Abstract: A single-track stacking panel covering for an architectural opening has a headrail for mounting the covering above and in front of the opening, such as a window or door. The headrail has a single track. Suspended from the headrail and translatable therealong are panels oriented at a small angle relative to the headrail. When the covering is open, the panels form an overlappingly stacked array at one end of the headrail.

Abstract: A vertical blind assembly module includes a head rail unit with opposite sides and a unit axis extending between the sides, a housing and an axle pivotally connecting the housing to the head rail unit so that the housing can pivot about a pivot axis that is perpendicular to the unit axis. A slat is coiled in the housing so enabling the slat to be extended from the housing a selected distance and retracted into the housing. A foot rail unit is pivotally connected to the projecting end of the slat, the pivotal connection being collinear to the pivot axis. By turning the axle relative to the head rail unit about the pivot axis when the slat is extended, the slat can be turned between a closed position wherein the slat is parallel to the unit axis and an open position wherein the slat is perpendicular to the unit axis.

Abstract: A single-track stacking panel covering for an architectural opening has a headrail for mounting the covering above and in front of the opening, such as a window or door. The headrail has a single track. Suspended from the headrail and translatable therealong are panels oriented at a small angle relative to the headrail. When the covering is open, the panels form an overlappingly stacked array at one end of the headrail.

Abstract: A vertical blind assembly module includes a head rail unit with opposite sides and a unit axis extending between the sides, a housing and an axle pivotally connecting the housing to the head rail unit so that the housing can pivot about a pivot axis that is perpendicular to the unit axis. A slat is coiled in the housing so enabling the slat to be extended from the housing a selected distance and retracted into the housing. A foot rail unit is pivotally connected to the projecting end of the slat, the pivotal connection being collinear to the pivot axis. By turning the axle relative to the head rail unit about the pivot axis when the slat is extended, the slat can be turned between a closed position wherein the slat is parallel to the unit axis and an open position wherein the slat is perpendicular to the unit axis.

Abstract: A slatted horizontal blinds system has separate positional controls for distinct subsets of slats. Odd and even slats can be moved relative to each other both horizontally and vertically. With a scalloped upper and lower edge, overlapping slats can produce a variety of light allowing and esthetic modes. Some versions only support up and down movement and some slats are rectangular. This is caused by hiding and exposing of slat portions and voids between slats by the relative movement of odd and even slats. Slats may have translucent colored portions, apertures or printed designs. The absolute movement may only be of one subset of slats while other slats stay in position. In other cases all slats can move simultaneously in relation to each other. Mechanisms include screw drive with “lost motion” operation and movement latches. Also slidable carriages, end-cams, and linear motors can be used. In some cases the bottom rail has mechanisms as well as the head rail.

Abstract: An accumulating wand includes a retraction mechanism which substantially conceals the drive cord.

Abstract: A plural panel vertically hung horizontally adjustable light transmitting window shade apparatus for varying the amount of light from zero to maximum that can pass through alternate transparent and opaque portions of the plural panels. The plural panels hang vertically downward from separate mounting elements of a control mechanism. The control mechanism, when actuated, moves either one or two of the plural panels horizontally relative to the other panel, thus changing the position of the transparent portions and opaque portions of each panel. The control mechanism also vertically deploys or retracts the dual panels using the same control mechanism used to move the panels horizontally. A bottom rail maintains the lower ends of the panels in a closely adjacent position, and also allows relative vertical movement of each panel relative to the other when the panels are either deployed or retracted.

Abstract: A single-track stacking panel covering for an architectural opening has a headrail for mounting the covering above and in front of the opening, such as a window or door. The headrail has a single track. Suspended from the headrail and translatable therealong are panels oriented at a small angle relative to the headrail. When the covering is open, the panels form an overlappingly stacked array at one end of the headrail.

Abstract: A window covering has a transparent front face and optional transparent back face, either or both of which are formed from a series of spaced apart parallel threads, and a series of vanes attached to the faces. The parallel threads which form the front face and optional back face are spaced apart an amount which allows light to readily pass while providing a soft fabric like appearance. The vanes have a light filtering or light impeding property and may be opaque. The front and back longitudinal edges of each slat are respectively attached to the front face and any back face that is present. The resulting structure, when combined with a hardware system, is a light control blind. Movement of the vanes from a position perpendicular to the front face and any back face to a position generally parallel to the front controls the amount of light which is admitted through the window covering. An additional layer of fabric may be provided opposite the front face or the back face.

