Abstract: A single control input is realized with the use of a combination slat angle adjustment and window covering opening lift set structure which may be operated by a single wand. A three segment relative control logic is realized which includes movement within in the middle segment that controls the angle of the slats, and movement to and beyond the position where the slats are maximally angled in one direction results in at least one of opening (raising) or closing (lowering) of the slat set by “winding up” a lift cord set which may operate on the interior or exterior of the slat set.

Abstract: A single control input is realized with the use of a combination slat angle adjustment and window covering opening lift set structure which may be operated by a single wand. A three segment relative control logic is realized which includes movement within in the middle segment that controls the angle of the slats, and movement to and beyond the position where the slats are maximally angled in one direction results in at least one of opening (raising) or closing (lowering) of the slat set by “winding up” a lift cord set which may operate on the interior or exterior of the slat set.

Abstract: A structure and process for making a window covering slat may include a first step in which a matrixed material, preferably a non-woven material, is bonded to a very thin layer of material to form a first bonded member, and forming a second bonded member in a similar way, and joining the first bonded member to a second bonded member using a matrix bonding material, especially under heat and pressure. The ability to produce thin, high-strength window slats having a variety of shapes is realized.

Abstract: A window covering cord collection and coordination device of the invention involves two halves of an assembly which acts as an enclosure for collection of upper control lines, and as an attachment for a downwardly extending single actuation line which may be optionally employed. A key projection member fits within a complementary key slot member at a first or upper end of the window covering cord collection and coordination device and which is oriented and designed to disengage upon any significant downward separating force acting upon the series of upper controlled lines which the window covering cord collection and coordination device engages through an upper slot which enables upper controlled lines to exert a separating force against the first and second housing sections which make up the window covering cord collection and coordination device.

Abstract: A window covering cord collection and coordination device of the invention involves two halves of an assembly which acts as an enclosure for collection of upper control lines, and as an attachment for a downwardly extending single actuation line which may be optionally employed. A key projection member fits within a complementary key slot member at a first or upper end of the window covering cord collection and coordination device and which is oriented and designed to disengage upon any significant downward separating force acting upon the series of upper controlled lines which the window covering cord collection and coordination device engages through an upper slot which enables upper controlled lines to exert a separating force against the first and second housing sections which make up the window covering cord collection and coordination device.

Abstract: The present invention includes both the structures and process for producing an economical slat which has the appearance of a single length of high-quality wood. A support structure may be a single length of material or may be pieced together using multiple short lengths. The support structure is veneered on two sides using any commonly acceptable adhesive. The partially veneered support structure is then sliced to form one or more individual slats having veneered longitudinal edges. The veneered edges may be sanded to a radius before or after fully enclosing the support structure by applying additional veneer to the sides of the slats. A clear and appropriate finish varnish, preferably of ultraviolet-resistant material, may be applied as a finishing measure.

Abstract: A structure and process for producing an even cut for window covering horizontal slat sets includes a cutting sleeve attached at opposite ends of the slats of a window covering horizontal slat set to be cut which gather in selective ones of the slates together for cutting in a way which minimizes collective bowing and ripping of the finished surface immediately adjacent the cut ends of the slats. The cutting sleeves can be spaced to hold groupings of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or more slats. Embodiments of the cutting sleeves can have two main opposite walls or eliminate one wall in favor of a comb topography which can load from the side.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, a selective adjustment cord is provided as a very thin cord is extended through a series of thin engagement apertures which lie adjacent the main lift cord openings in a horizontal blind set. A series of engagement structures themselves cannot fit through the thin engagement apertures, and the selective adjustment cord is capable of movement of a louver having an engagement structure by only about the distance between adjacent louvers. In a second embodiment a slip fitting can be placed on specified louvers such that the first amount of upward travel of the lift cord will immediately lift the slats to which the slip fitting is engaged. Further movement of the lift cord will overcome the resistance of the slip fitting and allow the blinds to be lifted normally.

Abstract: A specialized angle valence junction fitting forms a joint for connecting two lengths of valence molding. The fitting has a pair of openings angled apart and has an internal shape matching an external shape of the molding utilized. The specialized angle joint may have a color to match or accent two lengths of molding and has an external dimension which is only about 1.5 millimeters greater than the dimension of the molding which it surrounds. Valence junction fitting can have an end edge which is straight, or beveled to imply a more stabilized or substantial relationship to the molding.

