KR102318961B1 - Multi-roller covering for an architectural opening - Google Patents

Abstract

A covering for a building covering is provided. The shroud may include a rotatable outer roller, a rotatable inner roller, a first shade fixed to the outer roller, and a second shade fixed to the inner roller. The outer roller may define an elongate slot extending along the length of the outer roller and opening into the interior of the outer roller. The inner roller may be received within the outer roller and may define a central longitudinal axis. The first shade may be retractable to and extendable from the outer roller. The second shade may extend through the elongate slot and may be retractable to and extendable from the inner roller. The elongate slot may be substantially horizontally aligned with a central longitudinal axis of the inner roller when the first shade is in the fully extended position.

Description

MULTI-ROLLER COVERING FOR AN ARCHITECTURAL OPENING

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit under 35 USC§119(e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/834,080 (filed June 12, 2013, entitled "Covering for an Architectural Opening Having Nested Rollers"); The application claims priority to U.S. Patent Application No. 14/213,449 (filed March 14, 2014, titled "Covering For an Architectural Opening Having Nested Rollers"), and furthermore, this application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Application No. 61/834,080 U.S. Patent Application Serial No. 14/212,387, filed June 12, 2013, claiming benefits under 35 USC§119(e) of "Covering For an Architectural Opening Having Nested Rollers," filed on June 12, 2013. Priority is further claimed March 14, titled "Covering for an Architectural Opening Having Nested Rollers", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

technical field

FIELD OF THE INVENTION The present invention relates generally to coverings for building openings, and more particularly to an apparatus and method for operating coverings for building openings having nested rollers.

Covers for architectural openings, eg windows, doors, archways, etc., have taken many forms over the years. Some coverings include a retracted shade that is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the shade of the lid may be positioned over the opening. In the retracted position, the shade of the lid may be positioned adjacent to one or more sides of the opening.

Some sheaths, when in their fully extended position, transmit light through the material of which they are made. In some instances, more darkness is required, even when the lid has operable vanes that open and close to adjust the amount of light passing through the lid. Additionally or alternatively, in some instances the user may require a different pattern or appearance of the cover when in the fully extended position. Generally, this object is achieved by having a separate roller positioned behind the primary roller and actuated separately by the user. Separate rollers for auxiliary functions or appearance may increase the size of the head rail, requiring the use of a second set of control codes and actuation mechanisms, thereby increasing the size and weight of the cover structure.

An example of the present invention may include a covering for an architectural opening having nested rollers. In some examples, the shroud extends along a length of the rotatable outer roller and is received within the rotatable outer roller and defines an elongated slot that opens into the interior of the outer roller, the rotatable outer roller is of a central length. a rotatable inner roller defining a direction axis, a first shade secured to the outer roller and retractable to and extendable from the outer roller, and a first shade fixed to the inner roller and extending through the elongate slot and a second shade retractable to and extendable from the inner roller. The elongate slot may be substantially horizontally aligned with a central longitudinal axis of the inner roller when the first shade is in the fully extended position.

In some examples, the inner roller and the outer roller are concentric about a central longitudinal axis of the inner roller. In some examples, the first and second shades have the same width. In some examples, the width of the first shade extends along the entire length of the outer roller and the width of the second shade extends along the entire length of the inner roller. In some examples, the slot is oriented vertically in the direction of extension of the first shade.

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

In some examples, the outer roller comprises a first shell and a second shell each having a longitudinally-extending terminal edge, the edges of the first shell and the second shell being perimeter are spaced apart from each other and define the elongate slot. In some examples, the cover comprises a first bushing locked to one end of the first and second shells, and a second bushing locked to opposite ends of the first and second shells. including; The first bushing and the second bushing maintain a constant width of the slot.

In some examples, the shroud includes a lock mechanism movable between a first position that restricts rotation of the outer roller and a second position that allows rotation of the outer roller. In some examples, the lock mechanism moves from the first position to the second position when the bottom rail engages the lock mechanism. In some examples, the outer roller defines an elongated groove formed in a sidewall, and wherein the lock mechanism includes a bearing, and wherein in a first position of the lock mechanism, the bearing comprises: accommodated in the groove. In some examples, the lock mechanism includes a pin, the lock mechanism operative to remove the bearing from the groove when the pin is engaged by the bottom rail. In some examples, the bearing is movably engaged with an outer surface of the outer roller in the second position.

In some examples, the lock mechanism includes a locking member that pivots between the first position and the second position. In some examples, the lock mechanism includes a locking member that axially translates between the first position and the second position. In some examples, the lock mechanism includes a rotatable shaft positioned external to the outer roller and oriented substantially parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the inner roller. In some examples, the shroud comprises an end cap, the inner roller and the outer roller are rotatably coupled to the end cap, the lock mechanism comprises a housing cantilevered from the end cap, and wherein the rotating A possible shaft is journaled in the housing. In some examples, the lock mechanism includes a gear mechanism that couples rotation of the rotatable shaft and the outer roller.

In some examples, the shroud includes a rotatable outer roller defining an elongate slot, a first shade secured to and wrapable around the outer roller, the first shade positioned outside the outer roller and a lock mechanism at least partially defining a bottom stop for a rotatable inner roller received within the outer roller, a second shade secured to the inner roller and wrapable about the inner roller, the second shade can include the second shade extendable and retractable through the elongate slot, and a non-rotatable shaft extending within the inner roller and at least partially defining a bottom stop for the second shade.

In some examples, the lock mechanism includes a rotatable shaft positioned external to the outer roller and a locking member that axially translates along the rotatable shaft. In some examples, the lock mechanism includes a pivotable locking member positioned external to the outer roller.

An example of the present invention may include a method of operating a covering for an architectural opening. In some examples, the method includes unwrapping a first shade from a periphery of an outer roller, and when the first shade reaches a fully extended position, an inner roller positioned within the outer roller unwrapping a second shade from the periphery of a, wherein unwrapping the second shade is formed on the outer roller and positioned substantially horizontally aligned with a central longitudinal axis of the inner roller. and extending the second shade through the elongate slot.

In some examples, the method includes pivoting a locking member into locking engagement with the outer roller to lock rotation of the outer roller; rotating the inner roller relative to the outer roller to retract the second shade into the inner roller through the elongate slot formed in the outer roller; pivoting the locking member to release the locking engagement with the outer roller in the fully retracted position of the inner roller to allow the outer roller to rotate; and rotating the outer roller by driving the inner roller to retract the first shade to the outer roller.

In some examples, the method includes axially traversing a locking member outside of a perimeter of the outer roller while the first shade is extended, when the first shade reaches the fully extended position. limiting rotation of the outer roller with a locking member, axially traversing a nut positioned within the inner roller while the second shade is extended, and when the second shade has reached its fully extended position and restricting rotation of the inner roller with the nut.

This description is provided to aid understanding, and those of ordinary skill in the art will advantageously use each of the various aspects and features of the invention individually in some examples, or other aspects of the invention in other examples. It will be appreciated that it may be used in combination with aspects and features. Thus, while this description has been presented in terms of example, it is to be understood that individual aspects of any example may be claimed individually or in combination with aspects and features of this example or any other example.

Although this description has been presented at various levels of detail in this application, the scope of the claimed subject matter is not limited by the inclusion or absence of elements, components, etc. in this summary. In certain instances, matters that are not necessary to understand the present invention or that obscure other details may have been omitted. It is to be understood that claimed subject matter is not limited to the specific examples or arrangements illustrated herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate examples of the invention and, together with the foregoing general description and the detailed description set forth below, serve to explain the principles of these examples.
1 is a perspective view of a lid with a first shade and a second shade in a fully-retracted position in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure;
2 is a perspective view of the lid of FIG. 1 with a first shade in a partially-extended position and a second shade in a fully-retracted position in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure;
3 is a perspective view of the lid of FIG. 1 with a first shade in a fully-extended position and a second shade in a fully-retracted position in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure;
4 is a perspective view of the lid of FIG. 1 with a first shade in a fully-extended position and a second shade in a partially-extended position in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure;
5 is a perspective view of the lid of FIG. 1 with a first shade and a second shade in a fully-extended position in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure;
6 is a partially exploded perspective view of a head rail component of a shroud in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure; Here, the head rail cover and the first and second shades are not shown for clarity;
7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the shroud taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 1 with the head rail component of FIG. 6 in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure;
8 is a cross-sectional view of the shroud taken along line 8-8 of FIG. 2 with the head rail component of FIG. 6 in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure;
9 is a cross-sectional view of the shroud taken along line 9-9 of FIG. 3 with the head rail component of FIG. 6 in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure;
10 is a cross-sectional view of the shroud taken along line 10-10 of FIG. 4 with the head rail component of FIG. 6 in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure;
11 is a cross-sectional view of the shroud taken along line 11-11 of FIG. 5 with the head rail component of FIG. 6 in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure;
12 is a perspective view of a head rail component of a shroud in accordance with some examples of the present invention. Here the head rail cover is not shown for clarity;
13 is a partially exploded perspective view of the head rail component of FIG. 12 in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure;
14 is a cross-sectional view of the head rail component of FIG. 12 taken along line 14-14 of FIG. 12 in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure;
15 is a partial side view of the head rail component of FIG. 12 showing three intermeshing gears rotatably supported in an end cap of a shroud in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure;
16 is a perspective view of a lock mechanism of the head rail component of FIG. 12 in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure;
17 is a side view of the lock mechanism of FIG. 16 in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
18 is another perspective view of the lock mechanism of FIG. 16 in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
19 is a side view of a dual roller unit attached to the lock mechanism of FIG. 16 in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
20 is a detailed view of a locking interface between a first shell and a second shell of an outer roller of the dual roller unit of FIG. 19 in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure;
21 is a front view of the housing of the lock mechanism of FIG. 16 in accordance with some examples of the present invention.
22 is a side view of the housing of FIG. 21 in accordance with some examples of the present invention.
23 is a view showing the shaft of the lock mechanism of FIG. 16 in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
24 is a perspective view of a nut of the lock mechanism of FIG. 16 in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
25 is another perspective view of the nut of FIG. 24 in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
FIG. 26 is a front view of the shaft of FIG. 23 rotatably supported in the housing of FIG. 21 and the nut of FIG. 24 threadedly mounted thereto, in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure; shown);
27 is a cross-sectional view of the housing, nut and shaft of FIG. 26 taken along line 27-27 of FIG. 26 in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
28 is a partially exploded perspective view of a head rail component of a shroud in accordance with some examples of the present invention. Here, the head rail cover and the second shade are not shown for clarity;
29 is another fragmentary exploded perspective view of the head rail component of FIG. 28 in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure;
30 is a cross-sectional view of a shroud taken along line 30-30 of FIG. 5 with the head rail component of FIG. 28 in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure;
31 is a cross-sectional view of the shroud taken along line 31-31 of FIG. 3 with the head rail component of FIG. 28 in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure;
32 is a cross-sectional view of the cover of FIG. 31 with the bottom rail seated on the outer roller and the lock mechanism disengaged from the outer roller, in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
33 is a cross-sectional view of the lid of FIG. 32 with the outer roller rotated counterclockwise relative to the position of the outer roller in FIG. 32 in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
FIG. 34 is a cross-sectional view of the shroud taken along line 34-34 of FIG. 4 with the head rail component of FIG. 28 in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure;
35 is a cross-sectional view of the lid of FIG. 31 with the inner roller and second shade removed for clarity in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
36 is a cross-sectional view of the lid of FIG. 32 with the inner roller and second shade removed for clarity in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
37 is a cross-sectional view of the cover of FIG. 33 with the inner roller and second shade removed for clarity in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
38 is a perspective view of a lock mechanism of the head rail component of FIG. 28 in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure;
Fig. 39 is another perspective view of the lock mechanism of Fig. 38 in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
40 is a perspective view of a bracket of the head rail component of FIG. 28 in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure;
41 is a perspective view of the lock mechanism of FIG. 38 rotatably mounted to the bracket of FIG. 40 in accordance with some examples of the present invention.
42 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the head rail component of FIG. 28 and showing the interface of the lock mechanism of FIG. 38 with the bottom rail of the shroud in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
43 is a partial fragmentary perspective view of the head rail component of FIG. 28 and showing the interface of the lock mechanism of FIG. 38 with the bottom rail of the shroud in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
44 is a fragmentary view of one end of the bottom rail of FIGS. 42 and 43 in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure;
45 is a perspective view of an actuator rim of the bottom rail of FIG. 44 in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure;
46 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of one end of the shroud taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 1 with the head rail component of FIG. 28 in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure;
FIG. 47 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the other end of the shroud taken along line 7-7 of FIG. 1 with the head rail component of FIG. 28 in accordance with some examples of the present disclosure;

