Abstract: Various systems for attaching flexible fabric material to rigid vanes in the construction of window coverings are disclosed. The various systems for attaching the fabric material to the vanes create varying aesthetic patterns while providing long-term durability. The systems described can be used to connect single or double sheets of fabric material to the faces of rigid vanes while enabling the vanes to be oriented vertically or horizontally.

Abstract: The improved system utilizes a track which has a bowed internal surface to prevent the wheel of the carrier from frictional engagement with the side of the track. The curved surface which faces the wheels will not be engaged by the wheels even where the carrier turns to one side or the other. This is accomplished while leaving the innermost portions of the raceway in the same width position with regard to the wheels as is usual to prevent the carrier from coming off-track. The tolerances for the inner corners of the raceway opposing the wheels may be reduced to further prevent the possibility of jamming in the track.

Abstract: A distance adjusting structure for a vertical blind, including a pulley seat and a distance adjusting cord. The pulley seat is composed of a seat body, a top cover and a pressing block. A slat clip is disposed under the seat body for clipping a slat. An ohm set is disposed in the seat body. Two latch ribs are disposed on outer faces of upper ends of front and rear walls of the seat body and two hooking holes are formed on upper sections of a left and a right walls of the seat body. The top cover is disposed with two projecting blocks on middle section of top face, which define a cord groove. A post is disposed on each projecting block. A stopper block is disposed under middle section of bottom face of the top cover. A rib hook is disposed under the stopper block and protrudes therefrom. Two downward extending right angle latch hooks are formed at two ends of the top cover. The pressing block is formed with a central adhesive filling hole and two sockets on bottom face beside the filling hole.

Abstract: A window covering is described wherein at least one translucent or transparent sheet is suspended vertically and has a plurality of parallel vertically extending vanes projecting rearwardly therefrom. The vanes are formed from fabric material which has either been rigidified with a rigidifying compound or rigidified by the formation of a pocket into which a rigid slat is inserted. Variations are provided for varying the flexibility of a hinge defined along a juncture line between the vanes and the fabric sheet.

Abstract: The top treatment includes a fabric sleeve having a pleating tape sewn along a backside with sections of one of hooks and loops spaced one from the other along the pleating tape and forming a part of a Velcro.TM.-type fastener. A header is secured to a headrail of a vertical blind and includes along an outer face an elongated strip of the other of the hooks and loops of the Velcro.TM.-type fastener. The fabric sleeve has a drawstring to form a pleated valance which is applied to the header by engaging the hooks and loops one with the other. In another form, a groover valance receives short lengths of slats having tapes containing another of the hooks and loops of the fasteners. By inserting the slats along the groover valance, the fabric valance may be applied to the groover valance. The slats and fabric sleeve may be provided separately in small soft packages.

Abstract: A vertical blind assembly includes an elongate header casing and two sets of louvers movably supported in adjacent channels within the header casing, including a first set of plain louvers structured to be moved horizontally along the length of the first channel, and a second set of louvers which are molded and configured in a decorative, three-dimensional pattern and structured to be moved horizontally along the length of the second channel so that they are positioned in front of the first set of louvers.

Abstract: A device for the manual operation of a blind, preferably a vertical blind, by way of a pull cord, which is pulled as a loop with a leading end and a return end by a slat carriage movable in a guide with a slat each arranged on them around their longitudinal axis. The device has a grip body that can be grasped, with a passage for the leading end and a passage for the return end of the pull cord. A clamping device is provided that can be switched from the outside for the leading end. A clamping device is also provided that can be switched from the outside for the return end (6b) of the pull cord (6).

Abstract: A slat carrier for vertical Venetian blind includes a main body provided with an axial hole in which a spur gear and an annular gear are received such that the spur gear is engageable with the annular gear, which is provided with a center hole into which a rotating shaft is fitted. The main body is further provided with an upright hole in which a slat hanging body is fastened pivotally such that an arresting body of the slat hanging body is fastened with a disk gear having parallel teeth engageable with parallel teeth of the spur gear so as to facilitate an angular adjustment of the slat.

Abstract: A louver assembly is disclosed. The louver assembly includes a louver, a pair of generally L-shaped side flanges formed on the louver, a cover overlaying the louver, and a cap secured to the cover and the louver. The side flanges are formed on either side of the louver and extend inwardly toward one another over a front face of the louver. Opposing sides of the cover are received within the side flanges, thus forming a cavity between the cover and the louver. The cap surrounds both the cover and the louver, enclosing the cavity.

