System for confining lift cords in coverings for architectural openings

摘要

A system for incorporation into a retractable covering that includes a flexible lift cord extending from a headrail to a bottom rail. The system includes a flexible protector of a length similar to that of an associated lift cord with the lift cord being operatively connected to the protector. The protector is in turn connected to a fabric extending between the headrail and the bottom rail at predetermined spaced locations so that any loop of protector formable is limited by the spacing between the locations at which the protector is connected to the fabric. The maximum size of a loop so formed in the protector and thus the lift cord associated therewith is insufficient to encapsulate a body part of a child or infant.

主权项

1. A covering for an architectural opening, comprising:
a head rail; a flexible shade material having a first end attached to the head rail, a second end opposite the first end, and a face defined between the first and second ends; a lift cord disposed adjacent the face for moving the shade material between a retracted position and an extended position; a sheath defining an internal passage through which the lift cord extends, wherein the sheath is adapted to extend longitudinally as the shade material is moved toward the extended position, and wherein the sheath is adapted to collapse longitudinally as the shade material is moved toward the retracted position; and first, second, and third lift cord guides secured to and extending outwardly from the face, wherein the first lift cord guide is disposed at a first location, the second lift cord guide is disposed at a second location farther away from the head rail than the first location, and the third lift cord guide is disposed at a third location farther away from the head rail than the first and second locations, wherein each lift cord guide of the first, second, and third lift cord guides includes a first portion secured to the shade material and a second portion extending away from the first portion and toward the sheath and secured to at least a portion of the sheath such that the lift cord is at least partially surrounded by each lift cord guide of the first, second, and third lift cord guides.