US 12,460,475 B2
Motorized slat angle adjustment mechanism for window blinds
Nicholas Jackson, Marietta, GA (US); and Nicholas Servies, Kennesaw, GA (US)
Assigned to Home Depot Product Authority, LLC, Atlanta, GA (US)
Filed by Home Depot Product Authority, LLC, Atlanta, GA (US)
Filed on Jul. 3, 2020, as Appl. No. 16/920,554.
Application 16/920,554 is a continuation in part of application No. 15/857,294, filed on Dec. 28, 2017, granted, now 11,142,944.
Prior Publication US 2020/0399954 A1, Dec. 24, 2020
Int. Cl. E06B 9/28 (2006.01)
CPC E06B 9/28 (2013.01) [E06B 2009/285 (2013.01)] 17 Claims
OG exemplary drawing
 
1. An apparatus for adjusting a tilt angle of a plurality of slats in a window blind, the window blind including a headrail having disposed therein a shaft that causes the tilt angle of the slats to be adjusted when the shaft is rotated, the apparatus comprising:
a rod having a first end and a second end, the first end adapted to couple with a wand;
a rotational position sensor configured to generate a signal indicative of the tilt angle of the slats;
a first bevel gear coupled with the rod;
a second bevel gear in mechanical communication with the first bevel gear, the second bevel gear comprising a bore passing axially therethrough that is sized and shaped to receive the shaft and coupled with the shaft; and
a motor comprising a bore passing axially therethrough that is sized and shaped to receive the shaft and coupled to the shaft;
wherein a rotation of the wand causes a corresponding rotation of the shaft to adjust the tilt angle of the slats;
wherein actuation by the motor causes a rotation of the shaft to adjust the tilt angle of the slats;
wherein actuation by the motor causes a rotation of the first bevel gear, second bevel gear, rod, and wand; and
wherein actuation by the motor automatically ceases in response to the signal from the rotational position sensor indicating that the window blind is closed.