CA2902473A1 - Roller shade system - Google Patents

Abstract

A roller shade system comprising a covering material windingly coupled to a roller tube such that rotation of the roller tube causes the covering material to be raised or lowered. A mechanism is coupled to the roller tube to rotate the roller tube and a level adjuster is attached to each end of the roller tube. The level adjuster is a baseplate with a leveling bar pivotally coupled to the baseplate. The baseplate also has a flange having a threaded aperture and a screw coupled to the aperture. The leveling bar is provided with a protrusion at an end aligned with the flange, a mantle at its centre, and a pivot coupling to the baseplate at its other end. The protrusion is engaged by the tip of a bolt such that further fastening of the bolt causes the leveling bar to pivot causing an adjustment to the height of the mantle. A valence assembly to enclose the roller tube, mechanism, and level adjuster, while permitting the fabric through an opening is also provided; the housing comprises a plurality of modular members which can be releasably joined to one another in varying configurations.

Description

Roller Shade System TECHNICAL FIELD
[0001] The following relates to coverings for windows, doors, or other structures; and more specifically to roller shade coverings.
DESCRIPTION OF THE PRIOR ART

[0002] Roller shades (also referred to as roller blinds) are commonly used as coverings for windows, doors, or other structures. Roller shades are typically used for aesthetic purposes in decorating, to provide noise dampening, and to control or inhibit light entering a room.

[0003] Roller shades typically include a covering material such as a piece of fabric dimensioned to cover the window, a lifting/lowering mechanism for lifting and lowering the fabric, a valence or fascia covering to enclose the lifting/lowering mechanism, and mounting brackets to mount the roller shade on a surface of the window frame or surrounding area. The lifting/lowering mechanism typically includes an elongated tube having a circular cross section coupled to the fabric such that the fabric can roll onto the tube, and a clutch system coupled to a chain. The mechanism can be either manually operated by pulling the chain, have a chainless operation using a pre-tensioned spring, or can be automated using a motor.

[0004] When concerning light control through the windows, among the goals of the roller shade is to minimize the leakage of light while at that same time presenting an aesthetic and appealing design. As such, the fabric can be made from a variety of materials having low permeability to light while being dimensioned to cover the window to minimize leaking of light around edges of the fabric. The valence covering is utilized to provide an enclosure for the components of the lifting/lowering mechanism and is typically meant to be discreet and consistent with the design of the roller shade.

[0005] Two types of roller shade configurations exist, each utilizing different methods for rolling the fabric. The first is referred to as a standard or regular roll, and the second is a reverse roll. In the regular roll configuration, the fabric hangs behind the tube, closer to the window;
whereas in the reverse roll configuration, the fabric hangs in front of the tube, closer to the interior of the room. Valences are typically created to accommodate the type of roller shade with which it is used, thus requiring different models to be provided for the same general design.

[0006] As noted above, a roller shade is normally affixed to a surface such as the inside surface of a window frame by fastening mounting brackets onto the window frame to hold the 22783842.1 shade in place. These brackets are either situated at each end of the lifting/lowering mechanism or above the valence covering. However, it is often found that the brackets are installed such that the shade is not level. This in turn can lead to the fabric inadequately covering the window causing light to leak around edges and may provide an unaesthetic appearance to the roller shade.

[0007] It is therefore an object of the following to obviate or mitigate the above limitations.
SUMMARY

[0008] A roller shade system having adjustability is provided. The roller shade system includes a modular valence assembly to enable both regular and reverse roll configurations using the same system. The roller shade system described below also includes a low profile leveling mechanism that enables the roller shade to be leveled while minimizing the effects on the aesthetics of the roller shade.

[0009] In one aspect, there is provided a leveling mechanism for a roller shade, the leveling mechanism comprising a baseplate, the baseplate having a flange, the flange having a passage; a bar having a pivot coupled to the baseplate at one end, the pivot being spaced from the flange of the baseplate, the bar having a protrusion at an end aligned with the flange of the baseplate, and the bar having a support for the roller shade located between the pivot and the protrusion; and an adjustment member supported by the passage on the flange of the baseplate, the adjustment member being moveable with respect to the flange to adjust the position of the support by contacting the protrusion

