Method and apparatus for mounting a retractable window covering

Claim 2

A roller for a retractable covering device having at least two layers of flexible material which are wound around said roller simultaneously when said covering device is being retracted and a plurality of adjustable vanes attached to said layers along attachment lines, said roller being rotatable about a longitudinal axis and comprising an elongated support member including means for attaching said covering device and at least two longitudinal projections extending outwardly from said support member, said projections providing contact points to space a wound up covering device away from said support member and said projections defining at least two unobstructed recesses around the periphery of said support member to provide areas in which the wound up covering device is not compressed such that buckles which develop between the layers of said wound up covering device fall within said unobstructed recesses, said attaching means including: a recess formed in said support member for receiving a line of attachment between a first of said layers of flexible material and one of said plurality of adjustable transverse vanes, said recess being parallel to the roller axis; and means for holding said line of attachment in said recess.

Claim 3

The roller according to claim 1, wherein said holding means comprises: a longitudinal channel formed in the support member, said channel having an outwardly directed longitudinal opening allowing for entry of said first layer and said vane with said recess of said attaching means opening into said longitudinal channel opposite said longitudinal opening thereof; and an elongated member shaped to be placed in said longitudinal channel and cooperate with said longitudinal channel to engage said first layer and said vane in said longitudinal channel and hold said line of attachment in said recess of said attaching means.

Claim 4

The roller according to claim 1, wherein said holding means comprises: a longitudinal channel having a triangular cross-section defined by the support member and a projection thereof, said triangular channel having an outwardly directed longitudinal opening along its base and a longitudinally extending vertex opposite said opening with said recess lying in said vertex; and an elongated wedge shaped member which cooperates with said vane and said first layer to force said line of attachment between said vane and said first layer into the vertex of said triangular channel to ensure parallel alignment of said vanes with said roller.

Claim 5

The roller according to claim 1, further comprising separate means for attaching said second layer, including: a longitudinal channel formed in said support member having a V-shaped cross-section with an inward projection of one of the legs of the V-shape; and a resilient V-shaped strip, one leg of which engages behind said projection when placed in said V-shaped channel, whereby the second layer is wrapped at least partially around the V-shaped strip and engaged in the channel by the V-shaped strip.

Claim 6

The roller according to claim 1, further comprising separate means for attaching said second layer including: a longitudinal channel having a circular cross-section with a longitudinal opening having a width less than the diameter of the channel; and a resilient tubular member which is compressible for placement through said opening, whereby the second layer is wrapped at least partially around the tubular member and engaged in the channel by the tubular member.

Claim 7

A roller as defined in claim 1, further comprising: a stop support member separately spaced from and fixed relative to said elongated support member; and a catch member pivotally mounted on said stop support member and biased toward said support member such that as said shade is unwound from said support member said catch member contacts an outer surface of the wound up portion of the shade and when the shade is completely unwound said catch member engages one of said projections to prevent rotation of said support member past a predetermined point.

Claim 8

A roller as defined in claim 6, wherein said covering device includes a stiff bottom rail, and said catch member defines a channel for receiving said bottom rail, whereby when said covering device is completely wound up around said roller said bottom rail engages within said channel of said catch member to prevent further rotation of said roller in the rolling up direction.

Claim 9

A roller for a retractable covering device having at least two layers of flexible material which are wound around said roller simultaneously when said covering device is being retracted, said roller being rotatable about a longitudinal axis and comprising an elongated support member including means for attaching said covering device and at least two longitudinal projections extending outwardly from said support member, said projections providing contact points to space a wound up covering device away from said support member and said projections defining at least two unobstructed recesses around the periphery of said support member to provide areas in which the wound up covering device is not compressed such that buckles which develop between the layers of said wound up covering device fall within said unobstructed recesses, said attaching means comprising: two of said projections of said roller, each of said two projections terminating in a retaining edge spaced apart from said support member, and an elongated strip extending between the retaining edges of said two projections and retained thereby, the upper edge portions of the at least two layers of flexible material extending around respective longitudinal edges of said elongated strip and being secured between said two projections and said elongated strip by pressure exerted by said elongated strip against said two projections to securely attach said covering device to said roller.

Claim 10

A roller for a retractable covering device having at least two layers of flexible material which are wound around said roller simultaneously when said covering device is being retracted, said roller being rotatable about a longitudinal axis and comprising an elongated support member including means for attaching said covering device and at least two longitudinal projections extending outwardly from said support member, said projections providing contact points to space a wound up covering device away from said support member and said projections defining at least two unobstructed recesses around the periphery of said support member to provide areas in which the wound up covering device is not compressed such that buckles which develop between the layers of said wound up covering device fall within said unobstructed recesses, said attaching means comprising: two of said projections of said roller, each of said two projections terminating in a retaining edge spaced apart from said support member, and an elongated strip extending between the retaining edges of said two projections and retained thereby, the upper edge portions of the at least two layers of flexible material extending around respective longitudinal edges of said elongated strip and being secured between said two projections and said elongated strip by pressure exerted by said elongated strip against said two projections to securely attach said covering device to said roller.

Claim 11

The roller according to claim 8, wherein said elongated strip is retained by the retaining edges of said two projections such that said elongated strip is curved.

Claim 12

A roller for a retractable covering device having at least two layers of flexible material which are wound around said roller simultaneously when said covering device is being retracted, said roller having an associated stop member, said stop member being separate from and fixed relative to said roller, said roller comprising an elongated support member including means for attaching said covering device and at least two longitudinal projections extending outwardly from said support member, said projections providing contact points to space a wound up covering device away from said support member and said projections defining at least two unobstructed recesses around the periphery of said support member to provide areas in which the wound up covering device is not compressed such that buckles which develop between the layers of said wound up covering device fall within said unobstructed recesses, said roller further comprising a catch member pivotally mounted on said support member and engageable with said stop member, said catch member being movable between a first position pivoted inward and accommodated at least partially inside said wound up covering device when wound around said roller, and a second position pivoted outward and engaging said stop member whereby as the covering device is unwound from the roller said catch member is uncovered and pivots outward from said support member to engage said stop member and thereby stops rotation of said roller past a predetermined point, and whereby as the covering device is wound around said roller said catch member pivots in against said support member and is accommodated at least partially inside the covering device when wound further onto the roller.

