Window covering sizing method and apparatus
First Claim
1. A method for operating a window covering cutting machine when sizing a packaged window covering, the packaged window covering including components contained within a package such that first ends of the components are configured to extend beyond a first end of the package and second ends of the components are configured to extend beyond a second end of the package, the method comprising:
- automatically moving the packaged window covering in a first direction of travel against a first squaring surface such that the first ends of the components are squared in a first common plane, said first squaring surface comprising a surface of a first cutting device of the window covering cutting machine;
automatically moving the packaged window covering relative to said first squaring surface to a cutting position at which the squared first ends of the components are spaced apart from said first squaring surface in said first direction of travel;
cutting the components adjacent the squared first ends of the components while the packaged window covering is disposed at the cutting position using the window covering cutting machine;
automatically moving the packaged window covering in a second direction of travel against a second squaring surface such that the second ends of the components are squared in a second common plane; and
cutting the components adjacent to the second ends of the components using the window covering cutting machine.
4 Assignments
0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An apparatus for cutting a window covering comprises a saw for cutting the window blind. A clamp assembly moves the window covering relative to the saw. A controller moves the clamp assembly to automatically position an end of the window covering relative to the saw. The saw is moved into engagement with the window covering to cut the window covering. A dust collection system comprises a shroud substantially surrounds the bottom of the saw blade where the shroud is connected to a vortex dust collector.
39 Citations
21 Claims
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1. A method for operating a window covering cutting machine when sizing a packaged window covering, the packaged window covering including components contained within a package such that first ends of the components are configured to extend beyond a first end of the package and second ends of the components are configured to extend beyond a second end of the package, the method comprising:
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automatically moving the packaged window covering in a first direction of travel against a first squaring surface such that the first ends of the components are squared in a first common plane, said first squaring surface comprising a surface of a first cutting device of the window covering cutting machine; automatically moving the packaged window covering relative to said first squaring surface to a cutting position at which the squared first ends of the components are spaced apart from said first squaring surface in said first direction of travel; cutting the components adjacent the squared first ends of the components while the packaged window covering is disposed at the cutting position using the window covering cutting machine; automatically moving the packaged window covering in a second direction of travel against a second squaring surface such that the second ends of the components are squared in a second common plane; and cutting the components adjacent to the second ends of the components using the window covering cutting machine. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13)
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14. A method for operating a window covering cutting machine when sizing a packaged window covering, the packaged window covering including components contained within a package such that first ends of the components are configured to extend beyond a first end of the package and second ends of the components are configured to extend beyond a second end of the package, the method comprising:
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automatically moving the packaged window covering in a first direction of travel against a first squaring surface such that the first ends of the components are in a common plane, the first squaring surface comprising a surface of a first cutting device of the window covering cutting machine; cutting the components adjacent the first ends of the components using the first cutting device of the window covering cutting machine; automatically moving the packaged window covering in a second direction of travel against a second squaring surface such that the second ends of the components are in a common plane; and cutting the components adjacent the second ends of the components using the window covering cutting machine. - View Dependent Claims (15, 16, 17, 18, 19)
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20. A method for operating a window covering cutting machine when sizing a packaged window covering, the packaged window covering including components contained within a package such that first ends of the components are configured to extend beyond a first end of the package and second ends of the components are configured to extend beyond a second end of the package, the method comprising:
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automatically moving the packaged window covering in a first direction of travel along a travel path against a first squaring surface such that the first ends of the components are squared in a first plane, said first squaring surface comprising a surface of a first cutting device of the window covering cutting machine; retracting said first squaring surface relative to said travel path of the packaged window covering along the first plane; automatically moving the packaged window covering relative to said first squaring surface to a cutting position at which the squared first ends of the components are spaced apart from said first squaring surface in said first direction of travel; and moving the first cutting device of the window covering cutting machine along the first plane to cut the components adjacent the squared first ends of the components while the packaged window covering is disposed at the cutting position automatically moving the packaged window covering in a second direction of travel against a second squaring surface such that the second ends of the components are squared in a second plane; retracting said second squaring surface relative to the packaged window covering along the second plane after the second ends of the components have been moved against said second squaring surface; automatically moving the packaged window covering in said second direction of travel such that a portion of the packaged window covering intersects the second plane; and moving a second cutting device of the window covering cutting machine along the second plane to cut the components adjacent the second ends of the components. - View Dependent Claims (21)
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Specification