[0010] In another aspect, there is provided a modular valence assembly for a roller shade, the modular valence assembly for a roller shade having a top valence member having a projecting cantilevered rib along one edge; a bottom valence member having a mounting flange along at least one longitudinal edge, the bottom valence member having a width less than the top valence member; a front valence member having a first track along one longitudinal edge and a second track along an opposing edge, wherein the first track is spaced to fit the projecting cantilevered rib of the top valence member and the second track is spaced to fit the mounting flange of the bottom valance member; and a rear valence member having a track along one longitudinal edge, the edge aligned with the opposing edge having the second track of the front valence member, wherein the track on the rear valence is spaced to fit the projecting rib of the top valence member, wherein the top and bottom valence members are positioned substantially perpendicular to the front and rear valence members when attached, and wherein the bottom 22783842.1 I

valence member is attachable to only one of the front valence member or the rear valence member at a time.

[0011] In yet another aspect, there is provided a roller shade system comprising an elongated covering material having low permeability to light; a lifting/lowering mechanism having a hollow circular tube windingly coupled to the covering material, a clutch coupled to at least one end of the tube, an idle end coupled to the opposing end of the tube, and a chain coupled to each clutch wherein pulling the chain in one direction causes the tube to rotate in one direction and causes the covering material to roll onto the tube, while pulling the chain in the opposing direction causes the tube to rotate in the opposing direction causing the covering material to unroll from the tube; a leveling mechanism comprising a baseplate, the baseplate having a flange, the flange having a passage; a bar having a pivot coupled to the baseplate at one end, the pivot being spaced from the flange of the baseplate, the bar having a protrusion at an end aligned with the flange of the baseplate, and the bar having a support for the roller shade located between the pivot and the protrusion; and an adjustment member supported by the passage on the flange of the baseplate, the adjustment member being moveable with respect to the flange to adjust the position of the support by contacting the protrusion;
a modular valence assembly for the roller shade having a top valence member having a projecting cantilevered rib along one edge; a bottom valence member having a mounting flange along at least one longitudinal edge, the bottom valence member having a width less than the top valence member; a front valence member having a first track along one longitudinal edge and a second track along an opposing edge, wherein the first track is spaced to fit the projecting cantilevered rib of the top valence member and the second track is spaced to fit the mounting flange of the bottom valance member; and a rear valence member having a track along one longitudinal edge, the edge aligned with the opposing edge having the second track of the front valence member, wherein the track on the rear valence is spaced to fit the projecting rib of the top valence member, wherein the top and bottom valence members are positioned substantially perpendicular to the front and rear valence members when attached, and wherein the bottom valence member is attachable to only one of the front valence member or the rear valence member at a time.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0012] Embodiments will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:
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[0013] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a roller shade system;

[0014] FIG. 2 is an exploded view of the roller shade system shown in FIG. 1;

[0015] FIG. 3 is an exploded view of the clutch assembly of the roller shade system shown in FIG. 1;

[0016] FIG. 4 is a front view of a leveling mechanism of the roller shade system shown in FIG. 1;

[0017] FIG. 5 is an exploded view of a modular valence assembly of the roller shade system shown in FIG. 1;

[0018] FIG. 6 is a cross sectional view across A-A of FIG.1 according to one valence configuration for the roller shade system;

[0019] FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view across A-A of FIG.1 according to another valence configuration for the roller shade system; and

[0020] FIG. 8 is an alternative embodiment of the roller shade system shown in FIG. 1.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0021] It has been recognized that roller shades can have varying designs, and it is often difficult to alter the current valence assembly to accommodate different designs of valence systems. The following provides a modular valence assembly for a roller shade that enables both regular and reverse roll configurations using the same system.

[0022] It has also been recognized that roller shades, when installed, may not be level and could require adjusting. The following also provides a low profile leveling mechanism that enables the roller shade to be leveled while minimizing the effects on the aesthetics of the roller shade.

[0023] As shown in FIGS.1 and 2, an adjustable roller shade system 10 is provided, which can be used to cover a window, door, or other structure or surface (not shown). The roller shade system 10 comprises a covering material such as fabric 100 coupled to a lifting/lowering mechanism 101, leveling mechanisms 108 coupled to the lifting/lowering mechanism 101, a modular valence assembly 114 to provide an enclosure and act as housing to the lifting/lowering mechanism 101, and mounting brackets 126.