The present invention provides a covering for an opening in a building. In general, the shroud may include a first shade and a second shade both suspended from the same head rail by a pair of nested rollers forming a dual roller unit. The first shade (front shade in this form) is retracted to or extended from the outer roller by being wrapped around or unwrapped from the outer roller when engaged and actuated by the user. A second shade (rear shade in this form) is wrapped around and unwrapped from the inner roller when actuated by the user in engagement with an inner roller positioned within the outer roller, thereby retracting or retracting from the inner roller. extended from The inner roller may be positioned within the outer roller, and collectively the inner and outer rollers may form a roller unit as further described below. The second shade may extend or retract as directed by the user when the first shade is in the fully extended position. The operating unit, which rotates the rollers as directed by the user, may be operated by, for example, a motor or a single control code. The operation unit may engage the inner roller to control rotation of the inner roller, thereby controlling the rotation of the outer tube.

1-5 , a retractable cover 10 for a building opening is provided. The retractable lid 10 may 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 may extend between the head rail 14 and the first bottom rail 18 . The second shade 24 may extend between the head rail 14 and the second bottom rail 20 . The head rail 14 may include two opposing end caps 26a , 26b that may surround the ends of the head rail 14 to provide a finished look. The first bottom rail 18 may extend horizontally along a lower edge of the first shade 22 , and a ballast holding the first shade 22 in a taut condition. ) can function as The second bottom rail 20 may extend horizontally along the lower edge of the second shade 24 , and may function as a ballast for maintaining the second shade 24 in a tensioned state.

The first shade 22 comprises a plurality of horizontally-extending, vertically-extending front and back sheets 30 and 34 of a flexible material (eg, sheer fabric). It may include spaced apart flexible vanes 38. Each vane 38 may be secured along a horizontal line of attachment to a front edge attached to the front seat 30 and a rear edge attached to the rear seat 34. Sheets 30, 34 and vanes 38 may form a plurality of elongate, vertically-aligned, longitudinally-extending cells, which may collectively be referred to as partitioned panels. 30, 34 and/or vanes 38 may be constructed of continuous lengths of material or may consist of strips of material attached or bonded together in an edge-to-edge, overlap, or other suitable relationship. The second shade 24 may be a single panel and may consist of strips of material attached or bonded together in an edge-to-edge, overlap, or other suitable relationship.

The first and second shades 22, 24 may be constructed of substantially any type of material. For example, the shades 22 and 24 may be constructed from natural and/or synthetic materials, including fabrics, polymers, and/or other suitable materials. The textile material may include woven, non-woven, knit, or other suitable textile types. The shades 22 and 24 may have any suitable level of light transmission. For example, the first and second shades 22 , 24 may be constructed of a transparent material, a translucent material, and/or an opaque material to provide a desired atmosphere or interior to the associated room. In some examples, first shade 22 includes 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, sometimes also referred to as a black-out shade. The second shade 24 has a pattern in which when the second shade 24 extends behind the first shade 22, the second shade 24 forms a different aesthetic appearance than the first shade 22 itself. design may be included.

1-6, the lid 10 may include a drive or actuation mechanism 40 configured to raise or retract the first shade 22, the second shade 24, or both. can The actuation mechanism 40 may be mechanically and/or electrically controlled. The actuation mechanism 40 may include a speed control device that controls or adjusts the speed of extension or the speed of lowering of the shades 22 , 24 .

In some examples, the actuating mechanism 40 is an actuating element 42 (eg, a ball chain) that enables a user to extend or retract the first and/or second shades 22 , 24 . , code, or wand). To move the shades 22 , 24 , the operator can manipulate the operating element 42 . For example, to raise or retract the shades 22 , 24 from the extended position, the operator may pull the operating element 40 in a downward direction. To extend or lower the shades 22, 24 from the retracted position, the operator manipulates the operating element 42 to release the brake, causing the shades 22, 24 to automatically lower under the influence of gravity. can

Additionally or alternatively, the actuation mechanism 40 may include an electric motor 44 configured to extend or retract the shades 22 , 24 upon receiving an extend or retract command. The motor 44 is hard-wired to the switch and/or operatively coupled to a receiver operable to communicate with a transmitter, eg, a remote control unit 46 , so that a user can control the motor 44 . It can be controlled to extend or retract the shades 22 , 24 . The motor 44 may include a gravity-descent state that allows the shades 22, 24 to be lowered via gravity without motor intervention, thereby reducing power consumption.

Referring 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 may include an inner roller 48 and an outer roller 50 . The inner roller 48 may be positioned within the outer roller 50 , and the rollers 48 , 50 may be coaxially aligned about the same axis of rotation 52 . The rollers 48 , 50 may be concentric about the central axis of the inner roller 48 .

6 and 7, the inner roller 48 may be generally cylindrical in shape and may be formed of a tube. The second shade 24 may be attached to the inner roller 48 at the top edge by adhesive, a corresponding retention feature, or other suitable attachment means. In some examples, a longitudinally-extending recess 52 is formed in the circumferential wall of the inner roller 48 and connects the top edge of the second shade 24 to the inner roller 48 . may receive an adhesive bead configured to attach to the .

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 members interlocking with each other. Referring to FIG. 6 , the outer roller 50 may include a first shell 54 and a second shell 56 nested with each other. 6 and 8-11 , the longitudinally-extending edge portions 58 , 60 of the first shell and the second shell 54 , 56 may overlap and interlock with each other, respectively. . The first shade 22 may be attached to the outer roller 50 at the top edge by adhesive, a corresponding retaining feature, or other suitable attachment means. In some examples, a pair of channels 62 are formed in the outer peripheral wall of the outer roller 50 and are configured to receive and secure the top edge of the first shade 22 . 8-11 , an insert 64 may be positioned at a hem formed at each top edge and may act to retain the top edge in each channel 62 .

Referring to Figure 7, the inner and outer rollers 48, 50 may extend substantially the entire distance between the right and left end caps 26a, 26b. The inner and outer rollers 48 and 50 may have the same length or substantially the same length. The first and second shades 22 , 24 may have the same width or substantially the same width, which may be equal to the length of the rollers 48 , 50 . In some examples, the first and second shades 22, 24 have the same width to match the lengths of the inner and outer rollers 48, 50, so that the edges of the shades 22, 24 and the building opening are of equal width. The existence of some gaps between the sides can be eliminated.

6 and 7 , the double roller unit 50 may be rotatably supported by opposing end caps 26a and 26b. The actuating mechanism 40 may be anchored to the right end cap 26a and may be actuated, for example, by the actuating element 42 or the remote control unit 46 . An operating mechanism 40 is operatively associated with the inner roller 48 to enable the inner roller to rotate. The actuation mechanism 40 may include an inner fitting 64 received within the inner roller 48 and capable of tight engagement with a wall of the inner roller 48 . The inner fitting portion 64 may be rotationally driven by an operating mechanism 40 , eg, a motor 44 , thereby rotationally driving the inner roller 48 . The actuation mechanism 40 may include a planetary gear drive, which is often used in window covering applications.

6 and 7, a limit screw 66 may be positioned within the inner roller 48 and secured to the left end cap 26b such that the limit screw 66 does not rotate. have. A limit nut 68 may be threadedly engaged with a limit screw 66 and may be rotatably keyed to the wall of the inner roller 48 . A key structure allows movement of the limit nut 68 along the length of the inner roller 48 . As the inner roller 48 rotates, the limit nut 68 can move along the threaded limit screw 66 and engage a limit stop formed on the limit screw 66 to engage the second shade 24 ) may define a position extending to the bottom (see FIG. 5). Additionally or alternatively, a top limit stop may be used on the limit screw 66 if desired.

Referring to FIG. 6 , the right and left bushings 70a , 70b may be axially aligned with the inner roller 48 , and may be disposed adjacent opposite ends of the inner roller 48 . The right bushing 70a may be rotatably mounted to the operating mechanism 40 , and the left bushing 70b may be rotatably mounted to the limit screw 66 . The bushings 70a and 70b may be locked to the ends of the outer roller 50 to maintain a desired spatial relationship between the shells 54 and 56 . Each of the bushings 70a, 70b may include a pair of axial projections 72a, 72b. One of the protrusions 72a may engage the first shell 54 and the other protrusion 72b may engage the second shell 56 . When the bushings 70a and 70b engage opposite ends of the outer roller 50 , the bushings 70a and 70b and the outer roller 50 rotate the axis of rotation 52 of the inner and outer rollers 48 and 50 . ) can rotate integrally around it.

