Abstract: A modular blind transport system for a window blind application. The complete system may be assembled from a relatively small number of individual modules to obtain working systems for a very wide range of applications, including especially a category of counterbalanced blinds wherein a relatively small external input force may be used to raise or lower the blind, and/or to open or close the blind.

Abstract: A Venetian-style window blind (10) that resembles plantation style shutters is described. In a preferred embodiment, the headrail is shaped like the plurality of slats depending from it, is pivotally connected to the sides of a window frame by mounting brackets and has a hollow interior. Tilting of the plurality slats depending from the headrail is accomplished by vertically moving an actuator rod that is pivotally connected to the headrail. The plurality of slats are suspended from the headrail by a cord ladder to tilt in unison with the headrail. While tilting the blind assembly into the closed position, the headrail and depending slats also slide inwardly towards the windowpane. The slats are lifted through the actuation of a lift handle that is slidably attached to the actuator rod and contains therein a lock mechanism to hold the slats in a desired position.

Abstract: A shade for architectural openings incorporating a single cord drive featuring automatic braking of the shade when the user releases the drive cord. In a preferred embodiment, an automatic tilt-open mechanism is provided to tilt the shade open when the shade is in the fully extended down position.

Abstract: A shade for architectural openings incorporating a single cord drive featuring automatic braking of the shade when the user releases the drive cord. In a preferred embodiment, an automatic tilt-open mechanism is provided to tilt the shade open when the shade is in the fully extended down position.

Abstract: A modular blind transport system for a window blind application. The complete system may be assembled form a relatively small number of individual modules to obtain working systems for a very wide range of applications, including especially a category of counterbalanced blinds wherein a relatively small external input force may be used to raise or lower the blind, and/or to open or close the blind.

Abstract: A Venetian-style window blind (10) that resembles plantation style shutters is described. In a preferred embodiment, the headrail is shaped like the plurality of slats depending from it, is pivotally connected to the sides of a window frame by mounting brackets and has a hollow interior. Tilting of the plurality slats depending from the headrail is accomplished by vertically moving an actuator rod that is pivotally connected to the headrail. The plurality of slats are suspended from the headrail by a cord ladder to tilt in unison with the headrail. While tilting the blind assembly into the closed position, the headrail and depending slats also slide inwardly towards the windowpane. The slats are lifted through the actuation of a lift handle that is slidably attached to the actuator rod and contains therein a lock mechanism to hold the slats in a desired position.

Abstract: A modular blind transport system for a window blind application. The complete system may be assembled form a relatively small number of individual modules to obtain working systems for a very wide range of applications, including especially a category of counterbalanced blinds wherein a relatively small external input force may be used to raise or lower the blind, and/or to open or close the blind.

Abstract: A modular shutter blind system for a window blind application. A window blind is made to look like a window shutter by having airfoil shaped slats which traverse in toward the window when the blind is tilted closed and traverse away from the window and toward the room when the blind is tilted open in order to give the blind the clearance needed to tilt open while making it appear as if the window frame is the shutter blind frame. This traverse motion of the slats is accomplished by having the tilting axis along the centroid of the head rail move in and out while the blind is tilted closed or open respectively.

Abstract: A drum is driven by cord ends, which are wrapped onto the drum. The drum sits in a housing with slotted openings which are opposite each other and in a plane which is substantially tangent to the surface of the drum. The cord ends exit the housing through said slotted openings such that, even if both ends of the cord are pulled at the same time, the force is directed so that it does not cause, or minimizes, deflection of the drum.

Abstract: A modular blind transport system for a window blind application. The complete system may be assembled form a relatively small number of individual modules to obtain working systems for a very wide range of applications, including especially a category of counterbalanced blinds wherein a relatively small external input force may be used to raise or lower the blind, and/or to open or close the blind.

Abstract: A modular shutter blind system for a window blind application. A window blind is made to look like a window shutter by having airfoil shaped slats which traverse in toward the window when the blind is tilted closed and traverse away from the window and toward the room when the blind is tilted open in order to give the blind the clearance needed to tilt open while making it appear as if the window frame is the shutter blind frame. This traverse motion of the slats is accomplished by having the tilting axis along the centroid of the head rail move in and out while the blind is tilted closed or open respectively.