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[0024] The fabric 100 is dimensioned to substantially correspond to the height and width of the window 20 and is typically composed of a material having a low permeability to light to limit or inhibit light entering a room, e.g. through a window.

[0025] The lifting/lowering mechanism 101 comprises an elongated hollow tube 102, a clutch assembly 103 coupled to a chain 104, an idle end 106, and tube adapters 128. One end of the tube 102 is coupled to the clutch assembly 103 and the other end of the tube 102 is coupled to the idle end 106. The tube 102 has a circular cross-section having a length slightly longer than the width of the fabric 100. The fabric 100 is coupled to the tube 102 such that rotation of the tube in one direction causes the fabric to roll onto the tube and rotation in the opposing direction causes the fabric 100 to unroll from the tube 102 to cover the underlying window 20.

[0026] As seen in FIG. 3, the clutch assembly 103 has a sprocket 300 having an outer sprocket cover 302 with an extruded stem 303 and an inner sprocket cover 304.
The inner sprocket cover 302 supports a brake spring 306 on its rim 307 through a brake spring connector 308. The sprocket 300, inner sprocket cover 302, outer sprocket cover 304, brake spring 306, and brake spring connector 308 all have corresponding central apertures that are aligned when assembled together. The clutch 103 is assembled by mating the sprocket 300 onto the outer sprocket cover 302 and placing the inner sprocket cover 304 onto the sprocket 300. The brake spring 306 is then placed onto the rim 307 and is compressed against the brake spring connector 308. The clutch assembly 103 is assembled by inserting the fastening bolt 312 through the central aperture in the outer sprocket cover 302 and inserting the nut 310 into the brake spring connecter 308, the nut 310 is then fastened onto the bolt 312.

[0027] The chain 104 is coupled to the clutch assembly 103 by mating the chain 104 into the teeth of the sprocket 300. The chain can be made of either plastic or metal and the term "chain" is used generally herein to refer to a string-like member that acts as a pulley to operate the lifting/lowering mechanism 101.

[0028] A leveling mechanism 108 is attached to each of the clutch assembly 103 and idle end 106. As shown further in FIG. 4, the leveling mechanism 108 includes a baseplate 400 having a flange 402. The flange 402 has a passage formed by an aperture through its centre to support an adjustment member such as leveling screw 408. The flange 402 is therefore located at an appropriate distance from a leveling bar 404. The leveling bar 404 is affixed to the central portion of the plate 400 via a pivot 413 at an end opposite to the flange 402.
The pivot 413 is 22783842.1 I

formed by attaching the leveling bar 404 to the plate 400 via a fastener, such as a pin, through an aperture 412. The aperture 412 is therefore situated at an end opposite to the flange 402.
The leveling bar 404 includes a protrusion 406 aligned with the flange 402 to enable the leveling screw 408 to bear against the protrusion 406 to adjust the angular orientation of the leveling bar 404 with respect to the plate 400. In this way the roller shade can be leveled by adjusting the adjusting screw 408. The leveling bar 404 also includes a mantle 410 situated at or near its centre. The mantle 410 supports one end of the tube 102 through the clutch assembly 103 and idle end 106 respectively. As the leveling screw 408 contacts the protrusion 406 on the leveling bar 404, threading the leveling screw 408 through the flange 402 causes the tip thereof to push against the protrusion 406 on the leveling bar 404, causing the leveling bar 404 to rotate about the pivot 413. Pivoting the leveling bar 404 also causes the mantle 410 to be raised or lowered, which in turn causes the tube 102 to be raised or lowered at the corresponding end. The plate 400 further comprises a plurality of holes 414 which allow for passage of fasteners such as socket screws 112 through them.

[0029] It will be appreciated that the leveling mechanism 108 can be implemented with variations to the particular components shown in FIG. 4. For example, the leveling screw 408 can be embodied as a screw or bolt or other threaded member which can be advanced or retracted to operate on the leveling bar 404. The mantle 410 can also be embodied by any suitably shaped or contoured portion of the leveling bar 404 and may be integral thereto or a separate component. The positioning of the leveling screw 408 enables convenient adjustment of the tube 102 in situ, without requiring a bulky mechanism, and without taking away from the coverage provided by the fabric 100.