Abstract: The activation device has a cord pull (8) on which at a certain distance two catches (9) are firmly attached. Via a gear system (10) the cord pull (8) is connected to a shaft (23) which passes through sliding elements (24) and which is connected to gears arranged in the sliding elements with curtain strips (34). The curtain strips (34) can be pivoted about 180.degree. with the shaft (23). If the curtain strips (34) are against a stop, the latter can be moved in one of the longitudinal directions of the curtain rail, in which case one of the stops (9) is engaged with the front running sliding element (24a). By activation of the cord pull (8) thus the curtain strips (34) can be pivoted about their longitudinal axes or moved in the longitudinal direction of the curtain rail horizontally.

Abstract: An automatic blind or curtain suspension system is described comprising a blind headrail 10 or curtain pole carrying at least one suspension device 28 arranged for movement relative to the headrail 10 or pole towards and away from a stop 48 to open and close the blind or curtain. An electric motor 44a is coupled to the suspension device 28 and operable to cause it to move relative to the headrail 10 or pole. The system includes compression springs 50 adapted to take up additional drive from the motor once motion of the suspension device 28 is retarded by the stop 48. An automatic controller 12 is provided which detects a monotonic increase in current to the motor 44a associated with drive from the motor 44a being taken up by the springs 50 and interrupts current to the electric motor 44a when the increase in motor current is detected. The controller may also keep track of the position of the suspension device 28 and store its position when the increase in current is detected.

Abstract: An operating mechanism for a blind or shielding device having angularly adjustable and retractable slats 12, said mechanism comprising a first driven element 27 for pivotally adjusting the angular orientation of the slats and a second driven element 30 for transversely moving the slats towards and away from the retracted position, a common actuating member 22 for driving said first and second driven elements, a coupling device 24 directly coupling said first driven element to said common actuating member, a final engagement and lost motion mechanism 28, 30 for releasibly engaging said common actuating member to said second driven element and allowing entraining of said second driven element after a predetermined number of revolutions of said actuating member neither of two different rotational senses, the final engagement associated with said lost motion mechanism in each rotational sense inducing a reactive force in an axial direction, said reactive force assisting in declutching of said coupling device.

Abstract: An elongate substantially rectangular louver or assembly of louvers each comprising an elongate conformable web sleeve or web envelope which substantially or completely surrounds and conforms generally to the periphery of a slat inserted therein and which said louver has a depending means for removable attachment to a louver assembly support means and said slat is removably attached to said web sleeve or web envelope.

Abstract: A vertical blind structure includes a plurality of slats, each slat including an elongated, substantially rectangular, center panel having opposite longitudinal edges, a small thickness and a center longitudinal axis, each center panel being formed of a fabric structure including a plurality of weft yarns extending in the widthwise direction of the slat and a plurality of warp yarns which secure the weft yarns together and which extend in the lengthwise direction of the slat, first and second fringes formed at opposite longitudinal edges of each center panel, each fringe including a plurality of loose fibers which are formed as extensions of the weft yarns and which extend outwardly in the widthwise direction, past the outermost runs of the warp yarns, and which fan out from the longitudinal edges of the center panel such that the fringes have an outer longitudinal edge with a thickness greater than the thickness of the center panel, and a stiffening coating applied to only one side of each center panel; and

Abstract: A window blind covering arrangement including a set of window blind slat cover members that detachably fit over existing window blind slats for purposes of changing the associated existing decor. Each blind cover member including attachment features that facilitate a fast way of slip-over attachment to the structure associated with the existing window blind slats. Each blind slat cover member is provided with a code member that is associated with a panoramic scene portion of a larger composite panoramic scene which is depicted by the full set of slat cover members. The coded blind slat cover members facilitate selecting and installing a proper sequence of blind slat cover members to produce the composite panoramic scene of a preselected subject, such as a sports scene, a mountain scene, a seaside view, a city lights scene, or of an other subject. The displaying of the composite panoramic scene being controlled by selectively operating the window blind drawing mechanism.