Abstract: A three dimensional shade to provide a three dimensional layer structure and profile includes a movable frame and a shade. The movable frame is installed on any two sliding docks movable on a track of a upper beam. The movable frame includes at least two coupling plates that are hinged together to hang the shade. A drawing element is provided to draw and perform retraction and extension operations so that the shade can be retracted and extended to form a profile same as the movable frame to achieve the three dimensional effect.

Abstract: A vertical vane covering for architectural openings includes at least one set of stationary vanes and a second set of mobile vanes, with the mobile vanes being movable between extended and retracted positions as well as being pivotable between open and closed positions without disturbing the stationary vanes. The covering can be made in a center draw or a side draw, depending upon the configuration of a control system for operating the covering.

Abstract: An end stem for a soft vertical blind includes an arm spaced from the attachment for an end louver of the blind, such that a fabric panel connected to the arm and the end louver forms a column surrounding the end louver.

Abstract: A venetian blind includes a rotatable upper beam, a plurality of slats, two ladder tapes connected with two opposite sides of the slats and each having a top end fixed to the upper beam, and two cords each having a top end connected with the upper beam to drive the upper beam to rotate in opposite directions such that the slats can be forced by the ladder tapes to rotate through the rotation of the upper beam, thereby allowing the light to pass through or blocking the light.

Abstract: A drive unit for a vertical Venetian blind includes a shared driving element (15) for the displacing motion and the rotating motion of vertical slats. A differential gear (13) is provided with a driving element coupled to the shared driving element (15), a first driven element (17) coupled to the first drive means (21) for the rotating motion of the vertical slats, and a second driven element (16) coupled to second drive means for the displacing motion of the vertical slats. Displacing motions and rotating motions of the vertical slats can be driven by the shared driving element (15). A complete closing of the vertical slats is made possible in both directions of rotation and, at the same time, a hooking up of the vertical slats by means of displacing same in an unsuitable rotating position is prevented.

Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening includes a cord which forms a loop hanging from one of the two ends of the headrail by which it is mounted. The loop is used to open and close the material suspended from the headrail and in front of the architectural opening. The cord extends within the headrail between its two ends, and may be pulled from the end lacking the loop in order to move the loop from one side to the other.

Abstract: A movable seat of a vertical curtain is disposed in an upper rail and is provided for suspending vertical curtain blades. One side of the movable seat is defined with an open slot for engaging with a distance piece, and a hook hole is formed in a top end of the movable seat. A connecting post is locked in the hook hole for connecting to a scissor type distance piece. By such arrangements, plural movable seats can be moved interactively by choosing the distance piece or the scissor type distance piece, thus controlling the angle of the vertical curtain blades.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a kind of curtain body positioning control structure for the window curtain, there is a shaft extruding from the side fixing base of such window curtain coupling with the bead-chain driving mechanism, locking device and fixing base respectively, wherein the said locking device consisting of top push block and locking block, thereat the combination of locking device with locking block is maintaining an elastic condition, due to such locking block is pushed against a spring, in addition, said fixing base is connected to the said locking device with rolling beads particularly, and in this way while such window curtain is being opened or closed by means of bead-chain driving mechanism, a gap between the said locking device and said shaft will be formed with the spring action thereto and hence reducing lots of detent force accordingly, therefore it has an advantage of easy operation; when the curtain is stopping operation, the locking device would be swiveled reversely as well as d

Abstract: A window covering includes an upper elongated member, a lower elongated member, a slat assembly, a first lift cord, a second lift cord and a lift cord retracting and releasing control means which is located at the upper elongated member and cooperative with the first and second lift cords to control movement of the slat assembly. The first lift cord has one end fastened to the lift cord retracting and releasing control means and other end threading through the upper elongated member. The second lift cord has one end fastened and wound around the lift cord retracting and releasing control means and threading through the upper elongated member. After the slat assembly has been retracted or extended to a selected elevation, through the coupling relationship among the first and second lift cords and the lift cord retracting and releasing control means the slat assembly may be altered to another elevation to adjust indoor luminary condition.

