Spiral wand

Abstract

A control module to control opening and closing a widow shade comprising: a shaft defining two spiral intersecting grooves or two spiral intersecting protrusions and a hand pumping portion coaxially receiving said two intersecting spiral grooves or two intersecting spiral protrusions for reciprocal movement of said hand pumping portion relative said two intersecting spiral grooves or two intersecting spiral protrusions to rotate said shaft in a selected first or second direction to lower or raise said window shade, and a switch carried on said hand pumping portion to selectively switch the rotation of said shaft; wherein said switch allows engagement with a specific spiral groove or specific spiral protrusion of the two intersecting spiral grooves or two spiral intersecting protrusions in order to select the specific direction of the rotation of the wand.

Description

<DP=1>²SPIRAL WAND²This application is a division of Canadian Patent Application No. 2,996,362 ²filed on February 23,²2018, claiming priority from Canadian Patent Application No. 2,983,527 filed ²on October 24, ²2017 and U.S. Provisional Application No. 62 / 576,437 filed on October 24, ²2017.² FIELD OF THE INVENTION²The invention relates to a blind control for a window covering having a narrow ²profile; and ²particularly relates to a control module for a window shade where the location ²of the drive ²mechanism is selected to minimize the gap between the end of the window shade ²and window ²opening; locating the drive mechanism in a shell disposed in a housing to ²rigidify a reduced²thickness of the drive so as to minimize the gap between the end of the window ²shade and the²inside edge of the window opening; and use a single rod depending from the ²control module to ²activate the drive mechanism in a safe and secure manner.²The invention also includes a housing with a control end wall adjacent one end ²of the shade roll; ²a clutch projecting from said control end wall and rotatable about a clutch ²axis, a drive gear²engageable at one end of the clutch for rotatably driving said clutch and ²shade roll, said drive²gear disposed in said housing adjacent said control end wall; and a wand for ²driving said drive ²gear.²BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION²Blinds for building openings, eg windows, doors and the like, may be operated ²either simply²down and up, in the case of eg. roller blinds, or in the case of eg. vertical ²shade panels, the²vertical shade panels may be rotated open or closed.²TORONTO: 1850960\1 (123195)²Date Regue / Date Received 2023-02-21²<DP=2>²- 2 -²The control elements for these blind operations are usually in the form of an ²endless cord or ²chain. The control element simply hangs down along one side of the building ²opening, in an ²endless loop.²Other forms of blinds and window coverings may also be operated by means of an ²endless² control element hanging in a loop.²Generally speaking clutch mechanisms have been used in the window covering ²industry to ²inhibit the unwanted unrolling of window blinds. These clutch mechanisms have ²generally been ²used with sprocket wheels located at the end of window blinds so that the gap ²between the end ²of the blind and window frame is controlled to minimize the amount of unwanted ²light infused²into a room. Generally speaking the use of spur gears and worm or bevel gears ²have not been²widely used as they tend to increase the gap between the end of the window ²shade and window ²frame. When they have been used, attempts to reduce the thickness of such ²drives tended to ²produce a drive that flexed and wandered, and they tended to "bind" when used.²Furthermore there is great interest to provide a child safe environment so ²that it is desirable to²use a single rod to activate the gear drive in a window shade as opposed to ²using an endless²loop which can endanger a child.²For example US 2016 / 0017964 relates to a control module of a window shade ²includes a drive ²axle affixed with a sleeve, an arrester assembled around the sleeve, a cord ²drum connected ²with an operating cord, a clutch operable to couple and decouple the cord drum ²with respect to²the drive axle, and a release unit including a stick that is operatively ²connected with the arrester.²The arrester blocks rotation of the drive axle in a locking state, and has an ²unlocking state ²allowing rotation of the drive axle. The operating cord is pulled to drive the ²cord drum in rotation ²and turn the clutch to a coupling state, such that the rotation of the cord ²drum is transmitted ²through the clutch to drive the drive axle in rotation for raising the shading ²structure. Moreover,²TORONTO: 1850960\1 (123195)²Date Regue / Date Received 2023-02-21²<DP=3>²- 3 -²the stick is operable to switch the arrester from to the unlocking state for ²lowering the shading ²structure by gravity action.²US 9187951 shows a window shade comprises a head rail, a shading structure, a ²bottom part, ²suspension cords connected with cord winding units, and a control module. The ²control module²includes a drive axle assembled with the cord winding units, a sleeve affixed ²with the drive axle,²an arrester assembled around the drive axle, and a release unit. The arrester ²has a locking ²state in which the arrester blocks a rotational displacement of the sleeve and ²the drive axle to ²keep the bottom part at a desired position, and an unlocking state in which ²rotation of the sleeve ²and the drive axle is allowed to lower the bottom part by gravity action. The ²release unit includes²an actuator that is operatively connected with the arrester and has an ²elongated shape. The²actuator can rotate about its lengthwise axis to turn the arrester from the ²locking to unlocking ²state.²US 6685592 relates to a bi-directional clutch for operating a window dressing ²such as a roller ²shade includes a protective guard for securing the window dressing to a ²stationary structure, a².. gear box for transmitting rotation to an output member in response to the ²operation of an²elongated operating member such as a cord, and an anti-rotational member that ²prevents the ²undesirable operation of the output member. The output member is coupled to ²the window ²dressing. The gear box includes a gear pulley coupled to the elongated ²operating member, a ²planetary gear and a stationary gear. The gear box is arranged and constructed ²to transmit²motion to the output member in response to the activation of the elongated ²operating member,²at a predetermined mechanical advantage.²US 4522245 shows a housing for a venetian blind tilter mechanism. The housing ²comprises a ²single piece integrally molded body having apertures in the walls of the body ²serving as bearing²TORONTO: 1850960\1 (123195)²Date Regue / Date Received 2023-02-21²<DP=4>²- 4 -²journals for a tilter shaft having a worm gear thereon and serving as bearing ²journals for a worm ²wheel in meshing engagement with the worm gear.²US9528318 relates to a window shade that includes a head rail, a bottom part, ²a shading ²structure arranged vertically between the head rail and the bottom rail, a ²winding unit having a²suspension member connected with the bottom part, and the actuating system ²arranged in the²head rail. The winding unit is rotationally coupled with the transmission ²axle, wherein the ²transmission axle rotates in the second direction to cause unwinding of the ²suspension member ²from the winding unit for lowering the bottom part, and in the first direction ²to wind the ²suspension member into the winding unit for raising the bottom part.²US9567802 discusses a covering for an architectural opening having nested ²rollers.²US9376859 teaches a tilter assembly is operatively connected to the slats for ²tilting the slats ²and comprises a wand shaft operatively connected to a worm gear. A drive gear ²operatively ²connected to a tilt shaft, and at least one idler gear connects the worm gear ²to the drive gear. ²The axis of rotation of the wand shaft is disposed at an angle relative to the ²plane to space a².. wand controller from the front plane. The wand shaft may include a wand ²connector that is²releasably connected to the tilter assembly.²US 7089988 shows a window blind opening and closing device.