WO2022015473A1

WO2022015473A1 - Kickback for a covering of an architectural-structure covering

Info

Publication number: WO2022015473A1
Application number: PCT/US2021/038368
Authority: WO
Inventors: Nicholas E. Vanderkolk; Ronald Holt; Stephen T. Wisecup; Stephanie KLUNK; Patrick Foley; Daniel M. Fogarty
Original assignee: Hunter Douglas, Inc.
Priority date: 2020-07-17
Filing date: 2021-06-22
Publication date: 2022-01-20

Abstract

A device or mechanism such as, for example, a clip, an insert, a member, a clamp, or a sleeve for altering a release position of a covering from a rotatable member in an architectural-structure covering is disclosed. In use, by altering the release position of the covering from the rotatable member, the covering may be positioned closer to the window when in a fully extended position.

Description

KICKBACK FOR A COVERING OF AN ARCHITECTURAL-STRUCTURE COVERING CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This is a non-provisional of, and claims the benefit of the filing date of, pending U.S. provisional patent application number 63/052,989, filed July 17, 2020, entitled “A Device for Altering the Release Point of a Covering from a Rotatable Member in an Architectural-Structural Covering,” the entirety of which application is incorporated by reference herein.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] The present disclosure relates generally to the field of architectural- structure coverings, and relates more particularly to a device or mechanism such as, for example, a clip, an insert, a member, a clamp, a sleeve, or the like, for altering the release point of a covering from a rotatable member (e.g., roller).

BACKGROUND

[0003] Architectural-structure coverings may selectively cover an architectural structure such as, for example, a window, a doorway, a skylight, a hallway, or a portion of a wall. Architectural- structure coverings may include a covering that can be extendable and retractable, for example, vertically extendable or retractable (e.g., able to be lowered or raised, respectively, in a vertical direction) relative to a horizontally-oriented headrail between an extended position and a retracted position for obscuring and exposing the underlying architectural structure.

[0004] To move the covering between the extended and retracted positions, some architectural- structure coverings include a rotatable member (e.g., a roller) about which the covering may be wrapped to retract the covering (e.g., the retracted position), and unwrapped to extend the covering (e.g., the extended position). For example, some retractable coverings include a flexible covering suspended from the rotatable member. In use, rotation of the rotatable member in a first direction may retract the covering while rotation of the rotatable member in a second, opposite direction may extend the covering.

[0005] For one or more reasons typically associated with the structure of the covering, some types of architectural-structure coverings incorporate what is referred to as a reverse-roll-up. In a reverse-roll-up, the covering extends, releases, drops, etc. from the front of the rotatable member (i.e., the covering releases or drops from the rotatable member on the front or room side of the rotatable member). One disadvantage associated with coverings utilizing a reverse-roll-up configuration is that the space or distance between the underlying architectural structure (e.g., window) and the covering, when the covering is in the fully extended position, is larger or greater as compared to coverings that use a conventional configuration in which the covering releases from the rear or window side of the rotatable member. [0006] It is with respect to these and other considerations that the present improvements may be useful.

SUMMARY

[0007] This Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the Detailed Description. This Summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0008] Disclosed herein a device or mechanism such as, for example, a clip an insert, a member, a clamp, or a sleeve for altering a release position of a covering from a rotatable member in an architectural- structure covering. In use, by altering the release position of the covering from the rotatable member, the covering may be positioned closer to the window when in a fully extended position.

[0009] Disclosed herein is an example embodiment of an architectural-structure covering comprising a rotatable member, a covering including a top portion, the top portion of the covering coupled to the rotatable member for selective rotative movement for extending and retracting the covering during use, and a device coupled to the rotatable member, the device arranged and configured to alter a release point of the covering from the rotatable member to decrease a horizontal distance between the covering and an underlying architectural structure when the covering is in a fully extended position.

[0010] In one embodiment, the covering is coupled to the rotatable member in a reverse-roll- up configuration so that the covering extends from a front surface of the rotatable member during extension thereof.

