TW201510346A - Cover with a nested roller for a building opening - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a cover for an opening in a building. The cover may include a rotatable outer roller, a rotatable inner roller, a first shade fixed to the outer roller, and a second shade fixed to the inner roller. The outer roller can define an elongated slot extending along one of the lengths of the outer roller and leading to one of the outer rollers. The inner roller can be received within the outer roller and can define a central longitudinal axis. The first shade can be retracted onto the outer roller and can extend from the outer roller. The second shade can extend through the elongated slot and can be retracted onto the inner roller and can extend from the inner roller. The elongated slot is substantially horizontally aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller when the first shade is in a fully extended position.

Description

Cover with a nested roller for a building opening Cross-reference to related applications

The present application claims the benefit of US Provisional Application No. 61/834,080, filed on Jun. 12, 2013, entitled &quot;Covering for an Architectural Opening Having Nested Rollers&quot;, in accordance with 35 USC § 119(e), and the present application is hereby incorporated by reference. The priority of U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/213,449, entitled,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, The priority of the U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/212,387, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein to </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt; </ RTI> <RTIgt;

The present invention relates generally to coverings for building openings, and more particularly to apparatus and methods for operating a cover having a nested roller for a building opening.

Over the years, for the coverage of building openings such as windows, doors, arches and the like Things have taken many forms. Some covers include a retractable shade that is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the shade of the cover can be positioned across the opening. In the retracted position, the shade of the cover can be positioned adjacent one or more sides of the opening.

Some covers transmit light through the material of the construction cover when in the fully extended position. In some instances, a greater amount of darkening is desired even when the cover has operable blades that open and close to control the amount of light passing through the cover. Additionally or alternatively, in some instances a user may desire a different pattern or appearance of the cover when in the fully extended position. Typically, such goals are achieved by positioning a separate roller behind the main roller for individual actuation by the user. These separate rollers for supplemental function or appearance increase the size of the head rails and may require the use of a second set of control ropes and operating mechanisms, thereby increasing the size and weight of the covering structure.

An example of the invention may include a cover having a nested roller for a building opening. In some examples, the covering can include: a rotatable outer roller defining an elongated slot extending along one of the lengths of the outer roller and leading to one of the outer rollers; a rotatable inner roller Receiving in the outer roller and defining a central longitudinal axis; a first shade fixed to the outer roller, the first shade can be retracted to the outer roller and extendable from the outer roller; A second shade secured to the inner roller, wherein the second shade extends through the elongated slot and is retractable onto the inner roller and extendable from the inner roller. The elongated slot is substantially horizontally aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller when the first shade is in a fully extended position.

In some examples, the inner roller and the outer roller are concentric about a central longitudinal axis of the inner roller. In some examples, the first shade and the second shade have the same width. In some examples, the width of the first shade extends along the entire length of the outer roller, and the width of the second shade extends along the entire length of the inner roller. In some In an example, the slot is oriented orthogonal to one of the first shades extending direction.

In some examples, the cover includes a bottom rail that is secured to the second shade and engages one of the outer rollers when the second shade is in a fully retracted position. In some examples, the outer roller defines a longitudinal seat formed along the slot and the bottom rail is received in the seat when the second shade is in the fully retracted position. In some examples, the cover includes a mounting system that supports the inner roller and the outer roller for rotational movement about the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller. In some examples, the cover includes an operating mechanism for selectively rotating the inner roller.

In some examples, the outer roller includes a first housing and a second housing each having a longitudinally extending end edge, and the edges of the first housing and the second housing are spaced apart from each other along the circumference Open to define the elongated slot. In some examples, the cover includes: a first sleeve locked into one of the first housing and the second housing; and a second sleeve locked to the first housing And an opposite end of the second housing; wherein the first sleeve and the second sleeve maintain a constant width of the one of the slots.

In some examples, the cover includes a lock mechanism movable between a first position that limits rotation of the outer roller and a second position that permits rotation of the outer roller. In some examples, the lock mechanism moves from the first position to the second position immediately after engagement of the bottom rail with the lock mechanism. In some examples, the outer roller defines an elongated groove formed in the side wall, the lock mechanism includes a bearing, and in the first position of the lock mechanism, the bearing is received in the groove. In some examples, the lock mechanism includes a pin and the lock mechanism is actuated immediately after the pin is engaged by the bottom rail to remove the bearing from the groove. In some examples, the bearing movably engages the outer surface of the outer roller in the second position.

In some examples, the lock mechanism includes a locking member that pivots between the first position and the second position. In some examples, the lock mechanism includes one of the locking members that translate axially between the first position and the second position. In some instances, the lock mechanism includes One of the rotatable shaft members is oriented outside the outer roller and substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller. In some examples, the cover includes an end cap, the inner roller and the outer roller are rotatably coupled to the end cap, the lock mechanism includes an outer casing from which the end cap overhangs, and the rotatable shaft shaft The neck is supported to the outer casing. In some examples, the lock mechanism includes a gear mechanism that couples the rotatable shaft member and the rotation of the outer roller.

In some examples, the cover may include: a rotatable outer roller defining an elongated slot; a first shade fixed to the outer roller and wrapable on the outer roller; a lock mechanism Positioning outside the outer roller and at least partially defining a bottom stop of the first shade; a rotatable inner roller received in the outer roller; a second shade fixed to the inner roller Winding on the inner roller, the second shade extending through the elongated slot and retractable; and a non-rotatable shaft extending within the inner roller and at least partially defining the second shade A bottom stop.

In some examples, the lock mechanism includes: a rotatable shaft member positioned outside the outer roller; and a locking member axially translated along the rotatable shaft member. In some examples, the lock mechanism includes a pivotable locking member positioned external to the outer roller.

An example of the invention can include a method of operating a cover for a building opening. In some examples, the method includes: deploying a first shade from a periphery of one of the outer rollers; and immediately positioning one of the rollers in the outer roller after the first shade reaches a fully extended position Surrounding a second shade, wherein deploying the second shade comprises extending the second shade through one of the outer rollers and positioned substantially horizontally aligned with a central longitudinal axis of the inner roller Stretch the groove.

In some examples, the method includes: pivoting a locking member into locking engagement with the outer roller to lock rotation of the outer roller; rotating the inner roller relative to the outer roller to pass the second shade through The elongated groove formed in the outer roller is retracted onto the inner roller; the locking member is pivoted out of engagement with the outer roller to allow the outer roller to rotate at a fully retracted position of the inner roller And by driving the inner roller to make the outer The roller rotates to retract the first shade onto the outer roller.

In some examples, the method includes axially traversing one of the locking members outside the periphery of the outer roller during extension of the first shade; after the first shade reaches the fully extended position Immediately by means of the locking member, the rotation of the outer roller is restricted; during the extension of the second shade, one of the nuts positioned in the inner roller is axially traversed; and after the second shade reaches a fully extended position The nut is then used to limit the rotation of the inner roller.

The present invention has been presented to facilitate an understanding, and those skilled in the art will appreciate that each of the various aspects and features of the present invention may be advantageously employed in some embodiments, or in other instances. Other aspects and features of the invention are used in combination. Accordingly, while the invention is presented by way of example, it should be understood that the individual aspects of any of the examples can be claimed individually or in combination with the aspects and features of the examples or any other examples.

The present invention is to be construed as being limited to the details of the claimed subject matter. In some instances, details that are not necessary for an understanding of the invention or that are difficult to recognize in other details may be omitted. It is to be understood that the claimed subject matter is not necessarily limited to the specific examples or configurations illustrated herein.

10‧‧‧Retractable cover/cover/motorized cover

14‧‧‧ head rails

18‧‧‧First bottom rail/bottom rail

20‧‧‧Second bottom rail/bottom rail/relative weight bottom rail

22‧‧‧First shade/shade

24‧‧‧Second shade/shade

24a‧‧‧ right edge

24b‧‧‧left edge

26a‧‧‧End cap / right end cap

26b‧‧‧End cap / left end cap

30‧‧‧Front sheet/sheet

34‧‧‧After sheet/sheet

38‧‧‧Flexible blades/blades with horizontally extending vertical spacing

40‧‧‧Drive or operating mechanism / operating mechanism / operating element

42‧‧‧Operating components

44‧‧‧Electric motor/motor

46‧‧‧Remote Control Unit/Double Roller Unit/Roller Unit

48‧‧‧Inner wheel/wheel

50‧‧‧External roller/wheel

52‧‧‧Rotary shaft/longitudinal extension recess

54‧‧‧First housing/housing

56‧‧‧Second housing/housing

58‧‧‧Longitudinal extension edge section / first end section / end section

60‧‧‧Longitudinal extension edge section / first end section

62‧‧‧Channel/attachment point

64‧‧‧Inserts/Internal Accessories/Accessories

66‧‧‧Restriction screw/thread limit screw/screw

68‧‧‧Limit nut/nut

70a‧‧‧Right casing/sleeve

70b‧‧‧Left casing/sleeve

72a‧‧‧Protruding/axial projection

72b‧‧‧Protruding section/axial projection

74‧‧‧Shelf

76‧‧‧ slots

78‧‧‧Second longitudinally extending edge portion/second edge portion/edge portion

80‧‧‧Second longitudinally extending edge portion/second edge portion/edge portion

81‧‧‧ seat/recessed seat

82‧‧‧ Inserts

84‧‧‧Basic wall/base wall/relative vertical base wall

110‧‧‧ Covering

126a‧‧‧Right end cap/end cap

126b‧‧‧left end cap/end cap

146‧‧‧Double wheel unit

148‧‧‧wheels

150‧‧‧External roller

152‧‧‧Rotary axis

154‧‧‧First housing/housing

156‧‧‧Second housing/housing

158‧‧‧End part/edge part/second end edge part

160‧‧‧End part/edge part/second end edge part

166‧‧‧ Non-rotating limit screw / limit screw

167‧‧‧Boss

168‧‧‧Limiting nut/internal restriction nut

170a‧‧‧Right casing/sleeve

170b‧‧‧Left casing/sleeve

172a‧‧‧Axial protrusion

172b‧‧‧Axial protrusion

176‧‧‧Longitudinal extension slot/slot

178‧‧‧End edge part/edge part

180‧‧‧End edge part/edge part

186‧‧‧Axis-movable lock mechanism/lock mechanism

187‧‧‧ Shell

187a‧‧‧end/end part

187b‧‧‧Free end/end part

187c‧‧‧ middle part

188‧‧‧Rotatable shaft parts/shaft parts

189‧‧‧Nut/Half Nut/External Nut

190‧‧‧ fasteners

191‧‧‧Axial extension collar/ collar

192‧‧‧Docking flange

193‧‧‧Internal wall/bearing surface

194‧‧‧Axis of the shaft

195‧‧‧ journal part

196‧‧‧Keyhole

197‧‧‧ Stops/peripheral extensions/shaft stoppers

198‧‧‧Base

199‧‧‧rail

200‧‧‧Pore/stop receiving pores

201‧‧‧ stiffeners/longitudinal extension ribs

202‧‧‧ lateral extension of the buttresses

203‧‧‧Threaded part

204‧‧‧Gear/Second Gear/External Gear

205‧‧‧ Subject

206‧‧‧Internal thread

207‧‧‧Longitudinal extension wing/wing

208‧‧‧ axially extending fins/grooves

209‧‧‧ lateral extension ribs

211‧‧‧Longitudinal extension butt/butt wall

213‧‧‧Gear mechanism/gear system

215‧‧‧First gear/external gear/gear

217‧‧‧ idling gear / external gear / gear

219‧‧‧Installation board

220‧‧‧Second bottom rail/bottom rail/second rail/second end rail/relative bottom rail

