Patent ID: 7581579

Claim:
An operating device for a window covering, the device comprising a telescopically extendable and retractable handle having a small diameter part slidably positionable within a larger diameter part and linearly movable along a line of movement, means for converting linear telescopic movement of the handle to rotational movement of a driven member for moving the window covering, the movement converting means including a rack and pinion mechanism supported by a support member of the operating device, one end of a rack element of the rack and pinion mechanism being attached to a distal part of the small diameter part of the telescopic handle to be moved with said small diameter part whereby said rack element becomes a drive element, said driven member being a pinion gear provided on the support member and drivable by the rack element, said rack element being flexible and at least partially confined for sliding movement within said larger diameter part of said handle, and a tubular rack housing which extends perpendicularly to said line of movement, said tubular rack housing also confining movement of said flexible drive rack element.