8 to 11 , each of the first and second shells 54 and 56 of the outer roller 50 snugly accommodates the axial projections 72a and 72b of the bushings 70a and 70b. holding characteristics can be defined. The retaining feature may be formed by a peripherally spaced shelf 74 extending inward from the outer roller 50 into an interior space defined by the outer roller 50 . When the bushings 70a , 70b engage the ends of the outer roller 50 , the axial projections 72a , 72b are received wrapped between the shelf 74 and the outer peripheral wall of the outer roller 50 , so that the first It is possible to prevent relative movement between the shell and the second shell (54, 56).

With continued reference to FIGS. 8-11 , the first and second shells 54 , 56 extend along the length of the outer roller 50 and define a slot 76 that communicates with the interior of the outer roller 50 . can do. The second shade 24 may pass through the slot 76 while the second shade 24 is extended or retracted. When the first end portions 58 , 60 of the first and second shells 54 , 56 are interdigitated together, respectively, a second longitudinally-extending of the first and second shells 54 , 56 . The edge portions 78 , 80 being spaced about each other may define a slot 76 . Confronting second edge portions 78 , 80 of the first and second shells 54 , 56 allow passage of the second shade 24 but the bottom rail of the second shade 24 ( 20) are separated from each other by a sufficient distance to prevent passage. The axial projections 72a , 72b of the bushings 70a , 70b may maintain the width of the slot 76 during operation of the lid 10 . The slot 76 is provided on the outer roller 50 so that the first shade 22 is positioned above and adjacent the rearmost one of the pair of channels 62 when the first shade 22 is in the vane-open configuration in its extended position. ) can be located.

With continued reference to FIGS. 8-11 , the outer roller 50 may define recessed seating portions 81 in the peripheral walls on either side of the slot 76 . The seating portion 81 may be formed as a recess extending along the length of the slot 76 . The seat 81 includes a generally vertically-oriented base wall 84 that spans the slot 76 and is formed by opposing edge portions 78 , 80 of the outer roller 50 . can do. When the second shade 24 is in the fully retracted position, the seating portion 81 may be configured to receive the second bottom rail 20 (see FIG. 8 ). The base wall 84 may enable relatively vertical-tangential engagement and disengagement between the second bottom rail 20 and the outer roller 50 . The slot 76 and the seating portion 81 may be located on the outer periphery of the outer roller 50 above the attachment point 62 of the back sheet 34 of the first shade 22 , and the slot 76 and the seating portion The position of 81 may be referred to as 3 o'clock in FIGS. 9 to 11 . Through the positioning of the seating part 81 and the slot 76 near the rearmost position on the outer periphery of the outer roller 50 together with the shape of the seating part 81, the second bottom rail vertically upward during retraction and When pulled into the seating portion 81 , the second bottom rail 20 may be fixedly received (see FIGS. 8 to 10 ).

Through the shape of the seating portion 81 and its orientation in the outer roller 50, the second bottom rail 20 is smoothly and predictably disengaged from the seating portion 81 so that the second shade 24 is extended. can encourage you to start. Due to the shape and orientation of the seating part 81 , the bottom rail 20 may vertically fall from the seating part 81 using the force of gravity of the relatively heavy bottom rail 20 . It may be helpful in this regard that the seating portion 81 on the outer roller 50 is oriented generally tangentially. The lower free edge of the slot 76 (defined by the edge portion 80 of the second shell 56 of the outer roller 50 ) is the second shade 24 extending or retracted through the slot 76 . The second shade 24 may be curved or rounded so that the second shade 24 runs smoothly over the edge portion 80 .

The second bottom rail 20 may be an elongate member having a relatively high mass and running along its length to define a groove for receiving and retaining the lower edge of the second shade 24 . The lower edge of the second shade 24 may be held in the groove of the bottom rail 20 by an insert 82 positioned at an end formed on the lower edge of the second shade 24 . A portion of the profile of the second bottom rail 20 generally conforms to the shape of the seating portion 81 formed on the outer roller 50, so that it conforms to this shape when the second shade 24 is in the retracted position. can

7-11 , the first shade 22 is connected to an outer roller 50 and may be wrapable around the outer roller. The upper edge of each of the front and rear seats 30 and 34 may be attached to the outer roller 50 at circumferentially-spaced locations. The first shade 22 may be wrapped around or unwrapped from the rear side of the outer roller 50 , the rear side of the roller 50 being between the front side of the roller 50 and the street side of the associated building opening. (in FIGS. 8 to 11 , the rear side of the roller 50 is on the right). Generally, when the outer roller 50 rotates in a first direction (counterclockwise in FIGS. 8-11 ), the first shade 22 is adjacent to one or more sides (eg, the top side) of the associated architectural opening. Retracted by being wound around the outer roller 50 into position, the first shade 22 extends over the opening (eg, the bottom side) as the outer roller 50 rotates in an opposite second direction.

With further reference to FIGS. 7-11 , the second shade 24 is connected to and may be wrapable around an 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 wrapped around or unwrapped from the rear side of the roller unit 46 , the rear side of the roller unit 46 being the distance of the front side of the roller unit 46 and the associated building opening. It is located between the sides (in Figs. 8 to 11, the rear side of the roller unit 46 is on the right side). Generally, rotation of inner roller 48 in a first direction (counterclockwise in FIGS. 8-11 ) causes second shade 24 adjacent one or more sides (eg, top side) of the associated architectural opening. Retracted by being wound around the inner roller 48 into position, the second shade 24 extends over the opening (eg, bottom side) as the inner roller 48 rotates in an opposite second direction.

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

To extend the first shade 22 from the head rail 14 , the user operates the operating mechanism 40 to rotate the inner roller 48 in the direction of extension (clockwise in FIGS. 8 to 11 ), at least The weight of the first bottom rail 18 that partially applies a downward force to the first shade 22 causes the outer roller 50 to rotate in the extending direction (clockwise in FIGS. 8 to 11 ). When the first shade 22 extends from the rear of the outer roller 50 , the outer roller 50 generally rotates with the inner roller 48 . The double roller unit 46 generally rotates in a direction in which the user controls and rotates the inner roller 48 .

2 and 8 , the first shade 22 is such that the front and rear seats 30 , 34 are relatively close to each other and the vanes 38 are approximately with the front and rear seats 30 , 34 . It extends from the rear of the outer roller 50 in a closed or folded configuration extending vertically in close proximity coplanar. Once the first shade 22 is substantially unwrapped from the outer roller 50, the front and rear sheets 30, 34 are generally perpendicular to each other when the outer roller 50 continues to rotate in the direction of extension. and the vane 38 moves from the closed position (FIGS. 2 and 8) to the open position (FIGS. 3 and 9). A rear portion of the first bottom rail 18 may be more weighted than a front portion of the bottom rail 18 to facilitate full opening of the vanes 38 .

3 and 9 , the lid 10 is shown with the first shade 24 in a fully extended position and the vanes 38 in an open or extended configuration. In this position, the front and rear seats 30 , 34 are horizontally spaced apart and the vanes 38 extend substantially horizontally therebetween, and the front and rear seats 30 , 30 with outer rollers 50 , The attachment points 62 of 34 may be located at the same height. 9 , for example, the positions of attachment points 62 may be referred to as being at 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock, and are arranged substantially at the same level as each other. As the outer roller 50 rotates in either direction from that shown in FIG. 9 , the front and rear seats 30 , 34 move towards each other and the vanes 38 reorient to be more vertically aligned.

When the first shade 22 is fully unwrapped from the outer roller 50 , the slots 76 of the outer roller 50 are rotatably oriented within the head rail 14 so that the inner roller 48 moves in the extension direction. When further rotating, the bottom rail 20 of the second shade 24 may fall vertically from the seating portion 81 . When a seat 81 having a relatively vertical base wall 84 (see FIGS. 10 and 11) is oriented generally tangentially and positioned generally vertically, the inner roller 48 continues to rotate in the direction of extension. Due to this, when the tension of the second shade 24 is reduced, the bottom rail 20 is separated from the outer roller 50 by the weight of the second bottom rail 20 . The actuation mechanism 40 may include a brake system operatively connected to the inner roller 48 to limit unwanted downward movement of the second shade 24 and the first shade 22 .

To extend the second shade 24 , the operating mechanism 40 is further actuated by the user to rotate the inner roller 48 in the extending direction. While the second shade 24 is extended (see FIGS. 4 and 10 ), the outer roller 50 and the first shade 22 have the weight of the first shade 22 and the weight of the first bottom rail 18 . By maintaining the rotational position of the outer roller 50 without this positive lock, it can remain stationary. In some examples, as described below, a secure lock may be used to prevent rotation of the outer roller 50 when the first shade 22 is fully extended. 10 and 11 , while the second shade 24 is extended, a slot 76 defined in the outer roller 50 may face rearwardly, and the inner and outer rollers 48 and 50 . may be aligned substantially horizontally with the axis of rotation 52 (see FIG. 6 ) of In other words, the second shade 24 can be deployed on the rear side of the inner and outer rollers 48 , 50 .

While the second shade 24 is extended, the inner roller 48 rotates relative to the outer roller 50 , where a fitting 64 and a limit nut 68 support each end of the inner roller 48 . do. When the inner roller 48 rotates in the extending direction, the second shade 48 is unwound from the inner roller 48 as it extends through the slot 76 formed in the outer roller 50 . Rotation of the inner roller 48 in the extending direction moves the limit nut 68 along the limit screw 66 towards the bottom limit stop.

5 and 11 , the lid 10 is shown with the first and second shades 22, 24 in a fully extended position and the vanes 38 in an open or extended configuration. In this position, the front and rear seats 30 , 34 are horizontally spaced apart and vanes 38 extend substantially horizontally therebetween. The second shade 24 may be a light blocking shade, thereby preventing light from passing through the second shade 24 and the first shade 22 . When the second shade 24 is fully extended (see FIGS. 5 and 11 ), the second shade 24 may be offset rearwardly from the first shade 22 , but with the length and length of the first shade 22 . The width may extend coextensively. 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 wrapped around the inner rollers 48 of the dual roller unit 46 . .