Abstract: A blind includes a firs control unit connected with a top rail and a second control unit connected with a bottom rail. A plurality of slats are connected with each other and connected between the top and bottom rail. The first control unit includes a first operation box and a first rod on which two cords are wrapped and connected to the top rail. The second control unit includes a second operation box and a second rod on which another two cords are wrapped. A clip is connected the top rail and includes a hook to which an operation rod is connected. The top rail together with the slats is able to be pulled a distance from the head of the blind so as to form an uncovered are between the head and the top rail by pulling the operation rod.

Abstract: A structure for curtain positioning provided for direct pushing/pulling of a user to draw and release a curtain, the structure comprises: a positioning frame, at least two positioning rope sets, a rotating axle, at least two reel sets, and a positioning control box; when the user stops pushing and pulling the curtain, the curtain can be kept immediately at the position when he stops; when the curtain (such as a horizontal blind) is composed of multiple elongate strips, the curtain can be pushed and pulled slightly to adjust the angular position against the horizon of the blades of the curtain.

Abstract: A carrier is adapted for a vertical blind assembly that includes an elongate blind headrail extending in a longitudinal direction, a spacer unit and a vertical slat. The spacer unit includes two spacer rods intersecting each other. The carrier includes a carrier body configured with an inner receiving space and having a top side formed with a top opening in spatial communication with the inner receiving space, a bottom side, opposite lateral sides, and front and rear sides each being disposed with a rolling wheel that is engaged slidably in the blind headrail. A pivot seat is mounted detachably on the top side of the carrier body, and has an upright pivot pin connected pivotally to intersecting portions of the spacer rods. A slat-holding member is mounted detachably on the bottom side and holds the vertical slat.

Abstract: A blind which allows the space underneath either desired end of its head rail to be opened by folding louvers beginning with the one at the desired end by a simple operation. A louver is hung from each one of a plurality of carriers that can move within a head rail and, among the carriers, the carrier arranged closest to the first end a of the head rail constitutes a first master carrier, and the carrier arranged closest to the second end of the head rail constitutes a second master carrier. By manipulating a first operating device, the first master carrier is moved toward the second end of the head rail to open the space underneath the first end, and by manipulating a second operating device, the second master carrier moved toward the first end of the head rail to open the space underneath the second end.

Abstract: A vertical cellular blind includes a headrail having first and second tracks; a fabric carriage including a trolley translatable along one of the tracks and a fabric stem releasable connected to the trolley; a cellular fabric panel connected to the fabric stem; a vertical rail bracket translatable along the other of the tracks in the headrail and including a component angularly adjustable relative to the headrail; a vertical rail attached to the panel and connected to the vertical rail bracket; a cord having ends secured in the headrail and extending through the panel and the vertical rail; and a locking handle in the vertical rail having the cord extended therethrough and releasable pinching means in the handle for engaging the cord.

Abstract: A vertical blind structure with an easy change of curtain cloth includes a sliding means, a support rack, a connecting portion, and a curtain cloth. The sliding means includes a fixed member fixed at a predetermined position of the vertical blind and a sliding member is moved horizontally along the fixed member. The support rack is installed on the sliding member, and the connecting portion is disposed on the support rack and has an adhering element. The adhering element is adhered to an adhering structure at an end of the curtain cloth and can be removed and adhered repeatedly, such that the adhering element and the adhering structure can be adhered repeatedly to provide a vertical blind structure with an easy change of curtain cloth and facilitate the cleaning and maintenance of the curtain cloth.

Abstract: A control system for a vertical vane covering for an architectural opening includes a new and improved symmetric headrail having uniquely designed carriers for suspending individual vanes wherein the carriers are designed to minimize skewing relative to a tilt rod as they are moved along the headrail. A pantograph system is utilized to interconnect the carriers, and is connected to the carriers in alignment with the tilt rod so as to minimize skewing. The carriers have pockets formed therein through which the traverse cord extends so that the traverse cord, which moves the carriers along the tilt rod, is secured to a lead carrier closely adjacent to the tilt rod to, again, minimize skewing. Light blocking rails are also attachable to the headrail to substantially bridge the gap between the headrail and the top of the suspended vanes to prevent light from passing therebetween. The tilt rod is keyed to gears in the carriers to facilitate assembly of the control system with all vanes properly aligned.

