Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening includes a head rail, a bottom rail, and a blind material extending therebetween in addition to an operating element or lift cord extending from the head rail to the bottom rail and an improved anchoring system for securing the lower free end of the lift cord to the bottom rail. The anchor includes a body adapted to be inserted into an opening in the bottom rail with the body having radiating ribs at one end defining passages therebetween such that the lift cord can be selectively wrapped around the ribs in a predetermined manner to secure the lift cord to the anchor at a predetermined location along the length of the lift cord. A cap is provided on the anchor for further securing the cord to the body by pinching the cord between the cap and an internal surface of the body.

Abstract: Disclosed are apparatus for a block and tackle window balance including a terminal clip to be incorporated in single and double hung window assemblies. In one embodiment the terminal clip includes a first end portion defining an opening for passing a terminal end of a cord therethrough, a second end portion disposed remotely from the first end portion, and an intermediate portion including a hook and extending between the first and second end portions.

Abstract: A clutch fork and clutch housing assembly for use with a motor vehicle clutch includes a clutch housing, a shaft, a fork, a first index mark, and a first washer. The shaft is mounted to the clutch housing and defines an axis of rotation. The fork has a sleeve portion which is disposed over the shaft and is coaxial therewith. The fork has a pair of tines and a lever arm extending from the sleeve portion. The fork is pivotable relative to the clutch housing about the axis of rotation. The first index mark is disposed on the sleeve portion at a first end of the sleeve portion. The first washer is disposed over the shaft and is axially disposed between the first end of the sleeve portion and a corresponding first part of the clutch housing. The first washer is rotatably fixed relative to the clutch housing. An alignment of the first index mark and the second index mark in a clutch-engaged condition indicates one of a worn condition and an unworn condition.

Abstract: A safety cord-pull apparatus has a top portion and a bottom portion which include raised waves to secure control cords from a blind. A razor blade molded into the cord-pull apparatus cuts the control cords in the event a child or small pet becomes entangled within the control cords. An alternate cord-pull apparatus is also provided which has a circular housing through which the control cords are disposed. The control cords are cut by a sharpened edge in a cap on the housing or by a sharpened washer located inside the housing. The cord-pull apparatus also includes a pull cord that hangs below the control cord-pull apparatus to operate a blind. The method for assembling the cord-pull apparatus includes placing control cords into chutes and over raised waves, folding the top portion of the cord-pull apparatus unto the bottom portion of the cord-pull apparatus, adjusting the control cords level with regards to the blind, and cutting the control cords.

Abstract: A safety cord-pull apparatus having a top portion and a bottom portion which include raised waves to secure control cords from a blind. A razor blade molded into the cord-pull apparatus cuts the control cords in the event a child or small pet becomes entangled within the control cords. An alternate cord-pull apparatus is also provided which has a circular housing through which the control cords are disposed. The control cords are cut by a sharpened edge in a cap on the housing or by a sharpened washer located inside the housing. The cord-pull apparatus also includes a pull cord that hangs below the control cord-pull apparatus to operate a blind.

Abstract: A resilient compression member for a ball joint which has a wear indicating mechanism formed integrally therewith is disclosed. The compression member preloads a ball unit of the joint within a socket-like housing. The compression member includes an indicator pin formed integrally therewith. The indicator pin is disposed within an annular recess extending partially through the body of the compression member. The indicator pin is attached to the body of the compression member by means of a relatively thin membrane-like web portion. The end of the indicator pin extends outwardly from the compression member recess and the housing of the joint by a predetermined distance. As wear occurs within the joint, the exposed end of the indicator pin is moved relative to the housing of the joint. Accordingly, a visual indication of the amount of wear within the joint is provided from outside the joint.