²US 7204292 illustrates A window blind is constructed to include a headrail, a ²blind body ²suspended below the headrail, a linking mechanism mounted inside the headrail ²and having a²power input device fastened pivotally with the headrail and an actuator ²rotatable with the power²input device and connectable to the blind body, and a driving control ²mechanism. The driving ²control mechanism includes a suspension rod suspended from the headrail and a ²controller ²detachably coupled to the suspension rod for enabling the suspension rod to be ²driven by the²TORONTO: 1850960\1 (123195)²Date Regue / Date Received 2023-02-21²<DP=5>²- 5 -²controller to rotate the power input device and to further drive the actuator ²to move the blind ²body, causing the blind body to change the window shading status.²Also US 6973952 relates to an anti-reverse transmission for use in a window ²blind includes a ²fixed axle, a rotatable input shaft, an output shaft sleeved onto the fixed ²axle, a transmission²shaft sleeved onto the output shaft and coupled to a linking rod of a window ²blind, the²transmission shaft having a protrusion inserted into an opening in the output ²shaft, and a spiral ²spring fitted on the fixed axle within the output shaft. The spiral spring has ²two end tips ²suspended in the opening such that the spiral spring is radially expanded to ²disengage the ²output shaft from the fixed axle for rotation with the transmission shaft and ²the input shaft upon²rotation of the input shaft, and the spiral spring is radially compressed to ²stop the output shaft²from rotation when the transmission shaft receives a biasing force from the ²gravity weight of a ²blind body of the window blind.²Finally Canadian Patent 2353114 shows a method and apparatus for operating a ²blind having a ²chain wheel and wand.²These and other prior art devices and blind controls attempt to block out the ²light coming from²outside the window particularly when a person desires to sleep.²It is an object of this invention to provide an improved blind control for a ²window covering.²It is another object of this invention to locate the drive mechanism to ²minimize the gap between ²the end of the window shade and window frame.²Another object of this invention relates to locating the drive mechanism in a ²shell or cage²disposed in a housing to rigidify a reduced thickness of the drive so as to ²minimize the gap.²Yet another object of this invention relates to the use a single rod depending ²from the control ²module to activate the drive mechanism in a safe and secure manner.²TORONTO: 1850960\1 (123195)²Date Regue / Date Received 2023-02-21²<DP=6>²- 6 -²It is another object of this invention to provide a narrow profile control ²module for a window ²shade to minimize light from outside the window infiltrating the room.²SUMMARY OF INVENTION²It is an aspect of this invention to provide a control module for a window ²shade for a window²opening comprising; a driven gear disposed between the window shade and an ²edge of the²window opening so as to define a gap there between; a drive gear located ²outside the gap and ²engageable with said window shade for rotatably driving the driven gear so as ²to raise and ²lower said window shade relative the window opening; and a rod for driving ²said drive means.²In one embodiment the control module includes a housing having an end wall ²adjacent the²inside edge of the window opening, a clutch disposed within said housing and ²engageable with²the window shade, where the driven gear is engageable with the clutch and ²disposed between ²the window shade and the end adjacent the edge of the window opening.²In another embodiment the housing includes a first housing portion for ²receiving the driven gear ²and a second housing portion communicating with the first housing portion, the ²second housing²portion receiving the drive gear. In Another embodiment the housing includes a ²shell plate for²covering the driven gear in said first chamber and for covering the drive gear ²in the second ²chamber and constrain the drive gear and driven gear against binding.²In another embodiment the second housing portion is axially spaced from the ²clutch axis.²In a further embodiment the driven gear comprises a spur gear disposed at the ²one end of the²clutch between the end wall and the one end of the shade so as to define a ²narrow gap between²the one end of said shade and the inside edge of said window opening. The ²thickness of said ²spur gear along said clutch axis in one example is between 5 to 8 millimeters.²TORONTO: 1850960\1 (123195)²Date Regue / Date Received 2023-02-21²<DP=7>²- 7 -²Other embodiments include at least one intermediate gear between the spur gear ²and the drive ²gear. Also the drive gear can be either a worm wheel or bevel gear.²In yet another embodiment the clutch includes selectively engageable braking ²structure for ²preventing the shade from unrolling when the driven gear is idle.²It is another aspect of the invention to provide a narrow profile control ²module for a window²shade roll comprising; a housing disposed at one end of said window shade ²roll, said housing ²having a control end wall and a first cavity and a second cavity, said first ²cavity communicating ²with said second cavity; a spur gear disposed in said first cavity between ²said control end wall ²and one end of said window shade roll, and defining a gap between said one end ²of the window²shade and window opening; a clutch projecting from said spur gear into said ²window shade roll,²said spur gear rotatably engageable with said clutch about a clutch axis for ²raising and lowering ²said window shade relative the window opening; a drive gear disposed in the ²second cavity ²away from the clutch axis so as to not interfere with the gap; the drive gear ²engageable with the ²spur gear for rotatably driving the clutch about the clutch axis for raising ²and lowering the²window shade; a rod connected to the drive gear for rotatably driving the spur ²gear.²In one embodiment the driven gear between said end wall and the one end of the ²blind is ²between 5 and 8 millimeters.²In another embodiment of the invention the drive gear is a worm gear ²engageable with the spur ²gear. The invention also includes at least one intermediate gear between the ²spur gear and the² drive gear. The drive gear can also be either a worm gear or bevel gear.²In a further embodiment the housing includes a cover plate to cover the first ²cavity and the ²second cavity and the one end of the shade contacts the cover plate in the ²first cavity to define ²the gap between the cover pate covering the first cavity and the end wall.²TORONTO: 1850960\1 (123195)²Date Regue / Date Received 2023-02-21²<DP=8>²- 8 -²Another embodiment includes a wand having one end connected to the drive gear ²and a handle ²at another end for manually rotating the wand and drive gear.²Furthermore in yet another embodiment the wand includes a shaft defining ²spiral grooves and a ²hand portion coaxially receiving the shaft for reciprocal movement of the hand ²portion relative²the shaft to rotate the wand in a selected first or second direction. The hand ²portion includes a²slideable selector for selecting the direction of rotation of said drive gear ²means.²It is a further aspect of the invention to provide a control module for a ²window shade for a ²window opening comprising; a housing disposed at one end of said window shade ²and said ²window opening to define a gap there between; a first and second cavity ²presented by said²housing, said second cavity communicating with said first cavity and radially ²disposed beyond²said first cavity; a driven gear disposed within said first cavity; drive ²structure located within said ²second cavity and engageable with said driven gear for rotatably driving the ²driven gear so as to ²raise and lower said window shade relative the opening; and a rod for driving ²said drive means.²In one embodiment the housing has an end wall adjacent an inside edge of the ²window²opening, a clutch projecting from said housing and engageable with said window ²shade, said²driven gear engageable with or connected to said clutch and disposed between ²said window ²shade and said end wall adjacent said edge of the window opening. Furthermore ²the drive ²structure comprises a drive gear disposed in said second cavity adjacent said ²end wall and ²engageable with said driven gear for rotatably driving said clutch and shade ²about a clutch axis²for raising and lowering said shade relative said window opening, said drive ²structure and driven²gear disposed in a region within said gap.