221‧‧‧ Locator pin

223‧‧‧ side

225‧‧‧ Keeping clips

226a‧‧‧Right end cap/end cap

226b‧‧‧left end cap

227‧‧‧ interlocking area

229‧‧‧ Receiving channel

231‧‧‧ Receiving channel

233‧‧‧Longitudinal extension of the lips/lips

235‧‧‧Longitudinal extension of the lip/lip

237‧‧‧End of the longitudinal extension of the end

239‧‧‧End of the longitudinal extension of the end

240‧‧‧Operator/Operating System

241‧‧‧ External tweezers

242‧‧‧Operating components

243‧‧‧External dice

245‧‧‧ anchor groove/groove

246‧‧‧Double roller unit

247‧‧‧Actuator edge/edge/fin

248‧‧‧Inner roller/roller/inner roller tube/inner tube

248a‧‧‧right end

248b‧‧‧left end

249‧‧‧ pivot bracket

250‧‧‧External roller/roller/outer tube

250a‧‧‧right end

250b‧‧‧ left end

251‧‧‧Centered annular boss

252‧‧‧Rotary axis/longitudinal central axis/axis

253‧‧ ‧ column

255‧‧‧wheel lock

257‧‧‧fasteners

259‧‧・Spring/spring parts

261‧‧‧Frame board/board/center board

262‧‧‧Channel/Internal Cavity/Meshing Point/Access Point

263‧‧‧ central body

264‧‧‧Internal parts/accessories/inserts

265‧‧‧ upper leg/leg/upper arm

266‧‧‧Limited screw/threaded shaft parts

267‧‧‧ Lower leg/leg

268‧‧‧Limiting nut

269‧‧ sales

270a‧‧‧Right end roller cap

270b‧‧‧ Left outer roller cap/cap

271‧‧‧ relatively long cylindrical bearing / bearing / roller lock bearing

273‧‧‧arm/top arm

275‧‧‧Gland/rib

276‧‧‧ slot

277a‧‧‧ upper wall

277b‧‧‧Lip/upper lip

277c‧‧‧Upper free edge

279a‧‧‧The lower wall

279b‧‧‧Lip

279c‧‧‧low free edge

281‧‧‧ seat/recessed seat

284‧‧‧Substantially vertically oriented basement wall/relative vertical basement wall

286‧‧‧Lock mechanism

7-7‧‧‧ line

8-8‧‧‧ line

9-9‧‧‧ line

10-10‧‧‧ line

11-11‧‧‧ line

14-14‧‧‧ line

27-27‧‧‧ line

30-30‧‧‧ line

31-31‧‧‧ line

34-34‧‧‧ line

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in FIG

1 is an isometric view of one of the covers in which the first shade and the second shade are in a fully retracted position, in accordance with some examples of the present invention.

2 is an isometric view of the cover of FIG. 1 with one of the first shades in a partially extended position and a second shade in a fully retracted position, in accordance with some examples of the present invention.

3 is an isometric view of the cover of FIG. 1 with one of the first shades in a fully extended position and a second shade in a fully retracted position, in accordance with some examples of the present invention.

4 is an isometric view of the cover of FIG. 1 with one of the first shades in a fully extended position and a second shade in a portion of the extended position, in accordance with some examples of the present invention.

5 is an isometric view of the cover of FIG. 1 with the first shade and the second shade in a fully extended position, in accordance with some examples of the present invention.

Figure 6 is an isometric partial exploded view of one of the head rail assemblies of a cover in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The head rail cover and the first shade and the second shade are not shown for clarity.

Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of one of the covers taken along line 7-7 of Figure 1 having the head rail assembly of Figure 6 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 8 is a transverse cross-sectional view of one of the covers taken along line 8-8 of Figure 2 having the head rail assembly of Figure 6 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 9 is a transverse cross-sectional view of one of the covers taken along line 9-9 of Figure 3 having the head rail assembly of Figure 6 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 10 is a transverse cross-sectional view of one of the covers taken along line 10-10 of Figure 4 having the head rail assembly of Figure 6 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 11 is a transverse cross-sectional view of one of the covers taken along line 11-11 of Figure 5 having the head rail assembly of Figure 6 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 12 is an isometric view of a head rail assembly of a cover in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The head rail cover is not shown for clarity.

Figure 13 is an isometric partial exploded view of the head rail assembly of Figure 12 in accordance with some examples of the present invention.

Figure 14 is a diagram 12 taken along line 14-14 of Figure 12, in accordance with some examples of the present invention. A cross-sectional view of one of the head rail assemblies.

Figure 15 is a side elevational view of one of the components of the head rail assembly of Figure 12 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, showing three of the end caps rotatably supported on one of the covers A gear that bites each other.

16 is an isometric view of one of the lock mechanisms of the head rail assembly of FIG. 12 in accordance with some examples of the present invention.

Figure 17 is a side elevational view of one of the lock mechanisms of Figure 16 in accordance with some examples of the present invention.

Figure 18 is another isometric view of the lock mechanism of Figure 16 in accordance with some examples of the present invention.

19 is a side elevational view of one of the dual roller units attached to one of the lock mechanisms of FIG. 16 in accordance with some examples of the present invention.

Figure 20 is a detailed view of a locking interface between the first and second housings of one of the outer rollers of the dual roller unit of Figure 19, in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 21 is a front elevational view of one of the housings of the lock mechanism of Figure 16 in accordance with some examples of the present invention.

Figure 22 is a side elevational view of one of the housings of Figure 21 in accordance with some examples of the present invention.

Figure 23 is a shaft member of the lock mechanism of Figure 16 in accordance with some examples of the present invention.

Figure 24 is an isometric view of one of the nuts of the lock mechanism of Figure 16 in accordance with some examples of the present invention.

Figure 25 is another isometric view of the nut of Figure 24 in accordance with some examples of the present invention.

Figure 26 is a front elevational view of one of the shaft members of Figure 23 rotatably supported in the outer casing of Figure 21 and the nut of Figure 24 threadedly mounted to the shaft member in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention, The outer casing and the nut are shown in longitudinal section.

Figure 27 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the outer casing, nut and shaft member of Figure 26 taken along line 27-27 of Figure 26, in accordance with some examples of the present invention.

Figure 28 is an isometric partial exploded view of one of the head rail assemblies of a cover in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention. The head rail cover and the second shade are not shown for clarity.

29 is another isometric partial exploded view of the head rail assembly of FIG. 28 in accordance with some examples of the present invention.

Figure 30 is a transverse cross-sectional view of one of the covers taken along line 30-30 of Figure 5 having the head rail assembly of Figure 28 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

31 is a transverse cross-sectional view of one of the covers taken along line 31-31 of FIG. 3 having the head rail assembly of FIG. 28 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

32 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the cover of FIG. 31 in accordance with some examples of the present invention, wherein a bottom rail is seated against the outer roller and a lock mechanism is disengaged from the outer roller.

33 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the cover of FIG. 32 in accordance with some examples of the present invention, wherein the outer roller rotates counterclockwise relative to the position of the outer roller in FIG.

Figure 34 is a transverse cross-sectional view of one of the covers taken along line 34-34 of Figure 4 having the head rail assembly of Figure 28 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 35 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the cover of Figure 31 in accordance with some examples of the present invention with the inner roller and the second shade removed for clarity.

Figure 36 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the cover of Figure 32 in accordance with some examples of the present invention with the inner roller and the second shade removed for clarity.

37 is a transverse cross-sectional view of the cover of FIG. 33 in accordance with some examples of the present invention with the inner roller and the second shade removed for clarity.

38 is an isometric view of one of the lock mechanisms of the head rail assembly of FIG. 28 in accordance with some examples of the present invention.

Figure 39 is another isometric view of the lock mechanism of Figure 38 in accordance with some examples of the present invention.

Figure 40 is an isometric view of one of the brackets of the head rail assembly of Figure 28 in accordance with some examples of the present invention.

Figure 41 is an isometric view of the lock mechanism of Figure 38 rotatably mounted to the carrier of Figure 40 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

42 is a fragment isometric view of one of the components of the head rail assembly of FIG. 28 in accordance with some examples of the present invention and illustrates the interface of the lock mechanism of FIG. 38 with one of the bottom rails of the cover.

43 is a fragment isometric view of one of the components of the head rail assembly of FIG. 28 in accordance with some examples of the present invention and illustrates the interface of the lock mechanism of FIG. 38 with one of the bottom rails of the cover.

Figure 44 is a fragmentary view of one of the ends of the bottom rail of Figures 42 and 43 in accordance with some examples of the present invention.

Figure 45 is an isometric view of the actuator side of the bottom rail of Figure 44 in accordance with some examples of the present invention.

Figure 46 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of one of the ends of one of the covers taken along line 7-7 of Figure 1 having the head rail assembly of Figure 28 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

Figure 47 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the other end of a cover taken along line 7-7 of Figure 1 having the head rail assembly of Figure 28 in accordance with some embodiments of the present invention.

The present invention provides a cover for an opening in a building. In general, the cover may include both a first shade and a second shade suspended from the same head rail by forming one of the pair of roller units. The first shade (front shade in this configuration) is engaged with an outer roller for retracting onto and from the outer roller (as actuated by a user) It extends on and from it. The second shade (after the shade in this configuration) is engaged with an inner roller positioned inside one of the outer rollers for being unwound on and unwound from the inner roller (as Move back to and extend from it. The inner roller can be positioned inside the outer roller and the inner roller and the outer roller can together form a roller unit, as further explained below. When the first shading The second shade can be extended and retracted when the object is in the fully extended position as guided by the user. The operating unit that causes the roller to rotate as directed by the user can be operated, for example, by a motor or a single control cord. The operating unit can engage the inner roller and control the rotation of the inner roller, which in turn controls the rotation of the outer tube.

Referring to Figures 1 through 5, a retractable cover 10 for one of the building openings is provided. The retractable cover 10 can include a head rail 14, a first bottom rail 18, a second bottom rail 20, a first shade 22, and a second shade 24. The first shade 22 can extend between the head rail 14 and the first bottom rail 18. The second shade 24 can extend between the head rail 14 and the second bottom rail 20. The head rail 14 can include two opposing end caps 26a, 26b that can enclose the ends of the head rails 14 to provide a finished appearance. The first bottom rail 18 can extend horizontally along a lower edge of one of the first shades 22 and can serve as a ballast to maintain the first shade 22 in a tensioned condition. The second bottom rail 20 can extend horizontally along a lower edge of one of the second shades 24 and can serve as a ballast to maintain the second shade 24 in a tensioned condition.

The first shade 22 can comprise a vertically suspended sheet 30 and a back sheet 34 of a flexible material, such as a tissue, and a plurality of horizontally spaced vertically spaced flexible blades 38. Each of the blades 38 can be secured along a horizontal attachment wire with a front edge attached to the front panel 30 and a rear edge attached to the rear panel 34. The sheets 30, 34 and the vanes 38 may form a plurality of elongate vertically aligned longitudinally extending units, which may be collectively referred to as a honeycomb panel. Sheets 30, 34 and/or blades 38 may be constructed of continuous material lengths or may be constructed of strips of material that are attached or joined together in an edge-to-edge, overlapping, or other suitable relationship. The second shade 24 can be a single panel and can be constructed from strips of material that are attached or joined together in an edge-to-edge, overlapping, or other suitable relationship.

The first shade 22 and the second shade 24 can be constructed from substantially any type of material. For example, the shades 22, 24 can be constructed from natural materials and/or synthetic materials, including fabrics, polymers, and/or other suitable materials. Fabric material can include woven fabric, non Woven fabrics, knits or other suitable fabric types. The shades 22, 24 can have any suitable level of light transmission. For example, the first shade 22 and the second shade 24 can be constructed of a transparent, translucent, and/or opaque material to provide a desired atmosphere or set in an associated room. In some examples, the first shade 22 comprises transparent and/or translucent sheets 30, 34 and translucent and/or opaque blades 38. In some examples, the second shade 24 is made from a single sheet of material having zero light transmission, commonly referred to as a black barrier shade. The second shade 24 may include a pattern or design such that when the second shade 24 is extended behind the first shade 22, the second shade 24 forms an aesthetic appearance that is different from the first shade 22 itself.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 6, the cover 10 can include a drive or operating mechanism 40 configured to raise or retract the first shade 22, the second shade 24, or both. The operating mechanism 40 can be mechanically and/or electrically controlled. The operating mechanism 40 can include a speed management device to control or adjust the extension or reduction speed of the shades 22, 24.

In some examples, the operating mechanism 40 can include an operating member 42 (such as a ball chain, a cord or a rod) to allow a user to extend or retract the first shade 22 and/or the second shade 24. To move the shades 22, 24, an operator can manipulate the operating member 42. For example, to raise or retract the shades 22, 24 from an extended position, the operator can pull the operating member 40 in a downward direction. To extend or lower the shades 22, 24 from a retracted position, the operator can manipulate the operating member 42 to release a brake that allows the shades 22, 24 to automatically lower under the influence of gravity.

