by Jim Langdon  

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Number 017 | April 28, 2000
© 2000 Designer Blinds

INSTALLERS:  
See the Important Installation Note below.

With all the new products and lift systems out now, be sure not to overlook changes that have been made to an old reliable standby —the EasyRise™ system used with Duette® and Applause® honeycomb shades.  The EasyRise lift system has been a "best seller" since its introduction over a decade ago, accounting for more than a quarter of all honeycomb shade sales.  The EasyRise headrail has received a bit of a "facelift".  The new headrail features a softer look with a gentle curve to the front of the shade.  Along with the headrail, the clutch, end caps, internal components and installation brackets have also been changed to better conform to the shape of the new headrail.

The Original EasyRise Look and Function Is Still Available

When you turn the headrail to the back it will look familiar --The look and function of the original EasyRise headrail is still there. You may specify to have the old style headrail to the front of the shade. This is useful when matching older shades or when you want to specify an EasyRise Valance.  

Like the original, the new EasyRise headrail is available in neutral Aspen White only.  When you need to color coordinate, a matching valance made of flat Duette fabric is available. (Valances are not available for Applause shades).  To use an EasyRise Valance the curved portion of the headrail must go to the back, so it is important to order valances when the shade is ordered.  If you decide to add a valance later, the shade will need to be rebuilt.

VERY IMPORTANT: Note For Installers:

You won't find this in the Reference Guide or installation instructions:  For most installations, older versions of the EasyRise bracket will work fine with the new headrail EXCEPT when a valance is used or the curved side is installed toward the back for any reason.  Do not use older brackets in this situation.  If you do, the shade will install, but you will not be able to remove it from the bracket.  

The new bracket will work with all new and all older EasyRise shades. It is slightly different but looks the same and you will not be able to tell the difference at a glance.  The best way to tell if you are using the bracket that will work in all situations is to see the number "00" stamped on the bracket.  This tells you that this is the newest version of the bracket and it is safe to use in any situation.

DESIGNER BLINDS RECOMMENDS that you discard any older versions of the EasyRise brackets so you can be completely safe in using brackets that we send when we start shipping EasyRise shades made with the new components, beginning in mid-May.  

Also, in any situation where you are installing the curved side of the headrail, double-check to make sure that the bracket has the "00" stamp.