Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening includes a fabric adapted to be extended across the opening or retracted adjacent one side of the opening. The fabric has one fixed edge along one side of the opening and an opposite movable edge. The movable edge is guided by a flexible metal tape disposed in a generally Z-shaped configuration that extends slidably along the movable edge of the fabric and in opposite perpendicular directions at opposite ends of the movable edge for variable lengths.

Abstract: A control system for a top down/bottom up covering for an architectural opening includes a head rail and an independently moveable bottom rail and middle rail. A shade material extends between the middle rail and the bottom rail and control systems are provided at opposite ends of the head rail for operating the middle rail independently of the bottom rail. Each control system includes lift spools associated with lift cords that are secured to the bottom rail or middle rail with the lift spools being seated in cradles and rotated by a drive shaft connected to manually operated control elements. Each drive shaft is operatively connected to a braking system in the form of a two-way clutch so the drive shafts can be rotated in either direction to raise or lower a bottom or middle rail, but locked in any selected position.

Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening includes a fabric adapted to be extended across the opening or retracted adjacent one side of the opening. The fabric has one fixed edge along one side of the opening and an opposite movable edge. The movable edge is guided by a flexible metal tape disposed in a generally Z-shaped configuration that extends slidably along the movable edge of the fabric and in opposite perpendicular directions at opposite ends of the movable edge for variable lengths.