Abstract: A carrier-positioning device for a vertical blind includes an end cover attached fixedly to an end of a headrail, and a positioning member connected fixedly to the end cover. The positioning member has a hook end including two hooks, each of which is formed with a vertical retaining slot that has a closed upper end and an open lower end and that engages a respective one of two wheel pins on two opposite sides of a carrier so as to prevent movement of the carrier within the headrail. An operable portion of the positioning member is connected fixedly to the hook end, and has an exposed section that is exposed within a space between two supporting walls of the headrail so that it can be pushed upwardly to remove the hooks from the wheel pins, thereby permitting separation of the carrier from the end cover.

Abstract: An assembly structured to securely maintain a louver of a vertical blind assembly in an intended, operative position comprising a support plate secured to and/or defining an upper end of the louver and a retaining clip. The support plate and remainder of the louver are connected in depending, supported relation to a connecting portion of a carrier assembly of the vertical blind assembly. The retaining clip, when in its operative position is disposed in surrounding, substantially clamping engagement with the connecting portion, thereby assuring a secure suspended support of the louver on a corresponding one of the carrier assemblies.

Abstract: A telescopic tube of an upper beam of a vertical type Venetian blind includes a major/minor telescopic upper beam, two rows of sliding clamp blocks, two linkage actuated members, and two guide straps wherein the major/minor telescopic upper beam has opposite grooved guide tracks symmetrically extending inwards at the open bottom side thereon for the guide straps to be adapted therein, and the sliding clamp blocks are serially linked via X-shaped linking bars each pivotally joined to the others in linkage connection. The linkage actuated member, inverted U-shaped, is precisely bridged at the opposite grooved guide tracks thereon.

Abstract: A vertical Venetian blind comprises a head rail, a first end cover, a second end cover, a control seat, a plurality of slat transmission seats, a plurality of link pieces, and a transmission shaft. The control seat, the slat transmission seats, the link pieces, and the transmission shaft are assembled together as a whole and can be therefore separate together from the head rail in the event that the head rail must be adjusted in length. The slat transmission seats can be easily adjusted in number. The transmission shaft can be adjusted in length accordingly.

Abstract: A blind for an arched window and more specifically a fan-type blind for semicircular arched windows in the form of an adjustable vertical slat-type blind for a semicircular arched window opening being constructed from semi-rigid material such as plastic or fabric-type material formed by a plurality of vertical blades rotatably suspended from a plurality of sprocket-chain driven shafts radially attached to a semicircular support frame consisting of a curved “U” section and a horizontally disposed mounting rail forming the bottom of the blind for mounting the unit. A second embodiment includes blind slats variously affixed at their proximal ends, using an attachment such as hook and loop (VELCRO). A third embodiment includes trimming a second end of the slats to remove length and bulk to fit within the supporting strip.

Abstract: An apparatus for operating a vertical louver blind having a plurality of louver carrier trucks slidably mounted within a headrail, wherein each of the carrier trucks includes a louver carrier which is mounted for rotation about a vertical axis, and an operating wand which is selectively engageable with first or second transmissions at any given time.

Abstract: A vane for an architectural covering, such as of the type used in a window opening, is designed for vertical suspension so as to resist twisting along its length. The vane is constructed in a tubular configuration and may have one or more internal hollow cells. The external configuration of the vane may simulate an air foil or have other related configurations. The vanes are preferably made of a material having diagonal, dimensional stability or memory, i.e. the ability to resist stretching in a direction diagonal to the length or width of the material. A reinforcing strip can be inserted into an open end of the vane to provide a positive and durable attachment for suspending the vane from an operating system.

Abstract: A releasable end stop is provided for an assembly of carriers and spacers that can be moved longitudinally within a head rail of an architectural covering, such as a covering for an architectural opening, and particularly a vertical venetian blind, wherein the end stop permits movement of operative components of the covering to permit cleaning and servicing of the control system for the covering.

