Patent ID: 9194177
Filing Date: 2015-11-24
Classification: E06B

Abstract:
1. An operating cord system for a covering for architectural openings comprising: a roller; a drive wheel positioned at one end of the roller and connected to the roller for unitary rotation therewith; a flexible shade material connected to the roller, wherein movement of the roller transitions the flexible shade material from a retracted position to an extended position; an elongated operating cord formed in a closed loop and connected to the roller to reversibly rotate the roller by circulating the operating cord in reversible directions, wherein the operating cord is connected to the roller by grippingly passing at least partially around the drive wheel, and wherein circulation of the operating cord effects rotation of the roller; a tensioner around which the operating cord extends to apply tension to the operating cord between the tensioner and the roller; and a releasable clamp system connected to at least a portion of a length of the operating cord to prevent circulation thereof, the clamp system including at least one biased dog movable from a clamping position to a releasing position, wherein the at least one biased dog is positioned to engage at least one of the drive wheel or the operating cord to prevent rotation of the drive wheel and the operating cord, wherein the at least one biased dog is mounted on a resilient shroud at least partially surrounding the drive wheel, the shroud yieldingly biasing the at least one biased dog toward the drive wheel, and wherein in the clamping position the at least one dog engages the operating cord to pinch the operating cord against the drive wheel.