WO2001057352A1

WO2001057352A1 - Reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism

Info

Publication number: WO2001057352A1
Application number: PCT/IL2001/000113
Authority: WO
Inventors: Amnon Ribak
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2000-02-05
Filing date: 2001-02-04
Publication date: 2001-08-09
Anticipated expiration: 2002-08-05
Also published as: AU3219701A; IL134396A0

Abstract

The invention relates to a reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism for moving a movable part of a mechanical assembly between a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position, comprising: at least one battery-operated DC motor for supplying an input of energy for moving the movable part; means for controlling the DC motor, wherein the means are electrically connected to the DC motor; at least one spiral spring operatively coupled to the at least one DC motor and to the movable part of the mechanical assembly, wherein the resistance force of the spiral spring is in substantial equilibrium with an external force exerted on the movable part, such that movement of the movable part is effected by introducing the input of energy from the DC motor.

Description

REDUCED-ENERGY REQUIRING ROLLING-MECHANISM

Field of the invention:

The present invention relates to a reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism. More specifically, the present invention relates to a reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism for moving a movable part of a mechanical assembly between a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position. The rolling-mechanism of the present invention is especially useful for, though not limited to, adaptation for use in a roll-up blinds assembly for a window, an adjustable garden covering assembly, or a retractable irrigation line. The rolling-mechanism of the present invention also allows for a convenient automatic use of said mechanical assembly without requiring connection to a wall outlet.

Background of the invention:

Presently, many mechanical assemblies operate through manual input of the user. For example, exterior, storm-protective roll-up blinds on a window usually have a strap, accessible from the interior, that the user may pull down or release to raise, or lower, respectively, the blinds. The main problem with such assemblies, however, is that they require a high degree of physical strength in order to operate, since the manual force that is input needs to overcome the gravitational force (the weight) on the blinds. For elderly or handicapped people, as well as for children, pulling down or releasing the strap can be a very burdensome, if not dangerous task. The assemblies are often impossible to operate without assistance from others.

Technological advances have enabled many of these mechanical assemblies to be operated completely through electrical means. Such electrical means usually include an AC electrical motor connected to a stationary AC powers source. Inevitably, though, such means are not ideal for mobile assemblies, such as rotating mobile irrigation lines that are commonly used for home gardens and are also expensive to purchase and install. It would be desirable, therefore, to produce a mechanism that could be adapted for use in mechanical assemblies with movable parts, that would make the operation of the assembly easier and more convenient but at the same time, did not require as much energy, such that it could be operated through the use of batteries that would not have to be replaced so often.

Summary of the invention:

The aim of the present invention is to provide a reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism adapted for usage with a mechanical assembly that has a movable part, movable between two predetermined extreme positions (and intermediate points therein). The rolling-mechanism of the present invention overcomes the aforementioned problems by using a spiral spring in combination with a DC motor that can be powered through conventional batteries. The use of a battery-operated DC motor eliminates the need for electrical wiring for connection to an electrical power source. It also enables the mechanism to be useful for mobile mechanical assemblies. Independently, such a low-energy motor would not be able to provide enough mechanical energy to move the movable part of the assembly (or, would require gearing means causing the operation to be extremely slow). However, by using a spiral spring with a resistant force that is in substantial equilibrium with a force exerted on the movable part of the mechanical assembly, the movable part can be moved between a first or second predetermined position by introducing a small, but sufficient amount of mechanical energy from the DC motor to move the movable part at a satisfactory speed. (It will be appreciated by those versed in the art that complete equilibrium can only be achieved under ideal conditions, thus, the term "substantial equilibrium" is used to refer to a state of incomplete (or under ideal conditions, complete) equilibrium that mainly results from factors including the resistance of the spring, the weight of the movable part, and the internal friction in the rolling-mechanism.)

The present invention relates to a reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism for moving a movable part of a mechanical assembly between a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position, comprising:

(a) at least one battery-operated DC motor for supplying an input of energy for moving the movable part;

(b) means for controlling the DC motor, wherein said means are connected to said DC motor;

(c) at least one spiral spring operatively coupled to said at least one DC motor and to said movable part of the mechanical assembly, wherein the resistance force of the spiral spring is in substantial equilibrium with an external force exerted on the movable part, such that movement of the movable part is effected by introducing the input of mechanical energy from the DC motor.

