Abstract: A clinical intravital microscope with a heavy base; a motorized, mechanized or manual cantilever arm; and a microscope and camera portion at the distal end of the cantilever arm is provided. A method for observing and/or recording conditions such as blood flow, vessel characteristics, such as vessel density, tumor structure, tumor size and dimensions, is provided such that a physician is permitted to observe such information and characteristics in real-time.

Abstract: The Perfect Assistant is a garment with shapewear built into the inside. It is manufactured by sewing pieces of fabric together to match a specific waist measurement. Channels that contain strips of boning are inserted along the seams and throughout the width of the sewn pieces of fabric. The completed structure is then sewn to the wrong side of the garment's waist line creating a discrete compression feature that alters the body's measurements.

Abstract: A drape element includes a sheet of flexible, non-magnetic material having opposed first and second longitudinal sheet edges, a longitudinal centerline toward which is defined an inward direction and away from which is defined an outward direction, and a first longitudinal pocket disposed proximate the first longitudinal sheet edge. A first straight magnetic wire is disposed in the longitudinal direction within an inward longitudinal portion of the first longitudinal pocket, and a first alternating sequence of magnets and non-magnetic spacers is disposed within an outward longitudinal portion of the first longitudinal pocket. Each of the magnets has opposed first and second magnetic poles, with a respective first magnetic pole of each of the magnets being disposed in contact with the first straight magnetic wire.

Abstract: In a cellular material a first panel having a series of lengthwise accordion folds across the width of the panel, alternate folds projecting toward the front of the panel and the back of the panel is attached to a second panel of material in a manner to create a series of P-shaped cells having a back, an upper cell wall and a lower cell wall in which the upper cell wall and the lower cell wall are curved in a same direction.

Abstract: An adjustable drapery form structure provides form to the header portion of a drapery panel. The structure has a platform and a form member capable of surrounding an end of the platform. A track, with discrete stops along it, is oriented perpendicularly to that end of the platform. A hanger member that attaches to a drapery rod can be selectively adjusted between track stops. Trimming notches at an end of the form member may be removed to provide additional adjustability to the structure. The drapery panel is fastened to the form member and then the form member is bent longitudinally into a U-shape. The ends of the form member are then connected to the platform by catches, one on each side of the track, which restrain them. The number of structures and distance between them can be adjusted depending upon the width of the drapery panel and desired aesthetic affect.

Abstract: A small device, substantially flat, used to shorten the length or circumference of a fabric, or other type of materials, while at the same time making the item being altered look appealing by forming a pleat-like appearance. The device is simple and is made of metal, plastic or other rigid material suitable for its purpose. Configured of one body, this device disappears into the folds of the material and disappears as if it was not even there. It is easy to use and virtually undetected by the wearer.

Abstract: An adjustable shower curtain liner that includes: (a) a plurality of horizontal rows of curtain hook loops; (b) a neutral color for attachment by snaps, buttonholes or Velcro® to a decorative outer panel that go partially to the base of the tub or all the way to the bathroom floor; and (c) a set of lower magnets for keeping the liner close to the tub interior—with one or more strips of perforations that can be easily removed when they become too moldy or unsightly.

Abstract: A curtain or drapery panel that is formed having hanging grommets and box pleats along the header band that provides support to allow the box pleats to retain their shape without deforming. The drapery is a fabric panel having a header strip along the top thereof. The header strip has a plurality of spaced apart grommets. Between alternating grommets the fabric is pinched together to form a forward facing bow or loop. The bow or loop is then flattened and the top and bottom edges of the loop along the header strip are sewn down to the header strip to flatten the loop into a rectangular flat gathered pleat. Further, the edges of the pleat along the header strip may also be sewn to give it a more defined crisp edge. This draws two adjacent grommets close together on the two opposing sides of the newly formed pleat.

Abstract: A Roman shade includes a translucent layer and at least one opaque layer. The translucent layer is connected to the top box. Multiple rows of first magnets are positioned transversely on the translucent layer. A translucent area is formed between any two adjacent rows of the first magnets. The opaque layer includes multiple rows of second magnets positioned transversely thereon, and an opaque area is formed between two any adjacent rows of the second magnets. The at least one opaque layer is folded to attract the second magnets on the at least one opaque layer to the first magnets on the translucent layer to expose the translucent areas.

