Abstract: The present invention includes a solution for providing a suite of graphical representations to give consumers a more accurate sense of color, opacity and texture when purchasing window coverings.

Abstract: Aspects of the invention provide systems and methods for facilitating a recurring series of distinct drawings (e.g., lottery, sweepstakes, raffles, etc.), for a prize or a variety of prizes (e.g., from one source or a variety of sources), over an extended period of time, or for an open-ended period of time. In addition, a user can enter the recurring series of drawings through a single registration (e.g., entry into a drawing database). The entrant will be continuously entered into the series of recurring drawings until the entrant is removed from the database, e.g., opts out of the system. In one embodiment, preferences and attributes can be determined for each entrant and these preferences and attributes can be used to enter the entrant into a customized series of recurring drawings.

Abstract: A lift cord tensioning device is provided for use with a window covering having at least one lift cord that extends downward though a shade portion from a head rail to a bottom rail. In one embodiment of the present invention, the tensioning device includes a pliable material having an aperture through which the lift cord extends. The aperture is sized to yieldably resist passage of the lift cord such that tension remains on the portion of the lift cord that resides in the head rail even when an upward directed force is applied to the bottom rail. In an alternate embodiment of the present invention, the tensioning device includes a pair of laterally offset holes through which the lift cord extends. In another alternate embodiment of the present invention, the tensioning device includes a resiliently biased gate through which the lift cord extends.

Abstract: An architectural covering, such as a blind, for use primarily over windows and doorways, includes of a plurality of separate composite vanes made of an opaque rigid material and a sheer material, if desired. Each composite vane can be manufactured as a flat, rollable laminated assembly of strips and joined or bonded at least substantially on a line along the length of the strip and substantially along one edge of one strip. Several different embodiments of the composite vane are disclosed. In one embodiment, the composite vane comprises a generally flat, unexpanded opaque material with individual pieces of sheer material attached to an edge of the vane. In another embodiment, a laminated composite vane comprises a pair of strips with the transverse width of one strip greater than the other strip to form a torque tube when edge-joining the strips.

Abstract: An architectural covering, such as a blind, for use primarily over windows and doorways, includes of a plurality of separate composite vanes made of an opaque rigid material and a sheer material, if desired. Each composite vane can be manufactured as a flat, rollable laminated assembly of strips and joined or bonded at least substantially on a line along the length of the strip and substantially along one edge of one strip. Several different embodiments of the composite vane are disclosed. In one embodiment, the composite vane comprises a generally flat, unexpanded opaque material with individual pieces of sheer material attached to an edge of the vane. In another embodiment, a laminated composite vane comprises a pair of strips with the transverse width of one strip greater than the other strip to form a torque tube when edge-joining the strips.