Claim 13

A roller for a retractable covering device having at least two layers of flexible material which are wound around said roller simultaneously when said covering device is being retracted, said roller having an associated stop member, said stop member being separate from and fixed relative to said roller, said roller comprising an elongated support member including means for attaching said covering device and at least two longitudinal projections extending outwardly from said support member, said projections providing contact points to space a wound up covering device away from said support member and said projections defining at least two unobstructed recesses around the periphery of said support member to provide areas in which the wound up covering device is not compressed such that buckles which develop between the layers of said wound up covering device fall within said unobstructed recesses, said roller further comprising a catch member pivotally mounted on said support member and engageable with said stop member, said catch member being movable between a first position pivoted inward and accommodated at least partially inside said wound up covering device when wound around said roller, and a second position pivoted outward and engaging said stop member whereby as the covering device is unwound from the roller said catch member is uncovered and pivots outward from said support member to engage said stop member and thereby stops rotation of said roller past a predetermined point, and whereby as the covering device is wound around said roller said catch member pivots in against said support member and is accommodated at least partially inside the covering device when wound further onto the roller.

Claim 14

The roller according to claim 10, wherein the catch member is pivotably connected to an end cap inserted into an end of said support member, said catch member being disposed beyond the end of said support member and having an inwardly directed tab for engaging and being accommodated inside said covering device.

Claim 15

A roller for a covering device having first and second parallel, flexible sheets of material and a plurality of adjustable transverse vanes attached to said sheets along attachment lines, said vanes being carried between and connecting said sheets, said roller having an associated stop member, said stop member being separate from and fixed relative to said roller, said roller comprising: an elongated support member including a surface which is discontinuous to provide areas for receiving buckles of said sheets and vanes which result from rolling up said covering device; means for attaching said first sheet to said support member, including a recess formed in said support member for receiving the line of attachment between the first sheet and a vane, said recess being parallel to the roller axis, and means for holding said line of attachment in said recess; means for attaching said second sheet to said support member; and a catch member pivotally connected to said support member and engageable with said stop member, said catch member being movable between a first position pivoted inward and accommodated at least partially inside said covering device when rolled around said roller, and a second position pivoted outward and engaging said stop member, whereby as the covering device is unwound from the roller said catch member is uncovered and pivots outward from said support member to engage said stop member and thereby stop rotation of said roller past a predetermined point, and whereby as the covering device is wound onto said roller said catch member pivots in against said support member and is accommodated at least partially inside the covering device when rolled further onto the roller.

Claim 16

A roller for a covering device having first and second parallel, flexible sheets of material and a plurality of adjustable transverse vanes attached to said sheets along attachment lines, said vanes being carried between and connecting said sheets, said roller having an associated stop member, said stop member being separate from and fixed relative to said roller, said roller comprising: an elongated support member including a surface which is discontinuous to provide areas for receiving buckles of said sheets and vanes which result from rolling up said covering device; means for attaching said first sheet to said support member, including a recess formed in said support member for receiving the line of attachment between the first sheet and a vane, said recess being parallel to the roller axis, and means for holding said line of attachment in said recess; means for attaching said second sheet to said support member; and a catch member pivotally connected to said support member and engageable with said stop member, said catch member being movable between a first position pivoted inward and accommodated at least partially inside said covering device when rolled around said roller, and a second position pivoted outward and engaging said stop member, whereby as the covering device is unwound from the roller said catch member is uncovered and pivots outward from said support member to engage said stop member and thereby stop rotation of said roller past a predetermined point, and whereby as the covering device is wound onto said roller said catch member pivots in against said support member and is accommodated at least partially inside the covering device when rolled further onto the roller.

Claim 17

The roller according to claim 12, wherein said holding means comprises: a longitudinal channel having a triangular cross-section defined by the support member and a projection thereof, said triangular channel having an outwardly directed longitudinal opening along its base and a longitudinally extending vertex opposite said opening with said recess lying in said vertex; and an elongated wedge shaped member which cooperates with said vane and said first sheet to force said line of attachment between said vane and said first sheet into the vertex of said triangular channel to ensure parallel alignment of said vanes with said roller.

Claim 18

A bottom rail for a covering device having first and second parallel sheets of material and a plurality of adjustable transverse vanes attached to said sheets along attachment lines, said vanes carried between and connecting said sheets, said bottom rail comprising: an elongated member having a recess formed therein for receiving the line of attachment between one of said first and second sheets and a vane, said recess being parallel to the longitudinal direction of the elongated member; and means for holding said line of attachment in said recess, said holding means including a longitudinal channel formed in said elongated member having an outwardly directed longitudinal opening, said longitudinal channel having a triangular cross-section defined by the elongated member with said outwardly directed longitudinal opening along its base and a longitudinally extending vertex opposite said opening, with said recess lying in said vertex, said holding means further comprising: an elongated wedge shaped member which cooperates with said vane and said one of said sheets to force said line of attachment between said vane and said sheet into the vertex of said triangular channel to ensure parallel alignment of said vanes with said bottom rail.

Claim 19

A bottom rail for a covering device having first and second parallel sheets of material and a plurality of adjustable transverse vanes attached to said sheets along attachment lines, said vanes carried between and connecting said sheets, said bottom rail comprising: an elongated member having a recess formed therein for receiving the line of attachment between one of said first and second sheets and a vane, said recess being parallel to the longitudinal direction of the elongated member; and means for holding said line of attachment in said recess, said holding means including a longitudinal channel formed in said elongated member having an outwardly directed longitudinal opening, said longitudinal channel having a triangular cross-section defined by the elongated member with said outwardly directed longitudinal opening along its base and a longitudinally extending vertex opposite said opening, with said recess lying in said vertex, said holding means further comprising: an elongated wedge shaped member which cooperates with said vane and said one of said sheets to force said line of attachment between said vane and said sheet into the vertex of said triangular channel to ensure parallel alignment of said vanes with said bottom rail.

Claim 20

A bottom rail for a roller shade defining a bottom edge, comprising; an elongated member attached to said shade along said bottom edge thereof; and a weight adjustably carried by said elongated member separately from said bottom edge of said shade, the position of said weight being adjustable along said elongated member transversely with respect to said shade, whereby the transverse position of the weight may be readily adjusted to prevent skewing of said shade when the same is rolled up.

Claim 21

A bottom rail for a roller shade defining a bottom edge, comprising; an elongated member attached to said shade along said bottom edge thereof; and a weight adjustably carried by said elongated member separately from said bottom edge of said shade, the position of said weight being adjustable along said elongated member transversely with respect to said shade, whereby the transverse position of the weight may be readily adjusted to prevent skewing of said shade when the same is rolled up.

Claim 22

A bottom rail as defined in claim 15, wherein said elongated member defines a channel in spaced parallel relation to said shade bottom edge and said weight is slidably mounted in said channel.