Abstract: A shade assembly includes a first shading unit, a plurality of second shading units detachably connected with the first shading unit and arranged at the bottom of the first shading unit, and a third shading unit detachably connected with the first shading unit and arranged at the front face of the first shading unit. Thus, the shade cloth of each of the second shading units and the shade cloth of the third shading unit are expanded and folded to regulate the shading effect and the indoor brightness.

Abstract: There is provided a system for an integrated magnetic slider assembly. The system has the integrated magnetic slider assembly with a slider portion, a hanger portion coupled to or integrated with the slider portion, and one or more magnets coupled to the hanger portion. The system further has a longitudinal hanging device configured for coupling to and suspending the slider portion of the integrated magnetic slider assembly. The system further has at least one hanging partition configured for coupling to the hanger portion of the integrated magnetic slider assembly, the at least one hanging partition having a plurality of pleats. All the magnets in a plurality of integrated magnetic slider assemblies are vertically aligned with respect to each other to cause a magnetic attraction between adjacent magnets in order to hold the plurality of pleats together, when the at least one hanging partition is in a retracted position.

Abstract: A window covering includes a first rail; window covering material, a liner, a first lift cord, and a second lift cord. The liner is positioned adjacent to the rear side of the window covering material and is moveable from a retracted position to an extended position. The liner has at least one pocket. Each pocket defines a channel within the liner. The first and second lift cords extend from the first rail to a position adjacent to a bottom edge of the window covering material. Each lift cord extends through a channel defined by a pocket of the one or more pockets. The window covering may be a Roman shade or other window covering, such as a top down bottom up shade. Preferably, the liner covers the lift cords such that no portion of a lift cord is exposed sufficiently for a child to become entangled within any of the lift cords.

Abstract: A retractable covering for an architectural opening includes a headrail in which a control system is mounted and a fabric suspended from the headrail. The fabric is mounted to be moved laterally between a rolled up retracted position and an extended position across the architectural opening. At least one roller about which the fabric can be wrapped is mounted at an end of the headrail for rotation about a vertical axis, and the system includes a flexible control element that is substantially horizontally disposed for moving the covering between extended and retracted positions.

Abstract: A covering for an architectural opening is provided. The covering may include a head rail, an end rail, and a cellular panel operably connected between the head rail and the end rail. The cellular panel may include at least one cellular unit. Each cellular unit may include a primary cell having a first side and a second side. In one configuration, the first side has a single crease, and the second crease has three creases. An outer wall may be operably connected to the primary cell and extend around at least a portion of a side of the primary cell.

Abstract: A pleated wall covering system includes a bracket for hanging and pleating wall fabric. The bracket includes a plurality of longitudinally extending planar mounting portions and a plurality of longitudinally spaced u-shaped pleating portions interspaced between the mounting portions. In an illustrative embodiment, a receiver includes opposing upper and lower slots configured to receive the mounting portions of the bracket.

Abstract: A curtain panel with a front-facing side and a back side includes a panel with a predetermined dimension, a plurality of spaced flip tabs attached to a top section of the back side of the panel, and a plurality of grommets, each of said grommets being embedded in said flip tab through an opening formed in said flip tab. The grommets are aligned to receive a curtain rod and are further configured to glide on said rod for easy hanging, opening, and closing the panel.

Abstract: A curtain assembly comprising a sheet of material and a hanging assembly. The sheet may comprise an upper edge portion extending from an upper edge and having a plurality of passages, each passage defined by a perimeter, and a curtain cut extending from the perimeter to the upper edge. The hanging assembly may comprise a pair of joinable hanger elements, each comprising a web of material between an inner perimeter and an outer perimeter, the webs having opposing surfaces for mutual engagement, each hanger element having two free end surfaces created by a cut through its web from inner to outer perimeter. The sheet is placed between web opposing surfaces of the pair, with the free edge surfaces of a first hanger element aligned with the curtain cut and the other free edge surfaces of a second hanger element offset from the first free edge surfaces by an angle.

