Importance

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Abstract

A split-draw vertical blind system uses a plurality of slat carriers, the slat orientation of which is controlled by a spline rod which passes through the carriers. Each carrier bears wheels to enable the carrier to glide smoothly along tracks provided by an enclosing headrail. In addition, a master carrier which a user may move by means of an attached wand is connected by hollow rivets to a stabilizer assembly which bears extra sets of wheels to contact the tracks and the inner surfaces of the headrail top to prevent binding of the master carrier. A horizontally-oriented closed loop of cord passes through bores on either side of the carriers and around pulleys or U-shaped components at the ends of the headrail. The cord loop is attached on opposite sides to the two center carriers, one of which is the master carrier. When the master carrier is moved by means of the wand, the other center carrier is moved in the opposite direction by the cord loop. As the master carrier and the other center carrier move towards opposite ends of the headrail, they push the other carriers towards their respective ends, thereby producing the desired split draw opening. When the process is reversed and the center carriers are moved towards the center, a series of interlocking tongues connecting each carrier to its endward neighbor pull the carriers towards the center to create an evenly-spaced closed blind.

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First Claim