[0030] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 5, the modular valence assembly 114 includes a plurality of valence members which can also be referred to as fascias, in this example a front fascia 116, a rear fascia 117 (shown in FIG. 5), a bottom fascia 118, and a pair of assembly brackets 122. As discussed below, the valence assembly 114 may alternatively have a top fascia 124 (shown in FIGS. 5 and 8) instead of assembly brackets 122. The valence assembly further comprises a spline 120.

[0031] Both the assembly bracket 122 and top fascia 124 comprise a cantilevered rib 512 which projects along a longitudinal edge. The opposing edge of the assembly bracket 122 and top fascia 124 each have a projecting rib 516. In between the cantilevered rib 512 and the projecting rib 516 is a socket 518 on each of the assembly brackets 122 and top fascia 124 to 22783842.1 I

, allow for the insertion of socket screws 112 into the socket 518. It will therefore be seen that the top fascia 124 and assembly brackets 122 are interchangeable in their use due to their similarity in design. However, the assembly brackets 122 are shorter in length than the top fascia 124.

[0032] A roller shade system 10 utilizing assembly brackets is shown in FIG. 1 and an alternate embodiment, roller shade system 80, utilizing a top fascia is shown in FIG. 8. It will be seen that when a roller shade system 80 is used only a single top fascia 124 is required, however when a roller shade system 10 is used a pair of assembly brackets 122 are required.
The assembly brackets 122 and front fascia 124 and can be formed thorough extruded metal, alternatively the assembly bracket 122 can be cut from a front fascia 124.

[0033] The front fascia 116 has a narrow track 500 along its bottom edge and a wide track 502 along its top edge. The tracks 500 and 502 are formed during extrusion of the front fascia.
Alternatively it can be seen the front fascia can be manufactured by alternative means such as casting and the tracks 500 and 502 can be formed during casting of the front fascia 116, or from members attached to the front fascia 116 through adhesives or fasteners. The wide track 502 is spaced to fit the cantilevered rib 512. The narrow track 500 is spaced to fit a mounting flange 508 along one longitudinal edge of the bottom fascia 118.

[0034] The rear fascia 117 has a base portion 503 and may have a top portion 505 attached to and situated above the base portion 503. The top portion 505 is shorter in length than the base portion 503 and present in roller shade assemblies utilizing an assembly bracket 122 instead of a top fascia 124. Alternatively, in the embodiments utilizing a top fascia 124 the rear fascia 117 can be provided without a narrower top portion 505. The base portion 503 and top portion 505 have their centres aligned. The rear facia 117 can be formed through extrusion similar to the front fascia 116 and subsequently the top portion 505 is removed as necessary based on the embodiment. A track 504 is situated along the bottom edge of the lower portion which is spaced to fit the mounting flange 508 of the bottom fascia 118.

[0035] As stated previously, the bottom fascia 118 has a mounting flange 508 along one longitudinal edge. It will be appreciated that the bottom fascia 118 can have a second mounting flange along the other longitudinal edge as well. The mounting flange 508 can be formed via a bend in the edge of the bottom fascia 118 or by members attached to the edge of the bottom fascia 118. The mounting flange 508 is attached to the track 500 or 504 to securely support the bottom fascia 118 perpendicular to the front fascia 116 or rear fascia 117 respectively.

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[0036] Additionally, a spline 120 composed of rubber or plastic may be wedged in between the mounting flange 508 and track 500 or 504 respectively to provide further support.

[0037] It will be seen in FIGS. 6 and 7 that each fascia member of the valence assembly 114 has a plurality of sockets 518 which allow for the insertion of fasteners such as socket screws 112.

[0038] The outer face of both the assembly brackets 122 and top fascia 124 are able to clasp or clip into the mounting brackets 126. This is achieved by inserting the projecting rib 516 into a notch in the mounting brackets 126 and then pushing the top face of either the assembly bracket 122 or top fascia 124 into the mounting bracket 126. Therefore, the assembly brackets 122 or top fascia 124 can be attached to a mounting surface to support the roller shade system via the mounting brackets 126. The mounting brackets 126 can be attached to a mounting surface through the use of fasteners such as screws 128 that pass through slots 130 on the mounting brackets 126 and into the mounting surface.