Abstract: An apparatus for suspending lamellar sun-blinds or the like, which apparatus comprises a profile open on at least one side with guiding, wherein a number of carriers (5) each having a gear transmission (8) and movable along the guiding by means of a control means, a control rod (11) arranged rotatably in and parallel to the profile, which is carried in each case through one of the gears of the transmission (8), a vertical rotating pin (7) with depending member for the slat connected to another gear and supported by the carrier, a spacer strip (66) connected to each of the carriers (5) which is guided slidably in a guiding of the adjacent carrier, wherein the spacer strip (66) is fixed on the side of the carrier such that the blade of the strip is vertically oriented in order to provide a profile dimensioning that is aesthetically well-considered, requires small dimensions particularly in the height and is thereby easy to combine with other profiles for additional applications.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a universal decorative covering case and method for modifying or altering existing horizontal or vertical blinds, louvers and the like. The universal covering case particularly is designed to conform to any preexisting vertical or horizontal louver assembly. In a preferred embodiment, the universal covering case of the present invention comprises a transparent case which is designed to individually enclose a slat of an existing vertical blind assembly, thereby creating a three-layer "sandwich" effect. On either one or both sides of the slat and between the slat and transparent covering case, a decorative insert is positioned. The decorative insert may be any web material that provides the desired decorative intent, such as paper, fabric, plastic film, and the like. The universal covering case can be easily and quickly installed onto any existing louver assembly without the use of any special tools or exceptional skills.

Abstract: A slat for a vertical blind is disclosed. The slat comprises a backing, an end piece, and a decorative insert. The side flange is disposed along each side edge of the backing, and extends inwardly over a front side of the backing. An end flange is similarly integrally connected to the end piece and extends inwardly over an end edge of the backing. An opaque strip is disposed along each side flange, and an opaque strip is disposed along the end flange. A decorative insert is held against the backing by the flanges.

Abstract: The louver curtain has a plurality of sliding elements (3) displaceably guided in a curtain rail (1). For displacing and swivelling the curtain louvers (4), the sliding elements each have a worm drive with a toothed gear (31). The toothed gears (31) mate with a sprocket chain (2) guided in the curtain rail (1). Preferably, the sprocket chain is a bridged-string chain, in which the bridges (24) have teeth (21) arranged on a broadside and projecting laterally, said teeth mating with the toothed gears (31). The bridges (21) are injected by injection molding onto flexible stranded steel cords (23). The louver curtain is motorizable and characterized by noiseless function combined with little friction.

Abstract: The triangular shape of the louvers allow light to pass through the first and second color-tinted adjacent sides to add a soft color hue to a room. The third side of the triangular louver is opaque and acts much the same as does a common blind when used to block the light from entering a room. The third side may, however have a decorative scene or pattern on one it to present a pleasant scene to the onlooker. The third side has a rotation restriction and alignment tab on it to align the third sides of the louvers so that the decorative pattern or scene is clearly illustrated and that the louver is positioned to properly block the light. Each louver is removably attached to a support system in such a manner that the louvers may be rotated to allow light to pass through two of the adjacent sides and then be rotated so that the opaque third side is parallel to the window or door and restricts the passage of the light.

Abstract: A torque-limiting angle drive for blinds and having a housing, first and second bearings on the housing defining respective first and second rotational axes, a drive member rotatably supported in a bearing and having drive formations, a driven member rotatably supported in another other bearing, stops to define ends of a predetermined arc of rotation of the driven member, a plurality of driven formations on the driven member at spaced intervals therearound and, slipping formations arranged on one of the drive member and the driven member located so that when the driven member reaches one or other end of its arc of rotation, one or other of the slipping formations is disengaged whereby to provide a slipping action when the drive member is over-rotated.

Abstract: A vertical blind apparatus comprises a top track, a plurality of elongate vanes, and a carrier vane for independently, rotatably and slidably suspending each of the elongate vanes from the top track in side-by-side condition, such that the vanes may be rotated about a given arc relative to the track and also slidably drawn together or apart for opening and closing the blind, and for extending and retracting the blind relative to a window. Each vane carrier includes a resilient vane-receiving clip-like portion for releasably, grippingly engaging a top end portion of a corresponding vane and a glide for suspending the carriers from the track. Each of the vane carriers has oppositely outwardly extending lever arm portions aligned generally in parallel with the plane of the associated vane and generally in parallel with the plane of the associated vane and generally to either side of a vertical central axis thereof.

Abstract: The vertical Venetian blinds described herein comprise a series of louvers each of which comprises a series of strips, preferably of wood which are arranged parallel to and spaced from each other and adhered to a flexible sheet of backing material, such as cloth with the strips arranged horizontally when the louvers are held in a vertical position. Each of the louvers is held by the upper edge of the backing material and is affixed to a swivel, supporting arrangement capable of rotating the louver approximately 90.degree. on its linear axis from a "closed" position in which one vertical edge of a louver overlaps by a small dimension a vertical edge of an adjacent louver to an "open position" in which the respective backing sheets of the louvers are arranged in positions substantially parallel to each other.

