KR20160019923A - Multi-roller covering for an architectural opening - Google Patents

Abstract

A cover for the building cover is provided. The lid may include a rotatable outer roller, a rotatable inner roller, a first bezel secured to the outer roller, and a second bezel secured to the inner roller. The outer rollers may define elongated slots extending along the length of the outer rollers and opening into the interior of the outer rollers. The inner roller may be received in the outer roller and may define a central longitudinal axis. The first shade may be retractable by the outer roller and extendable from the outer roller. The second shade may extend through the elongate slot and be retractable by the inner roller and extendable from the inner roller. The elongated slot may be substantially horizontally aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller when the first shade is in its fully extended position.

Description

[0001] MULTI-ROLLER COVERING FOR AN ARCHITECTURAL OPENING [0002]

Cross-reference to related application

This application claims the benefit under 35 USC § 119 (e) of U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 834,080 filed on June 12, 2013 entitled "Covering for an Architectural Opening Having Nested Rollers" Filed on March 14, 2014, entitled " Covering For an Architectural Opening Having Nested Rollers ", filed on even date herewith, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety, U.S. Provisional Application No. 61 / 834,080 U.S. Patent Application No. 14 / 212,387, filed on June 12, 2013, entitled "Covering For An Architectural Opening Having Nested Rollers", claiming benefit under 35 USC § 119 (e) On March 14, entitled "Covering for an Architectural Opening Having Nested Rollers ", the entire contents of which are incorporated herein in their entirety.

Technical field

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention generally relates to a cover for a building opening, and more particularly, to an apparatus and method for operating a cover for a building opening having a nested roller.

Coverings for building openings, for example, windows, doors, archways, etc. have taken many forms for many years. Some covers include a retracted shade that is movable between an extended position and a retracted position. In the extended position, the cover of the lid can be positioned over the opening. In the retracted position, the cover of the lid can be positioned adjacent one or more sides of the opening.

Some covers, when in their fully extended position, transmit light through the material forming the cover. In some instances, even if the lid has an operable vane that is opened or closed to regulate the amount of light passing through the lid, more darkness is required. Additionally or alternatively, in some instances, the user may require a different pattern or appearance on the lid when in a fully extended position. In general, this object is achieved by having separate rollers located behind the primary rollers and operating separately by the user. Separate rollers for auxiliary functions or appearance increase the size of the head rails and require the use of a second set of control cords and actuating mechanisms to increase the size and weight of the cover structure.

An example of the present invention may include a covering for a building opening having a nested roller. In some examples, the cover includes a rotatable outer roller extending along a length of a rotatable outer roller and defining an elongated slot opening into the interior of the outer roller, A rotatable inner roller defining a directional axis; a first shroud secured to the outer roller and retractable by the outer roller and extendable from the outer roller; and a second shroud secured to the inner roller and extending through the elongate slot, And a second cover that is retractable by the inner rollers and extendable from the inner rollers. The elongated slot may be substantially horizontally aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller when the first shade is in its 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 visors have the same width. In some examples, the width of the first visor extends along the entire length of the outer roller, and the width of the second visor extends along the entire length of the inner roller. In some examples, the slots are oriented vertically in the direction of extension of the first shield.

In some examples, the lid includes a bottom rail secured to the second shade and engaged with the outer roller when the second shade is in its 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 lid includes a mounting system for supporting the inner roller and the outer roller for rotational movement about a central longitudinal axis of the inner roller. In some examples, the cover includes an actuating mechanism for selectively rotating the inner roller.

In some examples, the outer roller includes a first shell and a second shell each having longitudinally-extending terminal edges, wherein the edges of the first shell and the second shell are in the vicinity And define the elongated slot. In some examples, the cover includes a first bushing that is locked at one end of the first shell and a second shell, and a second bushing that is locked at an opposite end of the first shell and the second shell Include; The first bushing and the second bushing maintain a constant width of the slot.

In some examples, the cover includes a lock mechanism movable between a first position that limits rotation of the outer roller and a second position that allows rotation of the outer roller. In some examples, the locking mechanism moves from the first position to the second position when the bottom rail engages the locking mechanism. In some examples, the outer roller defines an elongated groove formed in a sidewall, the locking mechanism includes a bearing, and in a first position of the locking mechanism, Lt; / RTI > In some examples, the locking mechanism includes a pin, and the locking mechanism is actuated 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 the outer surface of the outer roller in the second position.

In some examples, the locking mechanism includes a locking member that pivots between the first position and the second position. In some examples, the locking mechanism includes a locking member that translates axially between the first and second positions. In some examples, the locking mechanism includes a rotatable shaft positioned outside of the outer roller and oriented substantially parallel to a central longitudinal axis of the inner roller. In some examples, the lid includes an end cap, the inner roller and the outer roller are rotatably coupled to the end cap, and the locking mechanism includes a cantilevered housing from the end cap, A possible shaft is journaled to the housing. In some examples, the locking mechanism includes a gear mechanism that engages rotation of the rotatable shaft with the outer roller.

In some examples, the cover includes a rotatable outer roller defining a elongated slot, a first bezel secured to the outer roller and wrapable around the outer roller, a second bezel positioned outside the outer bezel, A second interposer secured to the inner roller and wrapable around the inner roller, the second interposer comprising: a first interlocking member, May include the second canopy, which is extendable and retractable through the elongate slot, and a non-rotatable shaft that extends into the inner roller and at least partially defines a bottom stop relative to the second canopy.

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

An example of the present invention can include a method of operating a cover for a building opening. In some embodiments, the method further comprises unwrapping the first shroud from the periphery of the outer roller, and, when the first shroud reaches a fully extended position, Wrapping the second shroud may include unwrapping the second shroud by providing a second shade that is formed on the outer roller and is positioned substantially aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller And extending the second shade through the elongate slot.

In some examples, the method further comprises locking the rotation of the outer roller by pivoting the locking member into locking engagement with the outer roller; Rotating said inner roller relative to said outer roller to cause said second shade to contract with said inner roller through said elongated slot formed in said outer roller; Rotating the locking member to allow the outer roller to rotate such that the locking engagement with the outer roller is released at the fully retracted position of the inner roller; And rotating the outer roller by driving the inner roller to shrink the first cover to the outer roller.

In some examples, the method further includes the steps of axially crossing a locking member outside the perimeter of the outer roller while the first shroud is extended, and when the first shroud reaches the fully extended position, Comprising the steps of: limiting the rotation of the outer roller with a locking member; axially traversing the nut located in the inner roller while the second guard is extended; and when reaching the fully extended position And restricting rotation of the inner roller with the nut.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various aspects and features of the present invention may be advantageously used individually in some instances, or each of the other aspects of the invention Aspects and features of the present invention. 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 or any other example.

This description is presented in various detail levels in this application, but the scope of the claimed subject matter is not limited by including or excluding elements, components, etc. in this summary. In certain instances, matters that are not required to understand the present invention or that make it difficult to understand other details may be omitted. It is to be understood that the claimed subject matter is not limited to the specific example or arrangement 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 general description given above and the detailed description given below, serve to explain the principles of these examples.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1 is a perspective view of a shroud in which the first and second shrouds are in their fully-retracted position, according to some embodiments of the present invention;
Figure 2 is a perspective view of the lid of Figure 1 in which the first visor is in the partially-extended position and the second visor is in the fully-retracted position in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
Figure 3 is a perspective view of the lid of Figure 1 in which the first visor is in the fully-extended position and the second visor is in the fully-retracted position, according to some embodiments of the present invention;
Figure 4 is a perspective view of the lid of Figure 1 in which the first visor is in the fully-extended position and the second visor is in the partially-extended position in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
Figure 5 is a perspective view of the lid of Figure 1 in which the first and second visors are in their fully extended position in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
Figure 6 is a partially exploded perspective view of a headrail component of a lid according to some examples of the present invention. Wherein the head rail cover, first and second shields are not shown for clarity;
Figure 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of a lid cut along line 7-7 of Figure 1 with the head rail component of Figure 6 in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
Figure 8 is a cross-sectional view of a lid cut along line 8-8 of Figure 2 with the headrail component of Figure 6 in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
Figure 9 is a cross-sectional view of a lid cut along line 9-9 of Figure 3 with the head rail component of Figure 6 in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
Figure 10 is a cross-sectional view of a lid cut along line 10-10 of Figure 4 with the headrail component of Figure 6 in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
Figure 11 is a cross-sectional view of a lid cut along line 11-11 of Figure 5 with the headrail component of Figure 6 in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
Figure 12 is a perspective view of a headrail component of a lid according to some examples of the present invention. Here, the headrail cover is not shown for clarity;
Figure 13 is a partially exploded perspective view of the headrail component of Figure 12 in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
Figure 14 is a cross-sectional view of the headrail component of Figure 12 cut along lines 14-14 of Figure 12 in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
Figure 15 is a partial side view of the head rail component of Figure 12 showing three intermeshed gears rotatably supported in the end cap of the cover in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
Figure 16 is a perspective view of the locking mechanism of the head rail component of Figure 12 according to some examples of the present invention;
Figure 17 is a side view of the locking mechanism of Figure 16 according to some examples of the present invention;
Figure 18 is another perspective view of the locking mechanism of Figure 16 according to some examples of the present invention;
Figure 19 is a side view of a dual roller unit attached to the locking mechanism of Figure 16 according to some examples of the present invention;
Figure 20 is a detail view of the locking interface between the first shell and the second shell of the outer roller of the dual roller unit of Figure 19 according to some examples of the present invention;
Figure 21 is a front view of the housing of the locking mechanism of Figure 16 in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
Figure 22 is a side view of the housing of Figure 21 in accordance with some examples of the present invention.
Figure 23 shows a shaft of the locking mechanism of Figure 16 according to some examples of the present invention;
Figure 24 is a perspective view of the nut of the locking mechanism of Figure 16 according to some examples of the present invention;
Figure 25 is another perspective view of the nut of Figure 24 in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
Figure 26 is a front view of the nut of Figure 24 mounted on the shaft in a threaded manner with the shaft of Figure 23 being rotatably supported in the housing of Figure 21 in accordance with some examples of the present invention wherein the housing and the nut are shown in longitudinal cross- Lt; / RTI >
Figure 27 is a cross-sectional view of the housing, nut and shaft of Figure 26 cut along lines 27-27 of Figure 26 in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
Figure 28 is a partially exploded perspective view of the head rail component of the lid according to some examples of the present invention. Wherein the head rail cover and the second shield are not shown for clarity;
Figure 29 is another exploded perspective view of the headrail component of Figure 28 in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
Figure 30 is a cross-sectional view of a lid cut along line 30-30 of Figure 5 with the headrail component of Figure 28 in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
Figure 31 is a cross-sectional view of a lid cut along lines 31-31 of Figure 3 with the head rail component of Figure 28 in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
32 is a cross-sectional view of the lid of Fig. 31 with the bottom rail resting on the outer roller and the locking mechanism detached from the outer roller, according to some examples of the present invention;
Figure 33 is a cross-sectional view of the lid of Figure 32 with the outer roller rotated counterclockwise relative to the position of the outer roller in Figure 32 in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
Figure 34 is a cross-sectional view of a lid cut along lines 34-34 of Figure 4 with the head rail component of Figure 28 in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
Figure 35 is a cross-sectional view of the lid of Figure 31 with the inner roller and the second shade removed for clarity, in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
Figure 36 is a cross-sectional view of the lid of Figure 32 with the inner roller and the second shade removed for clarity, in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
Figure 37 is a cross-sectional view of the lid of Figure 33 with the inner roller and the second shade removed for clarity, in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
Figure 38 is a perspective view of the locking mechanism of the headrail component of Figure 28 according to some examples of the present invention;
Figure 39 is another perspective view of the locking mechanism of Figure 38 in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
Figure 40 is a perspective view of a bracket of the headrail component of Figure 28 according to some examples of the present invention;
41 is a perspective view of the locking mechanism of FIG. 38 rotatably mounted to the bracket of FIG. 40 according to some examples of the present invention;
Figure 42 is a partial cross-sectional perspective view of the head rail component of Figure 28 and shows the interface of the locking mechanism of Figure 38 with the bottom rail of the cover according to some examples of the present invention;
Figure 43 is a fragmentary perspective view of part of the head rail component of Figure 28 and shows the interface of the locking mechanism of Figure 38 with the bottom rail of the cover according to some examples of the present invention;
Figure 44 is a fragmentary view of one end of the bottom rail of Figures 42 and 43 according to some examples of the present invention;
Figure 45 is a perspective view of an actuator rim of the bottom rail of Figure 44 according to some examples of the present invention;
Figure 46 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of one end of a lid cut along line 7-7 of Figure 1 with the head rail component of Figure 28 in accordance with some examples of the present invention;
Figure 47 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of another end of the lid cut along line 7-7 of Figure 1 with the head rail component of Figure 28 in accordance with some examples of the present invention.