According to one preferred embodiment of the present invention, the at least one spiral spring and the at least one DC motor are coupled to the mechanical assembly through a coupling system. According to various embodiments, the coupling system includes at least one strap adapted to move in response to tensing or releasing of said at least one spiral spring. (In the context of the present invention, a "strap" refers to any cable, cord, strap, or line composed of any appropriate material whose movement or rotation is converted to the movement of the mechanical part.) In various embodiments, the coupling system further includes a roller drum positioned around the outer circumference of each one of said at least one spiral springs. When the spiral spring is being tensed or released, the at least one strap winds or unwinds, respectively, around the circumference of the roller drum.

According to various preferred embodiments of the present invention, the spiral spring is operatively coupled to the DC motor through any appropriate transmission means, such as a series of gears or a transmission belt, or combination thereof.

In one preferred embodiment, the reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism is adapted for use with a roll-up blinds assembly for a window. The reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism according to this embodiment may be designed for easy installation by a consumer into an already-existing, manually-operated roll up blinds assembly. Since the reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism is battery-operated, no long cords or other external electrical connections are needed. The reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism may be affixed to an inside wall and attached to an already-existing strap that is connected to the roll-up blinds. Thus, when the strap moves upwards or downwards, the roll-up blinds are lowered to cover the window or rolled up into a housing located above the exterior of the window. The term "reduced-energy requiring" of the present invention refers to the energy-conserving quality of the rolling-mechanism deriving from the usage of a spiral spring in combination with a DC motor. The spiral serves to store, as potential energy, energy which otherwise would have been lost in the operation of the mechanical assembly. For example, in the aformentioned preferred embodiment, in which the rolling-mechanism is adapted for usage with a roll-up blinds assembly, the spiral spring harnesses the kinetic energy of the downward movement of the blinds. The potential energy stored in the spring will subsequently make raising the blinds require less energy than would otherwise be needed in roll-up blinds of the prior art.

In one preferred embodiment, the reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism is adapted for use with a roll-up blinds assembly for a window, in which roll-up blinds assembly including a conventional blind strap adapted to be engaged by the exterior of the spiral spring and coupled to the DC motor through a strap driving wheel. Preferably, the strap is pressured towards said strap driving wheel through at least one pressure wheel.

In another preferred embodiment, the reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism is adapted for use with an adjustable garden covering assembly having the shape of an inverted "U" and having a movable shading portion functionally connected to the at least one strap such that said shading portion may be moved between the two sides of the inverted "U" while making use of the rolling-mechanism of the present invention. The adjustable garden covering assembly has at least one pair of spiral springs affixed around an upper central pivot and connected to eachother in a push-pull manner. (In the present invention, "push-pull" manner means that when one spiral spring is become released, the other is becoming tensed, and vice versa). The central pivot couples the spiral springs to the at least one DC motor, and each one of the springs has one of the at least one straps engaged thereto such that, in each one of said at least one pair of spiral springs, one spiral spring effects movement of the shading portion to one side of the "U" while the other spiral spring effects movement of the shading portion to the other side of the "U".

In one preferred embodiment, the reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism is adapted for use with a retractable irrigation line. Preferably, the rolling-mechanism is located inside a revolving hollow drum of the retractable irrigation line and all of the parts of the rolling-mechanism are affixed to the inside of the hollow drum. The output shaft of the DC motor is fixed to a stationary base that holds the revolving hollow drum. Thus, as the DC motor is activated, the DC motor rotates (because the shaft affixed to the stationary base is unable to rotate), causing the revolving hollow drum and the rest of the rolling-mechanism located therein, to rotate correspondingly.

According to the present invention, the external force exerted on the movable part may be the gravitational force resulting from the weight of the movable part, a force resulting from the manual extending of a part of the assembly by the user (in the preferred embodiment of the retractable irrigation line), or any other force resulting from the specific operation manner of the assembly.