Abstract: A support for curtains, particularly curtains of the adjustable sun-louver type, comprises a plurality of carts fitting slidably in a slideway and being interconnected serially to one another by a string attached to each cart by means of a corresponding anchor member effective to bias the same to huddle into side-by-side bights above the carts, with the latter packed together in a gathered position. Each anchor member comprises at least one support arm jutting out from the corresponding cart and adapted to hold the string some distance above the corresponding cart.

Abstract: An elongate substantially rectangular louver or assembly of louvers each comprising an elongate conformable web sleeve or web envelope which substantially or completely surrounds and conforms generally to the periphery of a slat inserted therein and the louver has a depending means for removable attachment to a louver assembly support and the slat is removably attached to the web sleeve or web envelope.

Abstract: A louvered blind having a first blind assembly defining a first passageway and a second blind assembly defining a second passageway. A rod passes through both the first and second passageways. A first spacer is frictionally secured to the rod and has a portion disposed in the first passageway for securing the rod to the first blind assembly. The rod is fixedly secured to the second blind. The louvered blind also includes a mechanism for rotating the first spacer and a stop mechanism operatively associated with the rod to resist rotation of the rod. In use, the first spacer and the first blind assembly can be rotated simultaneously with the rod and the second blind assembly. The spacer and the first blind can also be rotated when the stop mechanism resists rotation of the rod and the second blind assembly so that the first blind assembly can be rotated independently of the second blind assembly.

Abstract: A vertical curtain panel assembly, to be used to cover windows, sliding glass doors, etc. with a plurality of large, wide, highly decorative panels. The panel assembly includes a plurality of interconnectable frame units having a plurality of channels with movable carriers positioned therein, and disposed such that by utilizing a single draw string attached to a single carrier, the plurality of carriers having decorative panels extending therefrom, may be readily moved between an opened position, wherein all the panels are concealed behind an outermost fixed panel, and a closed window covering position, wherein each panel is exposed and covers a designated area.

Abstract: The present invention is a link adapted to connect facing vanes of a vertical blind. Each of the links is comprised of an articulated arm engaged to said vanes by a cleat pivotally engaged to each end thereof. The articulated arm is comprised of first and second limbs, the first limb having a channel therein and the second limb having means to pivotally and slideably engage the channel. In a preferred embodiment, the channel is formed by an elongate loop extending from an end of the first limb, and the engagement means comprises a pin extending from the free end of the second limb, adapted to slideably engage the loop. The articulated arm is somewhat longer than the width of a single vane, in order to minimize the possibility of the edge of the vane becoming entangled in the joint between the arms.

Abstract: A blind slat is disclosed, especially for use in blinds of the vertical type, comprising two thin transparent parts designed to be fixable one against the other by a system of the snapping type provided along their longitudinally opposed edges so as to thus form the forward and rearward faces of the slat. The system of the snapping type is designed to allow the insertion of a decorative strip of paper or web between the two thin parts prior to their being secured together. The thus obtained slat is of great interest in as much as the two parts, which are preferably made of extruded plastic, greatly facilitate the maintenance of the slat while preserving the natural esthetic of the web or the wallpaper. Besides, this structure makes it possible for the user to substitute, at will, any other decorative web or paper and, hence, make the structure extremely versatile.

Abstract: A vertical blind assembly, including a minimum number of parts, has a carrier member supporting a circular gear rack driven by a drive rod. The gear rack can be assembled in any position in the carrier member and on rotation of the rod will be rotated to its end position. On further rotation of the rod the ends of the rack merely deflects to provide a clutch effect. Thereby misaligned slats can be easily aligned.

Abstract: The vertical blind track protector of the invention operates to prevent the vanes of the blind from traversing in the closed position. The track protector is inserted on the pinion rod between the end control of the blind and the nearest carrier, and is fabricated with holes on either side to accept the traverse cords. Pulling the control chain to rotate the pinion gear to close the vanes then correspondingly rotates the track protector, twisting the traverse cords. Pulling the operating cord to later traverse the blind actuates the track protector to automatically rotate the pinion rod and the vanes back to an "open" position before the traversing begins.

Abstract: An arrangement of links is provided to connect the free ends of the vanes of a vertical blind. The links are comprised of a cleat portion adapted to engage a vertical blind and an articulated arm linking two cleats attached to neighboring vanes.