The present invention provides a cover for a building opening. In general, the lid can include a first and a second cover that are all suspended from the same head rail by a pair of nested rollers forming a dual roller unit. The first visor (in this embodiment, the front cover) is retracted or extended from the outer roller by being wrapped around or wrapped around the outer roller when engaging the outer roller and being actuated by the user. The second sun visor (in this embodiment, the rear shield) is engaged with the inner roller located in the outer roller and is wrapped around the inner roller when operated by the user and is contracted by this inner roller by unwrapping from the inner roller, / RTI > The inner rollers may be located within the outer rollers, and collectively the inner and outer rollers may form a roller unit as described further below. The second visor may extend or contract as indicated by the user when the first visor is in the fully extended position. The operating unit that rotates the rollers as directed by the user can be operated, for example, by a motor or a single control code. The operation unit engages with the inner roller to control the rotation of the inner roller so as to control the rotation of the outer tube.

Referring to Figures 1-5, there is provided a shrinkable lid 10 for a building opening. The shrinkable 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 sun visor 22 may extend between the head rail 14 and the first bottom rail 18. The second bezel 24 may extend between the head rail 14 and the second bottom rail 20. The head rail 14 may include two opposed end caps 26a, 26b that may surround the ends of the head rail 14 to provide a finished appearance. The first bottom rail 18 may extend horizontally along the lower edge of the first visor 22 and may extend horizontally to maintain the first visor 22 in a taut condition, ). ≪ / RTI > The second bottom rail 20 may extend horizontally along the lower edge of the second bezel 24 and may serve as a ballast to hold the second bezel 24 in its tensioned condition.

The first visor 22 can be a flexible material (e.g., a vertically suspended front and rear sheets 30 and 34 of a sheer fabric and a plurality of horizontally-extending, vertically- Spaced flexible vanes 38. Each vane 38 may be secured along a horizontal attachment line to a front edge attached to the front seat 30 and a rear edge attached to the rear seat 34 The sheets 30,34 and the vanes 38 may form a plurality of elongate, vertically-aligned, longitudinally-extending cells, collectively referred to as partitioned panels. The vanes 30 and 34 and / or the vanes 38 may be constructed of material of continuous length or may be composed of material strips that are attached or bonded together in an edge-to-edge, overlap, or other suitable relationship . The second bezel 24 may be a single panel and may have an edge-to-edge, overlap, It may be composed of material strips attached or bonded to the.

The first and second visors 22, 24 may be constructed of substantially any type of material. For example, the visor 22, 24 may be composed of natural and / or synthetic materials including fabric, polymer, and / or other suitable materials. The fabric material may include woven, non-woven, knit, or other suitable fabric types. The visor 22, 24 may have any suitable level of light transmittance. For example, the first and second visors 22, 24 may be comprised of a transparent material, a translucent material, and / or an opaque material to provide the desired atmosphere or interior to the associated room. In some examples, the first visor 22 comprises a transparent sheet and / or a translucent sheet 30, 34 and a translucent vane and / or an opaque vane 38. In some examples, the second visor 24 is made of a single material sheet having a light transmittance of 0, often referred to as a black-out shade. The second bezel 24 is a pattern that when the second bezel 24 extends behind the first bezel 22 the second bezel 24 forms a different aesthetic appearance than the first bezel 22 itself Design.

Referring to Figs. 1-6, the lid 10 includes a drive or actuation mechanism 40 configured to raise or retract the first, second, or all of the first 22, second 24, . The actuating mechanism 40 can be mechanically and / or electrically controlled. The actuating mechanism 40 may include a speed control device for controlling or regulating the extension or deceleration speed of the visor 22,

In some instances, the operating mechanism 40 may include a moving element 42 (e.g., a ball chain) that allows a user to extend or retract the first and / or second visor 22, , A code, or a wand). To move the visor 22, 24, the operator can manipulate the actuating element 42. For example, to raise or lower the visor 22, 24 from the extended position, the operator can pull the actuating element 40 in a downward direction. To extend or lower the visor 22, 24 from the retracted position, the operator manipulates the actuating element 42 to release the brakes so that the visor 22, 24 is automatically lowered under the influence of gravity .

Additionally or alternatively, the actuating mechanism 40 may include an electric motor 44 configured to extend or retract the bezel 22, 24 when receiving an extend or retract command. The motor 44 is operatively connected to a receiver that is hard-wired to the switch and / or is operable to communicate with a transmitter, for example, a remote control unit 46, So that the cover 22, 24 can be extended or retracted. The motor 44 may include a gravitational descent state that causes the visor 22, 24 to descend via gravity without motor intervention, thereby reducing power consumption.

Referring to Figure 6, the lid 10 may include a dual roller unit 46 that may be disposed within the head rail 14. [ The double 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 and 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.

Referring to Figures 6 and 7, the inner roller 48 may be generally cylindrical in shape and may be formed from a tube. The second visor 24 may be attached to the inner roller 48 at the top edge by an 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 the top edge of the second beak 24 is connected to the inner roller 48, And an adhesive bead configured to adhere to the substrate.

The outer roller 50 may be generally cylindrical in shape and may surround the inner roller 48. The outer rollers 50 may be formed of two members that mesh with each other. Referring to FIG. 6, the outer roller 50 may include a first shell 54 and a second shell 56 that are nested together. 6 and 8-11, the longitudinally extending edge portions 58, 60 of the first and second shells 54, 56 may overlap and inter-engage with one another, respectively . The first visor 22 may be attached to the outer roller 50 at the top edge by an adhesive, a corresponding retention feature, or other suitable attachment means. In some examples, a pair of channels 62 are formed in the outer circumferential wall of the outer roller 50 and are configured to receive and fix the top edge of the first shroud 22. 8-11, inserts 64 may be positioned at the ends (hem) formed at each top edge and may act to maintain a top edge in each channel 62. [

Referring to FIG. 7, the inner roller and outer rollers 48, 50 may extend substantially the entire distance between the right and left end caps 26a, 26b. The inner roller and outer roller 48, 50 may have the same length or substantially the same length. The first and second visors 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 visors 22, 24 have the same width to match the lengths of the inner rollers and outer rollers 48, 50 so that the edges of the visors 22, It is possible to eliminate the presence of a slight gap between the side surfaces.

6 and 7, the double roller unit 50 can be rotatably supported by the opposite end caps 26a and 26b. The operating mechanism 40 may be anchored to the right end cap 26a and may be operated by the operating element 42 or the remote control unit 46, for example. The motion mechanism 40 is operatively associated with the inner roller 48 to allow this inner roller to rotate. The operating mechanism 40 may include an internal fitting 64 received within the inner roller 48 and capable of tightly engaging the wall of the inner roller 48. The inner fitting portion 64 can be rotationally driven by the operating mechanism 40, for example, the motor 44, so that the inner roller 48 can be rotationally driven. The operating mechanism 40 may include a planetary gear drive, which is often used in window cover 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 limiting screw 66 does not rotate have. A limit nut 68 may be threadably engaged with the limiting screw 66 and rotatably keyed to the wall of the inner roller 48. The key structure allows the limiting nut 68 to move along the length of the inner roller 48. As the inner roller 48 rotates, the limiting nut 68 can move along the threaded limiting screw 66 and engage the limit stop formed on the limiting screw 66 to engage the second cover 24 (See Fig. 5). Additionally or alternatively, a top limit stop may be used for the limiting screw 66, if desired.

6, the right bushing and the left bushing 70a, 70b may be axially aligned with the inner roller 48 and may be disposed adjacent the opposite ends of the inner roller 48. As shown in FIG. The right bushing 70a can be rotatably mounted on the operating mechanism 40 and the left bushing 70b can be rotatably mounted on the limiting 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 54,56. Each of the bushings 70a, 70b may include a pair of axial protrusions 72a, 72b. One of the protrusions 72a can engage with the first shell 54 and the other protrusion 72b can engage with the second shell 56. [ The bushings 70a and 70b and the outer roller 50 rotate about the rotational axis 52 of the inner roller and the outer roller 48 and 50 when the bushings 70a and 70b engage the opposite ends of the outer roller 50 As shown in Fig.