Additionally or alternatively, the operating mechanism 40 can include an electric motor 44 configured to extend or retract one of the shades 22, 24 after receiving an extension or retraction command. Motor 44 can be hardwired to a switch and/or operatively coupled to a receiver operable to communicate with a transmitter (such as a remote control unit 46) to permit a user to control motor 44 and thus The extension and retraction of the shades 22, 24. The motor 44 can include a gravity reduction state to permit the shades 22, 24 to be lowered via gravity without intervention by the motor, thereby Reduce power consumption.

Referring to FIG. 6, the cover 10 can include a dual roller unit 46 that can be disposed within the head rail 14. The dual roller unit 46 can include an inner roller 48 and an outer roller 50. The inner roller 48 can be positioned inside the outer roller 50 and the rollers 48, 50 can be coaxially aligned about the same axis of rotation 52. The rollers 48, 50 are concentric about a central axis of the inner roller 48.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the inner roller 48 can be generally cylindrical in shape and can be formed as a tube. The second shade 24 can be attached to the inner roller 48 at a top edge by an adhesive, corresponding retention feature, or other suitable attachment member. In some examples, a longitudinally extending recess 52 is formed in the circumferential wall of the inner roller 48 and can receive an adhesive bead configured to bond the top edge of the second shade 24 to one of the inner rollers 48.

The outer roller 50 can have a generally cylindrical shape and can surround the inner roller 48. The outer roller 50 can be formed from two pieces that are interlocked with each other. Referring to FIG. 6, the outer roller 50 can include a first housing 54 and a second housing 56 that are nested together. Referring to Figures 6 and 8-11, the longitudinally extending edge portions 58, 60 of the first and second housings 54, 56, respectively, may overlap and interlock with one another. The first shade 22 can be attached to the outer roller 50 at a top edge by an adhesive, corresponding retention feature, or other suitable attachment member. In some examples, a pair of channels 62 are formed in the circumferential wall of the outer roller 50 and are configured to receive and secure the top edge of the first shade 22. Referring to Figures 8-11, the insert 64 can be positioned in one of the folds formed on each of the top edges and can be used to retain the top edge in the respective channel 62.

Referring to Figure 7, inner roller 48 and outer roller 50 can extend substantially the entire distance between right end cap 26a and left end cap 26b. Inner roller 48 and outer roller 50 can have the same or substantially the same length. The first shade 22 and the second shade 24 can have the same or substantially the same width, which can be equal to the length of the rollers 48, 50. In some examples, the first shade 22 and the second shade 24 have an equal width that matches the length of the inner roller 48 and the outer roller 50, which eliminates the edge between the edges of the shades 22, 24 and the opening of the building. The existence of a light gap.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the opposing end caps 26a, 26b can be rotatably supported by the pair Roller unit 46. The operating mechanism 40 can be anchored to the right end cap 26a and can be actuated, for example, by the operating element 42 or the distal control unit 46. The operating mechanism 40 can be operatively associated with the inner roller 48 such that it rotates. The operating mechanism 40 can include an inner fitting 64 that can be received within the inner roller 48 and can tightly engage the wall of the inner roller 48. The inner fitting 64 can be driven to rotate by an operating mechanism 40, such as the motor 44, and thus can drive the inner roller 48 to rotate. The operating mechanism 40 can include one of the planetary gear drives typically utilized in window covering applications.

Continuing with Figures 6 and 7, a restriction screw 66 can be positioned inside the inner roller 48 and can be secured to the left end cap 26b such that the restriction screw 66 does not rotate. A restriction nut 68 is threadably engageable with the restriction screw 66 and is rotatably keyed to the wall of the inner roller 48. The key structure may allow the restriction nut 68 to move along the length of the inner roller 48. When the inner roller 48 rotates, the restricting nut 68 is movable along the thread limiting screw 66 and is engageable with one of the restricting screws 66 to limit the stop to define the lowest extended position of the second shade 24 (see FIG. 5). . Alternatively or in addition, a top limit stop can be employed on the limit screw 66 if desired.

Referring to FIG. 6, right sleeve 70a and left sleeve 70b can be axially aligned with inner roller 48 and can be disposed adjacent the opposite end of inner roller 48. The right sleeve 70a can be rotatably mounted to the operating mechanism 40, and the left sleeve 70b can be rotatably mounted to the restriction screw 66. The sleeves 70a, 70b can be locked into the ends of the outer rollers 50 to maintain a desired spatial relationship between the housings 54, 56. Each of the sleeves 70a, 70b can include a pair of axial projections 72a, 72b. One of the projections 72a can engage the first housing 54 and the other projection 72b can engage the second housing 56. When the sleeves 70a, 70b are engaged with the opposite ends of the outer roller 50, the sleeves 70a, 70b and the outer roller 50 are rotatable in unison about the inner roller 48 and the outer shaft 50.

Referring to Figures 8-11, the first housing 54 and the second housing 56 of the outer roller 50 can each define a retention feature that closely receives the axial projections 72a, 72b of the sleeves 70a, 70b. The retention feature can be formed to extend inwardly from the outer roller 50 to a shelf 74 that is spaced apart in an interior space defined by the outer roller 50. When the sleeves 70a, 70b are in contact with the end of the outer roller 50 In time, the axial projections 72a, 72b can be tightly received between the frame 74 and the circumferential wall of the outer roller 50 to prevent relative movement between the first housing 54 and the second housing 56.

Continuing with FIGS. 8-11, the first housing 54 and the second housing 56 can define a slot 76 that extends along one of the lengths of the outer roller 50 and that communicates with the interior of the outer roller 50. The slot 76 permits passage of the second shade 24 during extension and retraction of the second shade 24. When the first end portions 58, 60 of the first housing 54 and the second housing 56 are respectively interlocked, the second longitudinally extending edge portions 78, 80 of the first housing 54 and the second housing 56 may be along The perimeters are spaced apart from each other to define a slot 76. The opposing second edge portions 78, 80 of the first housing 54 and the second housing 56 may be spaced apart from one another by a sufficient distance to permit passage of the second shade 24, but prevent passage of the bottom rail 20 of the second shade 24. . The axial projections 72a, 72b of the sleeves 70a, 70b maintain the width of the slot 76 during operation of the cover 10. The slot 76 can be positioned on the outer roller 50 to be positioned above the rear of the pair of channels 62 and adjacent to the rear of the pair of channels 62 when the first shade 22 is in its extended, blade open configuration.

With continued reference to Figures 8-11, the outer roller 50 can define a recessed seat 81 in the circumferential wall on either side of the slot 76. The seat 81 can be formed as a recess extending along the length of the slot 76. The seat 81 can include a base wall 84 that spans the slot 76 and is formed by a generally vertical orientation of the opposing edge portions 78, 80 of the outer roller 50. The seat 81 can be configured to receive the second bottom rail 20 when the second shade 24 is in the fully retracted position (see Figure 8). The base wall 84 can allow a relatively vertical tangential engagement and disengagement between the second bottom rail 20 and the outer roller 50. The groove 76 and the seat 81 can be positioned on the circumference of the outer roller 50 above the attachment point 62 of the sheet 34 after the first shade 22, and the position of the groove 76 and the seat 81 can be referred to as 3 o'clock in FIGS. 9 to 11. . When the second bottom rail 20 is pulled vertically upward during retraction and into the seat 81, the positioning of the seat 81 and slot 76 near the farthest rear position on the circumference of the outer roller 50, together with the shape of the seat 81, allows the second The bottom rail 20 is securely received (see Figures 8-10).

The shape of the seat 81 and its orientation on the outer roller 50 may facilitate smooth and predictable disengagement of the second bottom rail 20 from the seat 81 to initiate the extension of the second shade 24. Shape of seat 81 The shape and orientation may allow the bottom rail 20 to exit the seat 81 vertically, which utilizes the weight on the relatively heavy bottom rail 20. The generally tangential orientation of the seat 81 on the outer roller 50 can help in this regard. The lower free edge of the slot 76 (defined by the edge portion 80 of the second housing 56 of the outer roller 50) can be curved or rounded to allow for the second shade 24 to extend and retract through the slot 76. The two shades 24 travel smoothly over the edge portion 80.

The second bottom rail 20 can be an elongate member that is relatively high quality and defines a groove extending along its length to receive and retain one of the lower edges of one of the second shades 24. The lower edge of the second shade 24 can be held in the recess of the bottom rail 20 by an insert 82 positioned in one of the flanges formed in the lower edge of the second shade 24. One portion of the contour of the second bottom rail 20 can generally match the shape of the seat 81 formed in the outer roller 50 to conform thereto when the second shade 24 is in the retracted position.

Referring to FIGS. 7-11, the first shade 22 can be coupled to the outer roller 50 and can be wrapped around the outer roller 50. The upper edge of each of the front and rear sheets 30, 34 can be attached to the outer roller 50 at circumferentially spaced locations. The first shade 22 may be wound on the outer roller 50 or unfolded from the rear side of one of the outer rollers 50, wherein the rear side of the roller 50 is positioned between the front side of one of the rollers 50 and one of the street sides of an associated building opening (in the figure) 8 to 11, the rear side of the roller 50 is on the right side). Typically, the rotation of the outer roller 50 in a first direction (counterclockwise in FIGS. 8-11) is retracted to adjacent an associated building opening by causing the first shade 22 to be wrapped around the outer roller 50. One or more sides (such as the top side) are positioned, and rotation of the outer roller 50 in a second, opposite direction causes the first shade 22 to extend across the opening (such as to the bottom side).

Still referring to FIGS. 7-11, the second shade 24 can be coupled to the inner roller 48 and can be wrapped around the inner roller 48. One of the upper edges of the second shade 24 can be attached to the inner roller 48 as previously discussed. The second shade 24 may be wrapped around the roller unit 46 or unfolded from the rear side of one of the roller units 46, wherein the rear side of the roller unit 46 is positioned between the front side of one of the roller units 46 and one of the street sides of an associated building opening. (In Figs. 8 to 11, the rear side of the roller unit 46 is on the right side). Typically, the inner roller 48 rotates in a first direction (counterclockwise in Figures 8-11) By retracting the second shade 24 around the inner roller 48, it is retracted to a position adjacent one or more sides (such as the top side) of an associated building opening, and the inner roller 48 is along a second opposite The rotation of the direction causes the second shade 24 to extend across the opening (such as to the bottom side).

The operation of the cover is explained below with reference to FIGS. 1 to 5 and FIGS. 7 to 11. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the first shade 22 and the second shade 24 are in a fully retracted position and are concealed within the head rail 14. In this configuration (see Fig. 7), the second shade 24 is completely wrapped around the inner roller 48 and the first shade 22 is completely wrapped around the outer roller 50. In some examples, the first bottom rail 18 engages a portion of the head rail 14 to define a top restraining stop.

To extend the first shade 22 from the head rail 14, the user can actuate the operating mechanism 40 to cause the inner roller 48 to rotate in an extending direction (clockwise in Figures 8-11), at least in part due to The weight of the first bottom rail 18 applies a downward force to the first shade 22 which in turn causes the outer roller 50 to rotate in an extending direction (clockwise in Figures 8-11). When the first shade 22 is extended from the rear portion of the outer roller 50, the outer roller 50 generally rotates in unison with the inner roller 48. The dual roller unit 46 typically rotates in a direction in which the user controls the rotation of the inner roller 48.

Referring to Figures 2 and 8, the first shade 22 extends away from the rear of the outer roller 50 in a closed or folded configuration, wherein the front panel 30 and the rear panel 34 are relatively close together and the blade 38 is aligned with the front panel 30 and rear. One of the sheets 34 extends substantially coplanar and in a connected relationship. Once the first shade 22 is substantially deployed from the outer roller 50, the continued rotation of the outer roller 50 in the direction of extension causes the front panel 30 and the rear panel 34 to move generally vertically relative to each other to position the blade 38 from a closed position (Fig. 2 and 8) Shift to an open position (Figures 3 and 9). The rear portion of one of the first bottom rails 18 can be heavier than the front portion of one of the bottom rails 18 to facilitate full opening of the blades 38.

