Abstract: A window covering includes an at least partially light occluding layer that can be attached to a lintel at an upper end and with a bottom rail at a lower end that can be moved to selectively cover the window. Cords are fixed to the upper end of the layer and extend past the bottom rail. The bottom rail includes a friction module which applies sufficient friction to the cords to keep the bottom rail fixed to the cords unless additional forces are applied to the bottom rail to move the rail. A pair of engagement surfaces are spring biased against the cords to apply friction forces. A lever acts on the springs to adjust for variations in friction forces so that the bottom rail remains horizontal. The bottom rail is formed of a closable structure with a cap hinged to a base for ease in forming the bottom rail.

Abstract: A window covering includes an at least partially light occluding layer that can be attached to a lintel at an upper end and with a bottom rail at a lower end that can be moved to selectively cover the window. Cords are fixed to the upper end of the layer and extend past the bottom rail. The bottom rail includes a friction module which applies sufficient friction to the cords to keep the bottom rail fixed to the cords unless additional forces are applied to the bottom rail to move the rail. A pair of engagement surfaces are spring biased against the cords to apply friction forces. A lever acts on the springs to adjust for variations in friction forces so that the bottom rail remains horizontal. The bottom rail is formed of a closable structure with a cap hinged to a base for ease in forming the bottom rail.

Abstract: A clip is provided which acts as a holder for a lift cord or other cord of a window covering. The clip includes a fastener through which the clip is coupled to a lower portion of the window covering, such as a bottom rail of the window covering. The clip also includes a guide path which supports a portion of the cord adjacent to the clip. The clip would typically be coupled to a lower portion of the window covering, such as a bottom rail, at a lateral edge of the bottom rail, so that the cord has a reduced amount of vertical suspension from the bottom rail and is reoriented to a new desired position extending down from the clip on the bottom rail. The guide path can be a partial or complete hole or trough through which the cord is routed.

Abstract: A lifting mechanism is provided for a window covering which allows a bottom rail of the window covering to maintain a static position unless raised or lowered by a user. The lifting mechanism is included within either a top or bottom rail of the window covering. The lifting mechanism includes cords which pass from a rail including the lifting mechanism to a rail not including the lifting mechanism and about cord redirectors located within the rail including the lifting mechanism. The lifting mechanism includes spools and associated springs for gathering excess portions of the cord thereon. A progressive resister is coupled to the spools with the progressive resister providing different amounts of resistance to spool rotation depending on the amount of cord upon each spool.

Abstract: A system is provided for properly resizing a window shade to fit within a window frame adjacent a window. At least one ruler strip is provided with visible graduations thereon. Indicia are provided adjacent at least some of the graduations. The indicia are descriptive of a width of a window frame in which the window shade will fit when the window shade is cut at the graduation adjacent to that indicia. A position of the graduations and the corresponding indicia are misdescriptive of a width of the window shade so that clearance around the perimeter of the window shade and cutting of both edges of the window shade are accommodated. Both rectangular window shade and arched window shade sizing systems are provided. A retainer is also provided for holding and guiding of a cutting tool during cutting of the window shade for proper resizing.

Abstract: A system is provided for properly resizing a window shade to fit within a window frame adjacent a window. At least one ruler strip is provided with visible graduations thereon. Indicia are provided adjacent at least some of the graduations. The indicia are descriptive of a width of a window frame in which the window shade will fit when the window shade is cut at the graduation adjacent to that indicia. A position of the graduations and the corresponding indicia are misdescriptive of a width of the window shade so that clearance around the perimeter of the window shade and cutting of both edges of the window shade are accommodated. Both rectangular window shade and arched window shade sizing systems are provided. A retainer is also provided for holding and guiding of a cutting tool during cutting of the window shade for proper resizing.

Abstract: A system is provided for properly resizing a window shade to fit within a window frame adjacent a window. At least one ruler strip is provided with visible graduations thereon. Indicia are provided adjacent at least some of the graduations. The indicia are descriptive of a width of a window frame in which the window shade will fit when the window shade is cut at the graduation adjacent to that indicia. A position of the graduations and the corresponding indicia are misdescriptive of a width of the window shade so that clearance around the perimeter of the window shade and cutting of both edges of the window shade are accommodated. Both rectangular window shade and arched window shade sizing systems are provided. A retainer is also provided for holding and guiding of a cutting tool during cutting of the window shade for proper resizing.

Abstract: An assembly is provided to shade an arched window. The assembly includes a shade portion preferably in the form of a pleated shade extending between a first end and a second end. The ends of the shade are positioned so that the shade portion takes on a fanned configuration of semi-circular form similar to that of the arched window. A retainer is provided as a support to hold the shade in a vertical orientation adjacent the window. The retainer includes a guide in the form of at least one panel extending up from a horizontal base resting upon a sill below the window. The panel buttresses the shade to keep the shade in the vertical orientation shading the arched window.