8-11, each of the first and second shells 54, 56 of the outer roller 50 is configured to snugly receive the axial projections 72a, 72b of the bushings 70a, Can be defined. The retaining feature may be formed by a circumferentially spaced shelf 74 that extends inwardly from the outer roller 50 into the inner space defined by the outer roller 50. When the bushings 70a and 70b engage the ends of the outer roller 50, the axial protrusions 72a and 72b are enclosed between the shelf 74 and the outer peripheral wall of the outer roller 50, Relative movement between the shell and the second shells 54, 56 can be prevented.

8-11, the first and second shells 54,56 define a slot 76 extending along the length of the outer roller 50 and in communication with the interior of the outer roller 50 can do. The second bezel 24 can pass through the slot 76 while the second bezel 24 is extended or contracted. When the first end portions 58 and 60 of the first shell and the second shell 54 and 56 are mutually engaged together in a second longitudinal direction of the first shell and the second shell 54 and 56, The edge portions 78 and 80 may be spaced apart from each other to define the slot 76. [ The confronting second edge portions 78 and 80 of the first and second shells 54 and 56 allow the second bezel 24 to pass but not the bottom of the second bezel 24 20 are spaced apart from each other by a sufficient distance to prevent them from passing therethrough. The axial protrusions 72a and 72b of the bushings 70a and 70b can maintain the width of the slot 76 during operation of the lid 10. The slot 76 is sized to allow the outer cover 50 (not shown) to be positioned on top of the most rearward channel of the pair of channels 62 when the first visor 22 is in its vane- ). ≪ / RTI >

With continued reference to Figs. 8-11, the outer roller 50 may define a seating portion 81 recessed on the outer peripheral wall on either side of the slot 76. Fig. The seating portion 81 may be formed with a recess extending along the length of the slot 76. The seating portion 81 includes a generally vertically-oriented base wall 84 formed by the opposing edge portions 78, 80 of the outer roller 50 over the slot 76 can do. The seating portion 81 may be configured to receive the second bottom rail 20 when the second visor 24 is in its fully retracted position (see FIG. 8). The base wall 84 may enable relative vertical-tangential engagement and disengagement between the second bottom rail 20 and the outer roller 50. The slot 76 and the seating portion 81 can be located on the outer periphery of the outer roller 50 on the attachment point 62 of the rear seat 34 of the first cover 22, And the position of the center line 81 may be referred to as a 3 o'clock direction in Figs. The position of the seating portion 81 and the slot 76 in the vicinity of the most rearward position on the outer periphery of the outer roller 50 together with the shape of the seating portion 81 allows the second bottom rail to move vertically upward The second bottom rail 20 can be fixedly received when it is pulled into the seat portion 81 (see Figs. 8 to 10).

The second bottom rail 20 is smoothly and predictably disengaged from the seating portion 81 through the shape of the seating portion 81 and its orientation in the outer roller 50 so that the second bezel 24 is extended You can promote starting. The bottom rail 20 can vertically fall from the seating portion 81 due to the gravity force of the relatively heavy bottom rail 20 due to the shape and orientation of the seating portion 81. [ It may be helpful in this respect that the seat 81 in the outer roller 50 is generally tangentially oriented. 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 such that when the second bezel 24 extends or retracts through the slot 76 The second bezel 24 may be curved or rounded so that the second bezel 24 smoothly advances over the edge portion 80.

The second bottom rail 20 may be a elongate member that has a relatively high mass and extends along its length to define a groove that receives and holds the lower edge of the second bezel 24. The lower edge of the second bezel 24 can be held in the groove of the bottom rail 20 by an insert 82 located at the end formed in the lower edge of the second bezel 24. A portion of the profile of the second bottom rail 20 generally conforms to the shape of the seating portion 81 formed in the outer roller 50 such that when the second bezel 24 is in its retracted position, .

Referring to Figs. 7 to 11, the first visor 22 is connected to the outer roller 50 and can be wrapped around the outer roller. The upper edge of each of the front and rear sheets 30, 34 can be attached to the outer roller 50 in a circumferentially-spaced apart position. The first sun visor 22 can be wrapped around or unwrapped around the rear side of the outer roller 50 and the rear side of the roller 50 is positioned between the front side of the roller 50 and the distance side of the associated building opening (In Fig. 8 to Fig. 11, the rear side of the roller 50 is on the right side). Generally, when the outer roller 50 is rotated in a first direction (counterclockwise in Figures 8-11), the first visor 22 is positioned adjacent one or more sides (e.g., the top side) of the associated building opening And the first cover 22 extends over the opening (for example, the bottom side) when the outer roller 50 rotates in the opposite second direction.

7-11, the second visor 24 is connected to the inner roller 48 and can be wrapped around the inner roller. The upper edge of the second visor 24 may be attached to the inner roller 48 as described above. The rearward side of the roller unit 46 is spaced apart from the front side of the roller unit 46 by the distance of the associated building opening (In Fig. 8 to Fig. 11, the rear side of the roller unit 46 is on the right side). Generally, when the inner roller 48 is rotated in a first direction (counterclockwise in Figures 8-11), the second bezel 24 is positioned adjacent one or more sides (e.g., the top side) of the associated building opening And the second cover 24 extends over the opening (e.g., the bottom side) when the inner roller 48 rotates in the opposite second direction.

The operation of the cover is described below with reference to Figs. 1-5 and Figs. 7-11. As shown in Figs. 1 and 7, the first and second visors 22, 24 are in a fully-retracted position and are concealed in the head rail 14. 7), the second bezel 24 is completely wrapped around the inner roller 48, and the first bezel 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 rest stop.

When the user operates the operating mechanism 40 to rotate the inner roller 48 in the extending direction (clockwise in Figs. 8 to 11) to extend the first visor 22 from the head rail 14, The outer roller 50 is rotated in the extending direction (clockwise in Figs. 8 to 11) due to the weight of the first bottom rail 18 that partially applies the downward force to the first sun visor 22. When the first sun visor 22 extends from the rear of the outer roller 50, the outer roller 50 generally rotates together with the inner roller 48. The double roller unit 46 generally rotates in a direction in which the user controls the inner roller 48 to rotate.

2 and 8, the first visor 22 is configured such that the front seat 30 and the rear seat 30 are relatively close to each other and the vanes 38 are positioned between the front seat 30 and the rear seat 30, Extends from the rear of the outer roller 50 in a closed or folded configuration that extends vertically in close proximity to the coplanar. When the first cover 22 is substantially unripped from the outer roller 50, when the outer roller 50 continues to rotate in the direction of extension, the front and rear sheets 30, 34 are generally perpendicular And the vane 38 moves from the closed position (Figures 2 and 8) to the open position (Figures 3 and 9). The rear portion of the first bottom rail 18 may be heavier than the front portion of the bottom rail 18 to facilitate the full opening of the vane 38. [

Referring to Figures 3 and 9, the lid 10 is shown in a fully extended position with the first visor 24 in an open or expanded 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 seat 30 and the rear seat 30, 34 may be arranged at the same height. In Fig. 9, for example, the positions of the attachment points 62 may be referred to as being in the 4 o'clock direction and the 8 o'clock direction, and are disposed at substantially the same level with each other. When the outer roller 50 is rotated in either direction from that shown in FIG. 9, the front seat and rear seat 30, 34 are moved toward each other and the vanes 38 are reoriented to be more vertically aligned.

When the first sun visor 22 is completely unwrapped from the outer roller 50, the slot 76 of the outer roller 50 is rotatably oriented within the head rail 14 so that the inner roller 48 extends in the extending direction The bottom rail 20 of the second bezel 24 can vertically fall from the seating portion 81 when it further rotates. 10 and 11) is generally tangentially oriented and generally vertically positioned, the inner roller 48 continues to rotate in the direction of extension (see Figs. 10 and 11) The bottom rail 20 is disengaged from the outer roller 50 by the weight of the second bottom rail 20 when the tension of the second visor 24 is reduced. The motion mechanism 40 includes a braking system operatively connected to the inner roller 48 to limit unwanted downward movement of the second visor 24 and the first visor 22.

To extend the second visor 24, the operating mechanism 40 is further actuated by the user so that the inner roller 48 rotates in the direction of extension. 4 and 10), the outer roller 50 and the first visor 22 are positioned so that the weight of the first visor 22 and the weight of the first bottom rail 18 Can be kept stationary by maintaining the rotational position of the outer roller 50 without a positive lock. In some examples, as described below, a reliable lock can be used to prevent the outer roller 50 from rotating when the first visor 22 is fully extended. As shown in Figures 10 and 11, while the second blind 24 extends, the slot 76 defined in the outer roller 50 can be directed rearward and the inner roller and the outer rollers 48, (See Fig. 6). In other words, the second visor 24 can be deployed on the rear side of the inner roller and the outer roller 48, 50.

The inner roller 48 rotates relative to the outer roller 50 where the fitting portion 64 and the limiting nut 68 support each end of the inner roller 48 do. When the inner roller 48 rotates in the extending direction, the second cover 48 is unwound from the inner roller 48 as it extends through the slot 76 formed in the outer roller 50. When the inner roller 48 rotates in the extending direction, the limiting nut 68 moves along the limiting screw 66 toward the bottom limit stop.

5 and 11, the lid 10 is shown in a fully extended position with the first and second visors 22, 24 and the vane 38 in an open or expanded configuration. In this position, the front and rear seats 30, 34 are horizontally spaced and the vanes 38 extend substantially horizontally therebetween. The second bezel 24 can be a light shield, thus preventing light from passing through the second bezel 24 and the first bezel 22. 5 and 11), the second bezel 24 may be offset from the first bezel 22 rearward, but may be offset from the first bezel 22 by the length of the first bezel 22, The width can be extended coextensively. The second visor 24 can be pulled into the head rail 14 and wrapped around the inner roller 48 of the dual roller unit 46 to control the amount of light passing through the first visor 22 .

A limiting nut 68 engaging with a lower limit stop formed on the limiting screw 66 is engaged with the limiting screw 68 when the second visor 24 is in the fully extended position 66) (see FIG. 6) to prevent further rotation of the inner roller 48. The limiting screw 66 may also include an upper limit stop that defines an upper limit of the lid 10. The bottom rail 18 of the first sun visor 22 can engage a portion of the head rail 14 when the first sun visor 22 is fully retracted to serve as the upper stop of the lid 10 .

