Abstract: A window blind assembly includes a headrail having a longitudinal axis, a bottom rail suspended below the headrail and a window covering material extending between the headrail and the bottom rail, the window covering material having an upper end attached to the headrail and a lower end attached to the bottom rail. The assembly also includes a traversable tube disposed in the headrail, the traversable tube having first and second ends. The assembly includes a threaded support rod secured to the headrail adjacent a first end of the tube, the threaded support rod being threadably coupled with the first end of the tube for providing traversing motion to the tube. The assembly also includes a spring motor secured to said headrail adjacent a second end of the tube.

Abstract: A window covering, a lifting system for a window covering and a release mechanism for a lifting mechanism are disclosed. The window covering includes a head rail, a bottom rail, a window covering, a drive shaft and a lift cord attached to the bottom rail. The release mechanism includes a spring coupled to the drive shaft for preventing or allowing rotation. Methods of assembling and raising and lowering window coverings are also disclosed.

Abstract: A window blind assembly includes a headrail having a longitudinal axis extending between first and second ends thereof, a first tube rotatably mounted between the first and second ends of the headrail and a second tube rotatably mounted between the first tube and the second end of the headrail. The assembly also has a bottom rail suspended below the headrail, an intermediate rail suspended below the headrail and positioned between the headrail and the bottom rail, and a window covering material extending between the intermediate rail and the headrail, the window covering material having an upper end attached to the intermediate rail and a lower end attached to the bottom rail.

Abstract: A window covering or shade for selectively covering, uncovering and providing a light filtering position where visibility is substantially blocked but light is allowed to enter therethrough. The window covering may include, among other components, a head rail and a unitary sheet of material. The window covering is preferably substantially constructed of a supple or non-rigid material.

Abstract: A window curtain assembly is disclosed. The window curtain assembly includes a headrail, take up member, a pair of panels affixed to the headrail, and a pair of lift cords attached to the take up member and each panel. Rotation of the take up member winds the lift cords around the take up member moving the panels upwardly and away from each other to open the curtain.

Abstract: A cordless bottom up top down window covering is disclosed. The window covering includes a headrail, an intermediate rail, a bottom rail, at least one lift cord extending through each of the headrail, intermediate rail and bottom rail, at least one post or unidirectional wheel located in the intermediate rail, and a single lifting mechanism operatively connected to the at least one lift cord. The lift cords are engaged with either the post or unidirectional wheel.

Abstract: A window covering including two sheets of material extending from a take-up member and having a plurality of substantially horizontal slats disposed between the sheets of material is described. The horizontal slats can be adjusted between open and closed positions when the window covering is in a plurality vertical positions. In certain embodiments, the horizontal slats can be positioned independently from the movement of the sheets of material.

Abstract: A window covering, a lifting mechanism for a window covering and a locking device for a lifting mechanism are disclosed. The lifting mechanism includes main body, a pair of cord spools rotatably mounted to the main body, and a pair of coil springs that rotate a member separate from the cord spools, and the member rotates the spools to wind the cord onto the spools.

Abstract: An apparatus for displaying samples of window coverings including a base having a front and a rear and at least one suction cup mounted on the rear of the base and adapted to releasably engage a flat surface. The base includes at least one support. The support is adapted to releasably receive and hold a first fabric sample and a second fabric sample, such that the samples are suspended substantially parallel to the flat surface. The second fabric sample is positioned at a greater distance from the flat surface than the first fabric sample, to define a space between the first and second fabric samples.

Abstract: A cutdown machine and method are disclosed. The cutdown apparatus preferably includes a pair of cutting assemblies for simultaneously cutting the ends of a window covering. Additionally, a calculation apparatus and method for use in conjunction with the cutdown machine are also disclosed. The calculation apparatus may be a stand alone unit, or preferably integrated into the cutdown machine. The calculation apparatus preferably calculates and automatically positions a stop element in the cutdown machine, in connection with desired end window covering dimensions and related stock window covering sizes.

Abstract: A ladder drum for a venetian blind, a venetian blind assembly utilizing a ladder drum and a method of assembling a venetian blind. The ladder drum includes pairs of slots for securing ladder lace cords. Each pair of slots includes a first slot that retains but does not grip the cord and a second slot for gripping the cord.

Abstract: A cordless window blind assembly having a combined tilt and lift control includes a headrail having a longitudinal axis extending between first and second ends thereof, a bottom rail suspended below the headrail, slats extending between the headrail and the bottom rail, a motor mounted in the headrail, a tube rotatably mounted between the first and second ends of the headrail and coupled with the motor, and a lift cord having an upper end secured to the rotatable tube and a lower end secured to the bottom rail.

Abstract: A double shade is disclosed as well as a method of assembling same. The double shade includes a headrail, a first shade mounted at its upper end to the bottom surface of the headrail and operable with lift cords, and a first control module mounted at a side edge of the headrail including a cord lock for operating the first shade. A second shade is mounted to a roller positioned within the interior of the headrail. A second control module is mounted at the opposite side edge of the headrail, and includes a clutch that is operable by a cord loop to move the second shade up and down and hold it in a desired location.

Abstract: A method of making a light controlling window covering includes making a plurality of cells. Each cell desirably includes a substantially opaque top strip having a front edge and rear edge, a substantially opaque bottom strip opposing the substantially opaque top strip, the bottom strip having a front edge and a rear edge, and a front shear strip extending vertically between the top and bottom substantially opaque strips at a front of the cell. Each cell also desirably includes a rear strip extending vertically between the top and bottom substantially opaque strips at a rear of the cell, and using an adhesive material for connecting ends of the front and rear shear strips to ends of the top and bottom opaque strips to form a generally rectangular-shaped loop.

Abstract: A louver retainer for bundling blind slats to be trimmed by a cutdown machine and a method of bundling blind slats to be trimmed by a cutdown machine are disclosed. The slats in the louver retainer are sufficiently loose such that their edges can be lined up for trimming.

Abstract: A louver clip for bundling blind slats to be trimmed by a cutdown machine includes first and second enclosures connected by an outwardly extending central portion which accommodates the bunched-up tilt ladder of the collapsed blind. Each of the enclosures is sized to accommodate a stack of slats corresponding to the number that can be accommodated in a cutdown machine opening. The enclosures have ends that are releasably attachable to each other so that the clip can be mounted on or removed from the blind. The louver clip can be mounted to a blind such that the two enclosures straddle the lift cords and tilt ladder of a blind, which prevents the louver clip from falling off. The slats in the louver clip are sufficiently loose such that their edges can be lined up for trimming.

Abstract: A window covering, a lifting system for a window covering and a release mechanism for a lifting mechanism are disclosed. The window covering includes a head rail, a bottom rail, a window covering, a drive shaft and a lift cord attached to the bottom rail. The release mechanism includes a spring coupled to the drive shaft for preventing or allowing rotation. Methods of assembling and raising and lowering window coverings are also disclosed.

Abstract: A window covering including two sheets of material extending from a take-up member and having a plurality of substantially horizontal slats disposed between the sheets of material is described. The horizontal slats can be adjusted between open and closed positions when the window covering is in a plurality vertical positions. In certain embodiments, the horizontal slats can be positioned independently from the movement of the sheets of material.

Abstract: A window covering, a lifting mechanism for a window covering and a locking device for a lifting mechanism are disclosed. The lifting mechanism includes main body, a pair of cord spools rotatably mounted to the main body, and a pair of coil springs that rotate a member separate from the cord spools, and the member rotates the spools to wind the cord onto the spools.