JP6889140B2 - Covers for building openings with nested rollers Multiple roller covers for building openings - Google Patents

Description

Cross-reference to related applications This application applies to 35 U.S. of US Patent Provisional Application No. 61 / 834,080, entitled "Covering for an Architectural Opening Nested Rollers," filed June 12, 2013. S. C. Claiming interests under § 119 (e), this application also applies to US Patent Application No. 14/213, entitled "Covering for an Archive Opening Priority Rollers," filed March 14, 2014. Claiming the priority of No. 449, the present application further prioritizes US Patent Application No. 14 / 212,387 entitled "Covering for an Archive Opening Having Next Rollers" filed on March 14, 2014. Priority is claimed, and this application is filed on June 12, 2013, entitled "Covering for an Archive Opening Haveing Nested Rollers," U.S. Patent Provisional Application No. 61 / 834,080, 35 U.S.A. S. C. Claiming interests under § 119 (e), all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The present disclosure generally relates to coverings for openings in buildings, and more specifically to devices and methods for operating coverings for openings in buildings having nested rollers.

Covers for openings in buildings such as windows, doors and arches have taken many forms over the years. Some covers include a retractable shade that can be moved between the extended and retracted positions. In the extended position, the shade of the cover may be positioned over the opening. In the retracted position, the cover shade may be positioned adjacent to one or more sides of the opening.

Some covers transmit light through the material from which the cover is built when in a fully extended position. In some cases, more dimming is desired, even when the covering has an operable vane that opens and closes to control the amount of light passing through the covering. In addition or alternatives, in some cases the user may desire a different pattern or appearance of the covering when in a fully extended position. Usually, these demands are achieved by having a separate roller positioned behind the primary roller for separate operation by the user. These separate rollers for supplementary function or appearance may increase the size of the headrail and require the use of a second set of control cords and operating mechanisms and therefore cover structures. Increase the size and weight of the.

Examples of the present disclosure can include coverings for openings in buildings with nested rollers. In one example, the cover is received within the outer roller with a rotatable outer roller that defines an elongated slot extending along the length of the outer roller and an opening to the inside of the outer roller, with a central vertical axis. A first shade that is fixed to the outer roller, retractable on the outer roller and extendable from the outer roller, and is fixed to the inner roller and extends through an elongated slot, defining a rotatable inner roller and an elongated slot. It can include a second shade that is retractable onto the inner roller and extendable from the inner roller. The elongated slot may be aligned substantially horizontally with the central vertical axis of the inner roller when the first shade is in a fully extended position.

In one example, the inner and outer rollers are coaxial about the central vertical axis of the inner roller. In some examples, the first shade and the second shade have the same width. In one example, the width of the first shade extends along the overall length of the outer roller and the width of the second shade extends along the overall length of the inner roller. In one example, the slots are oriented orthogonal to the extension direction of the first shade.

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

In one example, the outer rollers include a first shell and a second shell, each having a longitudinally extending end edge, the edge of the first shell and the edge of the second shell defining an elongated slot. Separated from each other in the circumferential direction as much as possible. In one example, the covering is a first bushing that is locked to one end of the first and second shells and a second that is locked to the opposite end of the first and second shells. The first bushing and the second bushing maintain a constant width of the slot, including the bushing.

In some examples, the covering comprises a locking mechanism that is movable between a first position that constrains the rotation of the outer roller and a second position that allows the rotation of the outer roller. In one example, the locking mechanism moves from a first position to a second position when the bottom rail engages the locking mechanism. In one example, the outer roller defines an elongated groove formed in the side wall, the locking mechanism includes a bearing, and at the first position of the locking mechanism, the bearing is received in the groove. In one example, the locking mechanism comprises a pin and the locking mechanism is actuated by engaging the pin with a bottom rail to remove the bearing from the groove. In one example, the bearing movably engages with the outer surface of the outer roller in a second position.

In some examples, the locking mechanism includes a locking member that pivots between a first position and a second position. In one example, the locking mechanism includes a locking member that translates axially between a first position and a second position. In one example, the locking mechanism comprises a rotatable shaft that is located outside the outer roller and oriented substantially parallel to the central vertical axis of the inner roller. In one example, the cover includes an end cap, the inner and outer rollers are rotatably coupled to the end cap, the locking mechanism includes a housing that is cantilevered from the end cap, and the rotatable shaft is a housing. It is attached to the journal type. In some examples, the locking mechanism includes a gear mechanism that combines the rotation of a rotatable shaft and outer rollers.

In one example, the cover is placed outside the outer roller with a rotatable outer roller that defines an elongated slot and a first shade that is fixed to and wrap around the outer roller. A locking mechanism that at least partially defines the lower stop for the shade of 1, a rotatable inner roller that is accepted within the outer roller, and is fixed to the inner roller and can be wrapped around the inner roller. May include a second shade that is extendable and retractable through an elongated slot and a non-rotatable shaft that extends into the inner rollers and at least partially defines the bottom stop for the second shade. it can.

In some examples, the locking mechanism includes a rotatable shaft located outside the outer roller and a locking member that translates axially along the rotatable shaft. In some examples, the locking mechanism includes a pivot-movable locking member located outside the outer roller.

Examples of the present disclosure can include methods of manipulating covers for openings in buildings. In one example, the method is to unleash the first shade from the periphery of the outer roller when the first shade reaches a fully extended position and from the periphery of the inner roller located within the outer roller. The second shade feeding, including feeding the second shade, is through an elongated slot formed on the outer roller and located substantially horizontally aligned with the central vertical axis of the inner roller. Includes extending the shade of 2.

In one example, the method is to pivot a locking member to lock the rotation of the outer roller and lock-engage it with the outer roller, and to place a second shade on the inner roller through an elongated slot formed in the outer roller. Rotate the inner roller with respect to the outer roller to retract, and the lock member to disengage the lock engagement with the outer roller at a sufficiently retracted position of the inner roller to allow rotation of the outer roller. Includes pivoting and rotating the outer rollers by driving the inner rollers to retract the first shade onto the outer rollers.

In one example, the method is to axially swivel the locking member out of the periphery of the outer roller and reach a fully extended position of the first shade during the extension of the first shade. Then, the lock member restricts the rotation of the outer roller, and during the extension of the second shade, the nut arranged in the inner roller is swiveled in the axial direction, and the second shade is sufficiently extended. This includes restricting the rotation of the inner roller with a nut when it reaches the desired position.

The present disclosure is provided to aid understanding, and each of the various aspects and features of the present disclosure may be advantageous in some cases separately or in combination with other aspects and features of the present disclosure. Those skilled in the art will appreciate that it can be used. Therefore, although the present disclosure is presented in the form of an example, it should be understood that the individual aspects of any example can be claimed separately or in combination with the aspects and features of this example or any other example. ..

The present disclosure is described in this application in varying degrees of detail and is not intended to limit the scope of claims by inclusion or non-inclusion of elements, components, etc. in this abstract. In some cases, details that are not necessary for the understanding of this disclosure or that obscure other details may be omitted. It should be understood that the claimed subject matter is not necessarily limited to the particular example or configuration exemplified herein.

The accompanying drawings incorporated and in part herein provide examples of the present disclosure and serve to illustrate the principles of these examples, along with the overview given above and the detailed description given below.

FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a cover in a state where the first shade and the second shade according to an example of the present disclosure are in a sufficiently retracted position. FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the cover of FIG. 1 in a state where the first shade according to an example of the present disclosure is in a partially extended position and the second shade is in a sufficiently retracted position. FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the cover of FIG. 1 in a state where the first shade according to an example of the present disclosure is in a sufficiently extended position and the second shade is in a sufficiently retracted position. FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the cover of FIG. 1 with the first shade according to an example of the present disclosure in a fully extended position and the second shade in a partially extended position. FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the cover of FIG. 1 in a state where the first shade and the second shade according to an example of the present disclosure are in a sufficiently extended position. It is an isometric partial decomposition view of the head rail component of the cover which concerns on a certain example of this disclosure. The headrail cover and the first and second shades are not shown for clarity. FIG. 5 is a vertical cross-sectional view taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 1 of a cover comprising the headrail component of FIG. 6 according to an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 2 of a cover comprising the headrail component of FIG. 6 according to an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 3 of a cover comprising the headrail component of FIG. 6 according to an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 4 of a cover comprising the headrail component of FIG. 6 according to an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 5 of a cover comprising the headrail component of FIG. 6 according to an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is an isometric view of a cover headrail component according to an example of the present disclosure. The headrail cover is not shown for clarity. It is an isometric partial exploded view of the head rail component of FIG. 12 which concerns on a certain example of this disclosure. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 12 of the headrail component of FIG. 12 according to an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of some of the headrail components of FIG. 12 depicting three mutually meshed gears rotatably supported on an end cap of a cover according to an example of the present disclosure. .. FIG. 5 is an isometric view of the locking mechanism of the headrail component of FIG. 12 according to an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a side elevation view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 16 according to an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is another isometric view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 16 according to an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a side elevation view of a dual roller unit attached to the locking mechanism of FIG. 16 according to an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a detailed view of the lock interface between the first shell and the second shell of the outer roller of the dual roller unit of FIG. 19 according to an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a front elevation view of the housing of the locking mechanism of FIG. 16 according to an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 21 is a side elevation view of the housing of FIG. 21 according to an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 16 is a shaft of the locking mechanism of FIG. 16 according to an example of the present disclosure. It is an isometric view of the nut of the lock mechanism of FIG. 16 which concerns on a certain example of this disclosure. FIG. 24 is another isometric view of the nut of FIG. 24 according to an example of the present disclosure. The housing and nut according to an example of the present disclosure are shown in vertical sections, the shaft of FIG. 23 rotatably supported in the housing of FIG. 21 and the nut of FIG. 24 screwed onto the shaft. It is a front elevation view. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of a housing, nut, and shaft of FIG. 26 according to an example of the present disclosure, as viewed along lines 27-27 of FIG. It is an isometric partial decomposition view of the head rail component of the cover which concerns on a certain example of this disclosure. The headrail cover and second shade are not shown for clarity. FIG. 2 is another isometric partial exploded view of the headrail component of FIG. 28 according to an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 30-30 of FIG. 5 of a cover comprising the headrail component of FIG. 28 according to an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 31-31 of FIG. 3 of a cover comprising the headrail component of FIG. 28 according to an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cover of FIG. 31 in a state where the bottom rail according to an example of the present disclosure is seated on the outer roller and the lock mechanism is released from the outer roller. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cover of FIG. 32 in a state in which the outer roller according to an example of the present disclosure is rotated counterclockwise with respect to the position of the outer roller in FIG. 32. FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view taken along line 34-34 of FIG. 4 of a cover comprising the headrail component of FIG. 28 according to an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cover of FIG. 31 with the inner rollers and the second shade removed for clarity according to an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cover of FIG. 32 with the inner rollers and the second shade removed for clarity according to an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the cover of FIG. 33 with the inner rollers and the second shade removed for clarity according to an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the locking mechanism of the headrail component of FIG. 28 according to an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is another isometric view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 38 according to an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is an isometric view of the bracket of the headrail component of FIG. 28 according to an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is an isometric view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 38 rotatably installed on the bracket of FIG. 40 according to an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is an isometric view of some of the headrail components of FIG. 28 showing the interface between the locking mechanism of FIG. 38 and the bottom rail of the cover according to an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 3 is an isometric view of some of the headrail components of FIG. 28 showing the interface between the locking mechanism of FIG. 38 and the bottom rail of the cover according to an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 42 is a partial view of the end of the bottom rail of FIGS. 42 and 43 according to an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is an isometric view of the actuator rim of the bottom rail of FIG. 44 according to an example of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a vertical cross-sectional view of one end of a cover comprising the headrail component of FIG. 28 according to an example of the present disclosure, as viewed along line 7-7 of FIG. FIG. 2 is a vertical cross-sectional view of another end seen along line 7-7 of FIG. 1 of a cover comprising the headrail component of FIG. 28 according to an example of the present disclosure.

