Abstract: A window covering having a flexible panel and a first lift cord for raising the flexible panel. A second panel is at least partially coextensive with the flexible panel and a second lift cord is provided for raising the second panel. The flexible panel may have an upper edge and a lower edge where the upper edge is connected to a head rail and the lower edge is disposed below the head rail. The second lift cord may raise the upper edge of the second panel. In one embodiment a third panel at least partially coextensive with a portion of the flexible panel and a third lift cord for raising the top edge of the third panel are provided. The light blocking characteristic of the blind is changed by the placement of the panels.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises saw for cutting the window blind. A clamp assembly moves the window covering relative to the saw. A controller moves the clamp assembly to automatically position the window covering relative to the saw. The saw is moved into engagement with the window covering to cut the window covering.

Abstract: A method and apparatus of ordering a window covering comprises providing a measuring block that is mounted adjacent an architectural feature to be measured. A digital photograph is taken of the architectural feature with the measuring block. A display resolution of the photograph is determined. A scale of the photograph is determined using the measuring block. A dimension of the architectural feature is calculated based on the scale of the photograph. The window covering is cut to the calculated dimension.

Abstract: The arched window covering comprises a head rail that is mounted to an architectural feature. A mounting track is mounted to the arched architectural feature and a slider track is snap fit to the mounting track. The slider track includes support portions extending therefrom that slidably support a plurality of sliders such that the sliders can be moved relative to the slider track. The sliders are connected to a shade panel such that movement of the sliders on the slider track results in the extension and retraction of the shade panel.

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: 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 sizing center for sizing different styles of window coverings includes at least two sizing mechanisms disposed on the sizing center in which each sizing mechanism is adapted to size a different style of window covering. The sizing center includes a squaring block for orienting a window covering on the sizing center. The squaring block includes a first side and a second side. A cutout for receiving a plurality of slats of a window covering is located in a top surface of the squaring block, the cutout extends from the first side of the squaring block to the second side of the squaring block.

Abstract: A window covering comprises a flexible panel having a top edge and a bottom edge. At least one lift cord is provided for raising and lowering the bottom edge. Each lift cord is connected to one end of a stiffener at a first point and the opposite end of the stiffener is connected to approximately the bottom edge of the flexible panel. The stiffener prevents the folding of the flexible panel between the bottom edge and the first point. The top edge may be connected to a head rail and the bottom edge may be connected to a bottom rail. A motor may be located adjacent the top rail where the lift cord is connected to the motor.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a temporary window shade that may include an elongated cover having a top end and a bottom end, and that may be adapted to be oriented in a retracted position, an extended position, and a plurality of intermediate positions. The temporary window shade may also include a top rail that may be attached to the top end of the elongated cover, a cord having a first end that may be connected to the top rail, and a bottom rail that may be attached to the bottom end of the elongated cover. The bottom rail may have a slot disposed through a surface of the bottom rail, and the slot may be adapted to receive the cord. At least a portion of the slot may have a width less than the thickness of the cord such that the slot may engage the cord to support the weight of the bottom rail and an accumulated portion of the elongated cover when the cord is engaged by the at least a portion of the slot.

Abstract: The window hardware system of the invention comprises a variety of different types of poles in different finishes, colors and styles. A variety of different types of finials are also provided in different colors, materials, styles and shapes. A variety of different types of separate collars are also provided where certain types of collars may match the color, style and finish of the poles. A connection mechanism is provided to connect the finial, collar and pole to one another such that any combination of finial, collar and pole can be assembled. The body of the finial can have a modular construction such that the finial can be assembled from a variety of components to create a custom look.

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: The bracket comprises a support arm that can be mounted to either a vertical surface such as a wall or a horizontal surface such as a ceiling. A rod supporting member such as a ring or hook is removably attached to the arm and is adapted to receive and support a drapery rod. The rod supporting member can be removed from the support arm and attached directly to a surface to provide an inside mount for the rod. A separate mounting clip may be used to mount the rod supporting member to the surface. the mounting clip may be provided with a rod engaging element for centering the rod and a surface engaging element for fixing the position of the rod supporting member on the surface.

