BR112015030821B1 - COVERAGE FOR AN ARCHITECTURE OPENING - Google Patents

Abstract

COVER FOR AN ARCHITECTURE OPENING AND METHOD OF OPERATION OF SUCH COVER A cover for an architectural cladding is provided. The cover may include an outer rotating cylinder, an inner rotating cylinder, a first shading portion attached to the outer cylinder, and a second shading portion attached to the inner cylinder. The outer cylinder may define an elongated slit that extends along a length of the outer cylinder and an opening to the interior of the outer cylinder. The inner cylinder can be received inside the outer cylinder and can define a central longitudinal axis. The first shading portion can be retractable inwards and extendable from the outer cylinder. The second shading portion may extend through the elongated slit and may be retractable inwardly and extendable from the inner cylinder roller. The elongated slot can be substantially horizontally aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the inner cylinder when the shading portion is in a fully extended position.

Description

[1] This application claims benefit under 35 USC § 119(e) of US Provisional Order No. 61/834,080, filed June 12, 2013 and entitled "Cover for an Architectural Opening with Installed Cylinders", and this application also claims priority to US Patent Application No. 14/213,449, filed March 14, 2014 and entitled "Cover for an architectural opening with installed cylinders", and this application further claims priority to US Patent Application No. 14 /212,387, filed March 14, 2014 and entitled "Cover for an Architectural Opening with Cylinder Installed", which application claims benefit under 35 USC § 119(e) of US Interim Application No. 61/834,080, filed on June 12, 2013 and entitled "Cover for an architectural opening with installed cylinders", all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FIELD

[2] The present disclosure relates generally to covers for architectural openings and more particularly to apparatus and methods for operating a cover for an architectural opening with installed cylinders.

FUNDAMENTALS

[3] Coverings for architectural openings such as windows, doors, arches and the like have taken on numerous forms over the years. Some covers include a retractable shade that is movable between an extended position and a stowed position. In the extended position, the cover shutter can be positioned through the opening. In the stowed position, the cover shutter can be positioned adjacent to one or more sides of the opening.

[4] Some coverings, when in the fully extended position, transmit light through the material from which the covering is made. In some cases, even when the canopy has operable vanes that open and close to control the amount of light that passes through the canopy, further dimming is desired. Additionally, or alternatively, in some cases, the user may desire a different pattern or appearance for the cover when in the fully extended position. Typically, such goals are achieved by having a separate cylinder behind the master cylinder for separate actuation by the user. These separate cylinders for supplemental function or appearance increase the size of the top rail and may require the use of a second set of control cords and operating mechanisms, thus increasing the weight and size of the canopy structure.

SUMMARY

[5] Examples of the present disclosure may include a cover for an architectural opening with cylinders installed. In some examples, the cover may include a rotatable outer cylinder that defines an elongated slit extending along the length of an outer cylinder and an opening into the outer cylinder, a rotatable inner cylinder fitted within the outer cylinder and defining a central longitudinal axis, a first louver fixed to the outer cylinder and a second louver fixed to the inner cylinder, with the second louver extending through the elongated and retractable slit to and extendable from the outer cylinder. The elongated slot can be substantially horizontally aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the inner cylinder when the shading portion is in a fully extended position.

[6] In some examples, the inner and outer cylinders are concentric around the central longitudinal axis of the inner cylinder. In some examples, the first and second blinds are the same width. In some examples, the width of the first louver extends the entire length of the outer cylinder and the width of the second louver extends the entire length of the inner cylinder. In some examples, the slit is oriented orthogonally to an extension direction of the first shading portion.

[7] In some examples, the cover includes a lower rail secured to the second louver and incorporated into the outer cylinder when the second louver is in a fully retracted position. In some examples, the outer cylinder defines a longitudinal seat formed along the slit and the lower rail is fitted to the seat when the second louver is in the fully retracted position. In some examples, the cover includes a mounting system that supports the inner and outer cylinders for rotational movement around the central longitudinal axis of the inner cylinder. In some examples, the cover includes an operating mechanism to selectively rotate the inner cylinder.

[8] In some examples, the outer cylinder includes a first shell and a second shell, each having a longitudinally extending end edge and the edges of the first and second shells are peripherally spaced relative to one another to define a elongated slit. In some examples, the cover includes a first bushing locked to one of the first and second shells and a second bushing locked to an opposite end of the first or second shell; where the first and second bushing maintain a constant slot width.

[9] In some examples, the cover includes a locking mechanism movable between a first position that restricts rotation of the outer cylinder and a second position that allows rotation of the outer cylinder. In some examples, the locking mechanism moves from the first position to the second position by incorporating the lower rail with the locking mechanism. In some examples, the outer cylinder defines an elongated groove formed in the side wall, the lock mechanism includes a bracket, and, in the first position of the lock mechanism, the bracket is fitted into the groove. In some examples, the locking mechanism is actuated by engaging the pin by the lower rail to remove the bracket from the slot. In some examples, the bracket movably engages the outer surface of the outer cylinder in the second position.

[10] In some examples, the locking mechanism includes a locking element that rotates around its axis between the first and second positions. In some examples, the locking mechanism includes a locking element that translates axially between the first and second positions. In some examples, the lock mechanism includes a rotary shaft positioned externally to the outer cylinder and oriented substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the inner cylinder. In some examples, the cover includes an end cap, the inner and outer cylinders are rotatably coupled to the end cap, the locking mechanism includes an end cap cantilever housing, and the pivot rod is supported in the housing. . In some examples, the lock mechanism includes a gear mechanism that couples the rotation of the rotating rod and the outer cylinder.

[11] In some examples, the cover may include an outer rotating cylinder defining an elongated slit, a first louver secured to and wound on the outer cylinder, a locking mechanism positioned on the outside of the outer cylinder and defining, at least partially, a bottom locking for the first louver, an inner rotating cylinder fitted to the outer cylinder, a second louver secured to and wound on the inner cylinder, the second louver extendable and retractable through the elongated slit, and a non-rotating strainer that extends on the inner cylinder and which at least partially defines a bottom lock for the second louver.

[12] In some examples, the locking mechanism includes a rotatable rod positioned outside the outer cylinder and a locking member that axially travels the rotatable rod. In some examples, the locking mechanism includes a pivotable locking element positioned external to the outer cylinder.

[13] Examples in the present disclosure may include a method for operating a roof for an architectural opening. In some examples, the method includes unsupporting a first louver from the peripheral region of an outer cylinder, from the moment the first louver is in a fully extended position, unsupporting a second louver from the peripheral region of an inner cylinder positioned within the outer cylinder, wherein the second louver unsupport comprises extending the second louver through an elongated slot formed in the outer cylinder and positioned in substantial horizontal alignment with a central longitudinal axis of the inner cylinder.

[14] In some examples, the method includes pivoting a locking member in locking engagement with the outer cylinder to lock rotation of the outer cylinder, rotating the inner cylinder relative to the outer cylinder to retract the second hinged louver. a locking member in locking engagement with the outer cylinder to block rotation of the outer cylinder, the inner roller rotating relative to the outer roller to retract the second louver to the inner cylinder through the elongated slit formed in the outer cylinder, the hinge member outside the locking engagement with the outer cylinder in a fully retracted position of the inner cylinder, to allow the outer cylinder to rotate and rotation of the outer cylinder by actuating the inner cylinder, in order to retract the first blind to the outer cylinder.

[15] In some examples, the method includes, during the extension of the first whole, the axial traversing of an outer locking member relative to the peripheral region of the outer cylinder, restricting the rotation of the outer cylinder with the locking member from from the moment the first louver is in the fully extended position, during the second louver extension, the axial crossing of a nut located on the inner cylinder and the restriction of rotation of the inner cylinder with the nut from the moment the second louver is in the fully extended position.

[16] The description is given to aid understanding, and one skilled in the art will understand each of the various aspects and features of the disclosure that can be used to advantage separately in certain cases or in combination with other aspects and features disclosure in other cases. Therefore, although the description is presented in exemplary terms, it should be noted that individual aspects of any of the examples may be claimed separately or in combination with aspects and features of that or any other example.

[17] The present disclosure is presented at various levels of detail in this application and is not intended to make any limitation on the scope of the object claimed by the inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components and the like in this summary. In certain cases, details that are not necessary to understand the disclosure or that provide other details that are difficult to understand may be omitted. It should be understood that the claimed object is not necessarily limited to the particular examples or arrangements illustrated herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[18] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the descriptive report, illustrate examples of the disclosure and, together with the generated description provided above and the detailed description provided below, serve to explain the principles of these examples.

[19] FIG. 1 is an isometric view of a canopy with the first and second louvers in fully retracted positions, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[20] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of the cover of FIG. 1 with a first louver in a partially extended position and a second louver in a fully retracted position, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[21] FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the cover of FIG. 1 with a first louver in a fully extended position and a second louver in a fully retracted position, according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[22] FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the cover of FIG. 1 with a first louver in a fully extended position and a second louver in a partially extended position, according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[23] FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the cover of FIG. 1 with the first and second louvers in fully extended positions, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[24] FIG. 6 is an isometric view, partially exploded. of the top rail components of a cover, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure. The top rail and the first and second louvers are not shown for clarity.

[25] FIG. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a cover taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 1 with the top rail components of FIG. 6, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[26] FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view of a cover taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 2 with the top rail components of FIG. 6, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[27] FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view of a cover taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 3 with the top rail components of FIG. 6, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[28] FIG. 10 is a cross-sectional view of a cover taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 4 with the top rail components of FIG. 6, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[29] FIG. 11 is a cross-sectional view of a cover taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 5 with the top rail components of FIG. 6, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[30] FIG. 12 is an isometric view of the top rail components of a canopy, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure. Top rail cover is not shown for clarity.