Referring to Figures 3 and 9, the cover 10 is shown with a first shade 22 in a fully extended position, wherein the blade 38 is in an open or expanded configuration. In this position, the front sheet 30 and the back sheet 34 are horizontally spaced with a blade 38 extending substantially horizontally therebetween, and the attachment points 62 of the front sheet 30 and the back sheet 34 to the outer roller 50 can be disposed at the same height. in In Figure 9, for example, the location of the attachment points 62 can be referred to as being at 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock, and placed at substantially the same level as each other. Rotation of the outer roller 50 in either direction as shown in Figure 9 causes the front and rear sheets 30, 34 to move toward each other and the blades 38 are reoriented to be more vertically aligned.

When the first shade 22 is fully deployed from the outer roller 50, the slot 76 in the outer roller 50 is rotatably oriented within the head rail 14 such that the bottom rail 20 of the second shade 24 can be the inner roller 48. Immediately after further rotation in the direction of extension, the seat 81 is exited vertically. When the tension in the second shade 24 is reduced due to the continued rotation of the inner roller 48 in the direction of extension, the generally tangential orientation and generally vertical positioning of the seat 81 with a relatively vertical base wall 84 (see Figures 10 and 11) allows The weight of the bottom rail 20 causes the bottom rail 20 to be disengaged from the outer roller 50. The operating mechanism 40 can include a brake system operatively coupled to one of the inner rollers 48 to limit unwanted downward movement of the second shade 24 and thus the first shade 22.

To extend the second shade 24, the operating mechanism 40 is further actuated by the user to rotate the inner roller 48 in the direction of extension. During the extension of the second shade 24 (see FIGS. 4 and 10), the outer roller 50 and the first shade 22 may remain fixed due to the weight of the first shade 22 and the weight of the first bottom rail 18, thereby The rotational position of the outer roller 50 is maintained without relying on a forced lock. In some instances, a forced lock can be used to prevent rotation of the outer roller 50 immediately after the full extension of the first shade 22, as discussed below. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, during extension of the second shade 24, the slot 76 defined in the outer roller 50 can be guided rearwardly and can be coupled to the inner roller 48 and the outer roller 50 (see Figure 6). ) is essentially horizontally aligned. In other words, the second shade 24 can be deployed away from the rear side of the inner roller 48 and the outer roller 50.

During extension of the second shade 24, the inner roller 48 rotates relative to the outer roller 50, with the fitting 64 and the restraining nut 68 supporting the respective ends of the inner roller 48. When the inner roller 48 is rotated in the extending direction, the second shade 24 is disengaged from the inner roller 48 as it extends through the slot 76 formed in the outer roller 50. Rotation of the inner roller 48 in the direction of extension causes the restraining nut 68 to follow The restriction screw 66 moves toward the bottom to limit the stop.

Referring to Figures 5 and 11, the cover 10 is shown with a first shade 22 and a second shade 24 having both in a fully extended position, wherein the blades 38 are in an open or expanded configuration. In this position, the front and rear sheets 30, 34 are horizontally spaced with a blade 38 extending substantially horizontally therebetween. The second shade 24 can be a black barrier shade and inhibits light from passing through the second shade 24 and thus the first shade 22. When the second shade 24 is fully extended (see FIGS. 5 and 11), the second shade 24 may be rearwardly offset from the first shade 22, but may be coextensive with the first shade 22 in length and width. extend. To control the amount of light passing through the first shade 22, the second shade 24 can be retracted into the head rail 14 and wrapped around the inner roller 48 of the dual roller unit 46.

When the second shade 24 is in the fully extended position (lowest extension), the restriction nut 68 can be positioned on the restriction screw 66 (see FIG. 6) to engage with a lower limit stop formed on the restriction screw 66 to prevent the inner roller 48. Further rotation. The limit screw 66 can also include an upper limit stop to define the upper limit of the cover 10. Alternatively, the bottom rail 18 of the first shade 22 can engage a portion of the head rail 14 to serve as an upper limit stop for the cover 10 when the first shade 22 is fully retracted.

At any point during the extension procedure, the user can either stop the operating mechanism 40 or reverse the direction of the operating mechanism 40 to move the first shade 22 and the second shade 24 into a desired position. In an example that includes a motorized cover 10, a pre-programmed command can be used to control the motor 44 and thus control the position of the first shade 22 and the second shade 24. The commands may direct the motor 44 to move the first shade 22 and the second shade 24 to a predetermined shade position (such as where the first shade 22 and the second shade 24 are fully retracted to a first position, wherein A shade 22 is fully extended and the second shade 24 is fully retracted into one of the second positions and one of the first shade 22 and the second shade 24 is fully extended in a third position). These commands may be transmitted to the motor 44 by the remote control unit 46.

Compared with the extended sequence described above generally following the description of Figures 8 to 11, it can be reversed The retraction of the first shade 22 and the second shade 24 is completed in order. In Figures 5 and 11, the first shade 22 and the second shade 24 are disposed in a fully extended position. When both the first shade 22 and the second shade 24 are in the fully extended position, the limit nut 68 (see FIG. 6) can engage a lower limit stop that can be formed on the limit screw 66. Actuation of the operating mechanism 40 from this position (such as by the operating member 42 and/or the motor 44) causes the restricting nut 68 to move axially away from the lower limit stop and initiate the retraction procedure of the cover 10. The retraction procedure generally involves actuating the operating mechanism 40 to first rotate the inner roller 48 in a retracted direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 11) to retract the second opacifier 24, and when the second obstruction 24 is fully retracted In return, the outer roller 50 is then rotated in a retracted direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 11) to retract the first shade 22 onto the outer roller 50. This sequence is further elaborated below.

To retract the second shade 24 from the fully extended position of FIGS. 5 and 11, the user actuates the operating mechanism 40 to cause the inner roller 48 to rotate in a retracted direction (counterclockwise in FIGS. 8-11). This in turn causes the second shade 24 to wrap around the inner roller 48 and rise along the rear of the first shade 22 toward the rear of the sheet 34 to lift the second bottom rail 20. During retraction of the second shade 24, the inner roller 48 rotates relative to the outer roller 50, with the fitting 64 and the restraining nut 68 supporting the respective ends of the inner roller 48. When the inner roller 48 is rotated in the retracting direction, the second shade 24 is wound onto the inner roller 48 as it is pulled through the slot 76 formed in the outer roller 50. Rotation of the inner roller 48 in the retracting direction causes the restriction nut 68 to move along the restriction screw 66 toward the opposite end of the restriction screw 66. In addition, during the retraction of the second shade 24, the first shade 22 acts on the outer roller 50 due to the weight of the first bottom rail 18 and the weight of the portion of the first shade 22 suspended from the outer roller 50. The rotation of the roller 50 remains in the fully extended, open position. This allows the user to move the second shade 24 between the fully extended position and the fully retracted position without affecting the position or orientation of the first shade 22.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10 in reverse order, when the second shade 24 is further retracted into the outer roller 50, the second bottom rail 20 becomes securely positioned in the seat 81. After the bottom rail 20 engages the seat 81 of the outer roller 50, the operating mechanism 40 can be rotated through the second shade 24 The driving force is transferred to the outer roller 50. That is, the operating mechanism 40 can apply a rotational force to the inner roller 48, and can apply the rotational force to the outer roller 50 through the engagement of the bottom rail 20 in the seat 81 under the tension of the second shade 24. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, when the second shade 24 is completely wound onto the inner roller 48 and the second bottom rail 20 is received in the seat 81 of the outer roller 50, the inner roller 48 can be slid by the operating mechanism 40. The outer roller 50 is driven in the same retracting direction by the rotation of the return direction (counterclockwise in Figs. 8 and 9). As such, when the bottom rail 20 is received in the seat 81 and a retracting force (counterclockwise in FIGS. 8 and 9) is applied to the inner roller 48 by the operating mechanism 40, the outer roller 50 typically rotates with the inner roller 48. .

Referring to FIG. 8, when the outer roller 50 continues to rotate in the retracting direction, the first shade 22 is wound around the outer roller 50. The first shade 22 is under tension when it is wrapped around the outer roller 50 due to the weight of the suspension portion of the first shade 22 and the bottom rail 18.

When the first shade 22 is fully retracted, the first bottom rail 18 can engage a portion of the head rail 14, such as a pair of joints, to serve as a top limit stop for the dual roller unit 46. It is contemplated that other mechanisms may be utilized to define the top retracted position, including one of the top limit stops positioned on the limit screw 66 opposite the bottom limit stop. For example, a top limit stop can be formed on the restraining screw 66 and positioned along the screw 66 such that the nut 68 engages the top limit stop immediately after the first shade 22 is fully retracted.

As explained above, the second shade 24 and then the first shade 22 are self-contained in the event that the user actuates a single operating element 42 or a motor 44 for retracting both of the shades 22, 24. Retraction of the extended position. The restriction screw 66 includes a sufficient length to allow the restriction nut 68 to move along the screw 66 from the bottom restraining stop until the top retracted position is obtained. It is contemplated that the first shade 22 can be wrapped around the outer roller 50 or from the front side of the outer roller 50. The accompanying modifications to the structures set forth herein will be necessary to facilitate the implementation of a dual roller shade technology such as applied to a front down shade structure.

The cover may include a lock mechanism that limits rotation of the outer roller 50 when the first shade 22 is in the fully extended position, thereby ensuring that the first shade 22 remains in the fully extended position And during the extension of the second shade 24 is substantially unaffected by the rotation of the inner roller 48. The lock mechanism can be movable between a first position that restricts rotation of the outer roller 50 and a second position that permits rotation of the outer roller 50 (such as pivoting, translation, or other suitable movement). In one example, the lock mechanism includes a locking member positioned externally of the outer roller 50 that translates longitudinally along an outer periphery of one of the outer rollers 50 and engages a stop to limit rotation of the outer roller 50. In another example, the lock mechanism includes a locking member positioned externally of the outer roller 50 that pivots into engagement with the outer roller 50 to limit rotation of the outer roller 50.

Referring to Figures 12 through 27, a cover for a building opening is provided which, after the full extension of the first shade 22, uses a lock mechanism to forcibly lock the rotation of the outer roller. In addition to a lock mechanism and retaining clips, the covers illustrated in Figures 12 through 27 typically also have the same features and operations as the covers illustrated in Figures 1-11. Accordingly, the foregoing discussion of the features and operation of the overlays illustrated in Figures 1 through 11 should generally be considered as applicable to the overlays illustrated in Figures 12-27, except as noted in the following discussion. . The reference numerals used in Figures 12 through 27 generally correspond to the reference numerals used in Figures 1 through 11 to reflect similar parts and components, except that the reference number is increased by one hundred.

Referring to FIG. 12, the cover 110 includes a lock mechanism that is pivotally movable similar to that discussed below with respect to FIGS. 28-47, which limits the rotation of the outer roller 50 when the first shade 22 is in the fully extended position. A locking mechanism 186 that moves axially. The axially moveable lock mechanism 186 can include a housing 187, a rotatable shaft member 188 journaled to the housing 187, and a threaded engagement with the shaft member 188 and axially travelable along the shaft member 188. . Although the axially moveable lock mechanism 186 is illustrated along with the left end cap 126b, the lock mechanism 186 can be used in conjunction with the right end cap 126a.

Referring to Figures 12, 16, and 18, the outer casing 187 can extend from the left end cap 126b and extend axially away from the outer end of the outer roller 150 toward the right end cap 126a. One end 187a of the outer casing 187 can be removably coupled to the left end cap 126b by a fastener 190, and one of the opposite free ends 187b of the outer casing 187 can be laterally outwardly positioned from the outer roller 150. Housing 187 The periphery of the outer roller 150 can be laterally separated by a sufficient distance so as not to interfere with or unfold from the outer roller 150 without interfering with the first shade (not shown). The outer casing 187 can be laterally separated from the periphery of the outer roller 150 by a uniform distance.

