal center with the raised block having a cylindrical guide
mounting bracket 30 of the present invention with FIG. 4 pin 116 projecting upwardly. The underside of the slide arm
showing the mounting bracket in a release position and FIG. has an elongated centered tongue 118 formed integrally
3 in a locking position. Further, a roller 52 which might be thereon (FIG. 20) which projects downwardly a small amount
found in a headrail of a roll-up shade is illustrated positioned 25 from the remainder of the slide arm. The tongue is also rela
within the headrail and beneath the mounting bracket for tively narrow so as to define Support edges 120 along opposite
illustrative purposes only. The mounting bracket is probably sides of the slide arm which are adapted to ride upon the
best seen in FIGS. 12-18. The bracket is made of a somewhat support shoulders 102.
rigid plastic material having some flexibility depending upon As probably best seen in FIGS. 7-13, the slide-lockbar 104
the thickness of the plastic for purposes which will become 30 is positioned in the base 54 so that the support edges 120 on
apparent with the description hereafter. the underside of the slide-lock bar are supported on the Sup
The bracket 30 can be seen to have a horizontal base 54, a port shoulders 102 for sliding movement and the paddle head
downturned back wall 56 off the rear edge of the base, and 106 is disposed within the rectangular opening 74 in the slide
upper 58 and lower 60 horizontal flanges extending rear plate 68 immediately beneath the spring catch arm 76. The
wardly from the back wall. The upper flange, the back wall, 35
guide block 110 on the paddle head projects into the rectan
and the base all have openings 62 therethrough as possibly gular slot 86 formed in the spring catch arm to assist in
best seen in FIGS. 12, 13, 14, and 18 through which fasteners guiding sliding movement of the slide-lock bar. The slide
(not shown) can extend to secure the bracket to the frame lock bar is also made of a relatively thin plastic so it too has
around an architectural opening. The openings 62 are pro some flexibility along its length. It should be noted that when
vided in both vertical and horizontal surfaces of the bracket so the spring catch arm is depressed downwardly, it engages the
the bracket can be mounted to a vertical or horizontal surface 40
top surface of the paddle head of the slide-lock bar also
of the frame depending upon the type of mounting desired for depressing the paddle head downwardly due to their uniform
the covering. flexibility.
The base 54 has a relatively thick rear portion 64 with a flat The lock lever 96, which is used to engage and disengage
upper surface 66 and a slide plate 68 projecting forwardly the locking mechanism in the bracket, is seen in detail in
from the rear portion along a lower edge thereof. The slide 45 FIGS. 25-28. It can there be seen to have an elongated rela
plate has a pair of supportarms 70 along opposite sides and an tively flat body 124 with a diagonal gripping rib 126 at one
integral lead bar 72 connecting the Support arms along the end, a semicircular opposite end 128, a circular passage 130
forward most edge of the slide plate so as to define a rectan extending vertically through the body at a location relatively
gular opening 74 therebetween. The opening has a spring close to the opposite end and an arcuate push-pull slot 132
catch arm 76 positioned therein with the catch arm having a extending vertically through the flat body between the circu
relatively thin portion 78 integrally connected with and lar opening and the opposite end of the flat body from the
extending forwardly from the relatively thick rear portion 64 gripping rib. The push-pull slot while being arcuate extends at
of the base in a living hinge and a bevel head 80 at the forward approximately a 45 degree angle relative to the length of the
most end of the thin portion. The bevel head has front 82 and lever arm for a purpose to be described hereafter.
rear 84 upwardly directed bevel surfaces for purposes to be 55 The lock lever 96 is secured to the base 54 by positioning
described hereafter. the gripping rib 126 at a location beyond the slide plate 68 of
The thin portion 78 is adapted to flex slightly at the living the base with the opposite end 128 of the lock lever being
hinge so that the bevel head 80 can be depressed within the positioned within the shallow groove 90 provided in the top
rectangular opening 74 in the slide plate 68. The thin portion surface of the base. The circular passage 130 through the lock
of the catch arm itself has a rectangular slot 86 formed therein 60
lever is aligned with the hole 92 in the shallow groove in the
for a purpose to be described hereafter. A pair of overhanging base and the pivot pin 94 is inserted into the hole to pivotally
lips 88 project forwardly from the relatively thick rear portion connect the lock lever to the base. It should be appreciated the
64 of the base in spaced overlying relationship with a rear width of the lock lever body 124 is less than the width of the
portion of the slide plate 68. The overhanging lips define a shallow groove so the lock lever is free to pivot within limits
space therebetween that is continuous with a shallow groove about the pivot pin. A notch 134 is provided in a side of the flat
90 formed in the flat upper surface 66 of the rear portion 64 of 65 body 124 to accommodate the adjacent overhanging lip 88
the base. A vertical hole 92 is provided in the shallow groove when the lock lever is in the locking position of FIG. 3. With
for receipt of a removable pivot pin 94 having an enlarged the lock lever attached to the base as described, the guide pin
Case 2:18-cv-00387-JLL-CLW Document 1-2 Filed 01/10/18 Page 20 of 20 PageID: 40

