Abstract: An air inlet shut-off device for a motor vehicle having: a support frame defining a passage opening for an incoming air flow, a curtain movable between a closed position and an open position, an automatic return system for the curtain having: an elastic element which is elastic in elongation along the rolling axis of the roller shaft and secured to the latter in such a way as to be rotated and vice versa; a cylindrical slider intended to move in translation along the rolling axis and in rotation about this same axis, said slider being secured to the elastic element in such a way as to be rotated indirectly by the roller shaft, said slider including a helical groove on its outer surface, the support frame including a fixed finger configured to be inserted in said helical groove.

Abstract: A roller blind (10) with a curtain that can be wound up on a winding shaft and can be unwound against a spring tension, with a spring (31) for generating the spring tension. The spring (31) is configured such that the curtain remains in each unwound position in a self-retaining manner. A manufacturing effort can be reduced during the assembly by the spring drive being assembled from one or more modularly connected, prefabricated partial springs (31).

Abstract: An electric door curtain for a vehicle includes: guide rails disposed at both sides of a door panel of the vehicle; a curtain guide fixing shaft fixed to lower ends of the guide rails; a curtain moving shaft disposed over the curtain guide fixing shaft, coupled to the guide rails, and configured to move up and down; a motor equipped in the door panel, connected to the curtain moving shaft to supply power thereto, and supplying power to the curtain moving shaft to cause the curtain moving shaft to move up and down; a screen-type curtain with a lower end that is fixed to the curtain moving shaft and wound on the curtain guide fixing shaft and with an upper end that is connected to a curtain support bar; and a curtain tensioner disposed in a door glass frame at a top of the door panel, coupled to the curtain support bar, and pulling the screen-type curtain with a particular tension to keep the screen-type curtain taut.

Abstract: A length adjustable fitting for blind systems, including a housing and a drive member fitted to said housing; a core component including a core member shaped for engaging a drive portion of said drive member, the core component including a support portion shaped for engaging a support member for supporting said fitting; wherein, the selective adjustment of the drive member relative to the housing moves the core member along an axis to a different position relative to the housing, wherein at each said position, the drive member engages the core member to resist movement of the core member along the axis from said position relative to said housing.

Abstract: The present invention discloses a device for rolling up and unrolling a material web (2) on a shaft (1, 15). The device is distinguished by the fact that a first radial spacing (R1) of the material web (2) from a rotational axis of the shaft (1, 15), which first radial spacing (R1) is assigned to any desired unrolled length (L) of the material web (2), differs from a second radial spacing (R2) of a tensioning cable (3, 16) from the rotational axis of the shaft (1, 15), which second radial spacing (R2) is assigned to said unrolled length (L), with the result that the direction and magnitude of a first torque which is exerted on the shaft (1, 15) via the material web (2) differ from those of a second torque which is exerted on the shaft (1, 15) via the tensioning cables (3, 16), in such a way that, on account of the torque difference between the first torque and the second torque, the shaft (1, 15) is driven by a force (F) which is transmitted by means of the tensioning cables (3, 16).

Abstract: A control device for a rollable blind includes a fixing seat having a fixing post that defines an axis, and a limiting wall that has an annular first fixing surface. The fixing post has an annular second fixing surface that is spaced apart from the first fixing surface. A cord driven seat includes a sleeve tube that is in sleeving engagement with the fixing post. The sleeve tube has annular first and second rotary surfaces that surround the axis. The first and second rotary surfaces contact intimately and slidably the first and second fixing surfaces. A control cord is operable to drive rotation of the cord driven seat relative to the fixing seat. A blind mounting seat is coupled to the cord driven seat and the rollable blind.

Abstract: A curtain control assembly includes a shaft in which a torque rod and a control unit are received. The curtain is wrapped around the shaft. The control unit has a frame from which a tubular portion extends. The tubular portion has a polygonal protrusion. An end support is located in the frame and has a hook which is hooked to the control unit. A bead-chain disk is mounted to the tubular portion. A mount is mounted to a sleeve of the bead-chain disk. A connection member is fixed to the torque rod and a polygonal recess is defined in the connection member. The protrusion is engaged with the recess. A screw extends through the connection member, the tubular portion and is fixed to the end support. The feed-back of torque from the torque rod is shared by the polygonal recess and protrusion to protect the hook from being broken.