Abstract: A worm drive for setting the angular position of vertical slat blinds comprising a vertical axis or shaft arranged inside a slat carrier housing and carrying a pinion torsionally connected thereto and having its end side joined to a slat. A worm rotatable by a drive shaft is in drive engagement with the pinion. This worm drive is characterized by a worm having an axial center opening that, given significantly simplified assembly and reduced structural depth of the slat carrier housing, is held by a snap-on sleeve on a projection of the slat carrier housing shaped like a connecting piece. The worm is provided with an inside dentation that is in engagement with cams arranged at the outside circumference of the snap-on sleeve and thus forms a friction clutch that allows a hamrless overturning of the worm as a consequence of the limited transmission of torque.

Abstract: A carrier assembly and support frame of the type used to movably support one of a plurality of vertically oriented slats in a vertical blind assembly and incorporating a plurality of gears which interact with one another and with a splined tilt rod to cause rotation of the supported slat upon rotation of the tilt rod. Two of the gear structures comprise elongated rack gears movable both with one another upon rotation of the tilt rod and relative to one another to define a clutch mechanism if the slat is obstructed from rotation about its own longitudinal access.

Abstract: A louver system consisting a plurality of slats depending from a mounting to form a screen, the slats being collectively displacable and rotatable, individual slats being multi-layered over at least a part of their length, said multi-layered slats being coordinated with other multi-layered slats to permit the formation of designs in the face of the screen.

Abstract: A guide rail assembly has a serial arrangement of linked carriages movable by pull cord or string along the rail and provided for the fixing of hanging parts such as blind slats. At least two carriages serve as pull carriages and each has a locking receptacle, whereas the pull cord is provided with at least one locking part fixed thereon. Each locking receptacle for the locking part forms a locking fit transport-fixed in both pulling directions of the pull cord, but detachable by a pulling force instantaneously exerted on the pull cord.

Abstract: A vertical blind of the type having louver carriages mounted for movement along a guide channel with a louver carrier mounted on each carriage for rotation about an upright axis and carriage gear mechanism for rotating the louvers in response to turning of an operating shaft that extends lengthwise of the channel. A wand operated mechanism is provided for rotating the louvers in response to raising and lowering a wand and includes a drive lever mounted for pivotal movement about an axis parallel to the axis of the operating shaft and a crank lever rotatable with the shaft and operated by the drive lever to rotate the shaft. A bidirectional detent mechanism on the housing and crank lever releasably retains the shaft in different angularly adjusted positions. The wand includes a tubular member connected to the drive lever through an L-shaped connector so that tubular member extends downwardly from the underside of the channel in all operating positions fo the drive lever.

Abstract: A novel and aesthetically pleasing head rail attachment which may be used in combination with vertical blind head rail assemblies to help reduce the amount of sunlight entering through the open sides of vertical blinds when they are mounted away from a wall and on the outside of a window frame. The head rail attachment affixes easily to the existing vertical blind head rail and gives a completed or framed look to the existing window.

Abstract: A slat for a louver comprising an elongated body portion having a longitudinal axis, a front surface and a back surface, and a left edge and a right edge. The front surface has formed therein at least one channel extending substantially the entire length of the body portion parallel to the longitudinal axis, the channel in transverse cross-section being wider at the bottom than the top. The slat further comprises at least one elongated strip having a cross-section at least a portion of which is identical to the at least one channel for removable sliding engagement with the at least one channel. The color of the at least one strip is different from the color of the body portion.

Abstract: A vertical blind, having a plurality of vanes and an elongate blind head with a plurality of slidable vane carriers disposed therein, is provided with a plurality of sliding clips linking the carriers, each clip adapted to be fully removable from the carriers. The clips have means to adjust the spacing between the carriers so as to provide a vertical blind capable of fitting within a particular dimension.

Abstract: A blind with vertical slats has a horizontal rail for a row of trolleys which carry connectors for the upper end portions of slats and further constitute or form part of holders for the upper portion of a curtain. This ensures that the gaps between neighboring slats are bridged by the curtain when the slats are oriented in such a way that they permit light to pass between them. In addition, the curtain can be used to prevent penetration of any light, or excessive amounts of light, into or from a room when the slats are detached from their trolleys for the purpose of inspection, cleaning or replacement. The marginal portion of the curtain can carry or constitute a strip of velvety material which can strongly adhere to the barbs of one or more strips of "VELCRO" (trademark) or a like material which reliably secures the curtain to the connectors for the upper end portions of the slats.