²In yet another embodiment the housing includes a first housing portion ²defining said first cavity ²for receiving said driven gear and a second housing portion defining said ²second cavity portion ²for communicating with said first housing portion, said second housing portion ²receiving said²TORONTO: 1850960\1 (123195)²Date Regue / Date Received 2023-02-21²<DP=9>²- 9 -²drive gear structure. A further embodiment provides that said first and second ²housing portion is ²radially spaced from said clutch axis. A shell plate for covering said driven ²gear in said first ²chamber and for covering said drive gear structure in said second chamber and ²constrain said ²drive gear structure and driven gear against binding can be provided. In yet ²another²embodiment said first and second housing portion is coaxially spaced from said ²clutch axis.²In another embodiment the driven gear comprises a spur gear disposed at said ²one end of said ²clutch between said end wall and said one end of said shade and disposed in ²said gap between ²said one end of said shade and said edge of said window; and the drive gear ²structure is a ²worm gear. Moreover in yet another embodiment the second cavity has a first ²and second²opening communicating with said first cavity whereby said worm gear is ²selectively disposed²adjacent said first or second opening for engaging with said spur gear in said ²first cavity so as to ²present a control module for either said right side or left side of said ²window blind respectively. ²Also the clutch may include selectively engageable braking structure for ²preventing said shade ²from unrolling when said driven gear is idle.²In yet another embodiment a narrow profile control module for a window shade ²roll for a window²opening is provided that comprises; a housing disposed at one end of said ²window shade roll, ²said housing associated with a control end wall and a first cavity portion and ²a second cavity ²portion, said first cavity portion communicating with said second cavity ²portion; a spur gear ²disposed in said first cavity portion between said control end wall and one ²end of said window²shade roll, and defining a gap between said one end of said window shade and ²window ²opening; a clutch projecting from said spur gear into said window shade roll, ²said spur gear ²rotatably engageable with said clutch about a clutch axis for raising and ²lowering said window ²shade relative the window opening; drive gear structure disposed in said ²second cavity portion, ²said drive gear structure engageable with said spur gear for rotatably driving ²said clutch about²TORONTO: 1850960\1 (123195)²Date Regue / Date Received 2023-02-21²<DP=10>²- 10 -²said clutch axis for raising and lowering said window shade; and a rod ²connected to said drive ²gear for rotatably driving said spur gear.²In one embodiment said gap is between 5 and 8 millimeters; but other ²thicknesses may be ²used. Furthermore the drive gear structure includes a worm gear engageable ²with said spur² gear. The drive gear disposed in the second cavity.²In one example the second cavity portion is radially disposed beyond said ²first cavity portion.²In yet another embodiment the housing includes a cover plate to cover said ²first cavity and said ²second cavity and said one end of said shade contacts said cover plate to ²define said gap ²between said cover plate covering said first and second cavity portions and ²said end wall.²In one example a wand includes one end connected to said drive gear structure ²and a handle at²another end for manually rotating said wand, worm gear and spur gear.²Moreover in another embodiment the wand includes a shaft defining spiral ²grooves and hand ²portion coaxially receiving said shaft for reciprocal movement of said hand ²portion relative said ²shaft to rotate said wand in a selected first or second direction. The hand ²portion includes a²slideable selector for selecting the direction of rotation of said drive gear ²structure.²A further aspect of this invention provides a wand for engaging a control ²module for a window ²shade for a window opening comprising: a rod extending along a longitudinal ²length thereof to ²present a longitudinal axis with opposite ends; one end presenting engagement ²means for ²engaging the control module for moving said window shade relative the window ²opening; motor²means axially disposed at the other end of said rod for selectively rotating ²said rod about said²axis in one direction and raising said window blind relative said window ²opening and rotating ²said rod about said axis in the opposite direction for lowering said window ²blind relative said ²window opening.²TORONTO: 1850960\1 (123195)²Date Regue / Date Received 2023-02-21²<DP=11>²- 11 -²Another aspect of the wand provides for wand for engaging a control module for ²a window ²shade for a window opening comprising: a shaft extending along a longitudinal ²length thereof ²and presenting a pair of spiral grooves along a longitudinal axis thereof with ²opposite ends; one ²end presenting engagement means for engaging the control module for moving ²said window²shade relative the window opening; a hand pumping portion coaxially receiving ²said shaft and²engageable with said pair of spiral grooves for reciprocal movement of said ²hand portion relative ²said shaft between a first position and a second position to rotate said shaft ²and wand in a ²selected first direction to raise said window blind relative said window ²opening and rotate said ²shaft and wand in an opposite direction to lower said window blind relative ²said window² opening, respectively.²These and other objects and features of the invention will; be described in ²relation to the ²following drawings.²IN THE DRAWINGS²Figure 1 is an exploded view of the narrow profile control module for a window ²shade.².. Figure 2 is a front elevation view of the narrow profile control module for ²a window shade.²Figure 3 is a side elevation view of the narrow profile control module for a ²window shade.²Figure 4 is a perspective view of the control module.²Figures 5A, 5B, and 5C are partial perspective views of the interior cavities ²of the first and ²second cavities at various stages of assembly.².. Figures 6A and 6B are perspective views of the narrow profile control ²module for a window²shade and wand.²TORONTO: 1850960\1 (123195)²Date Regue / Date Received 2023-02-21²<DP=12>²- 12 -²Figures 7A and 7B are further perspective views of the interior of the housing ²of the narrow ²profile control module for a window shade and wand.²Figures 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F, 8G, and 8H are various views of another ²embodiment of the ²invention.²Figures 9A, 9B, 9C, 9D and 9E are side views of another embodiment of the rod ²or wand.²Figures 10A, 10B and 10C are a view of the wand having helical grooves.²Figures 11A, 11B, 11C, 11D and 11E are a front elevation view with the shade ²lowered, a rear ²elevation view with the shade lowered, cross sectional view with the shade ²lowered and a front ²elevation view with the shade raised, and a perspective view of the narrow ²profile control² module, respectively.²Figure 12 is a perspective view of yet another embodiment of the invention ²where the blind has ²a narrow profile with gears between the window blind and window with worm ²wheel on right side²Figure 13 is an exploded view of Figure 12 narrow profile with gears between ²the window and ²window blind similar to figure 12 except with worm wheel on left side;²Figures 14A, 14B, 14C, are a top plan view, cross sectional view, and side ²elevation view of²Figure 12 and 13 with the control module on the right hand side of the blind.²Figures 15A, 15B, 15C, are a top plan view, cross sectional view, and side ²elevation view of ²Figure 12 and 13 with the control module on the left hand side of the blind.²Figures 16A, 16B and 16C are a top plan view, cross sectional view of the ²control module of² Figures 12 and 13 with the cover on., and a front view.²TORONTO: 1850960\1 (123195)²Date Regue / Date Received 2023-02-21²<DP=13>²- 13 -²Figure 17A, 17B, 17C, and 17D are views of another embodiment of the invention ²where the ²wand can be driven by a drive motor at a lower end thereof.²DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION²Like parts are given like numbers throughout the figures.²Figure 1 generally illustrates a blind control 10 for a window covering having ²a narrow profile. In²particular the blind control 10 relates to a control module 12 for a window ²shade 11 adapted to ²fit within an opening 14. The opening 14 can be an opening for a window that ²is comprised of ²drywall that has an inside edge 17 defining the opening; or in another ²embodiment the opening ²may be defined by a window frame comprised of wood or the like adjacent the ²window opening² 14 where the window frame has an inside edge 17.