Claim 23

A bottom rail for a roller shade having a bottom edge, said rail comprising an elongated member attached to said shade along said bottom edge thereof, said elongated member having a pair of diverging legs defining a longitudinal channel having a V-shaped cross-section, an inward projection on one of said legs; a resilient V-shaped strip having a pair of diverging legs, one leg of said strip engaging behind said projection when said strip is placed in said V-shaped channel whereby when said shade material is wrapped at least partially around said V-shaped strip and inserted with said V-shaped strip in said channel, said shade material is securely attached to said elongated member; and a weight adjustably carried by said elongated member, the position of said weight being adjustable transversely with respect to said shade, whereby the transverse position of the weight may be readily adjusted to prevent skewing of said shade when the same is rolled up.

Claim 24

A bottom rail for a roller shade having a bottom edge, said rail comprising an elongated member attached to said shade along said bottom edge thereof, said elongated member having a pair of diverging legs defining a longitudinal channel having a V-shaped cross-section, an inward projection on one of said legs; a resilient V-shaped strip having a pair of diverging legs, one leg of said strip engaging behind said projection when said strip is placed in said V-shaped channel whereby when said shade material is wrapped at least partially around said V-shaped strip and inserted with said V-shaped strip in said channel, said shade material is securely attached to said elongated member; and a weight adjustably carried by said elongated member, the position of said weight being adjustable transversely with respect to said shade, whereby the transverse position of the weight may be readily adjusted to prevent skewing of said shade when the same is rolled up.

Claim 25

A bottom rail for a roller shade having a bottom edge, said rail comprising an elongated member attached to said shade along said bottom edge thereof, said elongated member defining a longitudinal channel of circular cross-section, said channel having an opening smaller than the inside diameter of said channel; a resilient tubular clamping member for clampingly engaging said shade in said longitudinal channel with a portion of said shade wrapped around said member and said member and wrapped shade portion forceably inserted through said opening; and a weight adjustably carried by said elongated member, the position of said weight being adjustable transversely with respect to said shade, whereby the transverse position of the weight may be readily adjusted to prevent skewing of said shade when the same is rolled up.

Claim 26

A bottom rail for a roller shade having a bottom edge, said rail comprising an elongated member attached to said shade along said bottom edge thereof, said elongated member defining a longitudinal channel of circular cross-section, said channel having an opening smaller than the inside diameter of said channel; a resilient tubular clamping member for clampingly engaging said shade in said longitudinal channel with a portion of said shade wrapped around said member and said member and wrapped shade portion forceably inserted through said opening; and a weight adjustably carried by said elongated member, the position of said weight being adjustable transversely with respect to said shade, whereby the transverse position of the weight may be readily adjusted to prevent skewing of said shade when the same is rolled up.

Claim 27

A bottom rail for a roller shade having a bottom edge, said rail comprising an elongated member attached to said shade along said bottom edge thereof, said elongated member defining a longitudinal channel of substantially C-shaped cross section with opposed longitudinal inward projections; a resilient elongated strip for securing said shade in said longitudinal channel with an edge portion of said shade wrapped at least partially around said elongated strip and said elongated strip and wrapped shade portion inserted into said longitudinal channel whereby said elongated strip engages behind said longitudinal inward projections and exerts pressure thereon to retain said wrapped shade portion; and a weight adjustably carried by said elongated member, the position of said weight being adjustable transversely with respect to said shade, whereby the transverse position of the weight may be readily adjusted to prevent skewing of said shade when the same is rolled up.

Claim 28

A bottom rail for a roller shade having a bottom edge, said rail comprising an elongated member attached to said shade along said bottom edge thereof, said elongated member defining a longitudinal channel of substantially C-shaped cross section with opposed longitudinal inward projections; a resilient elongated strip for securing said shade in said longitudinal channel with an edge portion of said shade wrapped at least partially around said elongated strip and said elongated strip and wrapped shade portion inserted into said longitudinal channel whereby said elongated strip engages behind said longitudinal inward projections and exerts pressure thereon to retain said wrapped shade portion; and a weight adjustably carried by said elongated member, the position of said weight being adjustable transversely with respect to said shade, whereby the transverse position of the weight may be readily adjusted to prevent skewing of said shade when the same is rolled up.

Claim 29

The bottom rail according to claim 19, wherein when said elongated strip is engaged behind said longitudinal inward projections, said elongated strip is transversely bowed.

Claim 32

The device according to claim 21, further comprising a base member carrying said catch member and adapted to be mounted on an end of said roller, said catch member having an inwardly directed tab for engaging and being accommodated inside said shade.

Claim 33

A roller shade including the device according to claim 21.

Claim 34

The roller shade according to claim 23, wherein said roller shade includes first and second parallel sheets and a plurality of adjustable transverse vanes attached to said sheets along attachment lines, said vanes being carried between and connecting said sheets.

Claim 37

A retractable covering device, comprising: a light control element having first and second parallel sheets and a plurality of adjustable transverse vanes carried by and mounted between said sheets; and roller means for rolling and unrolling said light control element without creating wrinkles or creases in said light control element, said roller means including means for attaching said light control element, said roller means being rotatable about a longitudinal axis and including a surface which is discontinuous to provide areas to receive buckles of said sheets and vanes which result from rolling up said light control element, said discontinuous surface being formed by a plurality of projections of said roller means, said projections defining recesses therebetween for receiving said buckles and having line contact with said light control element transversely across said sheets.

Claim 38

A retractable covering device, comprising: a light control element having first and second parallel sheets and a plurality of adjustable transverse vanes carried by and mounted between said sheets; and roller means for rolling and unrolling said light control element without creating wrinkles or creases in said light control element, said roller means including means for attaching said light control element, said roller means being rotatable about a longitudinal axis and including a surface which is discontinuous to provide areas to receive buckles of said sheets and vanes which result from rolling up said light control element, said discontinuous surface being formed by a plurality of projections of said roller means, said projections defining recesses therebetween for receiving said buckles and having line contact with said light control element transversely across said sheets.