Abstract: A clutch for a roller blind. The clutch comprises a drive shaft operatively connected to a drive mechanism, an idle shaft releasably coupled to the drive shaft, and a drive spring. The drive mechanism imparts rotational movement to the drive shaft. The idle shaft is operatively connected to the tube of the roller blind such that rotation of the idle shaft causes rotation of the roller blind tube. The drive spring is operatively associated with the idle shaft and with the drive shaft such that rotation of the drive shaft in a first direction causes the drive spring to impart rotational movement to the idle shaft, thereby causing rotation of the roller blind tube. When the drive shaft is rotated in a second opposite direction the drive spring permits the drive shaft to rotate independently of the idle shaft.

Abstract: A motorized window treatment can include a headrail that is configured to be mounted to a structure. A covering material can be attached to the headrail and configured to be raised and lowered by a pair of lift cords that are operatively attached to a lift mechanism. The treatment can also include a bottom bar that is attached to an opposite end of the covering material as the headrail. The bottom bar can define a channel, which can house a sliding member that is configured to move along the bottom bar and is coupled to the ends of the lift cords. By sliding along the channel, the sliding member allows the lengths of the lift cords to change with respect to one another such that when a force is applied to the bottom bar the bottom bar will move from an unleveled position to a leveled position.

Abstract: The invention relates to a winding device and to a method for covering wall openings or windows. The winding device comprises a covering element that can be rolled up, a deflecting element that has a wave-like design, or is simply formed by a bottom hemline, or a bottom woven fabric edge and/or longitudinal edge, and at least on raising and lowering unit. In addition, the covering element is provided with an upper longitudinal edge, which is preferably arranged in parallel to the deflecting element. The lower longitudinal edge is either connected to the deflecting element, or is formed by the same, so that as a result of a rotation of the deflecting element, or of the lower woven fabric edge and/or longitudinal edge, about a horizontal axis, the covering element can be rolled up or down. The raising and lowering unit comprises at least one cord, wherein at least one free end of the cord is connected to the raising and lowering unit.

Abstract: An improvement of roller blinds controller is provided, it mainly comprises a cylindrical rod passing through a side cover and fixing therewith; a bead chain sprocket and a number of torsion springs fitted on the cylindrical rod, and an outer sleeve cover fitted on the outside, wherein: the cylindrical rod has a ridge portion protruded from the circumferential surface thereof, while the side cover has a has a central aperture with a annular edge portion, the cylindrical rod can be fixed with the side cover by the snap-fitting of the annular edge portion between the flange portion and the ridge portion.

Abstract: An operating control system for a retractable shade including a roller reversibly rotatable within a headrail includes a clamp system for gripping an endless operating cord in a neutral position to prevent rotation of the roller and a tensioner if properly mounted in a fixed position will release the clamp system to permit rotation of the roller while positioning the runs of the endless cord in a closely spaced relationship to minimize the risk of an infant or child becoming entangled in the cord.

Abstract: A roller curtain controller includes a cap, a collar, a locating block, a pull cord reel and an outer sleeve. The cap is recessed to forma receiving space. The cap has a restriction stem protruding from a bottom wall of the receiving space. The collar is fitted on a fixed end of the restriction stem and the locating block is fitted on a front end of the restriction stem. The pull cord reel is fitted on the collar and spaced from the bottom wall of the receiving space by the collar to form a gap so as to reduce frictional noise. The locating block is assembled with the outer sleeve. By means of the support of the locating block, a central axis of the restricting stem is prevented from being deflected under the weight of the roller curtain so that the roller curtain can be operated more smoothly.