In various preferred embodiments, the means for controlling the operation of the DC motor is includes at least one of the following: at least one manually operated press-button switch, a photo-electric sensor, a clock or timer. In another preferred embodiment, the means for controlling the operation of the DC motor includes means for automatically stopping the movement of the mechanical assembly when the assembly reaches the first or second predetermined positions. Preferably, the means for automatically stopping the movement of the mechanical assembly comprises at least one micro-switch connected to the means for controlling the operation of the DC motor, and adapted to activate or deactivate the motor in response to the change in tension produced when mechanical assembly reaches the first or second predetermined position. Advantageously, the means for automatically stopping the movement of the mechanical assembly comprises; (a) a pair of readable markings located at respective remote points along the strap; (b) a sensor located at a point on the track along which the strap moves, and adapted to reading said markings and delivering respective light or electrical signals to the means for controlling the operation of the DC motor. The means for automatically stopping the movement of the mechanical assembly may further comprise at least one additional readable marking located at a point between the pair of markings for movement of the mechanical assembly at an intermediate position between the first and second predetermined positions. Preferably, at least one marking is movable along the length of the strap for allowing user to select the desired stopping point.

In another preferred embodiment, the means for controlling the operation of the DC motor includes a remote controlled unit adapted to identify at least one voice, sound, light or electromagnetic waves, directed by a user for operating the mechanical assembly.

In another preferred embodiment, the reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism is adapted to communicate with a house alarm system. Brief description of the Figures:

Figure 1 illustrates a vertical cross section view of a first preferred embodiment of the reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism of the present invention adapted for exterior roll-up blinds.

Figure 2A illustrates a vertical cross section view of a first embodiment of the spiral spring of the embodiment illustrated by Fig. 1, residing within the spiral spring housing wherein the blind pulling strap is just inserted for coupling.

Figure 2B illustrates a vertical cross section view of a second embodiment of the spiral spring of the embodiment illustrated by Fig. 1, wherein the free end of the blind pulling strap is fixed to a free end of the spiral spring.

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism according to the present invention adapted for exterior roll-up blinds (with removable pressure wheels connection to the blind puling strap).

Figure 4 illustrates a general view of a window having a roll-up blinds, with a reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism according to the present invention coupled to the blind pulling strap.

Figure 5 illustrates in isometrics a general view of one embodiment of the reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism of the present invention, having means for stopping the operation of the DC motor at the maximal upper and lower positions of a blind to which it is applied, according to the present invention. Figure 6 illustrates a partial isometric view of the reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism according to the present invention, adapted for use with an adjustable garden covering assembly.

Figures 7a, 7b, and 7c illustrate three different positions of the garden covering assembly of the preferred embodiment of Figure 6.

Figure 8 illustrates a cross sectional side view of the reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism according to the present invention, adapted for use with a retractable irrigation line.

Detailed description of the Figures:

The present invention will be further described in detail by Figures 1-7. These Figures are solely intended to illustrate some preferred embodiments of the present invention, and in no manner intend to limit the scope of the present invention.

Figure 1 illustrates a vertical cross section view of a first preferred embodiment of the reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism of the present invention adapted for exterior roll-up blinds of a window. The rolling-mechanism may be fixed to the wall by conventional connective means, and it is comprised of a DC motor (7) energized by (for example) eight conventional "AA" sized batteries placed within a battery casing (6) is connected through toothed wheels gearing means (2) to a pivot (8) of a spiral spring (5) fitted within a spiral spring housing (9). The spiral spring is coupled to the free end of a pulling strap (3) of a roll-up blind (two different examples for such coupling are seen in Figures 2A and 2B), thus the battery operated mechanism according to the present invention is coupled to the blind rolling mechanism. According to the example depicted by Figure 2A, the connection is adapted in advance such that when the blind is fully released (i.e. in its downward position) - the spiral spring is tensed to maximum, and when the blind is fully rolled up (i.e. in its upward position) - the spiral spring is released to maximum (both said "maximum" relates to the relative maximums concerning the specific blind to which the rolling-mechanism is applied, not necessarily concerning the maximum tension or release of the spiral spring itself, which can be greater thus insuring a reliable operation of the rolling-mechanism and nearly constant driving speed all along the blind motion). As mentioned above, the spiral spring resistance force is adapted to just overcome the external force exerted on the blinds due to the weight of the blinds. Thus, a DC motor of modest power can be used, and a relatively low energy is consumed from the batteries for moving the blinds.

Figure 2A illustrates a vertical cross section view of a first embodiment of the spiral spring (5) of the embodiment illustrated by Fig. 1 , wherein the blind pulling strap (3) is just inserted for coupling into the spiral spring. The spiral spring (5) has a roller drum (10) positioned around its outer circumference, such that as the spiral spring is being tensed or released, the strap (3) winds or unwinds, respectively, around the circumference of the roller drum (10). In Figure 2A, the blind pulling strap is inserted into the spiral spring without a permanent fixation. A pivot (6) of the spiral spring is rotated by the rotation of the DC motor, thus tightening and tensing or opening and releasing (according to the activation direction of the DC motor) the spiral spring together with the blind pulling strap which is gripped between the spring windings.