Abstract: A modular blind transport system for a window blind application. The complete system may be assembled form a relatively small number of individual modules to obtain working systems for a very wide range of applications, including especially a category of counterbalanced blinds wherein a relatively small external input force may be used to raise or lower the blind, and/or to open or close the blind.

Abstract: A flexible connector is disclosed for connecting one section of a curtain rod to another section of a curtain rod and for forming an easily adjustable transition corner between the two sections. The connector includes snaps and stops for locking the connection between the connector and the two curtain rod sections.

Abstract: The bracket and headrail system of the present invention includes an elongated headrail for supporting blinds and a bracket for attachment to a supporting surface. The headrail includes an elongated rail and an elongated hookrail. The bracket includes a support with a distal end, a base with at least one tang, and a cam having a bearing surface rotatably mounted on the base of the bracket. Upon assembly, the distal end of the support engages the elongated hookrail and the tang engages the elongated rail. The cam is rotated such that the bearing surface on the cam engages the elongated rail opposite the engagement by the tang.

Abstract: A support bracket assembly for supporting a hollow tubular or channel shaped headrail for venetian blinds and similar window coverings comprising opposed support bracket members having projecting tongue portions which are insertable in supportive relationship within the headrail member. Opposed wall brackets include horizontally projecting support plate portions which are insertable in openings formed in the headrail support brackets and are in engagement with resiliently deflectable fingers on the headrail support brackets for securing the headrail brackets assembled to the wall brackets. Elastically deflectable arm portions are formed on the headrail brackets for engagement with the wall bracket plate portions for urging the headrail brackets toward each other to maintain firm engagement with the headrail.

Abstract: A master carrier is structured for lengthwise sliding support on a single drapery rod having two integral, side-by-side and parallel channels, each of the channels having a lengthwise extending slot therein with one of the slots opening downwardly and with cordage being housed in the other channel for operation of the master carrier. The master carrier is composed of at least two parts, one part being slidably supported in the channel housing the cordage and the other being slidably supported in the other channel. Fastening elements are utilized for securing the two parts together. A passageway is provided through that part of the master carrier associated with the cordage so that the cordage can be engaged and adjusted externally of the drapery rod.

Abstract: End structure for an elongated traverse rod having side-by-side parallel channels, one thereof opening downwardly and the other opening sidewardly. An elongated flexible element in one of the channels effects movement of a master carrier along the rod. The end structure has a pulley housing which is securable to the traverse rod by guide structure and has plural, downwardly opening compartments. A pair of pulleys are rotatably mounted on a first shaft and respectively within two of said compartments, such pulleys being engaged by the elongated flexible element. A second shaft is rotatably supported on the pulley housing and extends parallel within the other channel of said traverse rod. A drive pulley is secured to an end of the second shaft and is disposed in one of said compartments. Manually operable pulls engage the drive pulley for effecting rotation thereof.

Abstract: The traverse rod assembly includes an elongated hollow traverse rod having a pair of parallel channels each of which has a lengthwise slot therein, one of said slots opening downwardly. Plural hangers are slidably supported in one of the channels and they include structures pivotal about substantially vertical axes. Each hanger also includes additional structure cooperating with an elongated drive rod rotatably supported in pulley housings secured to the ends of the traverse rod. A master carrier is slidably mounted on the traverse rod and is operatively connected to at least one of the hangers to effect movement thereof in response to movement of the master carrier. The hangers are interconnected by a flexible strand which limits the maximum spacing therebetween.

Abstract: Cord guide, such as a pulley, and support therefor, for use with a liftable shade, as a Roman shade or a venetian blind. There is provided a pivotally suspended cord guide support for use with a liftable shade which will suspend the cord guide in a pivotal manner so that the pull cords may be held for operation at a substantial angle with respect to the wall without diminishing their effectiveness in operating the shade. Specifically, the cord guide is supported within a generally conventional clevislike structure which has a specially constructed head end adapted for pivotal support on and by a ceiling or wall attachable bracket. With such pivotal support, the clevis and the cord guide carried thereby, while normally hanging parallel with the wall, can be angled away therefrom to permit greater ease in pulling of the shade cords but without diminishing the accuracy or effectiveness of said cords in the operating of the shade. A lock and guides for the shade cords may also be provided if desired.