Abstract: A roll blind includes: a safety cord connected to and wound around a chain pulley adapted to rotate the winding rod, the safety cord having a separated lower end so that one side defines a lowering cord for pulling down the blind material and the other side defines a raising cord for rolling up the blind material; a bidirectional clutch unit adapted to raise/lower the blind material, the bidirectional clutch unit being positioned between the chain pulley and a driving shaft of the winding rod, the bidirectional clutch unit having bidirectional protrusions formed on an inner peripheral surface of the chain pulley at an identical interval in a circumferential direction so that, when the lowering or raising cord is pulled, the winding rod rotates together with the chain pulley, the bidirectional clutch unit having a number of rollers positioned between respective bidirectional protrusions on an outer peripheral surface of the driving shaft of the winding rod at an identical interval in the circumferential direct

Abstract: There is provided a retractable covering device comprising a sheet for covering an object comprising sleeves for receiving cords, a plurality of cords having proximal ends secured to spools and distal ends secured to the sheet, a retraction device that can use a clutching system having a rotating member for winding the cords onto spools to retract the sheet and unwinding the cords from the spools to extract the sheet, wherein at least two sleeves are oriented essentially longitudinally in a proximal portion of the sheet and essentially in a medial lateral orientation in a distal portion of the sheet to prevent a lateral accumulation of the sheet at the retraction device during retraction. The spools can be fitted with one or more tangle prevention members (spool covers) to prevent tangling of cords during use of the retraction device.

Abstract: The invention relates to a cord winding device (1) for a screen, comprising a winding roller (10) arranged for mounting on a rotational shaft of the screen, and a sleeve (20), wherein the winding roller can be received, which sleeve is arranged for mounting on a housing for the rotational shaft. The winding roller is provided with external thread for receiving the cords and the sleeve is provided with internal thread for axial displacement of the winding roller with respect to the sleeve upon rotation of the shaft. The sleeve is provided with a cord passage part with a hole for the cords. The external thread comprises spiral grooves shaped such that the grooves can receive the cords clampingly and in the sleeve at least one pressing element is arranged for pressing a cord into the groove of the external thread.

Abstract: A mechanism for extending or retracting for a covering for an architectural opening with respect to architectural opening, including a rotatable drive shaft (5); at least one lift cord (11,13), at least one cord spool (7,9) for winding and unwinding the at least one lift cord, the cord spool being mounted for rotation with the drive shaft and being axially stationary. The cord spool has a first diameter end (21, 27) and a second diameter end (23, 29), the first diameter being larger than the second diameter, and the spool has a first generally conical circumferential spool portion (33) therebetween, wherein the first spool portion (33) comprises a plurality of steps (35, 37, 39, 41, 43, 45) each step having a tread (35A, 37A, 39A, 41A, 43A, 45A).

Abstract: A window shade that reduces the risk of an individual becoming entangled in cords used to operate the shade includes a headrail adapted for horizontal mounting above a window, a shading material attached to the headrail, and at least one cord for raising and lowering the shading material. The cord is attached to a location adjacent a lower end of the material, and extends upward through cord guides toward the headrail. The cord is encased within a collapsible shroud attached to each cord guide. The shroud is adapted to longitudinally extend as the shading material is lowered toward a deployed position, and then longitudinally collapse as the shading material is raised toward a stowed position. The cord is secured to and is wound about a spool fixed to a spring-loaded roller. The roller provides tension on the cord that counterbalances the weight of the shade so that the shading material may be positioned at any desired level. The shade does not require a graspable cord or cords for operation.

Abstract: A control module may be used for raising and lowering a window shade. This configuration allows a user to pull the operating cord a predetermined distance to raise the window shade, then release the operating cord until it has retracted, and then pull the operating cord another predetermined distance to raise the window shade again. A brake mechanism is operably connected to a brake release and configured to lock or unlock the drive axle. A clutch is adapted to be mounted on the axle for selectively engaging the cord drum to the axle. The cord drum may rotate independent of the drive axle when a clutch is disengaged from the drive axle. As a result, movement of the operating cord will not cause the window shade to raise while the clutch is disengaged. When the clutch is engaged with the drive axle, the cord drum and adapter sleeve may rotate together to drive the rotation of the drive axle for raising the window shade.

