Window covering sizing method and apparatus
View Patent ↗A method and apparatus for cutting a vertical window covering are disclosed. One method of operating a window covering cutting machine comprises retaining a window covering in a package such that a first end of the window covering is located at a known first position relative to the package. An engagement element is provided on the package that is located at a known second position on the package. The engagement element is moved a distance from a saw to obtain a final dimension of the window covering where the distance is calculated using the first position and the second position.
1. A method of operating a window covering cutting machine comprising:
providing a saw;
retaining a window covering in a package such that a first end of the window covering is located at a first distance C relative to an adjacent package end,
providing a computing platform comprising a processor, the computing platform being operatively connected to the window covering cutting machine to control operation of the window covering cutting machine;
providing an engagement element on the package that is located at a second distance Z relative to the package end;
the computing platform acquiring the distances C and Z and a desired final dimension;
the computing platform calculating a third distance Y that the engagement element must be positioned relative to the saw, according to the following equation;
Y =Final Dimension− Z+C,
providing an engagement device for engaging the engagement element;
the computing platform automatically moving the engagement device to the third distance Y from the saw;
the computing platform actuating the saw to obtain the final dimension of the window covering.
2. The method of claim 1 wherein the engagement element is a hole, and the engagement device is a pin.
3. The method of claim 1 , wherein the step of actuating the saw comprises cutting the window covering and the package simultaneously.
4. The method of claim 1 wherein the first distance C and the second distance Z are obtained from a look-up table.
5. The method of claim 4 wherein the look-up table is accessed using a bar code that identifies a type of window covering.