[31] FIG. 13 is an isometric, partially exploded view of the top rail components of FIG. 12, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[32] FIG. 14 is a cross-sectional view of the top rail components of FIG. 12, taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 12, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[33] FIG. 15 is a side elevational view of some of the components of the top rail of FIG. 12 depicts engaged gears rotatably supported on an end cap of a cover, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[34] FIG. 16 is an isometric view of a locking mechanism for the components of the top rail of FIG. 12, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[35] FIG. 17 is a top side view of the lock mechanism of FIG. 16, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[36] FIG. 18 is another isometric view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 16, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[37] FIG. 19 is a top side view of a double cylinder unit coupled to the lock mechanism of FIG. 16, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[38] FIG. 20 is a view of a locking interface between the first and second casing of an outer cylinder of the double cylinder unit of FIG. 19, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[39] FIG. 21 is a top side view of a housing of the lock mechanism of FIG. 16, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[40] FIG. 22 is a top side view of the housing of FIG. 21, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[41] FIG. 23 is a rod of the locking mechanism of FIG. 16, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[42] FIG. 24 is an isometric view of a nut of the lock mechanism of FIG. 16, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[43] FIG. 25 is another isometric view of the nut of FIG. 24, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[44] FIG. 26 is a top side view of the rod of FIG. 23 rotatably supported in the housing of FIG. 21 and the nut of FIG. 24 threaded rod mounted on the shank, with the housing and nut shown in the longitudinal transverse section, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[45] FIG. 27 is a cross-sectional view of the housing, nut and rod of FIG. 26 taken along line 27-27 of FIG. 26, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[46] FIG. 28 is an isometric, partially exploded view of the top rail components of a cover, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure. Top rail cover and second louver are not shown for clarity.

[47] FIG. 29 is another isometric, partially exploded view of the top rail components of FIG. 28, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[48] FIG. 30 is a cross-sectional view of a cover taken along line 30-30 of FIG. 5 with the top rail components of FIG. 28, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[49] FIG. 31 is a cross-sectional view of a cover taken along line 31-31 of FIG. 3 with the top rail components of FIG. 28, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[50] FIG. 32 is a cross-sectional view of the cover of FIG. 31 with a lower rail fitted over the outer cylinder and a locking mechanism disengaged from the outer cylinder, according to some examples of the present disclosure.

[51] FIG. 33 is a cross-sectional view of the cover of FIG. 32 with the outer cylinder rotated counterclockwise relative to the position of the outer cylinder in FIG. 32, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[52] FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of a cover taken along line 34-34 of FIG. 4 with the top rail components of FIG. 28, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[53] FIG. 35 is a cross-sectional view of the cover of FIG. 31 with the inner cylinder and second louver removed, for clarity, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[54] FIG. 36 is a cross-sectional view of the cover of FIG. 32 with the inner cylinder and second louver removed, for clarity, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[55] FIG. 37 is a cross-sectional view of the cover of FIG. 33 with the inner cylinder and second louver removed for clarity, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[56] FIG. 38 is an isometric view of a locking mechanism for the components of the top rail of FIG. 28, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[57] FIG. 39 is another isometric view of the lock mechanism of FIG. 38, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[58] FIG. 40 is an isometric view of a support for one of the top rail components of FIG. 28, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[59] FIG. 41 is an isometric view of the lock mechanism of FIG. 38 rotatably mounted on the bracket of FIG. 40, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[60] FIG. 42 is a fragmentary isometric view of some of the components of the top rail of FIG. 28 and represents the interface of the lock mechanism of FIG. 38 with a lower track of the cover, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[61] FIG. 43 is a fragmentary isometric view of some of the components of the top rail of FIG. 28 and represents the interface of the lock mechanism of FIG. 38 with a lower track of the cover, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[62] FIG. 44 is a fragmentary view of one end of the bottom rail of FIGS. 42 and 43, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[63] FIG. 45 is an isometric view of a drive ring of the lower rail of FIG. 44, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[64] FIG. 46 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of one end of a cover taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 1 with the top rail components of FIG. 28, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

[65] FIG. 47 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a cover taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 1 with the top rail components of FIG. 28, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[66] The present disclosure provides coverage for an architectural opening. In general, the cover may include a first louver and a second louver, both suspended from the same top rail by a pair of mounted cylinders that form a double cylinder unit. the first louver (the front louver in this configuration) is attached to an outer roller for retraction to and extension from it by rolling in and out of the outer roller as actuated by the user. the second louver (the rear louver in this configuration) is attached to an inner cylinder, which is positioned within the outer cylinder, for retraction to and extension therefrom, winding and unwinding from the inner cylinder as actuated by the user . The inner cylinder can be positioned inside the outer cylinder, and collectively the inner and outer cylinders can form a cylinder unit, as will be described in more detail below. the second louver can be extended and retracted as directed by the user when the first louver is in the fully extended position. The operating unit that causes the cylinders to rotate, as directed by the user, can be operated, for example, by a motor or a single control cord. The operating unit can be engaged and control the rotation of the inner cylinder, which can, in turn, control the rotation of the outer tube.

[67] Referring to FIGS. 1-5, a retractable cover 10 is provided for an architectural opening. The retractable cover 10 may include an upper rail 14, a first lower rail 18, a second lower rail 20, a first louver 22, and a second louver 24. The first louver 22 may extend between the upper rail 14 and the first lower rail 18. The second louver 24 may extend between the upper rail 14 and the second lower rail 20. The upper rail 14 may include two opposing end caps 26a, 26b which may encircle the ends of the upper rail 14 so as to provide a finish. The first lower rail 18 may extend horizontally along a lower edge of the first louver 22 and may act as ballast to keep the first louver 22 in a stretched condition. The second lower rail 20 may extend horizontally along a lower edge of the second louver 24 and may act as a ballast to keep the second louver 24 in a stretched condition.

[68] The first louver 22 may include vertically suspended front 30 and rear 34 blades of flexible material (such as sheer fabric) and a plurality of vertically spaced flexible vanes 38 extending horizontally. of horizontal lines of attachment with a leading edge attached to the leading blade 30 and a trailing edge attached to the trailing blade 34. Blades 30, 34 and vanes 38 may form a plurality of longitudinally extending, vertically aligned, cells that may be collectively called a cellular panel. The blades 30, 34 and/or vanes 38 can be made up of continuous lengths of material or can be made up of strips of material fixed or joined in an edge-to-edge relationship, overlapping or other suitable relationship. the second louver 24 may be a single panel and may consist of strips of material fixed or joined in an edge-to-edge relationship, overlapping or other suitable relationship.

[69] The first and second louvers 22, 24 can be made of substantially any type of material. For example, shutters 22, 24 can be made from natural and/or synthetic materials, including fabrics, polymers and/or other suitable materials. Fabric materials may include braided, non-woven, knitted or other suitable fabric types. Shutters 22, 24 can have any suitable level of light transmissibility. For example, the first and second blinds 22, 24 can be made of transparent, translucent and/or opaque materials so as to provide a desired ambience or decoration in an associated room. In some examples, the first louver 22 includes blades 30, 34 which are transparent and/or translucent and vanes 38 which are translucent and/or opaque. In some examples, the second blind 24 is made of a single sheet of material with zero light transmissibility, often called a blackout blind. The second louver 24 can include patterns or designs such that when the second louver 24 is extended behind the first louver 22, the second louver 24 creates a different aesthetic appearance than the first louver 22 by itself.

[70] With reference to FIGS. 1-6, cover 10 may include an operating or activating mechanism 40 configured to raise or retract first louver 22, second louver 24, or both. The operating mechanism 40 can be mechanically and/or electrically controlled. The operating mechanism 40 may include a speed control device for controlling or regulating the extension or slowing down of the louvers 22, 24.

[71] In some examples, the operating mechanism 40 may include an operating element 42 (such as a ball chain, rope, or rod) to allow the user to extend or retract the first and/or second louver 22, 24. To move louvers 22, 24, the operator can manipulate operating element 42. For example, to raise or retract louvers 22, 24 from an extended position, the operator can pull operating element 40 downwards. To extend or lower the louvers 22, 24 from the retracted position, the operator can manipulate the operating element 42 to release a lug, which may allow the louvers 22, 24 to automatically lower under the influence of gravity.

[72] Additionally, or alternatively, operating mechanism 40 may include an electric motor 44 configured to extend or retract louvers 22, 24 upon receipt of an extend or retract command. Motor 44 can be connected to a switch and/or operatively coupled to a receiver that is operable to communicate with a transmitter, such as a remote control unit 46, to allow a user to control motor 44 and, thus, the extension and retraction of the louvers 22, 24. The motor 44 may include a state of less gravity that allows the louvers 22, 24 to lower through gravity without motor intervention, thus reducing energy consumption.

[73] With reference to FIG. 6, the cover 10 may include a double cylinder unit 46, which may be disposed on the top rail 14. The double cylinder unit 46 may include an inner cylinder 48 and an outer cylinder 50. The inner cylinder 48 may be positioned within the Outer cylinder 50 and cylinders 48, 50 may be aligned coaxially about the same rotary axis 52. Cylinders 48, 50 may be concentric about a central axis of inner cylinder 48.

[74] With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, inner cylinder 48 may be generally cylindrical in shape and may be formed as a tube. The second louver 24 can be secured to an upper edge of the inner cylinder 48 by adhesive, corresponding retaining features, or other suitable securing means. In some examples, a longitudinally extending recess 52 is formed in the circumferential wall of the inner cylinder 48 and may receive an adhesive ball configured to adhere the upper edge of the second louver 24 to the inner cylinder 48.

[75] Outer cylinder 50 may be generally cylindrical in shape and may surround inner cylinder 48. Outer cylinder 50 may be formed of two interlocking pieces. Referring to FIG. 6, the outer cylinder 50 may include a first shell 54 and a second shell 56 which are installed together. Referring to FIGS. 6 and 8-11, the longitudinally extending edge portions 58, 60 of the first and second shell 54, 56, respectively, may overlap and interlock. The first louver 22 may be secured to an upper edge of the outer cylinder 50 by adhesive, corresponding retaining features, or other suitable securing means. In some examples, a pair of channels 62 is formed in the circumferential wall of the outer cylinder 50 and configured to receive and secure the upper edges of the first louver 22. Referring to FIGS. 8-11, inserts 64 can be positioned in a sheath formed on each of the top edges and can act to retain the top edges in respective channels 62.

[76] With reference to FIG. 7, the inner and outer cylinders 48, 50 can extend substantially the entire distance between the right and left end caps 26a, 26b. The inner and outer cylinders 48, 50 can be the same or substantially the same length. The first and second louvers 22, 24 may have the same or substantially the same width, which may be equivalent to the length of the cylinders 48, 50. In some examples, the first and second louvers 22, 24 have equivalent widths corresponding to extension of the inner and outer cylinders 48, 50, which can eliminate the existence of a slight space between the edges of the shutters 22, 24 and the sides of the architectural opening.