The coupling means between the spiral spring (5) and the blind pulling strap (3) according to this preferred embodiment is the pressure exerted by the spiral spring (5) upon at least the end portion of the blind strap primarily inserted (through an opening (44) in the spiral spring housing (9) ) until being positioned between the spiral spring windings (wherein insertion of the strap is performed when the spiral spring is nearly fully released) then gripped between the spiral spring windings when driving the spiral spring for being at least partly tensed. The spiral spring has a pivot (6) (permanently connected to the spiral spring inner end) driven by a DC motor (not illustrated in this Figure) of the rolling-mechanism, for tensing or releasing the spiral spring which its outer end is fixed to the spiral spring housing by a pin (46). When the pivot (6) is driven by the DC motor counterclockwise, the spiral spring (5) become tensed and the gripped strap (3) is pulled into the housing inch by inch, becoming progressively more tightened inside the spiral spring windings thus rolling the blind (not illustrated in this Figure) up, respectively. (According to other embodiments, the spiral spring is connected at its end to the roller drum at pin (46) such that as the spiral spring becomes tensed, the strap winds around the roller drum (10).) When the pivot (6) is driven by the DC motor clockwise, the spiral spring (5) is released and the gripped strap (3) is rolled out of the casing inch by inch allowing the blind to be lowered by its self weight. As will be further described in detail, the DC motor stops right when the blind is fully lowered, which happens before the pulling strap may escape from being gripped between the spiral spring windings.

Figure 2B illustrates a vertical cross section view of a second embodiment of the spiral spring of the embodiment illustrated by Fig. 1 , wherein the free end of the blind pulling strap (3) is fixed to a free end of the spiral spring (5), this connection may be achieved by means of any fastener or other connective means known in the art (e.g. by means of fastening pins (47)). The spiral spring has a pivot (6) (permanently connected to the spiral spring inner end) driven by a DC motor (not illustrated in this Figure) of the rolling-mechanism, for tensing or releasing the spiral spring. The outer end of the spiral spring is fixed to the free end of the blind pulling strap (3) by means of the fastening pin (47), thus when the pivot (6) is driven by the DC motor counterclockwise, the spiral spring (5) become rolled and tightened around the pivot (6), pulling the strap (3) into the housing and thus rolling the blind (not illustrated in this Figure) up, respectively. When the pivot (6) is driven by the DC motor clockwise, the spiral spring (5) is released and the strap (3) is rolled out of the casing inch by inch allowing the blind to be lowered by its self weight.

It should be appreciated, regarding Figures 2 A and 2B, that the connection between that strap and the spiral spring may be through any known conventional means in the art for coupling a spring to a strap, cord, or line, such that tensing or releasing of the spring winds the strap, cord, or line in a corresponding movement.

Figure 3 illustrates a perspective view of another preferred embodiment of the reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism adapted for exterior roll-up blinds (with removable pressure connection to the blind puling strap). In this embodiment, the blind pulling strap (13) is passing strained between a strap driving wheel (14) and an adjacent pressure wheel (16). The driving wheel is connected to a shaft of a DC motor (11) operated by conventional DC batteries (not illustrated). When the DC motor is activated, the strap is driven upwards or downwards to release or to roll-up the blinds, and simultaneously and respectively tensing or releasing a spiral spring (15) through a spiral-spring driving-wheel (21) connected on with the spiral spring a common pivot (22), and an adjacent and opposing pressure wheel (20) stressing the strap to the driving wheel (21).

Figure 4 illustrates a general view of a window (30) having a roll-up blinds (48), with a reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism (1) according to the present invention coupled to the blind pulling strap (3), which is connected to the original rolling mechanism of the blind located within the blind box (40). The blinds (48) are seen fully rolled up within the blind box (40). The original manual rolling mechanism of the blind is no longer needed (the segmented line (3a) illustrates the original configuration of the pulling strap (3) before it was coupled to the battery operated rolling-mechanism of the present invention (1), and the segmented line (3b) illustrates the original lower fixation arrangement of the pulling strap). It should also be noted that although the reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism is seen in this Figure fixed at an upper location along the former path (3 a) of the pulling strap, it is possible to fix it at any desired point along said path (e.g. at the lowest location, replacing the lower fixation (3b) of the puling strap. Naturally, the upper location will be preferred when using embodiments having remote control, and a lower location will be preferred when using embodiments having press-button control panel.

