The front profile of a drop arm blind lowers by gravity and is fixed to side arms that fall from a pivot point.  The projection is thus the same as the drop from the roller to the pivot point.  This is the simplest form of awning that is ideally suited to shorter drop windows.  The arms normally fall 90º to the horizontal although they will drop through to 135º to give shading against low angle sun.

To achieve a long projection or for clearance under the arms, as would be required over a patio door or shop window, a sliding arm blind is needed.  The pivot point moves up the slide as the blind drops.  A spring mechanism in the slides draws the arm up, tensions the fabric and provides resistance to wind buffeting.

Types and operation

• Tape operated - a webbed tape is wound around a flange on the end of the roller.  The blind is maintained in position by an inertia reel or by tying the tape to a cleat.
• Gear operated - a gearbox is fitted to the roller and the blind operated by a winding handle.
• Electric operation - a tubular motor is fitted within the roller.

Components

• Roller - usually aluminium with a cleat to attach the blind fabric.
• Front profile - aluminium extrusion has two cleats; one for the fabric and one for an optional valance.
• Blind arms - aluminium to project the blind front profile away from the building.
• Slides - extruded section with integral spring mechanism to raise the arms.
• Top board - aluminium section that covers the roller for weather protection when retracted.
• Winding handle - detachable cranked handle for manual gear operation.

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