Abstract: A cord-wrapping device has a cord attached to a drum and includes a steeply inclined inlet portion and a second less inclined portion adjacent to said steeply inclined inlet. A cord feed guide directs the cord to begin wrapping onto the steeply inclined portion of the drum, and the slope of the steeply inclined inlet portion is sufficient that the cord slides downwardly along the slope of the steeply inclined portion toward the second inclined portion as the drum rotates to wind the cord onto the drum, without requiring an external pushing force to cause the cord to slide.

Abstract: A cord drive has two cords mounted on two spools. Pulling the first cord unwraps the first cord from the first spool, causes a drive shaft to rotate in one direction, and causes the second cord to wrap onto the second spool. Pulling the second cord unwraps the second cord from the second spool, causes the drive shaft to rotate in the opposite direction, and causes the first cord to wrap onto the first spool.

Abstract: A framed covering for an architectural opening includes a collapsible shade that is moveable between open and closed positions relative to the architectural opening with the collapsible shade being mounted within an enclosed framework that is adapted to be secured to a structural member having the architectural opening therein. In one embodiment of a flexible control cord system moves the shade between open and closed positions, with the control cord system being conveniently positioned adjacent the frame for easy manipulation. In a second embodiment a finger slide on the frame drives a cord lift system for moving the covering between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A system for holding batteries in a headrail comprises a battery carrier that cooperates with a battery carrier housing through an opening in the bottom of a headrail housing. The battery carrier accommodates a plurality of batteries and slidingly engages the battery carrier housing, which is mounted within the interior of the headrail housing. Since the battery carrier is slidably and removably engaged with the battery carrier housing, it is possible to remove and replace batteries without disassembling the headrail.

Abstract: A headrail including a detachable battery holder for powered coverings for architectural openings is disclosed. The headrail comprises a housing defining an interior into which a battery magazine is removably mounted. In this manner, the batteries are hidden within the headrail for a more aesthetically pleasing look than can be achieved when the batteries are mounted outside of the headrail. The housing may include one or more small slots into which corresponding tabs on end caps mounted on the ends of the battery magazine may be inserted. The housing may also include a larger opening through which batteries may be inserted into or extracted from the battery magazine while it is mounted in the housing. Further, the housing may include one or more elongated openings for cooling, or through which installed batteries may be inspected, or into which tools may be inserted to move the batteries that are installed in the battery magazine.

Abstract: A window covering is described wherein at least one translucent or transparent sheet is suspended vertically and has a plurality of parallel vanes projecting rearwardly therefrom. The vanes are formed from fabric material which has either been rigidified with a rigidifying compound or rigidified by the formation of a pocket into which a rigid slat is inserted. Variations are provided for varying the flexibility of a hinge defined along a juncture line between the vanes and the fabric sheet.

Abstract: A modular shutter blind system for a window blind application. A window blind is made to look like a window shutter by having airfoil shaped slats which traverse in toward the window when the blind is tilted closed and traverse away from the window and toward the room when the blind is tilted open in order to give the blind the clearance needed to tilt open while making it appear as if the window frame is the shutter blind frame. This traverse motion of the slats is accomplished by having the tilting axis along the centroid of the head rail move in and out while the blind is tilted closed or open respectively.

Abstract: A shaft support for vertical blinds wherein a swing arm automatically extends to span the head rail space in order to support the cords and tilt rod in the head rail as the carrier assembly retracts to open the blind. This swing arm automatically stows away along the head rail when the carrier assembly extends to close the blind so as not to interfere with the motion of the carrier assembly. The automatic operation of this shaft support is such that the mechanism is self correcting in the event that it is installed incorrectly or that it is accidentally moved to an incorrect position during operation.

Abstract: A headrail designed for powered coverings for architectural openings comprises a housing defining an interior that conveniently hides a battery holder, a signal-receiving system, and an electric motor used to adjust the configuration of the covering. The headrail also hides improved hardware for mounting the motor and, in the case of coverings comprising tiltable elements, improved hardware for mounting a tilt rod. Additionally, in the case of coverings comprising tiltable elements, the headrail hides improved hardware for adjustably attaching the tiltable elements to the tilt rod in a manner that prevents over-rotation of the tiltable elements. The battery holder may comprise a battery magazine or a battery carrier removably mounted in the headrail housing. The batteries may be inserted into or extracted from the battery holder through an opening in a bottom wall of the headrail housing. A swingably mounted trap door may selectively cover or uncover the opening.

Abstract: A control system for a vertical vane covering for use in an architectural opening includes a headrail having an upwardly opening channel in which a plurality of carriers are disposed for sliding movement along the length of the headrail. The headrail is of a thin profile with only a minority portion of the carriers being positioned within the hollow interior of the headrail. The carriers are interconnected by a scissors-type linkage to effect uniform separation of the vanes when the covering is expanded across an architectural opening, and each carrier includes a rack and pinion system or a meshing gear system for rotating the vanes suspended thereby. Unique mountings for the endmost vanes allow the endmost vanes to cover the ends of the headrail. Rotation of a tilt wand or translation of a tilt cord results in rotation of a tilt rod via a pair of drive gears or a positive-grip pulley. Rotation of the tilt rod activates the rack and pinion system or the meshing gear system.