²The control module 12 includes a driven gear 18 disposed between the window ²shade 11 ²(Figure 11C) and inside edge 17 of opening 14 or window frame 16 so as to ²define a gap 15 ²between the window shade 11 and edge 17; drive gears 20a and 20b located ²outside the gap ²and engageable with said window shade roll 13 for rotatably driving the driven ²gear 18 so as²15 to raise and lower said window shade 11; and a rod 90 for driving said ²drive gears 20a and 20b.²The control module 12 includes a housing 40 having a control end 17 (Figure ²11D) and opposite ²pin end 19 (Figure 11D). The control end 17 has the control elements and ²includes an end wall ²41 (Figure 1) adapted to be disposed adjacent said edge 17 of the window ²opening 14 as seen ²in Figures 4, 11A, 11B, 11C and 11D. In particular the end of the shade 11, ²namely one end 21²of the shade roll 13 is preferably as close to the inside edge 17 of the ²window opening 14 to²minimize the gap 15 and block out as much of the light from the outside as ²possible. A clutch 50 ²is disposed within the housing 40 and is engageable with the shade roll 13 of ²window shade 11 ²in a manner well known to those persons skilled in the art. In particular the ²clutch 50 is axially²TORONTO: 1850960\1 (123195)²Date Regue / Date Received 2023-02-21²<DP=14>²- 14 -²rotatable about shaft 9. Two springs 11a and 11b are coaxially aligned with ²shaft 90. The shaft ²90 and springs 11a and 11b are received within the clutch 50.The ends 13a and ²13b of the ²springs 11a and 11b have projections that engage the openings 50a and 50b of ²the clutch 50 so ²as to prevent the clutch from unravelling in a manner well known to persons ²skilled in the art.²Figure 11C shows there is another space 6 between another end of the roll 13 ²and an opposite²edge of window opening 14 which approximately comprises the thickness of the ²end wall 43 of ²the pin end 19, since the other end of the shade roll contacts or is very ²close to the end wall 43. ²The space 6 is generally smaller than the gap 15, and the invention herein ²relates to the gap 15 ²at the control module end 7 of control module12.²The driven gear 18 is engageable with the clutch 50. In particular the driven ²gear 18 includes²projections 18a and 18b that are received through the hole 64 into the clutch ²50. The clutch 50 ²is axially disposed between the window shade 11 and said end wall 41. The ²driven gear 18 ²rotatably drives said clutch 50 and shade 11 about a clutch axis for raising ²and lowering said ²shade 11 relative said window opening 14.²The drive means or gears 20a and 20b are located in a region away from the gap ²15 so as to²minimize the gap 15 or distance between one end 21 the shade 11 and edge 17 of ²window ²opening 14, or in particular the drive gears 20a and 20b are located away from ²the axis of clutch ²rotation so as not to interfere with the rotating clutch 50 or shade roll 13. ²In one embodiment the ²drive gears 20a, and 20b are radially spaced away from the clutch axis of ²rotation. In other²words the drive gears 20a and 20b overlie the clutch 50 and shade roll 13 so ²as not to add any²measurement to the gap 15.²The housing 40 includes a first housing portion 42 for receiving said driven ²gear 18 and a ²second housing portion 44 communicating with said first housing portion 42, ²the second housing ²portion 44 for receiving said drive gear means 20a and 20b.²TORONTO: 1850960\1 (123195)²Date Regue / Date Received 2023-02-21²<DP=15>²- 15 -²In one embodiment the thickness of the driven gear 18 is between 5 to 8 ²millimeters thick. ²However this is given by way of example and other thicknesses can be used ²within the scope of ²this invention.²In order to constrain the relatively thin thickness of the drive gear 18 a ²shell plate 60 is used to²cover the driven gear 18 in the first chamber 42 and for covering the drive ²gear 20a and 20b in²the second chamber 44 and constrain said driven gear means 18 and drive gear ²means 20a ²and 20b against flexing and binding.²The first and second chambers 42 and 44 define a chamber, where the first ²chamber 42 ²includes a first chamber wall 47 and the second chamber 44 includes a second ²chamber wall²49, again in order to constrain the drive gear 18 and driven gears 20a and 20b ²against flexing²and binding, in addition to the shell plate 60.²The shell plate 60 is seen in Figure 1 and comprises a first shell plate ²portion 62 having a hole ²64 to receive the clutch 50 there through and a second shell plate portion 66. ²The shell plate 60 ²has an offset connecting surface 68 connecting the first shell cover portion ²62 and the second²shell cover portion 66.The offset connecting surface 68 or offset or distance ²between the first²shell plate portion 62 and second shell plate portion 66 provides a means of ²locating the drive ²gears 20a and 20b away from the gap 15 to minimize the gap 15.²More particularly the drive gear 20 comprises a gear 21 connected to pinion ²gear 23 as best ²seen in Figure 5C. The drive gear 20 also includes a worm wheel 25 coaxially ²connected to²drive shaft 27. The gear 21 rotationally drives intermediate gears 29a and 29b ²which in turn²rotationally drive the drive wheel 18.²A drive gear cage 70 is disposed in the second chamber 44. The cage or shell ²70 lies flat ²against the gear 21 as shown in Figure 5B. The cage 70 includes a hole 72 for ²receiving spur²TORONTO: 1850960\1 (123195)²Date Regue / Date Received 2023-02-21²<DP=16>²- 16 -²gear 23 for rotation therein. The shaft 27 of the spur gear 25 includes two ²spaced annual ²recesses 25a and 25b which are adapted to receive retaining clips 31a and 31b ²(Figure 6A) ²respectively. The drive gear cage or shell 70 has openings 73a and 73b ²(Figures 5C, 6A) which ²are adapted to receive retaining clips 31a and 31b respectively that engage ²with annual²recesses 25a and 25b as discussed so as to contain, constrain and retain the ²drive gear means²20 in a small compartment to rigidify a reduced thickness of the drive so as ²to minimize the gap ²15.²The shell cover 60 includes fastening holes 61a, 61b, and 61c adapted to ²receive fastens such ²as screws to tighten the shell or cage cover 60 to the housing 40 and further ²rigidify the control² module 12 against binding.²The drive gear cage 70 is offset away from the plane of the driven gear 18 and ²gear 21 in a ²direction away from the end wall 42 and thus away from the gap 15. In other ²words the spur ²gear 23 and worm wheel 25 do not contribute to gap dimension thus providing a ²narrow profile ²control module as described.²In one embodiment the driven gear 18 comprises a spur gear 18 disposed at said ²one end 51 of²said clutch 50 between said end wall 41 and said one end of said shade so as ²to define a ²narrow gap 15 between said one end of said shade and said frame 16 of said ²window.²In another embodiment the control module 12 comprises at least one ²intermediate gear 29a or ²29b between said spur gear 18 and said drive gear means 20. The drive gear ²means 20 in one²example is a worm wheel.²The clutch 50 includes selectively engageable braking means for preventing ²said shade from ²unrolling when said driven gear or spur gear 18 is idle and includes springs ²11a and 11b. The²TORONTO: 1850960\1 (123195)²Date Regue / Date Received 2023-02-21²<DP=17>²- 17 -²clutch braking means is well known to those persons skilled in the art and ²will not be described ²herein.²The invention described herein relates to a narrow profile control module 12 ²for a window shade ²roll 13 comprising; a housing 40 disposed at one end of said window shade roll ²13, said housing²40 having a control end wall 41 and a first cavity 42 and a second cavity 44, ²the first cavity 42²communicating with said second cavity 44; a spur gear 18 disposed in said ²first cavity 42 ²between said end wall 41 and one end of said window shade roll 13, and ²defining a gap 15 ²between one end of said window shade 13 and said edge 17 of the opening 14; a ²clutch 50 ²projecting from said spur gear 18 into said window shade roll 13, said spur ²gear 18 rotatably²engageable with said clutch 50 about a clutch axis for raising and lowering ²said window shade²11; a drive gear means 20 disposed in said second cavity 44 away clutch axis ²so as to not ²interfere with said gap 15 adjacent said end wall 41, said drive gear means 20 ²engageable with ²said spur gear 18 for rotatably driving said clutch 50 about said clutch axis ²for rotatably driving ²the clutch about the clutch axis for raising and lowering the window shade 11; ²a rod 90² connected to the drive gear for rotatably driving the spur gear.²In one embodiment the gap is defined as the space between the inside edge 17 ²of the window ²opening 14 or frame 16 and one end 21 of the window shade 11 or roll 13.