At any point during the extending process, the user moves the first and second visors 22, 24 to a desired position by either stopping the operating mechanism 40 or reversing the direction of the operating mechanism 40. In an example involving a motor-driven lid 10, a pre-programmed command may be used to control the motor 44 to control the position of the first and second canisters 22,24. The command instructs the motor 44 to cause the first and second visors 22 and 24 to move to a predetermined visor position, e.g., the first and second visors 22 and 24, , The first visor 22 can be fully extended and moved to the second position where the second visor 24 is fully retracted and to the third position where the first visor 22 and the second visor 24 are fully extended . The command can be transmitted to the motor 44 by the remote control unit 46. [

Shrinkage of the first and second visors 22, 24 can be performed in reverse order to the above-described extension sequence, for example, generally as shown in Figs. 11 to 8. In Figures 5 and 11, the first and second visors 22, 24 are disposed in a fully extended position. 6) can engage a lower limit stop that can be formed in the limiting screw 66 when the first and second visors 22, 24 are in the fully extended position . When the actuating mechanism 40 is operated from this position, for example, by the actuating element 42 and / or the motor 44, the limiting nut 68 moves axially away from the lower limit stop, Starts to shrink. The shrinkage process. Generally, by operating the operating mechanism 40, first the inner roller 48 is rotated in the shrinking direction (counterclockwise in FIG. 11) to shrink the second visor 24, and the second visor 24 is completely shrunk , The outer roller 50 is rotated in the shrinking direction (counterclockwise in Fig. 11) to shrink the first cover 22 to the outer roller 50. [ This sequence is further described below.

In order to retract the second visor 24 from the fully extended position of Figures 5 and 11, the user actuates the operating mechanism 40 to rotate the inner roller 48 in the retracting direction (counterclockwise in Figures 8-11) The second visor 24 wraps around the inner roller 48 and the second bottom rail 20 rises up along the rear face of the rear seat 34 of the first visor 22 . The inner roller 48 rotates relative to the outer roller 50 where the fitting portion 64 and the limiting nut 68 support each end of the inner roller 48 do. As the inner roller 48 rotates in the retracting direction, the second visor 24 is wound into the inner roller 48 when pulled through the slot 76 formed in the outer roller 50. When the inner roller 48 rotates in the shrinking direction, the limiting nut 68 moves along the limiting screw 66 toward the opposite end of the limiting screw 66. The first visor 22 is configured such that the weight of the portion of the first cover 22 hanging on the outer roller 50 and the weight of the first bottom rail 18 are equal to the weight of the outer roller 50 in order to prevent the outer roller 50 from rotating. This allows the user to move the second visor 24 between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position without affecting the position and orientation of the first visor 22.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10 in reverse order, when the second visor 24 is further drawn into the outer roller 50, the second bottom rail 20 is fixed to the seating portion 81. The driving force of the operating mechanism 40 can be transmitted to the outer roller 50 through the second visor 24 when the bottom rail 20 engages with the seating portion 81 of the outer roller 50. [ That is, when the operating mechanism 40 applies a rotational force to the inner roller 48, this force is transmitted to the outer roller 20 through the engagement of the bottom rail 20 with the seat portion 81 under the tensile force of the second visor 24, (50). 8 and 9, when the second cover 24 is completely wrapped with the inner roller 48 and the second bottom rail 20 is received in the seating portion 81 of the outer roller 50, The roller 50 can be driven in the retraction direction (counterclockwise in Figs. 8 and 9) by the operating mechanism 40 through the rotation of the inner roller 48 in the same retraction direction. 8 and 9), when the bottom rail 20 is received in the seat portion 81 and the retraction force is applied to the inner roller 48 by the operating mechanism 40, (50) generally rotates with the inner roller (48).

Referring to Fig. 8, when the outer roller 50 continues to rotate in the shrinking direction, the first shroud 22 is wrapped around the outer roller 50. Fig. The first visor 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 visor 22. [

The first bottom rail 18 is engaged with a portion of the head rail 14, for example, a abutment, and the top limit stop (not shown) for the double roller unit 46 Function. It is understood that other mechanisms may be used to limit the tower shrinkage position, including the bottom limiting stop and the top limiting stop located on the opposite limiting screw 66. For example, a top rest stop may be formed in the limiting screw 66 and positioned along the screw 66 such that the nut 68 may engage the top rest stop when the first shroud 22 is fully retracted have.

The shrinkage of the second visor 24 and the first visor 22 from the fully extended position means that the user operates the single operating element 42 or the motor 44 to cause the two visors 22, All shrink. The limiting screw 66 includes a length sufficient to allow the limiting nut 68 to move along the screw 66 until it reaches the position of the top contracted position from the bottom limiting stop. It is understood that the first visor 22 can be wrapped around or unwrapped around the front side of the outer roller 42. It may also be possible to implement a double roller sheathing technique that is applied to a forward facing downwardly extending visor structure by applying the necessary modifications to the structure described herein.

The lid may include a locking mechanism that limits the rotation of the outer roller 50 when the first shroud 22 is in its fully extended position so that the first shroud 22 is held in its fully extended position And is not substantially affected by the rotation of the inner roller 48 while the second visor 24 is extended. The lock mechanism is movable (e.g., pivotable, translationally movable, or other suitable) between a first position that limits rotation of the outer roller 50 and a second position that allows rotation of the outer roller 50 Movement is possible). In one example, the locking mechanism includes a locking member (not shown) disposed outside of the outer roller 50, which engages with a stop that translates longitudinally along the outer periphery of the outer roller 50 to limit rotation of the outer roller 50 Member. In another example, the locking mechanism includes a locking member located outside of the outer roller 50, which pivots in engagement with the outer roller 50 to limit the rotation of the outer roller 50.

Referring to Figs. 12-27, there is provided a cover for a building opening that uses a locking mechanism to securely lock the rotation of the outer roller when the first sun visor 22 is fully extended. Except for the locking mechanism and the retaining clip, the lid shown in Figs. 12-27 generally has the same features and operation as the lid shown in Figs. 1-11. Accordingly, it is understood that the 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 denote similar parts and components generally corresponding to the reference numerals used in Figs. 1 to 11, except that they are incremented by 100.

Referring to Fig. 12, the lid 110 is similar to the pivotally movable locking mechanism described below with respect to Figs. 28-47, when the first visor 22 is in its fully extended position, And an axially movable locking mechanism 186 that limits the rotation of the roller 50. The axially moveable locking mechanism 186 includes a housing 187, a rotatable shaft 188 journaled to the housing 187, and a shaft 188 threadably engaged therewith and axially advanced along the shaft 188 Possibly including a nut 189. Although the axially movable locking mechanism 186 is shown with respect to the left end cap 126b, the locking mechanism 186 can 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 extends along the outer periphery of the outer roller 150 in a direction away from the left end cap 126b, (126a). One end 187a of the housing 187 may be removably connected to the left end cap 126b by a fastener 190 and the opposite free end 187b of the housing 187 may be coupled to the outer roller 150 As shown in Fig. The housing 187 is laterally separated from the periphery of the outer roller 150 by a sufficient distance such that the first visor (not shown) does not interfere with wrapping around or unwrapping the outer roller 150 . The housing 187 can be laterally separated from the periphery of the outer roller 150 by a uniform distance.

16, 18, 21 and 26, the opposite end portions 187a, 187b of the housing 187 include an axially extending collar 191 and a collar 191 extending from the collar 191 As shown in FIG. The collar 191 includes an inner wall 194 defining a shaft aperture 194 that receives a journal portion 195 of a rotatable shaft 188 that rotatably supports an inner wall 193, (See Figures 22 and 26). The inner wall 193 of the collar 191 is configured such that the shaft 188 is inserted or removed axially into the housing 187 while the rotatable shaft 188 (Not shown) to pass through the keyhole 196. Each of the pedestal flanges 192 may define a fastener aperture configured to receive a fastener 190 that connects the housing 187 to each end cap 126a, 126b (Figs. 12, 14, 16, 18 and Fig. 22). The end portions 187a and 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 and 126b.

12, 16, 18, 21, and 26, the housing 187 may include an intermediate portion 187c interconnecting the end portions 187a, 187b. The intermediate portion 187c may extend longitudinally along the outer periphery of the outer roller 150 in a laterally spaced apart relationship. The middle portion 187c of the housing 187 may include a base 198 and a guide rail 199 that respectively span the distance between the opposite end portions 187a and 187b of the housing 187. The base 198 of the housing 187 includes a stop receiving aperture 200 (not shown) proximate the end portions 187a, 187b, through which the shaft 188 stops 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 includes end portions 187a and 187b that stiffen the housing 187 to reduce the lateral displacement or bowing of the intermediate portion 187c of the housing 187. [ And a stiffening rib 201 extending in the longitudinal direction between the stiffening ribs 201. 27, the reinforcing ribs 201 may include at least one laterally extending buttress 202 that further increases the rigidity of the longitudinally-extending ribs 201 have.

Referring to Figures 12, 16-19, 23 and 26, the shaft 188 of the axially moveable locking mechanism 186 is offset from the rotational axis 152 of the inner roller 148, May be parallel to or substantially parallel to the axis of rotation. The shaft 188 is located outside the outer roller 150 and may extend in the longitudinal direction along the outer periphery of the outer roller 150 in a spaced apart condition. 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 includes a recess 194 that reduces the contact area (and thus friction) between the bearing surface 193 of the collar 191 and the journal portion 195 of the shaft 188 And 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 collar 191 of the housing 187. The stop 197 may be formed in the shaft 188 proximate the terminal end of the threaded portion 203 of the shaft 188. The stop 197 extends radially outwardly from the shaft 188 and allows the stop 197 to rotate rotatably into the aperture 200 while the shaft 188 rotates relative to the housing 187 May be axially aligned with the aperture 200 formed in the base 198 of the housing 187 (see FIG. 21) to come out of the aperture. The gear 204 may be non-rotatably attached to one end of the shaft 188 and may include a central cavity that laterally positions the gear (and thus the shaft 188) relative to the end cap 126b. .

Referring to Figures 12, 16, 18 and 24-27, the nut 189 of the axially moveable locking mechanism 186 is at least partially positioned within the housing 187, And axially along shaft 188 in intermediate portion 187c. The nut 189 is keyed to the housing 187 so that the nut 189 does not rotate about the shaft 188 but translates along the shaft as the shaft 188 rotates. The nut 189 includes a body 205 that extends only partially around the shaft 188 and may be referred to as a half-nut 189. In an alternative design, the nut 189 may extend around the entire periphery of the shaft 188.