[0039] Since the valence assembly 114 is modular, it can be appreciated that the modular valence assembly 114 can be modified to suit roller shade systems of both the regular roll and reverse roll variety.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 6, to suit a regular roll type roller shade system 10A, the bottom fascia 118 is joined to the front fascia member 116. This is achieved by mating the mounting flange 508 of the bottom fascia 118 to the track 500 of the front fascia 116.
In this configuration, an opening 600 is formed between the bottom fascia 118 and rear fascia 117.
The fabric 100 of a regular roll roller type shade system 10A is able to pass through the opening 600 and can be raised or lowered to cover the window 20 as desired.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 7, to suit a reverse roll type roller shade system 10B, the bottom fascia 118 is joined to the rear fascia member 116. To achieve this, the mounting flange 508 of the bottom fascia 118 is mated to the track 504 of the rear fascia 117. In this configuration, an opening 700 is formed between the bottom fascia 118 and front fascia 116. The fabric 100 of the reverse roll type shade system 10B is therefore able to pass through the opening 700 and can be raised or lowered to cover the window 20 as desired.

[0042] It will be seen that the modular valence assembly 114 therefore provides adaptability to both regular roll and reverse roll type roller shades. The modular valence assembly 114 can be easily modified to suit both types of configurations quickly and with ease without comprising 22783842.1 aesthetics of the valence covering. It will also be appreciated that the modular valence assembly 114 can be adjusted by simply relocating the bottom fascia 118.

[0043] The roller shade system 10 can be assembled by joining a strip of the fabric 100 to the tube 102. The fabric 100 can be joined to the tube 102 using any suitable fastening mechanism, such as tape, adhesive, or a locking spline. It can be appreciated that other mechanical fasteners such as pins, nails, or straps could also be used. It will be appreciated that other methods of joining the fabric 100 to the tube 102 known in the art can also be used.
Once the fabric 100 is joined to the tube 102, the assembled clutch assembly 103 and idle end 106 can be attached to the respective ends of the tube 106. An adapter 132 can be used to couple the tube 102 with the clutch assembly 103 or idle end 106 respectively if they have different diameters. For example, the tube 102 may have a diameter of 2 inches while the clutch assembly 103 and idle end 106 have a diameter of 1.5 inches. As such, the adapter 132 will allow the tube 102 to mate with the clutch assembly 103 and idle end 106 respectively.

[0044] The chain 104 can be coupled to the clutch assembly 103 to complete assembly of the lifting/lowering mechanism 101. The chain 104 is coupled to the clutch assembly 103 by mating the chain 104 into the teeth of the sprocket 300 and can be coupled either before or after the clutch assembly 103 is coupled to the tube 102.

[0045] The leveling mechanism 108 can be attached to each of the clutch assembly 103 and idle end 106 either prior to or after the assembly of the valence assembly 114. A leveling mechanism 108 is coupled to the clutch assembly 103 and another leveling mechanism 108 is coupled to the idle end 106. In both cases, the mantle 410 of the corresponding level adjuster 108 is inserted into a central aperture of the clutch assembly 103 or the idle end 106. The mantle 410 can now support the roll 102.

[0046] The modular valence assembly 114 can then be assembled around the level mechanism 108 to cover and conceal the lifting/lowering mechanism 101. The modular valence assembly 114 is secured to the leveling mechanism 108 through the use of socket screws 112 which are secured into the sockets 518 through the holes 414 on the plate 400.
As discussed previously, the sockets 518 on the front fascia 116, rear fascia, bottom fascia 118, and assembly bracket 122 or top fascia 124 are aligned with the holes 414 on the plate 400. The modular valence assembly 114 can be assembled by joining the front fascia 116, rear fascia 117, bottom fascia 118, and top fascia 124 as discussed previously. It will also be seen that the modular valence assembly 114 can be joined in the desired configuration to suit either a regular roll or reverse roll roller system. The socket screws 112 can then be secured into the sockets 518 through the holes 414 securing the members of the valence assembly 114 in place.

[0047] After attaching the valence assembly 114, an end bracket cover 110 is secured to the outer surface of each leveling mechanism 108.

[0048] In order to affix the roller shade system 10 over a light permitting structure such as a window, mounting brackets 126 are first attached to a surface such as the inner frame of a window or directly to the ceiling. The mounting brackets 126 can be secured to the mounting surface by fastening the screws 130 to the mounting surface through the slits 128.

[0049] The roller shade system 10 can be attached to the mounting brackets 126 as discussed previously, by inserting the projecting rib 516 into a notch in the mounting brackets 126 and clasping the outer face of the assembly bracket 122 into the mounting bracket.