US 7,516,771 B2
5 6
116 on the slide-lock bar 104 extends into the push-pull slot As mentioned previously, the transverse profile of the
132 of the lock lever. As will be appreciated by pivoting the headrail32, as illustrated in the drawings, is continuous along
lock lever about the pivot pin, the push-pull slot forces the the length of the headrail so that any number of support
guide pin to move linearly along the length of the bracket so brackets 30 can be positioned for receipt of the headrail. Each
that the slide-lock bar can be moved reciprocally forwardly support bracket would be operated similarly to remove the
and rear wardly along the length of the bracket with pivotal headrail from the Support bracket or to permit its mounting. It
movement of the lock lever. should also be appreciated the gripping rib 126 on the lock
As will be appreciated with the description later, when the lever protrudes forwardly from the front wall 34 of the head
lock lever 96 is aligned with the base as in FIG.4, the slide rail 32 a sufficient distance to allow an operator to grip the
lockbar 104 is fully retracted toward the rear of the bracket 30 10 lock lever and move it between locking and release positions.
whereas when the lock lever is pivoted into the position Further, the lock lever can be made of a clear plastic material
shown in FIG.3, the push-pull slot 132 advances the guide pin so as to be less visible for aesthetic purposes.
116 pulling the slide-lock bar forwardly relative to the base Although the present invention has been described with a
54. This movement of the slide-lock bar is probably best certain degree of particularity, it is understood the present
appreciated by reference to FIGS. 5 and 6. The lock lever has 15 disclosure has been made by way of example and changes in
arcuately spaced detents 136 in its opposite end 128 that detail or structure may be made without departing from the
releasably receives vertical beads 138 formed in the adjacent spirit of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
arcuate wall 140 of the shallow groove 90. The detents and The invention claimed is:
beads assist in retaining the lock lever in either a locking or 1. A system for mounting a headrail for a covering for an
release position to be described in more detail hereafter. architectural opening on a mounting bracket comprising in
Looking next at FIG. 11, the mounting bracket 30 is shown combination:
positioned to receive the headrail32 with FIG.10 showing the
headrail having been advanced partially onto the mounting the headrail having a Support arm and a wall spaced there
bracket so that the lead bar 72 of the slide plate 68 is inserted from to define a pocket therebetween, and
into the pocket 50 in the headrail between the rib spacer 44 the mounting bracket including:
25
and the support arm 46. It should be noted in the position of (a) means for connecting the mounting bracket to a frame
FIG. 10, the front bevel 82 on the bevel head 80 has engaged of an architectural opening;
and passed by the rear ledge 40 of the top wall 38. The (b) a base adapted to be inserted into said pocket;
engagement of the front bevel with the rear ledge cams the (c) a depressible catch arm on said base movable from a
bevel head downwardly into the position of FIG. 10. In FIG. 30
neutral position operatively engageable with said wall to
9, the headrail is shown fully advanced onto the bracket in a releasably secure said base in said pocket;
neutral position where it will be appreciated the bevel head is (d) a lock bar mounted on said base in operative relation
positioned immediately in front of the bevel 42 on the rear ship with said catch arm, said lock bar being slidably
ledge 40 of the top wall of the headrail. The rear bevel surface movable between locking and release positions, said
84 on the catch arm 76 is engaged with the bevel 42 on the top 35
lock bar engaging said Support arm in said locking posi
wall of the headrail so that the headrail is temporarily but tion to prevent depression of said catch arm to positively
releasably secured to the bracket. As will be appreciated, if secure said headrail to said mounting bracket; and
the headrail were to be pulled forwardly from the position (e) a lock lever operatively associated with said lockbar for
illustrated in FIG. 9, the beveled engagement of the bevel 42 moving said lock bar between said locking and release
on the top wall with the rear bevel 84 on the catch arm would 40
positions, wherein the lock lever has an arcuate push
cam the catch arm downwardly as seen in FIG. 10 which pull slot, said arcuate push-pull slot slidably receiving a
would allow the headrail to be released from the bracket with portion of the lock bar so that as the lock lever is pivoted
a predetermined amount of force. As mentioned previously, between locking and release positions the lock bar is
the catch arm can be depressed from the position of FIG. 9 actuated so that it slides between corresponding locking
eventhough the slide-lockbar 104 is positioned there beneath 45
and release positions.
because both elements are somewhat flexible. 2. The system of claim 1 wherein said wall of said headrail
With the headrail 32 temporarily connected to the mount has a bevel Surface and said catch arm has a bevel Surface
ing bracket 30 as shown in FIG.9, however, the lock lever 96 engageable with said bevel surface of said wall when in said
can be pivoted into the position of FIG.3, which as mentioned neutral position, and wherein said engagement is releasable
previously, causes the slide lock bar 104 to move forwardly 50
except when said lock bar is in the locking position.
relative to the base 54 and as seen in FIG. 7, this extreme 3. The system of claim 2 wherein said catch arm has a
forward limited movement of the slide-lock bar causes the second bevel surface engageable with said wall of the headrail
paddle head 106 to overlie the lip 48 on the support arm 46 of when said headrail is being mounted on said headrail so as to
the headrail which prevents the slide-lock bar and the over depress said catch arm from said neutral position.
lying catch arm 76 from being pivoted downwardly. As will 55 4. The system of claim 1 wherein said headrail has a front
be appreciated, if the catch arm cannot pivot downwardly, the wall and said lock lever protrudes beyond said front wall
headrail is prevented from removal from the mounting when the headrail is positioned on said mounting bracket and
bracket due to the engagement of the bevel surfaces 42 and 84. said lock bar is in said locking position.
Obviously, to remove the headrail 32 from the support 5. The system of claim 1 wherein said lock lever is pivotally
bracket 30, the lock lever 96 is simply pivoted into alignment 60 connected to said base and includes said push-pull slot, and
with the base 54 as shown in FIG. 4 causing the slide-lockbar said lock bar has a pin slidably received in said slot to affect
104 to be retracted further into the base so that the paddle head linear sliding movement of said lock bar upon pivotal move
106 no longer overlies the lip 48 of the support arm 46 ment of said lock lever.
whereby upon an outward pull on the headrail, the beveled 6. The system of claim 1 wherein there are a plurality of
engagement of the Surfaces 42 and 84 will cause the catcharm 65 said mounting brackets.
76 to pivot downwardly with the slide-lock bar as in FIG. 10
permitting removal of the headrail from the support bracket. k k k k k
Case 2:18-cv-00387-JLL-CLW Document 1-3 Filed 01/10/18 Page 1 of 24 PageID: 41