[77] With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the double cylinder assembly 50 is rotatably supported by opposing end caps 26a, 26b. The operating mechanism 40 can be anchored to the right cover 26a and can be actuated, for example, by the operating element 42 or by the remote control unit 46. The operating mechanism 40 can be operably associated with the inner cylinder 48, in order to do so. it spin. Operating mechanism 40 may include an inner housing 64 which is engageable with inner cylinder 48 and may be securely engaged with the wall of inner cylinder 48. Inner housing 64 can be activated in rotation by operating mechanism 40, such as motor 44 , and thus can activate the inner cylinder 48 in rotation. Operating mechanism 40 may include a planetary gear unit commonly used in window covering applications.

[78] Still referring to FIGS. 6 and 7, a stop screw 66 can be positioned within the inner cylinder 48 and can be secured to the left end cap 26b so that the stop screw 66 does not rotate. A limit nut 68 can be engaged with limit screw 66 and can be rotationally keyed to the wall of inner cylinder 48. The key structure can allow movement of limit nut 68 along the length of inner cylinder 48. As the inner cylinders 48 rotate, the limit nut 68 can move along the threaded limit screw 66 and can engage a limit lock on the limit screw 66 so as to define the lower extended position of the second louver 24 (See FIG. 5). Additionally, or alternatively, an upper limit lock may be employed on limit screw 66, if desired.

[79] With reference to FIG. 6, the right and left bushings 70a, 70b may be axially aligned with the inner cylinder 48 and may be disposed adjacent to opposite ends of the inner cylinder 48. The right bushing 70a is rotatably mounted to the operating mechanism 40 and the bushing from the left 70b can be rotatably mounted on limit screw 66. Bushings 70a, 70b can be secured to the ends of outer cylinder 50 to maintain a desired spatial relationship between housings 54, 56. Bushings 70a, 70b can each be fitted , include a pair of axial projections 72a, 72b. One of the projections 72a may engage the first housing 54 and the other projection 72b may engage the second housing 56. When bushings 70a, 70b are engaged with opposite ends of outer cylinder 50, bushings 70a, 70b and outer cylinder 50 they can rotate in unison about the axis of rotation 52 of the inner and outer cylinders 48, 50.

[80] With reference to FIGS. 8-11, the first and second housings 54, 56 of the outer cylinder 50 each may provide a retaining feature which snugly fits the axial projections 72a, 72b of the bushings 70a, 70b. The retaining feature may be formed in the form of circumventingly spaced shelves 74 which extend inwardly from the outer cylinder 50 to an inner space defined by the outer cylinder 50. When bushings 70a, 70b are coupled with the ends of the outer cylinder 50 , the axial projections 72a, 72b can be snugly fitted between the shelves 74 and the circumferential wall of the outer cylinder 50 to prevent relative movement between the first and second shelves 54, 56.

[81] Still referring to FIGS. 8-11, the first and second shelves 54, 56 may define a slit 76 extending along an extension of the outer cylinder 50 and in communication with the inner portion of the outer cylinder 50. The slit 76 allows passage of the second louver 24 during extension and retraction of the second louver 24. When the first end portions 58, 60 of the first and second shelf 54, 56, respectively, are interconnected, the second portions of the longitudinally extending edge 78, 80 of the first and the second shelf 54, 56 may be peripherally spaced from one another so as to establish the slit 76. The second opposing edge portions 78, 80 of the first and second shelf 54, 56 may be spaced a sufficient distance apart. from the other to allow the passage of the second louver 24, but allowing the passage of the lower rail 20 of the second louver 24. The axial projections 72a, 72b of the bushings 70a, 70b can maintain the width of the slit 76 during operation. action of cover 10. Slit 76 may be positioned in outer cylinder 50 so as to be located over and adjacent to pair of recessed channels 62 when first louver 22 is in its extended, open-blade configuration.

[82] With continued reference to FIGS. 8-11, the outer cylinder 50 may define a recessed seat 81 in the circumferential wall on either side of the slot 76. The seat 81 may be formed in the form of a cavity extending along the length of the slot 76. The seat 81 may include a generally vertically oriented base wall 84 which traverses slit 76 and formed by the opposing edge portions 78, 80 of outer cylinder 50. Seat 81 may be configured to mate with second lower rail 20 when second louver 24 is in the fully retracted position (see FIG. 8). The base wall 84 may allow for a relatively tangential vertical engagement and disengagement between the second lower rail 20 and the outer cylinder 50. The slot 76 and the seat 81 may be positioned on the circumference of the outer cylinder 50, over the attachment point 62 of the rear blade 34 of first louver 22, and the position of slit 76 and seat 81 may be referred to by FIGS. 9-11 as 3:00. The location of the seat 81 and the slot 76, near the rearmost position on the circumference of the outer cylinder 50, together with the shape of the seat 81, can enable a secure fit of the second lower rail 20 as it is pulled vertically up and in. of seat 81 during retraction (see FIGS. 8-10).

[83] The shape of the seat 81 and its orientation in the outer cylinder 50 can encourage a smooth and predictable disengagement of the second lower rail 20 from the seat 81 to initiate the extension of the second louver 24. The shape and orientation of the seat 81 can enable that the lower rail 20 drops vertically from the seat 81, taking advantage of the force of gravity on the relatively heavy lower rail 20. The generally tangential orientation of the seat 81 on the outer cylinder 50 can contribute in this regard. The free lower edge of the slit 76 (defined by the edge portion 80 of the second shell 56 of the outer cylinder 50) may be curved or rounded to allow for an even travel of the second louver 24 over the edge portion 80 while the second louver 24 is extended and retracted through slit 76.

[84] The second lower rail 20 may be an elongated member, having a relatively high mass, and defining a groove running its length to receive and retain a lower edge of the second louver 24. The lower edge of the second louver 24 may be held in the groove of the lower rail 20 by an insert 82 positioned in a sheath formed in the lower edge of the second louver 24. A portion of the profile of the second lower rail 20 may generally match that of the seat 81 formed on the outer cylinder 50, so as to conform to it when the second blind 24 is in the retracted position.

[85] With reference to FIGS. 7-11, the first louver 22 can be coupled and wrapped around the outer cylinder 50. An upper end of each of the front and rear blades 30, 34 can be secured to the outer cylinder 50 at circumferentially spaced locations. The first louver 22 can be wrapped around or unrolled from a rear side of the outer cylinder 50, with the rear side of the cylinder 50 positioned between a front side of the cylinder 50 and an outer side of an associated architectural opening (in FIGS. 8 -11, the rear side of cylinder 50 is on the right). Generally speaking, rotation of the outer cylinder 50 in a first direction (counterclockwise in FIGS. 8-11) retracts the first louver 22, winding it onto the outer cylinder 50 in a position adjacent to one or more sides ( for example, the top side) of an associated architectural opening, and rotation of the outer cylinder 50 in an opposite second direction extends the first louver 22 through the opening (for example, to the bottom side).

[86] Referring further to FIGS. 7-11, the second louver 24 can be attached to and wound onto the inner cylinder 48. An upper edge of the second louver 24 can be secured to the inner cylinder 48, as discussed above. The second louver 24 can be rolled up to an unwind from a rear side of the cylinder unit 46, with the rear side of the cylinder unit 46 positioned between a front side of the cylinder unit 46 and an outside side of the associated architectural opening (at FIGS. 8-11, the rear side of the drum unit 46 is on the right). Generally, rotation of the inner roller 48 in a first direction (counterclockwise in FIGS. 8-11) retracts the second louver 24 by winding it onto the inner cylinder 48 to a position adjacent to one or more sides (such as the side top) of an associated architectural opening, and rotation of the inner cylinder 48 in an opposite second direction extends the second louver 24 through the opening (like the underside).

[87] The operation of the cover is described below, with reference to FIGS. 1-5 and 7-11. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the first and second louvers 22, 24 are in fully retracted and hidden positions in the top rail 14. In this configuration (see FIG. 7), the second louver 24 is fully wound onto the inner cylinder 48 and the first louver 22 is fully wound onto outer cylinder 50. In some examples, first lower rail 18 engages with a portion of upper rail 14 to define an upper limit interlock.

[88] To extend the first louver 22 of the top rail 14, the user may actuate the operating mechanism 40 to cause the inner cylinder 48 to rotate in an extending direction (clockwise in FIGS. 8-11), which in turn causes the outer cylinder 50 to rotate in an extension direction (clockwise in FIGS. 8-11) due, at least in part, to the weight of the first lower rail 18 applying a downward force to the first louver 22 As the first louver 22 extends from the rear of the outer cylinder 50, the outer cylinder 50 generally rotates in unison with the inner cylinder 48. The double cylinder unit 46 generally spins in the direction the user controls for the inner cylinder 48 rotate.

[89] With reference to FIGS. 2 and 8, the first louver 22 extends from the rear of the outer cylinder 50 in a closed or retracted configuration in which the front and rear blades 30, 34 are relatively close and the vanes 38 extend vertically in an approximately coplanar, continuous relationship, with the front and rear blades 30, 34. Once the first louver 22 is substantially unwound from the outer cylinder 50, continued rotation of the outer cylinder 50 in the direction of extension moves the front and rear blades 30, 34 generally vertically with respect to one another. another to change the position of the vanes 38 from a closed position (FIGS. 2 and 8) to an open position (FIGS. 3 and 9). A rear portion of the first lower rail 18 may have a greater weight than a front portion of the lower rail 18 in order to facilitate full opening of the fins 38.

[90] With reference to FIGS. 3 and 9, cover 10 is shown with first louver 24 in a fully extended position with vanes 38 in an open or expanded configuration. In this position, the front and rear blades 30, 34 are horizontally spaced apart, with the vanes 38 extending substantially horizontally therebetween, and the attachment points 62 of the front and rear blades 30, 34 to the outer cylinder 50 can be positioned thereon. height. In FIG. 9, for example, the positions of the attachment points 62 may be referred to as 4:00 and 8:00 and are disposed at substantially the same level with respect to one another. Rotation of the outer cylinder 50 in any direction from those shown in FIG. 9 causes the front and rear blades 30, 34 to move towards each other and the vanes 38 to reorient into a more vertical alignment.