²Figures 8A, 8B, 8C, 8D, 8E, 8F, 8G, and 8H are various views of another ²embodiment of the ²invention where the drive means 20a and 20b is a bevel gear 80a and 80b. The ²end of the rod²90 also has a bevel gear 80b.²Figures 2, 3, 6A and 6B show that the rod 90 has a handle 92 that can be used ²to manually ²rotate the drive shaft 27 to rotate the drive means 20. The rod or wand 90 ²also includes a hollow ²sleeve 94 that can be grasped in one hand while the other hand manually ²rotates the rod 90 by ²handle 92.²TORONTO: 1850960\1 (123195)²Date Regue / Date Received 2023-02-21²<DP=18>²- 18 -²Alternatively Figures 9A, 9B, 9C and 9D are side views of another embodiment ²of the rod or ²wand 90. In this case the sleeve 94 is longer than in Figure 1 and can be ²moved axially upward ²or downward so that intermediate horizontal piece 95 and vertical piece 96 are ²exposed and ²articulated 90 degrees relative to one another. The drive means 20 can be ²manually driven in²this fashion. Alternatively the sleeve 94 is moved downwardly to cover ²articulated joints 98 and²99. Once the articulated joints 98 and 99 are covered by sleeve 94 a motor ²drive (not shown) ²can engage a socket adapter 97 and rotatably drive the rod 90. The sleeve 94 ²is long enough to ²cover the articulated joints 98 and 99 so that the rod does not become twisted ²when rotated by ²the motor drive.²The sleeve 94 has an upper end that has a shoulder 110 which engages a ²connecting piece²112 when in the lower position as shown in Figure 9A. The bottom end 114 is ²tapered so as to ²self-align as the sleeve 94 moves from the upper position shown in Figure 9E ²to the lower ²position shown in Figure 9A.²Figures 10A, 10B and 10C illustrate a rod or wand 90 which includes a first ²shaft 99 defining²spiral grooves 100a and 100b and hand pumping portion 102 coaxially receiving ²said first shaft²99 for reciprocal movement of said hand portion 102 relative said first shaft ²99 to rotate said ²shaft 99 and wand in a selected first or clockwise rotation or second or ²counter clockwise ²direction. The hand portion includes a slideable selector 104 for selecting ²the direction of ²rotation of said drive gear means 20.²Figures 10A, 10B and 10C also illustrate a hand grasping portion 120 which can ²be grasped by²an individual grasping the hand pumping portion 102 by another hand and ²reciprocately pumps ²the hand pumping portion 102 up and down in a reciprocating fashion between a ²first ²reciprocating position and a second reciprocating position so as to rotate the ²first shaft 99.²TORONTO: 1850960\1 (123195)²Date Regue / Date Received 2023-02-21²<DP=19>²- 19 -²The hand grasping portion 120 is hollow and includes two projections 122 which ²engage an ²annular groove 124 as shown; so as to permit rotation of the first shaft 99 ²relative the hand ²grasping portion 120.²Furthermore, Figure 1 illustrates that the controls (driven and driver gears) ²are housed in the²housing 40 while the other opposite end includes a pin end 19. The interior ²surface of the pin²end 19 includes a post which receives a revolving pin 5 as best seen in Figure ²11C which ²coaxially receives the other end 43 of the shade roll 13 for rotation of a ²clutch axis and shade ²roll axis.²Figure 1 also shows an exploded view of a cassette 130 which can be comprised ²of aluminum²or plastic or the like and includes a plurality of extensions or rails that ²are adapted to engage²(not shown) for attachment adjacent a window opening 14. The brackets 132 ²allow a user to ²fasten the bracket (not shown) to adjacent the window opening 14 first and ²thereafter snap the ²cassette 130 in place for easy installation.²The arrangements shown in Figure 1 can be reversed so that the control end 7 ²is located on the²opposite end depending on which side of the window cassette the user desires ²to place the²wand 90. The control end 7 shown in Figure 1 consists of a right control cap ²while the opposite ²pin end 19 comprises a left end cap. However these can be reversed.²The left side of the cassette 130 of Figure 2 presents the pin end cap while ²the right side of ²Figure 2 presents the right control cap.² The cassette 130 covers the internal mechanism of the control elements.²Figures 12-17D illustrate yet another embodiment of the invention where the ²blind has a narrow ²profile with gears between the window blind or shade 11 and a window opening ²14 as ²previously discussed.²TORONTO: 1850960\1 (123195)²Date Regue / Date Received 2023-02-21²<DP=20>²-20 -²In particular Figures 12-17D show the control module 12 for a window shade 11 ²for a window ²opening 14 which comprises a housing 40 having an end 39 and the blind has an ²opposite pin ²end 19 as previously described in relation to Figure 11D. The housing 40 ²includes a first ²housing portion 42 for receiving a driven gear 18 and a second housing portion ²44²communicating with the first housing portion 42 where the second housing ²portion 44 receives²the drive gear 25. The housing 40 is disposed at one end of the window shade ²11 and the ²window opening 14 to define a gap 15 there between as previously described. ²The first housing ²portion 42 defines a first cavity or first cavity portion 42 and the second ²housing portion 44 ²defines a second cavity or second cavity portion 44.²The second cavity 44 communicates with the first cavity 42 and is radially ²disposed beyond the²first cavity 42. A driven gear 18 is disposed in the first cavity 42. A drive ²gear 25 is located within ²the second cavity 42 and is engageable with the driven gear 18 for rotatably ²driving the driven ²gear 18 so as to raise and lower the window shade 11 relative to the opening ²14. The first cavity²42 and second cavity 44 have a common aperture or communication path 43c for ²the drive gear²25 to engage or mesh with the driven gear 18. Furthermore a rod as shown in ²either Figures 9A-²9E or as shown in Figures 10A-10C may be used as previously described.²In another embodiment the control module 12 illustrates a housing 40 having an ²end wall 39 ²adjacent to the inside edge of the window opening 14, a clutch 50 projecting ²from the housing ²40 and engageable with the window shade 11 to define gap 15a.²In another embodiment a mounting plate 43 can be used to engage the end 39 of ²the housing²40. The mounting plate 43 includes an alignment pin 37 to axially mount and ²engage the plate²43 with the clutch assembly 50 as shown in Figure 13. The mounting plate 43 ²presents an end ²wall 41 for contact with the edge 17 of the window opening 14 to define gap ²15b.²TORONTO: 1850960\1 (123195)²Date Regue / Date Received 2023-02-21²<DP=21>²- 21 -²The housing 40 generally includes an end or bottom wall or surface 39, and ²upstanding side ²wall 37. The housing 40 also includes a cavity having spaced circular cavity ²walls 47 connected ²at the ends thereof to spaced generally straight cavity walls 45 to define the ²first cavity portion ²42 and second cavity portion 44, namely portions 44a and 44b. The region ²between spaced²generally straight cavity walls 45 include apertures 23a, and 23b, that are ²adapted to engage²with annular recesses 25a, and 25b, presented by the shaft of the worm wheel ²25.²The driven gear 18 is either engageable with the clutch 50 or disposed at one ²end of the clutch ²50 as shown; and disposed between the window shade and the end wall 41 ²adjacent with the ²edge 17 of the window opening 14.²In one embodiment the drive means 25 comprises a drive gear disposed in the ²second cavity 44²adjacent the end wall 39 and engageable with the driven gear 18 for rotatably ²driving the clutch ²50 and shade 11 about a clutch axis 51 for raising and lowering the shade 11 ²relative to the ²window opening 14. The drive means 25 and driven means 18 are disposed in a ²region within ²the gap 15. The drive gear 25 and driven gear 18 are generally disposed in a ²common plane (².. occupying the gap region 15) disposed generally perpendicular to the clutch ²axis 51.²The control module 12 also includes a shell plate 66 for covering the driven ²gear 18 in the first ²cavity portion 42 and for covering the drive gear means 25 in the second ²cavity portion 44 and ²constrain the drive gear means 25 and driven gear 18 against binding. The ²covering 66 in ²Figures 12-15 is generally flat.²The first cavity portion 42 and second cavity portion 44 are radially spaced ²along the clutch axis.²In one embodiment the driven gear 18 comprises a spur gear 18 disposed at one ²end of the ²clutch 50 between the end wall 41 and one end of the shade 11 and disposed in ²the gap 15 ²(15a, 15b) between the one end of the shade 11 and the edge 17 of the window. ²In one²TORONTO: 1850960\1 (123195)²Date Regue / Date Received 2023-02-21²<DP=22>²-22 -²embodiment the thickness of the spur gear 18 along the clutch axis is between ²5 to 8 millimeters ²by way of example; although other dimensions can be used.