When the second shade 24 is in its fully extended position (the lowest extended position), the limit nut 68, which engages with a lower limit stop formed on the limit screw 66, engages the limit screw ( 66) (see FIG. 6) to prevent further rotation of the inner roller 48. The limit screw 66 may also include an upper limit stop that defines an upper limit of the lid 10 . Alternatively, the bottom rail 18 of the first shade 22 may engage a portion of the head rail 14 when the first shade 22 is fully retracted to function as an upper limit stop of the lid 10 . .

At any point during the extended process, the user stops the operating mechanism 40 or reverses the direction of the operating mechanism 40 to move the first and second shades 22, 24 to the desired positions. In an example that includes a motorized lid 10 , a pre-programmed command can be used to control the motor 44 to control the positions of the first and second shades 22 , 24 . The command instructs the motor 44 to move the first and second shades 22, 24 to a predetermined shade position, eg, a first position in which the first and second shades 22, 24 are fully retracted. , a second position in which the first shade 22 is fully extended and the second shade 24 is fully retracted, and a third position in which the first and second shades 22 and 24 are fully extended. . Commands may be sent to the motor 44 by the remote control unit 46 .

Retraction of the first and second shades 22 and 24 may be performed in a reverse order to the above-described extending order, for example, generally as shown in FIGS. 11 to 8 below. 5 and 11, the first and second shades 22, 24 are disposed in fully extended positions. When the first and second shades 22 , 24 are in their fully extended positions, the limit nut 68 (see FIG. 6 ) may engage a lower limit stop that may be formed on the limit screw 66 . . When the actuating mechanism 40 is actuated from this position, for example, by the actuating element 42 and/or the motor 44 , the limit nut 68 moves axially away from the lower limit stop and the cover 10 . starts the process of retreating. The retreat process. In general, the operating mechanism 40 is operated to first rotate the inner roller 48 in the retracting direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 11 ) to retract the second shade 24 , and the second shade 24 is completely retracted. When done, it involves rotating the outer roller 50 in the retracting direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 11 ) to retract the first shade 22 to the outer roller 50 . This sequence is further described below.

To retract the second shade 24 from the fully extended position of FIGS. 5 and 11 , the user operates the operating mechanism 40 to move the inner roller 48 in the retracted direction (counterclockwise in FIGS. 8-11 ). ), the second shade 24 wraps around the inner roller 48 and the second bottom rail 20 rises upward along the rear face of the rear seat 34 of the first shade 22 . . While the second shade 24 is retracted, the inner roller 48 rotates relative to the outer roller 50 , where a fitting 64 and a limit nut 68 support the respective ends of the inner roller 48 . do. When the inner roller 48 rotates in the retracted direction, the second shade 24 is wound onto the inner roller 48 as it is pulled through the slot 76 formed in the outer roller 50 . When the inner roller 48 rotates in the retracted direction, the limiting nut 68 moves along the limiting screw 66 toward the opposite end of the limiting screw 66 . Also, while the second shade 24 is retracted, the first shade 22 is such that the weight of the portion of the first shade 22 suspended from the outer roller 50 and the weight of the first bottom rail 18 are equal to the weight of the outer roller ( The action on 50 keeps it in its fully extended, open position, preventing the outer roller 50 from rotating. This allows the user to move the second shade 24 between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position without affecting the position and orientation of the first shade 22 .

9 and 10 , when the second shade 24 is further drawn into the outer roller 50 , the second bottom rail 20 is fixed to the seating part 81 . When the bottom rail 20 is engaged with the seating 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, when the operating mechanism 40 applies a rotational force to the inner roller 48 , this force is generated through the engagement of the bottom rail 20 with the seating portion 81 under the tensile force of the second shade 24 , through which the outer roller (50) may be granted. 8 and 9 , when the second shade 24 is completely wrapped with the inner roller 48 and the second bottom rail 20 is accommodated in the seating portion 81 of the outer roller 50 , the outer The roller 50 can be driven in the retracting direction (counterclockwise in FIGS. 8 and 9 ) by the operating mechanism 40 through rotation of the inner roller 48 in the same retracting direction. Thus, when the bottom rail 20 is received in the seating portion 81 and a retraction force is applied to the inner roller 48 by the operating mechanism 40 (counterclockwise in FIGS. 8 and 9 ), the outer roller 50 generally rotates with inner roller 48 .

Referring to FIG. 8 , as the outer roller 50 continues to rotate in the retracted direction, the first shade 22 is wrapped around the outer roller 50 . The first shade 22 is tensioned when wrapped around the outer roller 50 due to the weight of the bottom rail 18 and the hanging portion of the first shade 22 .

When the first shade 22 is fully retracted, the first bottom rail 18 engages a portion of the head rail 14 , eg, an abutment, into a top limiting stop for the dual roller unit 46 . can function. It is understood that other mechanisms may be used to define the top retraction position, including a top limit stop located on the limit screw 66 opposite the bottom limit stop. For example, a top limit stop may be formed on and positioned along the limit screw 66 such that the nut 68 engages the top limit stop when the first shade 22 is fully retracted. have.

As described above, the retraction of the second shade 24 and the first shade 22 from their fully extended positions allows the user to actuate a single actuating element 42 or motor 44 to activate the two shades 22 , 24 . Occurs when all of the The limiting screw 66 includes a length sufficient to allow the limiting nut 68 to move along the screw 66 until a top retracted position from the bottom limiting stop is reached. It is understood that the first shade 22 may be wrapped around or unwrapped from the front side of the outer roller 42 . It may also be possible to implement the double roller shade technique applied to the forward downward shade structure by applying the necessary modifications to the structure described herein.

The shroud may include a locking mechanism to limit rotation of the outer roller 50 when the first shade 22 is in the fully extended position, whereby the first shade 22 is maintained in the fully extended position and It ensures that the second shade 24 is substantially unaffected by the rotation of the inner roller 48 while it is extended. The lock mechanism is movable (eg, pivotable, translatable, or other suitable movement is possible). In one example, the locking mechanism is a locking mechanism located outside of the outer roller 50 , which translates longitudinally along the outer periphery of the outer roller 50 to engage a stop that restricts rotation of the outer roller 50 . include absence. In another example, the lock mechanism includes a locking member positioned external to the outer roller 50 that pivots into engagement with the outer roller 50 to limit rotation of the outer roller 50 .

12-27, there is provided a covering for a building opening using a locking mechanism that securely locks the rotation of the outer roller when the first shade 22 is fully extended. Except for the lock mechanism and retaining clip, the lid shown in Figs. 12-27 generally has the same features and operation as the lid shown in Figs. Accordingly, it is understood that the foregoing description of the features and operation of the lid shown in FIGS. 1-11 is generally applicable to the lid shown in FIGS. 12-27 , except as noted in the following description. Reference numerals used in FIGS. 12 to 27 generally indicate similar parts and components to corresponding reference numerals used in FIGS.

12 , the lid 110 is external when the first shade 22 is in the fully extended position, similar to the pivotally movable lock mechanism described below with respect to FIGS. 28-47 . and an axially movable lock mechanism 186 that limits rotation of the roller 50 . An axially movable lock mechanism 186 is threadedly engaged with and runs axially along a housing 187 , a rotatable shaft 188 journaled to the housing 187 , and the shaft 188 . Possible nut 189 may be included. Although the axially movable lock mechanism 186 is shown with respect to the left end cap 126b, the lock mechanism 186 may be used in conjunction with the right end cap 126a.

12, 16 and 18 , the housing 187 is cantilevered from the left end cap 126b, and along the outer periphery of the outer roller 150 in a direction away from the left end cap 126b, the right end cap may extend axially towards (126a). One end 187a of the housing 187 may be removably connected to the left end cap 126b with a fastener 190 , and the opposing free end 187b of the housing 187 may be connected to an outer roller 150 . ) may be located outward in the lateral direction. The housing 187 is laterally separated from the perimeter of the outer roller 150 by a distance sufficient not to interfere with the first shade (not shown) wrapping around or unwrapping from the outer roller 150 . can be The housing 187 may be laterally separated from the periphery of the outer roller 150 by a uniform distance.

16 , 18 , 21 and 26 , opposite end portions 187a , 187b of housing 187 are provided with an axially-extending collar 191 and external from the collar 191 . It may include a pedestal flange 192 extending toward the side. The collar 191 has an inner wall defining a shaft aperture 194 that receives a journal portion 195 of the rotatable shaft 188 that rotatably supports the inner wall 193 . (193) (see FIGS. 22 and 26). The inner wall 193 of the collar 191 is a stop formed on the rotatable shaft 188 (particularly the rotatable shaft 188 ) while the shaft 188 is axially inserted into or removed from the housing 187 . A key hole 196 through which (197)) passes may be further defined. Each of the pedestal flanges 192 may define a fastener aperture configured to receive a fastener 190 connecting the housing 187 to the respective end caps 126a, 126b ( FIGS. 12 , 14 , 16 and 16 ). 18 and 22). The end portions 187a, 187b of the housing 187 may be mirror images of each other to provide interconnection of the housing 187 to the left or right end caps 126a, 126b.

12 , 16 , 18 , 21 , and 26 , the housing 187 may include an intermediate portion 187c interconnecting the end portions 187a , 187b . The intermediate portions 187c may extend longitudinally along the outer perimeter of the outer roller 150 with laterally spaced apart. The middle portion 187c of the housing 187 may include a base 198 and a guide rail 199 that respectively span the distance between opposite end portions 187a and 187b of the housing 187 . The base 198 of the housing 187 has a stop receiving aperture 200 proximate the end portions 187a, 187b through which the shaft 188 stop passes while the shaft 188 rotates relative to the housing 187 . ) to reduce the lateral profile of the housing 187 . The base 198 of the housing 187 also has end portions 187a, 187b, which stiffen the housing 187 to reduce lateral displacement or flexing of the middle portion 187c of the housing 187. It may further include a stiffening rib (stiffening rib) 201 extending in the longitudinal direction between the. 27 , the reinforcing ribs 201 may include at least one transversely-extending buttress 202 that further increases the stiffness of the longitudinally-extending ribs 201 . have.