[91] When the first louver 22 is completely unrolled from the outer cylinder 50, the slot 76 in the outer cylinder 50 is rotatably oriented on the upper rail 14, so that the lower rail 20 of the second louver 24 can fall vertically from the seat 81 with the additional rotation of inner cylinder 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 FIGS. 10 and 11), allows the weight of the second lower rail 20 to dislodge the lower rail 20 from the outer cylinder 50 when the tension on the second louver 24 is decreased on account of the continued rotation of the inner cylinder 48 in the direction of extension. The operating mechanism 40 may include a brake system operatively coupled to the inner cylinder 48 to restrict unwanted downward movement of the second louver 24 and therefore of the first louver 22.

[92] To extend the second louver 24, the operating mechanism 40 is additionally actuated by the user so as to rotate the inner cylinder 48 in the extension direction. During the extension of the second louver 24 (see FIGS. 4 and 10), the outer cylinder 50 and the first louver 22 can remain stationary because of the weight of the first louver 22 and the weight of the first lower rail 18, which maintain their position rotating outer cylinder 50, without a positive lock. In some examples, as discussed below, a positive lock can be used to prevent rotation of the outer cylinder 50 from the full extension of the first louver 22. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, during the extension of the second louver 24, the slit 76 defined in the outer cylinder 50 may be directed towards the rear and may be substantially horizontally aligned with the rotary axis 52 (see FIG. 6) of the inner and outer cylinders 48, 50. In other words, the second louver 24 can be implemented from the rear side of the inner and outer cylinders 48, 50.

[93] During the extension of the second louver 24, the inner cylinder 48 rotates relative to the outer cylinder 50, with the socket 64 and the limit nut 68 supporting the respective ends of the inner cylinder 48. As the inner roller 48 rotates in the extension direction, the second louver 48 is unwound from the inner cylinder 48 as it extends through the slot 76 formed in the outer cylinder 50. Rotation of the inner cylinder 48 in the extension direction moves the limit nut 68 along the limit screw 66 in the lower limit locking direction.

[94] With reference to FIGS. 5 and 11, cover 10 is shown with first and second louvers 22, 24, both in fully extended positions with vanes 38 in an open or expanded configuration. In this position, the front and rear blades 30, 34 are spaced horizontally apart with the vanes 38 extending substantially horizontally between them. The second blind 24 can be a blackout blind and inhibit light passing through the second blind 24 and therefore through the first blind 22. When the second blind 24 is fully extended (see FIGS. 5 and 11), the second blind 24 can be moved back from the first louver 22, but may extend coextensively in length and width with the first louver 22. To control the amount of light passing through the first louver 22, the second louver 24 can be removed to the top rail 14 and wound onto the inner cylinder 48 of the double rail unit 46.

[95] When the second louver 24 is in the fully extended position (the lowest extension), the limit nut 68 can be positioned on the limit screw 66 (see FIG. 6) by engaging a lower limit stop formed in the limit screw 66 to prevent inner cylinder 48 from rotating further. Boundary screw 66 may also include an upper boundary latch to define the upper boundary of cover 10. Alternatively, lower rail 18 of first louver 22 may engage a portion of upper rail 14 when first louver 22 is fully retracted to serve as the upper limit lock of the cover 10.

[96] At any point during the extension process, the user can stop operating mechanism 40 or reverse the direction of operating mechanism 40 to move the first and second louvers 22, 24 to a desired position. In examples that include a motorized cover 10, preprogrammed commands can be used to control the motor 44 and therefore control the position of the first and second louvers 22, 24. The commands can instruct the motor 44 to move the first and second louvers 22, 24 to predetermined louver positions, such as a first position where the first and second louvers 22, 24 are fully retracted, a second position where the first louver 22 is fully extended and the second louver 24 is fully retracted and a third position where the first and second louvers 22, 24 are fully extended. Commands can be transmitted to engine 44 via remote control unit 46.

[97] Retraction of the first and second louvers 22, 24 can be achieved in reverse order compared to the extension sequence described above, as follows generally from FIG. 11 to FIG. 8. In FIGS. 5 and 11, the first and second louvers 22, 24 are arranged in fully extended positions. When the first and second louvers 22, 24 are in the fully extended position, the limit nut 68 (see FIG. 6) can be engaged with a lower limit lock, which can be formed on the limit screw 66. actuation of the operating mechanism 40, for example: by the operating element 42 and/or the motor 44, from this position moves the limit nut 68 axially from the lower limit lock and starts the cover retraction process 10. The process Retracting generally involves actuating operating mechanism 40 to first rotate inner cylinder 48 in a retracted direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 11) to retract second louver 24 and when second louver 24 is fully retracted, the outer cylinder 50 is rotated in a retract direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 11) to retract first louver 22 to outer cylinder 50. This sequence is described further below.

[98] To retract the second louver 24 from the fully extended position of FIGS. 5 and 11, the user actuates operating mechanism 40 to cause the inner cylinder 48 to rotate in a retracted direction (counterclockwise in FIGS. 8-11), which in turn winds the second louver 24 onto the cylinder. inner roller 48 and lifts the second lower rail 20 along a rear face of the rear blade 34 of the first louver 22. During retraction of the second louver 24, inner cylinder 48 rotates relative to outer cylinder 50, with insert 64 and limit nut 68 holding the respective ends of inner cylinder 48. As inner cylinder 48 rotates in the retracted direction, second louver 24 is wound onto inner cylinder 48 as it is pushed through slot 76 formed in outer cylinder 50. The rotation of the inner cylinder 48 in the retracting direction moves the limit nut 68 along the limit screw 66 towards the opposite end of the limit screw 66. Furthermore, during the retraction of the second louver 24, the first louver 22 remains in the fully extended, open position on account of the weight of the first lower rail 18 and the weight of the portion of the first louver 22 suspended from the outer cylinder 50 which acts on the outer cylinder 50 to inhibit rotation of the outer cylinder 50. This allows the user to move the second louver 24 between fully extended and fully retracted positions without affecting the position or orientation of the first louver 22.

[99] With reference to FIGS. 9 and 10, in reverse order, as the second louver 24 is removed to the outer cylinder 50, the second lower rail 20 is firmly positioned on the seat 81. With the engagement of the lower rail 20 with the seat 81 of the outer cylinder 50, the force operating mechanism drive 40 can be transferred via the second louver 24 to the outer cylinder 50. That is, the operating mechanism 40 can apply a rotational force to the inner cylinder 48 which, in turn, can be applied to the outer cylinder 50 through engagement of lower rail 20 on seat 81 under tension of second louver 24. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, when the second louver 24 is fully wound onto the inner cylinder 48 and the second lower rail 20 is fitted to the seat 81 of the outer cylinder 50, the outer cylinder 50 can be driven in a retracting direction (counterclockwise in Figures 8 and 9), by operating mechanism 40, by rotating inner cylinder 48 in the same retraction direction. Thus, when lower rail 20 is fitted to seat 81 and a retraction force (counterclockwise in FIGS. 8 and 9) is applied to inner cylinder 48 by operating mechanism 40, outer cylinder 50 generally rotates in conjunction with the inner cylinder 48.

[100] With reference to FIG. 8, as the outer cylinder 50 continues to rotate in the retracted direction, the first louver 22 winds onto the outer cylinder 50. The first louver 22 is under tension as it is wound onto the outer cylinder 50, due to the overhanging portion of the first blind 22 and the weight of the lower rail 18.

[101] When the first louver 22 is fully retracted, the first lower rail 18 may engage with a portion of the upper rail 14, as a stop, to serve as an upper limit lock for the double cylinder unit 46. It is contemplated that other mechanisms can be used to set the upper retract position, including an upper limit lock positioned on limit screw 66 opposite the lower limit lock. For example, an upper limit lock may be formed on the limit screw 66 and positioned along the screw 66 so that the nut 68 will engage the upper limit lock upon full retraction of the first louver 22.

[102] As explained above, the retraction of the second louver 24 and therefore the first louver 22 from the fully extended position occurs with the user actuating a single operating element 42 or a motor 44 for retraction of both louvers 22, 24. Limit screw 66 includes sufficient extension to allow limit nut 68 to move along screw 66 from the lower limit lock to the upper retracted position. It is contemplated that the first louver 22 may be rolled onto or unrolled from the front side of the outer cylinder 42. In-house modifications to the structure described herein would be required to facilitate the implementation of double cylinder louver technology as applied to a front louver frame decreasing.

[103] The cover may include a locking mechanism that restricts the rotation of the outer cylinder 50 when the first louver 22 is in the fully extended position, thus ensuring that the first louver 22 remains in the fully extended position and is substantially untouched by the rotation of the inner cylinder 48 during the extension of the second louver 24. The locking mechanism may be movable (e.g., pivotable, translatable or other suitable movements) between a first position which restricts the rotation of the outer cylinder 50 and a second position which allows the rotation of the outer cylinder 50. In one example, the locking mechanism includes a locking member positioned outside the outer cylinder 50 that translates longitudinally along an outer periphery of the outer cylinder 50 and engages a latch to restrain the rotation of the outer cylinder 50. In another example, the locking mechanism includes a locking member positioned on the part. from outside the outer cylinder 50 which pivots into engagement with the outer cylinder 50 to restrict the rotation of the outer cylinder 50.

[104] With reference to FIGS. 12-27, a cover for an architectural opening is provided utilizing a locking mechanism for positively locking rotation of the outer cylinder from the full extent of the first louver 22. With the exception of a locking mechanism and retaining clips, the cover depicted in FIGS. 12-27 generally have the same features and function as the cover depicted in FIGS. 1-11. Therefore, the foregoing discussion of the characteristics and operation of the cover depicted in FIGS. 1-11 is to be considered generally applicable to the cover depicted in FIGS. 12-27, except as noted in the following discussions. Reference numbers used in FIGS. 12-27 generally correspond to the reference numerals used in FIGS. 1-11 to reflect similar parts and components, except for reference numbers greater than one hundred.

[105] Referring to FIG. 12, the cover 110 includes an axially movable locking mechanism 186 which, similarly to the pivotally movable locking mechanism discussed below in relation to FIGS. 2847, restricts the rotation of the outer cylinder 50 when the first louver 22 is in the fully extended position. The axially movable lock mechanism 186 may include a housing 187, a rotatable rod 188 enclosed in the housing 187, and a nut 189 threadably engaged with and axially driveable along with the rod 188. Although the axially movable lock mechanism 186 is shown together with left end cap 126b, locking mechanism 186 can be used in conjunction with right end cap 126a.