EXHIBIT C
Case 2:18-cv-00387-JLL-CLW Document 1-3 Filed 01/10/18 Page 2 of 24 PageID: 42
USOOD530967S

(12) Smith
United States Design Patent (10) Patent No.: US D530,967 S
(45) Date of Patent: Oct. 31, 2006
(54) HEADRAIL FOR COVERING FOR Primary Examiner Holly Baynham
ARCHITECTURAL OPENINGS Assistant Examiner Cynthia M. Chin
(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm Dorsey & Whitney LLP
(75) Inventor: Stephen P. Smith, Denver, CO (US) (57) CLAM
(73) Assignee: Hunter Douglas Inc., Upper Saddle I claim a headrail for covering for architectural openings, as
River, NJ (US) shown and described.
(**) Term: 14 Years DESCRIPTION

(21) Appl. No.: 29/239,355 FIG. 1 is an isometric of the headrail of the present invention
looking at the front.
(22) Filed: Sep. 29, 2005 FIG. 2 is a rear isometric similar to FIG. 1.
(51) LOC (8) Cl. .................................................... 06-10 FIG. 3 is a top plan view.
FIG. 4 is a front elevation.
(52) U.S. Cl. ........................................................ D6/58O
(58) Field of Classification Search .......... D6/575 580; FIG. 5 is a bottom plan view.
FIG. 6 is a left side elevation of the headrail as shown in
160/38, 39, 170, 177, 178.1 R; 248/251, FIG. 7.
248/261
See application file for complete search history. FIG. 7 is a rear elevation.
FIG. 8 is a right side elevation of the headrail as shown in
(56) References Cited FIG. 7.
FIG. 9 is a front isometric of a first alternative embodiment
U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS to the headrail shown in FIG. 1 with the front of the headrail
2,508,737 A * 5/1950
Zeto ........................... 248,263 having a fabric covering thereon.
D170,342 S * 9/1953
Skwark ... ... D6,575 FIG. 10 is a rear isometric similar to FIG. 9.
2,823,743 A * 2, 1958
Isaac ....... ... 160,39 FIG. 11 is a top plan view of the headrail of FIG. 9.
5,598,880 A * 2/1997
Cross ...... ... 160,38 FIG. 12 is a front elevation of the headrail of FIG. 9.
D386,641 S * 1 1/1997 Gray, III ... ... D6,575 FIG. 13 is a bottom plan view of the headrail of FIG. 9.
6,202,967 B1 * 3/2001 Fraczek ...................... 248,261 FIG. 14 is a left side elevation of the headrail as shown in
D440,444 S * 4/2001 Sonnenberg et al. ......... D6,580 FIG. 15.
D443,457 S * 6/2001 Horsten ............. ... D6,580
D445,621 S * 7/2001 Judkins ... ... D6,575 FIG. 15 is a rear elevation of the headrail of FIG. 9; and,
D455,336 S * 4/2002 Anderson .... ... D8,377 FIG. 16 is a right elevation of the headrail as shown in FIG.
D488,945 S * 4/2004 Bibby et al. . D6,580 15.
2002/0046816 A1 * 4/2002 Judkins ....................... 160/32

* cited by examiner 1 Claim, 6 Drawing Sheets


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U.S. Patent Oct. 31, 2006 Sheet 1 of 6 US D530,967 S


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s