Abstract: A blind device includes a head box, a blind and an operation unit. The head box includes an axle located therein, a roller supported on the axle, and a lift lock located therein. The blind includes a bottom rail and a rope inserted through the lift lock. A first section of the rope is wound on the roller and connected to the bottom rail on a side of the lift lock. A second section of the rope is connected to the head box on another side of the lift lock. The operation unit includes a sleeve connected to the head box, a rod including a first end located in the sleeve and a second end located outside the sleeve, and a pulley connected to the first end of the rod. The second section of the rope is wound on the pulley.

Abstract: A manual banner roll-up mechanism has a first tube, a second tube, a foldable material, a securing base, a washer, a linking member, a rope, a securing cylinder, a first plug and two mounting supports. The first tube is rolled up with a foldable material. Another end of the foldable material is connected to a second tube. One end of the first tube is jacketed by a securing base, and the washer, the triggering member and the rope are locked onto the securing cylinder by a bolt. Another end of the first tube is jacketed by the first plug that has a base, a positioning member, a spring, and a cover. A first positioning member of the securing base and a second positioning member of the first plug enable the first tube to be hung between the two mounting supports.

Abstract: A covering for architectural openings.

Abstract: A curtain includes a curtain bracket (1) having an end to which a rotation driving device (3) is mounted. The rotation driving device (3) can actuate a curtain reeling drum (4A) to rotate a curtain cloth (7) or actuate a reeling rope device (4) to rotate a curtain cloth or shade (7). A reverse rotation releasing device (5) and a resilience reverse rotation mechanism (14) are connected to the rotation driving device (3). The rotation driving device (3) is comprised of a pull rope rotary disc (3c), a unidirectional clutch device (6) connected to the pull rope rotary disc (3c), and a rewinding spring (3e) mounted between the pull rope rotary disc (3c) and a pull rope rotary disc box (3a). Thus, only one cord is sufficient to control opening of the curtain cloth or shade (7), and reverse rotation of the curtain reel drum (4A) is not adversely affected by the rotation driving device (3). It is convenient to use while avoiding injury to children.

Abstract: A Multiple-Roller Quilting Design Wall used by quilters or others requiring a vertical display for planning, designing, or presenting. An open faced box holding multiple (or one) roll-up sheets which can be unrolled singly, or simultaneously. Rotation of the roll-up sheet rod is controlled by the unique use of a friction clutch via a remote-control chain which allows the Design Wall box to be mounted high on a wall or over windows or doors.

Abstract: The invention relates to a winding device and to a method for covering wall openings or windows. The winding device comprises a covering element that can be rolled up, a deflecting element that has a wave-like design, or is simply formed by a bottom hemline, or a bottom woven fabric edge and/or longitudinal edge, and at least on raising and lowering unit. In addition, the covering element is provided with an upper longitudinal edge, which is preferably arranged in parallel to the deflecting element. The lower longitudinal edge is either connected to the deflecting element, or is formed by the same, so that as a result of a rotation of the deflecting element, or of the lower woven fabric edge and/or longitudinal edge, about a horizontal axis, the covering element can be rolled up or down. The raising and lowering unit comprises at least one cord, wherein at least one free end of the cord is connected to the raising and lowering unit.

Abstract: Disclosed is a one cord blind that has a simplified structure enabling it to be easily manufactured, prevents a safety accident by not using a ball chain, makes an interior design neat and enables a roll screen to move upward and downward by a rotating cord or hands, so that the upward and downward operations can be easily made.

Abstract: A retractable covering for an architectural opening is reversibly driven through an input assembly, a transmission and an output assembly by a reciprocal operating cord that can be pulled down by an operator and will automatically retract while the covering is held in a predetermined position. While the input assembly is always driven in a first direction, a transmission is shifted between two operative positions through movement of a shift arm depending upon the positioning of the shift arm by the operating cord. The shift arm is pivotal about an axis parallel with a roller for the covering and when the operating cord is pulled straight downwardly, the covering is moved in an upwardly or retracting direction while if the operating cord is pulled downwardly and toward the operator, i.e. away from the architectural opening, the covering is driven in a downwardly or extending direction.