[106] With reference to FIGS. 12, 16 and 18, housing 187 may be cantilevered from left end cap 126b and extend axially from left end cap 126b along an outer periphery of outer cylinder 150 toward right end cap 126a. One end 187a of housing 187 is removably connectable to end cap 126b with a fastener 190 and a free, opposite end 187b of housing 187 may be positioned laterally outside of outer cylinder 150. Housing 187 may be detached laterally from the periphery of the outer cylinder 150 at a distance sufficient not to interfere with supporting or unsupporting the first louver (not shown) on or from the outer cylinder 150. The compartment 187 may be separated laterally from the periphery of the outer cylinder 150 by a uniform distance.

[107] With reference to FIGS. 16, 18, 21 and 26, the opposing end portions 187A, 187B of housing 187 may include axially extending collars 191 and stop flanges 192 extending outwardly of collars 191. Collars 191 may include an inner wall 193 (see FIGS. 22 and 26) which defines a stem opening 194 which is fitted to an engaged portion 195 of the rotatable stem 188 which rotatably bears the inner wall 193. The inner wall 193 of the collar 191 may also define an orifice key 196 which permits the passage of the rotating rod 188 (in particular, the interlocks 197 formed on the rotating rod 188) during axial insertion or removal of the rod 188 into or out of the housing 187. The stop flanges 192 can, chamber, defining a fastener opening configured to engage a fastener 190 that connects the housing 187 to a respective end cap 126a, 126b (see FIGS. 12, 14, 16, 18 and 22). End portions 187a, 187B of housing 187 may be mirror images of one another to facilitate interconnection of housing 187 to left or right end cap 126a, 126b.

[108] With continued reference to FIGS. 12, 16, 18, 21 and 26, housing 187 may include an intermediate portion 187c that interconnects to end portions 187a, 187b. The intermediate portion 187c may extend longitudinally along an outer periphery of the outer cylinder 150 in a laterally spaced relationship. Intermediate portion 187c of housing 187 may include a base 198 and guide rail 199, each spanning the distance between opposing end portions 187A, 187B of housing 187. Base 198 of housing 187 may define locking receiving openings 200 near end portions 187a, 187b to allow passage of the rod 188 interlocks during rotation of rod 188 relative to housing 187, thereby reducing the transverse profile of housing 187. Base 198 of housing 187 may also include a reinforcing rib 201 extending longitudinally between the end portions 187a, 187b which stiffens the housing 187 and reduces lateral displacement or buckling of the intermediate portion 187c of the housing 187. As shown in FIG. 27, the reinforcing rib 201 may include at least one transversely extending support 202 which further enhances the reinforcement of the longitudinally extending rib 201.

[109] With reference to FIGS. 12, 16-19, 23 and 26, rod 188 of axially movable locking mechanism 186 may be neutralized from, but parallel or substantially parallel to, an axis of rotation 152 of inner cylinder 148. Rod 188 may be positioned outside the outer cylinder 150 and extends longitudinally along an outer periphery of the outer cylinder 150 in a spaced relationship. Shaft 188 may include support portions 195 rotatably fitted to collars 191 of housing 187. Support portions 195 of rod 188 may include recessed circumferential areas that reduce areas of contact (and therefore friction) between the surface bearings 193 of collars 191 and support portions 195 of stem 188. Stem 188 may include a threaded portion 203 that extends between support portions 195 of stem 188 and between collars 191 of housing 187. Interlocks 197 may be formed in rod 188, near the terminal ends of threaded portion 203 of rod 188. Interlocks 197 may extend radially outwardly of rod 188 and may be axially aligned with openings 200 formed in rod 198 of housing 187 (see FIG. 21), so that, during rotation of the rod 188 relative to the housing 187, the interlocks 197 are rotatably passed in and out of the openings 200. A gear 204 p It can be non-rotatably coupled to one end of the rod 188 and may define a central cavity to locate the gear (and therefore the rod 188) laterally with respect to the end cap 126b.

[110] Referring to FIGS. 12, 16, 18 and 24-27, nut 189 of axially movable locking mechanism 186 is positioned at least partially within housing 187 and moves axially along rod 188 into intermediate portion 187c of housing 187 Nut 189 is keyed to housing 187 such that stem 188 rotates nut 189 along, rather than around, stem 188. Nut 189 includes a body 205 that extends only partially about the axis 188 and may be referred to as a half-nut 189. In an alternative design, nut 189 may extend around the entire circumference of stem 188.

[111] With reference to FIGS. 24 and 25, nut 189 includes an internal thread 206 that protrudes inwardly from body 205 and threadedly engages with the external thread of threaded portion 203 of stem 188. To maintain engagement of the threads and restrict rotation of the nut 189 around stem 188, nut 189 may include two longitudinally extending wings 207 that project radially outward from body of nut 189. Wings 207 may include axially extending fins 208 that slidably contact faces that are opposed by base 198 of housing 187 (see FIG. 27) and orienting nut 189 axially along intermediate portion 187c of housing 187 while reducing the area of contact (and thus friction) between the nut. 189 and compartment 187.

[112] One of the wings 207 may define a longitudinally extending slot 208 that partially engages the guide rail 199. As shown in FIG. 27, the portions of the wing 207 defining the slot 208 can slidably abut different sides of the guide rail 199. Thus, the wings 207 of the nut 189 can substantially prevent the nut 189 from rotating about the shank 188, facilitating the translation of the nut 189 about the stem 188 during rotation of the stem 188 relative to the housing 187. To laterally reinforce the wings 207, the nut 189 may include a transversely extending rib 209 positioned outside the inner nut 206 and extending between wings 207. In an alternative design, nut 189 and housing 187 may include various other corresponding key structures such that nut 189 travels axially along stem 188 from rotation of stem 188 in relation to compartment 187.

[113] As described, rotation of stem 188 relative to housing 187 generally moves or translates nut 189 axially along stem 188. To limit the axial range of nut 189, stem 188 may include locks 197 extending outward from a periphery of stem 188. Upon contacting nut 189, latches 197 generally restrict or limit translation of nut 189 relative to stem 188, restricting or limiting further rotation of stem 188 relative to to housing 187. To ensure tight engagement between nut 189 and its lock 197, nut 189 may include a longitudinally extending abutment wall 211 that interacts with the lock of stem 188 from the time the nut 189 reaches a desired stop position corresponds to a full extension of the first louver 22. As shown in FIG. 24, the abutment wall 211 may be formed at a terminal end of the internal thread 206 of the nut 189.

[114] Additionally, or alternatively, the body 205 of the nut 189 (which may resemble an axially extending sleeve) may abut the abutment flange 192 of the housing 187 to stop the translation of the nut 189 along of shank 188. Body 205 of nut 189 may be spaced radially from an outer periphery of shank 188 by a sufficient distance to allow passage of shank locking 197 in an annular space defined between shank 188 and body 205. Shaft 188 and nut 189 may include two latches 197 and abutment walls 211, respectively, to facilitate interoperability of latch mechanism 186 with right and left end caps 126a, 126b, providing a robust design capable of accommodating sets of left and right hand.

[115] With reference to FIGS. 15-17, the axially movable lock mechanism 186 may include a train or gear mechanism 213 positioned outside the inner and outer cylinders 148, 150. The gear or train mechanism 213 may include a first gear 215 coupled in a manner. non-rotatably to the outer cylinder 150, a second gear 204 non-rotatably coupled to the rod 188, and an idler gear 217 interconnected to the first and second gears 215, 204. The idler gear 217 is rotatably supported on a plate mount 219 which includes locator pins 221 that protrude axially from mounting plate 219 (see FIG. 17) toward associated end cap 126. Locator pins 221 can be fitted to end cap 126 to restrict rotation of mounting plate 219 relative to end cap 126.

[116] The 213 gear mechanism can be changed according to the size, weight or other characteristics of the shutter members. In one example, gear mechanism 213 provides a ratio of three to one gear between first and second gears 215, 204. That is, for each revolution of outer cylinder 150, rod 188 completes three revolutions. In one example, the external thread of rod 188 has sixteen nuts per inch (or a gap of 1/16th of an inch). Generally, the length of the threaded portion 203 of the hate 188 may be oversized relative to the operating range of the nut 189 so that the rod 188 can accommodate several different lengths of louver. Thus, in some examples, the nut 189 only interacts with one of the locks 197 on the rotating rod 188 during operation and the other lock is provided so that the lock mechanism 186 can be used with the right or left end cap 126a, 126b.

[117] With reference to FIG. 15, gear mechanism 213 is described in association with left end cap 126b. The outer gears 204, 215, 217 are rotatably supported by dummy rods which protrude axially from the left end cap 126b. Idler gear 217 is positioned forward of first gear 215 and second gear 204 is positioned forward of idler gear 217, with all three gears 215, 204, 217 disposed in the same plane adjacent the end cap. Idler gear 217 is positioned above first gear 215 and second gear 204 is positioned above idler gear 217. First gear 215 and idler gear 217 can be fitted to a collar 223 which protrudes axially from the end cap 126b.

[118] With reference to FIG. 13, a partially exploded view of the top rail components (except for the components on the right, which are generally the same as those shown and discussed in relation to FIGS. 6-11) is provided. Components include a left end cap 126b, a non-rotating cap screw 166 that attaches to the left end cap 126b, a left bush 170b that mounts on and rotates relative to a cap screw bearing surface 166 , an inner cylinder 148 which fits internally with a portion of the limit screw 166 (including the limit nut 168) and is mounted to a boss 167 of the left and right bushings 170a, 170b, an outer cylinder 150 which fits internally with the inner cylinder 148 and the axially movable locking mechanism 186 which attaches to the left end cap 126b.

[119] With reference to FIGS. 13, 14, 19 and 20, the outer cylinder 150 may include a split shell design. In particular, the outer cylinder 150 may include a first and second shell 154, 156. To bring the first and second shell 154, 156 together and maintain a desired spatial relationship to each other, the first and second shell 154, 156 of outer cylinder 150 can each snugly fit an axial projection 172a, 172b of left and right bushings 170a, 170b (see FIGS. 14, 18, and 19). Axial projections 172a, 172b can couple outer cylinder 150 to bushings 170a, 170b so that outer cylinder 150 and bushings 170a, 170b rotate in unison about an axis of rotation 152 of outer cylinder 150. The first gear 215 can be non-rotatably mated to an opposite face of the left bush 170b relative to the axial projections 172a, 172b, thus ensuring that the first gear 215 rotates in unison with the outer cylinder 150. To further bond the first gear and the second shell 154, 156, the shells 154, 156 can be secured by at least one retaining clip 225 (FIGS. 12-13 depict two retaining clips, although more or less clips can be used as desired to securely secure the wrappers). As shown in FIG. 20, retaining clip 225 is resiliently fit about an interconnected region 227 of the first and second housings 154, 156.