Referring to Figures 16, 18, 21 and 26, the opposite end portions 187a, 187b of the outer casing 187 can include an axially extending collar 191 and a mating flange 192 extending outwardly from the collar 191. The collar 191 can include an inner wall 193 (see FIGS. 22 and 26) that defines a shaft aperture 194 that receives one of the journal portions 195 of the rotatable shaft member 188, the journal portion 195 rotatably abutting the inner wall 193. The inner wall 193 of the collar 191 can also be defined to permit the rotatable shaft member 188 (formed by the rotatable shaft member 188) during axial insertion or removal of the shaft member 188 into or out of the housing 187. The stopper 197) passes through one of the keyholes 196. The docking flanges 192 can each define a fastener aperture configured to receive the outer casing 187 to one of the individual end caps 126a, 126b (see Figures 12, 14, 16, 18, and twenty two). The end portions 187a, 187b of the outer casing 187 can be mirror images of each other to facilitate interconnection of the outer casing 187 to the left end cap 126b or the right end cap 126a.

With continued reference to Figures 12, 16, 18, 21 and 26, the outer casing 187 can include an intermediate portion 187c interconnecting the end portions 187a, 187b. The intermediate portion 187c can extend longitudinally along a lateral periphery of one of the outer rollers 150 in a laterally spaced relationship. The intermediate portion 187c of the outer casing 187 can include a base 198 and a rail 199 that each span a distance between opposite end portions 187a, 187b of the outer casing 187. The base 198 of the outer casing 187 can define a stop receiving aperture 200 proximate the end portions 187a, 187b to permit passage of the shaft member 188 stop during rotation of the shaft member 188 relative to the outer casing 187, thereby reducing the outer casing 187 Horizontal profile. The base 198 of the outer casing 187 can also include a stiffener rib 201 extending longitudinally between the end portions 187a, 187b that stiffens the outer casing 187 and reduces lateral displacement or buckling of the intermediate portion 187c of the outer casing 187. As shown in FIG. 27, the stiffener 201 can include at least one laterally extending buttress 202 that further increases the stiffness of the longitudinally extending ribs 201.

Referring to Figures 12, 16 to 19, 23 and 26, the axially movable lock mechanism 186 The shaft member 188 can be offset from one of the rotating shafts 152 of the inner roller 148, but parallel or substantially parallel to the axis of rotation 152. The shaft member 188 can be positioned outside of the outer roller 150 and extending longitudinally along an outer periphery of one of the outer rollers 150 in a spaced relationship. The shaft member 188 can include a journal portion 195 that is rotatably received within the collar 191 of the outer casing 187. The journal portion 195 of the shaft member 188 can include a recessed circumferential region that reduces the area of contact (and thus friction) between the bearing surface 193 of the collar 191 and the journal portion 195 of the shaft member 188. The shaft member 188 can include a threaded portion 203 extending between the journal portions 195 of the shaft member 188 and between the collars 191 of the outer casing 187. A stop 197 can be formed on the shaft member 188 near the end of the threaded portion 203 of the shaft member 188. The stop 197 can extend radially outward from the shaft 188 and can be axially aligned with the aperture 200 formed in the base 198 of the outer casing 187 (see FIG. 21) such that during rotation of the shaft 188 relative to the outer casing 187 Stop 197 enters and exits aperture 200 in a rotatable manner. A gear 204 can be non-rotatably attached to one end of the shaft 188 and can define a central cavity for laterally positioning the gear (and thus the shaft 188) relative to the end cap 126b.

Referring to Figures 12, 16, 18 and 24 to 27, the nut 189 of the axially movable lock mechanism 186 is at least partially positioned within the outer casing 187 and along the shaft 188 axis in the intermediate portion 187c of the outer casing 187. Going forward. A nut 189 is keyed to the outer casing 187 such that the nut 189 translates along the shaft 188 rather than about the shaft 188 as the shaft 188 rotates. The nut 189 includes a body 205 that extends only partially around the shaft 188 and may be referred to as a half nut 189. In an alternative design, the nut 189 can extend around the entire circumference of the shaft member 188.

Referring to Figures 24 and 25, the nut 189 includes an internal thread 206 that projects inwardly from the body 205 and threadably engages an external thread of the threaded portion 203 of the shaft member 188. To maintain the engagement of the threads and limit the rotation of the nut 189 about the shaft member 188, the nut 189 can include two longitudinally extending wings 207 that project radially outward from the body of the nut 189. The wing 207 can include an axially extending fin 208 that slidably contacts the opposite side of the base 198 of the outer casing 187 (see Figure 27) and axially guides the nut 189 along the intermediate portion 187c of the outer casing 187 while reducing The area of contact (and therefore friction) between the small nut 189 and the outer casing 187.

One of the wings 207 can define a slot 208 that at least partially receives one of the longitudinally extending rails 199. As shown in FIG. 27, portions of the wings 207 that define the slots 208 can slidably abut different sides of the rails 199. As such, the wings 207 of the nut 189 can substantially prevent the nut 189 from rotating about the shaft member 188, thereby facilitating translation of the nut 189 along the shaft member 188 during rotation of the shaft member 188 relative to the outer casing 187. For the lateral stiffening wings 207, the nut 189 can include a laterally extending rib 209 that is positioned outwardly from the internal threads 206 and extends between the wings 207. In an alternate design, the nut 189 and the outer casing 187 can include various other corresponding keying structures such that the nut 189 travels axially along the shaft 188 as the shaft 188 rotates relative to the outer casing 187.

As illustrated, rotation of the shaft member 188 relative to the outer casing 187 generally causes the nut 189 to move or translate axially along the shaft member 188. To limit the axial extent of the nut 189, the shaft member 188 can include a stop 197 that extends outwardly from a periphery of one of the shaft members 188. Based on contact with the nut 189, the stop 197 generally limits or limits translation of the nut 189 relative to the shaft member 188, thereby limiting or limiting further rotation of the shaft member 188 relative to the outer casing 187. To ensure a strong engagement between the nut 189 and a respective stop 197, the nut 189 can be included with the shaft member 188 when the nut 189 reaches a desired stop position corresponding to one of the first extensions of the first shade 22. One of the object interactions extends longitudinally to the abutment wall 211. As shown in FIG. 24, the docking wall 211 can be formed at one end of the internal thread 206 of the nut 189.

Alternatively or in addition, the body 205 of the nut 189 (which may be similar to an axially extending sleeve) may abut the abutment flange 192 of the outer casing 187 to stop translation of the nut 189 along the shaft member 188. The body 205 of the nut 189 can be radially spaced from the outer periphery of one of the shaft members 188 a sufficient distance to permit passage of the shaft stop 197 in one of the annular spaces defined between the shaft member 188 and the body 205. The shaft member 188 and the nut 189 can respectively include two stoppers 197 and abutting wall 211 to facilitate the interoperability of the lock mechanism 186 with the right end cap 126a or the left end cap 126b, thereby providing one that can accommodate one of the left and right assemblies. Robust design.

Referring to FIGS. 15-17, the axially movable lock mechanism 186 can include a gear mechanism or gear train 213 positioned externally of the inner roller 148 and the outer roller 150. Gear mechanism or gear train 213 can include a first gear 215 that is non-rotatably coupled to the outer roller 150, a second gear 204 that is non-rotatably coupled to one of the shaft members 188, and one of the first gear 215 and the second gear 204 that is engaged with each other. Gear 217. The idler gear 217 can be rotatably supported on a mounting plate 219 that includes a locator pin 221 that projects axially from the mounting plate 219 (see FIG. 17) toward the associated end cap 126. A locator pin 221 can be received within the end cap 126 to limit rotation of the mounting plate 219 relative to the end cap 126.

The gear mechanism 213 can be changed depending on the size, weight, or other characteristics of the shade member. In one example, gear mechanism 213 provides a three to one gear ratio between first gear 215 and second gear 204. That is, for each rotation of the outer roller 150, the shaft member 188 completes three revolutions. In one example, the outer threads of the shaft member 188 have sixteen threads per inch (or one pitch of one-tenth of one inch). Generally, the length of the threaded portion 203 of the shaft member 188 can be oversized relative to the operating range of the nut 189 to allow the shaft member 188 to accommodate a variety of different shade lengths. Thus, in some examples, the nut 189 interacts with only one of the stops 197 on the rotatable shaft 188 during operation and provides another stop such that the lock mechanism 186 can be coupled with the right end cap 126a or Any of the left end caps 126b are used together.

Referring to Figure 15, gear mechanism 213 is illustrated as being associated with left end cap 126b. The outer gears 204, 215, 217 are rotatably supported by short thick shaft members that axially protrude from the left end cap 126b. The idler gear 217 is positioned forward from the first gear 215 and the second gear 204 is positioned forward from the idler gear 217, with all three gears 215, 204, 217 disposed adjacent to the end cap in the same plane. The idler gear 217 is positioned upward from the first gear 215 and the second gear 204 is positioned upward from the idler gear 217. The first gear 215 and the idler gear 217 can be received within one of the sides 223 that project axially from the end cap 126b.

Referring to Figure 13, a partially exploded view of the head rail assembly is provided (except for the right side components that are substantially identical to the components shown and discussed with respect to Figures 6-11). The components include a left end cap 126b, a non-rotatable limit screw 166 attached to the left end cap 126b, a left sleeve that is mounted to a bearing surface of the restraining screw 166 and rotates relative to the bearing surface The tube 170b receives a portion of the restriction screw 166 (including the restriction nut 168) therein and is mounted to one of the left sleeve 170b and one of the upper sleeve 170a, and the inner roller 148 is externally received. Roller 150 and an axially movable lock mechanism 186 attached to left end cap 126b.

Referring to Figures 13, 14, 19 and 20, the outer roller 150 can comprise a split housing design. In particular, the outer roller 150 can include a first housing 154 and a second housing 156. To secure the first housing 154 and the second housing 156 together and maintain a desired spatial relationship with respect to one of the other, the first housing 154 and the second housing 156 of the outer roller 150 can each closely receive the left sleeve. One of the 170b and the right sleeve 170a is axially projecting 172a, 172b (see Figures 14, 18 and 19). The axial projections 172a, 172b can couple the outer roller 150 to the sleeves 170a, 170b such that the outer roller 150 and the sleeves 170a, 170b rotate in unison about one of the outer rollers 150. The first gear 215 can be non-rotatably secured to the opposite side of the left sleeve 170b relative to one of the axial projections 172a, 172b, thereby ensuring that the first gear 215 rotates in unison with the outer roller 150. To further secure the first housing 154 and the second housing 156 together, the housings 154, 156 can be clamped together by at least one retaining clip 225 (Figures 12 through 13 depict two retaining clips, although visible It is desirable to use more or fewer clips to securely fasten the housing together). As shown in FIG. 20, the retaining clip 225 can be resiliently snapped around the interlocking region 227 of the first housing 154 and the second housing 156.

Referring to Figure 20, the end portion 158 of the first housing 154 and the end portion 160 of the second housing 156 can overlap each other and extend to a corresponding longitudinally extending receiving passage 229 defined at least in part by the longitudinally extending lips 233, 235. 231. The lip 233 of the first housing 154 can be positioned inside the longitudinally extending edge 237 of one end of the second housing 156, while the lip 235 of the second housing 156 can be positioned longitudinally extending at one end of the first housing 154. The edge 239 is external (although this configuration can be flipped). The retaining clip 225 is elastically fastened around the outer latches 241, 243 formed in the interlocking regions of the first housing 154 and the second housing 156 respectively to sandwich the first housing 154 and the second housing 156 Tight together.