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Case 2:18-cv-00387-JLL-CLW Document 1-3 Filed 01/10/18 Page 7 of 24 PageID: 47

U.S. Patent Oct. 31, 2006 Sheet 5 of 6 US D530,967 S

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U.S. Patent Oct. 31, 2006 Sheet 6 of 6 US D530,967 S


Case 2:18-cv-00387-JLL-CLW Document 1-3 Filed 01/10/18 Page 9 of 24 PageID: 49
UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO. : Des. 530,967 S Page 1 of 8


APPLICATIONNO. : 29/239355
DATED : October 31, 2006
INVENTOR(S) : Stephen P. Smith
It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is
hereby corrected as shown below:

The title page, showing illustrative figures, should be deleted and substitute therefore the
attached title page.
Delete drawing sheets 1 through 6 and replace with formal drawing sheets 1 through 6
attached.

Signed and Sealed this


Twentieth Day of March, 2007

WDJ
JON. W. DUDAS
Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office
Case 2:18-cv-00387-JLL-CLW Document 1-3 Filed 01/10/18 Page 10 of 24 PageID: 50
Page 2 of 8

. .
(2) Siti
United States Design Patent (45)
go, Patent No.:
late of Patent:
US D530,967s
Oct. 3, 2006
54 EEAEDRAE FOR COWERENGEOR Frimary Reanine-Eicily Bayahara
ACEA, iiNS Assistas: £xaminerythick M. Chia
{4} Aitang, getti, or Firn-Corsey & Waitacy LLP
(75) investo: Stepier: ... Satti, leaves, CO (ES) 5.
(73 Assigae: Exeter Ecgas itic, tipper Sackie it::iii. 3 seatsai for covering for architecturs penings, as
ikiver, N. S. six was said described,
te era: Years ESCRE:
(23) Agi. No.:29:239,388 ific, is askis&isitofile easisi of the preseativestion
oo::iigatikeikai.
22} Eiled: Sep. 29, 200s f:3. 2 is a rear isoaletic sistiaz to FG. i.
(5i ci............., 85-8 F.3 is Regist vies,
(32) sect. &S8's a S& exiss's's& seedssy sex is sess wi is FK.
PK3. S is
is a8 bottoa
first elevation.
tax view,
38 Ee f cine thring Fig. K.3.6 is a left site elevation of the easirai a soya is
s' y is a la
23:28:
a si & C. is a rear eieyatia,
See agglicatiox: 8a fix staplete seatx3 listory, *C. 8 is a tight siciseesation of the easigai 38 sawa is
(S6) Refereggs Eted E3 SSare insic
is ofis in algetative
a &cia
exiciaetit
U.S. Ai Otis S. is titchadaistics: FK. Wittke frontoftheesir:
2,583. A $1350 eeks ................. 3488 having a fixie covering there 3.
332 S * 8.933 Skwask ........ 355 F:, it is a rear isometric simiar to 3. .
2,823,43 A * 2/833 Isaac ... via 6889 fig, it is a tag gas view of tie headsail of F.9.
S$98,888. A 997 Cross rivers, 338 f:3. 2 is a fixateevation of 3xe besdai E, 9.
385,633 S. * ifists? city; it is cross SSS fis. 3 is a 30tesia pea view of the heads of FEG, 8.
396 B: * 3200 attack ... c. 33328i E. it is a kei sick eleyetia of the headaii as shows is:
43.44 S 4:303 Sassessitats et si. . . .338
x44343 8 82:03 ioisie. ............. 858
--S62 S
4S$33.5 S
$88,985 &
Cass86 A
: i33i ckias it:::38,
32C2 Anderss ...
4,284 3ity if a.s.. ............
s: kickins .......... 832
8
isis