²In one embodiment the drive gear 25 comprises a worm gear as shown in the ²figures.²In a further embodiment the control module 12 has a second cavity 44 (44a, ²44b) which has a²first and second opening 43a and 43b communicating with the second cavity 44 ²whereby the²worm gear 25 is selectively disposed adjacent the first opening 43a or second ²43b opening for ²engaging with the spur gear 18 in the first cavity 42 so as to present a ²control module 12 for ²either the right side or left side of the window blind respectively as shown ²in Figures 14A-14C or ²Figures 15A-15C, respectively.²As previously discussed the clutch 50 can include selectively engageable ²braking means 11a²for preventing the shade 11 from unrolling when the driven gear 18 is idle; or ²as discussed ²below the braking means may be eliminated as discussed below.²In an embodiment described herein the gear ratio between the worm gear or ²wheel can be ²selected at 8:1, 9:1, or 4:1 by way of example. In other words the ratio can ²be selected so one²rotation or the worm gear 25 will rotate 2 teeth of the spur gear. Therefore ²with a ratio of 8:1, 8²full rotations (i.e. 360 degrees) of the worm gear 25 ( and the wand ) will ²rotate the spur gear 18 ²once.²Furthermore by making the gap 15 ( and size of the worm wheel 25 and drive ²gear 18 smaller ²to fit within the gap 15, 15a or 15b) more turns of the worm gear 25 and wand ²will be required.²The wider or thicker the worm gear 25 and spur gear 18 the less turns are ²required and the²more inertia is created ( due to the larger size of the worm wheel 25 and spur ²gear 18) so that ²the braking springs 11a may not be required, depending on the length of the ²window blind roll²TORONTO: 1850960\1 (123195)²Date Regue / Date Received 2023-02-21²<DP=23>²-23 -²11. For larger widths of window blind rolls it is prudent to use the braking ²means 11a andllb ²due to the increased weight of the blind roll.²Furthermore the wand shown in Figures10A-10C can be selected so that one ²reciprocal stroke ²(the hand control 102 being moved from an upper position to a lower position ²will cause the²wand to rotate 4 and a half turns. In some of the prior art cranks as for ²example in Canadian²Patent 2353114 the crank will have to be rotated 20 turns to move the window ²blind in ²approximately the same vertical length as it takes for one stroke of the wand ²shown in Figures ²10A to 10C or 4 and a half turns for the hand crank shown in Figures 9A-9E ²when used in the ²embodiments shown herein.²In one embodiment the bevel gear ratio shown in Figures 8D can be selected at ²4:1 so 4 turns²of bevel gear 80B will turn bevel gear 80a in one full revolution. Other ²ratios can be selected; ²although in one embodiment of the invention it is desirable to keep select the ²sizes to generate ²a low gear ration so as not to tire a person using the wands in the event the ²person needs to ²turn the crank many many times to raise or lower the window blind 11.²Finally the invention as described in the embodiment shown in Figures 12-15 ²relates to a narrow²profile control module 12 for a window shade roll for a window opening 14 ²which comprises:²(a) a housing 40 disposed at one end of the window shade roll 11, the ²housing 40 ²having or engaging a control end wall 39 or 41 respectively and a first cavity ²42 ²and a second cavity 44, 44a or 44b where the first cavity 42 communicates with² the second cavity 44;²(b) a spur gear 18 disposed in the first cavity 42 between the control end ²wall 41 and ²one end of the window shade roll 11 and defining a gap 15 between the one end ²of the window shade 11 and the window opening;²TORONTO: 1850960\1 (123195)²Date Regue / Date Received 2023-02-21²<DP=24>²-24 -²(c) a clutch 50 projecting from the spur gear 18 into the window shade roll ²11, the ²spur gear 18 rotatably engageable with the clutch 50 about a clutch axis for ²raising and lowering said window shade 11 relative to the window opening 14;²(d) a drive gear means 25 disposed in a second cavity 44, the drive gear ²means 25²engageable with the spur gear 18 for rotatably driving the clutch 50 about the²clutch axis for raising and lowering said window shade 11; and²(e) a rod connected to the drive gear 25 for rotatably driving the spur ²gear 18.²Furthermore the housing 40 includes a cover plate 66 to cover the first cavity ²42 and the second²cavity 44 and where said one end of the shade 11 contacts the cover plate 66 ²to define the gap²15 between the cover plate 66 covering the first and second cavities 42 and 44 ²and the end wall²41.²The clutch 50 includes cover 66a.²The embodiment shown in Figures 12-17D can operate with the previously ²described wand ²which includes one end connected to the drive gear means 25 and a handle at ²another end for² manually rotating the wand and the spur gear 18.²A further embodiment of the wand is shown in Figure 17A. The wand can comprise ²of a one ²piece rod 90 with a drive motor 67 at a lower end of the rod 90. The drive ²motor 67 can have a ²battery. Alternatively the drive motor 67 can be removeably detachable from ²r090 in which case ²the drive motor 67 has a connection to the rod 90 such as a female socket 93 ²that engages a²male extension 91 located at the lower end of the rod 90. The drive motor 67 ²includes a push²button 65 that can be activated to rotate the rod 90 in one direction so as to ²move the blind 11 in ²one direction ie up; or to push the push button 65 in another direction to ²rotate the rod 90 in an ²opposite direction so as to move the blind or shade 11 in another direction ie ²down.²TORONTO: 1850960\1 (123195)²Date Regue / Date Received 2023-02-21²<DP=25>²-25 -²Alternatively the drive motor 67 and rod 90 can be made as a single piece. ²Furthermore in yet ²another embodiment the drive motor can be activated by a remote ( not shown)²Furthermore the motor drive 67 can also be used in combination with the ²articulated wand 90 ²shown in Figures 9A,9B., 9C and 9D; i.e. when the rod or wand 90 is in the ²straight²configuration shown such that the motor drive 67 can axially engage the lower ²end 97 and raise²or lower the blind or shade 11.²The other end of the wand or rod 90 includes an engagement means 33 . In one ²embodiment ²the engagement means 33 can comprise a hook 33a as shown in Figure 17B or ²spaced fingers²33b to engage with the lower portion 35 of worm gear 25 as shown in Figure 17C ²and 17d.²More particularly Figure 17C illustrates that the lower portion 35 of worm ²gear 25 can comprise²an "0" shaped receiver for selective engagement of the upper portion 33 of ²wand or rod 90. ²Figure 17c shows that a portion of the "0' shaped receiver is narrowed or ²restricted at 35 such ²that the spacing between fingers 33b is slightly larger than the restriction ²35a so as to snap into ²place.²The motor drive 67 is appealing where there are multiple window blinds 11 in a ²room that need²to be raised or lowered relative the window, so as to minimize human effort. ²In other words the ²wand with the motor drive 67 can be easily moved from on window to another.²Another embodiment of the wand as previously described includes a shaft ²defining spiral ²grooves 100A and 100B and a hand portion co-axially receiving the shaft 99 for ²reciprocal²movement of the hand portion relative to the shaft 99 to rotate the wand in a ²selected first or²second direction. The hand portion 102 includes a slideable selector 104 for ²selecting the ²direction of rotation of the drive gear means 25.²TORONTO: 1850960\1 (123195)²Date Regue / Date Received 2023-02-21²<DP=26>²-26 -²In another embodiment the wand 90 as shown in figure 10A to 10C can be adapted ²such that ²the lower end present the male end 91 as described in relation to Figure 17A-²17D and the drive ²motor 67 used to rotate the rod 90 with one hand while grasping the drive ²motor 67 with the ²other hand to rotate shaft 99 relative hand portion 102 to rotate the shaft 90 ²to raise and lower² the blind or shade 11.²Moreover the various embodiments of the wand 90 can be used on window covers ²mounted ²outside of a building. In other words the invention described herein is ²applicable both inside and ²outside of a building having an opening. For example there are opening covers ²( comprised of ²vinyl, metal, such as aluminum or the like, and even wood) for outside the ²windows or even²doors and the like that are used in Europe.²TORONTO: 1850960\1 (123195)²Date Regue / Date Received 2023-02-21²