Referring to Figures 14 and 19, the split housing design of the outer roller 150 defines a longitudinally extending slot 176 that permits passage of the second shade 24 during extension and retraction of the second shade 24. When the edge portion 158 of the first housing 154 and the edge portion 160 of the second housing 156 are interlocked together, the opposite or second longitudinally extending end edge portions 178 of the first housing 154 and the second housing 156 180 are spaced apart from one another along the perimeter and define a longitudinally extending slot 176. The opposing second end edge portions 158, 160 of the first housing 154 and the second housing 156 may be spaced apart from each other by a sufficient distance to permit passage of the second shade 24, while preventing the bottom rail 20 of the second shade 24 from being by. The function of the outer roller 150 is substantially the same as that discussed with respect to Figures 6-11 and will therefore not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

During operation of the cover, when the outer roller 150 extends the first shade 22 across the building opening, the first gear 215 drives the idler gear 217, which in turn drives the second gear 204, which causes the nut 189 along the shaft 188 Axially traversing toward a bottom end position. Once the nut 189 reaches the bottom end position (which may be defined by a stop 197 on the shaft member 188), the nut 189 limits further rotation of the shaft member 188 along the direction in which the first shade 22 extends, which in turn inhibits the outer roller 150 from Further rotation of the extension direction. In the case where the outer roller 150 is restricted from further rotation in the extending direction and the first shade 22 is deployed from the periphery of the outer roller 150, the second shade 24 can be unwound from the inner roller 148, through the slot 176 in the outer roller 150, and across The building opening extends. When the inner roller 148 rotates during the extension of the second shade 24, the inner restricting nut 168 rotates in unison with the inner roller 148 and faces the bottom end stop shaft formed on the non-rotatable limit screw 166 along the limit screw 166. Going forward. The inner restriction nut 168 generally contacts the bottom end stop to define a bottom stop of the dual roller unit 146 when the second shade 24 extends fully across the building opening.

During retraction of the cover from a fully extended position, inner roller 148 pulls second shade 24 through slot 176 defined between opposing longitudinally extending edge portions 178, 180 of housing 154, 156 of outer roller 150. And the second shade 24 is wound around one of the inner rollers 148 until the bottom rail 20 of the second shade 24 rests against the outer periphery of one of the outer rollers 150. until. During retraction of the second shade 24, the weight of the bottom rail 18 of the first shade 22 maintains the sleeves 170a, 170b in a fixed condition and thus the inner roller 148 is opposite the sleeves 170a, 170b and the outer rollers 150 rotations.

Once seated, the bottom rail 20 of the second shade 24 transfers the rotational torque from the inner roller 148 to the outer roller 150, thereby rotating the outer roller 150 in a retracting direction and winding the first shade 22 around the outer roller 150. On the perimeter. The inner roller 148 and the outer roller 150 continue to rotate in a retracted direction until the bottom rail 18 of the first shade 22 contacts a top limit stop that can be associated with one or both of the end caps 126. The cover is retracted into a fully retracted position. During rotation of the inner roller 148 in the retracting direction, the inner restriction nut 168 is moved away from the bottom stop of the second shade 24 along the non-rotatable limit screw 166 within the inner roller 148. During rotation of the outer roller 150 in the retracting direction, the outer nut 189 is moved away from the bottom stop of the first shade 22 along the rotatable shaft 188.

Referring to Figures 28 through 47, a cover for a building opening is provided that includes a pivotable lock mechanism. In addition to the pivotable lock mechanism and the multi-piece outer roller, the covers illustrated in Figures 28-47 generally also have the same features and operations as the covers illustrated in Figures 6-27. Accordingly, the foregoing discussion of the features and operation of the overlays illustrated in Figures 6-27 should generally be considered applicable to the overlays illustrated in Figures 28-47, except as noted in the following discussion. The reference numerals used in Figures 28 through 47 generally correspond to the reference numerals used in Figures 12 through 27 to reflect similar parts and components, except that the reference number is increased by one hundred.

Referring to Figures 28 through 34, the inner roller 248 is generally cylindrical in shape and is formed to secure the top edge of the second shade 24 to one of the retaining members. As described above, the inner roller 248 is positioned inside the outer roller 250 to define a dual roller unit, and in this example both rollers 248, 250 are coextensive about the same axis of rotation 252. One of the upper edges of the second shade 24 is attached to the inner roller 248, and one of the lower edges of the second shade 24 is received in one of the slots formed in the second bottom rail 220, and is formed by positioning Two shades One of the hem of one of the flanges on the bottom edge of the 24 is retained in the slot. Other attachment structures can be used to attach the bottom rail 220 to the second shade 24.

Continuing with Figures 28 through 34, the second bottom rail 220 is an elongate member of relatively high quality and defining a slot extending along its length to receive and retain (as described above) one of the bottom edges of the second shade 24. . The second bottom rail 220 has a generally triangular cross-section with a portion that generally matches the shape of the seat 281 formed on the outer roller 250 to conform to the second shade 24 when it is in the retracted position. The actuator side 247 is defined at one end of the second rail 220 and engages the lock mechanism 286 to disengage the lock mechanism 286 from the outer roller 250, as explained in more detail below.

The outer roller 250 is generally cylindrical in this example and defines several features in its circumferential wall. The outer roll 250 defines an outer roller 250 that rotates about it and the inner roller 248 also has a longitudinal central axis 252 positioned about it. A pair of channels 262 are formed to receive and secure the top edge of the first shade 22, wherein the inserts 264 are each positioned in one of the folds formed on each of the top edges, and the insert 264 is used to hold the top edge In the respective channel 262. An anchor groove 245 is formed along the length of the outer roller 250 for receiving a roller lock bearing, as set forth below. A slot 276 is formed along the length of the outer roller 250 and is in communication with the interior of the outer roller 250, which may be referred to as a tube. A recess 281 is formed on either side of the slot 276. The second shade 24 extends through the slot 276 and retracts, and when in the fully retracted position, the second bottom rail 220 is received in the seat 281 and is nested therein for at least one of a number of purposes, as follows The article explains. The slot 276 is positioned on the outer roller 250 so as to be above the two channels 262 and adjacent to the rear of the two channels 262 when the first shade 22 is in its extended position and blade open configuration.

Referring to Figures 28, 29, 46 and 47, the dual roller unit is rotatably supported between the right end cap 226a and the left end cap 226b, and the operating mechanism 240 is operatively associated with the inner roller tube 248 such that Rotate. The operating mechanism 240 is anchored to the right end cap 226a and in one example is actuated by the operating element 242 as described above. In one example, the operation Mechanism 240 can include one of the planetary gear drives typically utilized in window covering applications. The operating mechanism 240 can include an internal fitting 264 that is actuated by the operating mechanism 240. The fitting 264 is sized to receive within the inner roller 248 and tightly engage the inner wall of the inner roller 248. The inner roller 248 is driven to rotate by the inner fitting 264 when the accessory is driven by the operating mechanism 240. The open right end of the outer roller 250 receives a right end roller cap 270a that includes a central aperture having an axially extending collar that rotatably receives one of the axial bearing surfaces formed on the outer casing of the operating mechanism 240. The bearing surface supports the right end roller cap 270a as it rotates as the outer roller 250 rotates. The inner roller 248 is rotatably received on the collar. The collar rotatably supports the right end of the inner tube 248 as it is driven by the operating mechanism 240 to rotate.

As shown in FIG. 46, the right end 248a of the inner roller 248 and the right end 250a of the outer roller 250, respectively, can be aligned with each other, and one of the right edges 24a of the second shade 24 can be aligned with the right ends 248a, 250a of the rollers 248, 250. . As shown in FIG. 47, the left end 248b of the inner roller 248 and the left end 250b of the outer roller 250, respectively, can be aligned with each other, and one of the left edges 24b of the second shade 24 can be aligned with the left ends 248b, 250b of the rollers 248, 250. . The first shade 22 can be wrapped around the outer roller 250, and the edge of the first shade 22 can be aligned with the ends of the rollers 248, 250 and the edges of the second shade 24. The alignment of the ends of the rollers 248, 250 with the edges of the shades 22, 24 reduces or eliminates the optical gap between the edges of the shade and the corresponding side of the building opening.

The outer roller 250 is driven to rotate by the inner roller 248 when the second shade 24 is fully retracted onto the inner roller 248 and the second end rail 220 is received in the seat 281 of the outer tube 250. In this situation, when the inner roller 248 rotates, the second shade 24 tensions the second end rail 220, which in turn applies a force to the outer roller at the interface between the second end rail 220 and the seat 281. 250. The outer roller 250 is thus caused to rotate together with the inner roller 248. The outer roller 250 does not rotate with the inner roller 248 unless the second shade 24 is fully retracted around the inner roller 248. As described above, the operating mechanism 240 can be actuated by an operating member 242 to extend or retract the first shade 22 and the second shade 24 (as desired by the user). For immediately after actuating the operating element 242 Many types of mechanisms that cause the inner roller tube 248 to rotate are acceptable.

Continuing with Figures 28 and 29, a limit screw 266 is positioned inside the inner roller 248 and operatively secured to the left end cap 226b by a screw. The restriction screw 266 does not rotate. A restricting nut 268 is threadedly engaged with the limit screw 266 and is rotatably keyed to the inside of the inner roller 248, the key structure permitting movement of the nut 268 along the length of the inner roller 248. As the inner roller 248 rotates, the restraining nut 268 moves along the thread limiting shaft 266 and engages one of the bottommost extended positions defining the second shade 24 to limit the stop (see Figure 5). In this example, the retracted position of the first shade 22 is defined by the first shade 22 being completely wrapped around the outer roller 250. In some examples, the first bottom rail 18 engages a portion of the head rail 14 to define this position. Alternatively or additionally, although one of the top limit stops on the limit screw 266 is not used in this example, a top limit stop can be employed on the limit screw 266 if desired. The left end cap 226b, as best seen in Figures 28, 29, and 47, rotatably supports the inner roller 248 and the outer roller 250.

Referring to Figures 28, 29 and 40, a pivot bracket 249 is attached to the inner side surface of the left end cap 226b and defines a centrally located annular boss 251 and a post 253 extending toward the right end cap 226a. A roller lock 255 is pivotally mounted to one of the shafts. An annular boss 251 on the pivot bracket 249 is rotatably received in the central aperture of the left outer roller cap 270b, and the left outer roller cap 270b is itself received in the open left end of the outer roller 250. A collar extends axially from the central aperture of the surrounding cap 270b and serves as one of the bearing surfaces for relative rotation between the outer roller 250 and the left end bracket. The open left end of the inner roller 248 is rotatably received on the outer surface of the collar, which serves as a bearing surface for the rotation of the roller 248 relative to the collar, the rotation being selectively controlled by the operating mechanism 240 under.

The roller lock 255 as shown in Figures 28, 29, 38 and 39 is pivotally attached to the post 253 (see Figures 40 and 41) on the pivot bracket 249, and by a A fastener 257 (see Fig. 41) is fixed thereto. The roller lock 255 is pivotable relative to the pivot bracket 249 about an axis defined by the post 253. A spring member 259 (see FIG. 43) surrounds the post of the pivot bracket 249 Positioned 253, the spring 259 has two legs, one of which engages the roller lock 255 to bias the roller lock 255 into engagement with the outer surface of the outer roller 250, and the other leg operatively engages the left end cap 226b Part of it.

Referring to Figures 38 and 39, the roller lock 255 includes a frame plate 261 having an upper leg 265 and a central body 263 from which the lower leg 267 extends, each leg 265, 267 being located the same as the center body 263 In the plane. The upper leg 265 and the lower leg 267 extend to each other at approximately right angles, and it is contemplated that the relative orientation can be adjusted as needed to account for a particular usage geometry. The end of the lower leg 267 includes a pin 269 extending orthogonally from the plate 261 toward the opposite end cap, the pin 269 having a cylindrical shape and being relatively short. For example, the pin 269 does not extend far enough to interfere with the rotation of the roller 250. The length and shape of the pin 269 facilitates movement engagement between the pin 269 and the actuator side 247 on the second end rail 220, as explained below.

With continued reference to FIGS. 38 and 39, the end of the upper leg 265 rotatably supports one of the relatively long cylindrical bearings 271 extending orthogonally from the upper leg 265 toward the opposite end cap 226a. The bearing 271 is rotatably supported at its opposite end by extending one arm 273 at an angle from the center plate 261. The arm 273 supports the distal end of the bearing 271 only from a top side and does not extend much beyond the center of the bearing 271. This configuration allows the lower portion of the bearing 271 to be unobstructed along its length and can be received in the anchor groove 245 formed in the outer roller 250, and engages the outer surface of the outer roller 250 and rides along its surface, as follows Further elaboration.