24 and 25, the nut 189 includes internal threads 206 projecting inwardly from the body 205 and threadedly engaged with external threads of the threaded portion 203 of the shaft 188 do. The nut 189 extends in two longitudinally extending directions protruding radially outward from the body of the nut 189 in order to retain the engagement of the threads and limit the rotation of the nut 189 about the shaft 188 And may include a wing 207. The wing portion 207 is slidably in contact with the confronting face of the base 198 of the housing 187 (see Figure 27) and between the nut 189 and the housing 187, Extending fins 208 that guide the nut 189 in an axial direction along a middle portion 187c of the housing 187 while reducing friction and thus friction.

One of the wing portions 207 may define a longitudinally-extending slot 208 that at least partially receives the guide rail 199. 27, the portion of the wing portion 207 defining the slot 208 may be slidably in contact with the different side of the guide rail 199. As shown in Fig. The wing portion 207 of the nut 189 substantially prevents the nut 189 from rotating about the shaft 188 such that the shaft 188 rotates about the shaft 188 while the shaft 188 rotates relative to the housing 187. Thus, Thereby facilitating translational movement of the nut 189. In order to laterally reinforce the wing portion 207, the nut 189 includes a transversely-extending rib 209 located outside of the internal thread 206 and extending between the wing portions 207 . The nut 189 and the housing 187 are configured to allow the nut 189 to move axially along the shaft 188 as the shaft 188 rotates relative to the housing 187. In an alternative design, Structure.

As described, when the shaft 188 rotates relative to the housing 187, generally the nut 189 moves axially or translationally along the shaft 188. To limit the axial extent of the nut 189, the shaft 188 may include a stop 197 that extends outwardly from the periphery of the shaft 188. The stop 197 generally restricts the translation of the nut 189 relative to the shaft 188 to prevent further rotation of the shaft 188 relative to the housing 187, do. When nut 189 reaches a desired rest position corresponding to a full extension of first bezel 22 to ensure a secure engagement between nut 189 and each stop 197, And a longitudinally-extending pedestal wall 211 that interacts with a stop portion of the pedestal 188. 24, the pedestal wall 211 may be formed at the terminal end of the internal thread 206 of the nut 189. As shown in Fig.

Additionally or alternatively, the body 205 of the nut 189 (which may be similar to the axially-extending sleeve) comprises a housing (not shown) for stopping translational movement of the nut 189 along the shaft 188 187, respectively. The body 205 of the nut 189 extends radially from the outer periphery of the shaft 188 by a sufficient distance to allow the shaft stop 197 to pass through the annular space defined between the shaft 188 and the body 205 . ≪ / RTI > Shaft 188 and nut 189 provide a robust design that can accommodate the left and right hand assemblies to provide interoperability of right or left end caps 126a and 126b and lock mechanism 186 And may include stop portions 197 and a pedestal wall 211, respectively.

15-17, the axially moveable locking mechanism 186 can include a gear mechanism or train 213 positioned outside of the inner and outer rollers 148, 150 . The gear mechanism or train 213 includes a first gear 215 that is non-rotatably coupled to the outer roller 150, a second gear 204 that is non-rotatably coupled to the shaft 188, And an idler gear 217 interlocked with the first and second gears 215 and 204, respectively. The idler gear 217 may be rotatably supported on a mounting plate 219 that includes a locator pin 221 that projects axially from the mounting plate 219 (see FIG. 17) toward the 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 3-to-1 gear ratio between the first and second gears 215,204. That is, each time the outer roller 150 makes one revolution, the shaft 188 performs three rotations. In one example, the external threads of the shaft 188 have 16 threads per inch (or 1/16 pitch of 1 inch). Generally, the length of the threaded portion 203 of the shaft 188 may be oversized relative to the operating range of the nut 189 such that the shaft 188 can accommodate many different shield lengths. Thus, in some instances, the nut 189 interacts with only one of the stops 197 in the rotatable shaft 188 during operation, while the other stop prevents the lock mechanism 186 from moving to the right or left May be used with any of the end caps 126a, 126b.

Referring to Fig. 15, a gear mechanism 213 is shown associated with the 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, wherein all three gears 215, 204, Are placed in the same plane adjacent to the cap. The idler gear 217 is positioned above the first gear 215 and the second gear 204 is positioned above the idler gear 217. The first gear 215 and the idler gear 217 can be received in the rim 223 projecting axially from the end cap 126b.

Referring to Fig. 13, there is provided a partial exploded view of a head rail component (except for the right side component which is generally the same as shown and described with reference to Figs. 6-11). The component includes a left end cap 126b, a non-rotatable limiting screw 166 attached to the left end cap 126b, a left bushing (not shown) mounted to and bearing against the bearing surface of the limiting screw 166 170b and an inner roller 148 that receives a portion of the limiting screw 166 (including the limiting nut 168) on its inner side and is mounted on the bosses 167 of the left and right bushings 170a, An outer roller 150 for receiving the inner roller 148 therein, and an axially movable locking mechanism 186 attached to the left end cap 126b.

13, 14, 19, and 20, outer roller 150 may include a split shell design. In particular, the outer roller 150 may include a first shell and a second shell 154, 156. The first and second shells 154 and 156 of the outer roller 150 each have a left bushing and a second bushing 154 to secure the first and second shells 154 and 156 together and maintain a desired spatial relationship with respect to each other. It is possible to enclose the axial protrusions 172a, 172b of the right bushings 170a, 170b (see Figs. 14, 18 and 19). The axial protrusions 172a and 172b couple the outer roller 150 to the bushings 170a and 170b so that the outer roller 150 and the bushings 170a and 170b are rotated about the rotational axis 152 of the outer roller 150 So that they can rotate together. The first gear 215 is not rotatably fixed to the opposite surface of the left bushing 170b with respect to the axial protrusions 172a and 172b so that the first gear 215 rotates together with the outer roller 150 Can be guaranteed. The shells 154 and 156 may be clamped together by at least one retaining clip 225 to further secure the first and second shells 154 and 156 together Figure 13 shows two retaining clips, but more or fewer clips can be used as desired to secure these shells together). 20, the retaining clip 225 may be resiliently snap-coupled about the interlocking section 227 of the first shell and the second shell 154, 156.

20, the end portions 158, 160 of the first and second shells 154, 156 overlap each other and extend longitudinally by lip portions 233, 235 extending at least partially To corresponding longitudinally extending receiving channels 229, 231, which are defined in the longitudinal direction. The lip portion 233 of the first shell 158 may be positioned within the longitudinally extending terminal edge 237 of the second shell 160 while the lip portion 235 of the second shell 160 may be positioned within the second portion of the second shell 160, May be located outside the terminal edge 239 which extends in the longitudinal direction of the first shell 158 (this arrangement may be flipped). The retaining clip 225 is resiliently snap-engaged around outer detents 241 and 243 formed in the mutually engaged areas of the first and second shells 154 and 156, respectively, The second shells 154 and 156 can be clamped together.

14 and 19, the divided shell design of the outer roller 150 includes a longitudinally-extending slot (not shown) through which the second bezel 24 passes while the second bezel 24 is extended or retracted (176). When the edge portions 158 and 160 of the first shell and the second shell 154 and 156 are mutually interlocked with each other in the opposite or second longitudinal direction of the first shell and the second shell 154 and 156 The terminal edge portions 178, 180 being spaced apart from one another in the periphery and defining a slot 176 extending in the lengthwise direction. The opposing second terminal edge portions 158 and 160 of the first and second shells 154 and 156 pass the second visor 24 but pass the bottom rail 20 of the second visor 24, A sufficient distance from each other. The function of the outer roller 150 is generally the same as that described with respect to Figures 6-11 so that it will not be repeated herein for the sake of simplicity.

During operation of the lid, when the outer roller 150 extends the first visor 22 across the building opening, the first gear 215 drives the idler gear 217, 204 and this second gear traverses the nut 189 axially 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 is moved in the direction of extension of the first beak 22 by the shaft 188 Thereby preventing the outer roller 150 from further rotating in the extending direction. When the outer roller 150 is further restricted from rotating further in the extending direction and the first visor 22 is unwrapped from the periphery of the outer roller 150, the second visor 24 is unwrapped from the inner roller 148 , Through the slot 176 of the outer roller 150, and may extend across the building opening. The inner limiting nut 168 rotates with the inner roller 148 and moves along the limiting screw 166 to a non-rotatable limiting screw (not shown) 166 in the axial direction. The inner limiting nut 166 generally contacts the bottom end stop defining the bottom stop of the double roller unit 146 when the second bezel 24 extends completely through the building opening.

The inner roller 148 has a slot defined between the edge portions 178,180 extending in the opposite longitudinal direction of the shell 154,156 of the outer roller 150 while the cover is retracted from the fully extended position, The second cover 24 is pulled through the second cover 176 and the second cover 24 is moved around the periphery of the inner roller 148 until the bottom rail 20 of the second cover 24 is seated on the outer periphery of the outer roller 150 2 Wrap the cover (24). The weight of the bottom rail 18 of the first bead 22 maintains the bushings 170a and 170b stationary while the second beak 24 is retracted so that the inner roller 148 is in contact with the bushings 170a and 170b And the outer roller 150, as shown in FIG.

The bottom rail 20 of the second sun visor 24 transmits a rotation torque from the inner roller 148 to the outer roller 150 to rotate the outer roller 150 in the shrinking direction to rotate the first sun visor 22 ) Around the periphery of the outer roller (150). The inner rollers and outer rollers 148 and 150 are rotated until the bottom rail 18 of the first visor 22 is in contact with a top rest stop that may be associated with one or both of the end caps 126 And at this point the shroud contracts to its fully retracted position. The inner limiting nut 168 is urged by the non-rotatable limiting screw 166 in the inner roller 148 in a direction away from the bottom stop of the second visor 24 while the inner roller 148 is rotating in the retracting direction, Lt; / RTI > While the outer roller 150 is rotating in the retracting direction, the outer nut 189 traverses the shaft 188, which is rotatable in a direction away from the bottom stop of the first sun visor 22.