[0011] In one embodiment, the device is a C-shaped sleeve.

[0012] In one embodiment, the C-shaped sleeve is arranged and configured to alter the release point from approximately 3 O’clock when partially extended to approximately 7 O’clock when viewed from an end of the architectural- structure covering when the covering is fully extended.

[0013] In one embodiment, the C-shaped sleeve is coupled to the rotatable member so that the rotatable member and the C-shaped sleeve rotate in unison.

[0014] In one embodiment, the C-shaped sleeve is coupled to the rotatable member via a fastener.

[0015] In one embodiment, a portion of the covering is wrapped about the rotatable member so that the portion of the covering is positioned between an outer surface of the rotatable member and an inner surface of the C-shaped sleeve. [0016] In one embodiment, by controlling an amount that a topmost cell of the covering extends from the C-shaped sleeve, an overall length of the covering can be adjusted.

[0017] In one embodiment, the C-shaped sleeve includes a smooth, arcuate surface.

[0018] In one embodiment, the C-shaped sleeve includes a curvature profile that matches a curvature profile of the rotatable member.

[0019] In one embodiment, the C-shaped sleeve includes an inner diameter that is slightly larger than an outer diameter of the rotatable member including a portion of the covering wrapped thereabout.

[0020] In one embodiment, the C-shaped sleeve includes a longitudinal length equal to a longitudinal length of the rotatable member.

[0021] In one embodiment, the C-shaped sleeve includes an arc or circumference length that substantially encapsulates a diameter of the rotatable member. In one embodiment, the arc or circumference length is greater than 50 percent of the diameter of the rotatable member. In one embodiment, the arc or circumference length is approximately 85 percent of the diameter of the rotatable member.

[0022] In an alternate embodiment, an architectural-structure covering is disclosed. The architectural- structure covering comprising a rotatable member, a covering including a top portion, the top portion of the covering coupled to the rotatable member for selective rotative movement for extending and retracting the covering during use, and a device coupled to the rotatable member. The device includes an arc or circumference length arranged and configured to substantially encapsulate the rotatable member, the device being arranged and configured to decrease a horizontal distance between the covering and an underlying architectural structure when the covering is in a fully extended position.

[0023] In one embodiment, the arc or circumference length of the C-shaped sleeve is approximately 85 percent of the diameter of the rotatable member.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0024] FIG. 1 illustrate a front perspective view illustrating an example embodiment of an architectural- structure covering including a covering shown in an extended position;

[0025] FIG. 2 illustrate a front perspective view illustrating an alternate example embodiment of an architectural- structure covering including a covering shown in an extended position;

[0026] FIGS. 3A-3C schematically illustrate various side views of a rotatable member and a covering extending therefrom:

[0027] FIG. 3A illustrates a conventional covering extending from a front side of a rotatable member in a reverse-roll-up configuration; [0028] FIG. 3B illustrates a conventional covering extending from a rotatable member in a reverse-roll-up configuration utilizing a device for altering the release point of the covering in accordance with one or more features of the present disclose, the covering illustrated in a partially extended position;

[0029] FIG. 3C illustrates a conventional covering extending from a rotatable member in a reverse-roll-up configuration utilizing a device for altering the release point of the covering in accordance with one or more features of the present disclose, the covering illustrated in a fully extended position;

[0030] FIG. 4A illustrates a side view of a rotatable member and a covering extending therefrom, the architectural- structure covering including a device for altering the release point of the covering from the rotatable member, the rotatable member and device illustrated in an initial position;

[0031] FIG. 4B illustrates a side view of a rotatable member and a covering extending therefrom, the architectural- structure covering including a device for altering the release point of the covering from the rotatable member, the rotatable member and device illustrated in a final position with the covering in a fully extended position;

[0032] FIG. 4C illustrates an alternate side view of a rotatable member and a covering extending therefrom, the architectural- structure covering including a device for altering the release point of the covering from the rotatable member, the rotatable member and device illustrated in a final position with the covering in a fully extended position, the topmost cell arranged and configured to extend from the rotatable member via a different amount as compared to the embodiment of FIG. 4B to adjust an overall length of the covering;