Figure 5 illustrates in isometrics a general view of one embodiment of reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism, having means for stopping the operation of the DC motor at the maximal upper and lower positions of a blind to which it is applied, according to the present invention. The rolling-mechanism is mounted to a wall at a point along a path of the blind pulling strap, after canceling the original lower fixation arrangement of said strap. The attachment to the wall can be done by any acceptable means, e.g. by screws fixed to the wall via holes (51) existing near the four corners of a fixation plate (50). The free end of the strap (3) passes via opening (44) and coupled to a spiral spring residing within spiral spring casing (9). The coupling between the strap and the spiral spring can be arranged in any acceptable way (e.g. as depicted by Figures 2A, 2B). A DC motor (7) is geared to a pivot (6) of the spiral spring and may be activated either by remote control means or by control-panel (58) for rolling the spiral spring clockwise thus releasing the blind strap (3) allowing lowering the blind by its self weight, or for rolling the spiral spring counterclockwise, thus tensing the spiral spring, pulling the strap blind (3) and moving the blind up. The rolling-mechanism is further comprising a lever (60) having near its end a wheel (59), wherein said wheel is in contact with the strap (3) pushing it toward the wall by the assistance of the force exerted by means of a spring (55). The resistant force of the spring is so that when the strap (3) is not tensed, the lever turns clockwise, thus releasing the micro-switch (54). This situation (where the strap is not tensed, i.e. - released) occurs when the blind is fully lowered, wherein the DC motor continues in releasing the spiral spring and the strap from its one end, but the blind stops pulling the trap from its other end. Immediately when this situation is recognized by the release of the micro-switch (54), the DC motor is stopped, and can be re-activated only to the opposite direction, i.e. for rolling the blind upwards.

When activating the DC motor for rolling the blind upwards the strap (3) is re-tensed, thus pushing the lever (60) counterclockwise to reset the micro-switch (54) (and the associate circuitry to which it is connected). The spiral spring housing (9) is hinged to the fixation plate (50) through the holder (52) and pivot (56). The holder (52) is normally pushed downwards (and counterclockwise relatively to the pivot (56)) by means of a pressing spring (57), thus holding the micro-switch (53) pressed. When the blind reaches its maximal upper position, the strap (3) is no longer dismissed from the blind box (detail (40) in Figure 4), however the motor is further rolling the spiral spring counterclockwise. Thus the spiral spring housing (9) together with its holder (52), pulled up until the micro-switch (53) is being released. The micro-switch (53) is connected appropriately to stop the motor when released, thus immediately after the blind reaches its maximal upper position, the DC motor stops. The controlling circuit is arranged so that the DC motor can be re-activated in this situation only to the opposite direction, i.e. for lowering the blind. When the DC motor is re-activated clockwise, the spiral spring housing (9) and holder (52) are free again to be pressed by the pressing spring (57) to hold again the micro-switch (53) pressed.

It should be noted that this arrangement is useful and advantageous not only to stop the motor in its maximal up or down positions, but useful also to stop the motor whenever the blind stops its moving accidentally, i.e. by external obstacle such as a planter located on the window sill.