The present disclosure provides a cover for openings in buildings. In general, the covering can include a first shade and a second shade both suspended from the same headrail by a pair of nested rollers forming a dual roller unit. The first shade (the front shade in this configuration) engages the outer roller for retracting onto and extending from the outer roller by winding and unwinding from it when actuated by the user. Will be done. A second shade (the rear shade in this configuration) is inside the outer roller for retreat onto the inner roller and extension from it by winding and unwinding from the inner roller when actuated by the user. Engage with the inner roller located in. The inner roller can be positioned inside the outer roller, and the inner and outer rollers can work together to form the roller unit described further below. The second shade can be extended and retracted as guided by the user when the first shade is in a fully extended position. The operating unit that rotates the rollers as guided by the user may be operated, for example, by a motor or a single control code. The operating unit can engage the inner roller and control its rotation, which can control the rotation of the outer tube.

With reference to FIGS. 1-5, a retractable cover 10 for an opening in a building is provided. The retractable cover 10 can include a head rail 14, a first bottom rail 18, a second bottom rail 20, a first shade 22, and a second shade 24. The first shade 22 can extend between the head rail 14 and the first bottom rail 18. The second shade 24 can extend between the head rail 14 and the second bottom rail 20. The head rail 14 can include two opposing end caps 26a, 26b that can seal the ends of the head rail 14 to provide a finished appearance. The first bottom rail 18 can extend horizontally along the lower edge of the first shade 22 and can function as a ballast to keep the first shade 22 taut. The second bottom rail 20 can extend horizontally along the lower edge of the second shade 24 and can function as a ballast to keep the second shade 24 in tension.

The first shade 22 is a plurality of horizontally extending, vertically spaced flexible arrangements with a vertically suspended front sheet 30 and a rear sheet 34 of a flexible material (such as a shear). Sexual vanes 38 and can be included. Each vane 38 can be fixed along a horizontal mounting line with its front edge attached to the front seat 30 and its trailing edge attached to the rear seat 34. The sheets 30, 34 and vanes 38 can form a plurality of elongated, vertically aligned, longitudinally extending cells, which can be collectively referred to as cellular panels. Sheets 30, 34 and / or vanes 38 may be constructed of several consecutive lengths of material, or are attached or joined to each other at the edges, overlapping, or other suitable relationships. It may be constructed of strips of material. The second shade 24 may be a single panel or may be constructed of strips of material that are attached or joined to each other at the edges, overlapped, or other suitable relationships. ..

The first shade 22 and the second shade 24 may be constructed of substantially any type of material. For example, shades 22 and 24 may be constructed from natural and / or synthetic materials, including fabrics, polymers, and / or other suitable materials. Fabric materials can include woven fabrics, non-woven fabrics, knitted fabrics, or other suitable fabric types. The shades 22 and 24 can have any suitable level of light transmittance. For example, the first shade 22 and the second shade 24 may be constructed of transparent, translucent, and / or opaque materials to provide the desired atmosphere or decoration to the associated room. In some examples, the first shade 22 comprises transparent and / or translucent sheets 30, 34 and translucent and / or opaque vanes 38. In some examples, the second shade 24 is made of a single sheet of material with zero light transmittance, often referred to as a black-out shade. The second shade 24 is such that when the second shade 24 is extended behind the first shade 22, the second shade 24 itself produces a different aesthetic appearance than the first shade 22. It can include patterns or designs.

Referring to FIGS. 1-6, the cover 10 may include a drive mechanism or an operating mechanism 40 configured to raise or lower the first shade 22, the second shade 24, or both. The operating mechanism 40 may be controlled mechanically and / or electrically. The operating mechanism 40 may include a speed governor to control or adjust the extension of the shades 22 and 24 or to reduce the speed of the shades 22 and 24.

In one example, the motion mechanism 40 is a motion element 42 (ball chain, cord, or cane) to allow the user to extend or retract the first shade 22 and / or the second shade 24. Etc.) can be included. The operator can operate the moving element 42 to move the shades 22 and 24. For example, in order to raise or retract the shades 22 and 24 from the extended position, the operator can pull the moving element 40 downward. In order to extend or lower the shades 22 and 24 from the retracted position, the operator releases the brakes to allow the shades 22 and 24 to automatically lower under the influence of gravity. Can be operated.

In addition or alternatives, the operating mechanism 40 may include an electric motor 44 configured to extend or retract shades 22, 24 upon receipt of an extension or retreat command. The motor 44 may be wired to the switch and / or communicate with a transmitter such as the remote control unit 46 to allow the user to control the extension and retraction of the motor 44, and thus the shades 22 and 24. It may be operably coupled to a receiver that is operable to do so. The motor 44 can include a gravitational descent mode so that the shades 22 and 24 can be gravitationally lowered without motor intervention, thereby reducing power consumption.

With reference to FIG. 6, the cover 10 may include a dual roller unit 46 that may be disposed within the head rail 14. The dual roller unit 46 can include an inner roller 48 and an outer roller 50. The inner roller 48 can be positioned inside the outer roller 50, and the rollers 48, 50 can be coaxially aligned about the same rotating shaft 52. The rollers 48 and 50 may be coaxial with respect to the central axis of the inner roller 48.

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the inner roller 48 may have a generally cylindrical shape or may be formed as a tube. The second shade 24 may be attached to the inner roller 48 at the upper edge by adhesive, corresponding holding features, or other suitable attachment means. In one example, a longitudinally extending recess 52 is formed in the peripheral wall of the inner roller 48 to accommodate an adhesive bead configured to bond the upper edge of the second shade 24 to the inner roller 48. ..

The outer roller 50 may be generally cylindrical in shape and may surround the inner roller 48. The outer roller 50 may be formed of two parts that fit together. Referring to FIG. 6, the outer roller 50 may include a first shell 54 and a second shell 56 to be nested. With reference to FIGS. 6 and 8 to 11, the longitudinally extending edges 58 and 60 of the first shell 54 and the second shell 56 can overlap and fit together, respectively. The first shade 22 may be attached to the outer roller 50 at the top edge by adhesive, corresponding holding features, or other suitable attachment means. In one example, a pair of channels 62 are formed on the peripheral wall of the outer roller 50 to accommodate and secure the upper edge of the first shade 22. With reference to FIGS. 8-11, the insert 64 may be placed in a hem formed on each upper edge and can act to hold the upper edge within each channel 62.

Referring to FIG. 7, the inner roller 48 and the outer roller 50 can extend substantially over the entire distance between the right end cap 26a and the left end cap 26b. The inner roller 48 and the outer roller 50 can have the same or substantially the same length. The first shade 22 and the second shade 24 can have the same or substantially the same width, which may be equal to the length of the rollers 48, 50. In one example, the first shade 22 and the second shade 24 have equal widths that match the lengths of the inner rollers 48 and the outer rollers 50, which are the edges of the shades 22 and 24 and the openings in the building. The existence of a light gap between the side portion of the portion can be eliminated.

With reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, the dual roller unit 50 may be rotatably supported by opposing end caps 26a, 26b. The operation mechanism 40 may be attached to the right end cap 26a, and may be operated by, for example, an operation element 42 or a remote control unit 46. The operating mechanism 40 may be operably associated with the inner roller 48 to rotate the inner roller 48. The operating mechanism 40 may include an internal fitting 64, which may be accommodated within the inner roller 48 and can be snugly engaged with the wall of the inner roller 48. The internal fitting 64 may be rotationally driven by an operating mechanism 40 such as a motor 44, and thus the inner roller 48 can be rotationally driven. The operating mechanism 40 can include a planetary gear drive that is often used in window covering applications.

Continuing with FIGS. 6 and 7, the limiting screw 66 may be positioned inside the inner roller 48 and may be fixed to the left end cap 26b so that the limiting screw 66 does not rotate. The limiting nut 68 may be screwed into the limiting screw 66 or keyed to the wall of the inner roller 48 by rotation. The key structure may allow the limiting nut 68 to move along the length of the inner roller 48. As the inner roller 48 rotates, the limiting nut 68 can move along the screwed limiting screw 66, a limiting screw to define the bottom extension position (see FIG. 5) of the second shade 24. It can be engaged with the limiting stopper formed on the 66. In addition or alternatives, an upper limiting stop may be employed on the limiting screw 66 if desired.

Referring to FIG. 6, the right bushing 70a and the left bushing 70b may be axially aligned with the inner roller 48 or may be arranged adjacent to opposite ends of the inner roller 48. The right bushing 70a may be rotatably installed on the operating mechanism 40, and the left bushing 70b may be rotatably installed on the limiting screw 66. The bushings 70a, 70b may be locked to the ends of the outer rollers 50 to maintain the desired spatial relationship between the shells 54, 56. The bushings 70a and 70b can include a pair of axial protrusions 72a and 72b, respectively. One protrusion 72a can engage the first shell 54 and the other protrusion 72b can engage the second shell 56. When the bushings 70a, 70b are engaged with the opposite ends of the outer roller 50, the bushings 70a, 70b and the outer roller 50 may rotate together about the rotation shaft 52 of the inner roller 48 and the outer roller 50. Good.