12 , 16-19 , 23 and 26 , the shaft 188 of the axially movable lock mechanism 186 is offset from the axis of rotation 152 of the inner roller 148 , It may be parallel to or substantially parallel to this axis of rotation. The shaft 188 may be located outside of the outer roller 150 and extend longitudinally along the outer periphery of the outer roller 150 in a spaced apart state. The shaft 188 may include a journal portion 195 rotatably received within a collar 191 of the housing 187 . The journal portion 195 of the shaft 188 is a recess that reduces the area of contact (and thus friction) between the bearing surface 193 of the collar 191 and the journal portion 195 of the shaft 188 . It may include a circumferential area. The shaft 188 may include a threaded portion 203 extending between the journal portions 195 of the shaft 188 and between the collars 191 of the housing 187 . A stop 197 may be formed on the shaft 188 proximate the terminal end of the threaded portion 203 of the shaft 188 . The stop 197 extends radially outward from the shaft 188 and the stop 197 rotatably passes into the aperture 200 while the shaft 188 rotates relative to the housing 187 . It may be axially aligned with an aperture 200 formed in the base 198 of the housing 187 (see FIG. 21 ) so as to come out of this aperture. Gear 204 may be non-rotatably attached to one end of shaft 188 , and a central cavity that laterally positions gear (and thus shaft 188 ) relative to end cap 126b . can be limited.

12 , 16 , 18 , and 24-27 , the nut 189 of the axially movable lock mechanism 186 is positioned at least partially within the housing 187 , and It runs axially along shaft 188 in intermediate portion 187c. A nut 189 is keyed to the housing 187 such that as the shaft 188 rotates, the nut 189 translates along the shaft rather than rotating about it. Nut 189 includes a body 205 that extends only partially around shaft 188 , which may be referred to as a half-nut 189 . In an alternative design, the nut 189 may extend around the entire perimeter of the shaft 188 .

24 and 25 , nut 189 includes an internal thread 206 that protrudes inwardly from body 205 and threadedly engages external threads of threaded portion 203 of shaft 188 . do. To maintain thread engagement and limit rotation of the nut 189 about the shaft 188 , the nut 189 is configured to extend radially outwardly from the body of the nut 189 , in two longitudinally-extending directions. It may include a wing (wing) 207 . The wing portion 207 slidably contacts a facing face of the base 198 of the housing 187 (see FIG. 27 ) and has a contact area (and between the nut 189 and the housing 187 ). and thus may include an axially-extending fin 208 that guides the nut 189 axially along the middle portion 187c of the housing 187 while reducing friction.

One of the wings 207 may define a longitudinally-extending slot 208 that at least partially receives the guide rail 199 . 27 , a portion of the wing 207 defining the slot 208 may slidably abut different sides of the guide rail 199 . As such, the wings 207 of the nut 189 substantially prevent the nut 189 from rotating about the shaft 188 , such that the shaft 188 rotates relative to the housing 187 while the shaft 188 rotates relative to the housing 187 . It can promote the translation of the nut 189 along the. To laterally stiffen the wings 207 , the nut 189 is provided with transversely-extending ribs 209 located outside of the internal threads 206 and extending between the wings 207 . may include In an alternative design, the nut 189 and the housing 187 have several other corresponding keys such that the nut 189 travels axially along the shaft 188 as the shaft 188 rotates relative to the housing 187 . structures may be included.

As described, rotation of shaft 188 relative to housing 187 generally causes nut 189 to move or translate axially along shaft 188 . To limit the axial extent of the nut 189 , the shaft 188 may include a stop 197 extending outwardly from the periphery of the shaft 188 . Upon contact with nut 189 , stop 197 generally limits translation of nut 189 relative to shaft 188 , thereby limiting further rotation of shaft 188 relative to housing 187 . do. To ensure a firm engagement between the nut 189 and each stop 197 , the nut 189 engages the shaft when the nut 189 reaches a desired resting position corresponding to full extension of the first shade 22 . (188) a longitudinally-extending pedestal wall 211 cooperating with the stop. 24 , the pedestal wall 211 may be formed at the terminal end of the internal thread 206 of the nut 189 .

Additionally or alternatively, the body 205 of the nut 189 (which may resemble an axially-extending sleeve) comprises a housing ( 187) may be adjacent to the pedestal flange 192. The body 205 of the nut 189 is radially away from the outer periphery of the shaft 188 by a distance sufficient to allow the shaft stop 197 to pass through the annular space defined between the shaft 188 and the body 205 . can be spaced apart. Shaft 188 and nut 189 provide interoperability of right or left end caps 126a, 126b and lock mechanism 186, providing a robust design to accommodate left and right hand assemblies. It may include a stop 197 and a pedestal wall 211, respectively.

15-17 , the axially movable lock mechanism 186 may include an inner roller and a gear mechanism or train 213 positioned external to the outer rollers 148 , 150 . . The gear mechanism or train 213 includes a first gear 215 non-rotatably coupled to an outer roller 150 , a second gear 204 non-rotatably coupled to a shaft 188 , and the first gear and the second gears 215 and 204 and an idler gear 217 intermeshed with each other. The idler gear 217 may be rotatably supported on a mounting plate 219 that includes a locator pin 221 that protrudes axially from a mounting plate 219 (see FIG. 17 ) towards an associated end cap 126 . . The locator pin 221 may be received within the end cap 126 to limit rotation of the mounting plate 219 relative to the end cap 126 .

The gear mechanism 213 may vary depending on the size, weight, or other characteristics of the shade member. In one example, the gear mechanism 213 provides a gear ratio of 3-to-1 between the first and second gears 215 , 204 . That is, whenever the outer roller 150 rotates once, the shaft 188 performs three rotations. In one example, the external threads of shaft 188 have 16 threads per inch (or a pitch of 1/16th of an inch). In general, the length of the threaded portion 203 of the shaft 188 may be oversized for the range of motion of the nut 189 such that the shaft 188 can accommodate many different shade lengths. Thus, in some examples, the nut 189 interacts with only one of the stops 197 on the rotatable shaft 188 during operation, and the other stop causes the lock mechanism 186 to be left or right. It is provided for use with any of the end caps 126a, 126b.

15 , gear mechanism 213 is shown in association with left end cap 126b. The external gears 204 , 215 , 217 are rotatably supported by a stub shaft projecting 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 positioned in front of the idler gear 217 , where all three gears 215 , 204 , 217 are at the ends placed in the same plane adjacent to the cap. The idler gear 217 is located above the first gear 215 , and the second gear 204 is located above the idler gear 217 . The first gear 215 and the idler gear 217 may be received in a rim 223 that axially protrudes from the end cap 126b.

Referring to FIG. 13 , a partially exploded view of the head rail component is provided (except for the right side component generally identical to that shown and described in connection with FIGS. 6-11 ). The component consists of a left end cap 126b, a non-rotatable limiting screw 166 attached to this left end cap 126b, and a left bushing mounted to and rotating relative to the bearing surface of the limiting screw 166. 170b), an inner roller 148 that receives a portion of the limiting screw 166 inside (including the limiting nut 168) and is mounted on the bosses 167 of the left and right bushings 170a, 170b. ), an outer roller 150 for receiving this inner roller 148 therein, and an axially movable lock mechanism 186 attached to this left end cap 126b.

13 , 14 , 19 and 20 , the outer roller 150 may include a divided shell design. In particular, the outer roller 150 may include a first shell and a second shell 154 , 156 . In order to hold the first and second shells 154 and 156 together and maintain a desired spatial relationship with respect to each other, each of the first and second shells 154 and 156 of the outer roller 150 has a left bushing and The axial projections 172a and 172b of the right bushings 170a and 170b (see FIGS. 14, 18, and 19) can be wrapped around and accommodated. The axial projections 172a, 172b couple the outer roller 150 to the bushings 170a, 170b so that the outer roller 150 and the bushings 170a, 170b rotate around the axis of rotation 152 of the outer roller 150. can be rotated together. The first gear 215 is non-rotatably fixed to the opposite surface of the left bushing 170b with respect to the axial projections 172a and 172b to prevent the first gear 215 from rotating with the outer roller 150. can guarantee To further secure the first and second shells 154 and 156 together, these shells 154 and 156 may be clamped together by at least one retaining clip 225 ( FIGS. 12 to 12 ). 13 shows two retaining clips, more or fewer clips can be used as desired to hold these shells together). 20 , the retaining clip 225 may be resiliently snapped around the intermeshing region 227 of the first and second shells 154 , 156 .

Referring to FIG. 20 , the end portions 158 , 160 of the first and second shells 154 , 156 overlap each other and are at least in part by longitudinally-extending lips 233 , 235 . may extend into correspondingly longitudinally-extending receiving channels 229 , 231 defined by . The lip portion 233 of the first shell 158 may be located inside the longitudinally-extending terminal edge 237 of the second shell 160 , while the lip portion 235 of the second shell 160 . can be located outside the longitudinally-extending terminal edge 239 of the first shell 158 (this arrangement can be flipped). Retaining clips 225 are elastically snapped around outer detents 241 and 243 formed in the interengaged regions of the first and second shells 154 and 156, respectively, so that the first and second shells and The second shells 154 and 156 may be clamped together.

14 and 19 , the divided shell design of the outer roller 150 provides a longitudinally-extending slot through which the second shade 24 is extended or retracted while the second shade 24 is extended or retracted. (176) is defined. When the edge portions 158 , 160 of the first and second shells 154 , 156 are interdigitated together, opposite or second longitudinally-extending of the first and second shells 154 , 156 . The terminal edge portions 178 , 180 being spaced apart from each other at the periphery define a longitudinally-extending slot 176 . The opposing second terminal edge portions 158 and 160 of the first and second shells 154 and 156 pass through the second shade 24 but do not pass the bottom rail 20 of the second shade 24. They can be separated by a sufficient distance from each other. The function of the outer roller 150 is generally the same as that described with respect to FIGS. 6-11 and thus is not repeated here for the sake of brevity.

During operation of the shroud, when the outer roller 150 extends the first shade 22 over the building opening, a first gear 215 drives an idler gear 217, which in turn drives a second gear ( Acting on 204 , this second gear axially traverses the nut 189 along the shaft 188 towards the bottom end position. When the nut 189 reaches the bottom end position (which may be defined by the stop 197 of the shaft 188 ), the nut 189 moves the shaft 188 in the direction of extension of the first shade 22 . By limiting further rotation, the outer roller 150 is prevented from further rotating in the extension direction. When the outer roller 150 is restricted from further rotation in the extension direction and the first shade 22 is unwrapped from the periphery of the outer roller 150 , the second shade 24 is unwrapped from the inner roller 148 and , may be passed through a slot 176 of the outer roller 150 and extend over the building opening. When the inner roller 148 rotates during extension of the second shade 24 , the inner limit nut 168 rotates with the inner roller 148 , and a non-rotatable limit screw ( 166 ) along the limit screw ( 166 ). 166) toward the bottom end stop formed in the axial direction. When the second shade 24 extends fully over the building opening, the inner limit nut 166 generally contacts a bottom end stop defining the bottom stop of the dual roller unit 146 .

