Patent ID: 11913280
Assignee: SAFE-T-SHADE, INC.
Field: Civil engineering (Other fields)
Classification: CPC E | IPC E

Claim 0:
1. An apparatus for separating, controlling, and directing a lift cord or lift chain of an architectural opening covering, the apparatus comprising:
a primary body structure comprising first and second complementary body portions and comprising a central portion containing a rotatable wheel configured to engage the lift cord or lift chain, the lift cord or lift chain being configured as a loop, wherein:
the primary body structure defines first and second upper openings separated by an upper medial guide member including an upwardly protruding portion that protrudes upwardly beyond the first and second upper openings, and including a downwardly extending portion that extends downwardly from the first and second openings to the central portion, the primary body structure comprises an internal cavity including first and second upper passages that are frustoconical in shape and that are separated and partially bounded by the downwardly extending portion, with the first upper passage leading from the central portion to the first upper opening, and with the second upper passage leading from the central portion to the second upper opening, and the primary body structure comprises a lower opening, wherein the lower opening as well as the first and second upper openings are configured to permit passage of the lift cord or lift chain into and through the cavity;
the loop of the lift cord or lift chain comprises a first segment configured to travel through the first upper opening, and comprises a second segment configured to travel through the second upper opening; and
engagement between the wheel and loop of the lift cord or lift chain is configured to allow free passage of the first and second segments through the cavity in opposing directions, and is configured to prevent free passage of the first and second segments through the cavity in the same direction.