Abstract: A cordless shade assembly having a primary panel with a face surface and a back surface. A plurality of horizontal support rods are affixed to primary panel at spaced intervals. A plurality of magnetic elements are supported by at least some of the horizontal support rods. The magnetic elements magnetically interconnect at least some of the horizontal support rods together whenever the primary panel is lifted to a raised position and at least some of the support rods come close enough together for the magnetic elements to magnetically interconnect and maintain that raised position.

Abstract: A pleated roller shade system allows a thin flexible shade fabric, such as, for example, silk, to be wrapped around a roller tube. The system comprises a pleating hembar contained within a hembar pocket of the shade fabric. The hembar is characterized by a non-linear shape, such as a serpentine shape, for causing the shade fabric to hang with a plurality of pleats. The hembar may comprise a plurality of C-shaped hembar sections flexibly coupled to each other. The system may also comprise an elongated pleating assembly mounted parallel to the roller tube and having a fabric-receiving opening that defines a non-linear (e.g., serpentine) path. The shade fabric may be received through the fabric-receiving opening and folded by the pleating assembly, such that the shade fabric is wrapped around the roller tube in folds as the roller tube rotates.

Abstract: A pleated roller shade system allows a thin flexible shade fabric, such as, for example, silk, to be wrapped around a roller tube. The pleated roller shade system comprises a drive system, such as a motor or manual drive system, for controlling of the rotation of the roller tube. The roller shade system may comprise a pleating hem bar that is contained within a hem bar pocket of the shade fabric and has a non-linear shape for causing the shade fabric to hang with a plurality of pleats. The roller shade system may also comprise an elongated pleating assembly mounted parallel to the roller tube and having a fabric-receiving opening that defines a non-linear path. The shade fabric may be received through the fabric-receiving opening and folded by the pleating assembly, such that the shade fabric is wrapped around the roller tube in folds as the roller tube rotates.

Abstract: A pleated roller shade system allows a thin flexible shade fabric, such as, for example, silk, to be wrapped around a roller tube. The system comprises a pleating bar mounted parallel to the roller tube and having a fabric-receiving opening that defines, for example, a serpentine path. The shade fabric is received through the fabric-receiving opening and is folded by the pleating bar, such that the shade fabric is wrapped around the roller tube in folds as the roller tube rotates. The shade fabric is neatly wrapped around the roller tube (i.e., bunching of the shade fabric is avoided) and is stored out-of-sight when rolled up.

Abstract: A curtain kit comprising a sheet of curtain material having a sheet perimeter and a plurality of fastener elements spaced along and adjacent the sheet perimeter to be attached to mating fastener elements respectively on a structural member for hanging one edge portion of the curtain sheet from the structural member. The plurality of sheet fastener elements are positioned along and adjacent the sheet perimeter in a quantity and spacing over the entirety of the sheet perimeter to be attached to respective ones of the structural member fastener elements for hanging various other edge portions of the curtain sheet from the structural member so that the curtain can be hung from the structural member in a variety of alternative origami-like patterns.

Abstract: A pleated roller shade system allows a thin flexible shade fabric, such as, for example, silk, to be wrapped around a roller tube. The system comprises a pleating hembar contained within a hembar pocket of the shade fabric. The hembar is characterized by a non-linear shape, such as a serpentine shape, for causing the shade fabric to hang with a plurality of pleats. The hembar may comprise a plurality of C-shaped hembar sections flexibly coupled to each other. The system may also comprise an elongated pleating assembly mounted parallel to the roller tube and having a fabric-receiving opening that defines a non-linear (e.g., serpentine) path. The shade fabric may be received through the fabric-receiving opening and folded by the pleating assembly, such that the shade fabric is wrapped around the roller tube in folds as the roller tube rotates.

Abstract: A fabric panel adapted for use selectively as a drape, curtain, shade or valance. The panel has a loop at the upper edge region for receiving a curtain rod. A strip extending across the panel down from the upper end. Two fastening tie receivers are disposed on the panel at about the height of the strip. A respective one or more strip ties around the bottom edge region of the panel and also is passed through fasteners at the strip so that the ties may be tightened for selectively raising the bottom of the panel at a plurality of locations across the panel to a varying extent to expose the area beneath the shade to a varying selected extent, or to raise the bottom of the panel higher to a fixed location so that the panel with the ties raising the panel may serve as a valance. A tie around the panel and off to the side defines the panel into a curtain.

