Abstract: A power assist module for use in roller tube driven products, such as roller shades. The module may be pre-wound prior to installation in a roller tube and retains its pre-wound condition, even after use, when removed from the roller tube.

Abstract: A skew adjustment method and apparatus for adjusting the skewed condition of a movable rail of a window covering in which the movable rail is supported by lift cords wrapped around spools. A drive train disconnecting mechanism is used to disconnect a first spool from a second spool, the first spool is rotated relative to the second spool, thereby changing the length of the first lift cord relative to the second lift cord until the movable rail is in the desired position; and then the first and second spools are reconnected so the first and second spools rotate together. An end cap may be used to enable multiple disassemblies and reassemblies of the end cap to access the skew adjustment mechanism. In one embodiment, there are two movable rails, and the lift cords for both movable rails extend through the same rout holes in the covering. Disconnecting the first spool from the second spool may activate a mechanism that prevents the second spool from rotating.

Abstract: An arrangement for securing an end cap onto a rail of a covering for an architectural opening includes an elongated rail extending in a longitudinal direction and an end cap having a slightly arcuate shape when at rest. At least one post projects inwardly from the end cap into the rail to contact a surface that is fixed relative to the rail to secure the end cap to the rail in a flattened condition. When the end cap is coupled the rail, the arcuate shape of the end cap is flattened out.

Abstract: In one aspect, a slat configured for use with a covering for an architectural structure includes a route slot defined at least partially by a route wall that is recessed relative to one or more outer faces of the slat. Additionally, the recessed route wall further defines a through-hole for passing a cord through the route slot between the opposed outer faces of the slat. By configuring the disclosed route slot in this manner, the dimensions of the through-hole can be significantly reduced while still allowing full tilting of the slat to the closed position, thereby increasing light control and privacy for the associated covering.

Abstract: A covering for architectural openings includes a cord drive with a pulley that is supported by a bearing surface which lies in the plane of the cord.

Abstract: A covering for architectural openings includes a cord drive with a pulley that is supported by a bearing surface which lies in the plane of the cord.

Abstract: A light blocking element is movably coupled to and recessed into one of a first rail and a movable rail, and, when the movable rail moves to a position closest to the first rail, the light-blocking element enters into a recess in the other of said first rail and said movable rail and thereby is recessed into both said first rail and said movable rail.

Abstract: A skew adjustment mechanism is used for adjusting the length of a lift cord on a window covering. The lift cord extends from a lift spool at a first end to an anchor drum at a second end. A cord wrap post is provided between the lift spool and the anchor drum so that the lift cord can be wrapped around the cord wrap post to provide friction between the lift cord and the cord wrap post when the lift cord is taut in order to reduce the amount of holding force that is needed to prevent the anchor drum from rotating.

Abstract: A handle is releasably secured to a rail wall by means of fasteners extending from inside the rail. An actuator shaft pushes against a contact plate to move a movable braking member to stop the rotation of a rod inside the rail.

Abstract: A blind is arranged such that minimal force is required to rotate the tilt drum to tilt the slats from the fully open to the fully closed position and back, with each of the front and rear tilt cables sharing the load nearly equally throughout the entire path from the fully open to the fully closed position and back.

Abstract: A power assist module for use in roller tube driven products, such as roller shades. The module may be pre-wound prior to installation in a roller tube and retains its pre-wound condition, even after use, when removed from the roller tube.

Abstract: In one aspect, a lift station configured for use with a covering for an architectural structure includes a housing and one or more lift spools disposed within a spool cavity defined by the housing. Additionally, the lift station also includes first and second outriggers extending outwardly from opposed sides of the housing of the lift station. The first outrigger is configured to define a first cord guide surface for guiding a front lift cord between a front side of the covering and the spool cavity of the housing. Similarly, the second outrigger is configured to define a second cord guide surface for guiding a rear lift cord between a rear side of the covering and the spool cavity of the housing.

Abstract: A power assist module for use in roller tube driven products, such as roller shades. The module may be pre-wound prior to installation in a roller tube and retains its pre-wound condition, even after use, when removed from the roller tube.

Abstract: A power assist module for use in roller tube driven products, such as roller shades. The module may be pre-wound prior to installation in a roller tube and retains its pre-wound condition, even after use, when removed from the roller tube.

Abstract: A cord drive assembly for raising a covering relative to an architectural structure may include a housing and at least one cord drive component mounted for rotation within the housing. Additionally, in one embodiment, the cord drive assembly may include a biasing element installed relative to the housing such that the biasing element applies a biasing force against a braking member of the cord drive assembly that biases the braking member against the cord drive component to hinder rotation of the cord drive component relative to a second cord drive component positioned within the housing.

Abstract: An end cap for use on a rail for a covering for an architectural opening. At least one securement leg secures the end cap to the rail.

Abstract: An arrangement for mounting an actuator button to a rail wherein the fastener for securing the button housing to the rail is hidden from view of the user.

Abstract: A handle is releasably secured to a rail wall by means of fasteners extending from inside the rail. An actuator shaft pushes against a contact plate to move a movable braking member to stop the rotation of a rod inside the rail.

Abstract: A covering for architectural openings includes a cord drive with a pulley that is supported by a bearing surface which lies in the plane of the cord.

Abstract: A blind is arranged such that minimal force is required to rotate the tilt drum to tilt the slats from the fully open to the fully closed position and back, with each of the front and rear tilt cables sharing the load nearly equally throughout the entire path from the fully open to the fully closed position and back.