[120] Referring to FIG. 20, end portions 158, 160 of the first and second housings 154, 156 may overlap and extend to corresponding longitudinally extending receiving channels 229, 231, defined at least partially by longitudinally extending edges 233, 235. Edge 233 of first shell 158 may be positioned on the inside of a longitudinally extending end edge 237 of second shell 160, while edge 235 of second shell 160 may be positioned on the outside of a terminal edge that extends. extends longitudinally 239 of the first shell 158 (although that arrangement can be turned over). Retaining clip 225 resiliently fits around outer retainers 241, 243 formed in the interconnected region of the first and second housings 154, 156, respectively, to join the first and second housings 154, 156.

[121] With reference to FIGS. 14 and 19, the split shell design of the outer cylinder 150 defines a longitudinally extending slit 176 that permits passage of the second louver 24 during the extension and retraction of the second louver 24. and of the second shell 154, 156 are interconnected, the edge portions of the longitudinally extending second end edge or opposing edges 180, 178 of the first and second shell 154, 156 are peripherally spaced and define the longitudinally extending slit 176 The second portions of the opposing end edges 158, 160 of the first and second shelf 154, 156 may be spaced a sufficient distance apart to allow passage of the second louver 24, but permitting passage of the lower rail 20 of the second louver 24. The function of the outer cylinder 150 is generally the same as that discussed in connection with FIGS. 6-11 and therefore will not be repeated here for the sake of brevity.

[122] During roof operation, as outer cylinder 150 extends first louver 22 through the architectural opening, first gear 215 drives idler gear 217, which in turn drives second gear 204, which in turn traverses nut 189 axially along stem 188 toward the lower end position. Once door 189 reaches the extreme lower position (which can be defined by a lock 197 on rod 188), nut 189 further restricts rotation of rod 188 in the direction of extension of first louver 22, which in turn inhibits further rotation of outer cylinder 150 in the direction of extension. With the outer roller 150 prevented from turning further in the extension direction and the first louver 22 unrolled from the periphery of the outer cylinder 150, the second louver 24 can be unrolled from the inner cylinder 148, passed through the slit 176 in the outer cylinder 150 and extended through the architectural opening. As the inner roller 148 rotates during the extension of the second louver 24, the inner limit nut 168 rotates in unison with the inner cylinder 148 and travels axially along the limit screw 166 in the direction of the lower end lock formed in the non-rotating limit screw 166. Inner limit nut 166 generally contacts the lower end lock from the moment the second louver 24 is fully extended through the architectural opening to define a lower end lock of the unit. double cylinder 146.

[123] During retraction of the cover from a fully extended position, the inner cylinder 148 pulls the second louver 24 through the slit 176 defined between the opposing longitudinally extending edge portions 178, 180 of the cylinder shells 154, 156 outer louver 150 and winds the second louver 24 on a periphery of the inner roller 148 until the lower rail 20 of the second louver 24 rests on an outer periphery of the outer cylinder 150. During retraction of the second louver 24, the weight of the lower rail 18 the first louver 22 holds bushings 170a, 170b in a stationary condition and thus inner cylinder 148 rotates relative to bushings 170a, 170b and outer cylinder 150.

[124] Once supported, the lower rail 20 of the second louver 24 transfers the rotating torque from the inner cylinder 148 to the outer cylinder 150, thereby rotating the outer cylinder 150 in a retracting direction and winding the first louver 22 into a periphery of outer cylinder 150. Inner and outer cylinders 148, 150 continue to rotate in a retracting direction until the lower rail 18 of the first louver 22 contacts an upper limit lock, which may be associated with one or both end caps 126, at which point the cover is retracted into a fully retracted position. During rotation of the inner cylinder 148 in the retracted direction, the inner limit nut 168 passes through the non-rotating limit port 166 inside the inner cylinder 148, away from the lower lock of the second louver 24. During cylinder rotation outer 150 in the retracting direction, outer nut 189 traverses rotating rod 188 away from the lower locking of the first louver 22.

[125] With reference to FIGS. 28-47, a cover for an architectural opening is provided including a pivotable locking mechanism. With the exception of the pivotable locking mechanism and the outer multi-ply cylinder, the cover shown in FIGS. 28-47 generally have the same features and function as the cover depicted in FIGS. 6-27. Therefore, the foregoing discussion of the characteristics and operation of the cover depicted in FIGS. 6-27 is to be considered generally applicable to the coverage depicted in FIGS. 28-47, except as noted in the following discussions. Reference numbers used in FIGS. 28-47 generally correspond to the reference numerals used in FIGS. 12-27 to reflect similar parts and components, except for reference numbers greater than one hundred.

[126] Referring to FIGS. 28-34, the inner cylinder 248 is generally cylindrical in shape and forms a retaining member for securing the upper edge of the second louver 24 thereto. As noted, inner cylinder 248 is positioned within outer cylinder 250 to define the double cylinder unit and, in this example, both cylinders 248, 250 are coextensive about the same rotary axis 252. An upper edge of the second louver 24 is affixed to the inner cylinder 248 and a lower edge of the second louver 24 is fitted into a slot formed in the second lower rail 220 and held in the slot by an insert 282 positioned in a sheath formed at the lower edge of the second louver 24. Other attachment structures may be used to secure the lower rail 220 to the second louver 24.

[127] Still referring to FIGS. 28-34, the second lower rail 220 is an elongated member having a relatively high mass and defining a slot along its length to engage and retain, as noted above, the lower edge of the second louver 24. The second rail The lower one 220 has a generally triangular cross-section, a portion of which generally corresponds to the shape of the seat 281 formed in the outer cylinder 250, so as to conform thereto when the second louver 24 is in the retracted position. A drive ring 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 cylinder 250, as described in more detail below.

[128] The outer cylinder 250 in this example is typically cylindrical and defines several features in its circumferential wall. The outer roller 250 defines a central longitudinal axis 252 around which it wound and around which the inner roller 248 is also coextensively positioned. A pair of channels 262 is formed to engage with and secure the top edges of the first louver 22, with inserts 264 each being positioned in a hem formed on each of the top edges, inserts 264 acting to retain the top edge in respective channel 262. An anchor groove 245 is formed along the length of outer cylinder 250 to receive a cylinder lock bracket, as described below. A slit 276 is formed along the length of the outer cylinder 250 and is in communication with the interior of the outer cylinder 250, which may be formed in the shape of a tube. A recessed seat 281 is formed on one side of the slit 276. The second louver 24 is extended and retracted through the slit 276 and when in the fully retracted position, the second lower rail 220 is fitted to the seat 281 and installs it there for fur. minus one of multiple purposes, as described below. The slit 276 is positioned in the outer cylinder 250 so as to lie on or adjacent to the furthest from the two channels 262 when the first louver 22 is in its extended position and in the open vane configuration.

[129] Referring to FIGS. 28, 29, 46 and 47, the double cylinder assembly 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 cylinder tube 248 to do so. to spin. Operating mechanism 240 is anchored to right end cap 226a and is actuated, for example, by operating element 242 as noted above. Operating mechanism 240 may include, for example, a planetary gear unit commonly used in window covering applications. Operating mechanism 240 may include an inner housing 264 that is rotated by operating mechanism 240. Housing 264 is sized to fit inner cylinder 248 and securely engage the inner wall of inner cylinder 248. Inner cylinder 248 is driven. in rotation by the inner socket 264 as the socket is driven by the operating mechanism 240. The open right end of the outer cylinder 250 is fitted to a right cylinder end cap 270a which includes a central opening with an axially extending collar receiving from rotatably an axial bearing surface formed in operating mechanism housing 240. The bearing surface supports cylinder end cap 270a as it rotates as outer cylinder 250 rotates. Inner cylinder 248 is rotatably received in the collar. The collar rotatably supports the right end of inner tube 288 as it is driven by operating mechanism 240 to rotate.

[130] As shown in FIG. 46, the right ends 248a, 250a of the inner and outer cylinders 248, 250, respectively, may be aligned with each other, and a right side edge 24a of the second louver 24 may be aligned with the straight ends 248a, 250a of the cylinders 248, 250 As shown in FIG. 47, the left ends 28b, 250b and the outer cylinders 248, 250, respectively, may be aligned with each other, and a left side edge 24b of the second louver 24 may be aligned with the left ends 248b, 250b of the cylinders 248, 250 The first louver 22 can be wound onto the outer cylinder 250 and the edges of the first louver 22 may be aligned with the ends of cylinders 248, 250 and the edges of the second louver 24. Aligning the ends of cylinders 248, 250 and edges of shutters 22, 24 can reduce or eliminate the brief gaps between the edges of the shutters and the corresponding sides of the architectural opening.

[131] Outer cylinder 250 is driven in rotation by inner cylinder 248 when second louver 24 is fully retracted to inner cylinder 248 and second end rail 220 is fitted to seat 281 of outer tube 250. In this condition, as per inner cylinder 248 rotates, second louver 24 tensions second end rail 220, which in turn applies a force to outer cylinder 250 at the interface between second end rail 220 and seat 281. Thus, outer cylinder 250 is rotated in conjunction with inner cylinder 248. Outer cylinder 250 does not rotate with inner cylinder 248 unless second louver 24 is fully retracted around inner cylinder 248. As noted above, operating mechanism 240 can be actuated by an operating element 242 to extend or retract the first and second louvers 22, 24 as desired by the user. Various types of mechanisms for rotating inner cylinder tube 248 from actuation of operating element 242 are acceptable.

[132] Still referring to FIGS. 28 and 29, a limit screw 266 is positioned within the inner cylinder 248 and is operatively secured to the left end cap 226b by a screw. Boundary screw 266 does not rotate. A limit nut 268 is threaded to the limit screw 266 and is rotationally keyed to the interior of the inner cylinder 248, the key frame allowing movement of the limit nut 268 along the length of the inner cylinder 248. As the inner cylinder 248 rotates, limit nut 268 moves along threaded limit rod 266 and engages a limit lock that defines the lower, most extended position of second louver 24 (see FIG. 5). The retracted position of the first louver 22 is defined by the first louver 22, in this example being fully wound onto the outer roller 250. In some examples, the first lower rail 18 engages with a portion of the upper rail 14 to define this position. Alternatively or additionally, although an upper limit lock on limit screw 266 is not used in this example, it can be employed on limit screw 266 if desired. Left end cap 226b, as best seen in FIGS. 28, 29 and 47 rotatably support inner cylinder 248 and outer cylinder 250.