Abstract: An architectural cover operating assembly comprising a roller mechanism adapted to drive a roller to operate an architectural cover, a cord mechanism adapted to drive the roller mechanism; and an enclosure adapted to conceal at least a portion of the cord mechanism. The enclosure comprises a clutch assembly configured to receive the roller mechanism. The clutch assembly comprises a hinge portion configured to receive a swivel, such that the clutch assembly is hingedly attached to the enclosure and the enclosure is allowed to pivot about the swivel in a lateral direction. A method comprises providing an enclosure configured to receive a cord mechanism; disposing a clutch assembly having a hinge portion and a swivel at an end of the enclosure, and attaching a roller mechanism to the clutch assembly, wherein the clutch assembly is hingedly attached to the enclosure to allow the enclosure to pivot in a lateral direction.

Abstract: A child-resistant roller blind apparatus is provided in which a roller blind is operated only when a safety hook of a cord or a ball chain, which is coupled with an elastic gear, is fixedly mounted after being tightened, so that a safety accident by the ball chain is completely prevented, improving the safety.

Abstract: A window covering includes a first rail, window covering material, lift cords that extend from adjacent the first rail to the window covering material, and at least one pulley and at least one pulley release device. At least one pulley is positioned so that at least one lift cord passes along that pulley. Each pulley release device is attached to at least one respective pulley to releasably connect the one or more pulleys to the first rail. Each pulley release device is configured to permit the one or more pulleys to which it is attached to release from the first rail when a release force acts on a component of the pulley release device. Preferably, the one or more pulleys are positioned on the outside of the first rail adjacent to the window covering material. The one or more pulleys may also be positioned adjacent to a valance.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to window covering systems, and more particularly to systems and methods for providing a window covering with a plurality of safety lift cord assemblies structured and operable to be severable upon application of a longitudinal force greater than predetermined threshold force.

Abstract: The present teachings relate to window covering systems, and more particularly to systems and methods for providing a window covering with safety clutch cord structured and operable to be severable upon application of a longitudinal force greater than predetermined threshold force.

Abstract: A window curtain safety design, having particular use in a window curtain set which utilizes a looping pull cord that can be pulled single-handed to alter shading condition of a window curtain, and which provides a safety design preventing the dangling closed end of the pull cord from accidentally entangling the limbs. The present invention provides a roll-up control unit, and when the roll-up control unit is subjected to inappropriate excessive pulling forces from two sides of a pulling component (pull cord), then essential components within the roll-up control unit form an opening operation, which causes the entire length of the pulling component to separate and form a separated free state which releases the binding forces at the lower end of the pulling component, thereby achieving the objective of maintaining safety of the limbs.

Abstract: A safety device for roller shade bead chain includes a connecting seat, a rotary disc disposed atop the connecting seat and provided along a circumferential face with a plurality of retaining recesses, an elastic element located between the connecting seat and the rotary disc, and a cover plate assembled to the connecting seat to restrict the rotary disc and the elastic element to the connecting seat. A bead chain for controlling a roller shade can be wound around the rotary disc, and then pulled into a straight state before the connecting seat is fixed to a predetermined position. The bead chain being pulled straight and held in place via the safety device will not swing freely to dangerously entangle with and strangulate a child, and is therefore safer for use.

Abstract: A shade for architectural opening 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 new concept of roll screen is provided to provide transparent portions, which are spaced apart at regular intervals. The screen is unrolled into double-layer to adjust the amount of light interpenetrated to the room. The roll screen includes a mounting frame fastened to a wall or ceiling of a building, and a drive cap provided on a first end of the mounting frame. The drive cap has a ball chain, which rotates a winding roll around first end of the wound screen. The roll screen further includes a driven cap provided on a second end of the mounting frame, and a screen holding frame, which is holding a second end of the screen and removable to the front or rear surface of the mounting frame. The screen is easily installed onto or separated from the mounting frame without separating the winding roll from the mounting frame.