[0033] FIG. 5A illustrates a front perspective view of a rotatable member and a covering extending therefrom, the architectural- structure covering including a device for altering the release point of the covering from the rotatable member, the rotatable member and device illustrated in a final position with the covering in a fully extended position; and [0034] FIG. 5B illustrates a detailed view of the rotatable member, the covering, and the device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0035] Embodiments of an example, illustrative device or mechanism for use with a rotatable member such as, for example, a roller tube, of an architectural- structure covering in accordance with various separate and independent principles of the present disclosure will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the present disclosure are presented. The device or mechanism of the present disclosure may, however, be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as being limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that this disclosure will convey certain features of the device or mechanism to those skilled in the art. In the drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout unless otherwise noted.

[0036] Referring to FIG. 1, a front view of an embodiment of an architectural-structure covering 100 is illustrated. As shown, the architectural-structure covering 100 may include a headrail 108, which in the illustrated embodiment is a housing having opposed end caps 110, 112 joined by front, back, and top sides to form an open bottom enclosure. The end caps 110, 112 may enclose the ends of the headrail 108 to provide a finished appearance and provide structural support for the components of the architectural- structure covering 100. The headrail 108 may include mounts 114 for mounting the architectural- structure covering 100 to a wall or other structure. Although a particular example of a headrail 108 is shown in FIG. 1, many different types and styles of headrails exist and could be employed in place of the example headrail of FIG. 1.

[0037] The architectural- structure covering 100 may also include a rotatable member 104 (e.g., a roller) rotatably coupled between the end caps 110, 112, and a covering 106. In the illustrated example, the covering 106 has an upper edge or portion 117 mounted to the rotatable member 104 and a lower, free edge 119. As will be readily appreciated by one of ordinary skill in the art, the covering 106 of the architectural- structure covering 100 may be suspended from the rotatable member 104 and may be configured to be vertically extended and retracted relative to the headrail 108 between an extended position (shown in FIG. 1), wherein the covering 106 may partially or entirely cover an architectural structure such as, for example, a window, a doorway, a skylight, a hallway, a portion of a wall, etc., and a retracted position, wherein the covering 106 may be retracted relative to the rotatable member 104. Although not shown, any appropriate known or heretofore to be developed drive mechanism can be provided to move the covering 106 between the extended and retracted positions. As illustrated, the covering 106 may be arranged and configured to operate in a reverse-roll-up configuration so that the covering 106 extends from a front side of the rotatable member 104.

[0038] As will be generally understood by one of ordinary skill in the art, the covering 106 may be operably associated with a rotatable member 104 located in the headrail 108 so that rotational movement of the rotatable member 104 about a longitudinally-extending axis moves the covering 106 between the extended and retracted positions. For example, rotation of the rotatable member 104 in a first direction (e.g., counter-clockwise direction in FIG. 1) may retract the covering 106 while rotation of the rotatable member 104 in a second, opposite direction (e.g., clockwise direction in FIG. 1) may extend the covering 106. The covering 106 may be coupled to and wrappable about the rotatable member 104, so that rotation of the rotatable member 104 causes the covering 106 to wrap around or unwrap from the rotatable member 104 depending upon the direction of rotation. As illustrated in FIG. 1, due to the structure of some coverings, the covering 106 is wrapped about or unwrapped from a front side of the rotatable member 104, with a rear side of the rotatable member 104 positioned intermediate the front side of the rotatable member 104 and the associated underlying architectural structure.

[0039] The covering 106 may be constructed of any of a variety of different types of material. For example, the covering 106 may be constructed from natural and/or synthetic materials, including fabrics, polymers, and/or other suitable materials. Fabric materials may include woven, non-woven, knits, or other suitable fabric types. The covering 106 may have any suitable level of light transmissivity. For example, the covering 106 may be constructed of transparent, translucent, and/or opaque materials to provide a desired ambience or decor in an associated room.