[133] With reference to FIGS. 28, 29 and 40, a hinged bracket 249 is secured to the inner surface of the left end cap 226b and defines a centrally positioned annular protrusion 251 and a post 253 extending toward the right end cap 226a which serves as an overhang on which is pivotally mounted to the cylinder latch 255. The annular protrusion 251 on the hinge bracket 249 is rotatably engaged in the central opening of the left outer cylinder cover 270b, which is received in the left open end of the outer cylinder 250. A collar extends axially around the central opening of the lid 270b and serves as a bearing surface for relative rotation between the outer cylinder 250 and the left end bracket. The left open end of inner cylinder 248 is rotatably engaged from the outer surface of the collar, which acts as a bearing surface for rotation of cylinder 248 relative to the collar, the rotation of which is under selective control through operating mechanism 240.

[134] The cylinder lock 255, as shown in FIGS. 28, 29, 38 and 39, is hingedly secured to post 253 on hinge bracket 249 (see FIGS. 40 and 41) and secured thereto by fastener 257 (see FIG. 41). Cylinder latch 255 is pivotable relative to pivot bracket 249 about the axis defined by post 253. A spring member 259 (see FIG. 43) is positioned around post 253 of pivot bracket 249, spring 259 having two legs, one of which engages cylinder latch 255 to bias cylinder latch 255 into engagement with the outer surface of outer cylinder 250 and the other leg operatively engages a portion of left end cap 226b.

[135] Referring to FIGS. 38 and 39, the cylinder latch 255 includes a frame plate 261 with a central body 263 from which an upper leg 265 and a lower leg 267 extend, each leg 265, 267 being in the same plane as the central body. 263. The upper and lower legs 265, 267 extend at nearly right angles to each other, and it is contemplated that this relative positioning may be adjusted as necessary, given the geometry of the particular use. The end of the lower leg 267 includes a pin 269 which extends orthogonally from the plate 261 towards the opposite end cap, the pin 269 being cylindrical in shape and being relatively short. For example, pin 269 does not extend far enough to interfere with the rotation of cylinder 250. The extension and shape of pin 269 facilitates moving engagement between pin 269 and drive ring 247 on second end rail 220, as described below.

[136] Still referring to FIGS. 38 and 39, the end of the upper leg 265 rotatably supports a relatively long cylindrical support 271 that extends orthogonally from the upper leg 265 to the opposite end cap 226a. Bearing 271 is rotatably supported at its opposite end by an arm 273 that extends at an angle from the center plate 261. Arm 273 supports the distal end of bracket 271 only from the upper side and does not extend much beyond the center. of the support 271. This configuration leaves the lower portion of the support 271, along its extension, free and able to receive the anchoring groove 245 formed in the outer cylinder 250, as well as to engage the outer surface of the outer cylinder 250 and to move along its surface, as described below.

[137] The operation of an example coverage is described below with primary reference to FIGS. 30-34. As shown in FIG. 30, both the first and second louvers 22, 24 are in the extended position and the vanes 38 are in an open configuration. With brief reference to FIG. 30, the first louver 22 can be coupled and wrapped around the outer cylinder 42. An upper edge of each of the front and rear blades 30, 34 can be coupled to a longitudinally extending, inwardly-facing rib or gland 275. Gland 275 may define an internal cavity 262 which opens through a periphery of outer cylinder 250. Shutter 22 may be wrapped around or unrolled from a rear side of cylinder 250, with the rear side of cylinder 250 positioned between a front side of cylinder 250 and an outside of an associated architectural opening (in FIGS. 30, the rear side of the cylinder is facing to the right). Generally speaking, rotating cylinder 250 in a first direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 30) retracts louver 22, winding it onto outer cylinder 250 at a position adjacent to one or more sides (eg, the upper side) of an associated architectural opening, and rotation of cylinder 250 in an opposite second direction can extend louver 22 through the opening (e.g., to the underside).

[138] The first louver 22 is maintained in this open position by positioning the engagement points 262 of the rear and front blades 30, 34 of the first louver 22 with the outer cylinder 250 at the same height. In FIG. 30, for example, the positions of these attachment points 262 can be referred to as being at 4:00 and 8:00, which puts them almost on a par with each other. If outer cylinder 250 is rotated in one of the directions shown in FIG. 30, the front and rear blades 30, 34 would move towards each other and the vanes 38 would reorient into a more vertical alignment.

[139] In this position, with the first and second louvers 22, 24 in the fully extended position, the limit nut 268 (see generally FIGS. 28 and 29) is engaged with the lower limit. The actuation of operating mechanism 240, for example: by operating element 242, from that position initiates retraction of second louver 24 into top rail 14. Operating mechanism 240 first rotates inner cylinder 248 in a counterclockwise direction in FIG. 30 to retract second louver 24, and when second louver 24 is fully retracted, outer roller 250 is then actuated to retract first louver 22 to outer roller 250. Such a sequence is described in more detail here and below.

[140] As noted above, and still referring to FIG. 30, the inner cylinder 248 is positioned within the outer cylinder 250 to define the double cylinder unit 246. The outer cylinder 250 defines an axis of rotation 252 defined by the portion of the outer cylinder 250 having a circular shape (as of 09:00 to 02:00). Inner cylinder 248 is positioned to be coextensive with or concentric about the same axis 252 as outer cylinder 250.

[141] During retraction of the second louver 24, inner cylinder 248 rotates relative to outer cylinder 250, with opposing collars on the left and right end caps of cylinder 270a, 270b supporting the respective ends of inner cylinder 248. The cylinder Outer cylinder 250 is held in a fixed rotational position relative to inner cylinder 248 by cylinder latch 255. Cylinder latch 255 is oriented so that bracket 271 is biased by spring 259 to engage with anchor groove 245 (see FIGS. .28-30). This position of bracket 271 inhibits rotation of outer cylinder 250. As inner cylinder 248 rotates in the retracted direction, second louver 24 is wound onto inner cylinder 248 as it is pushed through slot 276 formed in outer cylinder 250. This rotation The retractor moves the limit nut 268 along the limit screw 266 toward the opposite end of the limit screw 266.

[142] The slot 276 through which the second louver 24 extends and the seat 281 for receiving the second end rail 220 are positioned on the circumference of the outer cylinder 250 over the attachment point 262 of the rear blade 34 of the first louver 22. This can be referred to in FIG. 30 like 3:00. Slot 276 is defined by opposing free edges formed in seat 281. Seat 281 is a recess formed along the length of slot 276 and includes two outer edges that define the boundaries of seat 281 on the circumference of outer cylinder 250. recess as oriented in FIG. 30, is somewhat angled overall, with a generally vertically oriented base wall 284, allowing for relatively vertical-tangential engagement and disengagement between the second lower rail 220 and the outer cylinder 250. The location of the seat 281 and the slot 276, near the rearmost position on the circumference of the outer cylinder 250, together with the shape of the seat 281, allows a firm fit of the second lower rail 220 as it is pulled vertically up and into the seat 281 during retraction (see Figures 31 and 32).

[143] The shape of the seat 281 and its orientation on the outer roller 250 encourages an even and predictable disengagement of the second lower rail 220 from the seat 281 to initiate the extension of the second louver 24 (from the position shown in FIG. 32). The shape and orientation of seat 281 enables bottom rail 220 to drop vertically from seat 281, taking advantage of the force of gravity on relatively heavy bottom rail 220. The generally tangential orientation of seat 281 on outer cylinder 250 contributes to this. Referring to FIG. 35, top wall 277a extends from the upper edge of the recess downwardly and radially inward to a lip 277b, which extends directly downwardly to a free upper edge 277c. This portion of seat 281 is the deepest (as measured from the circumference to the center of the outer cylinder). Bottom wall 279a extends from the bottom edge of the recess upward and inward at a shallow angle and transitions to an edge 279b that defines the free bottom edge 279c of slot 276. Bottom wall 279a is relatively vertical and maintains it. if so in combination with upper edge 277b. The lower free edge 279c of the slit 276 is curved or rounded, allowing the second louver 24 to move evenly along this function as it is retracted to the inner cylinder 248.

[144] Firm engagement of second lower rail 220 on seat 281 contributes to consistent engagement of cylinder latch 255 to disengage bracket 271 from anchor slot 245. Referring to FIG. 31, when the second louver 24 is almost completely wound onto the inner cylinder 248, the lower rail 220 of the second louver 24 engages with the cylinder latch 255 to disengage the cylinder latch 255 outside the outer cylinder 250. The second rail lower 220 is shown in dashed lines in FIGS. 31 and 35. In this position, the actuator rib 247, which extends axially from the end of the second lower rail 220, contacts the pin 269 formed in the lower leg 267 of the cylinder latch 255. As the second rail 220 is pulled to seat 281 by second louver 24 being retracted, actuator rib 247 moves pin 269 relative to post pivot axis 253. Pin 269 is moved radially inward relative to inner cylinder 248 and is moved circumferentially relative to the pivot axis of the cylinder lock 255. The movement of the cylinder lock 255 around the post 253 moves the upper arm 265, which initiates the movement of the bracket 271 up and out of engagement with the groove anchor 245, which releases outer cylinder 250 to rotate (see FIGS. 32, 36, and 43).

[145] As shown in FIGS. 42 and 43, actuator collar 247 extends from the end of second lower rail 220 adjacent cylinder latch 255. Referring to FIGS. 44 and 45, slot 247 is a thin, curved element that in this example conforms to the curved shape of the underside of second lower rail 220. Slot 247 is curved along a dimension consistent with the underside of second lower rail 220 and extends axially from the second lower rail 220. As best seen in FIG. 43, slot 247 extends far enough to engage pin 269 in cylinder latch 255, but not to contact center plate 261 of cylinder latch 255. Inner concave surface of fin 247 engages surface round interior of pin 269. As second lower rail 220 is retracted further, pin 269 and fin 247 maintain a sliding engagement. This additional movement of the second end rail 220 causes the cylinder latch 255 to articulate further around the pivot axis of the post 253 and thus moves the cylinder latch bracket 271 out of the anchor groove 245 .