6i588
3. is is a rear elevation aftecsitai: 8f G, 9; ani,
S. 6 is a tight elevation of the headraias sixw8 is F.C.
ii,

tied by exagainer i Caist, 6 Briswig Slets


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s
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Page 6 of 8

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Page 7 of 8

U.S. Patent Oct. 31, 2006 Sheet 5 of 6 D530,967 S

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U.S. Patent Oct. 31, 2006 Sheet 6 of 6 D530,967 S


Case 2:18-cv-00387-JLL-CLW Document 1-3 Filed 01/10/18 Page 17 of 24 PageID: 57
UNITED STATES PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
CERTIFICATE OF CORRECTION

PATENT NO. : Des. 530,967 S Page 1 of 8


APPLICATIONNO. : 29/239355
DATED : October 31, 2006
INVENTOR(S) : Stephen P. Smith
It is certified that error appears in the above-identified patent and that said Letters Patent is
hereby corrected as shown below:

The title page, showing illustrative figures, should be deleted and substitute therefore the
attached title page.
Delete drawing sheets 1 through 6 and replace with formal drawing sheets 1 through 6
attached.

Signed and Sealed this


Twenty-seventh Day of March, 2007

WDJ
JON. W. DUDAS
Director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office
Case 2:18-cv-00387-JLL-CLW Document 1-3 Filed 01/10/18 Page 18 of 24 PageID: 58
Page 2 of 8

(2) United States Design Patent co, Patent No.: US D530,967 S


Sitti (45) ste of stent: Oct, 31, 2006
(4) EEAORAE FOR COWERENG FOR frtissary &rarrier-Boity Baynham
CECA 88 sister? xanaer-Cyaxis 8, in
(t) 4tartley digent, or first-twisty & Whiacy Le
is invester:tr Stephers,. Saita, eayer, a 38 3
{5} CAM
3) Assigrate; ''Butter Bougia. Eact, ipper Saddle caia a stadtaiis cover isgir actiitectura: speciags, as
River,- N. S. solo as described, 3:38
(*) in is ests OESCON
(31) Appi, No. 2923:35S fii is E3itaetic of the aestrail oft:epresent isvestion
coking at the fort,
(22 Fixi: Seg. 29, 280s Fi. 2 is a rex isatistic sitti arts FG. E.
(sl)
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is asa irrat elevation.
(32) S, .. sercassistij} is FK, gas. view,
(58. is of Cisticatiot Search ... &S5-580;
5:38,39,3,3,78. R; 248.2S, E3 is a left side tissatia of the easiri: 8s showa in
88.
cairies its sts are history. Fig. f is a rear elevatist.
See application files for toap ry F. 8 is a right side skyation of the hairait as shows its
($6 References lied Fission
S is ioniofaintaini
cast cabinet
e excities
S. R.EXEENES tasekeasisixxiii.6.3 with the islateftekadai
2,5883: S v Stissa having a faxis coverig tieresa.
O34: S. 4 of S33
2833,43 A * if:SS3
FG, it is area: isogastric similaria F23. S.
fig, it is a tag park wiew of the satirai af FG, 9,
5.593,880 A. "irrrrrrrrrrry FES, 32 is a fix: tisatia of the headai of FG.s,
E.
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E. So E. E.g. is epigsvivorce of G. s.
: seges". sists E.g. is is eit side elevatist of the acadrail as xxws is
as s: st
4-332 S P 233 8.15 is a rear elevation cities heritai: of 83, S; and,
E33,535 S 28 Fig.6 is is rigi: etestic efficeheadrsi as sixtya in FEG.
Ex8894.5 S 4283 S.
2002,804.58s. At 8:20:32
* (itect by expairier i Clski, Strawing Sitects

