It is important to choose blind control systems and window treatments that are both functionally and easily operated when you’re choosing cheap blinds for windows for your home. There are many options available for you to consider, so take the time to do your research before you buy.
Cord shrouds
Cord shrouds are an important safety feature. These devices prevent children pulling on lift cords that can become tangled and pose strangulation hazards. They are commonly used on venetian blinds and other window covering products.
Cord shrouds can be stitched, welded or adhered to the window covering material. The material may be color matching, transparent, or a combination of both.
The present invention provides a cord shroud that includes a first ribbon, second ribbon, and a gripper and cord lock. The ribbon is a flexible strip of material with holes. In the example illustrated, the ribbon is the vertical cord with the largest holes, and it is connected between the cord lock and gripper.
It may also be composed of a number of other materials, such as a woven material. This could be the first ribbon that is attached to a weight or tassel. The woven cord with loops is not as neatly folded as a ribbon.
Other than a ribbon, the cord shroud may incorporate other forms such as two collapsible tubes or stitches. However, the ribbon is not necessarily the most important element of the cord shroud.
Similarly, the cord lock and gripper are not the most important elements of the cord shroud. To use the device, the operator must lean over, and pull the lift cords from intermediate distal ends of the cords. The cord lock and gripper are just one part of the overall device.
The optional accessory of a tassel, or weight, is the tassel. The tassel, a trim piece that can be added to the cord shroud, is an attractive option. Another interesting aspect of the device is the retractable warning tape. The tape can be integrated into the ribbon, gripper, or tassel depending on the shade.
There is a lot of information on cord shrouds. While many of the claims are esoteric, the most important features to note are that it is a cord shroud and that it is a safety device.
Inaccessible operating cords
Inaccessible operating cords on custom window coverings present a strangulation hazard. They can be wrapped around a child’s neck and cause strangulation. There are several methods used by manufacturers to make their operating cords inaccessible, including cord shrouds, wands and cord cleats. Despite these efforts, strangulation still occurs among children.
The American National Standard for Custom Window Covering Safety, ANSI/WCMA-2018 sets a new standard in safety for corded window covers. It includes separate requirements for stock and custom products. This new standard will be published under 16 CFR 1205.
ANSI/WCMA-2018 aims to reduce strangulation risk by shortening the cord. The new rule states that an accessible cord must be 8 inches long or shorter. A cord that is longer than 8 inches could be dangerous. The rule also lists several other requirements.
Alternative safety devices include cord cleats, cord and bead chain restraining devices and retractable cords. These devices can help to prevent dangerous loops. Cord cleats cost the least expensive of all the devices.
Continuous loop operating system operating cords are similar to a pulley. They are made from a plastic or beaded-metal chain and often have a cord locking device to keep their loop taut.
Retractable cords must meet performance requirements in the rule. Non-cord retraction devices cannot be used with a wand. The force required to activate operable parts must be five pounds or less.
Rigid cord shrouds can be used to make it difficult for operators to reach the cords. CPSC staff evaluated the effectiveness of these devices in reducing strangulation risks. Figure 11 shows an example of a rigid cord shroud.
Sometimes, it may be necessary to use inaccessible operating cords for custom window treatments. For example, corded window coverings are needed by the elderly and people with disabilities. While many consumers have no problem with warning labels, the risk of strangulation from hazardous cords on window treatments is unlikely to be addressed by these methods.
Another requirement is that the operable components of the window coverings are not tight-grabbed or pinchable. Corded window coverings can only be ordered on custom orders, unlike stock products which are limited to tilting.
Accessible operating cords for custom window coverings
Children are at risk from strangulation if they have access to operating cords for custom window coverings. Using these cords to access window coverings can allow children to climb to dangerous heights on sleeping surfaces, or to wrap the cord around their necks.
The Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA), would require manufacturers to use safety devices that prevent children from accessing operating cords. This includes loop cord restraining devices, bead chain restraining devices, and retractable cords. In addition, manufacturers may use a cord locking device, which allows the user to set the height of the window covering.
In January 2015, the Commission issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (ANPR) for corded window coverings. This NPR was the first step in the rulemaking process. The Commission has received additional incidental data since then.
The final rule will apply to all custom window coverings with a strangulation hazard. It would require custom operating cords to meet the same performance standards as stock products. These products’ performance is affected by many factors, including the design and installation of safety devices.
Section 4.3.1 of this final rule addresses strangulation risks posed by accessible operating cables. The standard requires that the default length for a window covering’s cord be at least 40% of its height. Currently, the minimum requirement for stock window coverings is 8 inches. Manufacturers may choose to meet this minimum, but the CPSC found that this is an inadequate standard.
The CPSC has concluded that there is an unreasonable risk of death and serious injury to children when they are strangled by accessible operating cords on window coverings. While warning labels on these products are unlikely to reduce the risk, the Commission has found cost-effective technologies that can address the hazard.
CPSA section 7(a) authorizes the Commission to promulgate a rule to make certain that the standard for safety for consumer products is effective. Using this process, the Commission will finalize its standard for safety for custom window coverings under 16 CFR 1260.
For custom window coverings, long operating cords
For the past year, the Consumer Product Safety Commission has been studying a new safety rule regarding custom window coverings. The Consumer Product Safety Act section 7 allows the Commission to promulgate a final rule that prevents an unreasonable risk of injury and death. This can be done by requiring manufacturers meet the same performance standards for stock products as they do for manufactured products.
Manufacturers must include loop cord restraining devices and cord cleats to comply with the rule. These devices prevent the formation of a continuous loop. They are designed by the manufacturer and do not require wall attachment.
Cords that are too long to be touched are inaccessible. The cords should not exceed eight inches in length. The cord length should be determined by the height of the blind. If the length is longer than eight inches, then it is hazardous.
The standard reduces strangulation risk by reducing the length of the operating cords. Children can still reach the cords and create a loop large enough to fit their heads.
The Consumer Product Safety Commission’s (CPSC), proposed rule will be published under 16 CFR 12060 on November 14, 2018. It is expected to be effective by December 15. Most window covering products sold in the U.S. after the rule goes into force will be cordless. This will include both stock and custom order products.
Stock products account for about 80 percent of the window coverings sold in the U.S. The CPSC received hundreds of comments opposing the elimination of continuous cord loop operating systems. However, the rule doesn’t require manufacturers to meet the same performance standards for these devices as for inaccessible cords.
The new safety rule also includes a requirement that all window coverings have operable parts that are operable with one hand. These parts can only be activated with a force of no more than five pounds.
The final rule will apply to all custom window coverings with strangulation hazards. Custom order products must also include options for making the cords inaccessible.