The operation of an example of a cover is explained below mainly with reference to Figs. 30 to 34. As shown in Figure 30, both the first shade 22 and the second shade 24 are in an extended position and the vanes 38 are in an open configuration. Referring briefly to FIG. 30, the first shade 22 can be coupled to the outer roller 250 and can be wrapped around the outer roller 42. The upper edge of each of the front and rear sheets 30, 34 can be coupled to an inwardly directed, longitudinally extending gland or rib 275. The gland 275 can define an interior cavity 262 that is open through the periphery of one of the outer rollers 250. The shade 22 can be wound on the roller 250 or unfolded from the rear side of one of the rollers 250, wherein the rear side of the roller 250 is positioned on the roller One of the front side of 250 is between the street side of one of the associated building openings (in Figure 30, the rear side of the wheel is on the right). Typically, rotation of the roller 250 in a first direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 30) causes the shade 22 to retract to one side or more adjacent to an associated building opening by wrapping the shade 22 around the outer roller 250. The position of one of the sides (such as the top side) and rotation of the roller 250 in a second, opposite direction may cause the shade 22 to extend across the opening (such as to the bottom side).

The first shade 22 is maintained in this open position by positioning the first shade 22 rearwardly of the sheet 30 and the front tab 34 with the outer roller 250. For example, in Figure 30, the locations of such attachment points 262 can be referred to as being at 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock, where the attachment points are placed at the same level as each other. If the outer roller 250 is rotated in either direction as shown in Figure 30, the front and rear sheets 30, 34 will move toward the other and the blades 38 will be reoriented to be more vertically aligned.

At this position where both the first shade 22 and the second shade 24 are in the fully extended position, the restriction nut 268 (see generally Figures 28 and 29) engages the lower limit. Actuation of the operating mechanism 240 from this position (such as by operating element 242) begins to retract the second shade 24 into the head rail 14. The operating mechanism 240 first rotates the inner roller 248 in a counterclockwise direction in FIG. 30 to retract the second shade 24, and when the second shade 24 is fully retracted, then actuates the outer roller 250 to first The shade 22 is retracted onto the outer roller 250. This sequence is further elaborated herein and below.

As described above, and still referring to FIG. 30, inner roller 248 is positioned within outer roller 250 to define dual roller unit 246. The outer roller 250 defines a rotating shaft 252 defined by a portion having a circular shape beyond the roller 250, such as from 9 o'clock to 2 o'clock. The inner roller 248 is positioned to coextend with the outer roller 250 or to be concentric about the same axis 252 as the outer roller 250.

During retraction of the second shade 24, the inner roller 248 rotates relative to the outer roller 250, with the opposing collars of the left roller end cap 270b and the right roller end cap 270a supporting the respective ends of the inner roller 248. The outer roller 250 is fixed by the roller lock 255 relative to the inner roller 248. Rotate in position. The roller lock 255 is oriented such that the bearing 271 is biased by the spring 259 to be received in the anchor groove 245 (see Figures 28-30). This position of the bearing 271 prohibits the rotation of the outer roller 250. When the inner roller 248 is rotated in the retracting direction, the second shade 24 is wound onto the inner roller 248 as it is pulled through the slot 276 formed in the outer roller 250. This retracted rotation causes the restriction nut 268 to move along the limit screw 266 toward the opposite end of the restriction screw 266.

The slot 276 through which the second shade 24 extends and the seat 281 for receiving the second end rail 220 are positioned on the circumference of the outer roller 250 above the attachment point 262 of the sheet 34 after the first shade 22. This can be referred to as 3 o'clock in FIG. The slot 276 is defined by opposing free edges formed in the seat 281. Seat 281 forms a recess along the length of slot 276 and includes two outer edges that define the boundaries of seat 281 on the circumference of outer roller 250. The shape of the recess as oriented in Fig. 30 is generally angularly defined, with a generally vertically oriented base wall 284 permitting a relative vertical tangential engagement and disengagement between the second bottom rail 220 and the outer roller 250. When the second bottom rail 220 is pulled vertically upward during retraction and into the seat 281, the position of the seat 281 and the slot 276 near the farthest rear position on the circumference of the outer roller 250 together with the shape of the seat 281 allows the second bottom The rails 220 are securely received (see Figures 31 and 32).

The shape of the seat 281 and its orientation on the outer roller 250 facilitates smooth and predictable disengagement of the second bottom rail 220 from the seat 281 to begin the extension of the second shade 24 (from the position shown in Figure 32). The shape and orientation of the seat 281 allows the bottom rail 220 to exit the seat 281 vertically, which utilizes the weight on the relatively heavy bottom rail 220. The generally tangential orientation of the seat 281 on the outer roller 250 assists in this regard. Referring to Figure 35, the upper wall 277a extends downwardly and radially inwardly from the top edge of the recess to a lip 277b that extends directly down to an upper free edge 277c. This portion of seat 281 is the deepest (as measured from the center of the circumference toward the outer roller). The lower wall 279a extends upwardly and inwardly from the bottom edge of the recess at a shallow angle and transitions to a lip 279b that defines one of the lower free edges 279c of the slot 276. Lower wall The 279a is relatively vertical and the combined upper lip 277b remains so flat. The lower free edge 279c of the slot 276 is curved or rounded to allow smooth travel of the second shade 24 over this feature when the second shade 24 is retracted onto the inner roller 248.

The stable engagement of the second bottom rail 220 in the seat 281 facilitates consistent actuation of the roller lock 255 to disengage the bearing 271 from the anchor groove 245. Referring to FIG. 31, when the second shade 24 is almost completely wound around the inner roller 248, the bottom rail 220 of the second shade 24 engages the roller lock 255 to disengage the roller lock 255 from the outer side of the outer roller 250. The second bottom rail 220 is shown in phantom in Figures 31 and 35. At this position, the actuator side 247 extending axially from the end of the second bottom rail 220 contacts the pin 269 formed on the lower leg 267 of the roller lock 255. When the second bottom rail 220 is pulled into the seat 281 by retracting the second shade 24, the actuator side 247 moves the pin 269 relative to the pivot axis of the post 253. The pin 269 moves radially inward relative to the inner roller 248 and moves circumferentially relative to the pivot axis of the roller lock 255. Movement of the roller lock 255 about the post 253 causes the upper arm 265 to move, which begins to move the bearing 271 upwardly and disengage from the anchor recess 245, which freely rotates the outer roller 250 (see Figures 32, 36, and 43). .

As shown in Figures 42 and 43, the actuator edge 247 extends away from the end of the second bottom rail 220 adjacent the roller lock 255. Referring to Figures 44 and 45, the side 247 is one of the thin curved members conforming to the curved shape of the bottom side of the second bottom rail 220 in this example. The edge 247 is curved in a dimension that coincides with the bottom side of the second bottom rail 220 and extends axially away from the second bottom rail 220. As best seen in Fig. 43, the side 247 extends for a distance sufficient to engage one of the pins 269 on the roller lock 255 but does not contact the center plate 261 of the roller lock 255. The inner concave surface of fin 247 engages the circular outer surface of pin 269. When the second bottom rail 220 is further retracted, the pin 269 and the fin 247 maintain a sliding engagement. This further movement of the second end rail 220 causes the roller lock 255 to pivot further about the pivot axis of the post 253 and thereby move the roller lock bearing 271 away from the anchor recess 245.

Referring to FIGS. 32 and 36, when the second shade 24 is further retracted into the outer roller 250 At the time, the bottom rail 220 becomes securely positioned in the seat 281 and the fins 247 move the pin 269 inwardly a sufficient amount to completely remove the bearing 271 from the anchor groove 245, which freely rotates the outer roller 250. Further actuation of the operating mechanism 240 applies a rotational motion of the inner roller 248 to the outer roller 250 through the engagement of the bottom rail 220 in the seat 281 under the tension of the second shade 24. This engagement causes the outer roller 250 to rotate together with the rotation of the inner roller 248. When the outer roller 250 begins to rotate in the retracted direction, the actuator edge 247 on the second bottom rail 220 disengages from the pin 269 on the roller lock 255. Referring to Figures 33 and 37, after release, the roller lock 255 is immediately biased by the spring 259 to cause the bearing 271 to contact the outer surface of the outer roller 250 at a circumferential location away from the anchor groove 245.

Referring to FIG. 34, when the outer roller 250 continues to rotate in the retracting direction, the first shade 22 is wound around the outer roller 250 to cover the anchor groove 245. When the roller lock bearing 271 is near the anchor groove 245 (when the outer roller 250 continues to rotate), the roller lock bearing 271 passes over the groove 245 by riding on the first shade 22 across the groove 245. The first shade 22 is under tension as it is wrapped around the outer roller 250, thus causing the span of the shade 22 extending over the recess 245 to be relatively tensioned. The bearing 271 may be slightly pressed into the anchor groove 245 when only a single winding of the first shade 22 is positioned over the anchor groove 245, but the first opaque of the bearing 271 on the outer roller 250 after another complete rotation The object 22 rides above the surface without interference from the anchor groove 245.

When the first shade 22 continues to retract, it is wound on the outer roller 250 a plurality of times, and the roller lock bearing 271 continues to ride on the outer surface of the shade 22. The dual roller unit 246 reaches the top retracted position when the first bottom rail 18 contacts one of the mating faces on the head rail housing, for example. It is contemplated that other mechanisms may be utilized to define the top retracted position, including one of the top limit stops positioned on the limit screw 266 opposite the bottom limit stop. As explained above, the second shade 24 and the first shade 22 can be fully extended when the user actuates an operating element (manually or automatically) for retracting both shades 22, 24. The position is retracted. Limiting screw 266 is of sufficient length to allow limiting nut 268 from the bottom Limit the movement of the stop until the top retracted position is obtained.

The extension of the first shade 22 and the second shade 24 (if desired) is accomplished in a reverse order as described above, such as generally followed by Figures 34-30. This allows the user to choose whether to extend only the first shade 22 or also the second shade 24 (between fully retracted and fully extended). During extension of the first shade 22, the user actuates the operating mechanism 240 to cause the inner roller 248 to rotate in an extending direction (clockwise in FIGS. 34-30), which in turn causes the outer roller 250 to rotate in an extending direction . In this example, the dual roller unit 246 rotates in a direction in which the user controls the rotation of the inner roller 248. When the first shade 22 is extended from the rear portion of the outer roller 250, the roller lock bearing 271 rides on the outer surface of the outer roller 250 until the first shade 22 is almost completely extended. At this time, the outer surface of the outer roller 250 is exposed.

When the outer roller 250 continues to rotate, the roller lock bearing 271 rides on the outer surface of the outer roller 250 until it meets the anchor groove 245. The bearing 271 is biased downward by the spring 259 to be positioned in the recess 245 and inhibits rotation of the outer roller 250 and allows continued rotation of the inner roller 248 (if desired by the user). Since the roller lock 255 is biased in the direction against one of the outer surfaces of the outer roller 250, the bearing 271 is moved into the anchor groove 245 without further advancement. At this point the first shade 22 spans the opening at its most extended position. It is contemplated in these examples that the roller lock 255 can be biased by a member other than a spring 259. For example, the top arm 273 of the roller lock 255 can be weighted such that the roller lock 255 automatically pivots under the weight of the top arm 273 as desired. Where a spring 259 is used, it can be a wire spring, a coil spring, a spring of elastic material (such as rubber, rubber and/or plastic) or the like.

When the bearing 271 of the roller lock 255 is seated in the anchor recess 245, the slot 276 in the outer roller 250 is rotatably oriented within the head rail 14 such that when the tension in the second shade 24 is manipulated by the operating system When the 240 is reduced, the bottom rail 220 of the second shade 24 can exit the seat 281 vertically. The generally tangential orientation and generally vertical positioning of the seat 281 with a relatively vertical base wall 284 allows the second bottom rail when the tension in the second shade 24 is released in the retracted position The weight of 220 is effective for extracting the bottom rail 220 from the seat 281. However, if the user does not intend to extend the second shade 24, the second shade 24 can remain retracted. The operating mechanism 240 can include a brake system to limit unwanted downward movement of the second shade 24 or the first shade 22.

To extend the second shade 24, the operating system 240 is further actuated to a level as desired by the user. When the user extends the second shade 24 to the lowest position (maximum extension), the restriction nut 268 is positioned on the limit screw 266 to engage the lower limit stop. A single limit screw 266 can thus be utilized to define the upper limit of the retracted first shade 22 attached to the outer roller 250 and to define the lower limit of the extended second shade 24 attached to the inner roller 248.

