Abstract: A sizing center for and a method of sizing different styles of window coverings includes at least two sizing mechanisms disposed on a sizing center in which each sizing mechanism is adapted to size a different style of window covering. Each window covering includes a color marking. At least two measuring scales are disposed on the sizing center, each measuring scale being associated with a sizing mechanism and having a different color, and each color associated with a sizing center being associated with a color marking of a window covering.

Abstract: The ends of a blind are aligned in a package by the manufacturer during the packaging process. The blind is secured in the package such that the blind elements cannot move from the aligned position. The aligned blind and the packaging are inserted into a cutting machine at the point of purchase and the cutting machine cuts the blind and the packaging simultaneously. Because the blind is secured in the aligned position by the packaging, the blind remains aligned during the cutting process.

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: 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 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: 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 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 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 blind cutting apparatus includes a support surface adapted to support a window covering, a frame disposed at the end of the support surface and a rack movable within the frame. A plurality of die assemblies are fastened to the rack, in which each die assembly includes a fixed die that has openings sized to receive the ends of the window covering and a movable die that is movable relative to the fixed die. The fixed dies and the movable dies are adapted to cut the ends of the window covering. The rack is adapted to move relative to the support surface such that a selected die assembly is adjacent the support surface and the moveable die of the selected die assembly is independently moveable of the moveable dies of the other die assemblies.

Abstract: 1. 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: 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 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 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 sizing center for and a method of sizing different styles of window coverings includes at least two sizing mechanisms disposed on a sizing center in which each sizing mechanism is adapted to size a different style of window covering. Each window covering includes a color marking. At least two measuring scales are disposed on the sizing center, each measuring scale being associated with a sizing mechanism and having a different color, and each color associated with a sizing center being associated with a color marking of a window covering.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for sizing window coverings slidably extendable from a bay into an isle 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 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 method and apparatus for sizing window coverings slidably extendable from a bay into an isle 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: An apparatus for forming notches on the edge of a slat; e.g. a wood slat. The apparatus includes a feeding station to feed a slat to a punching station that locates the slat along a longitudinal edge and a leading edge of the slat. A stripper plate positively locates the slat within the punch prior to the notches being punched. A pair of punches having a beveled region with a v-shaped cutout are used to form the lift hole notches.