Claim 39

A retractable covering device, comprising: a light control element having first and second parallel sheets and a plurality of adjustable transverse vanes attached to said sheets along lines of attachment; and roller means for rolling and unrolling said light control element without creating wrinkles or creases in said light control element, said roller means including means for attaching said light control element, said roller means being rotatable about a longitudinal axis and said roller attaching means including: a recess defined by the roller means for receiving the line of attachment between the first sheet and a vane, said recess being parallel to said longitudinal axis; and means for holding said line of attachment in said recess, said holding means comprising: a longitudinal channel having a triangular cross-section defined by the roller means and a projection thereof, said triangular channel having an outwardly directed longitudinal opening along its base and a longitudinally extending vertex opposite said opening, with said recess lying in said vertex, and an elongated wedge shaped member which cooperates with said vane and said first sheet to force said line of attachment between said vane and said first sheet into the vertex of said triangular channel to ensure parallel alignment of said vanes with said roller; and said roller means includes separate means for attaching said second sheet, including a longitudinal channel formed in said support member having a V-shaped cross-section with an inward projection of one of the legs of the V-shape, and a resilient V-shaped strip, one leg of which engages behind said projection when placed in said V-shaped channel, whereby the second sheet is wrapped at least partially around the V-shaped strip and engaged in the channel by the V-shaped strip.

Claim 40

A retractable covering device, comprising: a light control element having first and second parallel sheets and a plurality of adjustable transverse vanes attached to said sheets along lines of attachment; and roller means for rolling and unrolling said light control element without creating wrinkles or creases in said light control element, said roller means including means for attaching said light control element, said roller means being rotatable about a longitudinal axis and said roller attaching means including: a recess defined by the roller means for receiving the line of attachment between the first sheet and a vane, said recess being parallel to said longitudinal axis; and means for holding said line of attachment in said recess, said holding means comprising: a longitudinal channel having a triangular cross-section defined by the roller means and a projection thereof, said triangular channel having an outwardly directed longitudinal opening along its base and a longitudinally extending vertex opposite said opening, with said recess lying in said vertex, and an elongated wedge shaped member which cooperates with said vane and said first sheet to force said line of attachment between said vane and said first sheet into the vertex of said triangular channel to ensure parallel alignment of said vanes with said roller; and said roller means includes separate means for attaching said second sheet, including a longitudinal channel formed in said support member having a V-shaped cross-section with an inward projection of one of the legs of the V-shape, and a resilient V-shaped strip, one leg of which engages behind said projection when placed in said V-shaped channel, whereby the second sheet is wrapped at least partially around the V-shaped strip and engaged in the channel by the V-shaped strip.

Claim 41

A retractable covering device, comprising: a light control element having first and second parallel sheets and a plurality of adjustable transverse vanes carried by and mounted between said sheets; and roller means rotatable about a longitudinal axis for rolling and unrolling said light control element without creating wrinkles or creases in said light control element, said roller means including means for attaching said light control element and said roller means including a discontinuous surface formed by a plurality of projections extending radially outwardly, said projections defining recesses therebetween for receiving buckles of said sheets and vanes which result from rolling up said light control element, said roller attaching means comprising: two of said projections of said roller means, each of said two projections terminating in a retaining edge, and an elongated strip extending between the retaining edges of said two projections and retained thereby, the upper edge portions of the first and second sheets extending around respective longitudinal edges of said elongated strip and being held between said two projections and said elongated strip by pressure exerted by said elongated strip against said two projections to securely attach said covering device to said roller means.

Claim 42

A retractable covering device, comprising: a light control element having first and second parallel sheets and a plurality of adjustable transverse vanes carried by and mounted between said sheets; and roller means rotatable about a longitudinal axis for rolling and unrolling said light control element without creating wrinkles or creases in said light control element, said roller means including means for attaching said light control element and said roller means including a discontinuous surface formed by a plurality of projections extending radially outwardly, said projections defining recesses therebetween for receiving buckles of said sheets and vanes which result from rolling up said light control element, said roller attaching means comprising: two of said projections of said roller means, each of said two projections terminating in a retaining edge, and an elongated strip extending between the retaining edges of said two projections and retained thereby, the upper edge portions of the first and second sheets extending around respective longitudinal edges of said elongated strip and being held between said two projections and said elongated strip by pressure exerted by said elongated strip against said two projections to securely attach said covering device to said roller means.

Claim 43

The covering device according to claim 28, wherein said elongated strip is retained by the retaining edges of said two projections such that said elongated strip is curved.

Claim 44

A retractable covering device, comprising: a light control element having first and second parallel sheets each defining a bottom edge, and a plurality of adjustable spaced apart transverse vanes carried by and mounted between said sheets; roller means for rolling and unrolling said light control element without creating wrinkles or creases in said light control element, said roller means including means for attaching said light control element thereto, said roller means being rotatable about a longitudinal axis; an elongated member attached to said light control element along the bottom edge of at least one of said sheets; and a weight adjustably carried by said elongated member separately from said sheet bottom edge, the position of said weight being adjustable along said elongated member transversely with respect to said light control element to compensate for skewing of said light control element when the same is rolled on said roller means.

Claim 45

A retractable covering device, comprising: a light control element having first and second parallel sheets each defining a bottom edge, and a plurality of adjustable spaced apart transverse vanes carried by and mounted between said sheets; roller means for rolling and unrolling said light control element without creating wrinkles or creases in said light control element, said roller means including means for attaching said light control element thereto, said roller means being rotatable about a longitudinal axis; an elongated member attached to said light control element along the bottom edge of at least one of said sheets; and a weight adjustably carried by said elongated member separately from said sheet bottom edge, the position of said weight being adjustable along said elongated member transversely with respect to said light control element to compensate for skewing of said light control element when the same is rolled on said roller means.

Claim 46

The covering device according to claim 30, wherein said elongated member defines a channel extending therein in spaced parallel relation to said sheet bottom edge, said channel having a shape complementary to said weight with said weight slidable therein.

Claim 47

A retractable covering device, comprising: a light control element having first and second parallel sheets each defining a bottom edge, and a plurality of adjustable spaced apart transverse vanes carried by and mounted between said sheets; said transverse vanes of the light control element being attached to said sheets along lines of attachment; roller means for rolling and unrolling said light control element without creating wrinkles or creases in said light control element, said roller means including means for attaching said light control element thereto, said roller means being rotatable about a longitudinal axis; an elongated member attached to said light control element along the bottom edge of at least one of said sheets; said elongated member being attached to said first sheet, and said covering device further comprising a second elongated member having a recess formed in said member for receiving the line of attachment between said second sheet and a vane, said recess being parallel with said member; means for holding said line of attachment in said recess; and a weight adjustably carried by said elongated member, the position of said weight being adjustable transversely with respect to said light control element to compensate for skewing of said light control element when the same is rolled on said roller means.