It is contemplated that the first shade 22 of Figures 30-34 (which may be the same or different than the first shade shown in Figures 1-5) may be wrapped around the outer roller 250 or unrolled from the front side of the outer roller 250. The accompanying modifications to the structures set forth herein will be necessary to facilitate the implementation of a dual roller shade technology such as applied to a front down shade structure. It is also contemplated that a roller lock mechanism can be used in conjunction with the right end cap 226a on the right end of the head rail and the accompanying components necessary for its operation, together with a roller lock mechanism on the left end of the head rail, or itself . Additionally, the second bottom rail 220 can have a uniform moving edge 247 on either end thereof.

The foregoing description has a wide range of applications. While the examples provided illustrate a silhouette type shade and a blackout type shade, it should be understood that the concepts disclosed herein are equally applicable to many types of shades. Therefore, the discussion of any embodiment is intended to be illustrative only and not intended to suggest that the scope of the inventions In other words, the illustrative embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail herein, and it is to be understood that the invention may be Except for prior art restrictions.

The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and embodiments For example, the various features of the invention may be grouped in one or more aspects, embodiments or configurations for the purpose of simplification of the invention. Start. However, it will be understood that various features, embodiments or configurations of the invention may be combined in alternate embodiments, embodiments or configurations. Furthermore, the scope of the following claims is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety in its entirety in its entirety in its entirety in its entirety in its entirety herein

As used herein, the phrase "at least one", "one or more" and "and/or" are operationally an open expression of both a conjunction and a converse.

The term "a" or "an" as used herein refers to one or more of the entities. As such, the terms "a" or "an" or "an" are used interchangeably herein.

All directional references (eg, proximal, distal, upper, lower, up, down, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, rear, top, bottom, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, radial , axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are used for identification purposes only to assist the reader in understanding the present invention and do not form (particularly) limitations as to the position, orientation, or use of the present invention. Unless otherwise indicated, connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are intended to be interpreted broadly and may include the inter-components and the relative movement between the elements. As such, the connection reference does not necessarily imply that the two elements are directly connected and in a fixed relationship. Identifying references (eg, primary, secondary, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) is not intended to imply importance or priority, but rather to distinguish features from one another. The drawings are for illustrative purposes only and may vary in size, position, order, and relative size as reflected in the drawings.

10‧‧‧Retractable cover/cover/motorized cover

14‧‧‧ head rails

18‧‧‧First bottom rail/bottom rail

20‧‧‧Second bottom rail/bottom rail/relative weight bottom rail

22‧‧‧First shade/shade

24‧‧‧Second shade/shade

26a‧‧‧End cap / right end cap

26b‧‧‧End cap / left end cap

30‧‧‧Front sheet/sheet

34‧‧‧After sheet/sheet

38‧‧‧Flexible blades/blades with horizontally extending vertical spacing

42‧‧‧Operating components

11-11‧‧‧ line

30-30‧‧‧ line

Claims (47)

A cover for a building opening, comprising: an outer roller having a central longitudinal axis and an elongated groove formed through a side wall; an inner roller having a central longitudinal axis; a first shading Attached to the outer roller and adapted to wrap around the outer roller; a second shade defining a bottom rail and secured to the inner roller and adapted to wrap around the inner roller; a roller is received in the outer roller; a mounting system supporting the inner roller and the outer roller for rotational movement about the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller; the second shade extends through the elongated slot and Removing back to the inner roller and extending from the inner roller, the bottom rail engaging the outer roller when the second shade is in the fully retracted position; an operating mechanism for the inner The roller is selectively rotated; and the rotation of the inner roller causes rotation of the outer roller when in the retracted position. The cover of claim 1, wherein: the elongated groove extends between ends of the outer roller; and the inner roller has an end aligned with the ends of the outer roller. The cover of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second shade has side edges aligned with the ends of the inner roller and the outer roller. The cover of claim 1 or 2, comprising: a lock mechanism that can limit the first position of the rotation of the outer roller to a first position Moving between one of the second positions of rotation of the outer roller; and wherein the lock is moved from the first position to the second position immediately after engagement of the second bottom rail with the lock mechanism. The cover of claim 1 or 2, wherein: the slot is oriented orthogonal to an extension direction of the first shade. The cover of claim 1 or 2, wherein: the outer roller defines a longitudinal seat formed along the slot; and when the inner roller is in the retracted position, the second bottom rail is received in the seat . The cover of claim 6, wherein: the seat defines a recess having an opening along a direction in which one of the first shades extends. The cover of claim 1 or 2, wherein: the outer roller defines an elongated groove formed in the side wall; the lock mechanism includes a bearing; and in the first position of the lock mechanism, the bearing is received In the groove. The cover of claim 8 wherein: the lock mechanism includes a pin; and the lock mechanism is actuated immediately after the pin is engaged by the second bottom rail and the bearing is removed from the recess. The cover of claim 8 wherein: the bearing movably engages the outer surface of the outer roller in the second position. The cover of claim 1 or 2, wherein: the lock mechanism includes a locking member pivoted between the first position and the second position. As for the covering of claim 1 or 2, where: The lock mechanism includes a locking member axially translated between the first position and the second position. The cover of claim 1 or 2, wherein: the lock mechanism includes a rotatable shaft member positioned outside the outer roller and substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller. The cover of claim 13, wherein: the lock mechanism includes a housing; and the rotatable shaft member is journaled to the housing. The cover of claim 14, further comprising an end cap, wherein: the outer casing is overhanging from the end cap. The cover of claim 13, wherein the lock mechanism includes a gear mechanism that couples the rotatable shaft member and the rotation of the outer roller. The cover of claim 1 or 2, wherein: the outer roller comprises a first housing and a second housing each having a longitudinally extending end edge; and the first housing and the second housing The longitudinally extending end edges are spaced apart from one another along the perimeter to define the elongated slot. A cover for an opening of a building, comprising: a rotatable outer roller; a first shade fixed to the outer roller and wound on the outer roller; a rotatable shaft member positioned at The outer roller externally and at least partially defines a bottom stop of the first shade; a rotatable inner roller received in the outer roller; a second shade fixed to the inner roller and entangleable On the inner roller; and a non-rotatable shaft member extending within the inner roller and at least partially defining a bottom stop of the second shade. A method of operating a double panel covering for a building opening, comprising: providing a roller positioned in an inner side of an outer roller; locking rotation of the outer roller; rotating the inner roller relative to the outer roller Extending an extended second shade through a slot formed in the outer roller to the inner roller until fully retracted; actuating the rotary lock at the fully retracted position of the inner roller to allow the The outer roller rotates; and the outer roller is rotated by driving the inner roller to retract a first shade onto the outer roller. A method of operating a building opening covering having a nested roller, comprising: deploying a first shade from a periphery of one of the outer rollers; during the extension of the first shade, causing the outer roller to One of the peripheral outer portions of the locking member is axially traversed; after the locking member engages a first stop, the rotation of the outer roller is immediately restricted; and a second light shielding is developed around one of the inner rollers of the inner roller. During the extension of the second shade, one of the nuts positioned in the inner roller is axially traversed; and the rotation of the inner roller is immediately restricted after the nut engages a second stop. A covering for a building opening, comprising: a rotatable outer roller defining an elongated slot extending along a length of one of the outer rollers and leading to one of the outer rollers; a rotatable inner roller received in the outer roller and defining a central longitudinal axis; a first shade fixed to the outer roller, the first shade being retractable to the outer roller and An outer roller extends; and a second shade fixed to the inner roller, the second shade extending through the elongated slot and retractable to and extending from the inner roller, wherein When the first shade is in a fully extended position, the elongated slot is substantially horizontally aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller. The cover of claim 21, wherein the inner roller and the outer roller are concentric about the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller. The cover of claim 21 or 22, wherein the first shade and the second shade have the same width. The cover of claim 21 or 22, wherein: the width of the first shade extends along the entire length of the outer roller; and the width of the second shade extends along the entire length of the inner roller. The cover of claim 21 or 22, further comprising a bottom rail that is secured to the second shade and engages one of the outer rollers when the second shade is in a fully retracted position. The cover of claim 25, wherein: the outer roller defines a longitudinal seat formed along the slot; and the bottom rail is received in the seat when the second shade is in the fully retracted position. A cover of claim 21 or 22, wherein the slot is oriented orthogonal to an extension direction of one of the first shades. The covering of claim 21 or 22, further comprising supporting the inner roller and the outer roller for mounting about one of rotational movements of the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller system. A cover of claim 21 or 22, further comprising an operating mechanism for selectively rotating the inner roller. The cover of claim 21 or 22, wherein: the outer roller comprises a first housing and a second housing each having a longitudinally extending end edge; and the first housing and the second housing The edges are spaced apart from one another along the perimeter to define the elongated slot. The cover of claim 30, further comprising: a first sleeve locked into one of the first housing and the second housing; and a second sleeve locked to the first shell And an opposite end of the second housing; wherein the first sleeve and the second sleeve maintain a constant width of the one of the slots. The cover of claim 21 or 22, further comprising a lock mechanism movable between a first position that limits the rotation of the outer roller and a second position that permits rotation of the outer roller. The cover of claim 32, wherein the lock mechanism moves from the first position to the second position immediately after engagement of the bottom rail with the lock mechanism. The cover of claim 32, wherein: the outer roller defines an elongated groove formed in the side wall; the lock mechanism includes a bearing; and in the first position of the lock mechanism, the bearing is received in the recess In the slot. The cover of claim 34, wherein the bearing movably engages the outer surface of the outer roller in the second position. The cover of claim 32, wherein: the lock mechanism includes a pin; and the lock mechanism is actuated immediately after the pin is engaged by the bottom rail from the recess The groove removes the bearing. The cover of claim 32, wherein the lock mechanism includes a locking member pivoted between the first position and the second position. The cover of claim 32, wherein the lock mechanism includes one of the locking members that axially translates between the first position and the second position. The cover of claim 32, wherein the lock mechanism includes a rotatable shaft member positioned outside the outer roller and substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller. The cover of claim 39, further comprising an end cap, wherein: the inner roller and the outer roller are rotatably coupled to the end cap; the lock mechanism includes an outer casing overhanging the end cap; and the rotatable The shaft journal is supported to the outer casing. The cover of claim 39, wherein the lock mechanism includes a gear mechanism that couples the rotatable shaft member and the rotation of the outer roller. A cover for a building opening, comprising: a rotatable outer roller defining an elongated slot; a first shade fixed to the outer roller and wrapable on the outer roller; a lock mechanism Positioning on the outside of the outer roller and at least partially defining a bottom stop of the first shade; a rotatable inner roller received in the outer roller; and a second shade fixed therein a roller and may be wound around the inner roller, the second shade extending through the elongated slot and retractable; and a non-rotatable shaft extending within the inner roller and at least partially defining the second shade One of the bottom stops. The cover of claim 42, wherein the lock mechanism comprises: a rotatable shaft member positioned outside the outer roller; A locking member that translates axially along the rotatable shaft. The cover of claim 42, wherein the lock mechanism includes a pivotable locking member positioned external to the outer roller. A method of operating a cover for a building opening, comprising: deploying a first shade from a periphery of one of the outer rollers; and immediately after the first shade reaches a fully extended position One of the inner rollers of the outer roller unfolds a second shade; wherein deploying the second shade includes extending the second shade through a center formed in the outer roller and positioned to be centered with the inner roller The longitudinal axis is substantially horizontally aligned with one of the elongated slots. The method of claim 45, further comprising: pivoting a locking member into locking engagement with the outer roller to lock rotation of the outer roller; rotating the inner roller relative to the outer roller to cause the second shade to pass The elongated groove formed in the outer roller is retracted onto the inner roller; the locking member is pivoted away from the locking engagement with the outer roller to allow the outer roller at a fully retracted position of the inner roller Rotating; and rotating the outer roller by driving the inner roller to retract the first shade onto the outer roller. The method of claim 45, further comprising: axially displacing one of the locking members outside the periphery of the outer roller during extension of the first shade; and reaching the fully extended position at the first shade Immediately thereafter, the rotation of the outer roller is restricted by the locking member; during the extension of the second shade, one of the nuts positioned in the inner roller is axially traversed; The rotation of the inner roller is restricted by the nut immediately after the second shade reaches a fully extended position.