Abstract: The drapery display hanger comprises a plurality of drapery arms and a support surface. The support surface can be easily and reversibly mounted to a pre-existing display fixture without the need for special hardware. The support surface can include brackets having opposing surfaces angled from vertical for ease of installation and protrusions for securing the support surfaces in place once installed. Additionally, the drapery arms can be reversibly attached to the support surface using attachment devices at the end of each arm. The attachment devices may include segments that are inserted into the holes in the support and then secured against the walls of the support for bearing the weight of drapery on the drapery arms. Sliding and pivoting functionality is also provided. The drapery arms are sized so that full-sized draperies can be displayed facing the customer and without compressing the drapery in the display.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a window covering and methods of cutting a window covering are provided. A method of operating a window covering cutting machine comprises a) packaging a window covering comprising components in a package such that first ends of the components extend beyond a first end of the package and second ends of the components extend beyond a second end of the package; b) automatically moving the package and components in a first direction of travel against a first squaring surface such that the first ends of the components are in a common plane; c) cutting the first ends of the components; d) automatically moving the package and components in a second direction of travel against a second squaring surface such that the second ends of the components are in a common plane; and e) cutting the second ends of the components.

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 slatted blind is configured such that the slats close create a light blocking blind. The slats may be supported by a tilt cord that comprises a low stretch strand or a low stretch cord may be attached to the tilt cord. The slats may be connected to the supporting tilt cord such that when the slat is rotated to a closed position the slat is suspended from the rung. The rung may have an effective diameter of less than approximately 14 mil. Recesses may be formed in the slat for receiving the rung when the slat is in a closed position. A bottom rail may have a thickness approximately equal to the thickness of the slats. A protrusion may be formed on the back of the slats such that the rung pushes on the protrusion to force the slat against an adjacent slat when the blind is closed.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises a saw for cutting the window blind. An assembly is provided for moving the window covering on the support surface relative to the saw such that the window covering is positioned to be cut by the saw. A sensor is used to automatically determine a center of the window covering by detecting a predetermined portion of the window covering such as a mark on the window covering or an edge of the window covering.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises a lateral support surface and a saw for cutting the window covering positioned at an end of the lateral support surface. An engagement member locates the center of the window covering that is retractably mounted on the lateral support surface. A clamp assembly comprises a clamping jaw that is movable to a first position where the clamping jaw presses the window covering against the lateral support surface. The clamp assembly is movable relative to the first saw and the second saw. A controller for moves the clamp assembly to automatically position a first end of the window covering relative to the first saw and a second end of the window covering relative to the second saw. Methods of cutting a window covering are also provided.

Abstract: A safety device for a window covering comprises a head rail and a shade panel extending from the head rail. A lift cord extends along one side of the shade panel between the head rail and the bottom of the shade panel. A safety device engages the lift cord to control the movement of the lift cord away from the shade panel. The safety device may also shroud the lift cord to limit access to the lift cord portion.

Abstract: A package and a method of assembling a package are provided. The package includes: a front wall connected to the rear wall by a first side wall and a second side wall; a first end portion and a second end portion disposed at opposite ends of the rear wall, front wall, first side wall, and second side wall; an elongated member; and at least one bracket for holding the elongated member by a clamping effect. A blank is also provided. The blank includes a plurality of panels foldably connected to one another and a bracket connected to one of the panels.

Abstract: A package and a method of assembling a package are provided. The package includes: a front wall connected to the rear wall by a first side wall and a second side wall; a first end portion and a second end portion disposed at opposite ends of the rear wall, front wall, first side wall, and second side wall; an elongated member; and at least one bracket for holding the elongated member by a clamping effect. A blank is also provided. The blank includes a plurality of panels foldably connected to one another and a bracket connected to one of the panels.

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 display for a shelving unit of the type having a bay defined in part by lower and upper horizontal supports that comprises a first rail mounted on the lower horizontal support and a second rail mounted on the upper horizontal support. A body is disposed between the first and second rails. The body is in free moving contact with the first rail and the second rail such that the body is freely movable along the length of the rails. The body supports a user interface device. The display of the invention may be used where the user interface controls the functions of a co-located machine.

Abstract: A package for a size-in-store window covering comprises a box having a first portion that extends for the width of the window covering and a second portion that extends for less than the width of the window covering. The window covering extends beyond an end of a bottom wall a first distance and the head rail extends beyond an end of a first side wall a second distance. A method of cutting a window covering comprises providing a window covering in a box as described above and positioning the box with the exposed portion of the window covering facing down and the exposed portion of the head rail facing a clamp. Methods of packaging a window covering comprise reducing the total number of loops in the window covering, and positioning inserts between adjacent components.

Abstract: An apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises a saw blade for cutting a plurality of different types of window coverings. A first controllable drive moves the saw blade into engagement with a window covering selected from the plurality of different types of the window coverings. A second controllable drive for rotates the saw blade. A preferred saw blade feed rate and a preferred saw blade speed for each of the plurality of different types of window coverings is determined. The first variable drive and the second variable drive are controlled based on the preferred saw blade feed rate and the preferred saw blade speed for the window covering being cut.

Abstract: The lift motor comprises at least one motor unit releasably connected to at least one spool unit. The spool unit comprises a spool for winding a cord and a gear operatively connected to the spool. The motor unit comprises a spring motor having a gear for engaging the gear of the spool. A window covering comprises a head rail supporting a motor as set forth above that supports a shade panel by the cord. A method of assembling a window covering comprises constructing a head rail having an internal space for receiving a motor. A motor is assembled based on the shade panel to be supported. The motor is inserted into the head rail and the cord is attached to or near the bottom or top of the shade panel.

Abstract: The hardware for mounting the blinds is located in the head rail such that it does not interfere with the cutting operation but remains with the blind after the blind is cut-to-size. The hardware overlaps with a blind component and the hardware may include a mounting bracket that includes a notch for receiving the blind component. The ends of the blinds are aligned in a package by the manufacturer during the packaging process. The blinds are secured in the package such that the blind elements are properly aligned. The aligned blinds and the package are inserted into a cutting machine as a unit and the cutting machine cuts the blinds and the package simultaneously.

Abstract: A safety device for a window covering comprises a head rail and a shade panel extending from the head rail. A lift cord extends along one side of the shade panel between the head rail and the bottom of the shade panel. A safety cord extends between the head rail and the bottom edge of the shade panel where the safety cord comprises a plurality of loops. The lift cord extends through the plurality of loops. The safety cord is connected to the shade panel at fixed points between the top edge and the bottom edge to limit the distance the safety cord may be moved away from the shade panel. A safety device may also comprise a safety ribbon that is attached to the shade panel by a hook and loop connector that covers the lift cord.