Referring to FIGS. 8-11, the first shell 54 and the second shell 56 of the outer roller 50 may define holding features that completely accept the axial projections 72a, 72b of the bushings 70a, 70b, respectively. it can. The holding features may be formed as shelves 74 that extend inwardly from the outer roller 50 into the interior space defined by the outer roller 50 and are spaced apart in the circumferential direction. When the bushings 70a, 70b are engaged with the ends of the outer rollers 50, the axial protrusions 72a, 72b with the shelves 74 to prevent relative movement between the first shell 54 and the second shell 56. It may be completely accepted between the outer roller 50 and the peripheral wall.

Continuing with FIGS. 8-11, the first shell 54 and the second shell 56 define a slot 76 that extends along the length of the outer roller 50 and communicates with the interior of the outer roller 50. Can be done. Slot 76 allows the passage of the second shade 24 during extension and retreat of the second shade 24. Second longitudinal edges of the first shell 54 and the second shell 56 when the first ends 58, 60 of the first shell 54 and the second shell 56 are fitted together, respectively. The portions 78 and 80 may be circumferentially separated from each other to define the slot 76. The opposing second edges 78, 80 of the first shell 54 and the second shell 56 allow the passage of the second shade 24 while preventing the passage of the bottom rail 20 of the second shade 24. They may be separated from each other by a sufficient distance. The axial protrusions 72a, 72b of the bushings 70a, 70b can maintain the width of the slot 76 during the operation of the cover 10. Slot 76 is positioned on the outer roller 50 so that the first shade 22 is above and adjacent to the rearmost pair of channels 62 when in its extended, vaned open configuration. May be done.

With reference to FIGS. 8 to 11, the outer roller 50 can define a concave seat 81 on the peripheral walls on both sides of the slot 76. The seat 81 may be formed as a recess extending along the length of the slot 76. The seat 81 can include a base wall 84 that is generally vertically oriented over the slots 76 formed by the opposing edges 78, 80 of the outer rollers 50. The seat 81 may be configured to accept the second bottom rail 20 when the second shade 24 is in a sufficiently retracted position (see FIG. 8). The base wall 84 can allow relatively vertical tangential engagement and disengagement between the second bottom rail 20 and the outer roller 50. The slot 76 and the seat 81 may be positioned on the periphery of the outer roller 50 above the attachment point 62 of the rear seat 34 of the first shade 22, and the positions of the slot 76 and the seat 81 are shown in FIG. In 9 to 11, it may be said that it is 3 o'clock. The location of the seat 81 and the slot 76 near the farthest rear position on the peripheral edge of the outer roller 50, along with the shape of the seat 81, is such that the second bottom rail 20 is vertically pulled up to the seat 81 during retreat. It is possible to ensure the acceptance of the second bottom rail 20 when entering (see FIGS. 8 to 10).

The shape of the seat 81 and its orientation on the outer roller 50 facilitates a smooth and predictable disengagement of the second bottom rail 20 from the seat 81 to initiate the extension of the second shade 24. be able to. The shape and orientation of the seat 81 can allow the bottom rail 20 to fall vertically from the seat 81, which utilizes gravity on the relatively heavy bottom rail 20. The generally tangential orientation of the seat 81 on the outer roller 50 can help. The lower free edge of slot 76 (defined by the edge 80 of the second shell 56 of the outer roller 50) is above the edge 80 as the second shade 24 extends and retracts through slot 76. The second shade 24 may be curved or rounded to allow smooth movement.

The second bottom rail 20 is an elongated member having a relatively high mass and defining a groove extending along its length to receive and hold the lower edge of the second shade 24. May be good. The lower edge of the second shade 24 may be held in the groove of the bottom rail 20 by an insert 82 inserted into a hem formed on the lower edge of the second shade 24. A portion of the outer shape of the second bottom rail 20 can generally conform to the shape of the seat 81 formed on the outer roller 50 when the second shade 24 is in the retracted position. ..

With reference to FIGS. 7-11, the first shade 22 may be coupled to and wrap around the outer roller 50. The upper edges of the front seat 30 and the rear seat 34 may be attached to the outer roller 50 at locations separated in the circumferential direction. The first shade 22 may be wound around or unwound from the rear side of the outer roller 50, in which case the rear side of the roller 50 is the road of the opening of the building associated with the front side of the roller 50. It is positioned between the sides (in FIGS. 8 to 11, the rear side of the roller 50 is on the right). In general, the rotation of the outer roller 50 in the first direction (counterclockwise in FIGS. 8-11) causes the first shade 22 to be associated with the outer roller 50 by winding the first shade 22 around the outer roller 50. Retreating to a position adjacent to one or more sides (such as the upper side) of the opening, a second opposite rotation of the outer roller 50 extends the first shade 22 over the opening (eg, downward). Let me.

With reference to FIGS. 7-11, the second shade 24 may be coupled to and wrap around the inner roller 48. The upper edge of the second shade 24 may be attached to the inner roller 48 as described above. The second shade 24 may be wound around or unwound from the rear side of the roller unit 46, in which case the rear side of the roller unit 46 is an opening in a building associated with the front side of the roller unit 46. (In FIGS. 8 to 11, the rear side of the roller unit 46 is on the right). In general, the rotation of the inner roller 48 in the first direction (counterclockwise in FIGS. 8-11) causes the second shade 24 to be associated with the inner roller 48 by winding the second shade 24 around the inner roller 48. Retreating to a position adjacent to one or more sides (such as the upper side) of the opening, a second opposite rotation of the inner roller 48 extends the second shade 24 over the opening (eg, downward). Let me.

The covering operation will be described below with reference to FIGS. 1-5 and 7-11. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the first shade 22 and the second shade 24 are in sufficiently retracted positions and are hidden in the head rail 14. In this configuration (see FIG. 7), the second shade 24 is fully wound around the inner roller 48 and the first shade 22 is sufficiently wound around the outer roller 50. In one example, the first bottom rail 18 engages a portion of the head rail 14 to define the upper limiting stop.

In order to extend the first shade 22 from the headrail 14, the user may activate the operating mechanism 40 to rotate the inner roller 48 in the extension direction (clockwise in FIGS. 8-11), thereby. The outer roller 50 rotates in the extension direction (clockwise in FIGS. 8 to 11) due, at least in part, to the weight of the first bottom rail 18 exerting a downward force on the first shade 22. As the first shade 22 extends from the rear side of the outer roller 50, the outer roller 50 generally rotates with the inner roller 48. The dual roller unit 46 generally rotates in a direction in which the user controls the inner roller 48 to rotate.

Referring to FIGS. 2 and 8, the first shade 22 extends from the rear side of the outer roller 50 in a closed or folded configuration, in which case the front seat 30 and the rear seat 34 are relatively close to each other. The vane 38 extends in the vertical direction in an adjacent relationship in substantially the same plane as the front seat 30 and the rear seat 34. When the first shade 22 is substantially unwound from the outer roller 50, continued rotation of the outer roller 50 in the extension direction causes the front seat 30 and the rear seat 34 to move generally perpendicular to each other, causing the vane 38 to move. The shift is made from the closed position (FIGS. 2 and 8) to the open position (FIGS. 3 and 9). The rear portion of the first bottom rail 18 may be made heavier than the front portion of the bottom rail 18 to facilitate full opening of the vane 38.

With reference to FIGS. 3 and 9, a cover 10 is shown in which the first shade 24 is in a fully extended position and the vane 38 is in an open or widened configuration. At this position, the front seat 30 and the rear seat 34 are horizontally separated, with a vane 38 extending substantially horizontally between them, of the front seat 30 and the rear seat 34 with the outer roller 50. The attachment points 62 may be arranged at the same height. In FIG. 9, for example, the positions of the attachment points 62 may be said to be 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock, and are arranged at substantially the same height as each other. Rotation of the outer roller 50 in any direction from the position shown in FIG. 9 moves the front seat 30 and the rear seat 34 toward each other, reorienting the vanes 38 in a more vertical alignment.

When the first shade 22 is sufficiently extended from the outer roller 50, the slot 76 of the outer roller 50 has the bottom rail 20 of the second shade 24 perpendicular to the seat 81 when the inner roller 48 further rotates in the extension direction. It is rotated and oriented in the head rail 14 so that it can be dropped into the head rail 14. Due to the generally tangential orientation and generally vertical positioning of the seat 81 with the relatively vertical base wall 84 (see FIGS. 10 and 11), a second due to the continued rotation of the inner roller 48 in the extension direction. When the tension of the shade 24 is reduced, the weight of the second bottom rail 20 makes it possible to release the bottom rail 20 from the outer roller 50. The motion mechanism 40 may include a braking system operably coupled to the inner roller 48 to constrain the unwanted downward movement of the second shade 24, and thus the first shade 22.

In order to extend the second shade 24, the operating mechanism 40 is further actuated by the user to rotate the inner roller 48 in the extending direction. During the extension of the second shade 24 (see FIGS. 4 and 10), the outer rollers 50 and the first shade 22 may remain stationary due to the weight of the first shade 22, the first. The weight of the bottom rail 18 of the outer roller 50 maintains the rotational position of the outer roller 50 without aggressive locking. In some examples, aggressive locking may be used to prevent rotation of the outer rollers 50 during full extension of the first shade 22, as described below. As shown in FIGS. 10 and 11, during the extension of the second shade 24, the slot 76 defined in the outer roller 50 may be guided rearward, and the axis of rotation of the inner roller 48 and the outer roller 50. It may be aligned substantially horizontally with 52 (see FIG. 6). In other words, the second shade 24 can be disengaged behind the inner roller 48 and the outer roller 50.

During the extension of the second shade 24, the inner roller 48 rotates with respect to the outer roller 50 with the fitting 64 and the limiting nut 68 supported by their respective ends of the inner roller 48. As the inner roller 48 rotates in the extension direction, the second shade 48 is unwound from the inner roller 48 as it is extended through the slot 76 formed in the outer roller 50. The extensional rotation of the inner roller 48 moves the limiting nut 68 along the limiting screw 66 towards the lower limiting stop.

