Window covering sizing method and apparatus

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 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.

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 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.