Abstract: Window cover systems include window cover material in the form of pleated panels or slats. The window cover material is suspended from a traverse track and is traversed along the track for opening and closing the window system. Arrangements for maintaining spacing and alignment of pleats or slats are provided. The alignment maintaining arrangements include traverse tapes which are substantially rigid in longitudinal and lateral directions in the plane of the tape, and are flexible in a direction perpendicular to the tape. The arrangements also include attaching the window cover material to vertical edge members and providing foldable spacer-members between adjacent edge-members. In one arrangement, a box-pleated panel of window cover fabric is suspended from a traverse track on slide-members. The slide-members are each attached to a spacer-tape at regular intervals along the spacer-tape.

Abstract: A control system for a vertical vane covering for use in an architectural opening includes a headrail having an upwardly opening channel in which a plurality of carriers are disposed for sliding movement along the length of the headrail. The headrail is of a thin profile with only a minority portion of the carriers being positioned within the hollow interior of the headrail. The carriers are interconnected by a scissors-type linkage to effect uniform separation of the vanes when the covering is expanded across an architectural opening, and each carrier includes a rack and pinion system or a meshing gear system for rotating the vanes suspended thereby. Unique mountings for the endmost vanes allow the endmost vanes to cover the ends of the headrail. Rotation of a tilt wand or translation of a tilt cord results in rotation of a tilt rod via a pair of drive gears or a positive-grip pulley. Rotation of the tilt rod activates the rack and pinion system or the meshing gear system.

Abstract: A head rail for a vertical blind, the head rail being elongate and having a drive mechanism at one end for selectively tilting and retracting slats of the vertical blind along the length of the head rail, the drive mechanism including a rotatable tilt drive for tilting slats, a rotatable retract drive for retracting and deploying slats, and a transmission for rotating the tilt drive and the retract drive by means of a single rotatable source, wherein the transmission includes a clutch for rotating the tilt drive, the clutch incorporating a lost motion mechanism whereby, after a predetermined number of rotations in the same direction, transmission by the clutch to the tilt drive is disengaged and wherein the transmission includes a control gear which is located at a position along the length of the head rail so that it can be meshed with teeth of an external drive source.

Abstract: A vane for an architectural covering, such as of the type used in a window opening, is designed for vertical suspension so as to resist twisting along its length. The vane is constructed in a tubular configuration and may have one or more internal hollow cells. The external configuration of the vane may simulate an air foil or have other related configurations. The vanes are preferably made of a material having diagonal, dimensional stability or memory, i.e. the ability to resist stretching in a direction diagonal to the length or width of the material. A reinforcing strip can be inserted into an open end of the vane to provide a positive and durable attachment for suspending the vane from an operating system.

Abstract: A vertical blind has two end pieces respectively attached to opposite ends of a track. The track is adapted to be mounted on a ceiling. The vertical blind includes multiple clamps partially slidably received in the track to clamp vertical slats. Each clamp includes a shoulder vertically formed and has at least one through hole defined in the shoulder parallel to the track. At least one rod extends perpendicular from the faceplate and aligns with the through hole in the shoulder on the clamp. The rod has an enlarged head formed on a free end and a groove diametrically defined in the enlarged head. The rod holds the nearest clamp in place after the enlarged head passes through the through hole. The end piece of the present invention is easily made and assembled to save time and cost of manufacturing.

Abstract: A control system for a vertical vane covering for an architectural opening includes a new and improved symmetric headrail having uniquely designed carriers for suspending individual vanes wherein the carriers are designed to minimize skewing relative to a tilt rod as they are moved along the headrail. A pantograph system is utilized to interconnect the carriers, and is connected to the carriers in alignment with the tilt rod so as to minimize skewing. The carriers have pockets formed therein through which the traverse cord extends so that the traverse cord, which moves the carriers along the tilt rod, is secured to a lead carrier closely adjacent to the tilt rod to, again, minimize skewing. Light blocking rails are also attachable to the headrail to substantially bridge the gap between the headrail and the top of the suspended vanes to prevent light from passing therebetween. The tilt rod is keyed to gears in the carriers to facilitate assembly of the control system with all vanes properly aligned.

