In the wake of nationwide alarm over child injuries and deaths caused by standard corded window coverings, Stevenson Vestal, a major custom window fashions manufacturer, announced the introduction of a dramatic innovation in lift and operating systems for Roman, woven wood, screen and roller shades that completely eliminates hazardous cords.
Safe-T-Shade™ is a patent-pending, industry-first design that enables all styles of shades to function smoothly and freely without the entangling lift cords, control cords and unsightly rings currently in use. The system was developed in anticipation of a massive voluntary recall jointly announced in December, 2009 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC), affecting millions of Roman shades and roll-up blinds.
The CPSC has estimated that since the early 1980s, 500 children have been strangled on exposed window shade cords, an average of about one child per month. Hundreds more children, as well as pets, have been injured by the recalled cord mechanisms. The voluntary recall has reverberated through the industry, resulting in canceled orders and a virtual stand-still in production of such products.
In place of dangerous cord systems, Safe-T-Shade™ is engineered to assure safe, smooth operation, but also eliminates the clutter of exposed hardware, resulting in a clean, tailored look, even from exterior views.
The CPSC reviewed three versions of the new system in February, 2010, and in their written conclusion stated that “all three samples prevent the strangulation risk not only due to inner cords but also due to operating cords by either eliminating or hiding them. All three samples present innovative designs to make roman shades safer.”
Stevenson Vestal, plans to market the system to fabricators and major retail operations that fabricate their own product lines. The patent-pending systems will be manufactured in the U.S.
Company principal William Vestal said, “We are pleased that the CPSC has found our innovation to be safe and we expect that it will quickly become a trusted brand throughout the market. With the use of Safe-T-Shade components, fabricators will find that it can actually reduce their production costs and enable them to realize higher profit margins. In addition, this product has been well received by everyone who has seen it for its attractive appearance and ease of operation.”
About Stevenson Vestal
Stevenson Vestal, a high-quality custom drapery workroom to the trade, has served interior designers and retailers for more than 25 years. The company combines traditional artisanship with innovation in manufacturing and information technologies. Located in Burlington, North Carolina, Stevenson Vestal offers fast, reliable order processing, work scheduling, and delivery through its markets, and free weekly fabric pickup within the Mid-Atlantic region. For more info about Safe-T-Shade™ and other Stevenson Vestal products, please contact William Vestal or Gary Siegel.