Remote Drapes Closer Boon to Handicapped
A new product that should appeal to the elderly, handicapped and to people who like gadgets is being marketed by Tep Inc. of Winona, Ohio.
Though its price tag is high ($299), Tep President John Hall says the firm’s 3240 remote control drapery closer has been selling well. That price, by the way, is a special introductory offer good only through November.
After that, the price will be $395. The sum of $8 should be added for handling. Ohio residents must pay a 5% sales tax.
The remote control drapery closer works with any draw cord-type drapery or with curtain rods. It replaces the standard cord tensioner used on most draperies.
A continuous cord is required, not the two pull cords used on some draperies. The closer is definitely a do-it-yourself gadget, easy to install with only a screwdriver, Hall says.
The device comes with directions and a template to mark the holes for the four mounting screws (included). It can be mounted on the baseboard or on the wall, just as long as it is directly below the cord end of the rod.
When mounted, the closer will be hidden by the drapes. It operates on a standard 115 volts alternating current, and the remote control unit uses a standard 9-volt battery.
The closer has a three-prong grounded plug that fits all standard wall outlets. Each power unit is individually fused and the motor is thermally protected.
The small hand-held transmitter will operate the closer at a distance of up to 100 feet and does not have to be in direct line of sight. A single button opens or closes the drapes to any position.
A wide range of frequencies are available for installations where more than one set of drapes are to be operated in the same area.
Since the product is new, the firm’s initial sales efforts have been in the East, and West Coast dealerships have not yet been established. The device can be ordered by mail, however, and will be delivered by United Parcel Service in about 10 days. Tep’s address is P.O. Box 104, Winona, Ohio 44493.
The closer (built in the United States!) comes with a full 90-day money-back guarantee. It also has a two-year warranty on materials and workmanship.
Tep Inc. has been in business since 1982, its principal product until now being line voltage monitors.