[0050] In order to operate the roller shade system 10 the chain 104 (or equivalent rolling mechanism) is pulled in a particular direction. The chain 104 in turn causes the clutch 103 to rotate which imparts rotation onto the tube 102. Rotation of the tube 102 causes winding or unwinding of the fabric 100 based on the direction of rotation and therefore raises or lowers the fabric 100. It will be appreciated that though the rotation of clutch 103 can be controlled by pulling the chain 104 the idle end 106 is free spinning and rotates based on the rotation of the tube. Alternatively, a second clutch 103 with a chain 104 can be placed in place of the idle end 106 allowing the fabric 100 to be raised or lowered from either end.

[0051] In order to adjust the level of the tube 102 after installation of the valence assembly 114, the location and configuration of the level adjuster 108 and adjusting screw 408 allows access to the adjusting screw 408 of the level adjuster 108 even with the bottom fascia 118 attached. This allows a convenient leveling of the tube 102 without having to disassemble the system. The adjusting screw 408 on each level adjuster 108 can then be adjusted to level the tube 102.

[0052] It will be seen that the roller shade system 10 presents a number of advantages. The compactness and low profile of the leveling mechanism 108 allows a simple way to level the roller shade system 10. When a roller shade system is properly leveled the fabric 100 will be properly aligned with the window 20 and thereby more efficiently and aesthetically cover the window 20. It will also be seen that due to the compactness of the leveling mechanisms 108, the 22783842.1 I

width of the fabric 100 can be greater, further limiting the possibility of light leaking through the roller shade system 10.

[0053] It will be appreciated that the roller shade systems 10 also allows for flexibility and can be used with either a regular roll or reverse roll system while still employing the same valence assembly. As previously discussed, the modular valence assembly 114 can be configured to suit either a regular roll system or reverse roll system by adjusting the position of the bottom fascia 118. This allows for a quick and cost effective system that can meet the specific requirements of the user within the same system.

[0054] Additionally, in order to support heavier fabrics or other covering materials a lift assist systems known in the art can be used. Such lift assist systems include the use of tensioned springs within the tube 102 to cooperate with the clutch assembly 103 in lifting and lowering heavier and/or longer fabrics. It can also be appreciated that though the lifting/lowering mechanism 101 is shown in the exemplary embodiment to be manually operated, the mechanism can be automated through the use of a motor coupled to the tube 102.

[0055] It will be appreciated that a variety of materials can be used. In the exemplary embodiment components of the lifting/lowering mechanism 101 are made of plastics but it will be appreciated that metal or other suitable materials can also be used.
Additionally, in the exemplary embodiment components of the modular valence assembly 114 are composed of metal such as aluminum but can also be composed of plastics.

[0056] It can be seen that the above teachings can be modified for roller shade system 80 by utilizing the top fascia 124 in place of the assembly brackets 122.

[0057] For simplicity and clarity of illustration, where considered appropriate, reference numerals may be repeated among the figures to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.
In addition, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of the examples described herein. However, it will be understood by those of ordinary skill in the art that the examples described herein may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures and components have not been described in detail so as not to obscure the examples described herein. Also, the description is not to be considered as limiting the scope of the examples described herein.

[0058] It will be appreciated that the examples and corresponding diagrams used herein are for illustrative purposes only. Different configurations and terminology can be used without 22783842.1 I

departing from the principles expressed herein. For instance, components and modules can be added, deleted, modified, or arranged with differing connections without departing from these principles.

[0059]
Although the above principles have been described with reference to certain specific examples, various modifications thereof will be apparent to those skilled in the art as outlined in the appended claims.

Claims (16)

CLAIMS:

1. A leveling mechanism for a roller shade comprising:
a baseplate, the baseplate having a flange, the flange having a passage;
a bar having a pivot coupled to the baseplate at one end, the pivot being spaced from the flange of the baseplate, the bar having a protrusion at an end aligned with the flange of the baseplate, and the bar having a support for the roller shade located between the pivot and the protrusion; and an adjustment member supported by the passage on the flange of the baseplate, the adjustment member being moveable with respect to the flange to adjust the position of the support by contacting the protrusion.

2. The leveling mechanism of claim 1 wherein advancing the adjustment member through the passage causes the adjustment member to contact the protrusion, and further advancing of the adjustment member causes the bar to rotate about the pivot coupling thereby raising the support of the roller shade in height.

