Architectural covering cradle system, multifunction remote and method of use

• US 9,384,657 B2
• Filed: 06/09/2014
• Issued: 07/05/2016
• Est. Priority Date: 06/13/2013
• Status: Active Grant

• Current Assignee: The Watt Stopper Incorporated (Legrand SA)
• Original Assignee: The Watt Stopper Incorporated (Legrand SA)
• Inventors: Mullet, Willis Jay, Asbury, Harry Edward, Kirkland, Matthew Warren
• Primary Examiner(s): Rushing, Mark
• Application Number:
  US14/299,656
• Publication Number:
  US 20140368322A1
• Time in Patent Office: 757 Days
• Field of Search: 340/12.5
• US Class Current: 1/1
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/77 using wireless control
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/66 Wireless transmission
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/81 User displays
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/106 for garages
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/132 Doors
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/148 Windows
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 17/02 using a radio link
• CPC Class Codes: G08C 2201/30 User interface

Abstract

A multi-function remote control and cradle system is presented. The remote fits within the opening of a standard light-switch faceplate and is magnetically held within a cradle which is connected to a conventional electrical box in the wall. The remote control includes a dwell function wherein when a button is pressed for less than a predetermined amount of time a first signal is sent, wherein when a button is pressed for more than a predetermined amount of time a second signal is sent. The remote control also includes a plurality of scene buttons wherein when pressed a plurality of architectural coverings are moved to a predetermined position. The remote control also includes a channel selector and a jog function wherein a unique signal is sent for each jog position between a fully open position and a fully closed position.

Claims

1. A remote control for an architectural covering comprising:

a remote having a first paddle button;

the first paddle button having an elongated body with a first zone and a second zone;

wherein when the first zone is pressed for a less than a predetermined amount of time, a first signal is sent;

wherein when the first zone is pressed for more than a predetermined amount of time, a second signal is sent;

wherein when the second zone is pressed for a less than a predetermined amount of time, a third signal is sent;

wherein when the second zone is pressed for more than a predetermined amount of tune, a fourth signal is sent;

the remote having a second paddle button;

wherein the first paddle button controls a blackout curtain of a drapery and the second paddle button controls a sheer curtain.

2. The remote control for an architectural covering of claim 1 wherein the first paddle button is positioned in vertical alignment with the body of the remote.

3. The remote control for an architectural covering of claim 1 wherein the first signal is a jog open signal.

4. The remote control for an architectural covering of claim 1 wherein the second signal is an open signal.

5. The remote control for an architectural covering of claim 1 wherein the third signal is a jog closed signal.

6. The remote control for an architectural covering of claim 1 wherein the fourth signal is a close signal.

7. The remote control for an architectural covering of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of scene buttons.

8. The remote control for an architectural covering of claim 1 further comprising a channel select button which when activated toggles through a plurality of channels.

9. The remote control for an architectural covering of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of indicator lights which indicate a selected channel.

10. The remote control for an architectural covering of claim 1, wherein the first paddle button and second paddle button are positioned in horizontal alignment with the body of the remote.

11. A system for wirelessly controlling an architectural covering comprising:

a motorized architectural covering having first shade material which extends an operating range between an open position and a closed position;

wherein the operating range is divided into a plurality of jog positions;

wherein a unique jog signal is assigned to the unique jog positions in the operating range;

a remote control having a first open jog button and a first close jog button associated with the first shade material;

wherein when the first open jog button is pressed the remote control transmits the unique jog signal associated with the next jog position in an open direction;

wherein when the first closed jog button is pressed the remote control transmits the unique jog signal associated with the next jog position in a close direction,

the motorized architectural covering having second shade material which extends an operating range between an open position and a closed position; and

the remote control having a second open jog button and a second close job button associated with the second shade material.

12. The system of claim 11 wherein the first open jog button and first close jog button are combined into an elongated paddle button.

13. The system of claim 11 wherein the last position of the architectural covering is stored in memory of the remote control or memory of the architectural covering.

14. The system of claim 11 wherein when the first open jog button or the first close jog button is pressed for more than a predetermined amount of time an open signal or a closed signal is transmitted.

15. The system of claim 11 wherein adjacent jog positions are separated by a predetermined distance.

16. The system of claim 11 wherein adjacent jog positions are separated by a predetermined percentage of distance between the open position and the closed position.