Abstract: The invention is directed to a temporary window shade that may include an elongated cover having a top end and a bottom end, and that may be adapted to be oriented in a retracted position, an extended position, and a plurality of intermediate positions. The temporary window shade may also include a top rail that may be attached to the top end of the elongated cover, a cord having a first end that may be connected to the top rail, and a bottom rail that may be attached to the bottom end of the elongated cover. The bottom rail may have a slot disposed through a surface of the bottom rail, and the slot may be adapted to receive the cord. At least a portion of the slot may have a width less than the thickness of the cord such that the slot may engage the cord to support the weight of the bottom rail and an accumulated portion of the elongated cover when the cord is engaged by the at least a portion of the slot.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sizing window coverings slidably extendable from a bay into an aisle of a retail outlet. The method includes the steps of locating the center of the window covering relative to a cutting station utilizing a half scale for removing a portion of the window covering from each of its ends.

Abstract: A system for locating the center of a window covering relative to a cutting mechanism. The window covering including a head rail with a first end and a second end and a connector disposed approximately midway between the first end and the second end, the connector including an aperture. The system includes a locator that engages the connector and positions the window covering.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sizing window coverings slidably extendable from a bay into an aisle of a retail outlet. The method includes the steps of locating the center of the window covering relative to a cutting station utilizing a half scale for removing a portion of the window covering from each of its ends.

Abstract: A window covering including a head rail, a bottom rail, a window covering material extending between the head rail and bottom rail, a first and second lift cords extending between the head rail and the bottom rail, a spring motor configured to bias the bottom rail toward the head rail, mounted in the bottom rail, and operatively coupled to the first and second lift cords, and a brake mounted in the bottom rail and configured to releasably couple to the first lift cord to prohibit the spring motor from taking up the first cord, prohibiting the bottom rail from being raised or lowered.

Abstract: An apparatus for and a method of sizing a window covering in a sizing mechanism in a retail outlet includes a slide secured to a bay of a retail outlet. A housing configured to support a sizing mechanism for sizing a window covering is slidably coupled to the slide and is movable from a retracted position located substantially within the bay to a extended position in which at least a portion of the housing extends out of the bay. A sizing mechanism for sizing a window covering is disposed on the housing.

Abstract: An apparatus for sizing a window covering in a retail outlet includes a housing with a first working end, a second working end, and a top operating surface adapted to support a window covering. The window covering includes first and second ends and a connector disposed approximately midway between the first and second ends. A cutting element is disposed on the first working end and defines a cutting plane. A locator is axially slidable on the housing relative to the cutting plane and is adapted to engage the connector of the window covering.

Abstract: A mounting bracket and headrail assembly for supporting an elongated member from which a plurality of valences may be suspended, and a method of using the mounting bracket and headrail assembly. The mounting bracket has a catch and resilient spring clip to securely receive a first leg of the headrail, leaving the second leg of the headrail exposed. The exposed second leg of the headrail obscures the first leg and mounting bracket from view, thereby avoiding the need to provide additional material to obscure unsightly hardware from view.

Abstract: An apparatus for sizing a window covering in a retail outlet includes a housing having a first end and a second end, and a top operating surface adapted to support a window covering to be sized. Movably disposed at the first end of the housing is a first cutting station that includes a stationary die and a movable die. The stationary die and the movable die are adapted to receive and size a window covering. The first cutting station further has a top portion and is movable from a first operating position to size a window covering to a retracted position in which the top portion is substantially flush with or lower than the top operating surface.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sizing window coverings slidably extendable from a bay into an aisle of a retail outlet. The method includes the steps of locating the center of the window covering relative to a cutting station utilizing a half scale for removing a portion of the window covering from each of its ends.

Abstract: A cordless blind comprising a headrail, a bottom rail suspended from the headrail by a first cord and a second cord. A window covering disposed between the headrail and the bottom rail, a drive actuator including a spring motor and a spool for accumulating the cords is coupled to the spring motor. A one-way tensioning mechanism is mounted and coupled to the drive actuator and the bottom rail wherein the tensioning mechanism is configured to provide a resistant force on movement of one of the first and second cords in one direction. Another embodiment of the cordless blind provides the one-way tensioning mechanism comprising a mechanism bracket with the mechanism bracket having a base and a first upright and second upright coupled to the base. Each upright defines an aperture proximate a distal end of each upright and further each upright including a pawl with one pawl aligned in facing relationship with the other pawl. A pulley is mounted between the two uprights.