Figure 6 illustrates a partial isometric view of the reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism according to the present invention, adapted for use with an adjustable garden covering assembly. The adjustable garden covering has the shape of an inverted "U". At the upper-most point of the "U" is a pivot rod (22) that extends the length of the garden covering. The pivot rod (22) has two pairs of spiral springs (23) located on either end (for the sake of clarification, the springs will be referred to as 23a, 23b, 23c, and 23d, as labeled in the Figure). Connected to each spiral spring is a strap (24a, 24b, 24c, and 24d, as labeled in the Figure). A movable shading portion (not shown) is coupled to the straps such that said movable shading portion may be moved between the two sides of the inverted "U" when the straps are moved (see Figures 7a, 7b, and 7c). A battery-operated DC motor (25) is coupled, through a transmission belt (26) and appropriate gear connections (27) (for providing a mechanical advantage), to the pivot rod (22) such that as the DC motor turns, the pivot rod rotates in a direction corresponding to the direction in which the motor was activated to turn. When the rod (22) rotates, each spiral spring in the pair of spiral springs (23) either become tensed or released, depending on the orientation of the spring with respect to the rod. In each pair of spiral springs (23), the springs are oppositely-arranged in a "push-pull" manner, such that as one spring is being tightened, the other is being released. For example, if the rod (22) is rotated in the clockwise direction with respect to a frontal view (28) of the inverted "U", then spring 23a and 23 d will become tensed while straps 24a and 24d (coupled to said springs 23 a and 23 d) steadily lower. Simultaneously, as the rod (22) is being rotated in the clockwise direction, springs 23b and 23c become released, causing straps 24b and 24c to rise. Thus, the adjustable garden covering will be lowered in the clockwise direction relative to frontal view (28) from the center of the inverted "U". Accordingly, then the rod (22) is rotated in the counterclockwise direction with respect to frontal view 28, movement of the shade in the opposite direction is effected.

Figures 7a, 7b, and 7c illustrate frontal views of three different positions of the garden covering assembly of the preferred embodiment of Figure 6. The adjustable garden covering (80) has the shape of an inverted "U". A movable shading portion (81) may be moved between the three illustrated positions, or any intermediate position, according to the preferred embodiment illustrated in Figure 6. In Figures 7a and 7c, the shading portion (81) is shown in extreme positions, at either sides of the inverted "U" while in Figure 7b, the shading portion is shown in a central position between the two extreme positions.

Figure 8 illustrates a cross sectional side view of the reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism according to the present invention, adapted for use with a retractable irrigation line. The components of the rolling-mechanism are located within and fixed into the inside of a revolving hollow drum (61). A flexible, hollow, irrigation line (62) (only partially illustrated) is wrapped around the revolving circular hollow drum (61). Inside the drum (61) is a DC motor (64), said DC motor (64) being powered by four batteries (63) and connected to a spiral spring located in a spiral spring housing (65) through appropriate gear connections (66). An output shaft (69) of the DC motor (64) is fixed to a stationary base (70) that serves as a stand for the drum (61). In usage, the hollow line (62) is extended from the drum (61 ) manually by the user. As the line (62) is extended, the spiral spring becomes tensed such that the force exerted onto the line (62) by the user (to extend said line from the drum) is, in effect, converted into potential energy in the spiral spring. When the line (62) is to be retracted and wound up once again around the drum (61), an input of energy is introduced from the DC motor (64). Since the output shaft (69) of the DC motor is fixed to the base, activation of the DC motor (64) causes the DC motor (64) to rotate (the shaft (69) cannot rotate since it is fixed), thus causing the drum (61) and the components of the rolling-mechanism therein to rotate correspondingly, and effecting retraction of the line (62) due to the rotation of the drum (61). The DC motor (64) may be controlled by a remote control (67), and a remote control receiver (68) in electrical connection with the DC motor (64). It should be appreciated that the above descriptions are meant to serve only as examples, and that other embodiments are possible without departing from the scope of the invention, as set out in the claims.

Claims

Claims:

1. A reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism for moving a movable part of a mechanical assembly between a first predetermined position and a second predetermined position, comprising:

(a) at least one battery-operated DC motor for supplying an input of energy for moving said movable part;

(b) means for controlling the DC motor, wherein said means are electrically connected to said DC motor;

(c) at least one spiral spring operatively coupled to said at least one DC motor and to said movable part of the mechanical assembly, wherein the resistance force of the spiral spring is in substantial equilibrium with an external force exerted on the movable part, such that movement of the movable part is effected by introducing said input of energy from the DC motor.

2. A reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism according to claim

1, wherein the at least one spiral spring and the at least one DC motor are coupled to the movable part of the mechanical assembly through a coupling system, said coupling system including at least one strap adapted to move in accordance with tensing or releasing of said at least one spiral spring.

3. A reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism according to claim

2, wherein the coupling system further includes a roller drum positioned around the outer circumference of each one of said at least one spiral springs, such that when the spiral spring is being tensed or released, said at least one strap winds or unwinds, respectively, around the circumference of the roller drum.

4. A reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism according to claim

1 , wherein the spiral spring is operatively coupled to the DC motor through any appropriate transmission means.

5. A reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism according to claim 4 wherein the transmission means are a series or gears.