[0040] One known type of covering utilizing a reverse-roll configuration is Sonnette, which is manufactured and sold by Hunter Douglas, Inc. Referring to FIG. 2, an example embodiment of a Sonnette style covering utilizing a reverse-roll-up configuration is illustrated. As illustrated, the covering 106 includes a reliable, cellular structure. As illustrated, the covering 106 may include a plurality of cells 118, which may be defined at least in part by a support sheet 120, a vane material 122, and an optional cellular support member (not shown). In use, in the extended position, the vane material 122 moves away from the support sheet 120 creating an opened appearance. Additional information on the reliable, cellular structure can be found in U.S.

Patent No. 10,030,444, issued on July 24, 2018, entitled Covering for Architectural Opening Including Cell Structures Biased to Open; U.S. Patent No. 9,995,083, issued June 12, 2018, entitled Covering for Architectural Opening Including Thermoformable Slat Vanes; and U.S. Published Patent Application No. 2018/0002978, filed on January 30, 2017, entitled Architectural Covering and Method of Manufacturing, all of which are assigned to Hunter Douglas, Inc.

[0041] Referring to FIG. 1, for the sake of convenience and clarity, terms such as “front,” “rear,” “top,” “bottom,” “up,” “down,” “vertical,” “horizontal”, “interior,” “inner,” and “outer” may be used herein to describe the relative placement and orientation of various components and portions of the architectural- structure covering 100, each with respect to the geometry and orientation of the architectural-structure covering 100 as they appear in FIG. 1. Said terminology will include the words specifically mentioned, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. [0042] Referring to FIGS. 3A-3C, schematic illustrations are provided of a covering 106 extending from a rotatable member 104 in a reverse-roll-up configuration. As schematically illustrated in this reverse-roll-up configuration, the covering 106 extends from the rotatable member 104 along a front side or surface 105 thereof. As schematically illustrated in FIG. 3A, in a conventional architectural-structure covering utilizing a reverse-roll-up configuration, the covering 106 extends from the front side or surface 105 of the rotatable member 104 at a position approximating 3 O’clock. Thus arranged, the covering 106 is positioned a distance Xi (e.g., a horizontal distance or spacing) from the architectural structure such as, for example, a window. [0043] In contrast, referring to FIGS. 3B and 3C and in accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure, the architectural- structure covering may include a device or mechanism 200 (device and mechanism used interchangeably herein without the intent to limit) for altering the release position of the covering 106 from the rotatable member 104. As schematically illustrated in FIGS. 3B and 3C, in use, the device or mechanism 200 for altering the release position of the covering 106 from the rotatable member 104 positions the covering 106 closer to the underlying structure (e.g., window) when in a fully extended position (FIG. 3C). That is, as illustrated in FIG. 3C, the device or mechanism 200 for altering the release position of the covering 106 from the rotatable member 104 alters the release point of the covering 106 by approximately 120 degrees (e.g., from approximately 3 O’clock to approximately 7 O’clock), although other configurations and/or positions are envisioned. Thus arranged, the covering 106 is positioned a distance X2 (e.g., a horizontal distance or spacing) from the architectural structure (e.g., window) with X2 being less than Xi. As intended herein, release point includes the rotational position of the covering 106 about the rotatable member 104 when the covering 106 is in the fully extended position.