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s
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U.S. Patent D530,967 S

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"61-I
91
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EXHIBIT D
Case 2:18-cv-00387-JLL-CLW Document 1-4 Filed 01/10/18 Page 2 of 3 PageID: 66

Reg. No. 5,211,658 Hunter Douglas Inc. (DELAWARE CORPORATION)


1 Blue Hill Plaza, 20th Floor
Registered May 30, 2017 Pearl River, NY 10965

CLASS 20: Fabric window blinds; Indoor blinds; Indoor window blinds; Slatted indoor
Int. Cl.: 20 blinds for windows; Window blinds; Window shades
Trademark FIRST USE 8-22-1991; IN COMMERCE 8-22-1991

Principal Register The mark consists of a three-dimensional configuration for a window covering feature in the
nature of a horizontal vane having an S-shaped curve, and coupled with a vertical support.
The matter shown in dotted lines, namely, the vertical support in the form of panels, are not
part of the mark and serve only to show the position of the mark.

SEC.2(F)

SER. NO. 86-782,508, FILED 10-08-2015


FRANK J LATTUCA, EXAMINING ATTORNEY
Case 2:18-cv-00387-JLL-CLW Document 1-4 Filed 01/10/18 Page 3 of 3 PageID: 67

REQUIREMENTS TO MAINTAIN YOUR FEDERAL TRADEMARK REGISTRATION


WARNING: YOUR REGISTRATION WILL BE CANCELLED IF YOU DO NOT FILE THE
DOCUMENTS BELOW DURING THE SPECIFIED TIME PERIODS.

Requirements in the First Ten Years*


What and When to File:

First Filing Deadline: You must file a Declaration of Use (or Excusable Nonuse) between the 5th and 6th
years after the registration date. See 15 U.S.C. §§1058, 1141k. If the declaration is accepted, the
registration will continue in force for the remainder of the ten-year period, calculated from the registration
date, unless cancelled by an order of the Commissioner for Trademarks or a federal court.

Second Filing Deadline: You must file a Declaration of Use (or Excusable Nonuse) and an Application
for Renewal between the 9th and 10th years after the registration date.* See 15 U.S.C. §1059.

Requirements in Successive Ten-Year Periods*


What and When to File:

You must file a Declaration of Use (or Excusable Nonuse) and an Application for Renewal
between every 9th and 10th-year period, calculated from the registration date.*

Grace Period Filings*

The above documents will be accepted as timely if filed within six months after the deadlines listed above with
the payment of an additional fee.

*ATTENTION MADRID PROTOCOL REGISTRANTS: The holder of an international registration with an


extension of protection to the United States under the Madrid Protocol must timely file the Declarations of Use
(or Excusable Nonuse) referenced above directly with the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
The time periods for filing are based on the U.S. registration date (not the international registration date). The
deadlines and grace periods for the Declarations of Use (or Excusable Nonuse) are identical to those for
nationally issued registrations. See 15 U.S.C. §§1058, 1141k. However, owners of international registrations
do not file renewal applications at the USPTO. Instead, the holder must file a renewal of the underlying
international registration at the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization, under
Article 7 of the Madrid Protocol, before the expiration of each ten-year term of protection, calculated from the
date of the international registration. See 15 U.S.C. §1141j. For more information and renewal forms for the
international registration, see http://www.wipo.int/madrid/en/.

NOTE: Fees and requirements for maintaining registrations are subject to change. Please check the
USPTO website for further information. With the exception of renewal applications for registered
extensions of protection, you can file the registration maintenance documents referenced above online at h
ttp://www.uspto.gov.

NOTE: A courtesy e-mail reminder of USPTO maintenance filing deadlines will be sent to trademark
owners/holders who authorize e-mail communication and maintain a current e-mail address with the
USPTO. To ensure that e-mail is authorized and your address is current, please use the Trademark
Electronic Application System (TEAS) Correspondence Address and Change of Owner Address Forms
available at http://www.uspto.gov.

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