With reference to FIGS. 5 and 11, a cover 10 is shown in which both the first shade 22 and the second shade 24 are in sufficiently extended positions and the vanes 38 are in an open or widened configuration. .. At this position, the front seat 30 and the rear seat 34 are horizontally separated and a vane 38 extends substantially horizontally between them. The second shade 24 may be a blackout curtain shade, which prevents light from passing through the second shade 24, and thus the first shade 22. When the second shade 24 is sufficiently extended (see FIGS. 5 and 11), the second shade 24 may be offset rearward from the first shade 22, but with the first shade 22. It can be extended in the same length and width. In order to control the amount of light passing through the first shade 22, the second shade 24 may be drawn into the head rail 14 and wound around the inner roller 48 of the dual roller unit 46.

When the second shade 24 is in the fully extended (bottom extension) position, the limiting nut 68 is with a lower limit stop formed on the limiting screw 66 to prevent further rotation of the inner roller 48. It may be positioned on the limiting screw 66 (see FIG. 6) in an engaged state. The limiting screw 66 may also include an upper limit stop to define the upper limit of the cover 10. Alternatively, when the first shade 22 is fully retracted, the bottom rail 18 of the first shade 22 engages a portion of the head rail 14 to serve as the upper limit stop of the cover 10. May be good.

At any time during the extension process, the user may stop the motion mechanism 40 or reverse the direction of the motion mechanism 40 to move the first shade 22 and the second shade 24 to the desired positions. May be good. In the example involving the electric cover 10, pre-programmed commands may be used to control the motor 44 and thus the positions of the first shade 22 and the second shade 24. The command is to extend the first shade 22 and the second shade 24 to the first position where the first shade 22 and the second shade 24 are sufficiently retracted, the first shade 22 is sufficiently extended, and the first shade 22 and the second shade 24 are sufficiently retracted. The motor 44 is moved to a predetermined shade position such as a second position where the shade 24 of 2 is sufficiently retracted and a third position where the first shade 22 and the second shade 24 are sufficiently extended. You may order. The command may be transmitted to the motor 44 by the remote control unit 46.

The retreat of the first shade 22 and the second shade 24 may be achieved, for example, in the reverse order as compared to the above-mentioned extension procedure generally according to FIGS. 11-8. In FIGS. 5 and 11, the first shade 22 and the second shade 24 are arranged at sufficiently extended positions. When both the first shade 22 and the second shade 24 are in sufficiently extended positions, a limiting nut 68 (see FIG. 6) may be formed on the limiting screw 66 as a lower limit stop. It may be engaged with the part. The operation of the operating mechanism 40 by the operating element 42 and / or the motor 44 or the like from this position moves the limiting nut 68 axially far from the lower limit stopping portion, and starts the retreating process of the cover 10. The retreat process generally activates the operating mechanism 40 to first rotate the inner roller 48 in the retreat direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 11) to retract the second shade 24, with the second shade 24 being sufficient. It is related to rotating the outer roller 50 in the retracting direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 11) so that the first shade 22 is retracted onto the outer roller 50 when retracted. This procedure will be further described later.

In order to retract the second shade 24 from the fully extended positions of FIGS. 5 and 11, the user activates the operating mechanism 40 to move the inner roller 48 in the retracting direction (counterclockwise in FIGS. 8-11). The second shade 24 is wound around the inner roller 48, thereby raising the second bottom rail 20 upward along the rear surface of the rear seat 34 of the first shade 22. During the retreat of the second shade 24, the inner roller 48 rotates with respect to the outer roller 50 with the fitting 64 and the limiting nut 68 supported by their respective ends of the inner roller 48. As the inner roller 48 rotates in the retracting direction, the second shade 24 is pulled through the slot 76 formed in the outer roller 50 and is therefore wound onto the inner roller 48. The backward rotation of the inner roller 48 moves the limiting nut 68 along the limiting screw 66 toward the opposite end of the limiting screw 66. Similarly, during the retreat of the second shade 24, the weight of the first bottom rail 18 acting on the outer roller 50 to suppress the rotation of the outer roller 50 and the first shade 22 suspended from the outer roller 50. Due to the weight of a portion of the first shade 22, the first shade 22 remains in a fully extended open position. This allows the user to move the second shade 24 between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position without affecting the position or orientation of the first shade 22.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, the second bottom rail 20 is reliably positioned on the seat 81 as the second shade 24 is further pulled into the outer roller 50 in reverse order. When the bottom rail 20 engages with the seat portion 81 of the outer roller 50, the driving force of the operating mechanism 40 may be transmitted to the outer roller 50 through the second shade 24. That is, the operating mechanism 40 can apply a rotational force to the inner roller 48, which is then applied to the outer roller through the engagement of the bottom rail 20 at the seat 81 under the tension of the second shade 24. It may take 50. Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, when the second shade 24 is fully wound onto the inner roller 48 and the second bottom rail 20 is received by the seat 81 of the outer roller 50, the outer roller 50 , The inner roller 48 may be driven in the backward direction (counterclockwise in FIGS. 8 and 9) by the operating mechanism 40 through the rotation of the inner roller 48 in the same backward direction. Therefore, when the bottom rail 20 is received by the seat portion 81 and a retracting force (counterclockwise in FIGS. 8 and 9) is applied to the inner roller 48 by the operating mechanism 40, the outer roller 50 is generally referred to as the inner roller 48. It rotates in conjunction.

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

When the first shade 22 is fully retracted, the first bottom rail 18 may engage, eg, abut, contact a portion of the head rail 14 to serve as an upper limiting stop on the dual roller unit 46. Good. It is believed that other mechanisms may be used to define the upper retreat position, including an upper limiting stop located on the limiting screw 66 opposite to the lower limiting stop. For example, the upper limiting stop portion may be formed on the limiting screw 66 so that the nut 68 engages with the upper limiting fixing portion when the first shade 22 is fully retracted, and may be positioned along the screw 66.

As described above, the retreat of the second shade 24 and then the first shade 22 from a fully extended position is a single action element 42 for the user to retract both shades 22, 24. Or it occurs in a state where the motor 44 is operated. The limiting screw 66 includes a length sufficient to allow the limiting nut 68 to move from the lower limiting stop along the screw 66 until it reaches the upper retracted position. It is believed that the first shade 22 may be wound around or unwound from the front side of the outer roller 42. Ancillary modifications to the structures described herein are required to facilitate the implementation of dual roller shade techniques when applied to front-descending shade structures. Will.

The cover can include a locking mechanism that constrains the rotation of the outer roller 50 when the first shade 22 is in a fully extended position, whereby the first shade 22 is fully extended. It stays in place reliably and is substantially unaffected by the rotation of the inner roller 48 during the extension of the second shade 24. The locking mechanism is movable (pivot movable, translated, or otherwise suitable) between a first position that constrains the rotation of the outer roller 50 and a second position that allows the outer roller 50 to rotate. It may be (movement, etc.). In one example, the locking mechanism includes a locking member located outside the outer roller 50 that translates longitudinally along the outer circumference of the outer roller 50 and engages a stop to constrain the rotation of the outer roller 50. .. In another example, the locking mechanism includes a locking member located outside the outer roller 50 that pivots and engages the outer roller 50 to constrain the rotation of the outer roller 50.

Referring to FIGS. 12-27, a cover is provided for an opening in a building that uses a locking mechanism to positively lock the rotation of the outer rollers when the first shade 22 is fully extended. Except for the locking mechanism and the holding clip, the coverings drawn in FIGS. 12-27 have generally the same features and behavior as the coverings drawn in FIGS. 1-11. Therefore, it is considered that the above description of the features and operation of the coverings drawn in FIGS. 1 to 11 is generally applicable to the coverings drawn in FIGS. 12 to 27, except as described in the following description. Should be. The reference numbers used in FIGS. 12-27 generally correspond to the reference numbers used in FIGS. 1-11 to reflect similar parts and components, except that the reference numbers have been increased by 100. ..

Referring to FIG. 12, the cover 110 is outside when the first shade 22 is in a sufficiently extended position, similar to the pivotally movable locking mechanism described below in connection with FIGS. 28-47. Includes an axially movable locking mechanism 186 that constrains the rotation of the roller 50. The axially movable locking mechanism 186 is screwed into the housing 187, the rotatable shaft 188 journaled to the housing 187, and the shaft 188 and is axially movable along the shaft 188. A nut 189 can be included. The locking mechanism 186, which is movable in the axial direction, is drawn together with the left end cap 126b, but the locking mechanism 186 may be used in combination with the right end cap 126a.

With reference to FIGS. 12, 16 and 18, the housing 187 can be cantilevered from the left end cap 126b and extends axially from the left end cap 126b toward the right end cap 126a along the outer circumference of the outer roller 150. Good. One end 187a of the housing 187 may be detachably connected to the left end cap 126b with fasteners 190, and the opposite free end 187b of the housing 187 may be positioned laterally outward of the outer roller 150. The housing 187 is laterally from the edge of the outer roller 150 by a sufficient distance so as not to interfere with the winding or feeding of the first shade (not shown) centered on or from the outer roller 150. It may be separated. The housing 187 may be laterally separated from the edge of the outer roller 150 by a uniform distance.

With reference to FIGS. 16, 18, 21, and 26, the opposing ends 187a, 187b of the housing 187 include an axially extending collar 191 and an outwardly extending contact flange 192 from the collar 191. Can be done. The collar 191 can include an inner wall 193 (see FIGS. 22 and 26) that defines a shaft hole 194 that receives the journal portion 195 of the rotatable shaft 188 that is rotatably supported by the inner wall 193. The inner wall 193 of the collar 191 also passes through the rotatable shaft 188 (particularly the stop 197 formed on the rotatable shaft 188) during the axial insertion or removal of the shaft 188 into and out of the housing 187. The keyholes 196 that allow it can be defined. Each contact flange 192 has a fastener hole configured to accommodate a fastener 190 that connects the housing 187 to the respective end caps 126a, 126b (see FIGS. 12, 14, 16, 18, and 22). Can be defined. The ends 187a, 187b of the housing 187 may be mirror images of each other to facilitate interconnection of the housing 187 with any of the left end cap 126b and the right end cap 126a.