Abstract: A finished slat for a window covering includes both the structures and process for producing covered slats. A skeletal structure optimally constructed from a material such as wood or plastic, manufactured to a thickness which is much less than that of conventional slats, yet which is strong enough to support both the skeletal structure and a decorative covering and is rigid enough to avoid warping or sagging over time. The decorative covering may be made from a wide variety of materials, thus creating an infinite range of decorating possibilities; further, the covering may be embellished with artwork or trim according to the tastes of the user. The covering may be closed together around the skeletal structure using any of a variety of techniques, such as heat welding, glue, ultrasonic bonding, stitching, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: The structures and process for producing the structures of the invention enable extensive and efficient use of veneer and bamboo veneer for slat manufacturing. The techniques employed advantageously accomplish two goals simultaneously, a reduced volume of slat material to reduce the load on the internals of a horizontal blind set, and the provision of a more inexpensive but higher quality long lasting slat outward appearance. One or more core materials made of woven and non-woven and preferably fibrous cloth, as well as combining with metal and other structural layers, are combined with veneers and bamboo veneer to yield a very lightweight slat with good structural characteristics.

Abstract: The present invention includes both the structures and process for producing an economical slat which has the appearance of a single length of high-quality wood. A support structure may be a single length of material or may be pieced together using multiple short lengths. The support structure is veneered on two sides using any commonly acceptable adhesive. The partially veneered support structure is then sliced to form one or more individual slats having veneered longitudinal edges. The veneered edges may be sanded to a radius before or after fully enclosing the support structure by applying additional veneer to the sides of the slats. A clear and appropriate finish varnish, preferably of ultraviolet-resistant material, may be applied as a finishing measure.

Abstract: A structure and process for producing an even cut for window covering horizontal slat sets includes a cutting sleeve attached at opposite ends of the slats of a window covering horizontal slat set to be cut which gather in selective ones of the slates together for cutting in a way which minimizes collective bowing and ripping of the finished surface immediately adjacent the cut ends of the slats. The cutting sleeves can be spaced to hold groupings of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, or more slats. Embodiments of the cutting sleeves can have two main opposite walls or eliminate one wall in favor of a comb topography which can load from the side.

Abstract: In a first embodiment, a selective adjustment cord is provided as a very thin cord is extended through a series of thin engagement apertures which lie adjacent the main lift cord openings in a horizontal blind set. A series of engagement structures themselves cannot fit through the thin engagement apertures, and the selective adjustment cord is capable of movement of a louver having an engagement structure by only about the distance between adjacent louvers. In a second embodiment a slip fitting can be placed on specified louvers such that the first amount of upward travel of the lift cord will immediately lift the slats to which the slip fitting is engaged. Further movement of the lift cord will overcome the resistance of the slip fitting and allow the blinds to be lifted normally.

Abstract: A finished slat for a window covering includes both the structures and process for producing covered slats. A skeletal structure optimally constructed from a material such as wood or plastic, manufactured to a thickness which is much less than that of conventional slats, yet which is strong enough to support both the skeletal structure and a decorative covering and is rigid enough to avoid warping or sagging over time. The decorative covering may be made from a wide variety of materials, thus creating an infinite range of decorating possibilities; further, the covering may be embellished with artwork or trim according to the tastes of the user. The covering may be closed together around the skeletal structure using any of a variety of techniques, such as heat welding, glue, ultrasonic bonding, stitching, or any combination thereof.

Abstract: A structures and process incorporates the efficient use of the annularly shaped bamboo plant to make planar shaped slats or louvers. Structures include a double rank of bamboo strips, an offset series of bamboo strips, an optional interstitial support, a single rank of bamboo strips attached to a thin wood expanse, a double thin wood expanse sandwiching a single rank of bamboo strips and a double rank of trapezoidal shaped series of bamboo strips. Steps for production include cutting a bamboo culm into strips, introduction to water for relaxing, pressing, drying, shaping, and attaching the strips adjacent each other to create a formed slat, and performing finishing shaping of the formed slat.

Abstract: A specialized angle valence junction fitting forms a joint for connecting two lengths of valence molding. The fitting has a pair of openings angled apart and has an internal shape matching an external shape of the molding utilized. The specialized angle joint may have a color to match or accent two lengths of molding and has an external dimension which is only about 1.5 millimeters greater than the dimension of the molding which it surrounds. Valence junction fitting can have an end edge which is straight, or beveled to imply a more stabilized or substantial relationship to the molding.

Abstract: A specialized universal end cap is fittable into both ends of a conventional “U” shaped channel. The universal end cap preferably may have bilateral symmetry, a set of four edge projections for engaging both the lower two corners of the “U” shaped channel as well as the two upper located and downwardly curved top edge treatments for the channel. Further, one embodiment of the universal end cap contains swept protective edges to protect the user from burs which are more likely to occur on the parallel sides of the channel when it is cut. The main expanse of the universal end cap may contain one or more springing and force compressible projections which tend to automatically self-center the channel and take up any space or play between the ends of the capped channel and the widest point of the bracket.