Claims

- 27 - WHAT IS CLAIMED IS 1. A control module for a window shade for a window opening comprising; (a) a housing disposed at one end of said window shade said housing having an end wall; (b) a first and second cavity presented by said housing, said second cavity communicating with said first cavity; (c) a driven gear means disposed within said first cavity; (d) drive means located within said second cavity to rotatably drive said driven gear and rotatably drive said window shade about an axis so as to raise and lower said window shade relative the opening; (e) wherein said drive means is positioned axially inward from said one end of said window shade and overlap a face of the window shade and is axially spaced inward from said first cavity.

2. A control module as claimed in claim 1 wherein said end wall is adjacent an inside edge of the window opening, a clutch projecting from said housing and engageable with said window shade, said driven gear engageable with or connected to said clutch and disposed between said window shade and said end wall adjacent said edge of the window opening.

3. A control module as claimed in claim 2 wherein the drive means comprises a drive gear means disposed in said second cavity adjacent said end wall and engageable with said driven gear means for rotatably driving said clutch and shade about a clutch axis for raising and lowering said shade relative said window opening.

4. A control module as claimed in claim 2 wherein said housing includes a first housing portion defining said first cavity for receiving said driven gear means and a second Date Re1rue / Date Received 2023-12-28 - 28 - housing portion defining said second cavity portion for communicating with said first housing portion, said second housing portion receiving said drive gear means.

5. A control module as claimed in claim 3 including a shell plate for covering said driven gear means in said first chamber and for covering said drive gear means in said second chamber and constrain said drive gear means and driven gear means against binding.

6. A control module as claimed in claim 4 wherein said first and second housing portion is radially spaced from said clutch axis.