6. A reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism according to claim 4 wherein the transmission means is a transmission belt.

7. A reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism according to any of the preceding claims, adapted for use with a roll-up blinds assembly for a window.

8. A reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism according to any of the preceding claims, adapted for use with a roll-up blinds assembly for a window, wherein the roll-up blinds assembly is functionally connected to the strap such that when the strap moves upwards or downwards, the roll-up blinds are lowered to cover the window or rolled up into a housing located above the exterior of the window.

9. A reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism according to claims 1- 6, adapted for use with an adjustable garden covering assembly having the shape of an inverted "U" and having a movable shading portion functionally connected to the at least one strap such that said shading portion may be moved between the two sides of the inverted "U".

10. A reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism according to claims

1-6 adapted for use with an adjustable garden covering assembly having the shape of an inverted "U" and having a movable shading portion functionally connected to the at least one strap such that said shading portion may be moved between the two sides of the inverted "U", wherein the adjustable garden covering assembly has at least one pair of spiral springs affixed around an upper central pivot and connected to eachother in a push-pull manner, said central pivot coupling the spiral springs to the at least one DC motor, and wherein each one of said springs has one of said at least one straps engaged thereto such that, in each one of said at least one pair of spiral springs, one spiral spring effects movement of the shading portion to one side of the "U" while the other spiral spring effects movement of the shading portion to the other side of the "U".

11. A reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism according to claim

1, adapted for use in a roll-up blinds assembly for a window, said roll-up blinds assembly including a conventional blind strap adapted to be engaged by the exterior of the spiral spring and coupled to the DC motor through a strap driving wheel, wherein said strap is pressured towards said strap driving wheel through at least one pressure wheel.

12. A reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism according to any of the preceding claims wherein the external force exerted on the movable part is the gravitational force resulting from the weight of the movable part.

13. A reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism according to claim

1, adapted for use for a retractable irrigation line.

14. A reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism according to claim

1 , adapted for use for a retractable irrigation line and located inside a revolving hollow drum of the retractable irrigation line.

15. A reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism according to claim

1 , adapted for use for a retractable irrigation line and located inside a revolving hollow drum of said retractable irrigation line, wherein all of the parts of the rolling-mechanism are affixed to the inside of the hollow drum and a output shaft of the DC motor is fixed to a stationary base that holds the revolving hollow drum such that as the DC motor is activated, the DC motor rotates, causing the revolving hollow drum and the rest of the rolling-mechanism located therein, to rotate correspondingly.

16. A reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism according to any of the preceding claims wherein the means for controlling the operation of the DC motor comprises at least one manually operated press-button switch.

17. A reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism according to any of the preceding claims wherein the means for controlling the operation of the DC motor includes a photo-electric sensor.

18. A reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism according to any of the preceding claims wherein the means for controlling the operation of the DC motor includes a clock or timer.

19. A reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism according to any of the preceding claims wherein the means for controlling the operation of the DC motor includes means for automatically stopping the movement of the mechanical assembly when said assembly reaches the first or second predetermined positions.

20. A reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism according to claim

19, wherein the means for automatically stopping the movement of the mechanical assembly comprises at least one micro-switch connected to the means for controlling the operation of the DC motor, and adapted to activate or deactivate the motor in response to the change in tension produced when mechanical assembly reaches the first or second predetermined position.

21. A reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism according to claim

19, wherein the means for automatically stopping the movement of the mechanical assembly comprises; (a) a pair of readable markings located at respective remote points along the strap; (b) a sensor located at a point on the track along which the strap moves, and adapted to reading said markings and delivering respective light or electrical signals to the means for controlling the operation of the DC motor.

22. A reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism according to claim

21 , wherein the means for automatically stopping the movement of the mechanical assembly further comprises at least one additional readable marking located at a point between said pair of markings for movement of the mechanical assembly at an intermediate position between the first and second predetermined positions.

23. A reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism according to claims

21 -22, wherein at least one marking is movable along the length of the strap for allowing user to select the desired stopping point.

24. A reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism according to any of preceding claims, wherein the means for controlling the operation of the DC motor includes a remote controlled unit adapted to identify at least one voice, sound, light or electromagnetic waves, directed by a user for operating the mechanical assembly.

25. A reduced-energy requiring rolling-mechanism according to any of preceding claims that is adapted to communicate with a house alarm system.