While the shroud is retracted from its fully extended position, the inner roller 148 has a slot defined between the opposed longitudinally-extending edge portions 178 , 180 of the shells 154 , 156 of the outer roller 150 . Pull the second shade 24 through 176 and slide it around the perimeter of the inner roller 148 until the bottom rail 20 of the second shade 24 rests around the outer periphery of the outer roller 150. 2 Wrap the shade (24). While the second shade 24 is retracted, the weight of the bottom rail 18 of the first shade 22 holds the bushings 170a, 170b stationary, so that the inner roller 148 moves the bushings 170a, 170b. ) and the outer roller 150 to rotate.

When seated, the bottom rail 20 of the second shade 24 transmits a rotational torque from the inner roller 148 to the outer roller 150, and rotates the outer roller 150 in the retracting direction to rotate the first shade 22 ) is wrapped around the periphery of the outer roller 150 . The inner and outer rollers 148 , 150 retract until the bottom rail 18 of the first shade 22 contacts a top limit stop, which may be associated with one or both of the end caps 126 . direction, at which point the lid is retracted to the fully retracted position. While the inner roller 148 rotates in the retracted direction, the inner limit nut 168 is a non-rotatable limit screw 166 within the inner roller 148 in a direction away from the bottom stop of the second shade 24 . cross along While the outer roller 150 rotates in the retracted direction, the outer nut 189 traverses along the rotatable shaft 188 in a direction away from the bottom stop of the first shade 22 .

28-47, a covering for a building opening comprising a pivotable lock mechanism is provided. Except for the pivotable lock mechanism and the multiple-piece outer roller, the lid shown in Figs. 28-47 generally has the same features and operation as the lid shown in Figs. 6-27. Accordingly, it is understood that the foregoing descriptions of the features and operation of the lids shown in FIGS. 6-27 are also generally applicable to the lids shown in FIGS. 28-47 except as noted in the following description. Reference numerals used in Figs. 28-47 generally indicate parts and components that are similar to those used in Figs. 12-27, except that they are incremented by 100.

28-34, the inner roller 248 is generally cylindrical in shape and forms a retaining member that secures the top edge of the second shade 24 thereto. As noted above, the inner roller 248 is positioned within the outer roller 250 to define a dual roller unit, in this example the two rollers 248 , 250 are co-spaced around 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 , and It is held in the slot by an insert 282 positioned at an end formed in the bottom edge. Other attachment structures may be used to attach the bottom rail 220 to the second shade 24 .

28-34, the second bottom rail 220 has a relatively high mass and runs along its length to accommodate the bottom edge of the second shade 24, as described above, and An elongate member defining a retaining slot. The second bottom rail 220 generally has a triangular cross section, and a part of it generally matches the shape of the seating portion 281 formed on the outer roller 250, so that the second shade 24 is located at the retracted position. You can adapt to it when you have it. An actuator rim 247 is defined at one end of the second rail 220 and engages a lock mechanism 286 to disengage the lock mechanism 286 from the outer roller 250 as described in more detail below. make it

The outer roller 250 is generally cylindrical in this example and defines several features on its peripheral wall. Outer roller 250 defines a longitudinal central axis 252 around which outer roller 250 rotates, around which inner roller 248 is also co-located. A pair of channels 262 are formed to receive and secure the top edge of the first shade 22 , each of the inserts 264 positioned at a stage formed at each top edge, and the inserts 264 each channel 262 . ) to maintain the top edge. An anchor groove 245 is formed along the length of the outer roller 250 and receives a roller lock bearing as described below. Slots 276 are formed along the length of outer roller 250 and communicate with the interior of outer roller 250 , which may be formed of a tube. The recessed seating portion 281 is formed on one side of the slot 276 . The second shade 24 extends and retracts through the slot 276, and when in the fully retracted position, the second bottom rail 220 rests for at least one of many purposes, as described below. It is housed in portion 281 and nested therein. The slot 276 is provided on the outer roller 250 so that the first shade 22 is positioned adjacent to and above the rearmost one of the two channels 262 when the first shade 22 is in its extended position and in its vane-open configuration. is located in

28, 29, 46 and 47, the dual roller unit is rotatably supported between the right end cap 226a and the left end cap 226b, and the operating mechanism 240 is an inner roller tube ( 248), thereby enabling the inner roller tube to rotate. The actuating mechanism 240 is anchored to the right end cap 226a and is actuated by the actuating element 242, in one example, as described above. The actuation mechanism 240 may, in one example, include a planetary gear drive, which is often used in window covering applications. The actuation mechanism 240 may include an inner fitting portion 264 that is rotated by the actuation mechanism 240 . The fitting portion 264 is received within the inner roller 248 and is sized to fit tightly with the inner wall of the inner roller 248 . The inner roller 248 is rotationally driven by the inner fitting portion 264 when the fitting portion is driven by the operating mechanism 240 . The open right end of the outer roller 250 receives a right end roller cap 270a , which in an axial direction rotatably receives an axial bearing surface formed in the housing of the actuation mechanism 240 . and a central aperture having an extending collar. The bearing surface supports the right end roller cap 270a such that the right end roller cap rotates when the outer roller 250 rotates. The inner roller 248 is rotatably received in the collar. The collar rotatably supports the right end of the inner tube 248 when driven rotationally by the actuation mechanism 240 .

46 , the right ends 248a and 250a of the inner and outer rollers 248 and 250 may be aligned with each other, respectively, and the right side edge 24a of the second shade 24 is formed by a roller ( 248 , 250 may be aligned with the right ends 248a , 250a . 47, the left ends 248b, 250b of the inner and outer rollers 248, 250 may be aligned with each other, respectively, and the left side edge 24b of the second shade 24 is formed by a roller ( may be aligned with the left ends 248b, 250b of 248,250. The first shade 22 may be wrapped around an 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 the rollers 248 and 250 with the edges of the shades 22 and 24 may reduce or eliminate some gaps between the edges of the shades and the corresponding sides of the building openings.

When the second shade 24 is fully retracted with the inner roller 248 and the second end rail 220 is received in the seating portion 281 of the outer tube 250, the outer roller 250 is moved to the inner roller 248. rotation is driven by In this state, when the inner roller 248 rotates, the second shade 24 tensions the second end rail 220 so that it is located at the interface between the second end rail 220 and the seating portion 281 . A force is applied to the outer roller 250 . Thus, the outer roller 250 rotates together with the inner roller 248 . The outer roller 250 does not rotate with the inner roller 248 unless the second shade 24 is fully retracted around the inner roller 248 . As noted above, the actuating mechanism 240 may be actuated by the actuating element 242 to extend or retract the first and second shades 22, 24 as desired by a user. Many types of mechanisms for rotating inner roller tube 248 when actuating element 242 are actuated are acceptable.

With continued reference to FIGS. 28 and 29 , a limiting screw 266 is positioned within the inner roller 248 and is operatively secured to the left end cap 226b by the screw. The limit screw 266 does not rotate. The limiting nut 268 is threadedly engaged with the limiting screw 266 and rotatably keyed to the interior of the inner roller 248 such that the keying structure extends the limiting nut 268 along the length of the inner roller 248 . make it move As the inner roller 248 rotates, the limit nut 268 moves along the threaded limit shaft 266 and engages a limit stop defining a position of maximum extension to the bottom of the second shade 24 . (See Fig. 5). The retracted position of the first shade 22 is, in this example, defined by the first shade 22 completely wrapped around the outer roller 250 . In some examples, first bottom rail 18 engages a portion of head rail 14 to define this position. Alternatively or additionally, the top limit stop on limit screw 266 is not used in this example, but may be used on limit screw 266 if desired. As best seen in FIGS. 28 , 29 and 47 , the left end cap 226b rotatably supports the inner roller 248 and the outer roller 250 .

28, 29 and 40, the pivot bracket 249 is attached to the inner surface of the left end cap 226b, has a centrally located annular boss 251, and extends toward the right end cap 226a. defines a post 253 that serves as an axle upon which a roller lock 255 is pivotably mounted. The annular boss 251 in the pivot bracket 249 is rotatably received in the central aperture of the left outer roller cap 270b received at the open left end of the outer roller 250 . The collar extends axially from around the central aperture of cap 270b and serves as a bearing surface for relative rotation between 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 rotation of the roller 248 relative to the collar, which rotation is selectively performed via an actuation mechanism 240 . done under control.

28, 29, 38 and 39, the roller lock 255 is pivotally attached to a post 253 in a pivot bracket 249 (see Figures 40 and 41), and fasteners 257 (see FIG. 41). The roller lock 255 is pivotable relative to the pivot bracket 249 about an axis defined by the post 253 . A spring member 259 (see FIG. 43 ) is positioned around a post 253 of a slewing bracket 249 , the spring 259 having two legs, one leg being a roller lock 255 . engages to bias the roller lock 255 into engagement with the outer surface of the outer roller 250 and the other leg operatively engages a portion of the left end cap 226b.

38 and 39 , the roller lock 255 includes a frame plate 261 having a central body 263 from which an upper leg 265 and a lower leg 267 are formed. ) extends, and each leg 265 , 267 lies flush with the central body 263 . It is understood that the upper and lower legs 265 and 267 extend substantially at right angles to each other, and this relative position may be adjusted as needed given the geometry of a particular use. The end of the lower leg 267 includes a pin 269 extending vertically from the plate 261 toward the opposite end cap, the pin 269 being cylindrical in shape and relatively short. For example, the pins 269 do not extend far enough to interfere with the rotation of the roller 250 . The length and shape of the pin 269 provides for engagement movement between the actuator rim 247 and the pin 269 on the second end rail 220 as described below.

With continued reference to FIGS. 38 and 39 , the end of the upper leg 265 rotatably supports a relatively long cylindrical bearing 271 extending vertically from the upper leg 265 toward the opposite end cap 226a. The bearing 271 is rotatably supported at its opposite end by an arm 273 extending at an angle from the center plate 261 . Arm 273 supports the distal end of bearing 271 only from the top side and does not extend too far beyond the center of bearing 271 . This configuration allows the lower part of the bearing 271, along its length, without obstruction, to be received in the anchor groove 245 formed in the outer roller 250, as well as the outer, as further described below. It engages and remains capable of riding along the outer surface of the roller 250 .