Claim 48

A retractable covering device, comprising: a light control element having first and second parallel sheets each defining a bottom edge, and a plurality of adjustable spaced apart transverse vanes carried by and mounted between said sheets; said transverse vanes of the light control element being attached to said sheets along lines of attachment; roller means for rolling and unrolling said light control element without creating wrinkles or creases in said light control element, said roller means including means for attaching said light control element thereto, said roller means being rotatable about a longitudinal axis; an elongated member attached to said light control element along the bottom edge of at least one of said sheets; said elongated member being attached to said first sheet, and said covering device further comprising a second elongated member having a recess formed in said member for receiving the line of attachment between said second sheet and a vane, said recess being parallel with said member; means for holding said line of attachment in said recess; and a weight adjustably carried by said elongated member, the position of said weight being adjustable transversely with respect to said light control element to compensate for skewing of said light control element when the same is rolled on said roller means.

Claim 49

A retractable covering device, comprising: a light control element having first and second parallel sheets each defining a bottom edge, and a plurality of adjustable spaced apart transverse vanes carried by and mounted between said sheets; roller means for rolling and unrolling said light control element without creating wrinkles or creases in said light control element, said roller means including means for attaching said light control element thereto, said roller means being rotatable about a longitudinal axis; an elongated member attached to said light control element along the bottom edges of both of said sheets, said elongated member defining a longitudinal channel of substantially C-shaped cross section with opposed longitudinal inward projections; a resilient elongated strip securing said light control element in said longitudinal channel with the edge portions of said first and second sheets wrapped around respective longitudinal edges of said elongated strip and the same inserted into said longitudinal channel whereby said elongated strip extends across said longitudinal channel and each longitudinal edge of said elongated strip engages behind one of said longitudinal inward projections and exerts pressure thereon; and a weight adjustably carried by said elongated member, the position of said weight being adjustable transversely with respect to said light control element to compensate for skewing of said light control element when the same is rolled on said roller means.

Claim 50

A retractable covering device, comprising: a light control element having first and second parallel sheets each defining a bottom edge, and a plurality of adjustable spaced apart transverse vanes carried by and mounted between said sheets; roller means for rolling and unrolling said light control element without creating wrinkles or creases in said light control element, said roller means including means for attaching said light control element thereto, said roller means being rotatable about a longitudinal axis; an elongated member attached to said light control element along the bottom edges of both of said sheets, said elongated member defining a longitudinal channel of substantially C-shaped cross section with opposed longitudinal inward projections; a resilient elongated strip securing said light control element in said longitudinal channel with the edge portions of said first and second sheets wrapped around respective longitudinal edges of said elongated strip and the same inserted into said longitudinal channel whereby said elongated strip extends across said longitudinal channel and each longitudinal edge of said elongated strip engages behind one of said longitudinal inward projections and exerts pressure thereon; and a weight adjustably carried by said elongated member, the position of said weight being adjustable transversely with respect to said light control element to compensate for skewing of said light control element when the same is rolled on said roller means.

Claim 51

The covering device according to claim 33, wherein when said elongated strip is engaged behind said longitudinal inward projections, said elongated strip is transversely bowed.

Claim 52

A retractable covering device, comprising: a light control element having first and second parallel sheets and a plurality of adjustable transverse vanes carried by and mounted between said sheets; and roller means for rolling and unrolling said light control element without creating wrinkles or creases in said light control element, said roller means including means for attaching said light control element, said roller means being rotatable about a longitudinal axis; and a catch member pivotally connected to said roller means and movable between a first position pivoted inward and accommodated at least partially inside said light control element when rolled around said roller means, and a second position pivoted outward and engaging an associated stop member fixed relative to said roller means, whereby as the light control element is unrolled from the roller means said catch member is uncovered and pivots outward from said roller means to engage said stop member and thereby stop rotation of said roller means past a predetermined point, and whereby as the light control element is rolled onto said roller means said catch member pivots in against said roller means and is accommodated at least partially inside the light control element when rolled further onto said roller means.

Claim 53

A retractable covering device, comprising: a light control element having first and second parallel sheets and a plurality of adjustable transverse vanes carried by and mounted between said sheets; and roller means for rolling and unrolling said light control element without creating wrinkles or creases in said light control element, said roller means including means for attaching said light control element, said roller means being rotatable about a longitudinal axis; and a catch member pivotally connected to said roller means and movable between a first position pivoted inward and accommodated at least partially inside said light control element when rolled around said roller means, and a second position pivoted outward and engaging an associated stop member fixed relative to said roller means, whereby as the light control element is unrolled from the roller means said catch member is uncovered and pivots outward from said roller means to engage said stop member and thereby stop rotation of said roller means past a predetermined point, and whereby as the light control element is rolled onto said roller means said catch member pivots in against said roller means and is accommodated at least partially inside the light control element when rolled further onto said roller means.

Claim 54

A retractable covering device, comprising: a light control element having first and second parallel sheets and a plurality of adjustable transverse vanes carried by and mounted between said sheets; and roller means for rolling and unrolling said light control element without creating wrinkles or creases in said light control element, said roller means including means for attaching said light control element, said roller means being rotatable about a longitudinal axis and said roller means including a discontinuous surface formed by a plurality of projections extending radially outwardly, said projections defining recesses therebetween for receiving buckles of said sheets and vanes which result from rolling up said light control element; and a device for preventing the light control element from rolling up the wrong way, said device including a connecting member spaced away from said roller means and fixed with respect to said roller means; and a catch member pivotally mounted on said connected member and biased toward said roller means such that as the light control element is unrolled from the roller means, the catch member contacts an outer surface of the rolled up portion of the light control element and when the light control element is completely unrolled, the catch member engages one projection extending from the roller means to prevent rotation of said roller means past a predetermined point.

Claim 55

A retractable covering device, comprising: a light control element having first and second parallel sheets and a plurality of adjustable transverse vanes carried by and mounted between said sheets; and roller means for rolling and unrolling said light control element without creating wrinkles or creases in said light control element, said roller means including means for attaching said light control element, said roller means being rotatable about a longitudinal axis and said roller means including a discontinuous surface formed by a plurality of projections extending radially outwardly, said projections defining recesses therebetween for receiving buckles of said sheets and vanes which result from rolling up said light control element; and a device for preventing the light control element from rolling up the wrong way, said device including a connecting member spaced away from said roller means and fixed with respect to said roller means; and a catch member pivotally mounted on said connected member and biased toward said roller means such that as the light control element is unrolled from the roller means, the catch member contacts an outer surface of the rolled up portion of the light control element and when the light control element is completely unrolled, the catch member engages one projection extending from the roller means to prevent rotation of said roller means past a predetermined point.

