Blinds Parts Can Be Understood

The ancient Egyptians, who originally invented blinds, incorporated the basic function of tilting through the use of pulleys. Because of the then intricate design of the blind, which increased the price of the product, blinds were not widely used. If this story is to be believed, then this article is a must read. It is believed that blinds were invented at a later time as a way to control the sunlight, thus believed to be superior to curtains due to their increased functionality. For this reason, ancient Pharaohs can not be credited with the invention of blinds.

Modern day blinds are a very unique product because of the important everyday function they perform in the home the blockage of light and the procurement of personal privacy. Additionally the security factor can not be ignored in these modern times. In order for blinds to provide the aforementioned functions, versatility in tilting of the slats and its ability to be raised to a given point are indispensable. If the only function of a blind were to just block a window, less expensive ways can be found, i.e. cover the opening with newspaper, use of cloth sheets or any other unaesthetic material which today is completely unacceptable.

Blinds come in two varieties. These are horizontal and vertical. The two kinds are defined by the relative orientation of the slat material that hangs from the control system. In America, that is the definition of blinds. In other English speaking countries, the other window treatments that are adjustable are also called blinds, but in the USA most others are properly called shades.

As previously mentioned, all blinds typically have two functions tilt and raise. In the case of vertical blinds, the raising function is replaced by the traverse/open function. The end result of these operating functions is to either adjust the incoming light, control privacy or totally exposing the covered opening. All blinds perform similar functions thus giving the consumer the preferred function at a specific time.

To make sure that it is out there first, miniblinds are almost exactly the same as wood blinds, when it comes to the control system. Even if a company offers a specialty system, the components might be higher quality, or look nicer, but the basic functions are the same.

The same principle applies to vertical blinds regardless of the internal systems used by the fabricators. The functions of the vertical blind remain the same tilt open or close or traverse open or close as desired.

In order to explain the functions of a vertical or a horizontal blind, it is necessary to visualize in our minds the product itself. In the case of a vertical blind, carriers which traverse in a made to measure track will vertically hold the vertical louvers, which can be ordered in either solid PVC or free-hanging fabric with a weight inserted at the bottom of each vertical louver in order to force the fabric vertical louver to hang straight. These carriers are interconnected and operate uniformly whenever rotating open to a desired angle or traversed open, either partially or fully, as desired by the end user. In the case of a horizontal blind, regardless of the material used (real wood or fauxwood), the tilt and raise functions are conducted through the use of cords and/or wands. The most popular systems are operated by the use of cords for two reasons ease of operation and aesthetics.

What about tilting and rotating? Those effects are caused by adjusting a different cord, or chain. This movement causes a geared actuator inside the blind to rotate a metal rod. In a horizontal blind, the actuator is the tilter, either wand or cord style, and the rod that is moved is called a tiltrod. The rod has collectors for the cords, which move one side of the ladder up. The movement in the other direction does the same thing in reverse. In the case of a vertical blind, the action is the movement of a pinion gear moved by a chain control. The pinion gear moves a gear in the carriers that support the hanging vertical fabric. That part then moves to adjust the orientation of the slat material.

There are a few enhancements to these products. In the case of vertical blinds, there are some dual pinion systems, where the second pinion is used to cause a traverse action. This is actuated by a second chain movement. In the case of horizontal blinds, there are monocommand cord systems, but these are basically enhancements upon the existing products.

The basic elements of blinds are the same among various systems. If one needs to repair a blind, usually it is best to try to work with a retailer, who can determine if the blinds are reparable. In many cases, the blinds are so outdated that they may be a safety risk in the homes. However, if you will make repair to your blinds, at least you can understand how they work.