Abstract: According to one aspect, there is provided a curtain assembly including a curtain and a plurality of rails. The curtain can be used to cover a variety of openings. The plurality of rails can be attached to and disposed horizontally on the curtain to provide rigidity to the curtain when in an open position (covering the opening). The plurality of rails can be made of two main sections, a first and a second coupled to opposite sides of the curtain. The second section can be configured to provide the lateral stability to the curtain, permitting the first section to be made of almost any material. Typically both sections are metal. The first section can also include folded over portions which wrap around the edges of the curtain. The folded over to portions provide for attachment and also insure no sharp edges exist on the exterior sides of the curtain. The plurality of rails can be bonded to the curtain using an adhesive. The curtain can include prepared bonding surface to receive the rails.

Abstract: A pleated roller shade system allows a thin flexible shade fabric, such as, for example, silk, to be wrapped around a roller tube. The system comprises a pleating bar mounted parallel to the roller tube and having a fabric-receiving opening that defines, for example, a serpentine path. The shade fabric is received through the fabric-receiving opening and is folded by the pleating bar, such that the shade fabric is wrapped around the roller tube in folds as the roller tube rotates. The shade fabric is neatly wrapped around the roller tube (i.e., bunching of the shade fabric is avoided) and is stored out-of-sight when rolled up.

Abstract: A method and apparatus, for pleating curtains and pleated curtains using the apparatus, are described. The apparatus may be provided as a parts kit which includes a stiffener, pleat-forming members, and fasteners. The stiffener is attached to a curtain and bent into a series of pleat-shaped formations. The pleat-forming members and fasteners are used to hold the stiffener and support the curtain, forming the created pleats in place. The curtain may then be hung on a curtain rod by a separate hanging element which couples the pleat-forming members to a curtain rod. The hanging element may form an integral part of the pleat-forming member.

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

Abstract: A cornice fixture for decorating a wall and a method of installing the cornice fixture are disclosed. The cornice fixture includes a rod from which window treatments are hung and at least one bracket. Typically, the cornice fixture includes a pair of brackets, and the rod is slidably coupled to the brackets. Slidably coupling the rod to the brackets enables the installer to center the rod about a given point after the rod has been coupled to the bracket.

Abstract: Several embodiments of a collapsible screen employing novel folding structures have many possible uses: window shade, room divider, decorative backdrop, wall hanging, and others. A disclosed method allows its user to design many embodiments of the screen. The method incorporates three modifiable sets or databases: a set (220) of patterns, a set (221) of criteria by which a possible embodiment is evaluated for practicability, and a set (222) of transformations which can be applied to the possible embodiment to improve it with respect to the criteria (221). The sets can change to reflect new assumptions, design characteristics, and hardware.

Abstract: A method and apparatus, for pleating curtains and pleated curtains using the apparatus, are described. The apparatus may be provided as a parts kit which includes a stiffener, pleat-forming members, and fasteners. The stiffener is attached to a curtain and bent into a series of pleat-shaped formations. The pleat-forming members and fasteners are used to hold the stiffener and support the curtain, forming the created pleats in place. The curtain may then be hung on a curtain rod by a separate hanging element which couples the pleat-forming members to a curtain rod. The hanging element may form an integral part of the pleat-forming member.

Abstract: A mass marketable decorative window treatment system employs adjustable-width valance pieces or overlays that can be hung from a conventional curtain rod on which a rod sleeve has been mounted. Segmented hook and loop fastener means are employed on both the valance pieces and on a curtain rod subassembly so that the decorative window treatment components need not be permanently secured to a board as required with similar custom window treatments. The width of individual valance pieces, such as, but not limited to, swags and jabots and flat overlays can be adjusted so that the standard size components can be used for different size windows.