Abstract: A blind comprises a turnably supported pulley, a control member of which one end is connected to the pulley so as to permit the control member to be wound around and unwound from the pulley, an urging member which urges the pulley in the direction of winding the control member, a first clutch mechanism which is disposed between the rotation shaft and the pulley, and can selectively link the pulley and the rotation shaft with each other to transmit the rotation of the pulley to the rotation shaft or unlink the pulley and the rotation shaft from each other to interrupt the transmission of the rotation of the pulley to the rotation shaft, and a second clutch mechanism which can selectively link the rotation shaft and a fixed member with each other or unlink them from each other.

Abstract: A retractable covering for an architectural opening is reversibly driven through an input assembly, a transmission and an output assembly by a reciprocal operating cord that can be pulled down by an operator and will automatically retract while the covering is held in a predetermined position. While the input assembly is always driven in a first direction, a transmission is shifted between two operative positions through movement of a shift arm depending upon the positioning of the shift arm by the operating cord. The shift arm is pivotal about an axis parallel with a roller for the covering and when the operating cord is pulled straight downwardly, the covering is moved in an upwardly or retracting direction while if the operating cord is pulled downwardly and toward the operator, i.e. away from the architectural opening, the covering is driven in a downwardly or extending direction.

Abstract: The present invention provides for retractable coverings for architectural openings utilizing a control system having a single operating element allowing a user to move a retractable covering between extended and retracted positions by imparting a repetitive motion to the operating element. The control system may include an input assembly, a transmission, and an output assembly cooperatively engaging to convert linear movement of the operating element into rotational movement of a head roller in the required direction to provide movement of the covering in the desired direction and distance. The input assembly may convert linear movement of the operating element into rotational movement imparted to the transmission. The input assembly may also engage the transmission to effect the direction of rotational output from the transmission. The transmission imparts rotational movement to the output assembly, which interfaces with the head roller to rotate the head roller and to provide a braking feature.

Abstract: A double-layer window covering and a transverse moving apparatus thereof includes at least an upper elongated support, a lower elongated support, a transverse moving apparatus, a shade lift cord assembly and a transmission assembly. The transverse moving apparatus is installed in the upper elongated support and linked to the lift cord assembly to pull a first shade coupled on the transmission assembly fastened to one side of the upper elongated support so that synchronous movements are formed for the transverse moving apparatus and the first shade. As a result overlap of the first shade and a second shade can be adjusted to alter lighting brightness and darkness according to user's desire.

Abstract: An automatic winding device of a roll screen is disclosed. A screen is automatically rolled up when a user pulls a ball chain down and the screen is automatically stopped when the user just releases the ball chain, to thereby adjust a height of the screen simply and easily. A lower end of the screen is prevented from colliding with the winding device when the screen is rolled up, to thereby create a silent and comfortable indoor environment.

Abstract: A drive device for moving a covering element for covering an opening in a motor vehicle, in particular a roller blind, a baggage space cover or a sunroof cover, is provided. The drive device comprising a drive, a guide means and a thrust element which is coupled to the drive, is guided in the guide means and is connectable to the covering element in order to move the covering element. The drive for driving the thrust element is coupled to the thrust element via a transmission means being subjected to tensile stress, wherein the transmission means extends at least in certain sections in the guide means.

Abstract: The invention relates to a curtain device mounted on a shaft (2) about which said curtain (1) can be wound to an open position and unwound into a closed position, a drive wheel (7) fixed coaxially to said shaft (2) and cooperating with said curtain (1) such as to displace the latter between said two positions. The device comprises an oblong flexible control body (11), cooperating with the drive wheel (7), said body (11) being embodied to permit the displacement of the curtain (1) between the open position and the closed position thereof, independently of the slack formed in the curtain (1) and to be able to be displaced along at least one of the lateral edges (4) of the curtain (1) and act upon the region (8) of the latter as opposed to that arranged on the shaft (2).