With reference to FIGS. 12, 16, 18, 21, and 26, the housing 187 can include an intermediate portion 187c that interconnects the ends 187a, 187b. The intermediate portion 187c can extend in the longitudinal direction along the outer circumference of the outer roller 150 in a laterally spaced relationship. The intermediate portion 187c of the housing 187 can include a base 198 and a guide rail 199 over a distance between the opposing ends 187a, 187b of the housing 187, respectively. The base 198 of the housing 187 defines a stop receiving hole 200 in the vicinity of the ends 187a and 187b so that the stop of the shaft 188 can pass through while the shaft 188 is rotating with respect to the housing 187. This reduces the transverse profile of the housing 187. The base 198 of the housing 187 can also include a longitudinal reinforcing rib 201 extending between the ends 187a, 187b, which reinforces the housing 187 and laterally displaces or buckles the intermediate portion 187c of the housing 187. To reduce. As shown in FIG. 27, the reinforcing rib 201 may include at least one laterally extending buttress 202 that further increases the stiffness of the longitudinally extending rib 201.

With reference to FIGS. 12, 16-19, 23, and 26, the shaft 188 of the locking mechanism 186, which is movable in the axial direction, is offset from the rotating shaft 152 of the inner roller 148, but is parallel to or parallel to it. It may be substantially parallel. The shaft 188 may be positioned outside the outer roller 150 and may extend longitudinally along the outer perimeter of the outer roller 150 in a spaced relationship. The shaft 188 may include a journal portion 195 that is rotatably accepted within the collar 191 of the housing 187. The journal portion 195 of the shaft 188 can include a concave circumferential region that reduces the contact area (and thus friction) between the bearing surface 193 of the collar 191 and the journal portion 195 of the shaft 188. The shaft 188 may include threaded portions 203 extending between the journal portions 195 of the shaft 188 and between the collars 191 of the housing 187. The stopper 197 may be formed on the shaft 188 near the end of the threaded portion 203 of the shaft 188. The stop 197 may extend radially outward from the shaft 188 so that the stop 197 rotates in and out of the hole 200 during rotation of the shaft 188 with respect to the housing 187 (see FIG. 21). ) May be axially aligned with the hole 200 formed in the base 198. The gear 204 may be non-rotatably attached to one end of the shaft 188 and can define a central cavity for laterally arranging the gear (and thus the shaft 188) with respect to the end cap 126b.

With reference to FIGS. 12, 16, 18, and 24 to 27, the nut 189 of the locking mechanism 186, which is movable in the axial direction, is at least partially positioned within the housing 187 and is located in the middle portion 187c of the housing 187. Along the shaft 188 in the axial direction. The nut 189 is key-attached to the housing 187 so that when the shaft 188 rotates, the nut 189 translates along the shaft 188 rather than rotating about the shaft 188. The nut 189 includes a body 205, which may be called a half nut 189, extending only partially around the shaft 188. In an alternative design, the nut 189 may extend all around the shaft 188.

Referring to FIGS. 24 and 25, the nut 189 includes a female thread 206 that projects inward from the body 205 and screw-engages with the male thread of the threaded portion 203 of the shaft 188. To maintain screw engagement and constrain the rotation of nut 189 around the shaft 188, nut 189 shall include two longitudinal wings 207 extending radially outward from the body of nut 189. Can be done. The wing 207 slidably contacts the opposing surfaces of the base 198 (see FIG. 27) of the housing 187, reducing the contact area (and thus friction) between the nut 189 and the housing 187, bringing the nut 189 to the middle of the housing 187. Axial extending fins 208 that guide axially along 187c can be included.

One of the wings 207 can define a longitudinally extending slot 208 that at least partially accepts the guide rail 199. As shown in FIG. 27, a portion of the wing 207 defining slot 208 can slidably abut on different sides of the guide rail 199. Thus, the wing 207 of the nut 189 can substantially prevent the nut 189 from rotating about the shaft 188, thereby being parallel to the housing 187 along the rotating nut 189 shaft 188. Make it easy to move. To laterally reinforce the wing 207, the nut 189 can include laterally extending ribs 209 that are located outward of the female thread 206 and extend between the wings 207. In an alternative design, the nut 189 and housing 187 include a variety of other corresponding key structures such that the nut 189 moves axially along the shaft 188 as the shaft 188 rotates relative to the housing 187. be able to.

As described, the rotation of the shaft 188 with respect to the housing 187 generally moves or translates the nut 189 axially along the shaft 188. To limit the axial range of the nut 189, the shaft 188 may include a stop 197 extending outward from the edge of the shaft 188. Upon contact with the nut 189, the stop 197 generally constrains or limits the translation of the nut 189 with respect to the shaft 188, thereby constraining or limiting further rotation of the shaft 188 with respect to the housing 187. To ensure a firm engagement between the nut 189 and each stop 197, the nut 189 will be shaft 188 when the nut 189 reaches the desired stop position corresponding to the full extension of the first shade 22. Can include a longitudinally extending abutment wall 211 that interacts with the stop portion of the. As shown in FIG. 24, the contact wall 211 may be formed at the end of the female screw 206 of the nut 189.

In addition or alternative, the body 205 of the nut 189 (which may resemble an axially extending sleeve) with the abutting flange 192 of the housing 187 to stop the translation of the nut 189 along the shaft 188. It may come into contact. The body 205 of the nut 189 is radially separated from the outer circumference of the shaft 188 by a distance sufficient to allow passage of the shaft stop 197 in the annular space defined between the shaft 188 and the body 205. May be good. The shaft 188 and nut 189 may include two stoppers 197 and abutment wall 211, respectively, to facilitate interoperability of the locking mechanism 186 with the right end cap 126a and the left end cap 126b, whereby the left hand side. It provides a robust design that can be adapted to the assembly and the right hand side assembly.

Referring to FIGS. 15-17, the axially movable locking mechanism 186 can include a gear mechanism or train 213 located outside the inner roller 148 and the outer roller 150. The gear mechanism or train 213 includes a first gear 215 that is non-rotatably coupled to the outer roller 150, a second gear 204 that is non-rotatably coupled to the shaft 188, and a first gear 215 and second. An idler gear 217 that meshes with the gear 204 of the above can be included. The idler gear 217 may be rotatably supported on a mounting plate 219 that includes a locator pin 221 that projects axially from the mounting plate 219 (see FIG. 17) towards the associated end cap 126. The locator pin 221 may be acceptable within the end cap 126 to constrain the rotation of the mounting plate 219 with respect to the end cap 126.

The gear mechanism 213 may be modified depending on the size, weight, or other features of the shade member. In one example, the gear mechanism 213 provides a 3: 1 gear ratio between the first gear 215 and the second gear 204. That is, the shaft 188 makes three rotations for each rotation of the outer roller 150. In one example, the male thread on the shaft 188 has 16 threads per inch (or 1/16 pitch per inch). In general, the length of the threaded portion 203 of the shaft 188 may be oversized with respect to the operable range of the nut 189 so that the shaft 188 can adapt to many different shade lengths. Thus, in one example, the nut 189 interacts with only one of the stops 197 on the rotatable shaft 188 during operation, the other stop where the locking mechanism 186 has the right end cap 126a or the left end cap. Provided to be used with any of 126b.

With reference to FIG. 15, the gear mechanism 213 is shown in relation to the left end cap 126b. The outer gears 204, 215, and 217 are rotatably supported by a stub shaft that projects axially from the left end cap 126b. The idler gear 217 is positioned in front of the first gear 215 and the second gear 204 is located in front of the idler gear 217, in which case all three gears 215, 204, 217 are adjacent to the end caps. And are arranged in the same plane. The idler gear 217 is positioned above the first gear 215 and the second gear 204 is positioned above the idler gear 217. The first gear 215 and idler gear 217 may be received within the rim 223 that projects axially from the end cap 126b.

With reference to FIG. 13, a partial decomposition view of the headrail components (excluding the right-side components, which are generally the same as those shown and described in connection with FIGS. 6-11) is provided. The components are mounted on the bearing surfaces of the left end cap 126b, the non-rotatable limiting screw 166 attached to the left end cap 126b, the limiting screw 166, with respect to the rotating left bushing 170b, the limiting screw 166 (limit nut 168). In the axial direction attached to the inner roller 148 that receives a part of (including) inside and is installed on the boss 167 of the left bushing 170b and the right bushing 170a, the outer roller 150 that receives the inner roller 148 inside, and the left end cap 126b Includes a movable locking mechanism 186.

With reference to FIGS. 13, 14, 19, and 20, the outer roller 150 can include a split shell design. In particular, the outer roller 150 can include a first shell 154 and a second shell 156. To secure the first shell 154 and the second shell 156 together and maintain the desired spatial relationship to each other, the first shell 154 and the second shell 156 of the outer roller 150 are left, respectively. The axial protrusions 172a, 172b of the bushing 170b and the right bushing 170a can be completely received (see FIGS. 14, 18, and 19). The axial protrusions 172a, 172b can connect the outer roller 150 to the bushings 170a, 170b so that the outer roller 150 and the bushings 170a, 170b rotate together about the rotation axis 152 of the outer roller 150. The first gear 215 may be non-rotatably fixed to the surface of the left bushing 170b facing the axial protrusions 172a, 172b, thereby ensuring that the first gear 215 is together with the outer roller 150. Rotate. To further secure the first shell 154 and the second shell 156 together, the shells 154 and 156 may be clamped together by at least one holding clip 225 (FIGS. 12-13: two). Draw retaining clips, but more or less clips may be used on request to ensure that the shells are fastened together). As shown in FIG. 20, the holding clip 225 may be elastically snapped around the fitting area 227 of the first shell 154 and the second shell 156.

Referring to FIG. 20, the end 158 of the first shell 154 and the end 160 of the second shell 156 overlap each other and are at least partially defined by the longitudinally extending lips 233 and 235 in the corresponding longitudinal direction. Can extend into receiving channels 229 and 231 extending to. The lip 233 of the first shell 158 may be positioned inside the longitudinally extending edge 237 of the end of the second shell 160, while the lip 235 of the second shell 160 is the first shell 158. It may be located outside the longitudinally extending edge 239 of the end of the (but this arrangement may be reversed). Retaining clips around external detents 241 and 243 formed in the mating areas of the first shell 154 and the second shell 156, respectively, to clamp the first shell 154 and the second shell 156 together. The 225 may be elastically snapped.