Abstract: A system and method of installing window treatments is disclosed. The system includes at least one base member with at least one arcuate loop extending upwards from a planar rear surface of the at least one base member and adapted to be used in part to secure the at least one base member to a planar mounting surface. The system further includes a covering disposed on at least one exterior surface of the at least one base member wherein the covering further comprising a first fastening element. In addition, the system includes a second fastening element secured to at least one portion of drapery material, wherein the second fastening element is adapted to removably engage the first fastening element of the at least one base member.

Abstract: A fastener module and fabric panel suitable for use with a window covering having a plurality of openable rows is provided. More particularly, the fastener module enables engagement and disengagement of control cords from panels of a window covering.

Abstract: A plurality of holes or other fastener elements are equally spaced along all of the edge portions of a curtain panel to connect to similarly equally spaced protrusions or other mating fastener elements on a curtain rod sleeve or other structural member in order to provide curtains which can effectively and aesthetically, as well as easily and quickly, be arranged in a variety of alternative decorative patterns. In another aspect, the panel is connected along one edge to a curtain rod sleeve which has fastener elements, and mating fastener elements are spaced along the remainder of the perimeter of the panel. In order to hang a curtain in a desired one of alternative decorative patterns, fastener elements on each of adjoining perimetric edge portions of the curtain are connected to mating fastener elements on a curtain rod sleeve or other structural member.

Abstract: The device for maintaining window coverings or vertically hanging flexible panels includes a frame, apparatus for retaining the flexible panel in the frame and an attachment to attach the flexible panel to the frame. Preferably, the device is lightweight and nonporous. The device is formed into a desired shape in order to maintain a desired orientation of the hanging flexible panel.

Abstract: A method and apparatus, for pleating curtains and pleated curtains using the apparatus, are described. The apparatus may be provided as a parts kit which includes a stiffener, pleat-forming members, and fasteners. The stiffener is attached to a curtain and bent into a series of pleat-shaped formations. The pleat-forming members and fasteners are used to hold the stiffener and support the curtain, forming the created pleats in place. The curtain may then be hung on a curtain rod by a separate hanging element which couples the pleat-forming members to a curtain rod. The hanging element may form an integral part of the pleat-forming member.

Abstract: A cornice box has a horizontally disposed upper panel and a vertically disposed forward panel and vertically disposed laterally spaced left and right side panels. Each panel is rectangular and has an exterior surface and an interior surface. A fabric cover has a central section positionable over the exterior surface of the forward panel and end sections positionable over the exterior surfaces of the side panels. The fabric cover has a periphery sized to extend beyond the exterior surfaces of the front and side panels on all sides with fasteners positioned through the fabric cover adjacent to its periphery into the panels.

Abstract: A freestanding window treatment support has a base, a lower vertical member having a lower vertical member first end and a lower vertical member second end, the lower vertical member first end connected to and extending vertically from the base, an upper vertical member having an upper vertical member first end and an upper vertical member second end, the upper vertical member first end connected to the lower vertical member second end, and an upper horizontal member connected adjacent the upper vertical member second end where the base has sufficient weight and footprint area for supporting a window treatment.

Abstract: There is disclosed a drape hangable, selectively, in differing configurations, the drape comprising: a plurality of fasteners secured at horizontally spaced intervals in an upper marginal region of the drape for releasably securing tabs for hanging the drape from a curtain rod; a plurality of curtain rod pockets secured at horizontally spaced intervals in the marginal region for receiving a curtain rod longitudinally inserted through a selected number of the curtain rod pockets; a plurality of tie loops secured at horizontally spaced intervals in the marginal region, each for receiving an associated tie for hanging the drape from a curtain rod. Kits for selectively hanging a drape in different configurations are also disclosed.

Abstract: An acoustical wall covering assembly (10) with pleats (11) formed and attached in situ to a trim member for covering a wall of a movie theatre, in which a panel (22) of an acoustical wall covering attaches to a pleating member (22) having groups (20) of scores (32, 34, 36, 38) for folding to define the pleats (11). An end of the pleated assembly (10) attaches to a ceiling trim (16). Each pleat (11) is formed and attached in situ to the ceiling trim. Subsequently, each pleat in the attached panel is pulled longitudinally away from the ceiling trim (16) to form an extended pleat in the panel and then secured to a bottom trim (18) to cover a portion of the wall with the pleated assembly. A method of forming and securing an acoustical pleated panel in situ to cover a wall is disclosed.