Claim 56

The covering device according to claim 36, further comprising a bottom rail attached along a bottom edge of at least one of said first and second sheets of said light control element, and wherein said catch member has a channel provided therein such that when the light control element is completely wound up around the roller means, said bottom rail of the light control element engages the channel of the catch member to prevent further rotation of the roller means in the rolling up direction.

Claim 57

A retractable covering device, comprising: a light control element having first and second parallel sheets and a plurality of adjustable transverse vanes attached to said sheets along attachment lines, said vanes being carried between and connecting said sheets; and roller means for rolling and unrolling said light control element including a surface which is discontinuous to provide areas to receive buckles of said sheets and vanes which result from rolling up said light control element, said roller means being rotatable about a longitudinal axis and said roller means further including first and second means for attaching said light control element, said first means having a longitudinal triangularly shaped channel defined by the roller means and a projection thereof, said triangular channel having an outwardly directed longitudinal opening along its base and a longitudinally extending vertex opposite said opening, said vertex forming a recess parallel to said longitudinal axis for receiving the line of attachment between the first sheet and a first one of said vanes, and a wedged shaped clamping member sized to be inserted into said triangular channel with said projection engaging behind said clamping member, wherein said wedge shaped clamping member cooperates with said first vane and said first sheet to force said line of attachment into the vertex of said triangular channel to ensure parallel alignment of said vanes with said roller means, and said second means attaching the second sheet to the roller means and pulling said first vane tightly around the roller means; a first elongated member attached along the bottom edge of said first sheet; and a weight carried by said first elongated member, the position of said weight being adjustable transversely with respect to said light control element to compensate for and correct skewing of the covering device when retracted; a second elongated member attached along the bottom of the second sheet parallel to the vanes; and a catch member pivotally connected to said roller means and movable between a first position pivoted inward and accommodated at least partially inside said light control element, and a second position pivoted outward and engaging an associated stop member fixed relative to said roller means, whereby as the light control element is unwound from the roller means said catch member is uncovered and pivots outward from said roller means to engage said stop member and thereby stop rotation of said roller means past a desired point, and whereby as the light control element is wound onto said roller means said catch member pivots in against said roller means and is accommodated at least partially inside the light control element when wound further onto said roller means.

Claim 58

A retractable covering device, comprising: a light control element having first and second parallel sheets and a plurality of adjustable transverse vanes attached to said sheets along attachment lines, said vanes being carried between and connecting said sheets; and roller means for rolling and unrolling said light control element including a surface which is discontinuous to provide areas to receive buckles of said sheets and vanes which result from rolling up said light control element, said roller means being rotatable about a longitudinal axis and said roller means further including first and second means for attaching said light control element, said first means having a longitudinal triangularly shaped channel defined by the roller means and a projection thereof, said triangular channel having an outwardly directed longitudinal opening along its base and a longitudinally extending vertex opposite said opening, said vertex forming a recess parallel to said longitudinal axis for receiving the line of attachment between the first sheet and a first one of said vanes, and a wedged shaped clamping member sized to be inserted into said triangular channel with said projection engaging behind said clamping member, wherein said wedge shaped clamping member cooperates with said first vane and said first sheet to force said line of attachment into the vertex of said triangular channel to ensure parallel alignment of said vanes with said roller means, and said second means attaching the second sheet to the roller means and pulling said first vane tightly around the roller means; a first elongated member attached along the bottom edge of said first sheet; and a weight carried by said first elongated member, the position of said weight being adjustable transversely with respect to said light control element to compensate for and correct skewing of the covering device when retracted; a second elongated member attached along the bottom of the second sheet parallel to the vanes; and a catch member pivotally connected to said roller means and movable between a first position pivoted inward and accommodated at least partially inside said light control element, and a second position pivoted outward and engaging an associated stop member fixed relative to said roller means, whereby as the light control element is unwound from the roller means said catch member is uncovered and pivots outward from said roller means to engage said stop member and thereby stop rotation of said roller means past a desired point, and whereby as the light control element is wound onto said roller means said catch member pivots in against said roller means and is accommodated at least partially inside the light control element when wound further onto said roller means.

Claim 59

A retractable covering device, comprising: a housing having an elongated front rail and two end rails extending perpendicularly from lateral ends of said front rail; roller means rotatably mounted between said two end rails and extending substantially parallel to said front rail, said roller means having a discontinuous surface formed by a plurality of projections, said projections defining recesses therebetween, said roller means including means for attaching a light control element thereto; a light control element having first and second parallel sheets and a plurality of adjustable transverse vanes carried by and extending between said first and second sheets, said light control element being attached to said roller means along upper edge portions of said first and second sheets by said light control element attaching means; a bottom rail attached along a bottom edge portion of at least one of said first and second sheets, said bottom rail having a weight slidably mounted therein; and a top-catch member carried by said housing and biased toward said roller means, whereby said top-catch member contacts said bottom rail to prevent rotation of said roller means in one direction when said light control element is completely wound around said roller means, and whereby said top-catch member contacts one of said projections of said roller means to prevent rotation of said roller means in the opposite direction when said light control element is completely unwound from said roller means.

Claim 60

A retractable covering device, comprising: a housing having an elongated front rail and two end rails extending perpendicularly from lateral ends of said front rail; roller means rotatably mounted between said two end rails and extending substantially parallel to said front rail, said roller means having a discontinuous surface formed by a plurality of projections, said projections defining recesses therebetween, said roller means including means for attaching a light control element thereto; a light control element having first and second parallel sheets and a plurality of adjustable transverse vanes carried by and extending between said first and second sheets, said light control element being attached to said roller means along upper edge portions of said first and second sheets by said light control element attaching means; a bottom rail attached along a bottom edge portion of at least one of said first and second sheets, said bottom rail having a weight slidably mounted therein; and a top-catch member carried by said housing and biased toward said roller means, whereby said top-catch member contacts said bottom rail to prevent rotation of said roller means in one direction when said light control element is completely wound around said roller means, and whereby said top-catch member contacts one of said projections of said roller means to prevent rotation of said roller means in the opposite direction when said light control element is completely unwound from said roller means.

Claim 61

The retractable covering device according to claim 39, further comprising means for mounting said housing on a support.

