Patent ID: 6357508
Filing Date: 2002-03-19
Classification: E06B

Abstract:
An apparatus for tilting upper and lower tiers of slats in a venetian blind independently, the apparatus comprising:a headrail attached to a top end of the venetian blind; a first shaft rotatably mounted in the headrail, the first shaft operatively connected to the upper tier of slats and operative to tilt the upper tier of slats when rotated; a second shaft rotatably mounted in the headrail substantially parallel to the first shaft, the second shaft operatively connected to the lower tier of slats and operative to tilt the lower tier of slats when rotated; a first worm wheel attached to the first shaft such that a shaft axis and wheel axis thereof coincide, the first worm wheel rotating with the first shaft; a second worm wheel attached to the second shaft such that a shaft axis and wheel axis thereof coincide, the second worm wheel rotating with the second shaft, the second worm wheel located on the second shaft at a horizontal location substantially vertically aligned with the first worm wheel; a worm pivotally mounted in the headrail about a substantially horizontal axis, the worm movable about the horizontal axis from a first position engaging the first worm wheel and disengaged from the second worm wheel, to a second position engaging the second worm wheel and disengaged from the first worm wheel, the worm rotatable about a worm axis such that rotation of the worm causes rotation of the engaged worm wheel and the respective shaft; a control rod operatively connected to the worm to rotate the worm, and further operative to move the worm from the first position to the second position.