[146] With reference to FIGS. 32 and 36, as the second louver 24 is removed further into the outer cylinder 250, the lower rail 220 is firmly positioned on the seat 281 and the fin 247 moves the pin 269 inward enough to completely remove the bracket. 271 of the anchor groove 245, which releases the outer cylinder 250 to rotate. Further actuation of operating mechanism 240 applies rotary motion of inner cylinder 248 to outer cylinder 250 through engagement of lower rail 220 on seat 281 under tension from second louver 24. Such engagement causes outer cylinder 250 to fire together with the rotation of the inner cylinder 248. As the outer cylinder 250 begins to rotate in the retracted direction, the actuator ring 247 on the second rail 220 disengages from the pin 269 on the cylinder latch 255. Referring to FIGS. 33 and 37, upon release, cylinder latch 255 is biased by spring 259 to bring bracket 271 into contact with the outer surface of outer cylinder 250 at the circumferential location spaced from the anchoring groove 245.

[147] Referring to FIG. 34, as outer cylinder 250 continues to rotate in the retracted direction, first louver 22 wraps around outer cylinder 250, covering anchor groove 245. As cylinder lock bracket 271 approaches anchor groove 245 as outer cylinder 250 continues to rotate, cylinder lock bracket 271 passes through groove 245 traveling over first louver 22, which extends through groove 245. First louver 22 is under tension as it is wound onto outer cylinder 250 , making the extension of the louver 22 extending along the slot 245 relatively stretched. Bracket 271 may compress somewhat into anchor slot 245 when only a single first louver wrap 22 is positioned along anchor slot 245, but after another complete rotation, bracket 271 travels along the surface of the first louver 22 wound on outer cylinder 250, without interference from anchoring groove 245.

[148] As the first louver 22 continues to retract, it wraps itself around the outer cylinder 250 several times and the cylinder lock bracket 271 continues to move over the outer surface of the louver 22. The double cylinder unit 246 reaches the retracted position when the first lower rail 18 contacts a stop of the upper rail housing, for example. It is contemplated that other mechanisms can be used to set the upper retract position, including an upper limit lock positioned on the 266 limit screw opposite the lower limit lock. As explained above, the retraction of the second louver 24 and the first louver 22 from the fully extended position can occur when the user activates an operating element (automatically or manually) for the retraction of the two louvers 22, 24. The screw of limit 266 is of a sufficient length to allow limit nut 268 to move from the lower limit lock until the upper retracted position is obtained.

[149] The extension of the first louver 22 and the second louver 24, if desired, is achieved in reverse order, as described above generally as follows in FIGS. 34-30. This allows the user to select whether to have only the first louver 22 extended or also have the second louver 24 extended (between fully retracted and fully extended). During the extension of the first louver 22, the user actuates operating mechanism 240 to cause the inner cylinder 248 to rotate in an extension direction (clockwise in FIGS. 34-30), which in turn causes the cylinder to rotate. outer 250 rotate in an extend direction. Dual cylinder unit 246, in this example, rotates in the direction the user controls for inner cylinder 248 to rotate. As the first louver 22 extends from the outer cylinder 250, the cylinder lock bracket 271 moves over the surface of the outer cylinder 250 until the first louver 22 is fully extended. At this point, the outer surface of the outer cylinder 250 is exposed.

[150] As outer cylinder 250 continues to rotate, cylinder lock bracket 271 moves over outer surface 250 of outer cylinder until it encounters anchor groove 245. Bearing 271 is pressed down by spring 259 to be positioned in groove 245 and inhibit rotation of outer cylinder 250 and allow continued rotation of inner cylinder 248 (if the user so desires). Once cylinder latch 255 is pressed against the outer surface of outer cylinder 250, bracket 271 moves into anchor slot 245 without further urging. At this point, the first louver 22 is in its most extended position through the opening. It is contemplated that cylinder latch 255 may be biased by means other than spring 259 in these examples. For example, the upper arm 273o of the cylinder latch 255 can be sized to have a weight such that the cylinder latch 255 pivots as desired automatically under the weight of the upper arm 273. Where a spring 259 is used, it may be used use a wire spring, a coil spring, a snake of flexible material (such as rubber, elastic and/or plastic) and the like.

[151] When the bracket 271 of the cylinder latch 255 is seated in the anchoring slot 245, the slot 276 in the outer cylinder 250 is rotatably oriented into the upper rail 14, so that the lower rail 220 of the second louver 24 can fall out. vertically away from seat 281 when tension on second louver 24 is lessened by operating system 240. The generally tangential orientation and generally vertical positioning of seat 281 with a relatively vertical base wall 284 make it possible for the weight of the second lower rail to 220 is effective in extracting the lower rail 220 from the seat 281 when the tension on the second louver 24 is released in the retracted position. However, if the user does not intend to extend the second louver 24, then the second louver 24 can remain retracted. The operating mechanism 240 may include a brake system to restrict unwanted downward movement of the second or first louver 24, 22.

[152] In order to extend the second shade 24, the operating system 240 is additionally triggered at the level desired by the user. When the user extends the second louver 24 to the lowest (most extended) position, the limit nut 268 is positioned on the limit screw 266 and engages the lower limit lock. Thus, a single limit screw 266 can be used to define the upper limit of the first retracted louver 22 coupled to the outer cylinder 250 and to define the lower limit of the second extended louver 24 coupled to the inner cylinder 248.

[153] It is contemplated that the first louver 22 of FIGS. 30-34 (which may be the same or different from those shown in FIGS. 1-5) may be wrapped around or unrolled from the front side of the outer cylinder 250. Attached modifications to the structure described here would be needed to facilitate implementation of the technology. double cylinder louver as applied to a lowering front louver frame. It is further contemplated that the locking mechanism and the attached elements necessary for it to be operated may be employed at the right end of the top rail, together with the right end cap 226a, in conjunction with a cylinder locking mechanism at the end left of the top rail or on its own. In addition, the second lower rail 220 may have an actuator ring 247 at one end thereof.

[154] The above description has wide application. Although the examples presented describe a silhouette-type blind and a blackout-type blind, it should be appreciated that the concepts disclosed here can apply equally to many types of blinds. Accordingly, discussion of either embodiment is intended to be explanatory only and is not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, including the claims, to such examples. In other words, although the illustrative modalities of disclosure have been described in detail here, it is to be understood that the inventive concepts may be incorporated and employed in various other ways and that the appended claims are to be interpreted to include such variations, except insofar as it is limited by the state of the art.

[155] The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to disclose the form or forms disclosed herein. For example, various features of the invention are grouped together into one or more aspects, embodiments or configurations for purposes of simplifying disclosure. However, it should be understood that various features of certain aspects, modalities or configurations of disclosure may be combined into alternative aspects, modalities or configurations. Furthermore, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this detailed description by this reference, with each claim extending in its own right as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure.

[156] The terms "at least one", "one or more", and "and/or", as used herein, are open expressions that both are conjunctive and disjunctive in operation.

[157] The term "a" or "an" entity, as used herein, refers to one or more of these entities. Thus, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more" and "at least one" may be used interchangeably in this document.

[158] All directional references (eg, proximal, distal, top, bottom, up, down, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, up, down, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise and counterclockwise) are used for identification purposes only to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation or use of this modality. Bonding references (eg, pinned, mated, connected, and joined) are to be interpreted broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and the relative movement between elements, unless otherwise indicated. Thus, connection references do not necessarily allow it to be inferred that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relationship to each other. Identification references (eg, primary, secondary, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) are not intended to connote importance or priority, but are used to distinguish one feature from another. The figures are for illustrative purposes only and the dimensions, positions, order and relative sizes reflect the figure attached hereto.

Claims (13)

1. Cover for an architectural opening comprising: a rotatable outer cylinder (50) defining an elongated slot (76) formed through a sidewall extending along a length of the outer cylinder (50) between ends of the cylinder outer (50) and opening to an interior of the outer cylinder (50); a rotatable inner cylinder (48) received within the outer cylinder (50); a first louver (22) coupled to and adapted to be wrapped around the outer cylinder (50), the first louver retractable over and extendable from the outer cylinder (50); and a second louver (24) coupled to and adapted to be wrapped around the inner cylinder (48), the second louver (24) extends through the elongated slit, retractable over and extendable from the inner cylinder (48) and with side edges that are aligned with the ends of the inner cylinders (48), characterized by the fact that: the side edges of the second louver (24) are aligned with the ends of the outer cylinder (50), wherein the outer cylinder (50) includes a first casing (54) and a second casing (56), each with a longitudinally extending end edge (78, 80); and the edges (78, 80) of the first and second housings (54,56) are peripherally spaced apart to define the elongated slit (76). 2. Cover according to claim 1, characterized in that the first blind (22) has side edges that are aligned with the ends of the inner and outer cylinders (48, 50). 3. Cover according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the ends of the inner cylinder (48) are aligned with the ends of the outer cylinder (50). 4. Cover, according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the slit (76) is oriented orthogonally to an extension direction of the first shutter (22). 5. Cover, according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that it additionally comprises an operating mechanism (40) to selectively rotate the inner cylinder (48). 6. Cover, according to claim 1, characterized in that it further comprises: a first bushing locked at one end of the first and second shells; and a second bushing locked at an opposite end of the first and second shells, the first and second bushings maintaining a constant slot width. 7. Cover according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that the inner cylinder (48) defines a central longitudinal axis (52), and the inner and outer cylinders (48, 50) are concentric around of the central longitudinal axis (52) of the inner cylinder (48). 8. Cover according to claim 7, characterized in that it additionally comprises a mounting system that supports the inner and outer cylinders (48, 50) for rotational movement around the central longitudinal axis (52) of the inner cylinder (48). 9. Cover according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that the first and second shutters (22, 24) have the same width. 10. Cover according to claim 9, characterized in that: the width of the first blind (22) extends along the entire length of the outer cylinder (50); and the width of the second louver (24) extends along the entire length of the inner cylinder (48). 11. Cover according to claim 9 or 10, characterized in that it additionally comprises a lower rail (20) fixed to the second louver (24) and engaging the outer cylinder (50) when the second louver (24) is in a fully retracted position. 12. Cover according to claim 11, characterized in that: the outer cylinder (50) defines a longitudinal seat (81) formed along the slit (76); and the lower rail (20) is received in the seat (81) when the second louver (24) is in the fully retracted position. 13. Cover according to claim 12, characterized in that the seat (81) defines a recess with an opening in an extension direction of the first blind (22).

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