Claim 62

A retractable covering device comprising: a light control element having first and second parallel sheets and a plurality of adjustable transverse vanes attached to said sheets along attachment lines, said vanes being carried between and connecting said sheets; and a roller rotatable about a longitudinal axis for rolling and unrolling said light control element, said roller including a plurality of means for defining apexes on an outer surface thereof, said apex defining means providing longitudinal contact points for said light control element around said roller and said apex defining means being spaced apart so as to provide a substantially straight path for said light control element from one apex defining means to an adjacent apex defining means, and said roller further including means for attaching said light control element, said attaching means including: a recess formed in said roller for receiving the line of attachment between one of said sheets and a vane, said recess being parallel to the roller axis; and means for holding said line of attachment in said recess, said holding means comprising: a longitudinal channel having a triangular cross-section provided on the outer surface of said roller, said triangular channel having an outwardly directed longitudinal opening along its base and a longitudinally extending vertex opposite said opening with said recess lying in said vertex; and an elongated wedge-shaped member which cooperates with said vane and said sheet to force said line of attachment between said vane and said sheet into the vertex of said triangular channel to ensure parallel alignment of said vane with said roller.

Claim 63

A retractable covering device comprising: a light control element having first and second parallel sheets and a plurality of adjustable transverse vanes attached to said sheets along attachment lines, said vanes being carried between and connecting said sheets; and a roller rotatable about a longitudinal axis for rolling and unrolling said light control element, said roller including a plurality of means for defining apexes on an outer surface thereof, said apex defining means providing longitudinal contact points for said light control element around said roller and said apex defining means being spaced apart so as to provide a substantially straight path for said light control element from one apex defining means to an adjacent apex defining means, and said roller further including means for attaching said light control element, said attaching means including: a recess formed in said roller for receiving the line of attachment between one of said sheets and a vane, said recess being parallel to the roller axis; and means for holding said line of attachment in said recess, said holding means comprising: a longitudinal channel having a triangular cross-section provided on the outer surface of said roller, said triangular channel having an outwardly directed longitudinal opening along its base and a longitudinally extending vertex opposite said opening with said recess lying in said vertex; and an elongated wedge-shaped member which cooperates with said vane and said sheet to force said line of attachment between said vane and said sheet into the vertex of said triangular channel to ensure parallel alignment of said vane with said roller.

Claim 64

The covering device according to claim 41, wherein the line of attachment held in said recess by said holding means is the line of attachment between said first sheet and one vane, and said covering device further comprises an elongated member attached along the bottom edge of said second sheet, said elongated member having a recess formed therein for receiving the line of attachment between the second sheet and a second vane, said recess being parallel t the longitudinal direction of said elongated member, said elongated member further having a channel and a cooperating retainer member, said channel having a triangular cross section defined by said elongated member with an outwardly directed longitudinal opening along its base and a longitudinally extending vertex opposite said opening, with said recess lying in said vertex, and said retaining member being a elongated wedge-shaped member which cooperates with said second vane and said second sheet to force said line of attachment between said second vane and said second sheet into the vertex of said triangular channel.

Claim 65

A retractable covering device comprising: a light control element having first and second parallel sheets and plurality of adjustable transverse vanes attached to said sheets along attachment lines, said vanes being carried between and connecting said sheets; and a roller rotatable about a longitudinal axis for rolling and unrolling said light control element, said roller including a plurality of means for defining apexes on an outer surface thereof, said apex defining means providing longitudinal contact points for said light control element around said roller and said apex defining means being spaced apart so as to provide a substantially straight path for said light control element from one apex defining means to an adjacent apex defining means, said apex defining means including at least one projection extending longitudinally along and radially outwardly from said roller, and said roller further including means for attaching said light control element, said attaching means comprising: means for attaching said first sheet to said roller, including: a recess formed in said roller for receiving the line of attachment between the first sheet and a vane, said recess being parallel to the roller axis, and means for holding said line of attachment in said recess, said holding means comprising a longitudinal channel having a triangular cross-section in the outer surface of the roller, said triangular channel having an outwardly directed longitudinal opening along its base and a longitudinally extending vertex opposite said opening with said recess lying in said vertex, and an elongated wedge-shaped member which cooperates with said vane and said first sheet to force said line of attachment between said vane and said first sheet into the vertex of said triangular channel to ensure parallel alignment of said vanes with said roller; and means for attaching said second sheet to said roller, including: a longitudinal channel having a circular cross-section with a longitudinal opening having a width of less than the diameter of the channel, and a resilient tubular member which is compressible for placement through said opening, whereby the second sheet is wrapped at least partially around the tubular member and engaged in the channel by the tubular member; an elongated member attached along bottom edge portions of both said first and second sheets, said elongated member having a channel of substantially C-shaped cross section defined therein with opposed longitudinal inward projections and having a resilient elongated strip, each longitudinal edge of said elongated strip engaging behind one of said longitudinal inward projections and said elongated strip exerting pressure thereon for securing said light control element in said elongated member when said elongated strip is inserted in said elongated member, whereby the bottom edges of the first and second sheets are wrapped around respective longitudinal edges of said elongated strip and said elongated strip is inserted in said C-shaped channel to attach said elongated member to said light control element; and a catch device for preventing said light control element from rolling up the wrong way, said catch device comprising: a connecting member spaced away from said roller and fixed with respect to said roller; and a catch member pivotally mounted on said connecting member and biased toward said roller such that as the light control element is unrolled from the roller, the catch member contacts an outer surface of the unrolled up portion of the light control element and when the light control element is completely unrolled, the catch member engages the projection extending from the roller to prevent rotation of said roller past a predetermined point.