7. A control module as claimed in claim 5 wherein said driven gear comprises a spur gear disposed at said one end of said clutch between said end wall and said one end of said shade and disposed between said one end of said shade and said edge of said window.

8. A control module as claimed in claim 6 wherein the thickness of said spur gear along said clutch axis is between 5 to 8 millimeters.

9. A control module as claimed in claim 8 wherein the drive gear means is a worm gear.

10. A control module as claimed in claim 7 wherein said second cavity has a first and second opening communicating with said first cavity whereby said worm gear is selectively disposed adjacent said first or second opening for engaging with said spur gear in said first cavity so as to present a control module for either said right side or left side of said window blind respectively.

11. A wand for engaging a control module for a window shade for a window opening comprising: (a) a rod extending along a longitudinal length thereof to present a longitudinal axis with opposite ends; (b) one end presenting engagement means for engaging the control module for moving said window shade relative the window opening; (c) motor means axially disposed at the other end of said rod for selectively rotating said rod about said axis in one direction and raising said window blind relative Date Re1rue / Date Received 2023-12-28 - 29 - said window opening and rotating said rod about said axis in the opposite direction for lowering said window blind relative said window opening.

12. A wand for engaging a control module for a window shade for a window opening as claimed in claim 11 wherein said other end of said rod includes means for engaging said motor means.

13. A wand for engaging a control module for a window shade for a window opening as claimed in claim 12 wherein said means for engaging said motor means comprises one of a male extension or female socket while said motor means comprises the other of said comprises one of a male extension or female socket.

14. A wand for engaging a control module for a window shade for a window opening as claimed in claim 13 wherein said one end of said rod comprises engagement means for engaging said control module.

15. A wand for engaging a control module for a window shade for a window opening as claimed in claim 14 wherein: i) said engagement means comprises a hook at said one end for engagement with one end of a worm gear presented by the control module; or ii) said engagement means comprises a pair of fingers defining a space between said fingers for engagement with said one end of a worm gear presented by the control module.

16. A wand for engaging a control module for a window shade for a window opening as claimed in claim 15 wherein said one end of said one end of said worm gear comprises an "O' shaped receiver for engagement with said pair of fingers.

17. A wand for engaging a control module for a window shade for a window opening as claimed in claim 16 wherein said "O" shaped receiver presents a restriction in cross section which is smaller than the space between said pair of spaced fingers so that said fingers snap into position with said 'O' shaped receiver. Date Re1rue / Date Received 2023-12-28 - 30- 18. A wand for engaging a control module for a window shade for a window opening comprising: (a) a shaft extending along a longitudinal length thereof and presenting a pair of spiral grooves along a longitudinal axis thereof with opposite ends; (b) one end presenting engagement means for engaging the control module for moving said window shade relative the window opening; (c) a hand pumping portion coaxially receiving said shaft and engageable with said pair of spiral grooves for reciprocal movement of said hand portion relative said shaft between a first position and a second position to rotate said shaft and wand in a selected first direction to raise said window blind relative said window opening and rotation in an opposite direction to lower said window blind relative said window opening, respectively, and; (d) a selector carried on said hand pumping portion to selectively switch the rotation of said shaft in a selected first or second direction, wherein said selector allows engagement into a specific spiral groove of the two intersecting spiral grooves in order to select the specific direction of the rotation of the wand.

19. The control module as claimed in claim 1 wherein said rod comprises a wand, said wand including a shaft defining two intersecting spiral grooves and a hand portion coaxially receiving said shaft for reciprocal movement of said hand portion relative said shaft to rotate said wand, and a selector carried on said hand portion to selectively switch the rotation of said shaft in a selected first or second direction; wherein said selector allows engagement into a specific spiral groove of the two intersecting spiral grooves in order to select the specific direction of the rotation of the wand.

20. The control module as claimed in claim 1 wherein said rod comprises a shaft defining two spiral intersecting grooves or two spiral intersecting protrusions and a hand portion coaxially receiving said two intersecting spiral grooves or two intersecting spiral Date Re1rue / Date Received 2023-12-28 - 31 - protrusions for reciprocal movement of said hand portion relative said two intersecting spiral grooves or two intersecting spiral protrusions to rotate said shaft in a selected first or second direction to lower or raise said window shade and a selector on said hand portion to selectively switch the rotation of said shaft; wherein said selector allows engagement with a specific spiral groove or specific spiral protrusions of the two intersecting spiral grooves or two spiral intersecting protrusions in order to select the specific direction of the rotation of the wand.

21. The control module as claimed in claim 20 wherein said drive gear means includes a drive shaft disposed at an angle relative the housing and said wand hangs vertically downwardly from said drive shaft in a first position and is moveable to a second operable position to drive said drive shaft.

22. A control module to control opening and closing a widow shade comprising: a shaft defining two spiral intersecting grooves or two spiral intersecting protrusions and a hand pumping portion coaxially receiving said two intersecting spiral grooves or two intersecting spiral protrusions for reciprocal movement of said hand pumping portion relative said two intersecting spiral grooves or two intersecting spiral protrusions to rotate said shaft in a selected first or second direction to lower or raise said window shade, and a switch carried on said hand pumping portion to selectively switch the rotation of said shaft; wherein said switch allows engagement with a specific spiral groove or specific spiral protrusion of the two intersecting spiral grooves or two spiral intersecting protrusions in order to select the specific direction of the rotation of the wand.

23. A control module as claimed in claim 22 wherein a first end of said shaft includes an attachment to suspend said shaft from said window shade and a second end of said shaft includes a hand grasping portion with said hand pumping portion disposed Date Re1rue / Date Received 2023-12-28 - 32 - coaxially on the shaft for reciprocal movement of said hand pumping portion between said first and second end.

24. A wand for attachment to a window shade assembly comprising; (a) a shaft defining two spiral intersecting grooves or two spiral intersecting protrusions and a hand pumping portion coaxially receiving said two intersecting spiral grooves or two intersecting spiral protrusions for reciprocal movement of said hand pumping portion relative said two intersecting spiral grooves or two intersecting spiral protrusions to rotate said shaft in a selected first or second direction to lower or raise said window shade; (b) wherein a first end of said shaft includes an attachment to attach said shaft to a control module and a second end of said shaft includes a hand grasping portion with said hand pumping portion disposed coaxially on the shaft for reciprocal movement between said first and second end; and (c) a selector carried on said hand pumping portion to selectively switch the rotation of said shaft in a selected first or second direction, wherein said selector allows engagement into a specific spiral groove of the two intersecting spiral grooves in order to select the specific direction of the rotation of the wand.

25. The wand as claimed in claim 22 further including a switch disposed on an exterior surface of said hand pumping portion to selectively switch the rotation of said shaft ; wherein said switch allows engagement with a specific spiral groove or specific spiral protrusion of the two intersecting spiral grooves or two spiral intersecting protrusions in order to select the specific direction of the rotation of the wand. Date Re1rue / Date Received 2023-12-28