Abstract: A cordless blind can include an upper beam, a body, and a plurality of magnet components. Generally, the body is attached to an underside of the upper beam. The body may include a top and foldable slats. One slat can be the bottommost slat. Generally, the plurality of magnet components are equidistantly distributed from the bottommost slat upward to the top of the body and alignable when the body is in a folded position. The cordless blind can have no pull cords or lift cords.

Abstract: A cellular structure such as a honeycomb window treatment comprises a plurality of rows of elongated cells secured to one another. Each of the rows is constructed by providing a first longitudinally extending length of material, which includes a first surface and a second surface, as well as, a lesser width portion and a greater width portion. A second length of material is also provided that includes a first surface and a second surface. The second surface of the second material is secured to the first surface over the greater width portion of the first material along a plurality longitudinally extending locations on the second surface of the second material to form a row. A longitudinally extending crease is also formed in the first material such that the lesser width portion and the greater width portion of the first material lie on opposite sides of the crease.

Abstract: A window treatment sized to fit substantially over a window opening is disclosed. The window treatment comprises a row of buttons positioned along an upper portion of the window treatment. The window treatment also comprises one or more rows of loops extending horizontally along the surface of the window treatment. Any row of loops can be removably secured to the row of buttons to enable at least a portion of the window treatment to be raised while it is positioned over the window opening. The engagement of the buttons and loops is the only means by which the window treatment is removably secured in a raised position.

Abstract: A decoration article secured to the ends of an upper beam of a Venetian blind is mainly made up of a decoration unit, and a fixing mount wherein the decoration unit has a decoration piece disposed at one side to increase the overall beauty of the Venetian blind in display, and a retaining tube with screw locking hole disposed at the other side thereof to be securely engaged with a hollow coupling tube of the fixing mount for location thereof. The fixing mount also includes a horizontal contact plate to be attached to the lower side at the ends of a wooden or plastic upper beam or to the upper side of a metallic upper beam of a Venetian blind thereof.

Abstract: A multifunctional window covering system for securing various lengths, sizes and types of curtains and/or drapery or other fabric material in a wide variety of different window treatment styles and configurations with respect to a window structure includes at least one securing device with a securing section and a loop section. The securing device is configured to wrap around a fabric material and/or support structure disposed proximate the window, with the securing section capable of being inserted through the loop section to facilitate engagement of the securing section with the loop section so as to hold and maintain the fabric material in a desired configuration with respect to the window structure.

Abstract: A window treatment sized to fit over a window opening. In one embodiment, the window treatment has a row of ties positioned horizontally along the top portion of the window treatment. The window treatment also has one or more rows of openings (e.g., grommets) positioned horizontally along a lower portion of the window treatment. The rows of openings are fastened to the row of ties, allowing the lower portion of the window treatment to be removably secured in a raised position. This allows a portion of the window to be exposed while the window treatment is positioned over the window opening.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a cellular structure for use in honeycomb window shades having plurality of rows forming a single column of double cells, which forms a uniformly pleated appearance for the face and rear of the cellular structure. Each of the plurality of rows of double cells is constructed of a longitudinal strip of material having a greater width portion and a limiting member portion. The limiting member portion serves to restrict the extent to which any row may be stretched. The present invention further relates to a method for making the cellular structure.

Abstract: A mass marketable decorative window treatment system employs adjustable-width and adjustable-length valance pieces that can be hung from a conventional curtain rod on which a rod sleeve has been mounted. Hook and loop fasteners are employed on both the valance pieces and on a curtain rod subassembly so that the decorative window treatment components need not be permanently secured to a board as required with similar custom window treatments. The width and length of individual valance pieces, such as swags and balloons, can be adjusted so that the standard size components can be used for different size windows. Individual window treatment components can be mounted side by side or in overlapping relationship. A protective flap is provided so that exposed hook fasteners will not damage the fabric during cleaning.

Abstract: A pleated window treatment is suspended on a rod by means of a rod engaging means which may comprise a continuous rod pocket or a series of straps that are affixed to the back side of a pleated window treatment at a point where it is desired to have the window treatment supported by a rod.