With reference to FIGS. 14 and 19, the split shell design of the outer roller 150 defines a longitudinally extending slot 176 through which the second shade 24 can be passed during extension and retreat of the second shade 24. When the edge 158 of the first shell 154 and the edge 160 of the second shell 156 are fitted together, they extend in the opposite or second longitudinal direction of the first shell 154 and the second shell 156. The end edges 178, 180 define a slot 176 that is circumferentially separated from each other and extends longitudinally. The opposing second end edges 158, 160 of the first shell 154 and the second shell 156 allow the second shade 24 to pass while preventing the bottom rail 20 of the second shade 24 from passing. They may be separated from each other by a sufficient distance. The function of the outer roller 150 is generally the same as that described in connection with FIGS. 6-11 and is therefore not repeated here for brevity.

During the cover operation, the first gear 215 drives the idler gear 217 as the outer roller 150 extends the first shade 22 over the opening of the building, thereby driving the second gear 204. Then, the nut 189 is swiveled toward the lower end position along the shaft 188 in the axial direction. When the nut 189 reaches the lower end position (which may be defined by a stop 197 on the shaft 188), the nut 189 constrains further rotation of the shaft 188 in the extension direction of the first shade 22, thereby constraining further rotation of the shaft 188. Further rotation of the outer roller 150 in the extension direction is suppressed. The second shade 24 is unwound from the inner roller 148, with the outer roller 150 constrained for further rotation in the extension direction and the first shade 22 being unwound from the edge of the outer roller 150. It may extend through 150 slots 176 and across the openings of the building. As the inner roller 148 rotates during the extension of the second shade 24, the internal limiting nut 168 rotates with the inner roller 148 and forms axially along the limiting screw 166 on the non-rotatable limiting screw 166. Move toward the lower end stop. The internal limiting nut 166 generally contacts the lower end stop when the second shade 24 is sufficiently extended over the opening of the building to define the lower stop of the dual roller unit 146.

During the retreat of the cover from a fully extended position, the inner roller 148 is second through a slot 176 defined between the opposite longitudinal edges 178, 180 of the outer roller 150 shells 154 and 156. The shade 24 is pulled and the second shade 24 is wound around the outer periphery of the inner roller 148 until the bottom rail 20 of the second shade 24 is seated on the outer periphery of the outer roller 150. During the retreat of the second shade 24, the weight of the bottom rail 18 of the first shade 22 keeps the bushings 170a, 170b stationary so that the inner roller 148 is on the bushings 170a, 170b and the outer roller 150. Rotate against.

When seated, the bottom rail 20 of the second shade 24 transmits rotational torque from the inner roller 148 to the outer roller 150, which causes the outer roller 150 to rotate in the backward direction and the first shade 22 to the outer roller. Wrap around the periphery of 150. The inner roller 148 and the outer roller 150 continue to rotate in the backward direction until the bottom rail 18 of the first shade 22 contacts the upper limiting stop, which may be associated with one or both of the end caps 126, at which point. The cover is retracted to a fully retracted position. During the backward rotation of the inner roller 148, the internal limiting nut 168 is swiveled away from the lower stop of the second shade 24 along the non-rotatable limiting screw 166 within the inner roller 148. During the backward rotation of the outer roller 150, the outer nut 189 swivels away along the rotatable shaft 188 away from the lower stop of the first shade 22.

Referring to FIGS. 28-47, a cover for an opening in a building is provided that includes a pivotable locking mechanism. Except for the pivotable locking mechanism and the multi-component outer rollers, the coverings depicted in FIGS. 28-47 have generally the same features and behavior as the covers depicted in FIGS. 6-27. Therefore, the above description of the features and behavior of the coverings drawn in FIGS. 6-27 is generally considered to be applicable to the coverings drawn in FIGS. 28-47, except as described in the following description. Should be. The reference numbers used in FIGS. 28-47 generally correspond to the reference numbers used in FIGS. 12-27 to reflect similar parts and components, except that the reference numbers have been increased by 100. ..

Referring to FIGS. 28-34, the inner roller 248 has a generally cylindrical shape and forms a holding member for fixing the upper edge of the second shade 24 to it. As mentioned above, the inner roller 248 is positioned inside the outer roller 250 to define the dual roller unit, in which in this example both rollers 248, 250 are co-extended about the same axis of rotation 252. The upper edge of the second shade 24 is attached to the inner roller 248, and the lower edge of the second shade 24 is received in a slot formed in the second bottom rail 220 to the lower edge of the second shade 24. It is held in the slot by an insert 282 that is placed in the formed hem. Other mounting structures may be used to mount the bottom rail 220 to the second shade 24.

Continuing with FIGS. 28-34, the second bottom rail 220 has a relatively high mass and is of that length to accept and hold the lower edge of the second shade 24 as described above. An elongated member that defines a slot that extends along it. The second bottom rail 220 generally has a triangular cross section, some of which is to fit the shape of the seat 281 formed on the outer roller 250 when the second shade 24 is in the retracted position. Generally matches the shape. The actuator rim 247 is defined at one end of the second rail 220 and engages the locking mechanism 286 to disengage the locking mechanism 286 from the outer roller 250 as described in more detail below.

The outer roller 250 is generally cylindrical in this example and defines some features on its peripheral wall. The outer roller 250 defines a longitudinal central axis 252 that rotates about it, and the inner roller 248 is also positioned about the same extension. A pair of channels 262 are formed to receive and secure the upper edge of the first shade 22, in which case inserts 264 are placed in the hem formed on each upper edge, and inserts 264 are placed in their respective hem. It acts to hold the upper edge within the channel 262. Anchor grooves 245 are formed along the length of the outer rollers 250 to accommodate the roller lock bearings as described below. Slot 276 is formed along the length of the outer roller 250 and communicates with the interior of the outer roller 250, which can be formed as a tube. Concave seats 281 are formed on both sides of slot 276. When the second shade 24 is extended and retracted through slot 276 and is in a fully retracted position, the second bottom rail 220 is received by the seat 281 and is of many purposes as described below. Nested in it for at least one. Slot 276 is an outer roller such that when the first shade 22 is in its extension position and the vane is in the open configuration, it is above and adjacent to the rearmost part of the two channels 262. Positioned on 250.

With reference to FIGS. 28, 29, 46, and 47, the dual roller unit is rotatably supported between the right end cap 226a and the left end cap 226b, and the operating mechanism 240 rotates the inner roller tube 248. For operability associated with the inner roller tube 248. The operating mechanism 240 is attached to the right end cap 226a and, in one example, is actuated by the operating element 242 as described above. The operating mechanism 240, for example, can include a planetary gear drive that is often used in window covering applications. The motion mechanism 240 may include an internal fitting 264 that is rotated by the motion mechanism 240. The fitting 264 is sized to be accommodated within the inner roller 248 and snugly engage with the inner wall of the inner roller 248. The inner roller 248 is rotationally driven by the internal fitting 264 when the internal fitting 264 is driven by the operating mechanism 240. The open right end of the outer roller 250 receives the right end roller cap 270a, which includes a central hole having an axially extending collar that rotatably receives an axial bearing surface formed on the housing of the operating mechanism 240. The bearing surface supports the right end roller cap 270a as it rotates as the outer roller 250 rotates. The inner roller 248 is rotatably accepted on the collar. The collar rotatably supports the right end of the inner tube 248 as it is rotationally driven by the operating mechanism 240.

As shown in FIG. 46, the right end 248a of the inner roller 248 and the right end 250a of the outer roller 250 may be aligned with each other, and the right edge 24a of the second shade 24 is the right ends 248a, 250a of the rollers 248, 250. May be aligned with. As shown in FIG. 47, the left end 248b of the inner roller 248 and the left end 250b of the outer roller 250 may be aligned with each other, and the left edge 24b of the second shade 24 is the left end 248b of the rollers 248, 250, respectively. It may be aligned with 250b. The first shade 22 may be wound around the outer roller 250, and the edges of the first shade 22 may be aligned with the ends of the rollers 248, 250 and the edges of the second shade 24. Alignment of the ends of rollers 248, 250 and the edges of shades 22, 24 can reduce or eliminate the light gap between the edges of the shade and the corresponding sides of the opening in the building.

The outer roller 250 is rotationally driven by the inner roller 248 when the second shade 24 is fully retracted onto the inner roller 248 and the second end rail 220 is received by the seat 281 of the outer tube 250. In this state, when the inner roller 248 rotates, the second shade 24 applies tension to the second end rail 220, thereby at the interface between the second end rail 220 and the seat 281. A force is applied to the outer roller 250. Therefore, the outer roller 250 is rotated in conjunction with the inner roller 248. The outer roller 250 does not rotate with the inner roller 248 unless the second shade 24 is sufficiently retracted about the inner roller 248. As described above, the motion mechanism 240 may be actuated by the motion element 242 to extend or retract the first shade 22 and the second shade 24 as requested by the user. Many types of mechanisms for rotating the inner roller tube 248 during operation of the operating element 242 are acceptable.

Continuing with FIGS. 28 and 29, the limiting screw 266 is positioned inside the inner roller 248 and is operably secured to the left end cap 226b by the screw. The limiting screw 266 does not rotate. The limiting nut 268 is screwed into the limiting screw 266 and is rotationally key-mounted inside the inner roller 248, allowing the key structure to move the limiting nut 268 along the length of the inner roller 248. To. As the inner roller 248 rotates, the limiting nut 268 moves along the screwed limiting shaft 266 and engages the limiting stop that defines the bottom extension position (see FIG. 5) of the second shade 24. To do. The retracted position of the first shade 22 is defined in this example by a first shade 22 that is completely wrapped around the outer roller 250. In one example, the first bottom rail 18 engages a portion of the head rail 14 to define this position. Alternatively or additionally, the upper limiting stop is not used on the limiting screw 266 in this example, but may be employed on the limiting screw 266 if desired. The left end cap 226b rotatably supports the inner roller 248 and the outer roller 250, as best seen in FIGS. 28, 29, and 47.

With reference to FIGS. 28, 29, and 40, a pivot bracket 249 is attached to the inner surface of the left end cap 226b, and a centrally located annular boss 251 and a right end serving as a pivoting shaft for the roller lock 255. It defines a strut 253 extending towards the cap 226a. The annular boss 251 on the pivot bracket 249 is rotatably received in the central hole of the left outer roller cap 270b, which itself is received at the open left end of the outer roller 250. A collar extends axially from around the central hole of the cap 270b and serves as a bearing surface for relative rotation between the outer roller 250 and the left end bracket. The open left end of the inner roller 248 is rotatably received on the outer surface of the collar, which acts as a bearing surface for the rotation of the roller 248 with respect to the collar, the rotation of which is under selective control through the operating mechanism 240. It is in.