The operation of an example of the lid is basically described below with reference to FIGS. 30-34 . As shown in FIG. 30 , the first and second shades 22 , 24 are in an extended position, and the vanes 38 are in an open configuration. Referring momentarily to FIG. 30 , the first shade 22 may be coupled to and wrapable around an outer roller 42 . The upper edge of each of the front and rear seats 30 , 34 may be coupled to an inwardly-facing, longitudinally extending gland or rib 275 . The bung 275 may define an inner cavity 262 that opens through the perimeter of the outer roller 250 . The shade 22 may be wrapped or unwrapped around the rear side of the roller 250 , the rear side of the roller 250 being positioned between the front side of the roller 250 and the street side of the associated building opening (Fig. At 30, the rear side of the roller is on the right side). Generally, when the roller 250 rotates in a first direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 30 ), the shade 22 moves around the outer roller 250 on one or more sides (eg, the top side) of the associated architectural opening. When retracted by being wound to a position adjacent to , and the roller 250 rotates in an opposite second direction, the shade 22 may extend over the opening (eg, the bottom side).

The first shade 22 is held in this open position by positioning the outer roller 250 and the engagement points 262 of the front and rear sheets 30, 34 of the first shade 22 and the outer roller 250 at the same height. do. In FIG. 30 , for example, the location of these attachment points 262 may be referred to as being at 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock, which makes them close to the same level with each other. When the outer roller 250 is rotated in either direction from that shown in FIG. 30 , the front and rear seats 30 , 34 can move towards each other and the vanes 38 will be reoriented to be more vertically aligned. can

In this position with the first and second shades 22 and 24 in their fully extended positions, the limit nut 268 (see FIGS. 28 and 29 generally) engages the lower limit. For example, actuation of the actuating mechanism 240 by the actuating element 242 from this position initiates the retraction 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 fully retracted, the outer roller 250 is It is actuated to retract the first shade 22 to the outer roller 250 . This order is further described herein below.

As described above and with further reference to FIG. 30 , an inner roller 248 is positioned within the outer roller 250 to define a dual roller unit 246 . Outer roller 250 defines an axis of rotation 252 defined by a portion of outer roller 250 having a circular shape (eg, from 9 o'clock to 2 o'clock). The inner roller 248 is positioned to be co-axial with or co-axial with the outer roller 250 .

While the second shade 24 is retracted, the inner roller 248 rotates relative to the outer roller 250 , and the opposing collars on the left and right roller end caps 270a , 270b engage the inner roller 248 . support each end. The outer roller 250 is held in a fixed rotational position relative to the inner roller 248 by a roller lock 255 . The roller lock 255 is oriented such that the bearing 271 is biased by a spring 259 to be received in the anchor groove 245 (see FIGS. 28-30 ). This position of the bearing 271 prevents rotation of the outer roller 250 . As the inner roller 248 rotates in the retracted direction, the second shade 24 is wound onto the inner roller 248 as it is pulled through the slot 276 formed in the outer roller 250 . This retracted rotation moves the limiting nut 268 along the limiting screw 266 towards the opposite end of the limiting screw 266 .

A slot 276 through which the second shade 24 extends, and a seating portion 281 for receiving the second end rail 220 is an attachment point 262 of the back sheet 34 of the first shade 22 . ) is located on the outer periphery of the upper outer roller (250). This can be referred to as the 3 o'clock position in FIG. 30 . Slot 276 is defined by opposing free edges formed in seat 281 . The seating portion 281 is a recess formed along the length of the slot 276 and includes two outer edges defining a boundary of the seating portion 281 on the outer periphery of the outer roller 250 . The shape of the recess as oriented in FIG. 30 is generally somewhat angled, and the generally vertically oriented base wall 284 is relatively perpendicular-tangential between the second bottom rail 220 and the outer roller 250 . to enable engagement and disengagement. Due to the position of the slot 276 and the seating part 281 near the rearmost position on the outer periphery of the outer roller 250 along with the shape of the seating part 281, while it is retracted (see FIGS. 31 and 32) When the second bottom rail is vertically upwardly pulled by the seating portion 281 , the second bottom rail 220 may be fixedly accommodated.

Due to the shape of the seating portion 281 and its orientation on the outer roller 250, the second bottom rail 220 is smoothly and predictably disengaged from the seating portion 281 (from the position shown in FIG. 32 ). It is facilitated that the shade 24 begins to extend. Due to the shape and orientation of the seating part 281 , the bottom rail 220 may vertically fall from the seating part 281 by using the force of gravity on the relatively heavy bottom rail 220 . The general tangential orientation of the seat 281 on the outer roller 250 helps in this regard. Referring to FIG. 35 , an upper wall 277a extends downwardly and radially inwardly from the top edge of the recess to a lip 277b which extends directly downward to an upper free edge 277c. This portion of the seating portion 281 is the deepest (measured from the periphery toward the center of the outer roller). The lower wall 279a extends upwardly and inwardly from the bottom edge of the recess at a shallow angle and transitions to a lip portion 279b that defines the lower free edge 279c of the slot 276 . The lower wall 279a is relatively vertical and remains so even in combination with the upper lip 277b. The lower free edge 279c of the slot 276 is curved or rounded to allow the second shade 24 to smoothly travel over this feature when the second shade is retracted to the inner roller 248 .

When the second bottom rail 220 is fixedly engaged with the seating portion 281 , the roller lock 255 helps to consistently operate to disengage the bearing 271 from the anchor groove 245 . Referring to FIG. 31 , when the second shade 24 is almost completely wound around the inner roller 248 , the bottom rail 220 of the second shade 24 engages the roller lock 255 to engage the outer roller 250 . ) disengage the roller lock 255 from the outside. The second bottom rail 220 is shown by dashed lines in FIGS. 31 and 35 . In this position, the actuator rim 247 extending axially from the end of the second bottom rail 220 contacts the pin 269 formed in the lower leg 267 of the roller lock 255 . When the second bottom rail 220 is pulled into the seating portion 281 by the retracted second shade 24 , the actuator rim 247 moves the pin 269 relative to the pivot axis of the post 253 . . The pins 269 move radially inward relative to the inner roller 248 and outwardly relative to the pivot axis of the roller lock 255 . When the roller lock 255 moves around the post 253, the upper arm 265 moves, starting to move the bearing 271 upward and disengaging with the anchor groove 245, causing the outer roller 250 to move. It rotates freely (see FIGS. 32, 36 and 43).

42 and 43 , an actuator rim 247 extends from an end of the second bottom rail 220 adjacent the roller lock 255 . 44 and 45 , the rim 247 is a thin curved element conforming to the curved shape of the bottom side of the second bottom rail 220 in this example. The rim 247 is bent along a size coincident with the bottom side of the second bottom rail 220 , and extends in an axial direction away from the second bottom rail 220 . As best shown in FIG. 43 , the rim 247 extends a distance sufficient to engage the pins 269 in the roller lock 255 but not in contact with the center plate 261 of the roller lock 255 . do. The inner concave surface of the fin 247 engages the rounded outer surface of the pin 269 . When the second bottom rail 220 is further retracted, the pin 269 and the fin 247 maintain sliding engagement. This further movement of the second end rail 220 causes the roller lock 255 to pivot further about the pivot axis of the post 253 , moving the roller lock bearing 271 out of the anchor groove 245 .

32 and 36 , when the second shade 24 is further drawn into the outer roller 250 , the bottom rail 220 is fixed to the seating portion 281 , and the fin portion 247 is an anchor groove. Move the pin 269 inwardly by an amount sufficient to completely remove the bearing 271 from 245, allowing the outer roller 250 to rotate freely. When the operation mechanism 240 is further operated, the rotational movement of the inner roller 248 acts on the outer roller 250 through the bottom rail 220 engaging the seating portion 281 under the tensile force of the second shade 24 . will do This engagement causes the outer roller 250 to rotate with the rotation of the inner roller 248 . When the outer roller 250 begins to rotate in the retracted direction, the actuator rim 247 on the second bottom rail 220 disengages from the pin 269 on the roller lock 255 . 33 and 37 , upon release, the roller lock 255 is biased by a spring 259 so that the bearing 271 is spaced away from the anchor groove 245 in an outer circumferential position of the outer roller 250 . come into contact with the outer surface of

Referring to FIG. 34 , as the outer roller 250 continues to rotate in the retracting direction, the first shade 22 is wrapped around the outer roller 250 to cover the anchor groove 245 . When the outer roller 250 continues to rotate so that the roller lock bearing 271 is in the vicinity of the anchor groove 245 , the roller lock bearing 271 rides over the groove 245 to the first shade 22 by It passes through the groove 245 . The first shade 22 is under tension when wrapped around the outer roller 250 , such that the shade 22 extends over the groove 245 in a relatively tensioned state. The bearing 271 can be pressed somewhat into the anchor groove 245 when only a single wrap of the first shade 22 is positioned over the anchor groove 245 , but after another one rotation the bearing 271 will not move through the anchor groove 245 . Rides over the surface of the first shade 22 wrapped around the outer roller 250 without interference from 245 .

As the first shade 22 continues to retract, it wraps around the outer roller 250 several times and the roller lock bearing 271 continues to ride over the outer surface of the shade 22 . The double roller unit 246 reaches the top retracted position when the first bottom rail 18 contacts a pedestal in, for example, a head rail housing. It is understood that other mechanisms may be used to define the top retraction position, including the bottom limit stop and the top limit stop located on the opposite limit screw 266 . As described above, the retraction of the second shade 24 and the first shade 22 from the fully extended position allows the user to (manually or automatically) one of the operating elements to retract the two shades 22, 24. ) can occur when operating. The limiting screw 266 is of sufficient length to allow the limiting nut 268 to move until a top retracted position from the bottom limiting stop is reached.

The extension of the first shade 22 and the second shade 24, if desired, is accomplished in the reverse order as described above, for example generally as follows in FIGS. 34-30 . This allows the user to choose whether to extend only the first shade 22 or whether to also extend the second shade 24 (between the fully retracted position and the fully extended position). While the first shade 22 is extended, when the user operates the operating mechanism 240 to rotate the inner roller 248 in the extending direction (clockwise in FIGS. 34-30), the outer roller 250 is extended. will rotate in the direction The double roller unit 246 rotates in the direction in which the user controls the inner roller 248 to rotate in this example. When the first shade 22 extends from the rear of the outer roller 250 , the roller lock bearing 271 rides over the outer surface of the outer roller 250 until the first shade 22 extends almost completely. 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 over the outer surface of the outer roller 250 until it meets the anchor groove 245 . Bearing 271 is biased downward by spring 259 to be positioned in groove 245, preventing rotation of outer roller 250 and allowing inner roller 248 to continue rotating (if desired by the user). have. As the roller lock 255 is biased in a direction against the outer surface of the outer roller 250 , the bearing 271 moves into the anchor groove 245 without additional pressure. The first shade 22 in this respect spans the opening in its most extended position. It is understood that the roller lock 255 may be biased by means other than the spring 259 in this example. For example, the top arm 273 of the roller lock 255 may be weighted such that the roller lock 255 automatically pivots as desired under the weight of the top arm 273 . If a spring 259 is used, it may be a wire spring, a coil spring, a spring of resilient material (eg, rubber, elastomer, and/or plastic), or the like.