[0044] In accordance with one or more features of the present disclosure, the device or mechanism 200 for altering the release position of the covering 106 from the rotatable member 104 may by any suitable mechanism now known or hereafter developed that, for example, changes the release position of the covering 106 (e.g., holds covering 106 so that the covering drops at approximately 7 O’clock). For example, in one non-limiting embodiment, the device or mechanism 200 may be in the form of a linear device, an adhesive, an integrated mechanism incorporated into the covering, etc.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 4A-4C and 5A-5B, in one embodiment, the device or mechanism 200 may be in the form of a clip, an insert, a member, a clamp, or a sleeve 202 (terms used interchangeably herein without the intent to limit). As illustrated, in one embodiment, the sleeve 202 may be in the form of a tubular member having a substantially C-shaped configuration in cross-section. As will be described in greater detail below, the sleeve 202 preferably has a size and shape arranged and configured to receive, encapsulate, or otherwise engage the rotatable member 104 and a top portion of the covering 106. Thus arranged, and as will be described in greater detail later, a portion 107 of the covering 106 is positioned between an outer surface 103 of the rotatable member 104 and an inner surface 204 of the sleeve 202. In this configuration, the covering 106 is arranged and configured to wrap around the rotatable member 104 and thus cover or encapsulate the exposed rear portion of the rotatable member 104 (e.g., covering 106 covers, wraps, or encapsulates the portion of the rotatable member 104 not encapsulated by the sleeve 202 so that the rotatable member 104 is not viewable, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the architectural- structure covering). In one embodiment, the sleeve 202 includes an arc or circumferential length arranged and configured to cover, encapsulate, etc. a portion of the rotatable member 104. In one embodiment, the sleeve 202 may include an arc or circumference length sufficient to substantially encapsulate the rotatable member 104. For example, in one embodiment, the arc or circumference length of the sleeve 202 may be greater than 50 percent of a diameter of the rotatable member 104. In one embodiment, the sleeve 202 includes an arc or circumference length of approximately 85 percent of the diameter of the rotatable member 104, although other sizes and configurations are envisioned.

[0046] The sleeve 202 may include an inner surface 204, an outer surface 206, and first and second side surfaces. The inner surface 204 of the sleeve 202 preferably includes a smooth, arcuate inner surface. For example, in one-embodiment, the inner surface 204 of the sleeve 202 may be in the form of a continuous curvature. Alternatively, in one embodiment, the inner surface 204 of the sleeve 202 may include a series of flat sections that are angled with respect to each other. In one embodiment, the inner surface 204 may have a curvature profile that substantially matches the curvature profile of the outer surface 103 of the rotatable member 104. In use, the sleeve 202 may include an inner diameter, when viewed in cross-section, that is slightly larger than an outer diameter of the rotatable member 104 with a portion 107 of the covering 106 wrapped thereabout. In this manner, the sleeve 202 may be inserted onto the rotatable member 104 by axially sliding the sleeve 202 from one end of the rotatable member 104. Alternatively, the sleeve 202 may be arranged and configured to snap over the rotatable member 104 and the portion 107 of the covering 106 wrapped thereabout. In one embodiment, the inner diameter of the sleeve 202 may be substantially equal to the outer diameter of the rotatable member 104. Thus, when coupled to the rotatable member 104, a spring force is created that couples the sleeve 202 to the rotatable member 104 so that they rotate in unison without the need for any additional fasteners, etc. as will be described in greater detail below. [0047] In use, as illustrated in FIG. 5A, the sleeve 202 may have a longitudinal length, as measured between first and second side surfaces of the sleeve 202, that is substantially equal to a longitudinal length of the rotatable member 104 so that the sleeve 202 can extend substantially the entire length of the rotatable member 104. Alternatively, it is envisioned that the sleeve 202 may have a length that is less than the length of the rotatable member 104. In addition, in one example embodiment, it is also envisioned that multiple sleeves 202 can be spaced along the longitudinal length of the rotatable member 104.

[0048] In one embodiment, the sleeve 202 is rotatably coupled to the rotatable member 104 so that, in use, rotation of the rotatable member 104 rotates the sleeve 202. In use, the sleeve 202 may be rotatably coupled to the rotatable member 104 by any mechanism now known or hereafter developed such as, for example, friction fit, snap-fit, tape, adhesive, or the like between the sleeve 202 and the outer surface of the portion 107 of the covering 106 wrapped about the rotatable member 104. Alternatively, a wedge or the like may be positioned between the sleeve 202, and the portion 107 of the covering 106 wrapped about the rotatable member 104. In one embodiment, the sleeve 202 may be coupled to the rotatable member 104 via one or more fasteners such as, for example, one or more screws or rivets extending radially through the sleeve 202, through the portion 107 of the covering 106 wrapped about the rotatable member 104, and into the rotatable member 104. Thus arranged, rotation of the rotatable member 104 rotates the device 200 (e.g., sleeve 202) in unison therewith.