Abstract: A corner junction assembly for use with two adjacent lengths of window covering track has a bearing ring making a captive frictional fit in a bearing hub to permit relative rotation of those two parts. The corner junction assembly is adapted to be connected to the ends of the adjacent lengths of the tracks. The corner junction assembly also facilitates the transmission of movement from a control such as a control cord or rod, in one of the lengths of track to a control in the other length of track.

Abstract: A vertical Venetian blind employs a plurality of slats adapted to be moved between an open position and a closed position. When the slats are in their closed position, pivotally mounted spacer bars maintain a predetermined center-to-center distance between adjacent slats. A rotatable drive shaft, which is employed to move the slats between their open and closed positions, can be supported along substantially its entire length by a bearing to thereby prevent the drive shaft from sagging.

Abstract: A carrier for supporting a slat of a vertical blind. It includes a central section provided with a rotary slat suspender; a drive section provided with an actuating mechanism for rotation of the slat suspender and a connection section provided with a pull-bar, molded solid with the body of the connection section. The slat suspender is made up of two readily detachable parts coming apart when the part holding the slat is subjected to a pull force deemed excessive and dangerous. The drive section includes a combination worm-clutch and drive shaft allowing continued rotation of some of the slat suspenders, when the others have stopped, to permit them to reach the same stop position as the others.

Abstract: Suspension system for vertical blinds, comprising a track, one side of which is partially open, a non-circular drive rod for adjusting the position of hooks, a number or slides each provided with a sleeve having an internal shape that is adapted to suit the section of the non-circular rod and externally provided with a worm wheel which interacts with a second worm wheel for a suspension hook, in a manner such that the slides are movable along the drive rod and the suspension hooks can be rotated by rotating said drive rod with the aid of a cord placed over a pulley. Means, also operated by a cord pulley with cord, are present for displacing the slides in the longitudinal direction of the track for pushing the blinds to be suspended in and out, respectively. The slides are mutually connected by coupling elements by which the mutual distance of the slide is limited.

Abstract: A vertical blind assembly, capable of having its mounting assembly or track easily shortened, has a generally square, generally U-shaped housing with a control end assembly situated on one end of the U-shaped housing and an idle end assembly situated at the other end of the housing. The idle end assembly is easily removed from the vertical blind assembly for the purpose of reducing the length of the U-shaped housing.

Abstract: A vertical blind of the type having a plurality of louver carriages mounted for movement along a guide channel, with a louver carrier mounted on each carriage for rotation about an upright axis and carriage gear mechanism for rotating the louvers in response to turning of an operating shaft that extends lengthwise of the channel. A wand is attached to a drive lever at one end of the channel and the wand is arranged to angularly oscillate the drive lever in response to raising and lowering of the wand and to rotate the operating shaft through an angular motion amplifying mechanism, to rotate the louvers through 180.degree. in response to raising and lowering of the wand. The wand is preferably tubular and one of the cords in the operating loop is arranged to extend through the tubular wand to separate the cords.

Abstract: An improved curtain rod assembly is disclosed which includes a track having a decorative fascia attached thereto. The track and fascia cooperate to permit the fascia to be easily attached thereto. A return plate is configured for attachment to the track and cooperates with a bracket assembly to support the track from a wall the appropriate distance. A side fascia is configured for attachment with the return plate and an elbow connects the fascia on the track and the return plate to provide an esthetically pleasing system.

Abstract: A clutch for a vertical louvre blind including an inner sleeve 20 mountable on a tilt rod 21 which is provided with longitudinally extending grooves 22. Keys 23 engage in the grooves 22 and the inner sleeve 20 is provided with three tongues 26 at the same circumferential location as the keys so that they can flex into the grooves 22. An outer sleeve 30 is provided with internal splines 32 engageable with a tooth 27 on each tongue.

Abstract: A blind apparatus comprising at least two tracks having adjacent ends meeting at a corner defined therebetween, the tracks defining two opposite ends remote from such corner, a rotation shaft for each track, a lead traveller in each track, moving along a lead traveller path of predetermined length from an open position at one end of the path to a closed position at the other end of the path, pluralities of travellers, forming groups, associated with respective lead travellers, each traveller having a rotatable slat shaft and being connected to a rotation shaft whereby upon rotation of the rotation shaft, the slat shaft may be rotated, adjacent travellers in the same group being connected by links, each lead traveller being connected to an adjacent traveller in its respective group by a further link, a .[.flexible.].