Abstract: A method of and apparatus for positioning a stock window covering in a sizing mechanism for sizing the window covering in a retail outlet includes obtaining a width specification for a finished window covering, which includes a bottom rail, a window covering material and a head rail, the method comprising. The stock window covering is disposed in a sizing mechanism adjacent a scale. The scale is calibrated from a cutting plane of the sizing mechanism, and has indicia that are twice the actual distance from the cutting plane. The center of the stock window covering is located on an indicia in the scale having a value equal to the width specification.

Abstract: A cordless blind includes a headrail, a bottom rail suspended from the headrail by a first cord and a second cord, a wall covering disposed between the headrail and the bottom rail, and a drive actuator. The drive actuator includes a spring motor, a spool coupled to the spring motor, a first tensioning mechanism, and a second tensioning mechanism. The first and second tensioning mechanisms are configured to impact a resistant force on movement of the first and second cords. The drive actuator may include a spool, a spring motor, a biasing element configured to provide a force biased against movement of the bottom rail, and a bias relief mechanism that is configured to provide for selective application and relief of the biasing force by the biasing element.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a temporary window covering that may include a pleated cover formed from a sheet of material having a plurality of horizontal creases extending across the width of the sheet thereby defining a plurality of pleats, a bottom rail attached to a bottommost pleat of the pleated cover, and a first lift cord having a first end connected to the bottom rail, with the first lift cord being threaded upwardly through holes of the pleats of the pleated cover. The temporary window covering may also include a first cord guide and a cord lock, both of which may be include a throughbore for slidably engaging the first lift cord when the first lift cord is disposed therein, and a slot for retentively engaging the first lift cord when the first lift cord is disposed therein to support the weight of the bottom rail and an accumulated portion of the pleated cover.

Abstract: A system for adding weight to and/or balancing the bottom rail of a window covering includes one or more body members positioned within the bottom rail, and each body member having a plurality of sockets for receiving weights. In the most preferred form of the invention, the sockets are horse-shoe shaped and are adapted to receive elongate rods having a circular cross-section. The plurality of sockets in the most preferred embodiment include sockets located adjacent the front of the bottom rail when the body member is in place and other sockets arranged toward the rear. Weighting and balancing is achieved by placing one or more rods in selected ones of the sockets.

Abstract: A window covering including a head rail, a bottom rail, and a window covering material located between the head rail and the bottom rail. The bottom rail being connected to the head rail by two lift cords and configured to move in a first direction and a second direction. The blind also includes a variable friction device having a bearing surface configured to provide a first friction force that opposes movement of the two lift cords when the bottom rail is moved in the first direction, and a second friction force that opposes movement of the two lift cords wherein the bottom rail is moved in the second direction. The first friction force is different than the second friction force.

Abstract: A window covering including a head rail, a bottom rail, a window covering material extending between the head rail and bottom rail, a first and second lift cords extending between the head rail and the bottom rail, a spring motor configured to bias the bottom rail toward the head rail, mounted in the bottom rail, and operatively coupled to the first and second lift cords, and a brake mounted in the bottom rail and configured to releasably couple to the first lift cord to prohibit the spring motor from taking up the first cord, prohibiting the bottom rail from being raised or lowered.

Abstract: A window covering including a head rail, a bottom rail, a window covering material extending between the head rail and bottom rail, a first and second lift cords extending between the head rail and the bottom rail, a spring motor configured to bias the bottom rail toward the head rail, mounted in the bottom rail, and operatively coupled to the first and second lift cords, and a brake mounted in the bottom rail and configured to releasably couple to the first lift cord to prohibit the spring motor from taking up the first cord, prohibiting the bottom rail from being raised or lowered.

Abstract: A window covering system comprises a plurality of slats located between a head rail and a bottom rail. The bottom rail is connected to the head rail by a pair of lifting cords extending through the slats. A first spring motor and storage device is located in one of the head rail and the bottom rail. The first spring motor and storage device includes at least one extension spring having a first end that is fixedly secured in the head rail or bottom rail and a second end that is free to move within the head rail or bottom rail. At least one of the lifting cords is looped around the free end of at least one of the extension springs so that movement of the bottom rail in a vertical direction causes a corresponding movement in the second end of the extension spring in a direction along the longitudinal axis of the head rail or bottom rail. A method for balancing a window covering system using a pair of extension springs is also disclosed.

Abstract: A universal head rail assembly includes a front wall and a back wall, wherein the front wall includes a first contour formed on an outer face thereof and the back wall includes a second contour formed on an outer face thereof. A reversible rotator assembly includes a tilt control wand coupled to a gear box configured to selectively rotate a rotator element. The reversible rotator assembly and the tilt control wand are in a first position when the first contour of the front wall is displayed and the reversible rotator assembly and the tilt control wand are in a second position when the second contour of the back wall is displayed. The gear box includes a first universal socket coupled to a gear train positioned on an opposed side of the head rail from a second universal socket that is coupled to the gear train.