Abstract: A new and improved method of forming slats for window blinds and the like from a continuous web of plastic material includes a feeder for directing the web longitudinally from a roll at a selected speed rate into a heating chamber including upper and lower plates defining a longitudinally extending heating path between opposite inlet and outlet ends. As the web moves along the path, opposite surfaces thereof are heated to an elevated temperature and the web material then moves into a molding and cooling chamber immediately adjacent the exit end of the heating chamber wherein the web is molded to provide a curved transverse cross-section while the web is cooled. The web is cooled to a temperature at a level selected to provide a permanent set in the longitudinally traveling web.

Abstract: An automatic shade cutter for cutting stock width shades to a particular width includes a clamping system for securing the shade in a selected cutting position on a longitudinal axis and a measuring scale positioned for use in selecting the desired width. The apparatus includes a cutting head rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the shade having a rotatable, circular knife movable into and out of cutting engagement on a plane normal to the axis of the shade. An indexing system is provided to insure that substantially all of the cutting edge of the knife is utilized and that successive cuts are accomplished beginning at random points along the knife edge thus increasing the life of the knife edge between sharpenings. The automatic shade cutter is designed for use in retail stores for operation by retail customers. A customer first selects a stock shade and then inserts the shade into a measured cutting position in the machine.

Abstract: An automatic shade cutter for cutting stock width shades to a particular width includes a clamping system for securing the shade in a selected cutting position on a longitudinal axis and a measuring scale positioned for use in selecting the desired width. The apparatus includes a cutting head rotatable about the longitudinal axis of the shade having a knife movable into and out of cutting engagement on a plane normal to the axis of the shade. The automatic shade cutter is designed for use in retail stores for operation by retail customers. A customer first selects a stock shade and then inserts the shade into a measured cutting position in the machine. Thereafter, an automatic cut-off operation is initiated by merely pushing a button and when the cutting operation is completed, the shade is removed and an end plug or pivot is inserted in the freshly cut end and a hem slat of appropriate length is inserted into the hem along the lower edge of the shade.

Abstract: A cord weight assembly for drapes, blinds or the like having a generally cylindrical housing formed of two halves cooperating to define reversibly located end cavities in which a cord may be selectively, releasably attached and a central weight receiving cavity wherein the end cavities contain interfitting bosses and tubular members for securing the housing halves together and selectively engaging with the cord; and a resilient, deformable skirt fitted about the lower end of the housing and including a flexible flared base extending beyond the periphery of the housing for making non-damaging contact with adjacent structure in the event the cord weight assembly is swung out of its normally plumb position.

Abstract: A bracket assembly for vertical venetian blinds having a horizontally disposed fixed support member, a pair of side rails vertically extending from the longitudinal side edges of the fixed support member, a mounting element vertically projecting from one end of the support member, a longitudinally extending slot between the side rails extending from adjacent the one end to a transverse end of the support member, a break-away apertured tab closing the slot at the transverse end, an apertured extension arm slidably mounted on the support member within the confines of the side rails and a spring clip secured to the extension arm in all positions thereof for releasably securing a vertical venetian blind trackway thereto.

Abstract: A vane holding assembly for suspending a vertical vane formed of a pliable material from a hook of a venetian blind mechanism includes an elongated housing defining a downwardly opening cavity bounded in part by opposite side walls formed with a plurality of ribs projecting inwardly of the cavity, and an elongated vane holding bar for insertion into the cavity between the ribs; the holding bar having an elongated mounting slot for receiving an upper end of a vane in folded relation, whereby as the holding bar is inserted into the housing the opposed ribs engage and frictionally secure the folded vane relative to the holding bar. The housing is additionally provided with an upper opening permitting insertion of the hook within the cavity for connection to the holding bar.

Abstract: A shade roller assembly features a roller having a tubular end portion formed with a plurality of circumferentially extending lines of weakness serving to define a plurality of ring elements, which may be selectively torn from the tubular end portion when desired to decrease the overall length of the assembly.

Abstract: A window shade in combination with a slat made easily adjustable in length by the inclusion of regularly spaced transverse lines of weakness in the ends thereof. The window shade slat preferably consists of a flattened, convolutely or spirally wound, thickwalled, small diameter paper tube.

Abstract: A roller shade braking mechanism of the type including a pair of outwardly biased braking shoes for engaging a cylindrical brake drum. The brake shoes are urged into braking engagement by an axially positionable wedge which cams against the interior surfaces of the brake shoes to thereby produce a constantly applied braking force. Externally accessible adjustment means are also provided for adjusting the pressure exerted by said brake shoes.