Patent ID: 7137171

Claim:
A traverse rod comprising a. A longitudinally extending tube having an opening extending along the tube, b. A longitudinally extending track located inside the tube, the track comprising a pair of substantially co-planar track sections located inside the tube, the track sections having a gap therebetween, and c. One or more moveable carriers each of which is configured to engage a wall covering; each moveable carrier having a follower extending through the opening in the tube, the follower having a first portion located inside the tube and at least partially in the gap in the pair of track sections and comprising at least one roller bearing which is located inside the tube and at least partially in the gap in the pair of track sections and engages the pair of track sections such that the follower can ride along the track, whereby the follower and the moveable carrier can be selectively moved along the tube, wherein the opening in the tube is located in an upper portion of the tube, and wherein the follower further includes a second portion that extends downward through the opening in the tube and is connected with the first portion of the follower, wherein each moveable carrier comprises a ring configured to extend about the outside of the tube and includes a top portion to which the follower is attached, wherein each ring comprises a full circle ring that completely encircles the tube, and a stationary carrier comprising a carrier post with a first portion extending at least partially into the tube, the first portion of the stationary carrier including at least one guide wheel about which a traverse cord can be guided, so that the traverse cord can be selectively manipulated relative to the non moveable carrier, and wherein at least one moveable carrier comprises a lead carrier configured such that a traverse cord can be fixedly connected thereto, so that the lead carrier and the traverse cord can be moved together relative to the stationary carrier.