Abstract: A cutting machine for trimming window covering work pieces is disclosed. The cutting machine includes a stand, one or more cutting mechanisms attached to the stand, a controller and one or more locators connected to the controller that are movable relative to the one or more cutting machines and are configured to engage at least a portion of a window covering work piece between the ends of the work piece. The controller has a memory having a program. The program enables the controller to cause one or more of the locators to move so that a desired amount of material can be trimmed from at least one end of the work piece after the controller receives information about the work piece. The controller may be connected to the one or more locators by one or more wireless connections or by one or more direct connectors such electronic wiring.

Abstract: A method of trimming blinds is disclosed in which at least one spacer is attached to a blind to space the headrail, bottomrail, and window covering between the headrail and bottomrail in relative positions that correspond to openings in a cutting device. A portion of the blind that is desired to be cut is then moved into those openings and cut away.

Abstract: In a cutting machine for cutting down Venetian blinds a headrail cutter and a bottom rail cutter are provided which move along a horizontal axis. After the headrail and bottom rail are trimmed a slat cutter moves in a vertical axis, up or down to cut the slats. The cutting machine enables one to cut down a venetian blind while the opposite end of the blind remains in the packing box. Preferably, a spacer or collar is provided on the blind prior to packaging so that the headrail, window covering material and bottom rail will be spaced apart from one another a desired amount. That spacing should be the same spacing as the openings in the cutting machine so that when one end of the blind is removed from the package that end of the blind can be readily inserted into the cutting mechanism.

Abstract: A collar for a venetian blind has two generally rectangular rings or half rings, one fitting over the headrail and the other fitting over the bottom rail. A sidewall or pair of spaced apart sidewalls extend between the two rings or half rings, such that the headrail and bottom rail are maintained in a desired spaced apart relationship. That spacing corresponds to a distance between the headrail die cavity and a bottom rail die cavity in a cut-down machine. Consequently, the end of a venetian blind to which the collar is attached may be readily inserted into the cutting die of a cut-down machine.

Abstract: An end cap for tubular containers of the type used to hold a venetian blind has a cavity of sufficient size to hold window covering hardware shipped with the blinds. The end cap preferably has a housing having a base, a first wall connected to the base by a first hinge and a second wall, substantially parallel to the first wall and connected to the base by a second hinge. A cover is removably attached to the housing and configured so that the first wall of the housing may pivot about the first hinge and the second wall of the housing may pivot about the second hinge while the cover is attached to the housing. The first wall, base, and second wall of the housing and the cover preferably define a parallelogram whose shape can change as the end cap is removed from a tubular container into which the end cap has been inserted.

Abstract: A cord connection device for roll-up shades has a coupling member that fits over a receptive member. The body of the receptive member has a section configured to receive the coupling member in a manner to provide a connection such that when a selected force acts on a cord attached to the coupling member or the receptive member the coupling member will separate from the receptive member. The body of the receptive member can have a second section configured to receive the coupling member in a manner to provide a connection such that the coupling member will not separate from the receptive member or can have a third section configured such that the coupling member will separate when a second selected force acts on the cord or can have all three sections.

Abstract: An improved blind cutting machine has a work surface on which a blind to be cut is placed and at least one end stop against which an end of the blind to be cut rests prior to being cut by a cutting mechanism. An actuator is connected to the end stop. The actuator moves the end stop relative to the work surface and the cutting mechanism in response to signals from a controller. An operator enters information about the blind to be cut and the dimensions of an opening over which the blind to be cut is to be mounted into the controller. The controller then calculates the location where the end stop should be so that a sufficient amount of material can be trimmed from an end of the blind to be cut to enable the blind to fit the opening. Then the controller sends a signal to the actuator that causes the actuator to move the end stop to that location. In alternative embodiments the end stop is fixed and the actuator moves the cutting mechanism or a work surface on which the blind to be cut has been placed.

Abstract: A clear tubular container consisting of two sections, one slightly smaller than the other, that can telescope to a smaller size. A flexible tab locking mechanism prevents the tubular structure from increasing in length beyond its original size but allows the structure to easily telescope to a smaller size. Removable caps are mounted at each end. The caps can be removed and the container telescoped to a smaller size to allow the window blinds to be trimmed without removing them from the container. The container's length can be easily varied by changing the placement of the tab and window.

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 cord connection device for roll-up shades has a coupling member that fits over a receptive member. The body of the receptive member has a section configured to receive the coupling member in a manner to provide a connection such that when a selected force acts on a cord attached to the coupling member or the receptive member the coupling member will separate from the receptive member. The body of the receptive member can have a second section configured to receive the coupling member in a manner to provide a connection such that the coupling member will not separate from the receptive member or can have a third section configured such that the coupling member will separate when a second selected force acts on the cord or can have all three sections.

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.