Claim 66

A retractable covering device comprising: a light control element having first and second parallel sheets and plurality of adjustable transverse vanes attached to said sheets along attachment lines, said vanes being carried between and connecting said sheets; and a roller rotatable about a longitudinal axis for rolling and unrolling said light control element, said roller including a plurality of means for defining apexes on an outer surface thereof, said apex defining means providing longitudinal contact points for said light control element around said roller and said apex defining means being spaced apart so as to provide a substantially straight path for said light control element from one apex defining means to an adjacent apex defining means, said apex defining means including at least one projection extending longitudinally along and radially outwardly from said roller, and said roller further including means for attaching said light control element, said attaching means comprising: means for attaching said first sheet to said roller, including: a recess formed in said roller for receiving the line of attachment between the first sheet and a vane, said recess being parallel to the roller axis, and means for holding said line of attachment in said recess, said holding means comprising a longitudinal channel having a triangular cross-section in the outer surface of the roller, said triangular channel having an outwardly directed longitudinal opening along its base and a longitudinally extending vertex opposite said opening with said recess lying in said vertex, and an elongated wedge-shaped member which cooperates with said vane and said first sheet to force said line of attachment between said vane and said first sheet into the vertex of said triangular channel to ensure parallel alignment of said vanes with said roller; and means for attaching said second sheet to said roller, including: a longitudinal channel having a circular cross-section with a longitudinal opening having a width of less than the diameter of the channel, and a resilient tubular member which is compressible for placement through said opening, whereby the second sheet is wrapped at least partially around the tubular member and engaged in the channel by the tubular member; an elongated member attached along bottom edge portions of both said first and second sheets, said elongated member having a channel of substantially C-shaped cross section defined therein with opposed longitudinal inward projections and having a resilient elongated strip, each longitudinal edge of said elongated strip engaging behind one of said longitudinal inward projections and said elongated strip exerting pressure thereon for securing said light control element in said elongated member when said elongated strip is inserted in said elongated member, whereby the bottom edges of the first and second sheets are wrapped around respective longitudinal edges of said elongated strip and said elongated strip is inserted in said C-shaped channel to attach said elongated member to said light control element; and a catch device for preventing said light control element from rolling up the wrong way, said catch device comprising: a connecting member spaced away from said roller and fixed with respect to said roller; and a catch member pivotally mounted on said connecting member and biased toward said roller such that as the light control element is unrolled from the roller, the catch member contacts an outer surface of the unrolled up portion of the light control element and when the light control element is completely unrolled, the catch member engages the projection extending from the roller to prevent rotation of said roller past a predetermined point.

Claim 67

A retractable covering device comprising: a light control element having first and second parallel sheets and a plurality of adjustable transverse vanes attached to said sheets along attachment lines, said vanes being carried between and connecting said sheets; and a roller rotatable about a longitudinal axis for rolling and unrolling said light control element, said roller including a plurality of means for defining apexes on an outer surface thereof, said apex defining means providing longitudinal contact points for said light control element around said roller and said apex defining means being spaced apart so as to provide a substantially straight path for said light control element from one apex defining means to an adjacent apex defining means, said apex defining means including at least two projections extending longitudinally along and radially outwardly from said roller, and said roller further including means for attaching said light control element, said attaching means including: said two projections of said roller, each of said two projections terminating in a retaining edge, and an elongated strip extending between the retaining edges of said two projections and retained thereby, the upper edge portions of said first and second sheets extending around respective longitudinal edges of said elongated strip and being secured between said two projections and said elongated strip by pressure exerted by said elongated strip against said two projections to securely attach said light control element to said roller.

Claim 68

A retractable covering device comprising: a light control element having first and second parallel sheets and a plurality of adjustable transverse vanes attached to said sheets along attachment lines, said vanes being carried between and connecting said sheets; and a roller rotatable about a longitudinal axis for rolling and unrolling said light control element, said roller including a plurality of means for defining apexes on an outer surface thereof, said apex defining means providing longitudinal contact points for said light control element around said roller and said apex defining means being spaced apart so as to provide a substantially straight path for said light control element from one apex defining means to an adjacent apex defining means, said apex defining means including at least two projections extending longitudinally along and radially outwardly from said roller, and said roller further including means for attaching said light control element, said attaching means including: said two projections of said roller, each of said two projections terminating in a retaining edge, and an elongated strip extending between the retaining edges of said two projections and retained thereby, the upper edge portions of said first and second sheets extending around respective longitudinal edges of said elongated strip and being secured between said two projections and said elongated strip by pressure exerted by said elongated strip against said two projections to securely attach said light control element to said roller.

Claim 69

The covering device according to claim 44, wherein said elongated strip is retained by the retaining edges of said two projections such that said elongated strip is curved.

Claim 70

A covering device comprising: a light control element having first and second parallel, vertical sheets with bottom edges and a plurality of adjustable transverse vanes attached to said sheets along attachment lines, said vanes being carried between and connecting said sheets; and means for finishing said bottom edges comprising a first elongated member having a channel and a cooperating retainer member, said first elongated member being attached along the bottom edges of both of said first and second sheets by means of said channel and retainer member, said channel having a substantially C-shaped cross-section defined by said first elongated member with opposed longitudinal inward projections, and said retainer member being a resilient elongated strip, each longitudinal edge of said elongated strip engaging behind one of said longitudinal inward projections and said elongated strip exerting pressure thereon for securing said light control element in said elongated member when said elongated strip is inserted in said elongated member, whereby the bottom edges of the first and second sheets are wrapped around respective longitudinal edges of said elongated strip and said elongated strip is inserted in said C-shaped channel to attach said first elongated member to said light control element, said elongated strip being curved when said elongated strip is engaged behind said longitudinal inward projections.

Claim 71

A covering device comprising: a light control element having first and second parallel, vertical sheets with bottom edges and a plurality of adjustable transverse vanes attached to said sheets along attachment lines, said vanes being carried between and connecting said sheets; and means for finishing said bottom edges comprising a first elongated member having a channel and a cooperating retainer member, said first elongated member being attached along the bottom edges of both of said first and second sheets by means of said channel and retainer member, said channel having a substantially C-shaped cross-section defined by said first elongated member with opposed longitudinal inward projections, and said retainer member being a resilient elongated strip, each longitudinal edge of said elongated strip engaging behind one of said longitudinal inward projections and said elongated strip exerting pressure thereon for securing said light control element in said elongated member when said elongated strip is inserted in said elongated member, whereby the bottom edges of the first and second sheets are wrapped around respective longitudinal edges of said elongated strip and said elongated strip is inserted in said C-shaped channel to attach said first elongated member to said light control element, said elongated strip being curved when said elongated strip is engaged behind said longitudinal inward projections.

Claim 72

The covering device according to claim 46, wherein said first elongated member carries a weight, the position of said weight being adjustable transversely with respect to said light control element, whereby the transverse position of the weight may be adjusted to prevent skewing of said light control element while said light control element is being rolled up.

Claim 73

The covering device according to claim 41, wherein said first elongated member has a channel provided therein, said channel having a shape complementary to said weight and weight slides in said complementarily shaped channel in said first elongated member.

Claim 76

The method according to claim 49, further comprising tensioning said first vane around said roller, thereby pulling said line of attachment against said wedge shaped strip.

Claim 77

The method according to claim 50, wherein said tensioning step includes: wrapping the second sheet at least partially around a resilient member; and inserting said resilient member into a receiving channel formed in said roller, said resilient member being engaged in said channel and said insertion exerting a tensioning force on said first vane which is maintained by said engagement.

Claim 82

The method according to claim 53, wherein said elongated strip is curved prior to insertion between said two projections, and said elongated strip is maintained in a curved state after insertion by the retaining edges.