[0049] Thus arranged, referring to FIGS. 3B and 3C, the majority of the covering 106 is arranged and configured to be rolled or wrapped about the outer surface 206 of the sleeve 202 (e.g., the entire length of the covering 106 but for the portion 107 of the covering 106 wrapped about the rotatable member 104 between the outer surface 103 of the rotatable member 104 and the inner surface 204 of the sleeve 202 is wrapped about the outer surface 206 of the sleeve 202 in use). Thus, as illustrated in FIG. 3B, the covering 106 is extendable and retractable about the rotatable member 104 in a conventional manner. However, as the covering 106 approaches its fully extended position, rotation of the sleeve 202 with the rotatable member 104 alters, changes, etc. the release point of the covering 106 from the rotatable member 104 so that the covering 106 releases closer to the underlying architectural structure (e.g., window) thereby reducing the distance between the underlying architectural structure and the covering 106 as compared to conventional arrangements in which the release point is not altered.

[0050] The sleeve 202 may be manufactured from any suitable material now known or hereafter developed such as, for example, a plastic, a metal, etc. In one non-limiting example embodiment, the sleeve 202 is an aluminum extrusion. In addition, and/or alternatively, the sleeve 202 may be painted, fabric wrapped, or otherwise configured to match the appearance of the headrail and/or bottom rail if incorporated. [0051] As previously mentioned, at least a portion 107 of the covering 106 may be wrapped about the rotatable member 104 between the outer surface 103 of the rotatable member 104 and the inner surface 204 of the sleeve 202. For example, in connection with a reliable, cellular covering such as, for example, the covering illustrated in FIG. 2, in one non-limiting example embodiment, the top three to four cells 118 (e.g., approximately 6 to 8 inches) of the covering 106 may be wrapped about the rotatable member 104 between the outer surface 103 of the rotatable member 104 and the inner surface 204 of the sleeve 202, although this is but one embodiment and more or less cells may be wrapped about the rotatable member 104 between the outer surface 103 of the rotatable member 104 and the inner surface 204 of the sleeve 202.

[0052] Thus arranged, at least two advantages are achieved. First, by wrapping a portion 107 of the covering 106 about the rotatable member 104 between the outer surface 103 of the rotatable member 104 and the inner surface 204 of the sleeve 202, as previously mentioned, the entire circumference or outer surface 103 of the rotatable member 104 is covered or encapsulated by the covering 106 including the exposed rear portion of the rotatable member 104 (i.e., covering 106 covers, wraps, or encapsulates the portion of the rotatable member 104 not encapsulated by the C-shaped sleeve 202 so that the rotatable member 104 is not viewable adding to the aesthetic appeal of the architectural- structure covering).

[0053] In addition, fine or small adjustments can be made to the overall longitudinal length of the covering 106 to accommodate different window lengths. For example, by wrapping a portion 107 of the covering 106 about the rotatable member 104 between the outer surface 103 of the rotatable member 104 and the inner surface 204 of the sleeve 202, small adjustments to the overall length (e.g., height) of the covering 106 can be made to adjust for different window lengths by adjusting the extent or amount that the topmost cell extends from the rotatable member 104. By adjusting the amount or distance that the topmost cell extends from the rotatable member 104, the overall length of the covering 106 can be adjusted while ensuring that the lowest or bottom cell is fully deployed (i.e., by enabling adjustments in the topmost deployed cell, as illustrated in FIGS. 4B and 4C, adjustment need not be made at the bottom of the covering 106, thus ensuring an improved, more consistent overall aesthetic appearance).

