Abstract: A window shade apparatus [101] utilizes a shade [107] spirally wrapped about a roller assembly [103]. A bottom rail [111] attached to the bottom end of the shade incorporates spring-biased brake assemblies engaged in longitudinal slots [115A, 115B] of side rails [117A, 117B]. The roller assembly uses a helical spring with a relatively large outer diameter, long compressed length and small wire diameter to provide relatively constant tension on the shade. The apparatus allows latchless positioning of the shade and is especially effective in windows having long lengths.