28 to 47, there is provided a cover for a building opening including a pivotable locking mechanism. Except for a pivotable locking mechanism and an outer roller of multiple-piece construction, the lid shown in Figures 28-47 generally has the same features and operation as the lid shown in Figures 6-27. Accordingly, it is understood that the description of the features and operation of the cover shown in Figs. 6-27 is generally applicable to the cover shown in Figs. 28-47, except as noted in the following description. Reference numerals used in Figs. 28 to 47 denote similar parts and components generally corresponding to the reference numerals used in Figs. 12 to 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 bezel 24 thereto. As described above, the inner roller 248 is located in the outer roller 250 to define a double roller unit, in which the two rollers 248 and 250 are in the same space around the same rotation axis 252 . The upper edge of the second visor 24 is attached to the inner roller 248 and the lower edge of the second visor 24 is received in a slot formed in the second bottom rail 220, And is retained in the slot by an insert 282 located at the end formed in the bottom edge. Another attachment structure may be used to attach the bottom rail 220 to the second visor 24.

28 to 34, the second bottom rail 220 has a relatively high mass and continues along its length to receive the bottom edge of the second shade 24, as described above Is a elongated member that defines a slot to be retained. The second bottom rail 220 generally has a triangular cross section and a portion of the second bottom rail 220 generally coincides with the shape of the seating portion 281 formed in the outer roller 250 so that the second bezel 24 is in a retracted position When you are there, you can adapt. The actuating body 247 is defined at one end of the second rail 220 and engages the locking mechanism 286 to disengage the locking mechanism 286 from the outer roller 250 as described in more detail below .

The outer roller 250 is generally cylindrical in this example and defines several features on its outer peripheral wall. The outer roller 250 defines a longitudinal central axis 252 through which the outer roller rotates and the inner roller 248 is also located in the same space around the central axis. A pair of channels 262 are formed to receive and fix the top edge of the first beak 22 and each of the inserts 264 is positioned at an end formed in each top edge and an insert 264 is positioned in each channel 262 ) To maintain the top edge. An anchor groove 245 is formed along the length of the outer roller 250 and receives the roller lock bearing as described below. The slot 276 is formed along the length of the outer roller 250 and communicates with the interior of the outer roller 250, which may be formed from a tube. The recessed seating portion 281 is formed on one side of the slot 276. When the second bezel 24 is extended and retracted through the slot 276 and is in its fully retracted position, the second bottom rail 220 is seated for at least one of many purposes, And is nested inside. The slot 276 is sized to allow the outer roller 250 to be positioned above and adjacent to the most rearward channel of the two channels 262 when the first visor 22 is in its extended position and vane- .

28, 29, 46 and 47, the double roller unit is rotatably supported between the right end cap 226a and the left end cap 226b, and the operating mechanism 240 is connected to the inner roller tube 248 such that the inner roller tube is rotatable. 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 operating mechanism 240, in one example, may include a planetary gear drive, which is often used in window cover applications. The operating mechanism 240 may include an inner fitting portion 264 that is rotated by the operating mechanism 240. The fitting portion 264 is formed in a size accommodated in the inner roller 248 and tightly engaged 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 is in an axial direction that rotatably receives an axial bearing surface formed in the housing of the operating mechanism 240 And a central aperture having an extended collar. The bearing surface supports the right end roller cap 270a so that the right end roller cap rotates as 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 it is rotationally driven by the operating mechanism 240.

The right side edges 248a and 250a of the inner roller and the outer rollers 248 and 250 may be aligned with each other and the right side edge 24a of the second bezel 24 may be aligned with the roller 248, and 250, respectively. The left side edges 248b and 250b of the inner roller and the outer rollers 248 and 250 may be aligned with each other and the left side edge 24b of the second bezel 24 may be aligned with the roller 248, and 250, respectively. The first visor 22 can be wrapped around the outer roller 250 and the edge of the first visor 22 can be aligned with the edges of the rollers 248 and 250 and the edge of the second visor 24 . Once the edges of the shrouds 22, 24 and the ends of the rollers 248, 250 are aligned, some gap between the edge of the shroud and the corresponding side of the building opening can be reduced or eliminated.

The outer roller 250 is rotated about the inner roller 248 when the second bead 24 is fully retracted into the inner roller 248 and the second end rail 220 is received in the seating portion 281 of the outer tube 250. [ As shown in Fig. In this state, when the inner roller 248 rotates, the second bezel 24 stretches the second end rail 220 to cause the second end rail 220 to be in contact with the second end rail 220 at the interface between the second end rail 220 and the seating portion 281 A force is applied to the outer roller 250. So that 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 visor 24 is fully retracted around the inner roller 248. [ As discussed above, the operating mechanism 240 may be actuated by the actuating element 242 to extend or retract the first and second visors 22, 24 as desired by the user. Many types of mechanisms for rotating the inner roller tube 248 during operation of the actuating element 242 are acceptable.

28 and 29, the limiting screw 266 is located within the inner roller 248 and is operatively secured to the left end cap 226b by a screw. The limiting screw 266 does not rotate. The limiting nut 268 is threadably engaged with the limiting screw 266 and is rotatably keyed inside the inner roller 248 so that the key structure has a limiting nut 268 along the length of the inner roller 248 To move. As the inner roller 248 rotates, the restricting nut 268 moves along the threaded restriction shaft 266 and engages a restricting stop defining a maximum extended position with the bottom of the second visor 24 (See FIG. 5). The retracted position of the first visor 22 is defined by the first visor 22, which in this example is completely wrapped around the outer roller 250. In some examples, the first bottom rail 18 engages a portion of the head rail 14 to define this position. Alternatively or additionally, a top rest stop in the limiting screw 266 is not used in this example, but may be used in the limiting screw 266 if desired. As best seen in Figures 28, 29 and 47, the left end cap 226b rotatably supports the inner roller 248 and the outer roller 250.

Referring to Figures 28, 29 and 40, the swivel bracket 249 is attached to the inner surface of the left end cap 226b and includes a centrally located annular boss 251, Which post serves as an axle on which the roller lock 255 is pivotally mounted thereon. The annular boss 251 in the swivel bracket 249 is rotatably received in the center aperture of the left outer roller cap 270b received in the open left end of the outer roller 250. [ The collar extends axially from around the center aperture of the cap 270b and serves as a bearing surface for relative rotation between the outer roller 250 and the left end bracket. The open left end of the inner roller 248 is rotatably received in the outer surface of the collar that acts as a bearing surface for the roller 248 to rotate against the collar, .

As shown in Figures 28, 29, 38 and 39, the roller lock 255 is pivotally attached to a post 253 in the pivot bracket 249 (see Figures 40 and 41) (See Fig. 41). The roller lock 255 is pivotable about the pivot bracket 249 about an axis defined by the post 253. 43) is positioned around the post 253 of the swivel bracket 249 and the spring 259 has two legs, one of which is the roller lock 255, And biases the roller lock 255 into engagement with the outer surface of the outer roller 250 and the other leg operably 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 the upper leg 265 and the lower leg 267 And each of the legs 265 and 267 lies in the same plane as the central body 263. [ It is understood that the upper and lower legs 265, 267 extend at approximately right angles to each other, and that this relative position can be adjusted as needed if given a geometric shape of a particular use. The end of the lower leg 267 includes a pin 269 that extends vertically from the plate 261 toward the opposite end cap, the pin 269 is cylindrical in shape and relatively short. For example, the pin 269 does not extend far enough to interfere with the rotation of the roller 250. The length and shape of the pin 269 provide an engaging movement between the actuator body 247 and the pin 269 in the second end rail 220, as described below.

38 and 39, the end of the upper leg 265 rotatably supports a relatively long cylindrical bearing 271 that extends 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 from the center plate 261 at an angle. The arm 273 supports the distal end of the bearing 271 only from the top side and does not extend too far beyond the center of the bearing 271. [ This configuration allows not only the lower portion of the bearing 271 to be accommodated in the anchor groove 245 formed in the outer roller 250 along its length without interruption, Engages the outer surface of the roller 250, and remains able to ride along its surface.

The operation of one example of the cover is basically described below with reference to Figs. 30, the first and second visors 22, 24 are in the extended position and the vane 38 is in the open configuration. 30, the first sun visor 22 is coupled to the outer roller 42 and can be wrapped around the outer roller. The upper edge of each of the front seat and rear seat 30, 34 may be coupled to a longitudinally extending gland or rib 275 that is internally-facing. The stopper 275 may define an inner cavity 262 that is open through the periphery of the outer roller 250. The visor 22 can be wrapped or unwrapped around the rear side of the roller 250 and the rear side of the roller 250 is positioned between the front side of the roller 250 and the distance side of the associated building opening 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 visor 22 is rotated about one or more sides (e.g., the top side) of the associated building opening around the outer roller 250, And the cover 22 can extend over the opening (for example, the bottom side) when the roller 250 rotates in the opposite second direction.

The first visor 22 is held at this open position by positioning the engagement point 262 of the front seat 30, 34 with the rear seat of the first roller 22 and the outer roller 250 at the same height. do. In Figure 30, for example, the locations of these attachment points 262 may be referred to as being at 4 o'clock and 8 o'clock, which are close to the same level. 30, the front seat and rear seat 30, 34 can move toward each other and the vane 38 can be repositioned to be more vertically aligned .

In this position, in which the first and second visors 22, 24 are fully extended, the limiting nut 268 (see Figs. 28 and 29 in general) engages the lower limit. For example, when the actuating mechanism 240 is actuated by the actuating element 242 from this position, the second bezel 24 begins to contract with the head rail 14. The operating mechanism 240 first rotates the inner roller 248 counterclockwise in FIG. 30 to retract the second visor 24 and when the second visor 24 is fully retracted, the outer roller 250 And is operated to contract the first cover 22 with the outer roller 250. This sequence is further described herein below.

30, the inner roller 248 is positioned within the outer roller 250 to define the double roller unit 246. As shown in FIG. The outer roller 250 defines a rotation axis 252 defined by a portion of the outer roller 250 having a circular shape (e.g., from the 9 o'clock to the 2 o'clock position). The inner rollers 248 are positioned so as to be concentric with and concentric with the outer rollers 250 on the same axis 252 or about this axis.

The inner roller 248 rotates relative to the outer roller 250 while the opposing collar in the left and right roller end caps 270a and 270b rotate relative to the inner roller 248 And supports each end. The outer roller 250 is held in a fixed rotational position with respect to the inner roller 248 by the roller lock 255. [ The roller lock 255 is oriented so that the bearing 271 is biased by the spring 259 and received in the anchor groove 245 (see FIGS. 28 to 30). This position of the bearing 271 prevents rotation of the outer roller 250. When the inner roller 248 rotates in the retraction direction, the second visor 24 is wound into the inner roller 248 when pulled through the slot 276 formed in the outer roller 250. This contraction rotation moves the limiting nut 268 toward the opposite end of the limiting screw 266 along the limiting screw 266.