The roller lock 255 is pivotally attached to the stanchion 253 on the pivot bracket 249 (see FIGS. 40 and 41) as shown in FIGS. 28, 29, 38, and 39, and the fastener 257 (see FIG. 41). ) Is fixed. The roller lock 255 is pivotable with respect to the pivot bracket 249 about an axis defined by the stanchions 253. A spring member 259 (see FIG. 43) is positioned around the stanchion 253 of the pivot bracket 249, the spring 259 having two legs, one of which urges a roller lock 255 to engage the outer surface of the outer roller 250. It engages with the roller lock 255 to fit, and the other leg operably engages with a portion of the left end cap 226b.

With reference to FIGS. 38 and 39, the roller lock 255 includes a frame plate 261 having a central body 263 from which the upper leg 265 and the lower leg 267 extend, and each leg 265 and 267 are in the same plane as the central body 263. Exists in. It is believed that the upper leg 265 and the lower leg 267 extend approximately at right angles to each other and this relative position may be adjusted as needed to give the geometry of the particular use. The end of the lower leg 267 includes a pin 269 extending perpendicularly from the plate 261 towards the opposite end cap, which has a cylindrical shape and is relatively short. For example, the pin 269 does not extend enough to interfere with the rotation of the roller 250. The length and shape of the pin 269 facilitates the mobile engagement of the pin 269 described below with the actuator rim 247 on the second end rail 220.

Continuing with reference to FIGS. 38 and 39, the end of the upper leg 265 rotatably supports a relatively long cylindrical bearing 271 extending perpendicularly from the upper leg 265 towards the opposite end cap 226a. Bearing 271 is rotatably supported at its opposite end by an arm 273 extending at an angle from the central plate 261. The arm 273 supports the distal end of the bearing 271 only from above and does not extend far beyond the center of the bearing 271. This configuration leaves the lower portion of the bearing 271 unobstructed along its length, accepts it in the anchor groove 245 formed in the outer roller 250, and engages with the outer surface of the outer roller 250, which will be further described later. You can ride along its surface.

The operation of an example of the covering is first described below with reference to FIGS. 30-34. As shown in FIG. 30, both the first shade 22 and the second shade 24 are in the extended position and the vane 38 is in the open configuration. With reference to FIG. 30 briefly, the first shade 22 may be coupled to the outer roller 42 and wound around the outer roller 42. The upper edges of the front seat 30 and the rear seat 34, respectively, may be coupled to inward, longitudinally extending glands or ribs 275. The gland 275 can define an internal cavity 262 that is open through the periphery of the outer roller 250. The shade 22 may be wound around or unwound from the rear side of the roller 250, in which case the rear side of the roller 250 is between the front side of the roller 250 and the road side of the associated building opening. (In FIG. 30, the rear side of the roller is on the right). Generally, a rotation of the roller 250 in the first direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 30) causes the shade 22 to wrap around the outer roller 250 to cause the shade 22 to wrap around one or more side portions of the associated building opening (counterclockwise). The second opposite rotation of the roller 250 can extend the shade 22 over the opening (eg, downward) by retracting it to a position adjacent to it (such as the upper side).

The first shade 22 is maintained in this open position by positioning the engagement points 262 of the front seat 30 and the rear seat 34 of the first shade 22 with the outer rollers 250 at the same height. In FIG. 30, for example, the positions of these attachment points 262 may be said to be 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock, expressing that they are close to the same level as each other. As the outer roller 250 rotates in either direction from the position shown in FIG. 30, the front seat 30 and the rear seat 34 move toward each other, reorienting the vanes 38 to a more vertical alignment. It will be.

At this position, where both the first shade 22 and the second shade 24 are in a fully extended position, the limiting nut 268 (generally see FIGS. 28 and 29) is engaged with the lower limit. .. The operation of the operation mechanism 240 by the operation element 242 or the like from this position starts the retreat of the second shade 24 to the head rail 14. The operating mechanism 240 first rotates the inner roller 248 counterclockwise in FIG. 30 to retract the second shade 24, and when the second shade 24 is sufficiently retracted, the outer roller 250 moves to the second shade 24. The shade 22 of 1 is operated to retract onto the outer roller 250. This procedure is described further here and below.

As mentioned above, still with reference to FIG. 30, the inner roller 248 is positioned within the outer roller 250 to define the dual roller unit 246. The outer roller 250 defines a rotating shaft 252 defined by a portion of the outer roller 250 having a circular shape (eg, from 9 o'clock to 2 o'clock). The inner roller 248 is positioned so as to be coaxial with the outer roller 250 about the same extension or the same axis 252.

During the retreat of the second shade 24, the inner roller 248 rotates with respect to the outer roller 250, in which case the opposing collars of the left roller end cap and the right roller end caps 270a and 270b are at their respective ends of the inner roller 248. Support. The outer roller 250 is held in a constant rotational position with respect to the inner roller 248 by the roller lock 255. The roller lock 255 is oriented so that the bearing 271 is urged by the spring 259 and accepted into the anchor groove 245 (see FIGS. 28-30). This position of the bearing 271 suppresses the rotation of the outer roller 250. As the inner roller 248 rotates in the retracting direction, the second shade 24 is wound over the inner roller 248 as it is pulled through the slot 276 formed in the outer roller 250. This backward rotation moves the limiting nut 268 along the limiting screw 266 toward the opposite end of the limiting screw 266.

A slot 276 through which the second shade 24 extends and a seat 281 for receiving the second end rail 220 of the outer roller 250 above the attachment point 262 of the rear seat 34 of the first shade 22. Positioned on the periphery. This may be said to be 3 o'clock in FIG. Slots 276 are defined by opposing free edges formed in the seat 281. The seat 281 is a recess formed along the length of slot 276 and includes two outer edges that demarcate the seat 281 on the periphery of the outer roller 250. The shape of the recesses when oriented in FIG. 30 is slightly angular as a whole, in which case the generally vertically oriented base wall 284 is relatively between the second bottom rail 220 and the outer roller 250. Allows vertical tangential engagement and disengagement. The location of the seat 281 and slot 276 near the rearmost position on the periphery of the outer roller 250, along with the shape of the seat 281, is such that the second bottom rail 220 is pulled up vertically during retreat to the seat 281. Allows for reliable acceptance of the second bottom rail 220 as it enters (see FIGS. 31 and 32).

The shape of the seat 281 and its orientation on the outer roller 250 facilitate a smooth and predictable disengagement of the second bottom rail 220 from the seat 281 to initiate the extension of the second shade 24 ( From the position shown in FIG. 32). The shape and orientation of the seat 281 allows the bottom rail 220 to fall vertically from the seat 281, which utilizes gravity on the relatively heavy bottom rail 220. The generally tangential orientation of the seat 281 on the outer roller 250 helps. Referring to FIG. 35, the upper wall 277a extends downwardly and inwardly in the radial direction from the upper edge of the recess to the lip 277b, and the lip 277b extends directly below to the upper free edge 277c. This portion of the seat 281 is the deepest (measured from the periphery of the outer roller towards the center). The lower side wall 279a extends upward from the lower edge of the recess at an inwardly shallow angle and transitions to the lip 279b defining the lower free edge 279c of slot 276. The lower side wall 279a is relatively vertical and remains relatively vertical in combination with the upper lip 277b. The lower free edge 279c of slot 276 is curved or rounded to allow smooth movement of the second shade 24 over this feature when retracted onto the inner roller 248. ..

The secure engagement of the second bottom rail 220 at the seat 281 aids in the consistent operation of the roller lock 255 for disengaging the bearing 271 from the anchor groove 245. Referring to FIG. 31, when the second shade 24 is almost fully wound around the inner roller 248, the bottom rail 220 of the second shade 24 engages the roller lock 255 to roll the roller lock 255 to the outer roller. Disengage from the outside of the 250. The second bottom rail 220 is shown by a broken line in FIGS. 31 and 35. At this position, the actuator rim 247 extending axially from the end of the second bottom rail 220 contacts the pin 269 formed on the lower leg 267 of the roller lock 255. The actuator rim 247 moves the pin 269 with respect to the pivot axis of the stanchion 253 as the second bottom rail 220 is pulled into the seat 281 by the retracted second shade 24. The pin 269 is moved radially inward with respect to the inner roller 248 and circumferentially with respect to the pivot axis of the roller lock 255. The movement of the roller lock 255 around the support column 253 moves the upper arm 265 to start the upward movement of the bearing 271, disengage the engagement with the anchor groove 245, and freely rotate the outer roller 250 (FIG. 32). , FIG. 36, and FIG. 43).

As shown in FIGS. 42 and 43, the actuator rim 247 extends from the end of the second bottom rail 220 adjacent to the roller lock 255. With reference to FIGS. 44 and 45, the rim 247 is a thin curved element that follows the curved shape of the underside of the second bottom rail 220 in this example. The rim 247 curves along a dimension that matches the underside of the second bottom rail 220 and extends axially away from the second bottom rail 220. As best seen in FIG. 43, the rim 247 extends a sufficient distance to engage the pin 269 on the roller lock 255 but not to contact the central plate 261 of the roller lock 255. The concave surface inside the fin 247 engages with the circular outer surface of the pin 269. The pins 269 and fins 247 maintain a slide engagement as the second bottom rail 220 is further retracted. This further movement of the second end rail 220 further pivots the roller lock 255 around the pivot axis of the stanchion 253, thus moving the roller lock bearing 271 out of the anchor groove 245.

With reference to FIGS. 32 and 36, the bottom rail 220 is securely positioned in the seat 281 as the second shade 24 is further pulled into the outer roller 250 to adequately remove the bearing 271 from the anchor groove 245. The fins 247 move the pins 269 inward by a sufficient amount, and the outer rollers 250 rotate freely. Further actuation of the actuation mechanism 240 applies the rotational movement of the inner roller 248 to the outer roller 250 through the engagement of the bottom rail 220 at the seat 281 under the tension of the second shade 24. This engagement causes the outer roller 250 to rotate in conjunction with the rotation of the inner roller 248. As the outer roller 250 begins to rotate in the backward direction, the actuator rim 247 on the second bottom rail 220 is disengaged from the pin 269 on the roller lock 255. With reference to FIGS. 33 and 37, when released, the roller lock 255 is urged by the spring 259 to bring the bearing 271 into contact with the outer surface of the outer roller 250 at a circumferential location away from the anchor groove 245. ..