Abstract: A top down/bottom up covering for an architectural opening is disclosed in a roll-up configuration so the shade can be rolled about a roller in a head rail while having the ability to raise and lower top and bottom rails between which the shade material extends independently of each other. The roller is utilized to raise and lower the bottom rail by wrapping about or unwrapping the shade material from the roller and a control system for raising and lowering the top rail is confined within the roller. The invention is disclosed in embodiments that include a single operating element or a pair of operating elements but in each instance the top and bottom rails are independently movable so the shade material can be extended to any degree between the top and bottom rails and positioned at desired locations within the architectural opening in which the covering is mounted.

Abstract: The present invention provides for retractable coverings for architectural openings utilizing a control system having a single operating element allowing a user to move a retractable covering between extended and retracted positions by imparting a repetitive motion to the operating element. The control system may include an input assembly, a transmission, and an output assembly cooperatively engaging to convert linear movement of the operating element into rotational movement of a head roller in the required direction to provide movement of the covering in the desired direction and distance. The input assembly may convert linear movement of the operating element into rotational movement imparted to the transmission. The input assembly may also engage the transmission to effect the direction of rotational output from the transmission. The transmission imparts rotational movement to the output assembly, which interfaces with the head roller to rotate the head roller and to provide a braking feature.

Abstract: An operator for a window or like shade serves to turn a shade roller to a new desired position as a result of a torque applied from a manually operable source, such as a chain operated wheel. The device includes a helical spring that is seated within a fixed bushing with its outer surface in contact with an inner cylindrical surface of the bushing. When torque is applied from the manually operable source, one overlapping end of the spring is moved away from its other end to reduce the spring diameter and hence release any frictional engagement of the spring with the bushing, thus allowing the torque to rotate the spring, which rotation is transmitted to the roller. However, when no such manually applied torque is present, the spring and the roller remain effectively locked in position. Any torque applied from the roller due to the weight of a partly lowered shade acts to tend to increase the spring diameter and thus to ensure a binding frictional engagement between the bushing and the spring.

Abstract: Generally speaking, in accordance with the invention, an improved window treatment system is provided. The system includes a head rail, a spring clutch disposed at one end of the head rail and an idler disposed at the other end of the head rail. Significantly, a pair of universal brackets, one coupled to the spring clutch and the other coupled to the idler, are used. Each bracket is suitable for fixedly mounting either the clutch or the idler at either end of the head rail. The brackets are identical.

Abstract: In a mechanism for locking curtains and the like, a sleeve rotates about a relative axis and is fastened to a roll, in coaxial relation therewith. A curtain is rolled up on the roll. A barrel features at least one radial housing opening outside of the barrel and enters freely the sleeve. The mechanism includes also one spring introduced freely in each radial housing and pushing a cylinder or a sphere against an inner surface of the sleeve.

Abstract: A cord driving mechanism for a blind is described, which comprises a cord driving pulley having a circumferential, radially outward-facing groove comprising a plurality of nips, the nips defined by formations which are disposed opposite one another on respective sides of the groove and are positioned so that the path of a cord around the pulley is relatively straight and so that the cord is substantially unconstricted in the regions between the nips; and a shoe, relative to which the pulley rotates, which surrounds at least part of the circumferential groove in the pulley. A cord passes around the pulley, in the space defined by the circumferential groove and the shoe. The cord is retained in the groove by contact with the shoe. The dimensions of the groove, the spacing between the groove and the shoe, and the size of the cord provide a desired resistance to rotation of the pulley and a desired maximum load which can be exerted on the cord.

Abstract: A tilt cord controller includes a casing, a rotating member rotatably mounted in the casing, and an axle including a first end with an end face and a second end. The second end of the axle is securely engaged with the rotating member to rotate therewith. The end face of the first end of the axle includes a slit such that the first end of the axle is compressible inward. The end face of the first end of the axle further includes a receptacle for receiving a bumping member. A pulley is mounted around the first end of the axle to rotate therewith. A tilt cord is mound around the pulley. When an excessive force is applied to the tilt cord, the first end of the axle is compressed inward to avoid damage to the transmission elements.