Abstract: A control system for a vertical vane covering for an architectural opening includes a new and improved symmetric headrail having uniquely designed carriers for suspending individual vanes wherein the carriers are designed to minimize skewing relative to a tilt rod as they are moved along the headrail. A pantograph system is utilized to interconnect the carriers, and is connected to the carriers in alignment with the tilt rod so as to minimize skewing. The carriers have pockets formed therein through which the traverse cord extends so that the traverse cord, which moves the carriers along the tilt rod, is secured to a lead carrier closely adjacent to the tilt rod to, again, minimize skewing. Light blocking rails are also attachable to the headrail to substantially bridge the gap between the headrail and the top of the suspended vanes to prevent light from passing therebetween. The tilt rod is keyed to gears in the carriers to facilitate assembly of the control system with all vanes properly aligned.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for creating and installing a curved ceiling support system and associated panels. The invention includes a ceiling support system, a ceiling panel, and a clip or fastener that holds the ceiling panel to the ceiling support system. The ceiling panel may include an upstand taking one of two basic shapes: a C-shaped upstand or a Z-shaped upstand. The C-shaped upstand has an inwardly directed flange while the Z-shaped upstand has an outwardly directed flange. Further, the edges perpendicular to the upstand may be extruded or shaped in three dimensions. Panel locks couple the ceiling panel to a curved support member suspended from the ceiling. Once inserted, the ceiling panel conforms to the curve of the support member. An installation tool aids in fitting the ceiling panel to a support beam.

Abstract: A hanger pin for a vertical vane covering for an architectural opening includes a new and improved symmetric headrail having uniquely designed carriers for suspending individual vanes wherein the carriers are designed to minimize skewing relative to a tilt rod as they are moved along the headrail. A pantograph system is utilized to interconnect the carriers, and is connected to the carriers in alignment with the tilt rod so as to minimize skewing. The carriers have pockets formed therein through which the traverse cord extends so that the traverse cord, which moves the carriers along the tilt rod, is secured to a lead carrier closely adjacent to the tilt rod to, again, minimize skewing. Light blocking rails are also attachable to the headrail to substantially bridge the gap between the headrail and the top of the suspended vanes to prevent light from passing therebetween. The tilt rod is keyed to gears in the carriers to facilitate assembly of the control system with all vanes properly aligned.

Abstract: A headrail designed for powered coverings for architectural openings comprises a housing defining an interior that conveniently hides a battery holder, a signal-receiving system, and an electric motor used to adjust the configuration of the covering. The headrail also hides improved hardware for mounting the motor and, in the case of coverings comprising tiltable elements, improved hardware for mounting a tilt rod. Additionally, in the case of coverings comprising tiltable elements, the headrail hides improved hardware for adjustably attaching the tiltable elements to the tilt rod in a manner that prevents over-rotation of the tiltable elements. The battery holder may comprise a battery magazine or a battery carrier removably mounted in the headrail housing. The batteries may be inserted into or extracted from the battery holder through an opening in a bottom wall of the headrail housing. A swingably mounted trap door may selectively cover or uncover the opening.

Abstract: A system for holding batteries in a headrail comprises a battery carrier that cooperates with a battery carrier housing through an opening in the bottom of a headrail housing. The battery carrier accommodates a plurality of batteries and slidingly engages the battery carrier housing, which is mounted within the interior of the headrail housing. Since the battery carrier is slidably and removably engaged with the battery carrier housing, it is possible to remove and replace batteries without disassembling the headrail.

Abstract: A fiber optic cable, signal-receiving system 10 is disclosed. The system 10 includes an exposed signal receiver 28, 80 for receipt of remote-control signals from a remote-control transmitter. In a first embodiment, the signal receiver comprises a signal refractor 28 that bends the remote-control signals toward a collector 58 hidden within the headrail housing 18. In an alternative embodiment, the signal receiver comprises a remote eye 80 that positions the collector 58 for direct receipt of the remote-control signals. The signal refractor 28 or the remote eye 80 is mounted adjacent to a lowest edge of a headrail, valance, or over treatment for a window covering. The remote-control transmitting device thus generates signals that impinge upon the collector 58 of the remote eye 80 or upon the signal refractor 28, and which are subsequently transmitted via fiber optic cable 90 to receiver electronics 66 hidden within the headrail housing 18 for further processing and interpretation.

Abstract: A control system for a vertical vane covering for an architectural opening includes a new and improved symmetric headrail having uniquely designed carriers for suspending individual vanes wherein the carriers are designed to minimize skewing relative to a tilt rod as they are moved along the headrail. A pantograph system is utilized to interconnect the carriers, and is connected to the carriers in alignment with the tilt rod so as to minimize skewing. The carriers have pockets formed therein through which the traverse cord extends so that the traverse cord, which moves the carriers along the tilt rod, is secured to a lead carrier closely adjacent to the tilt rod to, again, minimize skewing. Light blocking rails are also attachable to the headrail to substantially bridge the gap between the headrail and the top of the suspended vanes to prevent light from passing therebetween. The tilt rod is keyed to gears in the carriers to facilitate assembly of the control system with all vanes properly aligned.

Abstract: A framed covering for an architectural opening includes a collapsible shade that is moveable between open and closed positions relative to the architectural opening with the collapsible shade being mounted within an enclosed framework that is adapted to be secured to a structural member having the architectural opening therein. In one embodiment of a flexible control cord system moves the shade between open and closed positions, with the control cord system being conveniently positioned adjacent the frame for easy manipulation. In a second embodiment a finger slide on the frame drives a cord lift system for moving the covering between open and closed positions.

Abstract: A system for holding batteries in a headrail comprises a battery carrier that cooperates with a battery carrier housing through an opening in the bottom of a headrail housing. The battery carrier accommodates a plurality of batteries and slidingly engages the battery carrier housing, which is mounted within the interior of the headrail housing. Since the battery carrier is slidably and removably engaged with the battery carrier housing, it is possible to remove and replace batteries without disassembling the headrail.