Abstract: Disclosed is a spring motor and control for use especially with window blinds. The motor comprises a storage drum having a first axis, an output drum mounted for rotation about a second axis parallel to and spaced from the first axis. A spring member is connected to and between the storage drum and the output drum to form a spring motor. The spring motor has laterally extending, spaced apart drum supports on opposite sides of the drums to support them for rotation. A coupled drive is connected to the storage and output drum whereby rotation of one of the drums in a first direction about its axis effects rotation of the other of the drums about its axis and in an opposite direction to cause winding and unwinding of the spring member between the drums.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises saw for cutting the window blind. A clamp assembly moves the window covering relative to the saw. A controller moves the clamp assembly to automatically position the window covering relative to the saw. The saw is moved into engagement with the window covering to cut the window covering.

Abstract: A window covering having a flexible panel and a first lift cord for raising the flexible panel. A second panel is at least partially coextensive with the flexible panel and a second lift cord is provided for raising the second panel. The flexible panel may have an upper edge and a lower edge where the upper edge is connected to a head rail and the lower edge is disposed below the head rail. The second lift cord may raise the upper edge of the second panel. In one embodiment a third panel at least partially coextensive with a portion of the flexible panel and a third lift cord for raising the top edge of the third panel are provided. The light blocking characteristic of the blind is changed by the placement of the panels.

Abstract: A combination spring tension rod and mounting bracket assembly easily mounts within a window opening. The spring tension rod includes a pair of elbow-shaped receptacles including a first and second arm defining an angle greater than 90°, wherein each first arm is mounted on opposite ends of the rod and the second arm defines a receptacle for a respective mounting bracket. Each of a pair of mounting bracket devices is mounted into the respective receptacle. The spring tension rod is compressed and positioned such that bearing surface portions of the bracket devices extend into the window opening. The spring tension rod is then released and forces the obtusely-oriented bearing surfaces to bear against opposed and facing surfaces of the window opening when installed. The spring force of the spring tension rod retains the rod and brackets in the installed position.

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 invention is directed to a temporary window shade that may include an elongated cover having a top end and a bottom end, and that may be adapted to be oriented in a retracted position, an extended position, and a plurality of intermediate positions. The temporary window shade may also include a top rail that may be attached to the top end of the elongated cover, a cord having a first end that may be connected to the top rail, and a bottom rail that may be attached to the bottom end of the elongated cover. The bottom rail may have a slot disposed through a surface of the bottom rail, and the slot may be adapted to receive the cord. At least a portion of the slot may have a width less than the thickness of the cord such that the slot may engage the cord to support the weight of the bottom rail and an accumulated portion of the elongated cover when the cord is engaged by the at least a portion of the slot.

Abstract: A combination spring tension rod and mounting bracket assembly easily mounts within a window opening. A pair of mounting bracket devices are mounted to opposite ends of the spring tension rod. The spring tension rod is compressed and positioned such that bearing surface portions of the bracket devices extend into the window opening. The spring tension rod is then released and forces the bearing surfaces to bear against opposed and facing surfaces of the window opening when installed. The spring force of the spring tension rod retains the rod and brackets in the installed position.

Abstract: The invention is directed to a temporary window covering that may include a pleated cover formed from a sheet of material having a plurality of horizontal creases extending across the width of the sheet thereby defining a plurality of pleats, a bottom rail attached to a bottommost pleat of the pleated cover, and a first lift cord having a first end connected to the bottom rail, with the first lift cord being threaded upwardly through holes of the pleats of the pleated cover. The temporary window covering may also include a first cord guide and a cord lock, both of which may be include a throughbore for slidably engaging the first lift cord when the first lift cord is disposed therein, and a slot for retentively engaging the first lift cord when the first lift cord is disposed therein to support the weight of the bottom rail and an accumulated portion of the pleated cover.