A slot 276 through which the second bezel 24 extends and a seating portion 281 that receives the second end rail 220 are positioned at an attachment point 262 of the rear seat 34 of the first beak 22 ) Outer roller 250. In this embodiment, This can be referred to as the 3 o'clock direction in Fig. The slot 276 is defined by the opposing free edges formed in the seating portion 281. The seating portion 281 is a recess formed along the length of the slot 276 and includes two outer edges that define the boundary of the seating portion 281 on the outer periphery of the outer roller 250. 30, the generally vertically oriented base wall 284 is positioned between the second bottom rail 220 and the outer roller 250 in a relatively vertical-tangential direction < RTI ID = 0.0 > Thereby enabling engagement and disengagement. 31 and 32) due to the position of the slot 276 and the seating portion 281 in the vicinity of the most rearward position on the outer periphery of the outer roller 250 together with the shape of the seating portion 281, The second bottom rail 220 can be fixedly received when the second bottom rail is pulled upright by the seating portion 281. [

The second bottom rail 220 can smoothly and predictably disengage from the seating portion 281 due to the shape of the seating portion 281 and its orientation in the outer roller 250 (from the position shown in Figure 32) It is promoted that the visor 24 starts to extend. The shape and orientation of the seat portion 281 can cause the bottom rail 220 to drop vertically from the seat portion 281 using the force of gravity on the relatively heavy bottom rail 220. [ The general tangential orientation of the seating portion 281 at the outer roller 250 is helpful at this point. 35, the top wall 277a extends downwardly and radially inwardly from the top edge of the recess to the lip portion 277b, which extends directly downwardly to the top free edge 277c. This portion of the seating portion 281 is the deepest (measured from the outer periphery toward the center of the outer roller). The lower wall 279a extends upwardly and inwardly at a shallow angle from the bottom edge of the recess 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 when combined with the upper lip portion 277b. The lower free edge 279c of the slot 276 is curved or rounded so that the second bezel 24 can proceed smoothly over this feature when the second bezel is retracted by the inner roller 248. [

Helping the roller lock 255 to operate consistently to disengage the bearing 271 from the anchor groove 245 when the second bottom rail 220 is engaged securely with the seat portion 281. 31, when the second visor 24 is almost completely wound around the inner roller 248, the bottom rail 220 of the second visor 24 is engaged with the roller lock 255 to rotate the outer roller 250 The roller lock 255 is disengaged from the outside. The second bottom rail 220 is shown in dashed lines in Figures 31 and 35. In this position, the operating body 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. The operating body rim 247 moves the pin 269 relative to the pivot axis of the post 253 when the second bottom rail 220 is pulled into the seating portion 281 by the retracted second bezel 24 . The pin 269 is moved radially inward with respect to the inner roller 248 and moved in the outer circumferential direction with respect to the pivotal axis of the roller lock 255. [ When the roller lock 255 moves about the post 253, the upper arm 265 moves and begins to move the bearing 271 upwardly and disengage from the anchor groove 245 so that the outer roller 250 (See Figs. 32, 36, and 43).

As shown in FIGS. 42 and 43, the operating body rim 247 extends from the end of the second bottom rail 220 adjacent the roller lock 255. 44 and 45, the rim 247 is a thin curved element that conforms to the bent shape of the bottom side of the second bottom rail 220 in this example. The rim 247 flexes along a dimension coinciding with the bottom side of the second bottom rail 220 and extends in the axial direction away from the second bottom rail 220. 43, the rim 247 is extended by a distance that is sufficient to engage the pin 269 in the roller lock 255 but not in contact with the center plate 261 of the roller lock 255, do. The inner recessed surface of the fin portion 247 engages the rounded outer surface of the pin 269. [ When the second bottom rail 220 is further contracted, the pin 269 and the dorsal fin 247 maintain the sliding engagement. This further movement of the second end rail 220 causes the roller lock 255 to further pivot about the pivot axis of the post 253 to move the roller lock bearing 271 from the anchor groove 245.

32 and 36, when the second sun visor 24 is further drawn into the outer roller 250, the bottom rail 220 is fixed to the seating portion 281 and the dorsal portion 247 is fixed to the anchor groove The pin 269 is moved inwardly by an amount sufficient to completely remove the bearing 271 from the roller 245 so that the outer roller 250 is free to rotate. When the operation mechanism 240 is further operated, the rotation of the inner roller 248 is transmitted to the outer roller 250 through engagement of the bottom rail 220 with the seat portion 281 under the tensile force of the second visor 24 . By this engagement, the outer roller 250 rotates with the rotation of the inner roller 248. When the outer roller 250 starts to rotate in the retracting direction, the operating body 247 in the second bottom rail 220 is disengaged from the pin 269 in the roller lock 255. 33 and 37, upon release, the roller lock 255 is biased by a spring 259 such that the bearing 271 moves away from the outer roller 250 in an outer circumferential position spaced apart from the anchor groove 245, Lt; / RTI >

34, when the outer roller 250 continues to rotate in the retraction direction, the first cover 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 is rotated by riding on the first visor 22 across the groove 245 And passes through the groove 245. The first visor 22 extends over the groove 245 in a relatively tensioned state under tension when the wrapper 22 is wrapped around the outer roller 250. The bearing 271 can be pressed somewhat into the anchor groove 245 when only a single lapping of the first beak 22 is positioned over the anchor groove 245, Is wrapped over the surface of the first cover (22) wrapped around the outer roller (250) without interference from the second cover (245).

When the first shroud 22 continues to contract, the first shroud wraps around the outer roller 250 several times and the roller lock bearing 271 continues to ride over the outer surface of the shroud 22. The dual roller unit 246 reaches the top shrinkage position when the first bottom rail 18 contacts a pedestal, for example, in the head rail housing. It is understood that other mechanisms may be used to limit the tower shrinkage position, including the bottom limiting stop and the top limiting stop located on the opposite limiting screw 266. As described above, the shrinkage of the second visor 24 and the first visor 22 from the fully extended position means that the user has to move one operational element (manually or automatically) to shrink the two visors 22, ). ≪ / RTI > The limiting screw 266 has a length sufficient to allow the limiting nut 268 to move until it reaches the position of the tower constricted from the bottom limiting stop.

The extension of the first visor 22 and the second visor 24 can be achieved, if desired, in the reverse order as described above, for example generally as shown in the following Figures 34 to 30. This allows the user to select whether to extend only the first visor 22 or also to extend the second visor 24 (between the fully retracted and fully extended positions). When the user operates the operating mechanism 240 to rotate the inner roller 248 in the extending direction (clockwise in FIGS. 34 to 30) while the first cover 22 is extended, the outer roller 250 is extended Direction. In this example, the double roller unit 246 rotates in the direction in which the user controls the inner roller 248 to rotate. When the first sun visor 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 sun visor 22 is almost completely extended. At this point, the outer surface of the outer roller 250 is exposed.

When 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. The bearing 271 is biased downward by the spring 259 to be positioned in the groove 245 to prevent rotation of the outer roller 250 and to continue rotating the inner roller 248 have. The bearing 271 moves into the anchor groove 245 without further compression since the roller lock 255 is biased in a direction opposing the outer surface of the outer roller 250. [ At this point, the first visor 22 spans the opening at its maximum extended position. It is understood that the roller lock 255 can 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 under the weight of the top arm 273 as desired. When a spring 259 is used, the spring may be a wire spring, a coil spring, a resilient material spring (e.g., rubber, elastomer and / or plastic), and the like.

When the tension of the second bezel 24 is reduced by the operating system 240 when the bearing 271 of the roller lock 255 is seated in the anchor groove 245, The slot 276 of the outer roller 250 is rotatably oriented in the head rail 14 so that the roller 220 can drop vertically from the seating portion 281. [ By orienting and generally vertically positioning the seating portion 281, which has a relatively vertical base wall 284, generally tangentially, when the tensile force of the second bezel 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 visor 24, the second visor 24 can be kept contracted. The actuating mechanism 240 may include a braking system that restricts the second bezel or first bezel 24, 22 from moving undesirably downward.

To extend the second visor 24, the operating system 240 is further actuated to a level desired by the user. When the user extends the second visor 24 to the lowest position (maximum extended position), the limiting nut 268 located on the limiting screw 266 engages the lower limit stop. Thus, a single limiting screw 266 is used to define the upper limit of the retracted first bezel 22 attached to the outer roller 250 and the lower limit of the extended second bezel 24 attached to the inner roller 248 .

30 to 34 (which may be the same as or different from those shown in Figs. 1-5) may be wrapped around the front side of the outer roller 250 or may be unwrapped from this side . It is possible to implement a double roller screening technique that is applied to a forward-downwardly shielding structure by applying the necessary modifications to the structure described herein. It is further understood that the roller lock mechanism and the accompanying elements necessary for its operation can be used with the right end of the head rail, in association with the right end cap 226a, with the roller lock mechanism at the left end of the head rail, do. Also, the second bottom rail 220 may have an operating rim 247 at its end.

The foregoing description has broad applicability. While the examples provided illustrate a silhouette-type of shade and a shade type of shade, it is understood that the concepts disclosed herein are equally applicable to many types of shade. 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, although the exemplary embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail herein, it is to be understood that the inventive concept may be implemented or used in various different ways, and that the appended claims, Are intended to be < / RTI >

The foregoing description is presented for purposes of illustration and description only and is not intended to limit the invention to the form or form disclosed herein. For example, various features of the invention may be grouped together in one or more aspects, embodiments, or forms to provide a brief description of the invention. However, it is understood that various aspects of certain aspects, embodiments, or aspects of the invention may be combined in alternative aspects, embodiments, or aspects. Further, the following claims are included in this Detailed Description, and each claim exists as a separate embodiment of the present invention.

As used herein, the phrase "at least one," " at least one, "and" and / or "are open- ended expressions that are combinable and separable in operation.

The singular terms used herein refer to one or more individuals. Thus, the singular terms "one or more" and "at least one" are used interchangeably herein.