[0054] Referring to FIGS. 4A-4C and 5A-5B, a non-limiting example embodiment of a method of assembling and/or operating a rotatable member 104 including a covering 106 and a sleeve 202 will be described. Initially, the covering 106, the rotatable member 104, and optional bottom rail are cut to size. Thereafter, referring to FIG. 4A, the upper edge or portion 117 of the covering 106 is attached to the rotatable member 104. Next, the bottom rail may be attached to the covering 106 opposite the rotatable member 104. Alternatively, in another embodiment, the covering 106 may be initially coupled to the rotatable member 104. Thereafter, the covering 106 and the rotatable member 104 may be cut to size in unison. Thereafter, a calculated length of the covering 106 is determined and the bottom rail may be coupled thereto. Regardless of how the covering 106, rotatable member 104, and optional bottom rail are assembled, the sleeve 202 is coupled to the rotatable member 104 with the covering 106 in the fully extended position. As previously mentioned, approximately 3 to 4 cells or approximately 6 to 8 inches of covering 106 may be wrapped about the rotatable member 104 in between the outer surface 103 of the rotatable member 104 and the inner surface 204 of the sleeve 202. The sleeve 202 may either be snapped over the rotatable member 104 and the portion 107 of the covering 106 positioned between the rotatable member 104 and the sleeve 202, or the sleeve 202 may be engaged with the rotatable member 104 and the portion 107 of the covering 106 positioned between the rotatable member 104 and the sleeve 202 at one longitudinal end thereof and slid along the length of the rotatable member 104. Next, the covering 106 is wrapped about the rotatable member 104 so that a portion 107 of the covering 106 is wrapped about the rotatable member 104 between the outer surface 103 of the rotatable member 104 and the inner surface 204 of the sleeve 202. A crease 210 may be formed in the covering 106 via, for example, applying heat and pressure to the covering 106 at a leading edge of the sleeve 202 (e.g., a crease 210 may be formed in the covering 106 corresponding to the release point provided by the sleeve 202). Thereafter, in use, by setting, for an example, a limit stop, deployment or extension of the covering 106 can be performed to match the overall height of the window. For example, as illustrated by comparing FIGS. 4B and 4C, overall height of the covering 106 can be adjustable by modifying the amount of the covering 106 that is deployable from the rotatable member 104. [0055] The foregoing discussion has been presented for purposes of illustration and description and is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. For example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more embodiments or configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. However, it should be understood that various features of the embodiments or configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate embodiments or configurations. Moreover, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description by this reference, with each claim standing on its own as a separate embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0056] The phrases "at least one", "one or more", and "and/or", as used herein, are open- ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions "at least one of A, B and C", "at least one of A, B, or C", "one or more of A, B, and C", "one or more of A, B, or C" and "A, B, and/or C" means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together. [0057] The term "a" or "an" entity, as used herein, refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms "a" (or "an"), "one or more" and "at least one" can be used interchangeably herein.

[0058] The use of "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof herein is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items. Accordingly, the terms "including," "comprising," or "having" and variations thereof are open-ended expressions and can be used interchangeably herein.

[0059] All directional references (e.g., proximal, distal, upper, lower, upward, downward, left, right, lateral, longitudinal, front, back, top, bottom, above, below, vertical, horizontal, radial, axial, clockwise, and counterclockwise) are only used for identification purposes to aid the reader's understanding of the present disclosure, and do not create limitations, particularly as to the position, orientation, or use of this disclosure. Connection references (e.g., attached, coupled, connected, and joined) are to be construed broadly and may include intermediate members between a collection of elements and relative movement between elements unless otherwise indicated. As such, connection references do not necessarily infer that two elements are directly connected and in fixed relation to each other. Identification references (e.g., primary, secondary, first, second, third, fourth, etc.) are not intended to connote importance or priority, but are used to distinguish one feature from another. The drawings are for purposes of illustration only and the dimensions, positions, order and relative sizes reflected in the drawings attached hereto may vary.