Abstract: A carrier and spacer assembly for an architectural covering, such as a vertical Venetian blind, comprising a longitudinally-arrayed plurality of carriers that are slidably arranged for longitudinal movement along a longitudinally-extending tilt rod between open and closed positions. In open position, the carriers are spaced apart along the tilt rod, and in the closed position, the carriers are adjacent to one another at a one end of the tilt rod. A mechanism is provided for pulling a first carrier along the tilt rod between the open and closed positions. A plurality of elongated spacers are disposed between the adjacent carriers, connecting them together along the tilt rod. Each spacer includes a leading end portion which extends towards the open position and engages a carrier and a trailing end portion which extends towards the closed position and engages an adjacent carrier.

Abstract: A blind for an arched window and more specifically a fan-type blind for semicircular arched windows in the form of an adjustable vertical slat-type blind for a semicircular arched window opening being constructed from semi-rigid material such as plastic or fabric-type material formed by a plurality of vertical blades rotatably suspended from a plurality of sprocket-chain driven shafts radially attached to a semicircular support frame consisting of a curved “U” section and a horizontally disposed mounting rail forming the bottom of the blind for mounting the unit. A second embodiment includes blind slats variously affixed at their proximal ends, using an attachment such as hook and loop (VELCRO).

Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening includes a new system for mounting the controls for the covering within the head rail such that suspended vertical vanes are closely positioned relative to the bottom of a head rail and disposed so as to form a continuous and integrated look with the head rail. An improved pantograph is used in the control system with one set of links of the pantograph having tapered side edges to improve stacking of the vanes adjacent to the end of a head rail without sacrificing strength and therefore quality of the control system. An improved operating system in the form of the combination of a tilt wand, coupler and pull cord provides a simplified system for not only moving the vanes along the length of the head rail between extended and retracted positions but for also pivoting the vanes about longitudinal vertical axis between open and closed positions.

Abstract: This invention relates to a curtain and blind carrying system which permits curtains and blinds to be hung from conventional vertical blind systems both simultaneously and separately. Provided is a track, a plurality of carriers slidably mounted for movement along the track, a plurality of glides, namely one per carrier, detachably securable to each carrier so as to extend downwardly therefrom, each glide including at least one curtain accepter, such as a female portion to receive a males portion of a male-female snap fastener assembly, and further including a vertical vane accepter, such as a clip portion extending downwardly therefrom for accepting the upper portion of a vertical vane. A curtain having a plurality of male portions of male-female snap fastener assemblies evenly spaced longitudinally, and adjacent an upper edge of the curtain is attached by inserting its male portions into the female portions on the glide. The upper edge of vertical vanes may be inserted into the clip.

Abstract: Foam core vanes useful with door or window coverings and which may be hung vertically or horizontally include an outer fabric cover and an inner foam core. Preferably, the vanes are shaped to have a blunt forward edge, gently curving sides and a pointed rear edge, resembling an air foil. A method of preparing the vanes includes injecting foam producing chemicals into a fold of the outer fabric as the fabric enters a mold section comprised of upper and lower molds moving along tracks. The foam expands to press the fabric into the mold and cures during travel through the mold section. A rotary knife cuts the foam core vanes to the desired length. Preferred foams are urethane and polyisocyanurate foams.

Abstract: A window blind opening and closing device can permit sequential drawing of louvers in a louver group from an end runner side opposite to the prior art to solve problems of damaging of runners and a drive shaft due to wearing, provide good appearance, and can open and close the window blind without interference even with the window blind using shaped louver in reversed S-shaped configuration in cross section.

Abstract: A carrier for supporting vertical blinds used in covering window and door openings. The carrier has a clip with an inner space for permitting a vane to translate relative to the clip as the vane rotates to close the opening. The clip inner space can be U-shaped to provide a self-centering function for the vane. A horizontal wing is attached to the clip to provide a rotating force against the end vane. By providing this force, gaps between the vertical vanes are eliminated so that the opening is completely sealed. The end vane can overlap the blind control wand to eliminate gaps between the wand and end vane. A cord lock can automatically prevent loosening of the end vane relative to the adjacent vane.

Abstract: A vane for an architectural covering, such as of the type used in a window opening, is designed for vertical suspension so as to resist twisting along its length. The vane is constructed in a tubular configuration and may have one or more internal hollow cells. The external configuration of the vane may simulate an air foil or have other related configurations. The vanes are preferably made of a material having diagonal, dimensional stability or memory, i.e. the ability to resist stretching in a direction diagonal to the length or width of the material.