It should be understood that references to all directions (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, up, down, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, bottom, top, bottom, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) And is not intended to impose any particular limitation on the location, orientation, or use of the present invention. References to a connection (e.g., attached, coupled, connected and joined) should be interpreted broadly, and unless otherwise stated, Member, and relative motion between these elements. Thus, the term connection does not necessarily mean that the two elements are directly connected to each other or are connected in a fixed relationship to each other. The references for identification (eg, first, second, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) do not imply importance or preference, but are intended to distinguish one feature from another It was used. The drawings are provided solely for purposes of illustration, and the size, position, order, and relative size as reflected in the figures attached herewith may vary.

Claims (47)

A covering for a building opening,
An outer roller having a central longitudinal axis and an elongated slot formed through the side wall;
An inner roller having a central longitudinal axis;
A first shade fixed to the outer roller and configured to be wrapped around the outer roller;
A second shroud defining a bottom rail and secured to the inner roller and configured to wrap around the inner roller;
A mounting system for supporting the inner roller and the outer roller for rotational movement about the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller; And
An operating mechanism for selectively rotating the inner roller;
The inner roller is received in the outer roller;
Wherein the second shade extends through the elongated slot and is retractable from the inner roller through the elongate slot and is extendable from the inner roller, the bottom rail being located in the fully retracted position Engages the outer roller when it is present;
And the outer roller is rotated when the inner roller rotates when in the retracted position. 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the elongated slot extends between ends of the outer roller;
Wherein the inner roller has end portions aligned with the ends of the outer roller. 3. The lid of claim 1 or 2, wherein the second shade has side edges aligned with the ends of the inner roller and the outer roller. 4. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A lock mechanism movable between a first position for restricting rotation of the outer roller and a second position for allowing rotation of the outer roller;
And wherein the lock moves from the first position to the second position when the second bottom rail engages the locking mechanism. 5. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
Said slot being oriented perpendicularly to the direction of extension of said first visor. 6. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
Said outer roller defining a longitudinal seating formed along said slot;
And the second bottom rail is received in the seating portion when the inner roller is in the retracted position. The method according to claim 6,
Wherein the seating portion defines a recess having an opening in the direction of extension of the first cover. 8. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 7,
The outer roller defining an elongated groove formed in the sidewall;
The locking mechanism including a bearing;
And in a first position of the locking mechanism, the bearing is received in the groove. 9. The method of claim 8,
The locking mechanism including a pin;
Wherein the locking mechanism is actuated when engaged with the pin by the second bottom rail, the bearing being removed from the groove. 10. The method according to claim 8 or 9,
Wherein the bearing is movably engaged with the outer surface of the outer roller at the second position. 11. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10,
Wherein the locking mechanism comprises a locking member pivoting between the first position and the second position. 12. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11,
Wherein the locking mechanism includes a locking member that translates axially between the first and second positions. 13. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 12,
Wherein the locking mechanism comprises a rotatable shaft positioned outside of the outer roller and oriented substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller. 14. The method of claim 13,
The locking mechanism including a housing;
Wherein the rotatable shaft is journaled to the housing. 15. The apparatus of claim 14, further comprising an end cap,
The housing is cantilevered from the end cap. 16. A lid according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a gear mechanism for engaging rotation of the rotatable shaft and the outer roller. 17. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16,
The outer roller includes a first shell and a second shell each having a longitudinally-extending terminal edge;
Wherein the longitudinally extending terminal edges of the first and second shells are spaced apart from each other to define the elongate slot. A covering for a building opening,
A rotatable outer roller;
A first shroud fixed to the outer roller and wrapable around the outer roller;
A rotatable shaft located outside the outer roller and at least partially defining a bottom stop for the first shroud;
A rotatable inner roller received in the outer roller;
A second shroud secured to the inner roller and wrapable around the inner roller; And
And a non-rotatable shaft extending within said inner roller and at least partially defining a bottom stop for said second shroud. CLAIMS 1. A method of operating a dual panel cover for a building opening,
Providing an inner roller positioned within the outer roller;
Locking the rotation of the outer roller;
Rotating the inner roller against the outer roller until the extended second cover is completely contracted by the inner roller through a slot formed in the outer roller;
Rotating the outer roller by actuating the rotary lock at a fully retracted position of the inner roller; And
And rotating the outer roller by driving the inner roller to shrink the first cover to the outer roller. ≪ Desc / Clms Page number 13 > CLAIMS What is claimed is: 1. A method of operating a building opening cover having a nested roller,
Unwrapping the first shroud from the periphery of the outer roller;
Axially traversing the locking member outwardly of the periphery of the outer roller while the first shroud extends;
Restricting rotation of the outer roller when the locking member engages the first stop;
Unwrapping the second shroud from the periphery of the inner roller located in the outer roller;
Axially traversing a nut located within the inner roller while the second shroud extends; And
And restricting rotation of the inner roller when the nut engages the second stop. ≪ Desc / Clms Page number 17 > A covering for a building opening,
A rotatable outer roller extending along the length of the outer roller and defining a serpentine slot open to the interior of the outer roller;
A rotatable inner roller received within said outer roller and defining a central longitudinal axis;
A first sun visor secured to said outer roller, said first sun visor being retractable from said outer roller and extending from said outer roller; And
And a second shield fixed to the inner roller,
Said second shade extending through said elongate slot and being retractable from said inner roller and extending from said inner roller, said elongated slot having a longitudinal axis that is substantially perpendicular to said inner roller when said first shade is in its fully extended position And is substantially horizontally aligned with the central longitudinal axis. 22. The lid of claim 21, wherein the inner roller and the outer roller are concentric about the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller. 23. The lid of claim 21 or 22, wherein the first and second visors have the same width. 24. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 23,
The width of the first shade extending along the entire length of the outer roller;
Wherein the width of the second visor extends along the entire length of the inner roller. 25. A structure as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 24, further comprising a bottom rail secured to the second hood and engaging the outer roller when the second hood is in its fully retracted position, cover. 26. The method of claim 25,
Said outer roller defining a longitudinal seating formed along said slot;
Wherein the bottom rail is received in the seating portion when the second hood is in the fully retracted position. 27. Cover according to any one of claims 21 to 26, wherein the slot is oriented perpendicular to a direction in which the first shield extends. 28. A lid according to any one of claims 21 to 27, further comprising a mounting system for supporting said inner roller and said outer roller for rotational movement about a central longitudinal axis of said inner roller. 30. A cover for a building opening as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 28, further comprising an operating mechanism for selectively rotating said inner roller. 30. The method according to any one of claims 21 to 29,
Said outer roller comprising a first shell and a second shell each having longitudinally-extending terminal edges;
Wherein the edges of the first shell and the second shell are spaced apart from one another in the periphery to define the elongated slot. 31. The method of claim 30,
A first bushing that is locked at one end of the first shell and the second shell; And
Further comprising: a second bushing that is locked at an opposite end of the first shell and the second shell;
Wherein the first bushing and the second bushing maintain a constant width of the slot. 32. The lid as claimed in any one of claims 21 to 31, further comprising a lock mechanism movable between a first position for limiting rotation of the outer roller and a second position for allowing rotation of the outer roller. 33. The lid of claim 32, wherein the locking mechanism moves from the first position to the second position when the bottom rail engages the locking mechanism. 34. The method according to claim 32 or 33,
Said outer roller defining a elongated groove formed in said sidewall;
Said locking mechanism comprising a bearing;
And in a first position of the locking mechanism, the bearing is received in the groove. 35. The lid of claim 34, wherein the bearing movably engages the outer surface of the outer roller at the second location. A method as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 35,
The locking mechanism comprising a pin;
Wherein the locking mechanism is actuated to remove the bearing from the groove when the pin is engaged by the bottom rail. 37. The lid of claim 32, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a locking member pivoting between the first position and the second position. 38. A lid according to any one of claims 32 to 37, wherein the locking mechanism includes a locking member that translates axially between the first and second positions. 39. A structure as claimed in any one of claims 32 to 38, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a rotatable shaft located outside of the outer roller and oriented substantially parallel to the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller Cover for openings. 40. The apparatus of claim 39, further comprising an end cap,
The inner roller and the outer roller being rotatably coupled to the end cap;
The locking mechanism including a cantilevered housing from the end cap;
Wherein the rotatable shaft is journaled to the housing. 41. A lid according to claim 39 or 40, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a gear mechanism that engages rotation of the rotatable shaft and the outer roller. A covering for a building opening,
A rotatable outer roller defining an elongated slot;
A first shroud secured to the outer roller and wrapable around the outer roller;
A lock mechanism located outside the outer roller and at least partially defining a bottom stop for the first shroud;
A rotatable inner roller received in the outer roller;
A second bezel secured to the inner roller and wrapable around the inner roller, the second bezel being extendable and retractable through the elongate slot; And
And a non-rotatable shaft extending within said inner roller and at least partially defining a bottom stop for said second visor. 43. The lock mechanism according to claim 42,
A rotatable shaft located outside the outer roller; And
And a locking member that translates axially along the rotatable shaft. 43. The lid of claim 42, wherein the locking mechanism comprises a pivotable locking member located outside the outer roller. CLAIMS What is claimed is: 1. A method of operating a lid for an opening in a building,
Unwrapping the first shroud from the periphery of the outer roller;
Wrapping the second shroud from the periphery of the inner roller located in the outer roller when the first shroud reaches a fully extended position;
Wherein the step of unwrapping the second shroud includes extending the second shroud through the elongate slot formed in the outer roller and positioned substantially aligned with the central longitudinal axis of the inner roller. A method of operating a lid for an opening in a building. 46. The method of claim 45,
Locking the rotation of the outer roller by pivoting the locking member into a locking engagement with the outer roller;
Rotating said inner roller relative to said outer roller to cause said second shade to contract with said inner roller through said elongated slot formed in said outer roller;
Rotating the locking member to allow the outer roller to rotate such that the locking engagement with the outer roller is released at the fully retracted position of the inner roller; And
Further comprising the step of rotating said outer roller by driving said inner roller to constrict said first cover with said outer roller. ≪ Desc / Clms Page number 17 > 46. The method of claim 45,
Axially traversing the locking member out of the periphery of the outer roller while the first shroud extends;
Restricting rotation of the outer roller with the locking member when the first cover reaches the fully extended position;
Axially traversing a nut located within the inner roller while the second shroud extends; And
Further comprising restricting rotation of the inner roller with the nut when the second shade reaches a fully extended position. ≪ RTI ID = 0.0 > 11. < / RTI >

Images