When the bearing 271 of the roller lock 255 is seated in the anchor groove 245 , when the tensile force of the second shade 24 is reduced by the operation system 240 , the bottom rail of the second shade 24 . The slots 276 of the outer roller 250 are rotatably oriented within the head rail 14 so that 220 can fall vertically from the seat 281 . Due to the generally tangentially oriented and generally vertical positioning of the seat 281 with the relatively vertical base wall 284 , the second shade 24 when the tensile force of the second shade 24 is released from the retracted position The weight of the bottom rail 220 is effective to extract the bottom rail 220 from the seating portion 281 . However, if the user does not intend to extend the second shade 24 , the second shade 24 may remain retracted. The actuation mechanism 240 may include a brake system to limit unwanted downward movement of the second or first shades 24 , 22 .

To extend the second shade 24 , the actuation system 240 is further actuated to a level desired by the user. When the user extends the second shade 24 to the lowest position (the maximum extended position), the limit nut 268 located on the limit screw 266 engages the lower limit stop. A single limiting screw 266 is thus used 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 . can be limited.

The first shade 22 of FIGS. 30-34 (which may be the same or different from that shown in FIGS. 1-5 ) may be wrapped around or unwrapped from the front side of the outer roller 250 . It is understood that there is The double roller shade technique applied to forward-down shade structures can be implemented by applying the necessary modifications to the structures described herein. It is further understood that the roller lock mechanism and accompanying elements necessary for its operation may be used alone or with the roller lock mechanism at the left end of the head rail, in association with the right end cap 226a, at the right end of the head rail. do. In addition, the second bottom rail 220 may have an actuating rim 247 at an end thereof.

The foregoing description has a wide application. While the examples provided describe silhouette-type shades and shading-type shades, it is understood that the concepts disclosed herein are equally applicable to many types of shades. Accordingly, the description of any embodiments is for illustrative purposes only and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention, including the claims, to these examples. In other words, while exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail herein, the inventive concepts may be implemented or used in many other ways, and the appended claims cover these variations except as limited by the prior art. It is understood that it is intended to be construed as including

The foregoing description has been presented for purposes of illustration and description, and is not intended to limit the invention to the form or forms disclosed herein. For example, various features of the invention are grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, or forms for the purpose of concisely describing the invention. It is to be understood, however, that various features of a particular aspect, embodiment, or form of the invention may be combined in alternative aspects, embodiments, or forms. Furthermore, the following claims are incorporated into this detailed description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present invention.

As used herein, the phrases “at least one,” “one or more,” and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both combinable and separable in operation.

As used herein, the singular term refers to one or more entities. Thus, the terms "a" and "a", "one or more," and "at least one" may be used interchangeably herein.

References in all directions (eg, proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, anterior, posterior, top, bottom) (bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise and counterclockwise) indicate the reader's understanding of the present invention. It is used for aid identification purposes only and is not intended to particularly limit the location, orientation, or use of the present invention. References to connections (eg, attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and, unless otherwise stated, intermediate between collections of elements. member and relative movement between these elements. Thus, reference to a connection does not necessarily mean that two elements are directly connected to each other or are connected in a fixed relationship to each other. References to identification (eg, first, second, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) do not imply importance or priority, but rather are intended to distinguish one feature from another. it was used The drawings are provided for purposes of illustration only, and the size, position, order, and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached to this specification may vary.

Claims (47)

A cover for a building opening, comprising:
Between the ends of the outer roller (50) defining an elongated slot (76) extending along the length of the outer roller (50) and formed through a sidewall that opens into the interior of the outer roller (50) the rotatable outer roller (50);
a rotatable inner roller (48) received within the outer roller (50);
a first shade (22) coupled to the outer roller (50), configured to wrap around the outer roller (50), retractable to and extendable from the outer roller (50); and
coupled to the inner roller (48), configured to wrap around the inner roller (48), extending through the elongate slot, retractable into and extending from the inner roller (48) possible and comprising a second shade (24) having side edges aligned with the ends of the inner roller (48);
the side edge of the second shade (24) is aligned with the ends of the outer roller (50),
the outer roller (50) comprises a first shell (54) and a second shell (56) each having longitudinally extending longitudinal edges (78, 80);
and the end edges (78, 80) of the first shell (54) and the second shell (56) are circumferentially spaced apart from each other to define the elongate slot (76). According to claim 1,
and the first shade (22) has side edges aligned with the ends of the inner roller (48) and the outer roller (50). 3. The method of claim 1 or 2,
The ends of the inner roller (48) are aligned with the ends of the outer roller (50). 3. The method of claim 1 or 2,
and the slot (76) is oriented perpendicular to the extension direction of the first shade (22). 3. The method of claim 1 or 2,
and an actuating mechanism (40) for selectively rotating the inner roller (48). 3. The method of claim 1 or 2,
a first bushing locked to one end of the first shell and the second shell; and
a second bushing locked to opposite ends of the first shell and the second shell;
The first bushing and the second bushing to maintain a constant width of the slot, a cover for a building opening. 3. The method of claim 1 or 2,
The inner roller 48 defines a central longitudinal axis 52 , the inner roller 48 and the outer roller 50 being concentric about the central longitudinal axis 52 of the inner roller 48 . phosphors, coverings for building openings. 8. The method of claim 7,
and a mounting system supporting the inner roller (48) and the outer roller (50) for rotational movement about the central longitudinal axis (52) of the inner roller (48). 3. The method of claim 1 or 2,
The first shade 22 and the second shade 24 have the same width, a covering for a building opening. 10. The method of claim 9,
The width of the first shade 22 extends along the entire length of the outer roller 50,
The width of the second shade (24) extends along the entire length of the inner roller (48). 10. The method of claim 9,
and a bottom rail (20) secured to said second shade (24) and engaged with said outer roller (50) when said second shade (24) is in a fully retracted position. 12. The method of claim 11,
the outer roller (50) defines a longitudinal seat (81) formed along the slot (76);
The bottom rail 20 is accommodated in the seating portion 81 when the second shade 24 is in the retracted position, a cover for a building opening. 13. The method of claim 12,
The seating portion (81) defines a recess (recess) having an opening in the extending direction of the first shade (22), a cover for a building opening. A cover for a building opening, comprising:
the rotatable outer roller (50) extending along the length of the outer roller (50) and defining an elongate slot (76) opening into the interior of the outer roller (50);
a rotatable inner roller (48) received within said outer roller (50) and defining a central longitudinal axis (52);
a first shade (22) coupled to the outer roller (50) and retractable to the outer roller (50) and extendable from the outer roller (50); and
a second shade (24) coupled to the inner roller (48) and extending through the elongate slot (76) and retractable into and extendable from the inner roller (48); do,
and the elongate slot (76) is horizontally aligned with the central longitudinal axis (52) of the inner roller (48) when the first shade (22) is in the fully extended position. 15. The method of claim 14,
and a bottom rail (20) coupled to the second shade (24) and engaging the outer roller (50) when the second shade (24) is in a fully retracted position. 16. The method of claim 15,
the outer roller (50) defines a longitudinal seat (81) formed along the slot (76);
The bottom rail 20 is accommodated in the seating portion 81 when the second shade 24 is in the retracted position, a cover for a building opening. 17. The method according to any one of claims 14 to 16,
and a lock mechanism (255) movable between a first position limiting rotation of the outer roller (50) and a second position permitting rotation of the outer roller (50) dragon cover. 18. The method of claim 17,
wherein the lock mechanism moves from the first position to the second position when the bottom rail (20) engages the lock mechanism. 18. The method of claim 17,
the outer roller (50) defines an elongated groove (245) formed in a sidewall of the outer roller (50);
The lock mechanism (255) includes a bearing (271),
and the bearing (271) in the first position of the lock mechanism (255) is received in the groove (245). 20. The method of claim 19,
and the bearing (271) is movably engaged with the outer surface of the outer roller (50) in the second position. 18. The method of claim 17,
the lock mechanism 255 includes a pin 269;
and the lock mechanism (255) is actuated when the bearing (271) is engaged with the pin (269) by the bottom rail (20) such that it is removed from the groove (245). 18. The method of claim 17,
and the lock mechanism (255) comprises a locking member (273) pivoting between the first position and the second position. 18. The method of claim 17,
A covering, characterized in that said locking mechanism (255) comprises a locking member (273) for axial translation between said first position and said second position. 18. The method of claim 17,
the lock mechanism (255) is positioned external to the outer roller (50) and includes a rotatable shaft (253) oriented parallel to the central longitudinal axis (52) of the inner roller (48) cover for the opening. 25. The method of claim 24,
further comprising an end cap 226b;
the inner roller 48 and the outer roller 50 are rotatably coupled to the end cap 226b;
the lock mechanism (255) comprises a housing cantilevered from the end cap (226b);
and the rotatable shaft (253) is journaled to the housing. 25. The method of claim 24,
and the lock mechanism includes a gear mechanism that couples rotation of the rotatable shaft and the outer roller. A method of operating a cover for a building opening, comprising:
unwrapping the first shade from the periphery of the outer roller;
when the first shade reaches its fully extended position, unwrapping the second shade from the periphery of the inner roller positioned within the outer roller;
wherein unwrapping the second shade includes extending the second shade through an elongate slot formed in the outer roller and positioned horizontally with a central longitudinal axis of the inner roller. How to operate the cover for the opening. 28. The method of claim 27,
pivoting a locking member into locking engagement with the outer roller to lock the rotation of the outer roller;
rotating the inner roller relative to the outer roller to retract the second shade into the inner roller through the elongate slot formed in the outer roller;
pivoting the locking member to release the locking engagement with the outer roller in the fully retracted position of the inner roller to allow the outer roller to rotate; and
Rotating the outer roller by driving the inner roller further comprising the step of retracting the first shade to the outer roller,
axially traversing the locking member out of the periphery of the outer roller while the first shade is extended;
limiting rotation of the outer roller with the locking member when the first shade reaches the fully extended position;
axially traversing a nut positioned within the inner roller while the second shade extends; and
and limiting rotation of the inner roller with the nut when the second shade reaches its fully extended position. delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete

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