3. The leveling mechanism of claim 2 wherein retracting the adjustment member through the passage causes the adjustment member to reduce the force on the protrusion causing the bar to rotate in the opposing direction about the pivot coupling thereby lowering the support of the roller shade in height.

4. The leveling mechanism of claim 3 wherein the passage is a threaded aperture.

5. The leveling mechanism of claim 4 wherein the adjustment member is a threaded screw.

6. The leveling mechanism of claim 5 wherein the support is a mantle for supporting one end of the roller shade.

7. The leveling mechanism of claim 6 wherein a cover is attached to the outer face of leveling mechanism.

8. The leveling mechanism of claim 7 wherein a mounting bracket is attachable to the outer face of each cover to secure the roller shade to a surrounding surface.

9. A modular valence assembly for a roller shade comprising:
a top valence member having a projecting cantilevered rib along one edge;
a bottom valence member having a mounting flange along at least one longitudinal edge, the bottom valence member having a width less than the top valence member a front valence member having a first track along one longitudinal edge and a second track along an opposing edge, wherein the first track is spaced to fit the projecting cantilevered rib of the top valence member and the second track is spaced to fit the mounting flange of the bottom valance member; and a rear valence member having a track along one longitudinal edge, the edge aligned with the opposing edge having the second track of the front valence member, wherein the track on the rear valence is spaced to fit the projecting rib of the top valence member, wherein the top and bottom valence members are positioned substantially perpendicular to the front and rear valence members when attached, and wherein the bottom valence member is attachable to only one of the front valence member or the rear valence member at a time.

10. The modular valence assembly of claim 9 wherein the members are made from a ductile metal.

11. The modular valence assembly of claim 10 wherein the rear valence member has a plurality of sockets to permit securing the rear valence member onto a surface using fasteners through the surface and into the sockets.

12. The modular valence assembly of claim 11 wherein the front, bottom, and top valence members have a plurality of sockets to permit securing the valence members onto a surface using fasteners through the surface and into the sockets.

13. The modular valence assembly of claim 12 wherein the bottom valence member has a mounting flange along each of its longitudinal edges.

14. The modular valence assembly of claim 13 wherein a spline is additionally coupled to the bottom valence and the valence member attached thereto.

15. The modular valence assembly of claim 14 wherein the valence is coupled to mounting brackets which are fastened onto a surface surrounding the roller shade.

16. A roller shade system comprising:
an elongated covering material having low permeability to light;
a lifting/lowering mechanism having:
a hollow circular tube windingly coupled to the covering material, a clutch coupled to at least one end of the tube, an idle end coupled to the opposing end of the tube, and a chain coupled to each clutch wherein pulling the chain in one direction causes the tube to rotate in one direction and causes the covering material to roll onto the tube, while pulling the chain in the opposing direction causes the tube to rotate in the opposing direction causing the covering material to unroll from the tube;
a leveling mechanism having:
a baseplate, the baseplate having a flange, the flange having a passage;
a bar having a pivot coupled to the baseplate at one end, the pivot being spaced from the flange of the baseplate, the bar having a protrusion at an end aligned with the flange of the baseplate, and the bar having a support for the lifting/lowering mechanism located between the pivot and the protrusion; and an adjustment member supported by the passage on the flange of the baseplate, the adjustment member being moveable with respect to the flange to adjust the position of the support by contacting the protrusion.
a moduler valence assembly having:
a top valence member having a projecting cantilevered rib along one edge;
a bottom valence member having a mounting flange along at least one longitudinal edge, the bottom valence member having a width less than the top valence member;
a front valence member having a first track along one longitudinal edge and a second track along an opposing edge, wherein the first track is spaced to fit the projecting cantilevered rib of the top valence member and the second track is spaced to fit the mounting flange of the bottom valance member; and a rear valence member having a track along one longitudinal edge, the edge aligned with the opposing edge having the second track of the front valence member, wherein the track on the rear valence is spaced to fit the projecting rib of the top valence member, wherein the top and bottom valence members are positioned substantially perpendicular to the front and rear valence members when attached, and wherein the bottom valence member is attachable to only one of the front valence member or the rear valence member at a time; and at least one mounting bracket attached to the either one of the valence assembly or leveling mechanism to secure the roller shade system to a surrounding surface.