Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet material mounting system having a lifting sleeve, a center support bracket, an engaging rod and two or more lifting cords. The outer circumference of a left portion of the lifting sleeve is greater than the outer portion of a right portion of the lifting sleeve. The outer surface of the lifting sleeve forms a smooth concave surface. The lifting sleeve is configured to support a winding tube during operation of the mounting system. The lifting sleeve abuts against the center support bracket. The center support bracket includes guides for directing the lift cords onto the lifting sleeve. The lift cords are attached to a bottom leveling system for ensuring that the shade material remains parallel during system operation. As the shade is raised, the lifting cords wind around the outer surface of the lifting sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet material mounting system having a lifting sleeve, a center support bracket, an engaging rod and two or more lifting cords. The outer circumference of a left portion of the lifting sleeve is greater than the outer portion of a right portion of the lifting sleeve. The outer surface of the lifting sleeve forms a smooth concave surface. The lifting sleeve is configured to support a winding tube during operation of the mounting system. The lifting sleeve abuts against the center support bracket. The center support bracket includes guides for directing the lift cords onto the lifting sleeve. The lift cords are attached to a bottom leveling system for ensuring that the shade material remains parallel during system operation. As the shade is raised, the lifting cords wind around the outer surface of the lifting sleeve.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet material mounting device having two channels, namely, a mounting channel for receivably engaging a rod for gripping the sheet material and a spacer channel for receivably engaging a spacer support configured to engage a lift cord and, optionally, a spacer cord. The spacer channel may be positioned above the mounting channel such that the center of gravity of the mounting device is located above the center of the mounting channel, thereby reducing asymmetric tilt of the sheet material engaged by the mounting channel and reducing friction against the lift cord. Alternatively, the mounting channel may be positioned above the spacer channel. The mounting channel and the spacer channel are preferably both C-shaped, and each channel has an opening which faces in a direction opposite the direction faced by the opening of the other channel. Thus, a side view of the mounting device may resemble either an “S” or a reverse “S”.

Abstract: The present invention provides a sheet material mounting device having two channels, namely, a mounting channel for receivably engaging a rod for gripping the sheet material and a spacer channel for receivably engaging a spacer support configured to engage a lift cord and, optionally, a spacer cord. The spacer channel may be positioned above the mounting channel such that the center of gravity of the mounting device is located above the center of the mounting channel, thereby reducing asymmetric tilt of the sheet material engaged by the mounting channel and reducing friction against the lift cord. Alternatively, the mounting channel may be positioned above the spacer channel. The mounting channel and the spacer channel are preferably both C-shaped, and each channel has an opening which faces in a direction opposite the direction faced by the opening of the other channel. Thus, a side view of the mounting device may resemble either an “S” or a reverse “S”.

Abstract: A shade positioning system which employs a wrap spring clutch system includes a shade operator, a shade roller, and an idle end bracket for supporting the shade roller when mounted. The shade operator includes a self-lubricating central stud around which a helical coil spring is wrapped, a manually operated pulley mounted on the wrap spring, and a support bushing to ensure positive engagement of the aforementioned elements. The central stud is composed of a plastic or metal, which allows the smooth rotation of the wrap spring around the stud. The tangs of the wrap spring project substantially radially outward from the spring central axis, and are shaped to accommodate for the coefficient of friction between the stud and the spring. A first preferred spring construction allows for decreased spring surface area to contact the stud. A second preferred spring construction allows for an increased spring surface area to contact the stud.