Claims

1. An architectural-structure covering comprising: a rotatable member; a covering including a top portion, the top portion of the covering coupled to the rotatable member for selective rotative movement for extending and retracting the covering during use; and a device coupled to the rotatable member, the device arranged and configured to alter a release point of the covering from the rotatable member to decrease a horizontal distance between the covering and an underlying architectural structure when the covering is in a fully extended position.

2. The architectural-structure covering of claim 1, wherein the covering is coupled to the rotatable member in a reverse-roll-up configuration so that the covering extends from a front surface of the rotatable member during extension thereof.

3. The architectural-structure covering according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the device is a C-shaped sleeve.

4. The architectural-structure covering of claim 3, wherein the C-shaped sleeve is arranged and configured to alter the release point from approximately 3 O’clock when partially extended to approximately 7 O’clock when viewed from an end of the architectural-structure covering when the covering is fully extended.

5. The architectural-structure covering according to any of claims 3 and 4, wherein the C-shaped sleeve is coupled to the rotatable member so that the rotatable member and the C- shaped sleeve rotate in unison.

6. The architectural-structure covering of claim 5, wherein the C-shaped sleeve is coupled to the rotatable member via a fastener.

7. The architectural-structure covering according to any of claims 3-6, wherein a portion of the covering is wrapped about the rotatable member so that the portion of the covering is positioned between an outer surface of the rotatable member and an inner surface of the C- shaped sleeve.

8. The architectural-structure covering of claim 7, wherein by controlling an amount that a topmost cell of the covering extends from the C-shaped sleeve, an overall length of the covering can be adjusted.

9. The architectural-structure covering according to any of claims 3-8, wherein the C- shaped sleeve includes a smooth, arcuate surface.

10. The architectural-structure covering according to any of claims 3-9, wherein the C- shaped sleeve includes a curvature profile that matches a curvature profile of the rotatable member.

11. The architectural-structure covering according to any of claims 3-10, wherein the C- shaped sleeve includes an inner diameter that is slightly larger than an outer diameter of the rotatable member including a portion of the covering wrapped thereabout.

12. The architectural-structure covering according to any of claims 3-11, wherein the C- shaped sleeve includes a longitudinal length equal to a longitudinal length of the rotatable member.

13. The architectural-structure covering according to any of claims 3-11, wherein the C- shaped sleeve includes an arc or circumference length greater than 50 percent of a diameter of the rotatable member.

14. The architectural-structure covering according to claim 13, wherein the arc or circumference length of the C-shaped sleeve is approximately 85 percent of the diameter of the rotatable member.

15. An architectural-structure covering comprising: a rotatable member; a covering including a top portion, the top portion of the covering coupled to the rotatable member for selective rotative movement for extending and retracting the covering during use; and a device coupled to the rotatable member, the device includes an arc or circumference length arranged and configured to substantially encapsulate the rotatable member, the device being arranged and configured to decrease a horizontal distance between the covering and an underlying architectural structure when the covering is in a fully extended position.

16. The architectural-structure covering of claim 15, wherein the arc or circumference length of the C-shaped sleeve is approximately 85 percent of a diameter of the rotatable member.

17. The architectural-structure covering according to any of claims 15 and 16, wherein the device is a tubular sleeve having a C-shaped cross-section.

18. The architectural-structure covering of claim 17, wherein the C-shaped sleeve is arranged and configured to alter a release point from approximately 3 O’clock when partially extended to approximately 7 O’clock when viewed from an end of the architectural-structure covering when the covering is fully extended.

19. The architectural-structure covering according to any of claims 17 and 18, wherein the C-shaped sleeve is coupled to the rotatable member so that the rotatable member and the C- shaped sleeve rotate in unison.

20. The architectural-structure covering according to any of claims 17, 18, and 19, wherein a portion of the covering is wrapped about the rotatable member so that the portion of the covering is positioned between an outer surface of the rotatable member and an inner surface of the C-shaped sleeve.