Pleated shade cut-off method and apparatus

The method of cutting a pleated shade to selected length, said shade having elongated pleats retained in pleated condition between longitudinally elongated first and second retainers, extending generally parallel to the pleats that includes the steps

• a) providing a blade having a cutting edge,
• b) orienting the blade to extend laterally relative to the retainers and pleats, with the blade edge presented toward the first retainer at an angle to that retainer,
• c) urging the blade in a first direction toward the first retainer so that the blade edge cuts through the first retainer progressively in a lateral and second direction, and progressively laterally through the pleats and lower retainer, the pleats and/or retainers being adjustably sidewardly and laterally confined by provision of an adjustable clamping member between two guides, and the first retainer and pleats being clamped in said first direction, by force transmission from the blade,
• d) providing a support platform between two blade guides to support said pleats and/or retainers,
• e) providing a base supporting said guides and said platform, there being a groove associated with the base to interfit and guide a downward projection carried by the support platform, whereby the platform can be accurately positioned relative to the blade,
• f) providing a through slot in the base in registration with the blade to pass the blade for removal and replacement,
• g) sliding the platform and said downward projection relative to the base and groove, and slot, and from a forward position in which the platform extends over the slot, and to a retracted position in which the slot is exposed to pass the blade, the platform having reduced lateral width to obviate interference with the clamping member, in a platform forward position,
• h) and downwardly removing the blade through the slot in the base, while the platform is in said retracted position.