Referring to FIG. 34, as the outer roller 250 continues to rotate in the receding direction, the first shade 22 wraps around the outer roller 250 and covers the anchor groove 245. As the roller lock bearing 271 approaches the anchor groove 245 as the outer roller 250 continues to rotate, the roller lock bearing 271 passes through the groove 245 by riding on a first shade 22 across the groove 245. The first shade 22 is under tension as it is wound around the outer roller 250, thus leaving the shade 22 extending over the groove 245 in a relatively taut state. The bearing 271 may be slightly pushed into the anchor groove 245 when only one roll of the first shade 22 is above the anchor groove 245, but after another full rotation, the bearing 271 is anchored. Ride on the surface of the first shade 22 wound around the outer roller 250 without interference from the groove 245.

As the first shade 22 continues to recede, the first shade 22 wraps around the outer roller 250 multiple times and the roller lock bearing 271 continues to ride on the outer surface of the shade 22. The dual roller unit 246 reaches the upper retracted position when the first bottom rail 18 abuts and contacts, for example, on the headrail housing. It is believed that other mechanisms may be used to define the upper retreat position, including an upper limiting stop located on the limiting screw 266 opposite to the lower limiting stop. As described above, the retreat of the second shade 24 and the first shade 22 from a fully extended position provides one operating element for the user to retreat both shades 22, 24 (manually). It can happen in a working state (or automatically). The limiting screw 266 is long enough to allow the limiting nut 268 to move from the lower limiting stop until it reaches the upper retracted position.

Extensions of the first shade 22 and the second shade 24 are achieved, for example, in the reverse order of the above, generally according to FIGS. 34-30, if desired. This allows the user to choose whether to extend only the first shade 22 (between sufficient retreat and sufficient extension) or also extend the second shade 24. During the extension of the first shade 22, the user activates the operating mechanism 240 to rotate the inner roller 248 in the extension direction (clockwise in FIGS. 34 to 30), whereby the outer roller 250 rotates in the extension direction. To do. In this example, the dual roller unit 246 rotates in a direction in which the user controls the inner roller 248 to rotate. When extending the first shade 22 from the rear side of the outer roller 250, the roller lock bearing 271 rides on the outer surface of the outer roller 250 until the first shade 22 is approximately fully extended. At this point, the outer surface of the outer roller 250 is exposed.

As the outer roller 250 continues to rotate, the roller lock bearing 271 rides on the outer surface of the outer roller 250 until it meets the anchor groove 245. The bearing 271 is urged downward by the spring 259 into the groove 245, restraining the rotation of the outer roller 250 and allowing the inner roller 248 to continue rotating (if desired by the user). Since the roller lock 255 is urged in the direction of contact with the outer surface of the outer roller 250, the bearing 271 moves into the anchor groove 245 without further urging. At this point, the first shade 22 is in its most extended position across the opening. It is believed that the roller lock 255 may be urged by means other than the spring 259 in these examples. For example, the upper arm 273 of the roller lock 255 may be weighted so that the roller lock 255 automatically pivots on demand under the weight of the upper arm 273. If a spring 259 is used, it may be a wire spring, coil spring, elastic material spring, etc. (rubber, elastic, and / or plastic, etc.).

When the bearing 271 of the roller lock 255 is seated in the anchor groove 245, the slot 276 of the outer roller 250 is the bottom rail of the second shade 24 when the tension of the second shade 24 is relaxed by the operating system 240. The 220 is rotated and oriented in the headrail 14 so that it can fall vertically from the seat 281. Due to the generally tangential orientation and generally vertical positioning of the seat 281 with the relatively vertical base wall 284, the weight of the second bottom rail 220 is reduced when the tension of the second shade 24 is released in the retracted position. It is effective for pulling out the bottom rail 220 from the seat portion 281. However, if the user does not intend to extend the second shade 24, the second shade 24 may remain retracted. The operating mechanism 240 may include a braking system to constrain the undesired downward movement of the second shade 24 or the first shade 22.

To extend the second shade 24, the operating system 240 is further activated to the level desired by the user. When the user extends the second shade 24 to the lowest position (extended), the limiting nut 268 engages with the lower limit stop and is positioned on the limiting screw 266. Therefore, in order to define the upper limit of the retracted first shade 22 attached to the outer roller 250 and the lower limit of the extended second shade 24 attached to the inner roller 248. One limiting screw 266 may be used.

The first shade 22 of FIGS. 30-34 (which may be the same as or different from that shown in FIGS. 1-5) may be wound around or unwound from the front side of the outer roller 250. Conceivable. Ancillary modifications to the structures described herein will be required to facilitate the implementation of dual roller shade techniques when applied to shade structures with a front descending. The roller locking mechanism and the accompanying elements required to operate it may be used on the right edge of the headrail in conjunction with or alone with the roller locking mechanism on the left edge of the headrail, in conjunction with the right edge cap 226a. Good is also intended. The second bottom rail 220 may also have an actuating rim 247 on any end thereof.

The above description has a wide range of uses. Although the examples provided illustrate shadow puppet shades and blackout shades, it should be understood that the concepts disclosed herein may apply equally to many types of shades. Therefore, the description of any embodiment is intended to be descriptive only and is not intended to suggest that the scope of the present disclosure, including the claims, is limited to these examples. In other words, although exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail herein, the invention may be variously embodied and adopted in other ways and the accompanying claims. It is understood that it is intended to be construed to include such variations, except as limited by the prior art.

The above description is provided for purposes of illustration and illustration and is not intended to limit this disclosure to one or more forms disclosed herein. For example, the various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more embodiments, embodiments, or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. However, it should be understood that various features of certain aspects, embodiments, or configurations of the present disclosure may be combined in alternative embodiments, embodiments, or configurations. Further, the following claims are incorporated herein by this reference by this reference, and each claim is independent as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure.

The terms "at least one", "one or more", and "and / or" as used herein are unconstrained (open-), which are both operational and detached conjunctions. end) It is an expression.

As used herein, the term "a" or "an" entity refers to one or more of those entities. Thus, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more", and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein.

References in all directions (eg proximal, distal, up, down, up, down, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal , Radial, Axial, Clockwise, and Counterclockwise) are used only for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and in particular create restrictions on position, orientation, or use of the present disclosure. Absent. References to connections (eg, attached, joined, connected, and joined) should be broadly interpreted, and unless otherwise specified, intermediate members between sets of elements, and It can include relative motion between elements. Therefore, the reference to connection does not necessarily imply that the two elements are directly connected and in a fixed relationship with each other. Identification references (eg, primary, secondary, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) are not intended to mean importance or priority, but one feature. Used to distinguish from other features. The drawings are for illustration purposes only and the dimensions, positions, order, and relative sizes shown in the accompanying drawings may vary.

Claims (21)

A cover for the opening of a building
An outer roller that is a rotatable outer roller that defines an elongated slot extending along the length of the outer roller and an opening into the inside of the outer roller.
A rotatable inner roller that is received within the outer roller and defines a central vertical axis.
A first shade fixed to the outer roller, retractable onto the outer roller and extendable from the outer roller.
A second shade fixed to the inner roller, extending through the elongated slot, retractable onto the inner roller, and extendable from the inner roller.
The elongated slot is substantially horizontally aligned with the central vertical axis of the inner roller when the first shade is in a fully extended position.
Cover. The cover according to claim 1, wherein the inner roller and the outer roller are coaxial with respect to the central vertical axis of the inner roller. The cover according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the first shade and the second shade have the same width. The width of the first shade extends along the overall length of the outer roller,
The width of the second shade extends along the overall length of the inner roller.
The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 3. 1. The cover further comprises a bottom rail, which is secured to the second shade and engages with the outer roller when the second shade is in a sufficiently retracted position. -The cover according to any one of claims 4. The outer roller defines a longitudinal seat formed along the slot.
The cover according to claim 5, wherein the bottom rail is accepted by the seat when the second shade is in a sufficiently retracted position. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the slots are oriented orthogonally to an extension direction of the first shade. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising a mounting system that supports the inner roller and the outer roller for rotational movement around the central vertical axis of the inner roller. The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 8, further comprising an operating mechanism for selectively rotating the inner roller. The outer rollers include a first shell and a second shell, each having a longitudinally extending end edge.
The end edges of the first shell and the second shell are circumferentially separated from each other to define the elongated slot.
The cover according to any one of claims 1 to 9. A first bushing locked to one end of the first shell and the second shell,
Further comprising a first shell and a second bushing locked to the opposite end of the second shell, the first bushing and the second bushing maintain a constant width of the elongated slot. , The covering according to claim 10. Any one of claims 1 to 11, further comprising a locking mechanism that is movable between a first position that constrains the rotation of the outer roller and a second position that allows the rotation of the outer roller. The cover described in the section. 12. The cover according to claim 12, wherein when the bottom rail provided on the cover engages with the lock mechanism, the lock mechanism moves from the first position to the second position. The outer roller defines an elongated groove formed in the side wall,
The locking mechanism includes bearings
At the first position of the locking mechanism, the bearing is received in the groove.
The covering according to claim 12 or 13. The bearing movably engages with the outer surface of the outer roller at the second position.
The covering according to claim 14. The locking mechanism includes a pin
The locking mechanism is actuated by the engagement of the pin by a bottom rail provided on the covering to remove the bearing from the groove.
The covering according to claim 14. The cover according to any one of claims 12 to 16, wherein the locking mechanism includes a locking member that pivots between the first position and the second position. The cover according to any one of claims 12 to 17, wherein the locking mechanism includes a locking member that translates axially between the first position and the second position. Any one of claims 12-18, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a rotatable shaft located outside the outer roller and oriented substantially parallel to the central vertical axis of the inner roller. The cover described in. With more end caps
The inner roller and the outer roller are rotatably coupled to the end cap and
The locking mechanism includes a housing that is cantilevered from the end cap.
The rotatable shaft is journaled to the housing.
The covering according to claim 19. The covering according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the locking mechanism includes a gear mechanism that couples the rotation of the rotatable shaft and the outer roller.

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